Spreading the word on veterans programs

Though the last few years have seen improvement, Tammy Duckworth said she doesn't think enough veterans take advantage of government services.

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, only 7.9 million of the 24 million veterans nationwide are enrolled in the VA health care system.

It could be veterans don't know about the services offered, or it could be a matter of pride, said Duckworth, director of the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs.

But whatever the reason, veterans need to know they've earned these benefits, which can help them and their families.

"They think they're OK, and they don't want to burden the services," said Duckworth. "But they need to know that we're here for them, they've earned these benefits, they need to come in and sign up."

Duckworth joined several veterans groups Monday at an open house at the Schaumburg Township Building in Hoffman Estates.

The event showcased a variety of services from groups including the state's department on aging and health care and human services.

Information on helping veterans become schoolteachers, get better prescription drugs benefits or even become entrepreneurs was also available.

Veterans had a chance to network and share information. Duckworth noted newer programs, such as the GI Home Loan program, are ready to be used.

"Hopefully, someone who was here will talk to another vet and say, 'By the way, did you know about these benefits?'" Duckworth said.

Veteran Earl Roberts of Schaumburg suffered through multiple knee operations and still wears a brace on his right leg -- the result of injuries sustained while serving in Europe in the 1960s, he said.

He was eager to hear how Duckworth and U.S. Rep. Melissa Bean of Barrington would help his fellow veterans, especially in the wake of the discovery earlier this year of mistreated veterans at Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington, D.C.

He said Americans ignore current veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan in the same manner veterans from his era are ignored.

"The situation that veterans are facing is really ridiculous," he said.

While Bean updated the audience Monday on pending legislation for veterans benefits, Roberts said Congress is focused too much on foreign affairs without spending enough time on domestic matters.

For Michael Barnett, who works for the state's department of veterans affairs and helps run a veterans nursing home in downstate Manteno, the message remained the same -- his groups need better funding to offer better services.

"It would be great if we had more money," he said.

Duckworth, who lives in Hoffman Estates, lost both her legs in 2004 in Iraq after the helicopter she was piloting was shot down. She said her office is ready to be contacted by veterans and their friends and families.

Bean lauded Duckworth's efforts since Duckworth was appointed last year as director of veterans' affairs.

"I'm glad our offices at the state and federal levels are working close together on legislative initiatives and resources for our community vets who have selflessly served our nation," Bean said.