 A Message from the Director
Dear Veterans:
This newsletter contains information about services and benefits you have earned because of your honorable service to our nation.
June 22 marks the 75th anniversary of the GI Bill. Many veterans, including me, have benefited from the GI Bill. It provided an opportunity for veterans to attend college or trade school while the federal government covers tuition and other expenses. Veterans, you have earned this benefit and I encourage you to use it.
Cook County Veterans Affairs will host a Veterans Forum and Picnic on July 30 at Brookfield Zoo (a photo of veterans at last year's event pictured above). Representatives from the United States and Illinois Veterans Administration and various nonprofit organizations and service officers will be on hand to assist and answer your questions.
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. Please visit our website: www.cookcountyil.gov/agency/veterans-affairs
If there is a topic that you would like to see Veterans Affairs address, please email your suggestions to veterans.affairs@cookcountyil.gov.
If you would like to be added to our mailing list, click on “receive updates” at the top of this newsletter where its states: “Receive updates” and enter your email address.
Sincerely,
Bill Browne, Director
Cook County Veterans Affairs
Helpful Links
Cook County Contract Compliance for Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (VOSB) and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB)
State of Illinois-certified VOSBs and SDVOSBs qualify for the Cook County bid preference. For more information, please visit:
https://www.cookcountyil.gov/service/mbewbevbe-certification
Veterans Dental Care Resolution
On May 23, the Cook County Board of Commissioners sponsored a resolution to urge Illinois’ Congressional delegation to sponsor HR 96. This bill would require the VA to furnish dental care in the same manner as any other medical service. For more information, please visit: https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/116/hr96
Disabled Veterans can fly ‘Space Free Available Flights’ for free
100 percent service-connected disabled veterans are now eligible for Space Available Travel. Better known as ‘Space-A’ or military hops, Air Mobility Command maintains an extensive network of flights throughout the continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam and American Samoa. For more information, please visit: https://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/60642/eligibility-disabled-veterans-space-available-flights/
The MISSION Act
The MISSION Act allows eligible veterans to use VA health care services nationwide, including through mobile health clinics that serve rural areas and via telehealth (care through a phone or computer). For more information, please visit: https://missionact.va.gov
Burial Benefits for Veterans
The VA can provide free headstones and even a cash allowance to help with expenses. To learn more about the burial benefits you’ve earned, please visit: https://www.military.com/benefits/burial-and-memorial/burial-and-memorial-benefits-overview.html
Upcoming Events
5th National Gathering of American Indian Veterans
July 26 – 28
Cantigny Park
1 S. 151 Winfield Road
Wheaton, IL
For more information, please visit: www.trickstergallery.com
Valor Games Midwest 2019
Tuesday, August 13 – Chicago Hilton
Wednesday, August 14 – Soldier Field
Thursday, August 15 – Armour Square Park
For more information, contact Andrew Grose, Chicago Park District at 312-745-2172 or visit https://www2.illinois.gov/veterans/about-us/events/Pages/Valor-Games-Midwest.aspx
Veterans Softball Tournament and Family Fest 2019
Saturday, July 13 – 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Beverly Park
2460 W. 102nd St.
Chicago, IL
For more information, visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/veterans-softball-tournament-family-fest-2019-tickets-55046278902?aff=odeimcmailchimp&mc_cid=55001ae4f6&mc_eid=393b6bb968
Veterans Stand-Up Health & Resource Forum
Open to all Veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
Thursday, August 1 – 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Kroc Center
1200 W. 119th St.
Chicago, IL
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