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New Program to Help Illinois Vets

Rich Egger

Illinois Governor Pat Quinn announced a newly launched public-private partnership designed to improve services for Illinois veterans, military personnel and their families.

Quinn said  Illinois Joining Forces will increase collaboration and make sure veterans find out about services available to them, such as health care and jobs programs.

"We cannot have our service members who fought in Baghdad or now in Kabul or elsewhere in Afghanistan -- they fought there, they shouldn't have to fight for a job when they come home," Quinn said. 

More than 250 groups are participating, including the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs.

The Illinois Joining Forces website is up and running, but its home page said Superstorm Sandy "caused technical difficulties and has delayed the launch of the full online platform" until November 19.

Ultimately, it will include a searchable database for resources in education, job training and other services.

Quinn has been a strong supporter of veterans and the military. He said all Illinois residents owe veterans their gratitude.

Thanks to Illinois Public Radio

Rich is TSPR's News Director.