Johnnie L. Allen

He served his country, then served his county

One of the most amazing people I have ever known is the former superintendent of the Veterans Assistance Commission of Lake County, Johnnie L. Allen of Zion.

This man served in the Air Force for 30 years during World War II, Korea and Vietnam. After completing his duties in service he returned to civilian life in the private sector.

He then became a service officer at the North Chicago Veterans Administration Medical Center. He was later appointed as superintendent of the Veterans Assistant Commission and dedicated his days to obtaining favorable decisions on disability claims, some seemingly helpless.

He never ceased to follow every lead to prove that the disability occurred in service and to obtain the documentation, sometimes solving cases that had been denied since World War II.

He was instrumental in leading the fight to save the Veterans Hospital in North Chicago when it was in danger of closing.

He is an admitted workaholic and continues to be an advocate for veterans every day -- at the age of 81.

He is a Southern gentleman and it was a privilege to work with him for 15 years.

He is an amazing person.

Submitted by anonymous