MEET OUR TEAM

Superintendent
Andrew Tangen, JD, MBA, MS

Andrew Tangen has led the VACLC since May 17, 2017, when he was elected by the full Commission. Prior to his election, he served in the US Navy, where he deployed eight times in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and the Global War on Terrorism, attaining the rank of Lieutenant Commander during his service.

He is a graduate of The Citadel, with a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations and Military Affairs; Henley-Putnam University, with a Master’s of Science degree in National Security Studies, specializing in Terrorism and Counterterrorism; Rutgers University, with a Master’s in Business Administration; and, University of Illinois at Chicago School of Law with a Juris Doctor. He is a licensed attorney in the State of Illinois.

Andrew Tangen

Assistant Superintendent
John Murray

John Murray is a native of Long Island, New York and has served at the Veterans Assistance Commission since September 2018.

He served on active duty in the US Navy for just over 20 years, beginning in 1994, eventually serving at six different duty stations around the world.

His most recent tours include: Senior Enlisted Medical Advisor at the Naval Special Operations Medical Institute, the Senior Medical Department Representative of C Company, and the leading Chief Petty Officer in D Company,1st Marine Special Operations Battalion. He served in multiple roles while at 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion as Special Amphibious Reconnaissance Corpsman (SARC). He deployed twice in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in Fallujah, Iraq and twice in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.

Master Chief Murray’s military awards include the Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation (three awards, one with valor), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Awards (eight awards), Combat Action (two awards) and many others. He is triple warfare qualified as a Fleet Marine Force, Surface and Aviation Warfare Specialist. He was also a Navy Deep Sea Diving Medical Technician, US Marine Corps Combat Diver, MK-25 Dive Supervisor, and Naval Parachutist. 

Murray earned an Associate in General Studies, graduated from the Navy Senior Enlisted Academy and many other military organizational leadership schools. He has finished two marathons and multiple endurance races.

John Murray

Senior Veteran Service Officer (SVSO)
Shane McNerney

Shane McNerney started his position as a Veteran Service Officer with the VAC on February 17th, 2020. He was born and raised in Algonquin, Illinois and joined the US Army right after high school. Shane served as an Infantry Team Leader with the 25th Infantry Division, based out of Ft. Wainwright Alaska. He deployed to COP Baylough in Zabul Province, Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

After leaving the Army, he pursued higher education, majoring in Operations Management, and minoring in Project Management. Shane started working with the VAC in 2020 and has taken much joy in assisting Veterans and their families obtain benefits through the VA. 

Shane McNerney

Senior Veteran Service Officer (SVSO)
Summer Padaoan

Jilian “Summer” Padaoan served in the US Navy for 8 years, completing two deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom before transferring to shore duty at San Diego as a certified Navy Alcohol and Drug Counselor.

Upon discharge, she continued to serve at the VA in San Diego, CA as an Addictions Therapist. She supported her husband’s ongoing Navy career, while working as a Crisis Worker and as a Behavior Therapist for children. Upon re-location to Lake County, IL, Summer completed her Undergraduate Degree at Northeastern Illinois University with a major in Psychology and a minor in Human Resource Development.

Jilian “Summer” Padaoan

Veteran Service Officer in Charge (VSOIC)
Allan Lacson

Allan served 30 years in the United States Navy as a Hospital Corpsman.  His last duty station was Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center.  He has a BS in Healthcare Management from Trident University International.

During his Navy career, he served onboard USS GUADALCANAL (LPH 7), USS WASP (LHD 1), USNS COMFORT (TAH 20), 3D Marine Logistics Group, 3d Marine Division, overseas and stateside hospitals.  He attended and graduated from a numerous training commands including Senior Enlisted Academy, Surgical Technologist, Advanced Radiologic Technologist, Field Medical Service School, Command Career Counselor and others.

Allan migrated from the Republic of the Philippines in 1989, speaks two languages from the Philippines in addition to English.  He is married to the former Gina Gomez and they have two daughters.  He is also active in the Prince of Peace Catholic Church.

Allan Lacson

Veteran Service Officer In Charge (VSOIC)
Aloysius “Ali” Nelson

Aloysius “Ali” Nelson was raised in South Florida and his mother taught him discipline, integrity and how to succeed in life.

Mr. Nelson served in county government for over 12 years, he was formerly Director of the Kenosha County Division of Veterans Services. Prior to that he was Racine’s County Veterans Services Officer for over four years. He served 28 years in the U.S. Navy, including as Region Command Master Chief of Navy Region Midwest, the role consist of advisor on enlisted personnel matters for 16 states. Command Master Chief of Naval Station Great Lakes, Command Master Chief of the USS Austin, an amphibious transport dock ship, and Master Chief Petty Officer on the USS Enterprise, a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier.

Ali served in the Wisconsin state association for county veterans service officers comprised of 72 Counties and 11 tribal nations in the following roles: president, vice president, region president and lead trainer.

Ali served as a Commissioner for the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission and is currently serving as chair for the Environmental Justice Task Force.

Mr. Nelson has an Associate of Arts degree in Human Resources Management from Coastline Community College; a Bachelor of Science degree in Workforce Education and Development from Southern Illinois University; a Master of Arts degree in Human Resource Development at Webster University; and has completed all coursework towards a Doctoral Degree in Higher Education and Organizational Change from Benedictine University.

Ali is a proven leader who brings a unique blend of leadership skills and experience to our organization. He is an innovative thinker who is purposely driven toward collective success, process improvement, and effectively leading people. Ali will always be approachable, visible and accessible to the veterans we serve as a Certified Veterans Advocate (CVA).

Mr. Nelson resides in Kenosha, WI with his wife Terina; they have 3 adult children.

Aloysius “Ali” Nelson

Veteran Service Officer In Charge (VSOIC)
Keeyawnia “K.C.” Hawkins

Keeyawnia “K.C.” Hawkins, is a Virginia Beach, VA native and has served at the Veterans Assistance Commission since January 2024 as Veteran Service Officer In Charge.

Prior to this position she served as Director of Veteran Services in Bell County, TX from 2015-2023, Claims Benefits Advisor for Texas Veterans Commission from 2013-2015, and a Claims Representative for the South Carolina Division of Veteran Affairs 2011-2013.

She served in the US Army from 2004-2010, with her most recent active-duty station being 20th Engineer Brigade, Fort Liberty, NC as the Brigade Legal NCOIC. Upon completing her enlistment contract she obtained her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice From ECPI University in 2011.

Military service runs in her family as she, her Husband, Father, Father-in-law, Uncles (3), Brother-in-laws (2) and Daughter all have honorably served in the US military.

She looks forward to bringing her knowledge and understanding of VA law to the VAC for the benefit of those we serve.

Keeyawnia “K.C.” Hawkins

Veteran Service Officer In Charge (VSOIC)
Jonathan Kellogg

Jonathan Kellogg enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in March 2003. He served as a field military policeman and was deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom three times between 2004 and 2007. Jonathan served his combat tours in Al-Anbar Iraq, including the cities of Ramadi, Fallujah, and Waleed. During his final years in the Marine Corps, he obtained a secondary MOS as a combat marksmanship coach and served as a marksmanship instructor training Marine recruits. His military awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Iraq Campaign Medial, and GWOT Expeditionary Medal, among others.

After the service, Jonathan pursued higher education using the Post-9/11 GI Bill and Illinois Veterans Grant. He earned his bachelor’s degree in political science and went on to obtain master’s degrees in public administration and human resources shortly after. Jonathan has several years of professional experience working in municipal government and began his career with the Veterans Assistance Commission of Lake County in March 2023.

Jonathan Kellogg

Veteran Service Officer (VSO)
Karen “Cindy” Castorina

Karen “Cindy” Castorina started her position as a Veteran Service officer with VAC on March 11th 2024. She grew up and went to school in Lugoff, South Carolina. Cindy joined the US Army as a Transportation Operator and served Active Duty for 9 years. Cindy’s wounded warrior journey began in 2018 after suffering a stroke. Since going through the Wounded Warrior Battalion, both her son and her volunteer working with service dogs for disabled veterans.

Upon medically retiring in 2020, she worked in Transportation Logistics, Security Management, DOD Physical Security. She took on a fellowship through the Wounded Warrior Program at the House of Representatives in Washington, D.C., providing support to members. She obtained an associate degree in Criminal Justice from University of Phoenix in February 2024.

Cindy recently relocated to Illinois from Pennsylvania. Both her and her 10-year-old son are passionate about helping veterans within the community.

Karen “Cindy” Castorina

Veteran Service Officer (VSO)
John Meade

John Meade joined the US Army right after high school in 1985.  He served his first four years of active duty in the 82nd Airborne Division and advanced to the rank of Sergeant as an Airborne Infantry Team Leader.  He then used the GI Bill to go to college and graduated from Northeastern Illinois University. 

John was a Staff Sergeant in the Illinois Army National Guard when he went to Warrant Officer and Flight School, first flying the UH 1 Huey before transitioning into flying the UH 60 Black Hawk. In 2004, he was deployed to Iraq for a year in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.  John proudly held 10 different ranks in 3 different MOS’s before retiring in 2007 as a Chief Warrant Officer 3. CW3 Meade’s military awards and achievements include the Air Medal, Senior Army Aviator Wings, Expert Infantry Badge, Combat Action Badge, and Airborne Wings. 

John was also an Investigator for the State of Illinois for 29 years. John is married to his wonderful wife Rosa and is the very proud father of his two sons David and Danny. 

John Meade

Veteran Service Officer (VSO)
Eric Storm

Eric Storm started his position as a Veteran Service Officer with the VACLC in March of 2024. He was raised in Arlington Heights, Illinois and joined the United States Air Force after high school. Eric was assigned to Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana for most of his enlistment. Eric worked in a military law enforcement capacity as a Security Forces Journeyman holding numerous positions to include Installation Patrolman, Game Warden, and left as an FTO for Installation Patrolman. After leaving the Air Force, Eric went on to pursue higher education and obtained an AAS in Law Enforcement Administration from Harper College. Eric was hired as a Police Officer in southern Wisconsin and worked there before coming to the VACLC.

Eric Storm

Veteran Service Officer (VSO)
Krista Wolfer

Krista Wolfer was born and raised in Southwestern Minnesota. She joined the United States Army in December of 2005, as a Military Police Officer. She was stationed at Ft. Leonardwood, Missouri, Ft. Lewis, Washington, and finished her active-duty time at MCAS in San Diego, California.

After leaving the Army, she pursued higher education, obtaining a bachelor's degree in criminal justice at North Park University. Upon graduation, she started working at Lake County, IL, where she was a Senior Probation Officer for 6 1/2 years. Krista resides in Lake County with her spouse and 2 sons. Krista joined the VACLC team to be able to pursue her passion for helping the Veterans of Lake County obtain benefits they earned and deserve.

Krista Wolfer

Executive Assistant
Suzette Uchiek

Suzette Uchiek started with the Veterans Assistance Commission on February 17, 2020, and is the Executive Assistant. She was born and raised in down state Illinois. She graduated from Western Illinois University with her Bachelor of Arts and Sciences degree and received her paralegal certificate in 2001 from Harper College in Palatine. She has vast corporate legal experience.

She assists with training other Administrative Assistants, scheduling appointments, and fielding calls from Veterans, and attending outreach events for the office.

Her husband, Ted Uchiek is a retired Navy veteran. She enjoys assisting Veterans and their families.

Suzette Uchiek

Paralegal
Christina Solis

Christina Solis is the paralegal for the VACLC with prior Military service as a Staff Sergeant in the United States Army, serving as an Intelligence Analyst for 11 years with the 25th Brigade Support Battalion (Fort Wainwright, Alaska), 549th Military Intelligence Battalion (Fort Sam Houston, Texas), and the 17th Psychological Operations Battalion (Airborne)(Fort Hood/Cavazos, Texas). She graduated from American Military University with a Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies on December 1st, 2024 and presumed her role as the Paralegal for VACLC with having worked 9 months with the Administrative Team prior.

Christina’s dedication to her work matches her commitment to her family and faith. She enjoys exploring the outdoors and cherishing moments in nature, embodying resilience and a passion for personal and professional growth, and most importantly, serving veterans within Lake County.

Christina Solis

Administrative Assistant
Fernando Sanchez

Fernando Sanchez was born and raised in Northern Illinois in a Mexican household along with two sisters and one brother. Upon graduating from Grayslake North High School in 2015, he enlisted in the US Army as a culinary specialist along with his girlfriend at the time as a part of the buddy program. He attended BCT at Fort Jackson South Carolina, AIT at Fort Lee Virginia, and was ultimately stationed at Fort Hood Texas where he served in numerous roles including administration and ration clerk. He has now transitioned to the Illinois National Guard as a Cyber Network Defender.

During his time in the military, he has been recognized with multiple Army Achievement Medals, The Army Commendation Medal, The Army NCO Professional Development Ribbon, and The Army Good Conduct Medal.

Fernando is currently attending Herzing University, where he is expecting to complete his Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity in 2025.

Fernando Sanchez

Administrative Assistant
Mariandree Abascal

Mariandree “Abs” Abascal grew up in Round Lake Beach. She enlisted in the Army during high school and graduated early to begin college before going to BCT.

Abs has served in the Army for 11 years. She has deployed multiple times in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Freedom’s Sentinel, and Operation Enduring Sentinel. Abs has competed against Active-Duty Soldiers and won the “Non-Commissioned Officer of the Month” Board.  She is currently still serving in the Army Reserves as a Staff Sergeant, Human Resource Specialist, for the 330th Medical Brigade.

Abs’ awards include the Army Commendation Medal (four awards), Army Achievement Medal (three awards), Humanitarian Service Medal, and many others.

Abs enjoys spending time outdoors with her Rottweiler, Argo, attending sports events, and family game nights.  She is driven by a genuine desire to make a difference and finds fulfillment in helping others overcome challenges and achieve their goals with guidance and encouragement.

Mariandree “Abs” Abascal