The Peoria County Veterans Assistance Commission is now named in honor of Vietnam War veteran and Medal of Honor recipient Hal Fritz.
The VAC was relocated from Dries Lane to a new space at 4234 N. Knoxville Ave. in Peoria in April after growing caseloads led to demands for more staff and space.
Peoria County's is the first VAC in the country named after a Medal of Honor recipient, according to superintendent Michael Brooks. He said he hopes it sets a precedent for others.
Fritz, who lives in Peoria, was seriously wounded when his platoon was attacked in January 1969. Fritz rallied his men and defended against the attackers, manning a machine gun at one point and charging against the attackers armed only with a pistol and a bayonet when a second wave of attackers ambushed. He declined medical treatment until his wounded troops were treated and evacated.
At a dedication ceremony hosted Friday, Fritz said the work of the Peoria County VAC is vital.
"This is a group of dedicated individuals that are here to help the veterans of all the services work their way to the mine fields of the VA system. And it really is. If you don't know how to get through it, you're at a loss," he said.
Fritz joked that previous attempts to name things after him haven't been terribly successful. A motor pool in Germany bearing his moniker was deactivated, and a horse dubbed in his honor at the National Training Center in Fort Irwin in California was sold.
But he said he appreciates having the VAC named after him.
"If you're a veteran, or you know a veteran that needs some help, send them here. This is where they can get the help they need," he said.
