All the planning in getting this program up and running was through the efforts of two volunteers and two employees who were given the task of researching the resources available. They communicated with the Veterans Administration Center, and Mr. Frank C. Bottigliero, Director of Veterans Affairs for Norridge and Leyden Township.

Mr. Frank C. Bottigliero provided training to Four (4) individuals: Jim Felten, Bob Przyborowski (volunteers) and Anna Newell, Rose Szyszka (Schaumburg Township employees). Training was completed in February 2004.

This VIP program is a cooperative venture between the VA and Schaumburg Township, and complements the Township's existing Disability and Senior Services programs.

All of our Veteran volunteers are eager to assist the veteran and their families with the following Federal Benefits.

• Education
• Life Insurance
• Housing
• Disability Compensation and Pension
• Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Benefits
• Health Care
• Family and Survivor Benefits
• Burial Benefits

State of Illinois Benefits:

• Jobs for Vets
• Scholarships & Grants for Veterans & their Dependents
• Specially Adapted Housing Assistance
• Hunting & Fishing Privileges
• Special License Plates
• Etc.

Every Illinois Unemployment Office has a veteran counselor willing to assist veterans with finding a job. The Veteran Representative LVR for our area is Andrew Michnowski, 723 W. Algonquin Rd., Arlington Heights, IL 60005, 847-981-7400 ext. 256. The Disabled Veterans Outreach Program Specialist is Michael Poyma; he is at the same address. Mr. Poyma's phone number is 847-981-7400 ext. 268.

Cook County Veteran Benefits:

• One Time Assistance Only -Emergency Housing, Food Certificates
• Bill Payment
• Burial Assistance
• Job Training Assistance

Veterans may qualify for some or all of the above benefits. Let our Veteran's Information Team assist you with your questions. Call 847-884-0030 ext. 2025 to schedule an appointment. The Team will also provide you with information on other Township programs you and your family may be eligible for.

Schaumburg Township is also fortunate to have three (3) Veteran organizations within their borders. They are:

Schaumburg VFW Post 2202
Commander Toby Patterson
630-351-8084

Schaumburg American Legion Post 1983
Commander Dick Am Rhein 
847-895-0036

Hoffman Estates VFW Post 8080
Commander Dale Basl
847-885-9594

The VIP group is pleased to team with these Veteran Posts. Their background and knowledge are assets to all veterans. If you are interested in becoming a member, contact the Post Commander. They all have special programs and events that may interest you. Also, many of the Villages have Veterans Memorial Parks.

Veterans Memorial

The Village of Hoffman Estates dedicated their Veterans Memorial on November 12, 1988 to honor deceased veterans who have served our Country and preserved our freedom. The memorial is simple yet majestic and reflects the Branches of service of the veterans themselves. The memorial consists of five monoliths arranged in a semicircle and each is engraved with the symbol of the branches of military service.

The Veterans Memorial is located in front of the Hoffman Estates Police Department, 1200 Gannon Drive (Golf & Gannon) in Hoffman Estates. The Ceremonial changing of the flag is at 1:00 p.m. sharp each Sunday and is open to the public.

The Veterans of Foreign wars Post 8080 perform the ceremony the 1st Sunday of each month.

The American Legion Post 1983 performs the ceremony the 2nd Sunday of each month.

The Veteran's Memorial Commission conducts the ceremonies on the balance of the Sundays.

To honor a deceased veteran, the family or friends of a veteran must fill out an application and submit proof of service, rank, dates of service and a casket nylon flag. Flags are available thru the commission if needed. Applications are available at the Village of Hoffman Estates information counter at the Village Hall.

The Veterans Memorial is maintained thru charitable contributions. Tax-deductible donations may be sent to the Veteran's Memorial Fund c/o The Village of Hoffman Estates, 1900 Hassell Road, Hoffman Estates, IL 60195. Your donation helps to maintain this Memorial honoring all U.S. Veterans now and for generations to come.

National World War II Memorial

The memorial, on the Mall between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial, honors 400,00-plus Americans from every branch of the military who died in the war between 1941 and 1945, as well as civilian and uniformed personnel who fought and survived, and those who helped on the home front. If you would like to have a loved one's name in the "World War II Memorial" registry access web site www.wwiimemorial.com and follow the directions. The memorial is seen as a "gathering place - a place to pause and reflect on the war."

For additional information please contact: Anna Newell in Senior Services or Rose Szyszka in Disability Services at 847-884-0030.