Vance was born and raised in Cropsey, IL, and was inducted into the U.S. Army in 1966. He medically retired in 1969 from combat injuries sustained in Vietnam.

Vance served honorably in the United States Army from September 1966 until October 1969, serving in Vietnam l967-l968 with the 51st Airborne Infantry Long Range Patrol Company “F” Special Operations. A Combat Veteran, he was awarded the Silver Star (the Nation’s third highest medal for Gallantry in Action), the Purple Heart, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, the Vietnam Service Medal with 2 Bronze Stars, the Vietnam Campaign Medal,National Defense Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Good Conduct Medal and Parachutist Badge.

Vance Joined the VFW in l971. He established a distinguished record of service at the Post, District and Department levels. In 1997, he attained the Status of All-American District-7 Commander. He served as Membership Director Department of Illinois VFW from 1997-2000, and was elected Jr. Vice Commander, 2001 and Sr. Vice Commander 2002. Vance was elected VFW’s State Commander at the organization’s State Convention in Springfield, IL. on June 22, 2003, achieving All-American State Commander in 2004.

At the National level he served as National Aid-de-Camp, National Legislative Committee, National Security Committee, Vice Chairman National Youth, Education, Citizenship Committee, and was elected to the National Council of Administration for the 2007-2009 term.

He retired in 1991 from the food service industry as President and CEO of Panama LTD, Inc. He and his wife, Della, now reside in Fairbury, IL.

A life member of the VFW, American Legion, Disabled American Veterans and AmVets, Vance has dedicated his life to Veteran's issues at the local, state and national level. He has distinguished himself as a true Veteran's Veteran.