Stuart Encourages Veterans to Attend Benefits Fair at American Legion

COLLINSVILLE, Ill. – To connect local veterans with over 3 dozen local, state and federal organizations that provide services and benefits to veterans and active military personnel, state Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, is hosting a veterans’ benefits fair on Wednesday, Aug. 30from 10 a.m. until noon at the American Legion Post #365 located at 1022 Vandalia St. in Collinsville.

“It is possible that many veterans may not be aware of different services and benefits that these organizations provide, or may not be aware that they are eligible for certain programs,” Stuart said. “It is my hope that my free veterans’ benefits fair can bring all of these services under one roof in a local, accessible place.”

Attendees to the fair are also encouraged to donate cell phones that are old or unneeded to Cell Phones for Soldiers. The organization then uses the donated cell phones to buy calling cards for military members serving abroad. The permanent drop off location for these devices is at Stuart’s full time constituent office, located at 2105 Vandalia St., Unit #16 in Collinsville.

Over 3 dozen organizations will be in attendance, including the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs, Madison County Veterans Assistance Commission, Southwestern Illinois College, Ameren, the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office, the Illinois State Comptroller’s Office, Supportive Services for Veteran Families, Madison County Transit, National Alliance on Mental Illness and the Illinois Department of Employment Security.

“We want to make sure that we can help as many local veterans as possible, and we want to ensure that nobody is left out because they are unable to attend. I encourage anyone who has a loved one who is a veteran to attend in order to receive all information possible about services that these organizations provide to retired military members.”