Lemont, IL –State Senator Christine Radogno (R-Lemont), State Representative Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs), and State Representative Ron Sandack (R-Downers Grove) are inviting area veterans and their families to attend their 2015 Veterans Expo and Blood Drive in Downers Grove. The event will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 7th at the American Legion Post 80, 4000 Saratoga Avenue in Downers Grove. If you are interested in donating blood, you are encouraged to call LifeSource at 877-543-3768 to schedule an appointment.
“We can never forget about the debt we owe to the men and women who fight to protect us,” Radogno said. “That’s why I’m always proud to help cut through the maze of bureaucracy and confusion surrounding the services available to our veterans and their families. I hope we see you on November 7th; we’ll be ready with answers and assistance.
“This event is for veterans of all ages. Whether you are a younger veteran returning home from service and looking for educational or employment opportunities or an older veteran in need of health care, housing or a new driver’s license, we will have a variety of experts on hand to help guide you,” said Durkin.
More than 40 community partners will have booths set up under one roof to answer questions and provide information to veterans. Participants include:
AIM Center for Independent Living, American Legion Post 80, Department of Central Management Services, DeVry Military Resource Center, DuPage County Circuit Court Clerk, DuPage County Office of Homeland Security, DuPage County Sheriff’s Office, DuPage County Veteran Assistance Commission, DuPage County Workforce Development Division, Habitat for Humanity, Hines V.A. Hospital, IBEW Local 701, Illinois Department of Employment Security, Illinois Department of Human Services, Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs, Illinois Housing Development Authority, Illinois Student Assistance Commission, Illinois Warrior to Warrior, Javita, Larlin School of Healthcare, LifeSource, Magellan Healthcare, Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans, Office of the Illinois Attorney General, Office of the Illinois Comptroller, Office of the Illinois Secretary of State, Illinois State Library, Office of the Illinois Treasurer, PACE, PAWS Assisting Wounded Warriors, Rush University Medical Center, S.C.A.R.C.E., the John Marshall Law School, Transitional Living Services for Veterans, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Consultants, Inc. and Volunteers of America Illinois.
Special events and offerings will include:
Mobile Health Clinic – Hines V.A. Hospital
Obtain a Veteran’s Driver’s License
Information on I-Cash, apprenticeship opportunities, legal support, job opportunities, home ownership,education benefits, the Illinois Family Military Leave Act and much more.
"This event is an important element of constituent service designed specifically to help those who have helped our society the most," said State Representative Ron Sandack (R-Downers Grove). "We recognize that our veterans face unique challenges based on their experiences while serving our country, and I'm hopeful that participating agency representatives at this expo can provide beneficial assistance to address veterans' needs."