Veterans’ Benefits and Resources Fair

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will host an in-person Benefits and Resource fair in Chicago, Illinois. This event is for Veterans, service members, and their families.

Schedule:

• 08:20 – 08:25

  Welcome and Housekeeping

  MC, Mrs. Jennifer Burks, Office of Field Operations-National Contact Operations (OFO-NCO), VBA

• 08:25 – 08:30

  Opening Ceremonies

  Colors will be presented by the University of Chicago’s Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC). The National Anthem will be performed by Ms. Deanna Love. Invocation by Rev. Conrad Washington, Director, VA Center for Faith

• 08:30 – 08:35

  Opening Remarks

  Ms. Donna Meyer-Hickel, Director, Chicago Regional Office, Veterans Benefits Administration

• 08:35 – 08:45

  A Message From Our Sponsor

  Dr. Paul Alivisatos, President, University of Chicago

• 08:45 – 08:55

  Keynote Speaker

  COL Todd S. Bertulis (Army-R) , Chicago native and recipient of the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, and Bronze Star Medal. COL. Bertulis represents Illinois Veterans as well as the event’s sponsor, The Boeing Company.

• 08:55 – 09:10

  National Re-entry Recognition Month Awards

  In recognition of distinguished leadership, unwavering dedication, and exceptional service to those who have served. Donna Meyer-Hickel, Director, Chicago Regional Office and Dr. Terrell Odom, Director, Office for Military-affiliated Communities (OMAC), University of Chicago

• 09:10 – 09:15

  Closing Remarks

  Mr. Greg Sanchez, Assistant Director, Veterans Restorative Justice Project, Office of Military-affiliated Communities, University of Chicago

• 09:30 – 10:00

  Presentation: Illinois State Benefits

  Presented by Mr. Brandon Jagers, Veteran Service Officer, Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA). This presentation provides an overview of the IDVA, the role of Veteran Service Officers, and the state and federal benefits available to Illinois veterans and their families. Attendees will learn how Veteran Service Officers assist with VA claims and benefits, as well as gain insight into key programs including VA compensation, pension, health care, education, home loan benefits, and the five Illinois Veterans Homes operated by IDVA.

• 09:30 – 15:00

  Veterans Benefits and Resource Fair

  Up to 100 Veteran Service Organizations and resource providers will be on hand to assist Veterans and their families with benefits from VA and other agencies.

• 09:30 – 15:00

  Veterans Career Fair

  More than 20 Veteran-friendly employers will be in attendance ready to speak to job seekers about their open roles, company culture and application process.

• 09:30 – 15:00

  Career Readiness and Veteran Entrepreneurship

  VA’s Personalized Career Planning and Guidance Office and Veterans Employment & Readiness (VR&E), in partnership with the Illinois Department of Employment Security, VA Benefits Assistance Service, Hire Heroes USA, Small Business Administration, Veterans Business Project, and Task Force Management will offer Career Readiness and Entrepreneurship services. These include, but not limited to, small business information, job search and resume review, career planning guidance, and information, answers, and support for starting your next career.

• 09:30 – 15:00

  Mobile Vet Center (MVC)

  The MVC offers confidential help for Veterans, Service members, and their families at no cost in a non-medical setting. Services include counseling for needs such as depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and the psychological effects of military sexual trauma (MST).

• 09:30 – 15:00

  Mobile Medical Unit (MMU)/Homeless PACT Clinic (H-PACT) Jesse Brown VA Medical Center (JBVA)

  Medically eligible VEH and those at risk or facing the likelihood of homelessness can receive care on the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center MMU, including those Veterans who are not currently engaged in the VA healthcare system and/or homeless programs. The MMU serves Veterans across all age-categories and military eras.

• 09:30 – 15:00

  Mobile Disability Examination Office (MDEO)

  The mission of the Medical Disability Examination Office is to honor Veterans’ service by partnering across the stakeholder community to ensure Veterans receive timely and high-quality disability examinations worldwide.

• 09:30 – 15:00

  Claims Clinic

  Make an appointment below- Chicago Regional Office and several national Veteran Service Organizations claims processors will assist Veterans and their families who have pre-scheduled an appointment for processing or checking on the status of a disability claim.

• 09:30 – 15:00

  Immunization Clinic

  For Veterans enrolled in VHA healthcare, Jesse Brown VAMC will provide the following vaccines: ♦ RSV | ♦ PCV21 | ♦ Tdap | ♦ HZV (this will require scheduling a second dose at the hospital)

• 09:30 – 15:00

  Toxic Exposure Screening

  For Veterans enrolled in VHA healthcare. Toxic Exposure screening is related to the PACT Act. Speak with a PACT Act representative from VHA, Jesse Brown VAMC and receive a quick toxic exposure assessment to determine the need for a toxic exposure screening. If required, an appointment will be made for a follow-up at the VAMC.

• 09:30 – 15:00

  Wellness Clinic

  UChicago Medicine will be providing a Wellness Clinic for our Veterans in attendance. The Wellness Clinic brings healthcare directly to our Veterans—meeting them where they are with practical screenings, education, and personalized guidance in a welcoming, accessible environment. Be sure to enroll in VHA healthcare if you have not already.

• 10:00 – 10:30

  Presentation: “VA Center for Faith”

  Presented by Rev. Conrad Washington, USMC (ret), U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The mission of the VA Center for Faith (VA CF) is to engage, educate and inform faith-based and community organizations across the nation about VA tools and resources to better serve the Veterans, their families, survivors, caregivers and other beneficiaries within their organizations. Come and learn more about the VA Center for Faith, including monthly webinars, in-person outreach events, and VA CF’s initiative, how to start a “Veterans Support Group (VSG)”.

• 10:30 – 11:00

  Presentation: “PACT Act”

  Presented by Mr. Arturo Lemos, Public Contact Coach, Chicago Regional Office. The PACT Act is a law that expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances. This law helps us provide generations of Veterans—and their survivors—with the care and benefits they’ve earned and deserve.

• 11:00 – 11:45

  Workshop: “New Veteran Business Outreach Center (VBOC) Overview”

  Presented by Mr. Keith Murphy, Illinois Director, Veterans Business Outreach Center powered by SBA. The VBOC program is designed to provide no cost entrepreneurial development services such as business training, counseling, resource partner referrals and assistance with access to capital to service members, veterans, Guard and Reserve members and military spouses, interested in starting or growing a small business.

• 11:45 – 12:30

  Workshop: “Networking That Works: Finding Purpose Through Connection”

  Presented by Mr. Scott Raether, Career Branding Coach, CareerCultivated. Networking That Works helps veterans and career-focused professionals turn conversations into opportunity. This workshop reframes networking as relationship-building rather than self-promotion. Participants will learn how visibility, trust, and consistency open doors to mentorship, referrals, and career growth.

• 12:30 – 13:15

  Workshop: “Helping Veterans Get Banked and Manage Their Money”

  Presented by Mr. Michael Ewald, Assistant Director, Veterans’ Benefits Banking Program, VBA The Veterans Benefits Banking Program (VBBP) is a partnership between VA and the Association of Military Banks of America (AMBA) designed to get Veterans and beneficiaries to receive their benefits via direct deposit with a low or no cost bank account with one of our over 140 financial institutions. It has also expanded to include free financial counseling and free financial education.

• 13:15 – 14:00

  Workshop: “Financial Well-being for Veterans”

  Presented by Dr. Eric Elbogen, Program Director, National Veterans Financial Resource Center (FINVET). This presentation will review links between financial and mental health, provide strategies for Veterans to improve their financial decision-making, and connect Veterans to resources and education to improve their financial well-being.

• 14:00 – 14:45

  Workshop: “VBA 101 and Office for Military-affiliated Communities”

  Presented by Mr. Kevin Howell, Homeless & Justice Involved Veterans Outreach Coordinator, Chicago Regional Office and Mr. Greg Sanchez, Assistant Director, Veterans Restorative Justice Project (VJRP), University of Chicago Office for Military-affiliated Communities (OMAC). This is a collaboration between VA’s Homeless/Justice-involved Veteran Outreach Program and the VJRP, housed within the University of Chicago’s OMAC. The VRJP partners with the Circuit Court of Cook County Veterans Treatment Courts (VTCs) to support justice-involved Veterans. This joint presentation will examine how Veterans enter the criminal justice system, the intensive treatment and supervision provided through VTCs, and the courts’ commitment to rehabilitation over incarceration. Additionally, subject matter experts will provide an overview of VA benefits and services, explain what happens to VA benefits if a Veteran is incarcerated and discuss VBA’s Homeless Veteran Outreach Program. Attendees will leave informed about local impact and inspired to consider serving as veteran mentors to strengthen accountability, restoration, and long-term success.