ON THE LEGAL FRONT -
"On July 25, 2009, Governor Pat Quinn signed into law a whole host of legislation designed to support veterans and to examine ways in which the State of Illinois could further support our state's residents who serve our country. One of the most important bills signed into legislation creates a Military and Veterans Court Task Force (Task Force). The Task Force is charged with the responsibility of determining how to create a state-wide system of courts throughout Illinois."
"...Currently, Madison County and Cook County have court calls dedicated to veterans. These court calls are designed to allow the court to take into account the special circumstances that may have contributed to a veteran's criminal conduct. ..." ( "NEW LAWS DESIGNED TO ASSIST RETURNING SERVICE MEMBERS AND VETERANS ACROSS THE STATE" )
ON THE CULTURAL FRONT -
The Illinois Veterans History Project is Secretary of State Jesse White’s initiative to preserve the stories of the men and women who have fought to keep America free. There are now more than 3,900 entries in the collection that’s a part of IDA. Celebrate Veterans’ Day by reading some of these stories online
INTRUSIVE THOUGHTS - An exhibition of work by Veterans of the Iraq, Afghanistan, and Global War on Terror.
The National Veterans Art Museum 1801 S. Indianan
5-8PM Opening November 11th 7PM Artist Talks
Show runs November 11 2010 - May 2011 Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 10AM - 5PM
"Lioness" film documentary tells the story of a group of female Army support soldiers who were part of the first program in American history to send women into direct ground combat."Told through intimate accounts, journal excerpts, archival footage, as well as interviews with military commanders, the film follows five Lioness women who served together for a year in Iraq." Get DVD
ON THE HOMEFRONT, GETTING ACCESS TO SERVICES & BENEFITS -
The Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that about 158,000 U.S. veterans are visually impaired or blind, and more than one million have low vision. Thirteen percent of wounded U.S. military troops returning from Iraq and Afghanistan have received a serious eye injury. Illinois veterans may apply for free service at the Illinois State Library Talking Book and Braille Service website
The Veterans Higher Education Bill passed in 2009 provides greater access to information about benefits and resources available to student veterans attending public colleges and universities in Illinois. Each school with 1,000 or more full-time students is required to publish and distribute a comprehensive guide of services available specifically to veterans at their institutions.
Currently, about 60 schools participate in the program, and all of the services available to student veterans on those campuses can be found at the Higher Education Veterans Services Act web page.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Benefits including :
Compensation & Pension, Education, Home Loans, Vocational, Rehabilitation, Life Insurance, Forms
eBenefits is veterans one-stop shop for online benefits-related tools and information.
Center for Women Veterans - Monitors and coordinates VA’s administration of health care and enefits services,and programs for women Veterans.
Find a VA Facility Toll Free Numbers for Contacting VA
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