Gulf War Veterans Resources; Proving Military Service; and the Cook County SHOPPING to VETERANS

COOK COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS VOL.2, ED.4

TH M ONTHLY N EWSLETTER FEBRUARY 17 , 2017

MESSAGE FROM COOK COUNTY VETERANS AFFAIRS Dear Veterans: INSIDE THIS EDITION: This newsletter contains information on the following Veteran-related issues: Past CAMP LEJEUNE: PAST WATER water contamination at Camp Lejeune; online shopping at military exchanges; pre- CONTAMINATION ...... 2 need eligibility for interment in VA National Cemeteries; MyVA transformation DOD TO OPEN AAFES ONLINE EXCHANGE update; Gulf War veterans resources; proving military service; and the Cook County SHOPPING TO VETERANS ...... 3 Department of Transportation and Highways (DoTH) is seeking applications for VA NATIONAL CEMETERIES OFFERING PRE- transportation related projects. NEED ELIGIBILITY DETERMINATION ...... 4  Veterans Affairs will co-sponsor several tax exemption workshops for disabled MYVA TRANSFORMATION UPDATE BY VA veterans. These workshops will be held in the suburbs throughout the County SECRETARY ROBERT MCDONALD ...... 5-6 and in the city of Chicago. More information about locations of the scheduled GULF WAR VETERANS: VA BENEFITS AND workshops is attached to end of this newsletter. COMPENSATION ...... 7  Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) Chicago HQ Office has relocated HOW TO PROVE MILITARY SERVICE: from the Thompson Center to the George Dunne Cook County Office at 69 W. th OFFICIAL MILITARY DOCUMENTS, FORMS, Washington Street effective February 14 (all phone numbers remain the same). AND OTHER WAYS TO PROVE SERVICE ...8-9  February is African American History month and we celebrate and honor our African American Veterans who leave a legacy of exceptional service. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND  Veterans Affairs will host a Women Veterans Workshop on March 14th, titled HIGHWAYS SEEKING APPLICATIONS ...... 10 “Resources for Women Veterans.” This workshop is open to veterans and dep- UPCOMING: COOK COUNTY VETERAN'S endents. The workshop will be at the Cook County Law Library, Daley Center. BENEFITS AND RESOURCE EVENTS ...... 10 Seating is limited; please RSVP by March 7th. See inserts for more information. Cook County Veterans Affairs encourages you to share this information with other veterans and their dependents, and to use this newsletter as a reference tool for upcoming veteran activities, events, and workshops. Please visit the Cook County Veterans Affairs website at www.cookcountyil.gov/agency/veterans-affairs. Bill Browne, Director Cook County Veterans Affairs

As we celebrate the 26th Anniversary of Operation Desert Storm, we have many THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS Cook County employee-veterans who served and we want to say thank you for your WAS CREATED BY COOK COUNTY BOARD service. Visit http://benefits.va.gov/PERSONA/veteran-gulfwar.asp for PRESIDENT TONI PRECKWINKLE IN information on Gulf War Veterans benefits and resources. DECEMBER 2012 TO SERVE THE COUNTY’S EMPLOYEE VETERANS AND VETERANS WHO LIVE IN COOK COUNTY THROUGH OUTREACH AND SUPPORT SERVICES.

QUESTIONS/COMMENTS: BILL BROWNE: 312-603-6423 AUDREY MOLLO: 312-603-2221 COOK COUNTY VETERANS AFFAIRS EMAIL: [email protected] COOK COUNTY VETERANS AFFAIRS WEBSITE: WWW.COOKCOUNTYIL.GOV/AGENCY/VETERANS-AFFAIRS/

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CAMP LEJEUNE: PAST WATER CONTAMINATION http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/camp-lejeune/

From the 1950s through the 1980s, people living or working at the U.S.M.C. Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, were potentially exposed to drinking water contaminated with industrial solvents, benzene, and other chemicals. Learn about research on past chemical contamination. Disability Compensation: VA has established a presumptive service connection for Veterans, Reservists, and National Guard members exposed to contaminants in the water supply at Camp Lejeune from 08/01/1953 through 12/31/1987 who later developed one of the following eight diseases: 1 - Adult Leukemia; 2 - Aplastic Anemia and other Myelodysplastic Syndrome; 3 - Bladder Cancer; 4 - Kidney Cancer; 5 - Liver Cancer; 6 - Multiple Myeloma; 7 - Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma; 8 - Parkinson's Disease These conditions show sufficient scientific and medical evidence to support the creation of presumptions; however, VA continues to review relevant information as it is available (final rule). The rule becomes effective either 60 days after publication in the Federal Register, or following conclusion of the 60-day Congressional Review, whichever is later. Veterans experiencing health conditions that may be related to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune should contact their primary care provider and file a claim. VA decides disability compensation on a case-by-case basis. Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012 - Veterans’ Health Care: In accordance with the 2012 Camp Lejeune health care law, VA provides cost-free health care for certain conditions to Veterans who served at least 30 days of active duty at Camp Lejeune from January 1, 1957 and December 31, 1987. Qualifying health conditions include: • Esophageal cancer • Lung cancer • Breast Cancer • Bladder Cancer • Kidney Cander • Leukemia • Multiple Myeloma • Myelodysplastic • Renal Toxicity • Female Infertility • Hepatic Steatosis Syndroms • Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma • Miscarriage • Neurobehavioral Effects • Scleroderma Veterans eligible for health care under the 2012 Camp Lejeune health care law may enroll in VA health care and receive medical services for the 15 covered health conditions at no cost (including co-payment). Not yet enrolled in VA health care? Apply online or call (877) 222-8387 and inform VA staff that you served on active duty at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days during the covered time period. Family Member Health Care Reimbursement: Family members of veterans who resided at Camp Lejeune during the qualifying period are eligible for reimbursement of out-of-pocket medical expenses related to the 15 covered health conditions. VA can only pay treatment costs that remain after payment from your other health plans. Apply online for reimbursement or call (866) 372-1144 for help. What type of evidence can I submit with my application? Documentation showing (1) dependent relationship to Veteran who served at Camp Lejeune (marriage license, birth certificate); (2) you lived on base 30 days or more between 8/1/1953 - 12/31/1987 (orders, base housing records); (3) paid health care for a condition respective to the following date ranges; (3a) lived on Camp Lejeune between 1/1/1957 - 12/31/1987 to be reimbursed for care received on or after 8/6/2012; (3b) lived on Camp Lejeune between 8/1/1953 - 12/31/1956 to be reimbursed for care received on or after 12/16/2014. When evidence is not submitted, VA will use all relevant evidence from internal sources and the Department of Defense (DoD); be aware it may take longer to review your application. To read the entire article Camp Lejeune: Past Water Contamination, please visit the following link: http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/camp-lejeune/

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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE TO OPEN ONLINE EXCHANGE SHOPPING TO VETERANS https://www.defense.gov/News/Article/Article/1049558/dod-opens-online-exchange-shopping-to-veterans

The Defense Department (DoD) announced today that veterans will soon be able to shop online at military exchanges.

The policy change will extend limited online military exchange shopping privileges to all honorably discharged veterans of the military, DoD officials said in a news release.

The shopping benefit will be effective this Veterans Day, November 11, 2017.

While shopping privileges exclude the purchase of uniforms, alcohol and tobacco products, it includes the Exchange Services’ dynamic online retail environment known so well to service members and their families, the release said.

The change follows careful analysis, coordination and strong public support, officials said in the release.

“We are excited to provide these benefits to honorably discharged veterans to recognize their service and welcome them home to their military family,” said Peter Levine, performing the duties for the Under-Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness.

“In addition, this initiative represents a low-risk, low-cost opportunity to help fund morale, welfare and recreation programs in support of service members’ and their families’ quality of life. And it’s just the right thing to do,” Levine added.

The online benefit will also strengthen the exchanges’ online businesses to better serve current patrons.

Inclusion of honorably discharged veterans would conservatively double the exchanges’ online presence, according to DoD officials, thereby improving the experience for all patrons through improved vendor terms, more competitive merchandise assortments and improved efficiencies.

“As a nation, we are grateful for the contributions of our service members,” Levine said. “Offering this lifetime online benefit is one small, tangible way the nation can say, ‘Thank you’ to those who served with honor.”

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VA NATIONAL CEMETERIES NOW OFFERING PRE-NEED ELIGIBILITY DETERMINATIONS http://www.cem.va.gov/CEM/pressreleases/VA_National_Cemeteries_Now_Offering_Pre_Need_Eligibility_Determinations.asp

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced it now provides eligibility determinations for interment in a VA national cemetery prior to the time of need.

Through the Pre-Need Determination of Eligibility Program, upon request, individuals can learn if they are eligible for burial or memorialization in a VA national cemetery.

"MyVA is about looking at VA from the Veterans' perspective, and then doing everything we can to make the Veteran Experience effective and seamless," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert A. McDonald. "This new program reaffirms our commitment to providing a lifetime of benefits and services for Veterans and their families."

Interested individuals may submit VA Form 40-10007, Application for Pre-Need Determination of Eligibility for Burial in a VA National Cemetery, and supporting documentation, such as DD Form 214, if readily available, to the VA National Cemetery Scheduling Office by: • Toll-Free Fax at 1-855-840-8299; or • Email to [email protected]; or • Mail to the National Cemetery Scheduling Office, P.O. Box 510543, St. Louis, MO 63151.

VA will review applications and provide written notice of its determination of eligibility.

VA will save determinations and supporting documentation in an electronic information system to expedite burial arrangements at the time of need. Because laws and personal circumstances change, upon receipt of a burial request, VA will validate all pre-need determinations in accordance with the laws in effect at that time.

VA operates 135 national cemeteries and 33 soldiers’ lots in 40 states and Puerto Rico. More than 4 million Americans, including Veterans of every war and conflict, are buried in VA’s national cemeteries.

VA also provides funding to establish, expand and maintain 105 Veterans cemeteries in 47 states and territories including tribal trust lands, Guam, and Saipan. For Veterans buried in private or other cemeteries, VA provides headstones, markers or medallions to commemorate their service.

In 2016, VA honored more than 345,000 Veterans and their loved ones with memorial benefits in national, state, tribal and private cemeteries.

Eligible individuals are entitled to burial in any open VA national cemetery, opening/closing of the grave, a grave liner, perpetual care of the gravesite, and a government-furnished headstone or marker or niche cover, all at no cost to the family. Veterans are also eligible for a burial flag and may be eligible for a Presidential Memorial Certificate.

Information on VA burial benefits is available from local VA national cemetery offices, from the Internet at www.cem.va.gov, or by calling VA regional offices toll-free at 800-827-1000.

To make burial arrangements at any open VA national cemetery at the time of need, call the National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 1-800-535-1117.

VETERANS ADVISORY NEWS PAGE 5

MYVA TRANSFORMATION UPDATE BY VA SECRETARY ROBERT A. MCDONALD https://www.va.gov/myva/docs/MyVA-3-0-v9-digital-11816.pdf

In July of last year, we published the MyVA Integrated Plan and Overview that described the focus, approach, and outcomes for our MyVA Transformation. Last May, we updated Veterans and stakeholders on progress measured against our 12 Breakthrough Priorities in our MyVA Transformation Update.

This MyVA Transformation Update brings our report to date and introduces the MyVA plan for 2017 and beyond.

Our Mission

On March 3rd, 1865, President Lincoln signed the legislation that would establish for Veterans a network of national facilities—the National Homes for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers. The very next day in his 2nd Inaugural Address, he gave a vision of healing to a wounded Nation. He counseled, “. . . let us strive onto finish the work we are in, to bind up the Nation’s wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan. . . .” The Department of Veterans Affairs derives its mission from President Lincoln’s Second Inaugural—to care for those “who shall have borne the battle” and for their families.

We reverently repeat those words. They’re a reminder for us and the entire Nation that caring for Veterans is a shared, honored responsibility. We count ourselves immensely fortunate to work in an organization with the noblest and most respected mission in government—serving this Nation’s Veterans.

Our Values

In his first message to VA employees as Secretary of VA, Bob McDonald reminded all of us, “We have strong institutional values—Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence. We will all need to depend on, and live by, our values as we rise to meet the challenges ahead.” Then he asked every VA employee to join him in reaffirming our commitment to these shared values. Every VA employee did, and we reaffirm that commitment every year. We’re all proud of our admirable values. They’re foundational to doing the right thing for Veterans and to being good stewards of taxpayer dollars. Everything we’re doing is built on our values.

Our Vision

Veterans Affairs as the No. 1 customer-service agency in the Federal Government — that’s our vision. It’s guiding all our efforts. It’s simple. It’s achievable. And we’re getting there.

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VETERANS ADVISORY NEWS PAGE 6

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5… "MYVA TRANSFORMATION UPDATE BY VA SECRETARY ROBERT A. MCDONALD"

Our Strategic Plan

The Department of Veterans Affairs Strategic Plan FY 2014-2020 describes our three Strategic Goals to achieve our mission: empower Veterans to improve their well-being, enhance and develop trusted partnerships, and manage and improve VA operations to deliver seamless and integrated support.

On August 9, 2014, Secretary McDonald told his first Veterans Service Organization audience that “VA has a good strategic plan.” He said, “I believe in it. We just have to make sure that every day we are working together to execute that strategic plan and accomplish those goals.” In October 2015, we updated our Agency Priority Goals to better address the challenges Veterans were experiencing, while keeping faith with Strategic Plan 2014-2020. Our four 2016-2017 Agency Priority Goals are to Improve Veterans Experience with VA, Improve VA Employee Experience, Improve Access to Health Care as Experienced by the Veteran, and Improve Dependency Claims Processing.

A NOBLE MISSION. HONORABLE VALUES. AN ACHIEVABLE VISION. AN EFFECTIVE STRATEGIC PLAN.

MyVA Strategies

To achieve customer-service excellence across VA, we’ve been relying on five strategies. On July 22, 2014, Secretary McDonald promised Congress, all Veterans, and all Americans that, if confi d, he would “renew the Department’s Strategic Plan and ensure it is properly deployed.” That commitment helped define our five MyVA Transformation Strategies.

✓ Improving the Veteran experience. ✓ Improving the employee experience. ✓ Achieving support services excellence. ✓ Establishing a culture of continuous performance improvement. ✓ Enhancing strategic partnerships.

These strategies were shaped by the advice of the President, members of Congress, thousands of Veterans, leaders of our Veterans Service Organizations, our employees, and many other stakeholders. We were listening.

Improving the Veteran experience means making every contact between Veterans and VA predictable, consistent, and easy. That kind of customer-service experience begins with respectfully receiving our Veteran-clients. But it’s science, too. That’s why we’ve been heavily focused on human-centered design, process mapping, and working with world- class design firms and companies to help us make.

To read the entire article on the MyVA Transformation Update, please visit the following link: https://www.va.gov/opa/publications/myva_transformation_update_2_2016.asp

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GULF WAR VETERANS: VA BENEFITS AND COMPENSATION

GULF WAR VETERANS: VA BENEFITS http://benefits.va.gov/PERSONA/veteran-gulfwar.asp

More than 650,000 Service members served in Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm from August 2, 1990 to July 31, 1991. For VA benefits eligibility purposes, the Gulf War period is still in effect. This means that anyone who served on active duty from August 2, 1990 to the present is considered a Gulf War Veteran. For example, the Veterans Pension benefit requires service during a wartime period. Therefore, any Veteran on active military service for any period from August 2, 1990 to the present meets the wartime service requirement. Gulf War Veterans may be eligible for a variety of benefits, to include disability compensation, pension, education and training, health care, home loans, insurance, vocational rehabilitation and employment, and burial (see the Veterans Page for an overview of available benefits). Certain illnesses and diseases "presumed" by VA to be related to military service in designated areas of Southwest Asia may entitle you to VA disability compensation benefits. Gulf War Veterans may still seek to establish service connection individually for other "non-presumptive" diseases and illnesses related to service in the Gulf War. Learn more about qualifying for disability compensation for non-presumptive conditions on the Compensation website. To learn about VA benefits for Gulf War Veterans, visit the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry page and Disability Compensation Gulf War Presumptive Disability page. For full information on Gulf War Veteran Benefits, visit the Department of Veterans Affairs at http://benefits.va.gov/PERSONA/veteran-gulfwar.asp.

GULF WAR VETERANS: VA COMPENSATION http://benefits.va.gov/compensation/claims-postservice-gulfwar.asp

For VA benefit purposes under 38 CFR 3.317, Gulf War service is active military duty in any of the following areas in the Southwest Asia theater of military operations at any time August 2, 1990 to present. This includes Veterans who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003-2010) and Operation New Dawn (2010-2011). • Iraq; Kuwait; Saudi Arabia; The neutral zone between Iraq and Saudi Arabia; Bahrain; Qatar; The United Arab Emirates; Oman; Gulf of Aden; Gulf of Oman; Waters of the Persian Gulf, the Arabian Sea, and the Red Sea; and The airspace above these locations. Note: Service in Afghanistan on or after September 19, 2001, is considered qualifying service for disability benefits associated with certain presumptive diseases. VA offers eligible Veterans a free Gulf War Registry health exam. How to Apply There are many ways to apply for VA disability benefits depending on the type of benefit you are seek: • Online using an eBenefits account. • Complete and mail your claim form to your nearest VA regional office. • Go to a VA regional office and have a VA employee assist you. To find the VA regional office nearest you, use the Veterans Affairs National Facilities Locator or call VA toll free at 1-800-827-1000. • Work with an accredited representative or agent. We also encourage you to become familiar with evidence requirements so you have a complete understanding of not only VA's responsibility, but yours as well. Compensation benefits are paid for disabilities that are service- connected, which means the injury or disease resulted in a disability linked to military service. For more on filing for compensation, visit the Department of Veterans Affairs at www.benefits.va.gov/compensation/index.asp.

THE VETERANS ADVISORY PAGE 8

HOW TO PROVE MILITARY SERVICE: OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS, FORMS & OTHER WAYS TO PROVE YOU SERVED http://themilitarywallet.com/prove-military- service/?utm_source=getresponse&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=military_wallet&utm_content=Prove+Military+Servic e%2C+WIC+Benefits%2C+Free+Tax+Filing

Military benefits are incredibly valuable, well deserved and hard earned. But veterans must prove military service before they are eligible for various benefits programs. These requirements protect those who have earned these benefits, and prevent others from taking these limited resources from those who earned them. The purpose of this article is to show how to verify a veteran’s military service to help them obtain the benefits they have earned.

How to Tell if Someone Served in the Military: I recently received the following question from a reader: I work as a volunteer for homeless veterans. This is a very nice apartment facility located near the VA. I have been talking to veterans about a few particular people allowed to live in the community. My understanding is, to qualify for housing you must have a DD Form 214 and honorably discharged. Some felonies are waived. However, this individual has only a letter from a comrade. The resident discovered that the person enlisted with false information, and didn’t disclose a felony record. The service dismissed this member only 2 days into basic training. The member living among veterans explains the inability to apply for the DD 214 because their service was as a Reservist. I haven’t heard of this. My suspicion is the veterans living in this facility have discovered a fraudulent military person. I have further concerns about this. The resident has appeared on television documentaries and taken several donations from the public, all under the umbrella of homeless veterans. Moreover, he is living in a federally subsidized house. In summary, my questions are: 1. How can you find out if someone is lying about their military service? 2. What type of record would a Reservist have? 3. Why wouldn’t the veteran be able to obtain their service DD Form 214 or any other record?

There Are Many Ways to Prove Military Service: Official and unofficial ways to prove military service. Each Government or Veterans Organization should have a list of acceptable forms or proof of service requirements. 1. How to Prove Military Service - Discharge Paperwork: Active members are issued a DD-214 upon separation (DD- 215 corrected version). But, many are not issued a DD-214 the day of separation and receive it later in the mail. It’s common for these forms to get lost or damaged, and not something a homeless veteran would have on them at all times. Also, a service member may not have a DD-214 (how to get a replacement DD Form 214). It may be possible to get help obtaining this document from the VA or another veterans organization.

2. Type of Reservist Service Records: Reservists are issued a DD-256 when separating from the military. Veterans who served in the National Guard (NG) or Air National Guard (ANG) may have a NGB-22 or NGB-22a (corrected version). Former NG may have other proof of service, such as discharge paperwork from their state.

3. How to Get Copies of Military Records: The National Archives maintains most military records and available through a military records request. This is the first place to look, unless service was prior to WWI or recently separated from the military. Most records requests are limited to the member or next of kin. The general public can often request proof of military service through Freedom of Information Act. This gives access to limited military service records, the entire information file. Records available to general public include name, rank, branch of service, dates of service, and some more information, certainly enough to prove military service.

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5… "HOW TO PROVE MILITARY SERVICE – OFFICIAL MILITARY DOCUMENTS, FORMS, ..."

Records That Won’t Be Found in the National Archives: Extremely old and very recent records may not be in the Archives; records prior to WWI may not be found in the National Archives. Those records are on file at the National Archives and Records Administration, Old Military and Civil Records Branch (NWCTB), Washington, DC. This information is helpful for doing research, genealogical studies, tracing family roots, or other needs. Records for members recently separated or retired may not yet have been transferred to the National Archives. These records are usually maintained from 5-10 years at the personnel or HR division for each respective branch before being sent for permanent storage at the National Archives: • Air Force – Air Force Personnel Center; Army – Human Resources Command; Marines and Navy – BUPERS; and National Guard (never activated) – State Adjutant General Office where member served Records that may not be held at the National Archives, and list of places where other records are maintained: • Military Records Destroyed in National Archives Fire of 1973: A major fire in 1973 permanently destroyed military records for hundreds of thousands of veterans. Most affected limited to Army and USAF records. • Affected Army Records: Personnel discharged 11/1/1912 – 1/1/1960; an estimated loss of 80% of records. • Affected Air Force Records: Personnel discharged 9/25/1947 – 1/1/1964 (with names alphabetically after Hubbard, James E.); and an estimated loss of 75% of records. More information about the National Archives Fire: • National Archives Fire Page; and Recovery efforts to reconstruct damaged records. How to Prove Military Service if Records Destroyed in the 1973 National Archives Fire: Some are able to prove service from tax records, old military documents/orders, military awards or decorations, photos in uniform, written statements from those they served with, newspaper clippings, military records from a previous base, unit, or organization, state records if served in the NG, or other means. Not all methods apply, or are easy or possible to obtain. I suggest contacting the National Archives to see if other methods may prove fruitful to your cause. Additional Ways to Prove Military Service: The DD-214, 215, 256, NGB-22 and similar forms are official proof of service documents. These are the forms required for applying for veteran benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs. For example, you cannot apply for the GI Bill, VA Loan Certificate of Eligibility, VA healthcare, veterans burial benefits, or major military veterans benefits without one of these forms. But veterans shouldn’t whip out these official forms anytime they are asked to prove military service. There are other ways veterans can prove they served. A few common methods veterans can use to verify military service: • Military ID Card; VA Issued ID Card for Health Care; Veterans ID Card; Veterans Designation on Driver's License or State Veterans ID Card; and Veterans Group Membership Card (VFW, American Legion, DAV, etc.) Protecting Information In Military Records: Military records include sensitive personal information. The DD-214 lists veteran’s DoB, SSN, and other information that can be used for identity theft or other reasons. Veterans should safeguard this information. Please make sure these forms are maintained under lock and key, encrypting it when stored digitally, or redacting some information not necessary for your specific organization.

To read the entire article on How to Prove Military Service, please visit the following link: http://themilitarywallet.com/prove-military- service/?utm_source=getresponse&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=military_wallet&utm_content=Prove+ Military+Service%2C+WIC+Benefits%2C+Free+Tax+Filing

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COOK COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND HIGHWAYS VETERANS PREFERENCE (DOTH) SEEKS APPLICATIONS FOR TRANSPORTATION-RELATED PROJECTS When applying for employment with As part of Cook County President Preckwinkle's initiative to build and maintain a Cook County Government, preference comprehensive regional transportation network; DoTH is seeking applications for is given in the application process to transportation related projects. Specifically, DoTH seeks applications from local honorably discharged veterans who government and transit agencies. Private-for-profit or non-profit organizations can have served in the Armed Forces of submit proposals, but must have a public sponsor. the United States for more than 180 Deadline to apply is 5:00 p.m. on March 17, 2017. Invest in Cook seeks projects consecutive days, or during War time. consistent with priorities detailed in Connecting Cook County: Prioritize transit and For current employment information, other transportation alternatives; Support the regions' role as North America's please visit the links below. freight capital; Promote equal access to opportunities; Maintain and modernize what already exists; and Increase transportation investments. Cook County Employment Opportunities available for Offices Under the President, Cook County transportation staff will evaluate and score proposals using publicly Forest Preserve District, and Health and available performance based criteria, and a qualitative assessment to determine Hospitals Systems can be found at: which projects will be chosen for this year. www.cookcountyil.gov/current-job-listings For more information, visit www.cookcountyil.gov/InvestInCook. Award letters Forest Preserves District: will be sent summer 2017, and a corresponding list of grantees published on the http://fpdcc.com/about/jobs/ web page. A workshop for potential applicants is scheduled for February 28th at th Health and Hospitals Systems: 9:00 a.m. at the George Dunne Building 69 West Washington Street, 17 Floor, in www.cookcountyhhs.org/about- Chicago. RSVP to [email protected] to reserve a place. cchhs/human-resources/careers/

UPCOMING VETERANS BENEFITS AND RESOURCE EVENTS See Following Inserts for More Information and Event Details

CITY OF CHICAGO FAMILY & SUPPORT SERVICES - EMERGENCY RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM • FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 311 OR VISIT www.cityofchicago.org/fss

ILLINOIS PATRIOT EDUCATION FUND - MILITARY SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION INFORMATION • APPLY AT www.illinoispatrioteducationfund.org/scholarship-application ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS – 2017 SALUTE TO AFRICAN-AMERICAN VETERANS • ND COOK COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22 FROM 12:00 P.M. UNTIL 1:00 P.M. VETERANS AFFAIRS COOK COUNTY VETERANS AFFAIRS, ASSESSOR'S OFFICE, AND DISTRICT COMMISSIONER'S OFFICE MILITARY VETERAN'S HOMEOWNER PROPERTY TAX-EXEMPTIONS SEMINAR AND WORKSHOP ND • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22 FROM 5:30 P.M. UNTIL 7:30 P.M. - CHICAGO HEIGHTS RD COOK COUNTY VETERANS AFFAIRS • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23 FROM 10:00 A.M. UNTIL 12:00 P.M. - EVANSTON RD COOK COUNTY BUILDING, RM. 801 • FRIDAY, MARCH 3 FROM 10:00 A.M. UNTIL 12:30 P.M. - CHICAGO TH 118 NORTH CLARK STREET • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8 FROM 6:30 P.M. UNTIL 8:00 P.M. - MORTON GROVE CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60602 ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS – DESERT STORM COMMEMORATION, SPRINGFIELD WWW.COOKCOUNTYIL.GOV/AGENCY/ TH • UESDAY EBRUARY FROM UNTIL VETERANS-AFFAIRS/ T , F 28 11:30 A.M. 12:30 P.M. PRAIRIE STATE COLLEGE – CONNECTING VETERANS & THEIR FAMILIES TO RESOURCES FAIR 2017 TH • THURSDAY, MARCH 9 FROM 9:00 A.M. UNTIL 1:00 P.M.

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE, NAVY, CITY OF CHICAGO – 2017 DOD ANNUAL WARRRIOR GAMES BILL BROWNE: (312) 603-6423 TH TH • FRIDAY, JUNE 30 THROUGH SATURDAY, JULY 8 FROM 8:00 A.M. UNTIL 9:00 P.M. AUDREY MOLLO: (312) 603-2221 COOK COUNTY VETERANS AFFAIRS E-MAIL: COOK COUNTY VETERANS AFFAIRS – VETERAN WORKSHOP: RESOURCES FOR WOMEN VETERANS TH [email protected] • TUESDAY, MARCH 14 FROM 9:00 A.M. UNTIL 12:00 P.M.

The Emergency Rental Assistance Program provides financial assistance to Chicago residents, directly related to the prevention of homelessness, to eligible individuals and families who are at risk of eviction in order to stabilize individuals and families in their existing rental unit.

ASSISTANCE IS PROVIDED INCLUDES: • Payment of rent arrears to prevent eviction • Payment of rent • This program does NOT provide security deposits

REQUIREMENTS OF THE PROGRAM: Interested parties must complete an Emergency Rental Assistance Application have a documented crisis or emergency, proof of income and the property owner must agree to participate in the program.

Documented Crisis or Emergency means an imminent eviction due to Crisis which can include: • Temporary loss of Income • Fire or Flood • Court Order to Vacate (foreclosure or eviction) • Domestic Violence

For more information visit www.cityofchicago.org/fss, contact the homeless prevention call center 311 (ask for “short term help”) or visit one of the 6 Community Service Centers to apply. Englewood Center, 1140 W. 79th Street, Chicago, IL 60620, 312-747-0200 Garfield Center, 10 S. Kedzie Avenue, Chicago, IL 60612, 312-746-5400 King Center, 4314 S. Cottage Grove Avenue, Chicago, IL 60653, 312-747-2300 North Area, 845 W. Wilson Avenue, Chicago, IL 60640, 312- 744-2580 South Chicago, 8650 S. Commercial Avenue, Chicago, IL 60617, 312-747-0500 Trina Davila, 4312 W. North Avenue, Chicago, IL 60639, 312-744-2014

The Illinois Patriot Education Fund military scholarship is open for applications now through March 31, 2017. Click here to fill out the application.

If you are not a vet - we need your help getting this message out to Illinois active duty military members, veterans, their spouses and children.

Our scholarship sends military veterans and their family members to college. Please help us get the news out. Share this on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Snapchat or your favorite social network.

The Illinois Patriot Education Fund (I-PEF) provides multi-year scholarship assistance supporting the educational journey for Post 9/11 Illinois military families. We support their education by filling the benefit gap created by the Post 9/11 GI Bill.

Please share this message with your friends and business network so we can send more military veterans and military family members to college.

Sincerely, Mark Slaby

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Website http://us2.forward-to-friend.com/forward/show?u=a5c7bf6d566914a6b2676aa8e&id=c3038db65c

State of Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs

Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs 2017 SALUTE TO AFRICAN-AMERICAN VETERAN’S

Keynote Speaker Commander Zeita Merchant Commanding Officer, Marine Safety Unit Chicago

February 22, 2017 Noon – 1:00 PM 100 W. Randolph, Chicago, IL Concourse Level

www.illinois.gov/veterans 1- 800-437-9824 0379-17, 02/17 Veterans Exemption Outreach

Prairie State College Room 1318 / 1320 202 S. Halsted St., Chicago Heights, IL 60411

Cook County Department of Veterans Affairs, Senator Michael Hastings and Cook County Assessor’s Office

February 22, 2017 5:30PM to 7:30PM

For more information please contact: Michelle Radeni Phone: 312 603 4488 Email: [email protected]

Mark Bretz Phone: 312 603 7310 Email: [email protected]

Allison Quinn Phone: 312 603 7850 Email: [email protected] 13th District Veterans

Property Tax Exemption Workshop

Thursday, February 23, 2017 Evanston Vet Center 1901 Howard Street, Evanston 10:00am to 12Noon

Cook County Assessor Joseph Berrios Cook County Veterans Affairs Director Bill Browne Cook County Commissioner Larry Suffredin

Come, gather 2017 updates/facts on Property Tax Homeowner Exemptions

For more information contact:  Cook County Commissioner Larry Suffredin—13th District at 847-864-1209 or www.suffredin.org 820 Davis Street, Suite 104, Evanston 60201  Cook County Veterans Affairs, Bill Browne Director at 312-603-6423 or Email: [email protected]  Evanston Vet Center, James Harkins, Veterans Outreach Specialist, 1901 Howard Street, Evanston or (847) 332-1019  Cook County Assessor Joseph Berrios at 312-603-7310 or www.cookcountyassessor.com VeteransExemption Outreach

CookCounty Board District7th 3520 S. Archer Ave.,3520S. Suite 1DSuite Chicago,60609IL

CookCounty Department of VeteransAffairs &

CookCounty Commissioner Jesús“Chuy” García

March2017 3, 10:00AM12:30PM -

Formore information pleasecontact: MichelleRadeni Phone:3126034488 Email:[email protected]

MarkBretz Phone:3126037310 Email:[email protected]

Allison QuinnAllison Phone:3126037850 Email:[email protected] 13th District Veterans

Property Tax Exemption Workshop

Wednesday, March 8, 2017 American Legion Post 134 6140 Dempster Street, Morton Grove 6:30pm to 8:00pm

Cook County Assessor Joseph Berrios Cook County Veterans Affairs Director Bill Browne Cook County Commissioner Larry Suffredin

Come, gather 2017 updates/facts on Property Tax Homeowner Exemptions

For more information contact:  Cook County Commissioner Larry Suffredin—13th District at 847-864-1209 or www.suffredin.org 820 Davis Street, Suite 104, Evanston 60201  Cook County Veterans Affairs, Bill Browne Director at 312-603-6423 or Email: [email protected]  American Legion Post 134, Commander Thomas Mann 6140 Dempster Street, Morton Grove 60053  Cook County Assessor Joseph Berrios at 312-603-7310 or www.cookcountyassessor.com State of Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs

Desert Storm Remembrance Ceremony H Tuesday, February 28 H 11:30 am - 12:30 pm Capitol Rotunda Capitol Complex Springfield

Join us to commemorate the 26th anniversary of the Operation Desert Storm Cease Fire and to honor the Illinois Fallen from Operation Desert Storm.

www.illinois.gov/veterans 1- 800-437-9824

0377-17, 01/17

The Department of the Navy, in partnership with the city of Chicago, will host the annual Department of Defense (DoD) Warrior Games from June 30 - July 8, 2017.

The Warrior Games serves as the sole opportunity every year to bring together post-9/11 wounded warriors across all services. It honors and showcases the power and resiliency of wounded warriors and their families.

Military service teams will compete in eight individual and team sports, including: archery, cycling, field, sitting volleyball, shooting, swimming, track, and wheelchair basketball. With downtown Chicago as the backdrop, these Games will EMPOWER, EDUCATE and ENCOURAGE everyone it touches.

For more information, visit dodwarriorgames.com and like us on Facebook for real time updates.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Open to the Public! Date Event Location Tentative Time Friday, 30 June 2017 Tournament Day #1 McCormick Place - Lakeside Center 8:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. Shooting, Sitting Volleyball, Wheelchair Basketball Saturday, 1 July 2017 Tournament Day #2 McCormick Place - Lakeside Center 8:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. Shooting, Sitting Volleyball, Wheelchair Basketball Saturday, 1 July 2017 OPENING CEREMONY Soldier Field 7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Sunday, 2 July 2017 TRACK Competition Lane Tech High School 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Monday, 3 July 2017 ARCHERY Competition McCormick Place - Lakeside Center 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, 4 July 2017 Family Day Various Events in the City of Chicago All Day Wednesday, 5 July 2017 FIELD Competition Soldier Field 1:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Thursday, 6 July 2017 CYCLE Competition Museum Campus 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Friday, 7 July 2017 Medal Games 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Shooting McCormick Place - Lakeside Center Sitting Volleyball, Wheelchair Basketball United Center Saturday, 8 July 2017 SWIM Competition University of Illinois at Chicago 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Saturday, 8 July 2017 CLOSING CEREMONY Navy Pier 7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. By invitation only Schedule & Venues Are Subject to Change

Navy dodwarriorgames.com • #warriorgames Logo Toni Preckwinkle, Cook County Board President, presents resources for Women Veterans A workshop hosted by Cook County Veterans Affairs Tuesday, March 14, 2017, 9AM - Noon Cook County Law Library Daley Center, 50 W. Washington Street, Chicago, IL, Room 2900 PANELISTS: MELISSA JOLLY Veterans Administration (Women Veterans Coordinator) SHARON BUCHANAN Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs (Veterans Service Officer) VALERIE CREEDON Jesse Brown VA Medical Center (TCM Clinic and Program Manager) VICKI BUNN Volunteers of America (Veterans Advancement Services) MEOSHA THOMAS One SAVVY Veteran (Founder – Organization to Empower Women Veterans) Workshop is open to Veterans and Dependents. RSVP by March 7th. to: [email protected] or Call: Bill Browne: (312) 603-6423 or Audrey Mollo: (312) 603-2221