VAC of Jefferson County Superintendent

06/11/2026

It is very very rare that I EVER actively advocate for an app, and even more so when it comes to a government oriented one. But when it comes to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs VA App as it sits currently, I will do so until I am blue in the face. It opens up, quite literally, the entirety of the VA on your phone. And while some of you might think that is a small thing since phones, computers, clinics and websites exist. I can’t adequately describe how helpful that can actually be. Time is more valuable than anything in today’s world and having the capability to message your provider, order medication refills, access medical records at a moments notice, and get access to your Summary of Benefits letter immediately to save on those property taxes (I did say value right) instead of having to deal with an encrypted email or wait on it to be delivered through the mail (I feel like I need to put a Carrie Underwood “Jesus take the wheel” when it comes to the St Louis district center for that) is one of the best things we could ask for as Veterans. So if you haven’t looked at it before please do so as it is truly a wonderful app. And if you need help setting it up please don’t hesitate to ask.
Download VA: Health and Benefits on the App Store (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/va-health-and-benefits/id1559609596) or on Google Play (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=gov.va.mobileapp)

Manage VA benefits and health care information from your mobile device

06/10/2026

When it comes to making sure Veterans and their families have access to advocates and Service Officers it’s not a competition to see who can have their name on the most papers at the end of the year. Rather it’s an honor to be able to get to be in a position of trust and making sure your services are as accessible as possible. So with that said, I am beyond elated to be able to say if you know a veteran that is in the Williamson county area they now have the same access as Jefferson County with the Williamson County VAC. I have talked with the gentleman that was chosen as the Superintendent down there and have no issues saying my old area has an outstanding individual starting his journey for them. Tom has been a pleasure to talk with and is very veteran oriented so please don’t hesitate to refer anyone that could use his services down in that area.

06/08/2026

Hey everyone!!!
It’s been awhile I know, my apologies truly. I have had several vets and families call in asking about how they would go about representation and how we could get that started. And I, again, apologize as while it might be common sense to me that’s only because I deal with it on a day to day basis and can’t expect everyone else to know when they don’t really have a need to until the time comes as they don’t (life lesson for everyone for the day). So in an attempt to expedite things in the chance you do want to come see me some time for benefit help please feel free to do this leading up to it as it generally takes about 72 hours for me to gain access to your VA file.
-Google/bing (I recommend the second as it’s usually the top result in it) “Find VA Form”
-click the hyperlink and search “21-22”
-Complete section 1 (THIS IS THE VETERANS INFO) except for blocks 3, 5, and 6
- go to page 2 and make sure the social is at the very top of the page in those blocks
-check the blocks in 19 and 21 stating “I authorize…”
-Sign and date 22a and B
-Send the completed form back to me at [email protected]
If it is your first claim and you have a copy of it please send a copy of your 214 as well. If not I should be able to retrieve it, it just might take a little longer to do so. But once I have all the docs I need I will submit and as stated earlier it usually takes 72 hours. But after that I will be more than happy to look at your file and see what I can do to assist in any way possible!

05/25/2026

13 folds of the flag…each one with a different meaning, with each subsequent fold bearing the weight of the prior one. And with each prior one being the building block for the next. 13 folds and a speech beginning with “On behalf of a grateful nation…” that’s what today’s about. The end of a career that culminated in a sacrifice many could never begin to fathom, but one that carries a weight nobody is ready to be sat on them. While many see today as cookouts and shopping deals. The truth is it’s a day built upon the greatest loss families could have because of the greatest sacrifice someone could give. Take a moment to research the 13 folds of you haven’t before. But more importantly take a moment to read and hopefully listen to the families of those that have gone before. A person dies twice, once in the physical realm and the last is when their name is spoken for the final time. Let’s make it our duty to blast it to anyone within earshot today!

05/01/2026

Hey everyone!!!! I just wanted to remind and re-invite everyone to come by and say hi tomorrow Saturday May 2nd at 1 for our grand opening event. It’s an opportunity for myself as the superintendent, and the rest of the VAC Board, to meet those within Jefferson county we get the honor to serve. If you are a business owner, or a community resource, please know I really want to speak with you as well! When it comes to my fellow brothers and sisters you are a vital part of our continued after service life and I want to be a link in introducing each of you that might not be normally thought about. And if you are someone that provides a service that a veteran or family member could benefit from I say the exact same thing! We will have food that is being provided by the American Legion post, and a few give away as well from community partners. When I say this next part I want every one of you to know I genuinely mean it with every part of my being…thank you for the privilege of getting to serve each of you and I hope to get the chance to meet more of you tomorrow! And if you needed a reminder of our location it is at the United Way of South Central Illinois building located at 716 Main St Mt Vernon Il 62864 and feel free to utilize our parking lot, street side parking, and Legion parking as well.

v/r,
Zach Brooks
Superintendent VAC of Jefferson County

04/30/2026

One of our community partners, and the truly amazing Director of the United Way of South Central Illinois, are putting on an event every Veteran and family could benefit from! As Veterans most of us have had to sit down at some point as part of our check the box paperwork rodeos and complete a POA. And I know first hand most of those were not given much thought due to the conversations and job I held to round out my Military time. This is an opportunity that is being provided to do something COMPLETELY FREE of charge to ensure that if the time ever comes, the people we believe have our best wishes in mind have the ability to exercise that authority. While I hope that one of these never has to be shown, the reality is none of us know what could happen in the next second let alone during some of the most hectic times on a day-to-day basis. So why not take the time to make sure you, and your family if you have one, have one less thing to worry about if that moment does ever decide to show itself. Please feel free to share this with anyone and everyone that you think could benefit from it. Like the flyer says space is limited so I would recommend doing so quickly.

04/26/2026

To some it might just be an opportunity to see some bikes riding in a VERY WELL orchestrated formation. To others it might be an obnoxious noise reminiscent of Days of Thunder being brought to life at their doorstep. But the event brings a ton of people together to honor and continue the life and legacy of Men and Women that gave their all to ensure others had the ability to live theirs as well. I would love to see everyone out at the Mount Vernon Outland Airport (MVN) on May 19th as we give those that have gone on another reason to look on and know their sacrifice hasn’t gone on unnoticed.

Run for the Wall Central Route riders will visit Mt Vernon, Illinois on Tuesday, May 19th. We encourage everyone to turn out to see them and cheer them on! They will stop for fuel at the Hucks at 34th and Broadway, then proceed to the Mt. Vernon Airport for a delicious fried chicken lunch. Watch for estimated times to be posted. You can message Run for the Wall - Mt Vernon IL stop with any questions.

04/24/2026

If you have the opportunity, either today or tomorrow, between 9-4 each day please come out and see the Global War on Terrorism Wall for the 20th annual Kyle Price memorial set up at the Mt Vernon Airport. It is a free event, and something that is truly a great way to pay respects, or in some case simply reminisce about a loved one, for those that have been lost fighting and protecting others from one of the worst things humanity knows. Hopefully I get to see a ton of you coming out to see it! And thank you for the schools that take the time today to show the younger generation those that have helped to keep it from their doorsteps!

04/18/2026

Veterans
I want to take a little bit of a different approach today and bring awareness to truly how strong we can be if we give ourselves a chance. I want you to take a minute and and listen to this song and process it. Many of you with kids will know the song and might think it’s weird I’m using a children’s movie to draw attention to the 22 a day cause. But that’s why I decided to go with a lyrics included video. So you can listen and process, but you can also read the words and get the true impact of them. This song speak to the battles many face on a daily basis…those thoughts of loved one standing on the fiddlers green waiting for us to form up again, the what if’s, and so many other things many will never know are being dealt with. BUT the power isn’t in keeping silent, it’s not in hiding things and not letting others see our marks. The power comes from when we can actually speak out. It comes when we realize our past is a part of who we are, but it alone is not our entire identity. The most powerful thing we can do in this life is give others memories that will carry on…so go out and take our brothers and sisters with you and make sure you share their name and stories any chance you get. Take a moment and share with someone, heck even if it’s me in my office or by phone, what you’re fighting and let it air out a little…doc might prescribe you Motrin and tell you to drink water but I promise you this is one thing talking about will actually impact. Our voices, our stories aren’t any less impactful that someone else’s. The issue comes when we let what was drilled in us so often, that being keep quiet and Charlie Mike, be our only way of dealing with things. If you think you will be ridiculed or judged in some way, I promise that is not the case in any way. Heck, if you think someone you know will then come speak to me because I promise you I won’t. I pushed to have the office phone be a cell phone and one of the main reason was that I wanted any vet to know they had a resource at any time regardless of the situation. There are situation that in order to grow we have to break, and that’s ok! Look at bone micro fractures that have been used in martial arts for years, you feel the pain for a short time and you allow yourself to endure it. But when the process is done you have an area that’s tougher than before as long as it’s done right. So like the song say “hear our voices…” and know you are not alone!

►Get the album: https://ffm.to/kpopdemonhunters►Follow Me:TikTok: http://www.tiktok.com/: https://www.twitch.tv/jonathanymusicInstagram:...

04/16/2026

Hey everyone,
I hope you all are having an awesome day and finding plenty to enjoy during it! I wanted to publish the official intake packet for everyone in an attempt to expedite and streamline everything for everyone. I do know that it is a rather long packet, and for that I apologize . Some of it might not be relevant to you and it is perfectly ok to completely skip those pages if that is the case. Also please feel free to complete this before you come in to see me and send it through email to me and I will make every attempt to get you put in the system before you come in so it makes things that much faster...I truly believe one of the only things we can't get back in life is time and it is way to valuable to waste. But if you are unable to do it at home then by all means you are please feel welcome to come in and complete it in office. If you have any questions or concerns about anything on the packet or anything veteran oriented please reach out through either call/text, email or in person and I would be more than happy to talk with you! I look forward to hopefully seeing each of you at some point and getting the privilege to at least speak with you and hopefully help you out in some way!

The link below is a google doc link as I can't upload files directly sadly. But if you have a google account and when you open the document link and then there should be a bubble or drop down menu appear somewhere on your screen that says something along the lines of "Open With" (might be different depending on device used). I recommend DocHub, but you can use any service that allows you to edit PDF's. The form is fillable already so go through and input your information to the fields needed. I can also email you the document if you reach out requesting it.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/17uMs7UxUppA1JMbmFngPX4bGTyEMx1CQ/view?usp=sharing

v/r,
Zach Brooks
Superintendent VAC of Jefferson County

Send a message to learn more