Veterans & Military Affairs

I admire and commend the men and women who have fought for our freedom and continue to fight so that we may live in the greatest country in the world. They have upheld our values of liberty, justice, and self-determination. If you are a veteran living in Illinois’ 18th Congressional District, I am here to provide assistance with any federal agency, including the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Department of Defense.

Whether you’re looking for more information about veterans’ benefits or having a time delay with a VA claim or an appeal, my office stands ready to assist you. If you would like for my office to help with a matter involving the VA or other military affairs, I will need your written permission to help with this issue. Please complete this privacy release form. Once the form is completed, please contact Mike Gilmore in my Peoria District office at (309) 671-7027 or by email at michael.gilmore@mail.house.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I eligible for VA benefits?

To apply or find out if you are eligible for veterans’ benefits, please visit www.VA.gov.

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How can I get a copy of my military records (discharge, medical, service etc.)?
Most military records are stored at the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis, Missouri. If you are trying to get records from your military service, or that of a family member, I will need your written permission to help with this issue. Please complete the privacy release form. Once the form is completed, please contact Mike Gilmore in my Peoria District office at (309) 671-7027 or by email at michael.gilmore@mail.house.gov. Return to Top
How can I get the medals I was awarded but never received?

Medals awarded while in active service are issued by each military service department if requested by the Veteran or his or her next of kin. Requests for replacement medals and awards should be directed to the branch of the military in which the Veteran served. If you are having issues obtaining yours or a loved one’s medal(s), please contact Mike Gilmore in my Peoria District Office at (309) 671-7027 or by email at michael.gilmore@mail.house.gov.

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How can I get my VA claim or appeal processed faster?
The VA currently has many claims pending for various types of benefits. Because of that, many veterans feel that their case might be overlooked or handled improperly. I am always glad to help in these situations. At my request, the VA will "flag" a particular case and keep me updated throughout the process. However, it is important to know that I cannot act as the "representative" on a person's VA claim. You may still want a veteran representative or service officer to assist you with filing claims. My actions will not affect the work done by the person you select as your representative. If you would like my help with a VA issue, please complete the privacy release form. Once the form is completed, please contact Mike Gilmore in my Peoria District office at (309) 671-7027 or by email at michael.gilmore@mail.house.gov. Return to Top

IL-18 Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Contact Information

VA Illiana Health Care System
Phone: (217) 554-3000

Bloomington VA Outpatient Clinic
207 Hamilton Road
Bloomington, IL 61704
Phone: (309) 827-4090

Bob Michel VA Outpatient Clinic
7717 N Orange Prairie Rd
Peoria, IL 61615
Phone: (309) 589-6800

Springfield VA Outpatient Clinic
5850 South 6th Street, Suite A
Springfield, IL 62703
Phone: (217) 529-5046

Iowa City VA Health Care System
Phone: (319) 338-0581

Quincy VA Outpatient Clinic
721 Broadway Street
Quincy, IL 62301
Phone: (217) 224-3366

The Adjutant Illinois Veterans Home
IL Department of Veterans Affairs
1707 N. 12th Street
Quincy, IL 62301
Phone: (217) 222-8641

Peoria Vet Center
5015 American Prairie Drive
Peoria, IL 61615
Phone: (309) 689-9708

Springfield Vet Center
2980 Baker Drive
Springfield, IL 62703
Phone: (217) 492-4955

VA Customer Service Line: 1-800-827-1000

Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255 (Press 1)

Health Care: 1-877-222-VETS (8387)

Network 10 Nurse Line: 1-888-838-6446

VA Inspector General: 1-800-488-8244

More VA Contact Numbers

  • VA Customer Service Line: 1-800-827-1000
  • Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255 (Press 1)
  • Health Care: 1-877-222-VETS (8387)
  • Network 10 Nurse Line: 1-888-838-6446
  • VA Inspector General: 1-800-488-8244