Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs Hosts Helping Our Hometown Heroes Event in Collinsville

COLLINSVILLE - The Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs (IDVA) hosted a Helping Our Hometown Heroes event today at the American Legion Post 365 in Collinsville, for local Veterans, their families, and friends.  Various federal, state and local organizations came together for the event that was dedicated to assisting Illinois' military heroes and their families in getting all the benefits they rightfully deserve. 

"The Helping Our Hometown Heroes events are a great opportunity for our Veterans and their families to receive one-on-one assistance from professionals who know the resources available to help take care of our service men and women.  It is also a great way to learn about state and federal benefits.  I urge all Veterans, their families, friends, and other members of the community to come out to a Helping Our Hometown Heroes event," said Director Grant.

The Helping Our Hometown Heroes event in Collinsville ran from 10:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., and included informational booths, presentations, and one-on-one assistance from experts in a variety of areas including healthcare, employment, housing, education, and more. 

Federal, state and local agencies and organizations from Madison County participated in today's special event including:  American Red Cross Scott Air Force Base; Area Agency on Aging, Cedarhurst Assisted Living; Challenge Unlimited Inc.; Land of Lincoln Legal Inc.; Congressman John Shimkus; East St. Louis Vet Center; Farm Resource Center;  Huffman Law Offices; IL Dept of Transportation; IL Department of Veterans' Affairs; Madison County Employment and Training; Madison-St Clair Veterans Assistance Commission; SC Care and Associates; St Louis VA Medical Center; St Louis VA Medical Center OEF/OIF Management team and Tracy Black

 IDVA will host Helping Our Hometown Heroes events at locations across the state over the next few months.  All local Veterans, family members, friends and neighbors are welcome and encouraged to attend.