As you may have heard, I have been nominated by Governor Pat Quinn to take the helm at the Illinois Department of Transportation and so will be departing IDVA for that assignment at the end of this week.  I am deeply honored to have been asked to lead the IDOT mission, even as I know a piece of my heart will stay behind at IDVA. 

I leave knowing that much has been done to equip and serve Illinois' veterans and their families in the last three years - from legislation for veteran benefits and hiring tax credits, to the stand-up of programs for women veterans and veteran entrepreneurs, to a massive, interagency effort to make military training count on campus and toward state licenses.  Beyond that, our Illinois Joining Forces partnership with the Illinois National Guard and now nearly 200 other organizations is creating a stronger, more navigable system of military and veteran support in Illinois.  I am deeply grateful to the IDVA staff - and their many partners - who have done the heavy lifting behind these impactful efforts.

Indeed, the IDVA team has an critical mission and is doing it in awesome fashion.  The work that our more than 1,300 employees do is tough work - often heart-wrenching work - but it makes a tremendous difference in the lives of veterans in our four Veterans' Homes, in our field offices, and in our many special programs and projects that support veterans.   

We at IDVA have been joined in our advocacy and support efforts by hundreds of partner organizations equally committed to empowering veterans to thrive.  No one organization can do it all, and I am grateful for the leadership and hands-on service of the many  Veteran Service Organizations and non-profit organizations that continually support Illinois veterans.  The veteran support community here in Illinois is strong and defined by strong relationships; it's been a privilege to be a part of this community.

Just as importantly, we at IDVA have been joined by you - fellow veterans committed to lives of meaning and service well after you take off the uniform.  I remain strongly convinced that our veterans are tremendous assets to our communities and our companies.  As I've traveled the state to attend events, support programs, and honor veterans, I always found you - proud veterans, continuing to serve - at the heart of those efforts.  Working to support you and develop programs to help all of us achieve and contribute has been immensely rewarding. 

There will always be work in our important mission that is not quite done.  On this, I rest assured knowing that you will be in the great hands of Assistant Director - soon to be Acting Director - Rodrigo Garcia.  He will take over formally on Friday, July 11 and hit the ground running to work with and support you.

I have loved being part of the IDVA team these last three years and am grateful for the memories and relationships that I will take with me to IDOT.  Thanks for soldiering alongside all of us at IDVA in serving those who have served! 

With gratitude, 

Erica J. Borgren

Director, IDVA, 2011-2014