Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital and Jesse Brown VA Medical Center will co-host a Veteran Resource Fair on Saturday, October 12, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., in Governors State University’s Main Lobby entrance — 1 University Parkway, University Park.
Representatives from multiple government agencies will be present to answer questions and assist with VA healthcare benefits. Veterans Benefits Administration staff also will be available to help veterans file VA disability claims. Services offered at the event include: Health care enrollment; filing a VA disability claim; toxic exposure screenings; flu shots and blood pressure checks; benefit questions; and exploring available veteran resources. Additionally, veteran nonprofit organizations will be on-site to provide valuable resources and support within the community.
“Many veterans may not know all the benefits and resources offered to them through the VA,” said Robin Brooks, Hines VA outreach coordinator and event organizer. “That’s why we’re coming to your area. I’m a veteran, and I want to help my fellow veterans access everything they’ve earned through their service.”
James Doelling, director of Hines VA, emphasized the significance of the event, stating, “Our mission is to ensure every veteran receives the support and services they deserve. This fair is a crucial step in reaching out and providing face-to-face guidance to our community.”
A complimentary lunch will be available while supplies last. Free parking also is available.
Veterans should bring a photo ID and a copy of their DD-214 certificate of release or discharge from active duty form.
Government and nonprofit organizations attending include: 100 Pretty Purses, Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Allen Force, area Vet Centers, Assisting Hands, Baby Blossoms, Bill Carol PLCCA, Buddy Check 22, Chicago Area Veterans Forum, Chicago Honor Flight, Chicago Veterans, Cook County Assessor’s and Clerk’s Offices, Flutes for Veterans, Hines and Jesse Brown Caregiver Support Programs, Hines and Jesse Brown Homeless Programs, Hines and Jesse Brown M2VA, Hines and Jesse Brown Minority Veterans Program, Hines Intimate Partner Violence Support Office, and Hines Veterans Experience Office.
Also, Help Heal Veterans, Home Town Heroes, Illinois and Indiana State Treasurer’s Office, Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs, Illinois Joining Forces, K-9 Comfort Ministry Dogs, Merging Vets with Players, National Financial Literacy Campaign, Post 311 VFW, Prairie State Legal, Project Headspace and Timing, Roseland VFW, Sen. Tammy Duckworth’s Office, Serenity House Counseling Services, Synapse House, T-Mobile, Thresholds of Kankakee and Cook County, Top Flight Defense, VA Vocational Rehabilitation, VA Women’s Health Program, Veiled Valor, VIP Service Dog, Volunteers of America, and Wounded Warrior Foundation.