Local veterans met with U.S. Rep. Bob Dold (R-Kenilworth) to discuss how to bridge the gap between veterans and the help and resources available to them.
That apparent disconnect was the biggest concern for many on Monday, May 11, at Dold’s district office in Lincolnshire. It was one of three events he held that day throughout the 10th district in honor of Military Appreciation Month.
“We want to use your creativity and brainpower as to what we can be doing,” Dold told the attentive group. “We really want to be focused on what we can do to drive some solutions. I have found in the past that groups like this have really been able to drive the agenda on what we can be doing in the 10th district.”
The group discussed issues such as unemployment, benefits, post-traumatic stress disorder, suicide and more for almost an hour, many staying after it was over to continue the discussion. They offered understanding and support and pooled their knowledge and resources, some of which were news to others there.
“(Veterans) have no idea about their benefits,” said Michael Peck, superintendent of the Veterans Assistance Commission (VAC) of Lake County, adding they’ve tried for six years to set up a veterans resource center. “It’s very difficult to get to the right desk. We need a one-stop shop for education, employment, claims and benefits.”
VAC is “the best kept secret,” he joked, when one veteran commented he hadn’t been aware of the group.
Oliver Cachola, a younger vet who returned from active duty more recently, said he knows younger vets who are unemployed and have no idea about the resources available to them.
“I think we can do a better job of putting (information) out there,” he said, advocating social media to get in touch with younger vets.
Stable employment and housing were the two main concerns they heard from people throughout the day, Dold said. He informed the group about a job fair on May 27 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Golf Mill Shopping Center in Niles, where 30 employers will be present and the first portion will be reserved for veterans only.
Veterans understand leadership, take direction well and are adaptable, Dold said. He wanted to connect such veterans with jobs and educational institutions that help “bridge the gap” between the veteran and human resources departments, which may not take well to seeing “sniper” on a resume.
In addition to veteran unemployment and homelessness, Dold addressed PTSD and veteran suicide. Every day, 22 veterans commit suicide nationally, something the congressman called “an all-too-common occurrence.” He urged all to attend an upcoming Workout for Warriors on May 22 in Gurnee, to raise awareness about veteran suicide.
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Christine Won is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
Workout for Warriors: End Veteran Suicide
What: Discussion with Rep. Dold to learn about local resources addressing veteran suicide. Veterans Affairs caseworkers will be available to address questions.
Why: In memory of Sgt. Daniel Nerstrom, whose body was found March 13 along Metra tracks in downtown Libertyville. He committed suicide after struggling since returning from his 12-month deployment in Iraq in 2006.
When: May 22, 5:30 p.m. Optional workout at 6 p.m.
Where: CrossFit UXO/Vigilant Elite Training, 905 Lakeside Drive, Suite 5, in Gurnee
Contact: 847-445-6133 or [email protected]