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Get to Know Us

The Veterans Advisory Group of Lincoln is a group of Veterans helping Veterans.  Known as VAG Lincoln, the purpose of the Veterans Advisory Group of Lincoln is to honor Veterans by providing ongoing events and support.  The website (www.VAGLincoln.org) was established in 2019 and updated in 2024.

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A Crowning Achievement!

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They Laughed When We Began, But Just Look at Us Now...

The Veterans Advisory Group of Lincoln was formed in February of 2009, by Dr. Christine Emler MD and Terry Gillispie, a volunteer from Lincoln, NE. The Group originally met in the old ‘Canteen Room’ on the South end of the old VA Hospital building in Lincoln.

 

The Mission of VAG Lincoln ...

The original and primary Mission of the Veterans Advisory Group of Lincoln is to enhance the quality of the Lincoln Clinic patient by guiding Veterans through the system, making it a better experience, providing Veteran input to the Lincoln Clinic Site Management Team, and develop events that encourage participation of the community.  Additionally, the VAG provides monthly and annual events to honor, celebrate, entertain and connect veterans in the Lincoln community.  By gathering veterans at these events, we are able to provide updated information and assistance to them and their families to ensure that important updates and information is distributed to those who need it most.   

 

The Goal of VAG Lincoln

The goal of the Veterans Advisory Group of Lincoln is to improve Veteran satisfaction, and advise on policies and practices supporting Veteran and family centered care: 

  • VAG Lincoln Members work with Veterans, their families, and the Lincoln Clinic Site Management Team. 

  • VAG Lincoln Members serve as an active resource to the Lincoln Clinic Staff with input and feedback on specific issues or projects, and to promote understanding of the services and policies of the Lincoln Clinic. 

  • VAG Lincoln Members review issues and concerns referred to them and provide recommendations to the Lincoln Clinic Site Management Team. 

 

The Structure and Membership of VAG Lincoln

VAG Lincoln consists of a maximum of 15 Veterans and Volunteers with no affiliation to the Lincoln Clinic. 

  • VAG Lincoln Members are encouraged to actively participate in monthly meetings, and typically participate on at least one committee or project 

  • VAG Lincoln Members work to ensure all Veterans in Communities served by the Lincoln Clinic are aware of their healthcare opportunities 

  • VAG Lincoln Members provide feedback as requested. 

  • VAG Lincoln Members supplement the Lincoln Clinic recruiting and retention of Veterans

  • VAG Lincoln Members may resign at any time  

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Our Board and Committee Members are:

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Current Board Officers:

Mike Kunce - Chair

Bruce Trautwein, Vice Chair

Charles R. (Skip) Gill, Finance Officer

Nathaniel Thedford, Recording Secretary

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Current Dedicated Committee Members: 

  • Marie Barrett

  • Mike Coatney

  • Erin Colson

  • Roberto Enriquez

  • Janet Jeffries 

  • Bill Rowell 

  • Norm Saale

  • Pat Stanosheck 

 

The Vision of VAG Lincoln

The vision of the Veterans Advisory Group of Lincoln is for Veterans and their families to have a compassionate and supportive health care experience. To achieve this, a collaborative involvement of Veterans and their families is fundamental.  VAG Lincoln aspires to: 

  • Advise on policies and practices to support Veteran and family centered care as requested.

  • Continue to improve Veteran and family satisfaction 

  • Ensure all veterans served by Lincoln Clinic are aware of their healthcare opportunities

  • Support the strategic initiatives of VHA 

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Due to property renovation at the Lincoln VA, most VAG Lincoln events are now held at the Auld Pavilion in Antelope Park, or at other locations throughout the city. Check out our events on the home page for additional information.  

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Want to Help Honor Our Veterans?

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The Veterans Advisory Group of Lincoln Needs Your Help and Expertise.  Here are a few things you can consider in helping to honor our Veterans: 

  • Become a Volunteer to help in the many events sponsored throughout the year.  

  • Contribute a dollar amount (no matter how big or small) to help fund activities. Note that ALL funds donated are used 100% for the purpose you designate!  

  • Become a Business Sponsor by helping fund our events, including the Veterans Freedom Music Festival, Monthly Coffee Haus Events, Art Show, Classic Car Show-n-Shine, Buddy Check, and the Staff Lunch.  

  • Be a Guest at most events and enjoy the experience!                                                                                                

Volunteer, Join, or Support the
Veterans Advisory Group

Join us on our exciting mission to honor and support veterans in the Lincoln, Nebraska area! We invite you to fill out this form or reach out using the contact information below. With a fantastic board of directors, dedicated committee members, and numerous volunteer opportunities, there's a way for you, your family or your group to get involved in our vibrant annual and monthly events.  You do not need to be a veteran to volunteer or join our group. Let's come together to make a for our veterans and our community!

Let's Get Started!

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(402) 890-1098

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2431 N. 48th Street

Lincoln, NE, 68504 USA

The Lincoln Veterans Advisory Group is an entity of the VFW Foundation of Nebraska, a 501.c.3 organization.  Your donations to support this group are tax deductible.  You can contact us to discuss donations, sponsorships, volunteering or partnerships here.  

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Established 2000 - Copyright © Veterans Advisory Group and VeteransFreedom Music Festival - All Rights Reserved.  

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