Chicago Veterans

SAVE THE DATE! Friday, May 23rd – The Chicago Veterans Ruck March is BACK! We’re thrilled to bring this event back to the community, and we have some exciting updates we can't wait to share. Registration opens soon!

Are you interested in filing for your earned benefits? Want to learn more about what’s available to you? Join the Veterans Benefits Administration and National Women Veterans United for an in-person event focused on accessing your benefits! Get one-on-one assistance and the support you need to navigate the process. Don’t miss this opportunity to get the benefits you deserve! Spread the word and bring a fellow veteran! #VeteransBenefits #WomenVeterans

Have you ever wanted to apply for your VA benefits but not sure how? Join us for our Veterans Benefits Brief and Virtual Claims Clinic hosted by The Chicago Regional Office Veterans Benefits Administration on Saturday, December 7th, 2024. This event is designed to help you gain valuable insights into Veteran benefit programs tailored to Women Veterans, MST Survivors, Minority Veterans, Elderly Veterans, and War Veterans. Meet with a VBA representative to file a claim or submit an intent to file. Receive one-on-one assistance during breakout sessions with VBA representatives after the training brief. Brief Session: 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM Breakout Rooms: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM How to Join: Starts at 9:00am. Use the link: https://ow.ly/Ly1v50UmQzj or Dial in by phone: +1 872-701-0185, passcode: 572744820# (United States, Chicago) You’re welcome to join anytime between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM, but space is limited—be sure to join early to secure your opportunity to speak with a representative. We look forward to seeing you there!

Join us for our 2nd Annual Chicago Veterans Town Hall on Tuesday, December 3rd from 10am-4pm at Malcolm X College. Click here to register: https://lnkd.in/gCumTeb8 "It takes courage to stand up and speak, but it also takes courage to sit down and listen." At a Veterans Town Hall, veterans of all eras and capacities are invited to share their experiences of serving our country. For up to five minutes, each veteran has the floor to speak openly—whether with pride, anger, or tears—allowing their stories to resonate with the entire community. This is not a political event. It’s about listening, understanding, and creating space for these powerful conversations. No labels. Just veterans willing to share and community members willing to listen. Let’s come together to honor their voices and their courage. #VeteransTownHall #ChicagoVeterans #CommunityStrong

Meet Our 24 Veterans in 2024! We are honored to spotlight Sergio Sanchez, a proud Marine Corps veteran making an extraordinary impact. Sergio served four years of active duty in the infantry with Charlie Co., 1st BN, 1st Marines, where he developed discipline, leadership, and teamwork. Guided by the Marine Corps values of honor, courage, and commitment, he brings these qualities to his current role at Discover Financial Services. As a key member of Discover's Corporate Security team, Sergio helps protect the company’s people, assets, and operations. Beyond his professional role, he serves as the regional lead for Discover's Chatham HMV employee resource group, advocating for veteran employees, fostering inclusivity, and partnering with veteran organizations. Sergio's dedication doesn’t stop there. He actively supports the veteran community through mentorship, advocacy, and volunteering at community events. With his mission-oriented mindset, he continues to lead with purpose and integrity in every endeavor. ?? Learn more about Sergio and other incredible veterans in our Class of 2024 Magazine: https://ow.ly/W8oh50UicNK #Classof2024 #VeteransIn2024 #ChicagoVeterans

There are so many things to be thankful for this year, but we want to highlight one in particular—and that’s Community! Community is powerful, it’s beautiful, it’s about lifting each other up and helping one another grow. At our Chicago Veterans Ball, Community was on full display with the incredible number of Women Veterans in attendance. While women make up just 10% of the Veteran population, they represent nearly 50% of our Chicago Veterans Community—and that number continues to grow. Today, we’re especially thankful for the service, resilience, and contributions of all Veterans, especially the women who lead and inspire us. Let’s continue to build a community where everyone belongs and thrives. Wishing you and your loved ones a wonderful Thanksgiving! #Thankful #CommunityStrong #ChicagoVeterans

Attention Veteran-Owned Businesses and Aspiring Veteran Entrepreneurs! The City of Chicago is hosting a Veteran Business Enterprise Day at the stunning Chicago Cultural Center! This event is your chance to: Learn about the Veteran Business Enterprise (VBE) certification process. Get insights on doing business with the City of Chicago. Network with fellow business owners and entrepreneurs.

Meet Our 24 Veterans in 2024! Carolina Jimenez, a proud U.S. Navy Veteran from Chicago's Back of the Yards neighborhood. Serving as a Hospital Corpsman from 2004 to 2010, Carolina's dedication to service has been a constant throughout her life. After earning a degree in public health, she returned to Chicago to support fellow veterans as a Veteran Service Officer. In 2017, Carolina made history as the first Latina and female VA&R Director for the American Legion, Department of Illinois, helping countless veterans access critical benefits. Her personal experience with chronic pain led her to discover the transformative power of acupuncture, inspiring her to pursue a Doctorate in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine. Now in her final year, Carolina is committed to improving veterans' health through holistic care while tirelessly advocating for student veterans on campus. Learn more about Carolina and other inspiring veterans in our Class of 2024 Magazine: https://ow.ly/5k6350Ugejq #VeteransIn2024 #Classof2024 #ChicagoVeterans

Meet Our 24 Veterans in 2024! We are proud to spotlight veterans making an extraordinary impact! Shamika White— U.S. Navy veteran, author, missionary, and advocate for mental health. Shamika served as a Chaplain’s Assistant during Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), providing combat stress support to active-duty members and their families. Her journey of service continues through her organizations, Blues’ UnVeil and I.C.A.R.E. Collection, promoting depression awareness, and her devotional book, “SHATTERED: Journaling Through the Pain for Healing.” She also serves as Women’s Veterans Coordinator for the MVI: VetHer Program and leads veterans' ministry and fitness classes in her community. View Shamika’s story and more in our Class of 2024 Magazine: https://ow.ly/oSho50UftyO #Classof2024 #VeteransIn2024 #ChicagoVeterans

Introducing Our 24 Veterans in 2024! We are excited to introduce the incredible individuals featured in our Class of 2024 Magazine—a celebration of veterans making remarkable contributions in their communities and industries. View the full magazine here: https://ow.ly/TbcB50Uet4K Join us in honoring their achievements and inspiring stories! ?????? #Classof2024 #VeteransIn2024 #ChicagoVeterans