Peoria County Veterans Assistance Commission

I can’t say enough about the impact Peoria County VAC has had on my family and me. From the very beginning, it was clear that helping veterans isn’t just part of their job, it’s truly a passion. Will Stodgel approaches every interaction with genuine care, patience, and a deep commitment to making sure veterans and their families are supported and informed every step of the way. What stood out most to me is how far he goes beyond what’s expected. Will took the time to understand our specific situation, answered every question we had, and made himself available whenever we needed guidance. He never made us feel like just another client. Instead, he treated our family with the kind of respect, dedication, and compassion that you rarely see. The support and guidance Will provided have been t

The guidance provided was marked by genuine empathy, compassion, and seasoned wisdom. It proved instrumental in assisting the veteran in navigating critical decisions regarding his future. Through thoughtful counsel, the veteran was encouraged to embrace responsibility and accountability while processing the multifaceted impact of military service — mentally, physically, and spiritually. The support received was not merely advisory; it was transformational.

They are very professional and great people, I recommend them to any veteran. Simply put I couldn’t ask for a better group of people to help work through the VA process, they fight for you! Mr. Brooks and Will both were a godsend and helped me through everything. Very knowledgeable and invested throughout the entire journey.

I started the VA process in July 2024, and in less than 24 months later, I'm at 100% total and permanent for service-connected disabilities. A big shout out to Dan Smith who helped me start this process before he retired, to Will Stodgel for taking over and helping me reach this milestone, and Roy Mogdlin for his C&P advice. They all went the extra mile for me. Knowledgeable, patient, and committed to helping you navigate the complexities of the VA process.

I am extremely grateful for the support and dedication that Michael Brooks provided throughout my VA disability claim process. From the very beginning, he was knowledgeable, patient, and genuinely invested in making sure I understood every step. He took the time to thoroughly review my records, clearly explained my options, and strongly advocated on my behalf. Because of Michael’s guidance and attention to detail, he helped me get what I deserved. Navigating the VA system can be overwhelming, but having someone who truly cares made all the difference. I felt supported, respected, and confident throughout the entire process. I highly recommend Michael Brooks to any veteran seeking assistance with their claim. His professionalism, expertise, and commitment to helping veterans are truly out