Manley Encourages Community Members to Write Letters of Support to Veterans During the Holidays

ROMEOVILLE, Ill. – With the holiday season here, state Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, is highlighting an opportunity for residents to give back to veterans residing at the state veterans’ homes by writing appreciation letters.

“This holiday season, spending time with friends and loved ones is something that many look forward to,” said Manley. “However, not everyone has the ability to travel or see their friends and family during the holidays, including veterans in our state veterans’ homes. To help ensure that veterans across our state know that they are appreciated, I encourage everyone to take a few minutes and send our veterans a note expressing their support.”

In order to ensure that veterans in the state-run veterans’ homes know that they are appreciated this holiday season and beyond, the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs (IDVA) launched Operation Rising Spirit this week. IDVA will collect and distribute notes of support and appreciation to veterans residing in the state’s five veterans’ homes. Residents who wish to provide a letter of appreciation may submit one online at veterans.illinois.gov/services-benefits/homes/send-a-note.html or send it to:

Crystal Womack
The Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs
Central Office
833 South Spring Street
Springfield, IL 62794-9432

“With all that they have sacrificed to keep us safe, it is important that veterans know that they are not forgotten and are appreciated each and every day,” said Manley. “This holiday season is the perfect time to remind our veterans how much we care about them. I would like to thank the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs for all that they do for veterans across our state and for giving residents the opportunity to show their support to our veterans this holiday season.”