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Veterans Services to be offered in High Risk Communities in Chicago & Suburbs next year

By Dr. Jerry Field

The first of a series of Veteran information sessions on benefits and services was held at the Harold Washington Library, on Columbus Day October 8 at 6 pm. The series is designed to bring Veterans information to local communities. Next year the Chicago Public Library will host 8 sessions in areas determined by the McCormick Foundation’s survey of neighborhoods that have more than 50% of the Veterans availing themselves of benefits available from the U.S. Veteran Administration and various community service groups. Suburban libraries interested in the program can contact jfield@chicagoveteranscc.org

Special guests at the first events included: Dr. Stephen Cruda, Director of the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs who addressed the importance of Veterans obtaining the health and services offered by the VA. He commented the vast improvements at all three Chicago VA medical Centers are offering more amenities to Veterans and upgraded service procedures.

Among those attending was Cook County Veterans Assistance Superintendent John Steciw, whose units many assistance programs. (1 312-433-6010); and Rochelle Crump, President/Founder National Women Veterans United, with information on the improved needs of Women Veterans and as more women enter the Military demanded the need for more females services. Deanna Smith, from the Jesse Brown VA suicide prevention unit offered details on the several the services available for those in need including a 24 hour hot line (1-800-273-8255). Jesse brown VA office at (1- 312-603-5788). The City of Chicago Department Human Resources had a large display of information on hate crimes and discrimination against Veterans. This is an ordinance passed by the Chicago City Council by Alderman Ed Burke. Rounding out the program was Kevin Averyhart from Able National Network in Chicago. Kevin had a wealth of information on assistance to Veterans ranging to resume writing to job placement to help with housing and utilities bills. The program production was managed by Chicago Public Library’s Mariella Colon. The program was produced by Chicago Veterans Coordinating Committee’s (CVCC) Dr. Jerry Field. Suburban Libraries interested in the program can contact: www.chicagoveteranscc.org

If you’re in the Springfield, IL. area Thursday October 18, at 11AM, the Veterans History Project will hold a ceremony at the Illinois State Library Atrium 300 S. Second Street. Respond by October 12 to Jeanne Urbanket at (1-217- 524-0050)

Passing on a note from Janice Goldman from the American Ex-Prisoners of War Organization. National Commander Charles Susion, Jr. passed away in July. For more information email at hq@axpow.org

A program titled “Kevlars to Careers” will be presented on October 24, to provide resources, and job training to assist in a job transition from military to civilian life for all Military. This is a free program. For time and location contact: darryl@coalitionofvets.org or email brain.cross@cookcountryil.gov
Phone(1- 213- 601- 5788).

The Veterans Administration has established a VA National Center for Patient Safety. You can search: National Center for Patient Safety. The website offers a list of specific topics you can sign in to listen a podcast. If you do not have a computer of your own, most libraries do have free use of computers if you sign up for a time to use the machine. Most also offer free ‘get acquainted lessons”.

The Filipino American Veterans of Illinois (FAVI) recently received the US Congressional Gold Medal for their assistance during WWII. The veterans were engaged in the battle for Bataan and the Bataan Death March. The event held September 29 recognized the Annual Tribute of Remembrance of the Philippine American History Month in the US.

The ceremonial program included the Roll Call of the Fallen 48 Soldiers of Company “C” US Army 9th Infantry Regiment, a reading of names from a list supplied by Ms. Jean Wall, daughter of survivor Army Private Adolph Gamlin. The annual event held in Chicago since 1999 is the only program of its kind in the US which properly pays tribute to the fallen Filipino American Military.

The FAVI group is a member of the Veterans Assistance Commission (VAC) of Cook County, Chicago Marines. Appreciation is extended to Malacanang Palace, the Dept. of Foreign Affairs and the Philippine Consulate Chicago.

For additional information: Rosemarie San Diego Filipino American Veterans of IL rsunrise2@aol.com