Veterans Assistance Commission

Welcome to the Veterans Assistance Commission of Washington County!

We are here to assist Veterans of Washington County and their families with any needs that arise-local, state, or federal.

We also have fully trained VSO’s right here in the Nashville Courthouse that can file claims with the VA on your behalf.  We are here to help!

(618) 327-4800 ex. 178    or    matthew.kasten@washingtonco.illinois.gov

 

 

 File a Claim With the VA

Unsure how to start?

START HERE!

Honor Roll: Local Veterans

Veteran Submission Form

The Veterans Assistance Commission of Washington County (VACWC) is excited to launch a new initiative to honor our local heroes: Honor Roll – Local Veterans.

Do you have a Veteran in your life whose story deserves to be shared?

Your father, mother, brother, sister, spouse, neighbor, or friend — we want to hear about them!

👉 How it works:
1️⃣ Fill out our simple Veteran Spotlight submission form
2️⃣ Tell us about the Veteran and their service
3️⃣ Send it back — and we’ll take it from there!

We’ll write up their story and feature it across local news outlets and social media so our whole community can celebrate their service.

Veteran Submission Form

This Week’s Local Hero

Veteran Spotlight #1

Please join us in honoring Andrew S. Pierjok of Richview, a World War II Veteran whose service, leadership, and dedication exemplify the very best of our community.
Pierjok Whole Photo Crop
Andrew Stanley Pierjok was born February 23, 1916, in Ashley, Illinois. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and served during World War II.
Andrew trained artillery crews at Camp Claiborne, Louisiana, and later served as a Drill Sergeant at Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia. After marrying his longtime sweetheart, Minnie Kroeger, in 1942, he joined the 363rd Special Forces Engineers Battalion and was promoted to First Sergeant.
The 363rd operated across Europe and the Middle East, completing missions critical to Allied success—including dredging ports, building airfields, hospitals, and providing clean water for troops. One of their most remarkable missions included constructing special platforms so President Franklin D. Roosevelt could address troops in the field.
After nearly five and a half years of service, Andrew returned home, eventually farming near Richview using the GI Bill. He and Minnie raised two sons, Gary and Roger.
A devoted husband, father, farmer, and Soldier, Andrew S. Pierjok exemplified the values of the Greatest Generation. He passed away in 1986 and rests beside Minnie in Radom, Illinois.
We honor and remember his service.