VETERAN FRIENDLY

Happy President's Day!

2011-01-14T10:00:00.008-06:00

Until 1971, both February 12 and February 22 were observed as federal public holidays to honor the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln (February 12) and George Washington (February 22). In 1971 President Richard Nixon proclaimed one single federal public holiday, the Presidents' Day, to be observed on the 3rd Monday of February, honoring all past presidents of the United States of America.

GEORGE WASHINGTON (February 22, 1732 - December 14, 1799). Early in his life George Washington became an experienced surveyor. Following these years, he fought in the French and Indian War. After the war he returned to Mount Vernon in 1758, married Martha Dandridge in 1759, and became a planter. That same year he became involved in politics when he was elected representative to the Virginia House of Burgesses. He was a representative until 1774 when he became a delegate to the Continental Congress. In May of 1775 George Washington was appointed Commander of the American army during the Revolution. He was the first President, (1789 1797) governing the 13 states.

ABRAHAM LINCOLN (February 12, 1809 - April 15, 1865). Abe Lincoln was born into a poor family and had little formal schooling. He basically taught himself to read and write and walked long distances to borrow books. He failed in early business and political ventures, yet became President in 1861 and guided the Union through the Civil War. He shaped his own character and education as was evident in the simple language he used in his speeches. His famous Gettysburg Address was delivered in 1863. LincGln was assassinated on April 15, 1865 during a performance at Ford's Theatre in Washington just a few days after General Robert E. Lee and his army surrendered.

Veteran Service Officer

2007-04-30T14:38:00.001-05:00

For God and Country - The American Legion

Recently I completed training at the Veteran Business Training Center which was conducted through a collaboration of the Purple Heart Service Foundation and the Northern Virginia Community C0llege. Upon completion of this training program I will received a Certificate in Call Center Management. I feel very priviliged to have been a part of this most enterprising venture and can see exciting things happening futuristically. I say all this, to say that I volunteering in the VARO and helping Veterans with their claims . Now upon completion of the VBTC training program, I will continue to include this most important endeavor as a part of my life .

Veterans Helping Veterans

2007-04-30T13:47:00.000-05:00

City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations - Advisory Council on Veterans' Affairs

I have been an advocate for Veterans benefits and entitlements for quite some time now and continue to stive for the betterment of all veterans. I currently volunteer as a Veteran Service Officer for the Department of Illinois - American Legion located in the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs - Chicago VA Regional Office (VARO). I also was appointed by the Mayor of Chicago to serve on the Veteran Advisory Council for the city of Chicago. I have been accredited by The U.S. Dept. of Veteran Affairs to serve as an "attorney in kind" to process benefit claims and advocate for all veterans. Helping and serving veterans is a strong and passionate desire for me.

"Never forget - the higher we soar the smaller we get to those who cannot fly."

- Friedrich Nietzsche

If we are facing in the right direction, all we have to do is keep walking - Buddhist teaching

2007-04-30T11:28:00.000-05:00