State Senator Christine Radogno (R-Lemont), State Representative Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs), and State Representative David S. Olsen (R-Downers Grove) are inviting area veterans and their families to attend their 2016 Veterans Expo and Blood Drive in Downers Grove. The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 10th 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.
“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 photo ID, we will have a variety of experts on hand to help guide you,” said Durkin.
“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 September 10th; we’ll be ready with answers and assistance.”
Thirty-seven community partners will have booths set up under one roof to answer questions and provide information to veterans. Participants include: Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, AIM Center for Independent Living, American Legion Post 80, Covenant Care at Home, Department of Central Management Services, Downers Grove American Legion, 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, Honor Flight Chicago, IBEW Local 701, Illinois Department of Employment Security, Illinois Department of Human Services, Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs, Illinois Student Assistance Commission, Illumident Incorporated, 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, The Soldier Project, Transitional Living Services for Veterans, Unit 80 Women’s Auxillary, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 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.
“Our veterans often face unique challenges when they return from active duty, and this expo brings together close to 40 agencies that can provide assistance and address their specific needs,” said Olsen. “I’m honored co-host this important event that could make a real difference in the lives of veterans.”
Additional information on all participants and events can be found on the lawmakers’ websites at www.senatorradogno.org , www.ilhousegop.org or www.repolsen.com. You can also call Sen. Radogno’s district office at 630-243-0800, Rep. Durkin’s office at 630-325-2028 or Rep. Olsen’s office at 630-737-0504.
