 | Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs March 2013
Womens History Month! |
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 Gov. Quinn Forwards Veteran-Friendly Budget to the Assembly
Following Governor Pat Quinn's Budget Speech to the Illinois Assembly today, the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs (IDVA) released details on the proposed for its operation, seeking $138,179,100 to help meet the needs of the 764,000 Illinois veterans and their families. The FY2014 Budget, which must be approved by the State Assembly, represents a $10 million dollar increase over previous budgets, and the IDVA is one of four state agencies not being targeted for cuts. "As is clear in his budget, Governor Quinn remains a steadfast advocate for Illinois veterans." said Erica Borggren, Director, Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs. "The increased funding he proposes for IDVA will provide for increased staffing at our Veterans' Homes, helping us to meet our veterans' care needs." For additional details on the IDVA FY 2014 Budget, visit budget.illinois.gov or IDVA information can be found on pages 56-57 of the Agency Fact Sheets.
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Hiring Our Heroes Career Fairs
Great Opportunity for Vets Seeking New Opportunities
Chicago AND Downstate!
The state's largest veteran hiring fair is back!
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs (IDVA), and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) are working together to host the
Hiring Our Heroes Career Fair, a historic joint effort on the part of employers, nonprofits and civic organizations to create job opportunities for U.S. military veterans and their spouses through personalized engagement with corporate partners.
This event - which utilizes the innovative "smart fair" model featuring candidate pre-screening, applicant-employer matching, and onsite interviews - will connect over 1,000 veteran job-seekers with registered employers. Veterans will have a chance to showcase the skills, integrity and discipline that differentiate them from the average job-seeker - and employers will have a one-of-a-kind opportunity to review, recruit and hire America's future business leaders. When & Where: March 21, 2013 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM Palmer House Hilton 17 East Monroe Street, Chicago Downstate: For Veterans outside of Chicago - there are Hiring our Heroes events in: Joliet ( April 4); Mount Vernon (April 11); O'Fallon (April 19); and Belvidere (April 24). Details in the "Save The Date", below. Premier employers registered so far include AT&T, JPMorgan Chase, United Airlines, Pitney Bowes, Inc., and ITS Technologies and Logistics, LLC. Advanced registration is strongly suggested for Veterans and required for non-profit partners and businesses. Please visit the Hiring Ours Heroes webpage for details and registration.
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Female Navy Vet and Illini Vet Leader to be Illinois
Veteran Of The Month
The Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs will honor Savoy resident and University of Illinois student Elizabeth Ambros, a U.S. Navy veteran, as Illinois Veteran of the Month for March 2013 on Monday, March 25, at 2:30 p.m. in the lower level of the Illini Union, University of Illinois, 1401 W. Green St., Urbana, Illinois.
Ambros served as a Fleet Marine Force Corpsman for over 6 years, including an assignment as the senior medical provider in over 60 combat missions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. For more information on Ambros' military service and veteran support, please see IDVA's press release which will be published prior to the ceremony.
The Illinois Veteran of the Month program honors the work of select veterans whose contributions in service to the veteran community and their local communities are truly above and beyond. To nominate a great veteran for the honor please visit IDVA's Awards webpage. We value your input and nominations - help us honor deserving vets!
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Stand Up and Be Counted! 
Military service teaches Veterans about honor and selfless service while in uniform. Now, as veterans, we need everyone to "Stand Up and Be Counted" (SUBC) as a means of helping veterans find their voice, engage with IDVA to obtain benefits earned through tough service, and to help make a difference for the estimate 35,000 veterans who will be coming to Illinois between 2012 and 2016.
The IDVA is here to help Veterans navigate the many federal, state, and local resources and benefits available. Whether vets have specific questions or would simply like us to help identify programs and benefits for which they may be eligible, our Veteran Service Officers are standing by to help. By enrolling in SUBC you will also be assisting your fellow veterans by helping IDVA and the entire veteran advocacy community to gain a better understanding Illinois' demographics, needs and how to better serve you. This means we can better plan for future services, lobby for further federal VA funding and facilities, and generally serve Illinois' veterans better.
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Save the Date
Hiring Our Heroes Career Fair - Chicago
Palmer House Hilton, Chicago IL, Thurs., March 21; 8:30 a.m. - noon
Veteran of the Month Ceremony - University of Illinois - Urbana
Illini Union, Lower Level, 1401 W. Green St., Monday March 25 2:30 p.m.
Hiring Our Heroes Career Fair - Joliet IL
American Legion Post 1080, Joliet IL, Thurs., April 4; 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Hiring Our Heroes Career Fair - Mount Vernon IL
Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC), Belleville, IL - Sat., April 13; 8:30 a.m. - noon
Mission: Veterans 2 Entrepreneurs - Chicago IL
Univ. of Illinois - Chicago, Student Center East; Fri., April 19; 8:45 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Hiring Our Heroes Career Fair - O'Fallon IL
The Regency Conference Center, O'Fallon IL, Friday, April 19; 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Hiring Our Heroes Career Fair - Belvidere IL
UAW Union Hall, Belvidere, IL Wednesday, April 24; 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
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