Just in time for the 2012 road construction season, IDVA is partnering with its sister agency, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), to make Illinois veterans aware of information pertaining to well-paying job opportunities as highway maintainers.

Through the end of March, local elected officials and multiple state agencies are hosting 9 information sessions where veterans can meet with personnel and learn about the application and testing process for these jobs. Representatives from IDOT, Illinois Central Management Services (CMS), and Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) are participating in the events.

Dozens of veterans and numerous organizations have jumped on board with our efforts help employers find the right veterans to hire. If you missed our special email earlier this week, read on to find out more.

Join us as we "build the pipeline" of veterans to connect with the many employers who approach us for help.

Partners Needed!

Are you an organization with job-seeking veterans? Partner with us. IDVA is looking for partner organizations with detailed knowledge on their members or clientele (work history, educational background, etc.) to assist in identifying veterans suited for particular job opportunities. To sign up as a partner organization, please contact IDVA Assistant Director Rodrigo Garcia at [email protected] or (312) 814-2744.

Calling All Veteran Job-Seekers: Sign up Now!

Job-seeking veterans -- whether unemployed, underemployed, or just seeking a change -- should enroll in the Illinois' new, free jobs site, Illinois Job Link (IJL). IJL is an Internet-based job search tool that features current job openings and includes both statewide and nationwide job banks. By enrolling in IJL, veterans will be able to navigate job opportunities; may qualify for assistance from IDES's veteran employment representatives; and will be included in the main database used to search for qualified veterans as IDVA and IDES work directly with major employers seeking to hire veterans.

For advanced job notifications for veterans, skill certification and training programs, and access to other services, sign up for a "Plus Account" today, it's free! For additional information on setting up an account, FAQ's, and IJL resources, please visit IDES's website.

This is a big one! Be sure to mark your calendars for the Hiring Our Heroes Employment Fair set for Wednesday, March 28, 2012 at The Hilton Chicago, 720 South Michigan Avenue.

Sponsored by the US Chamber of Commerce, this event should see 200-plus employers and more than 1,500 veterans in attendance. The event is free for employers, as well as veterans, Guard and Reserve members, and eligible spouses.

Please join IDVA as we honor those served and perished serving our country during the 21st anniversary of Operation Desert Storm.

This special Desert Storm Remembrance Day ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2012 in the Michael J. Howlett Building's Hall of Flags, located at 2nd & Edwards Street in Springfield.

Illinois lost 14 courageous service members during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm.

"Terry Vance is an exceptional veteran who continues to put the needs of others above his own," said IDVA Director Erica Borggren. "He served our country in Vietnam and, as a leader with many veterans' organizations, has been a strong, lifelong advocate for his fellow veterans." 

Vance served as a radio operator with the 51st Airborne Infantry Long Range Patrol Company "F" Special Operations from 1967-1968. He received an honorable discharged in 1969 after suffering combat-related injuries. He is being honored by IDVA and his peers for his 40-plus years of service to the local veterans' community.

 Vance's personal and professional achievements include:

• For his military service, he earned the Silver Star, Purple Heart, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, Vietnam Service Medal with two bronze stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal, National Defense Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Good Conduct Medal, and Parachutist Badge.
• On the home front, he joined the VFW in 1971 and established a distinguished record of service at the Post, District and Department levels, obtaining status of All-American District-7 commander and also serving as National Aid-de-Camp. He is a life member of the VFW, American Legion, Disabled American Veterans and AMVETS.
• Professionally, Vance worked as a food service industry executive, retiring in 1991 from Panama LTD, Inc. as the company's President and CEO.

To nominate a "Veteran of the Month," please visit IDVA's website at www.veterans.illinois.gov to obtain a list of guidelines and a nomination form.

Stand Up and

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