Interveterans December

 No Interveterans council meeting in December.  Next Interveterans Council Meeting Jan 31 at 7PM.

Next Veterans Assistance Commission Meeting January 17, 2024 at VFW Post 755

VFW 755 is having a food drive 

Vietnam Memorial Christmas Remembrance December 2, 1:00 PM

Pearl Harbor Remembrance Ceremony Dec 7, 2023 at the Elks Club on Lake Springfield.

This is last year's flyer and will be replaced with the updated flyer when available.  The Statehouse wreath from Wreaths Across America will be introduced during this ceremony.

Wreaths Across America At Camp Butler Saturday Dec 16, 2023 at 11AM

https://www.facebook.com/WAACampButler

Operation Red Sleigh

Veterans Scratch off Lottery Ticket

The first specialty lottery ticket for veterans, Winter Winnings, was launched in 2006, and is the first lottery game in the United States to designate 100 percent of net proceeds to veterans. The Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs awards these funds in the form of cash grants. On a quarterly basis, IDVA's Cash Grant Committee accepts and reviews applications from veterans organizations that address job placement and training, disability benefits, PTSI research and treatment, homelessness, and long-term care.   https://veterans.illinois.gov/programs/veterans-cash.html

Cookies with Santa Dec 9 at Northenders VFW Post 10302

VAC Superintendent position  https://myvac.org/about-the-vac/vac-careers/superintendent/

https://www.whig.com/news/community/veterans-assistance-commission-searching-for-superintendent/article_20da17f8-735f-11ee-bcb1-df4ecc0cddfb.html?fbclid=IwAR3G3gdF6Mn2NoZnbUFuOJ82abkVmkBDSbnwvAhhG24K05J_sVKFbhdxhL4

OPERATION RISING SPIRIT ENCOURAGES LETTERS OF SUPPORT TO ILLINOIS VETERANS DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON

The Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs launches letter-writing campaign to show support to veterans in their care at its five residential homes

SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs (IDVA) today launched the 2023 "Operation Rising Spirit," campaign encouraging service organizations, schools, communities, and individuals to write letters of appreciation and support to veterans residing at the state veterans' homes in Anna, Chicago, LaSalle, Manteno, and Quincy.

“Last year, over 5,000 letters were distributed to veterans in our care which provided an abundance of holiday cheer into the homes,” said Director Terry Prince. “We encourage volunteer groups, families, and schools to participate in this kind gesture of gratitude to Illinois veterans.”

To participate, notes may be sent directly to the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs. Letters will be disseminated equally to the five homes:

Crystal Womack

The Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs

Central Office

833 South Spring Street

Springfield, IL 62794-9432

Notes may also be sent directly through the IDVA website: https://www2.illinois.gov/veterans/services%20benefits/homes/Pages/send-a-note.aspx

Interveterans November

  Next Interveterans Council Meeting Nov 29, 2023 at 7PM

Next Veterans Assistance Commission of Sangamon County meeting will be April 2024 at VFW post 755.

Here's what to know about Springfield's Veterans Day events and what's open or closed

https://www.sj-r.com/story/news/military/veterans/2023/11/07/the-veterans-day-parade-in-springfield-il-is-saturday/71420753007/

The Mayor’s Veterans Reception will be at American Legion 809 on 11/10 beginning at 5:00 P.M.

Just a reminder that the Mayor’s Veterans Reception is 11/10/2023 at 5:00 at the American Legion Post 809.

Any questions, please call me.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

Mike Disco

Chief of Staff

City of Springfield

800 E. Monroe, Suite 300

Springfield, IL 62701

mike.disco@springfield.il.us

O – 217-789-2200

F – 217-789-2109

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Open to all 

Navy/Marine Corps Ball 

November 4th 2023
Meal catered by Fulgenzi
Catering
Dress: Formal/Semi Formal Uniforms are encouraged
5:30pm to Midnight
Guest Speaker and traditional ceremonies
Entertainment Provided.
Location: Leatherneck Motorcycle Club/Navy Club
3100 Stanton
Springfield, Illinois
tickets $26
Contact:  Tara Anderson 217-720-8257 

or Phil Brown 217-971-5430, for tickets.

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Mission BBQ free sandwich on Veterans Day

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It is starting to be that time of year where everyone starts thinking about sponsoring a Veteran Wreath or two.

You can always sponsor online at www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/IL0007

Or

You can complete the attached form and mail it along with a check.

All sponsorships need to be in by the end of November for 2023 placement.

If you are wanting to sponsor a gravesite specific wreath you need to make sure you follow the steps below online.

-Click on the link above, then click on Sponsor Wreath.

-Popup window will open, look to the lower right for Grave Specific and click on it

-A new popup window will open and from here complete the steps.

This is the only way to make sure you have a wreath for a specific gravesite, all other requests are just for general sponsorship and not for individual orders for pickup.

If you have any questions or need help, please message me.

Thanks

Libby

Wreaths Across America

Location Coordinator for Camp Butler National Cemetery

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Reminder if your a veteran or have a family member that is a veteran we are giving a free 40 minute airplane ride at Thorp’s airfield November 11 starting at 10 am to 2 pm.

Help us spread the word to other local veterans as well.

We have 4 airplanes coming and a biplane to honor our local veterans for the free flight as a thank you for their service.

Potluck lunch and several songs to videos already written to local veterans stories will be played.

Every vet attending will receive information to have a song written for free of their service time by a group of Nashville songwriters.

Please call me if you have a veteran interested in attending at 2178532530 as space is limited and filling up fast.

Gos bless our veterans!

VETERANS DAY

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11^TH

FREE HAM & BEANS AT POST 32

11 a.m. – 2 p.m. or when it’s gone!

REMEMBER TO HONOR OUR SISTER

& BROTHER VETERANS

AND THOSE SERVING.

FREE EARLY BIRD LUNCH, Sunday, November 12, Noon – 2 p.m.  Are your 2024 Dues Paid?  If not, you can pay at the door and you and a guest receive a FREE LUNCH, at your American Legion Post 32, 1120 Sangamon Avenue. 

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Veterans Day is right around the corner. Springfield High School’s National Honor Society is looking to give back by raking as many local veterans lawns as possible. If you are a veteran, or know a veteran, please reach out to the contact information below to sign-up.

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FREE Veterans Presentation/Open Door @ Post 32

Wednesday, November 8 2023 | 11:30 AM American Legion Post 32 1120 E Sangamon Ave | Springfield, IL 62702 Call, text or email to sign up: 217-544-4646 or Kelli.Maple@DignityMemorial.com

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2023 Veterans Day "Wall of Honor" sponsored by the Illinois Senate Republican Caucus in the Illinois State Capitol

PLEASE NOTE, THIS IS NOT CONSIDERED A “POLITICAL” MESSAGE BY OUR JUDGE ADVOCATE, SO WE ARE SENDING IT TO OUR MEMBERSHIP.

Thank you!

Dear Veterans and Military Members:

Illinois veterans deserve our utmost honor, respect, and remembrance. They dedicated their lives to protect our country, freedom, and others around the world. While we can never do enough for these brave men and women, small tokens of appreciation can go a long way in honoring them and showing younger generations the impact that our veterans have on the fabric of our country and our lives. 

To show our appreciation for their sacrifices, the Illinois Senate Republican Caucus is showcasing our veterans’ legacy of service. This year, we are encouraging everyone across the state to submit a photograph and written story of any veteran, which will be displayed on the Veterans Day “Wall of Honor” in the Capitol Rotunda from November 7 to November 20. With Veterans Day November 11, it’s a perfect opportunity to tell the amazing stories of our heroes to those who visit our State Capitol.

 

You can help us publicize this effort and encourage Illinoisans to submit a veteran’s name, his/her story, and photograph. Ask them to email a photo and written story (max: 250 words) along with the following information: name, military branch (Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, National Guard, Navy) and conflict served (Afghanistan, Iraq, September 11, Gulf War, Vietnam, Korea, WWII, WWI, Peacetime, other). Military photos are preferred but not necessary.

Please email submissions to veteransday@sgop.ilga.gov by November 6. Submissions can also be mailed to Veterans Day “Wall of Honor”, 110D Statehouse, Springfield, IL 62706. For questions, please call (217) 782-7219.

With your help, the Veterans Day “Wall of Honor” will be a touching tribute to our veterans and their families. Thank you!

State Sen. Sally J. Turner

44th Senate District

Casandra "Casie" Blue

Legislative Aide

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Senator Sally Turner

44th District Office

120 S. McLean St. 

Suite E

Lincoln, Il 62656

217.651.8291

cblue@ilsenategop.org

turner@ilsenategop.org

SenatorSallyTurner.com

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6th Annual Campout 4 Homeless Veterans

When: Saturday Nov 4  3:00 - Sunday

Location: 200 N. Grand Ave. Medics First

Weather: 62 ° Low 45°

Daylight Saving time: Remember to Turn clocks BACK at 2:00 AM

6th Annual Campout 4 Homeless Veterans

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When was the last time you treated your family to a nice steak dinner AND donated part of your bill back to a great organization?!? Please mark your calendars for November 19 - 22 to Dine and Donate at the Texas Roadhouse! Please tell your waitstaff you’re there to dine and donate to Gold Star Mission so 10% of your total dinner will be donated back to us!

Make it a Texas Roadhouse night and share this post with all your friends and family!

Always Remember! ~ Never Forget!

Interveterans October

 Next Interveterans Council Meeting Oct 25, 2023 at 7PM

Next Veterans Assistance Commission of Sangamon County meeting will be Oct 18, 2023 at VFW post 755.

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 Unaccompanied Service - Camp Butler National Cemetery Oct 4, 2023 9AM.

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VA announced that Veterans, and their families, caregivers, and survivors now have access to expanded burial benefits to help with end-of-life expenses related to a Veteran’s gravesite, burial, funeral and transportation of remains to their final resting place. Burial benefits are available to individuals who pay for a Veteran’s burial and funeral costs that are not reimbursed by any other organization. The updated burial benefits are:

 

1.       Expanded reimbursement of transportation expenses, to include costs for transporting remains, to state or Tribal Veterans' cemeteries in addition to previously eligible national cemeteries.

2.       Broadened eligibility to more individuals who are eligible to receive the transportation benefit.

3.       Instituted a more generous single payment rate for non-service-connected burial benefits.

4.       Extended the VA plot or interment allowance to Tribal organizations.

“Last fiscal year, VA delivered more than 84,000 burial benefits to families of Veterans,” said VA Under Secretary for Benefits Joshua Jacobs. “Expanding burial benefits means we are able to ensure Veterans are honored in their final resting place, and assist their family, caregivers, and survivors during the difficult time of their loved one’s passing.”

 

VA provides burial benefits for all legal burial types, including cremation, burial at sea, and donation of remains to a medical school. Eligible individuals include a surviving spouse or legal partner, surviving child, parent or executor of the Veteran’s estate. Additionally, VA may pay burial benefits to a funeral home or third party who handled burial arrangements for a Veteran whose remains are unclaimed.

 

Veterans are encouraged to plan with end-of-life benefits provided by VA. These benefits include VA life insurance, care preferences, survivor benefits, and burial benefits that can be applied for in advance of a Veteran’s passing. Visit www.va.gov/plan-ahead to learn more.

 

There is no time limit to file for a service-connected burial, plot or interment allowance, or the transportation benefit. However, claims for non-service-connected burial benefits must be filed within two years of the Veteran’s burial or cremation. A non-service-connected burial benefit is one where the cause of death was not related to military service.

 

Learn more about burial benefits and additional information regarding flags, headstones, and markers. 

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The Staab Family's 10th Annual Ride in Honor is coming up on October 8th! Join us for a tour of our area's Veterans memorials and a time of food and fellowship at the VFW Lafore Lock Post 755 afterward. We are excited to show our support and raise money for our Veterans!

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Wreaths Across America at Camp Butler  is in the planning

Teacher resources. 

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Quilt Raffle for Honor Flight

Interveterans September

 Next Interveterans Council meeting of Sangamon County meets Wed Sep 27, 2023 at the Navy Club

Feed the Vet's and their Families dinner Sep 10, 2023, noon-4PM at Post 804

Chatham American Legion Golf outing Sep 13.  Only a couple weeks left for sponsorship and golfer gifts - Our only summer fund raiser. It’s really important to participate.

 

Do you have new gifts sitting in a closet that you plan on regifting? How about gift certificates you haven’t used? If you can help us with gifts under $50.00 it would be greatly appreciated.  Do you have a favorite restaurant, oil change place or business? Just ask if they have a service or item to donate for our door prizes and gift bags. We like all of our golfers to walk out with something, it brings them back next year. Our gift donations are running way behind this year, so even a cash donation would allow us to purchase gifts.  We will be at the hall Tuesday, September 12^th, between 6:30 and 8:00 PM to receives items, team registrations, and sponsor information.

 

We need Hole Sponsors. Do you have a business you deal with frequently? It can’t hurt to ask. $100.00 and they get a really nice sign placed on the golf course and also listed on our Sponsor Banner.  Would you like to honor have a Veteran or Family member an annual sponsorship?  To get the signs printed we need to have the information by Monday, September 11^th.

Use the files attached to this email to help with your sponsorships or your team registration. Information https://chathamlegion.com/2023-legionnaires-foundation-golf-outing/

 

Please put a team together and join us for a fun day of golf and friendship. We even throw in a prize or two.  The outing is open to the public.

Due to the popularity of the 3-day ride and 1-day ride options, we will be offering limited slots for each.
On September 19, 2023 cyclists will begin a 500-mile bicycle journey, known as the Gold Star 500, through communities like Springfield, Litchfield, Sparta, Harrisburg, and Effingham. This is our seventh annual event (virtual in 2020) which works to preserve the legacy and honor of those military service men and service women from Illinois who have made the ultimate sacrifice in support of service to this great nation. This 5 day, 500-mile cycling event will use proceeds to fund scholarships in the name of our Fallen Military Service Members, thus preserving their legacy forever.
This ride raises funds through event registration, fund raising and generous donations, and uses those funds to carry on the names and the stories of the Fallen Military Service Members. The Gold Star Mission intends to help those in need, through the establishment of scholarship opportunities. The scholarships preserve the Fallen Military Service Member's name forever and shows the same act of compassion to others which their service exemplified.
Want a small taste of what it is like to be on the ride, watch this video.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/rj415bg4wjnt5z5/GSM%20-%20Peoria%20Welcome%20%2810.2.19%29.mov?fbclid=IwAR34kQquDZ_2iW3TpziM9bcZNnOHURyp6U6p3cBDjRZc4z0h-xetHu_0HfU

Come and join our mission.
www.goldstarmission.org
Place
PO BOX 9785
Springfield, IL US 62791
WHAT WE DO

PAY TRIBUTE TO FALLEN HEROES AND THEIR FAMILIES. 

See the schedule for the Gold Star Ride:

Operation Camp out Sep 23, 2023

Posting a link to our new caretaker position at Camp Butler National Cemetery.  Please forward to your organizations.  Term position of 1 to 4 years (usually hired as permanent within that time frame).

 

USAJOBS - Job Announcement

Illinois State Military Museum

Field Artillery through Time will be on September 9, 2023. The 122nd & 123rd Field Artillery units will be on hand along with a Civil War Field Artillery unit and our Living History Detachment to teach you about the Field Artillery in Illinois through history. Firing demonstrations will take place at 11:00a.m. & 1:00 p.m. and will include a Civil War Cannon and a 105 Howitzer (modern Artillery piece). Please bring your own hearing protection. For any questions call 217-761-3910.

Join VA’s virtual class, Agent Orange: What You Need to Know, and learn about Agent Orange exposure, related health conditions, benefits, information for Blue Water Navy Veterans, and other recent updates including how the PACT Act impacts you. This free class takes place on Thursday, September 21, from 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. ET. You can attend through your personal computer, smart phone, or tablet.  

To learn more about this class and sign up, see the class flyer at Agent Orange: What You Need to Know (va.gov)