November 1, 2010

This newsletter will is a medium for connecting veterans and veteran supporters to the
veteran support organizations of the state. This newsletter lists upcoming events, in
addition to information on benefits, education, and employment opportunities for
veterans. If your organization supports veterans, please send information on your Veteran
Service Organization to jamesjflagg@aol.com. If you do not wish to be on this list please
send a STOP email to jamesjflagg@aol.com. This is the first time this amount of
information is being compiled like so please be patient, as the quality of presentation will
improve. Also, the manner that this information is disseminated will get better over time.
Thank you for your support! Enjoy the rest of your day!

RETROACTIVE STOP LOSS SPECIAL PAY DEALINE EXTENSION

The Stop Loss Pay deadline was extended to December 3, 2010. Please share this
information with all of our veterans that it could possibly apply to. Retroactive Stop
Loss Pay (RSLSP)

Those eligible must submit their claim by Dec. 3, 2010.

The DoD Web site (http://www.defense.gov/stoploss) links to service-specific sites,

where you can get more information, or begin the RSLSP claim process.
The 2009 War Supplemental Appropriations Act established Retroactive Stop Loss
Special Pay (RSLSP), providing $500 for each month/partial month served in stop
loss status. Service members, veterans, and beneficiaries of service members whose
service was involuntarily extended under Stop Loss between Sept. 11, 2001 and Sept. 30,
2009 are eligible for RSLSP.
To receive this benefit, those who served under stop loss must submit a claim for the
special pay (by Dec 3, 2010). Throughout the year, the services have been reaching out
to service members, veterans and their families through direct mail, veteran service
organizations, and the media. But there is still money left to be claimed, and the deadline
is approaching.
The average benefit is $3,700.
Note on Eligibility
Effective Dec. 19, 2009, per the Defense Appropriations Act, stop-lossed service
members who voluntarily reenlisted or extended their service, and received a bonus for
such reenlistment or extension of service, became no longer eligible to receive retroactive
stop loss special pay.
The following service-specific sites provide more information and allow you to begin the
RSLSP claim process.

• Army:
877-736-5554
Website: https://www.stoplosspay.army.mil
E-mail RetroStopLossPay@CONUS.Army.Mil
 November 1, 2010

• Navy:
901-874-4427
Web site:
http://www.npc.navy.mil/ReferenceLibrary/MILPERSMAN/7000FinancialMgmt/7220_4
10.htm
E-mail: NXAG_N132C@navy.mil
• Marine Corps:
877-242-2830
Website: https://www.manpower.usmc.mil/stoploss
E-mail: stoploss@usmc.mil
• Air Force:
800-525-0102
Website: http://www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/stoploss/
E-mail (active): afpc.dpsos.stoploss@randolph.af.mil
E-mail (guard/reserve): arpc.contactcenter@arpc.denver.af.mil
General Procedure
Individuals who meet eligibility criteria may submit an application between 21 October
2009 and 3 December 2010. By law, there is no authorization to make payments on
claims that are submitted after 3 December 2010.
Eligible members should print, complete and sign Department of Defense Form 2944,
Claim for Retroactive Stop Loss Payment.
Next, choose the appropriate method for submitting the claim form and available
supporting documents based on your service specifications. This information can be
found on your service’s stop loss Web site.
The following documents are examples of authorized source documents but may not be
comprehensive, depending on specific status and service.
Source Documents
1. DD 214 (8-09), Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty and/or DD
215 (8-09), Correction to DD 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from
Active Duty.
2. Personnel record or enlistment or reenlistment document recording original
expiration of service date.
3. Approved retirement/transfer to the Fleet Reserve memorandum or orders
establishing retirement prior to actual date of retirement as stipulated in DD 214
or DD 215.
4. Approved resignation memorandum or transition orders establishing a separation
date prior to actual date of separation as stipulated on DD 214 or DD 215.
5. Signed documentation or affidavit from knowledgeable officials from the
individual’s chain of command acknowledging separation/deployment, etc.
6. Revocation of retirement or separation orders.

For more information contact Valerie M. Creedon, LCSW

OEF/OIF Program Manager
US Department of Veterans Affairs
Jesse Brown VA Medical Center
312-569-6516 or email Valerie.Creedon@va.gov
 November 1, 2010

Chicago Police Department Implement New Recruitment Initiatives for Veterans

On October 28, 2010 The Chicago Department announced that the City will be
administering the Pre-employment Written Exam for the position of Chicago Police
Officer on December 11, 2010, at McCormick Place in Chicago. Applications will be
accepted online from October 28th through November 26, 2010 at
www.chicagopolice.org.
The most significant change is the increased age requirement for non-military applicants
as well as a 20 percent preference consideration given to military applicants.
In order to encourage a more established and mature police force, the Department is
raising the minimum application age from 21 years of age to 25 years of age for non-
military personnel. Military personnel with appropriate service can apply at 21 years of
age. However, you must be less than 40 years old at the time of hire.
A Veteran’s preference has also been created, which requires that a minimum of 20
percent of applicants referred for each class will be military veterans, provided that a
sufficient number of veterans apply for the position.
The Department will continue to collaborate with community and business partners to
increase its overall applicant pool. In 2010, Chicago Police Department members
attended over 126 community recruitment events at locations including Colleges and
Universities, Veteran’s Groups/Military/Government, and Aldermanic Community Fairs.
The City continues to work increase and enhance its outreach efforts for Veterans who
are interested in future employment with the City of Chicago.
Currently the Department of Human Resources provides job counseling and technical
support in developing on-line profiles and resumes for Veterans seeking employment
with any City department. The City will continue to work with all departments to better
service Chicago Veterans.
In addition, the Chicago Police Department will set up three make-up exams for
returning Veterans who are unable to take the regularly scheduled pre-employment
exam that is needed for the eligibility process. Additional make-up exams for military
personnel may be scheduled, if necessary.
Eligibility Requirements include:
Age – To apply, you must be at least 25 years old by the date of application unless you
are a current or former member of the Armed Forced of the United States with a
minimum of 3 consecutive years of active duty, in which case you must be at least 21
years old. You must be less than 40 years old at the time of hire.
Drivers License – You must have a valid driver’s license to apply and will need a valid
Illinois driver’s license at the time of hire.
Education/ Military Service – In order apply, you must have:
• 60 semester or 90 quarter hours from an accredited college or university; or
• Served 3 full consecutive years on active duty in the Armed Forced of the United
States; or
• 30 semester or 45 quarter hours from an accredited college or university and
served 1 consecutive year on active duty in the Armed Forces of the United
States.
 November 1, 2010

Residency Requirement – You are not required to be a resident of the City of Chicago at
the time of application. However, you will be required to be a resident of the City of
Chicago if hired.
Firearm Owner’s Identification Card (FOID) – You will need a FOID card issued by
the State of Illinois at the time of hire.
Hiring Process – You will be required to take an examination administered on December
11, 2010 at McCormick Place. After the examination, you will be required to undergo a
background investigation, medical examination, psychological assessment, drug screens,
fitness tests and other pre-employment procedures as determined by the Chicago Police
Department before being eligible for hire.
If a candidate passes all of the aforementioned examinations, they are eligible to advance
to the next phase in the Police Academy. At this point candidates are required to take
over 20 exams including: 16 written exams, seven proficiency tests and all candidates
must pass a State test in order to become a Chicago Police Officer.
At the conclusion of this process, the Department plans to hire two additional classes in
2011, adding between 150 to 200 new police officers to the force. That is in addition to
the nearly 800 officers added to street duty over the past two years. For more
information please visit: www.chicagopolice.org and click on “Answer the Call” to link
to the on-line application. If you have additional questions, please call 311 or the
customer service line at 312-744-4976 Monday through Saturday 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

FREE FLU SHOTS FOR VETERANS

For Armed Forces veterans who wish to receive a flu vaccine to protect against both
seasonal flu and the H1N1 virus (Swine Flu), there is no reason to pay for the flu shot or
wait in long lines to receive it. An ample supply of the combined vaccine is available to
veterans at no charge from Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, located at 820 S. Damen
Avenue in Chicago. All veterans are eligible, even if they have not previously used VA
services.

The Department of Veterans Affairs strongly endorses the use of the flu vaccine as
protection against both seasonal flu and H1N1. It has been proven effective in reducing
the spread of flu viruses and also helps to protect the families of anyone who receives the
vaccine.

Flu shots are offered at the medical center Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4
p.m. in Room 1458, located on the first floor of the Damen Pavilion. No appointment is
needed and veterans will receive their choice of either free self-parking or free valet
parking at the medical center’s garage entrance on Ogden Avenue.

Veterans are asked to bring their VA identification card, DD Form 214 or other proof of
military service to receive their flu shot if they are not already enrolled for care at the
medical center. It is not necessary to have previously enrolled in the VA system to
receive a flu shot. For More Information Contact: Ray Leber, Public Affairs Officer (312)
569-6402
 November 1, 2010

NATIONAL ABLE NETWORK OFFERS NEW WORK PROGRAM FOR VETS

The National able Network offers a new program to Illinois Veterans, which will utilize
skills and knowledge so that you can become a valuable part of your business
community. There is a two week workshop to help veterans:
• Attain an effective resume
• Begin using the power of networking
• Learn successful interview techniques
• Emphasize targeted job search skills
Following the two week workshop, ABLE will connect the veteran with the area
businesses to discuss employment opportunities for employment. This opportunity is
offered to veterans at NO COST. For more info, please contact Melinda Crosby (312)
994- 8331 OR Ryan Kersh (312) 994- 8308 or visit www.nationable.org

(PLEASE SEE LIST OF UPCOMING VETERANS EVENTS BELOW)

 November 1, 2010

UPCOMING VETERANS EVENTS (November 2010)

Monday November 1, 2010

The Vet Art Project Chicago hosts The Welcome Home Meeting from 7pm – 9pm at the
Garrett Wellness Center, 3020 N. Kimball Ave. Chicago, IL 60618. This support group
addresses the veteran experiences, personal struggles, and shares coping methods for
veterans home from active duty. For RSVP or more information contact Hans
info@storiesandart.com or Nicky nbaltrushes@gmail.com or call 773-370-4789

Warrior Arts Studio hosts National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) for Veterans,
artists, and community members EVERY MONDAY from 7:00pm to 9:00 pm at Mess
Hall, 6932 N. Glenwood Ave Chicago, IL 60626. Each week the group will break down
an element of the novel writing process to assist writers in making their dreams of writing
a reality. For more info contact Jesse Carlstrom jessacarlstrom@gmail.com

Tuesday November, 2 2010

November 2010 General Elections. Go out and Vote for the candidate you believe best
supports your ideas!!!

Thursday November 4, 2010

Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) State- Wide Job Fair Paris American
Legion, Post 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM 1031 North Main Street, Paris IL 61944 Sponsored by
the Illinois Department of Employment Security. Employers from South Central Illinois
and West Central Indiana are scheduled to participate. For more information contact Bill
Reed, IDES, 217-235-2222 x8361 or bill.reed@illinois.gov

IDES State – Wide Job Fair. McHenry VFW Hall, 9AM to 1:00PM. 3002 Rte 210
McHenry, IL 60050. For more information contact Jack Borders 312-793-2620.

Monday, November 8th

Please take a look at this movie trailer for the documentary named "Restrepo". It is being
shown in Downers Grove on as a limited release. If you're interested in attending this as
an individual or as a group, please visit:http://restrepothemovie.com/
For more info contact The DeVry Military Resource Club
www.studentveterans.org/devry

Chicago Public Library Celebrating Diversity recognizes James Darby and American
Veterans for Equal Rights (AVER) at the Harold Washington Library Center Video
Theater. 6:00pm 400 S. State St. Chicago, IL 60605. This FREE program recognizes
people and organizations that make a difference in achieving community diversity. For
more info, contact James Darby (773) 752 – 0058 or visit www.chicagopubliclibrary.org
 November 1, 2010

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Mayor Richard M. Daley Veterans Day Reception at The Harold Washington Library
Winter Garden 5:30pm – 7:30pm. 400 S. State St. 9th Floor, Chicago, IL 60605. The
event is hosted by The Chicago Commission on Human Relations Advisory Council on
Veteran Affairs. This event serves to honor veterans before Veterans Day. Attendance to
this event is by invitation only. Ceremony reservations will be held at the door. To
RSVP, please call 312-742-0112 by November 5, 2010.

Chicago Veterans Stand Down and Job fair for Veterans Day General Jones Armory
7am-4pm .5200 S Cottage Grove Chicago, IL 60615. 20 VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!!!
For more information contact Eric Meyers Eric.Myers@Illinois.gov Illinois Department
of Employment Security

IDES State- Wide Job Fair Bloomington National Guard Armory, Post 9:00 AM to 1:00
PM 1616 S. Main Street, Bloomington, IL 61701. For more information contact Allison
Williams 217-558-1262

IDES State- Wide Job Fair Bloomington National Guard Armory, Post 9:00 AM to 1:00
PM 1616 S. Main Street, Bloomington, IL 6170. For more information contact Bill Reed,
IDES, 217-235-2222 x8361 or bill.reed@illinois.gov

IDES State- Wide Job Fair Effingham VFW, 2304 Veterans Drive, Effingham IL 62401.
For more information contact Bill Reed, IDES, 217-235-2222 x8361 or
bill.reed@illinois.gov

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

IDES State- Wide Job Fair Rolland W. Lewis Community Building, 9:00 AM to 1:00pm
800 S 27th St, Mount Vernon IL 62864. For more information contact Bill Reed, IDES,
217-235-2222 x8361 or bill.reed@illinois.gov

IDES State- Wide Job Fair Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC), 9:00 AM to 1:00pm
2500 Carlyle Ave., Belleville IL 62225. For more information contact John Otey 618-
242-6121 x 130

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Mayor Richard M. Daley Veterans Day Ceremony, 11:00 AM Soldier Field 1410 S.
Museum Campus Drive Doughboy Statue, Gate O. Chicago, IL 60605. Mayor Daley
invites you to attend a ceremony honoring those who have served in times of peace as
well as in war. For more info, contact the Mayor’s Office of Special Events (312) 744-
3316
 November 1, 2010

Thursday, November 11, 2010 cont.

The Mission Continues Chicago is partnering with Target to host a FREE Veteran’s
Outreach event with Chicago Public Schools. Beidler Elementary 3151 W. Walnut
(Madison and Kedzie), 8:30am – 1:00pm 75 Veteran VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!!! For
more info contact Dan Casera Mission Continues 708-285-3223.

IDES State - Wide Job Fair. Daley College (Main Auditorium). From 9:00 AM to
1:00pm. 7500 S. Pulaski Ave. Chicago, IL 60652. For more information contact Luis
Gonzales 312-814-3463

Moraine Valley Community College Veterans’ Day Celebration. (10am to 2pm) Moraine
Valley Community College 9000 W. College Parkway Palos Hills, IL 60465. Join the
MVCC student veterans group as they host The Warriors’ Fair: an interactive educational
experience to help the community better understand our veterans. For more information
please contact Mike Sullivan (708) 608-4068 or email:
chicago.director@studentveterans.org

Friday, November 12, 2010

IDES State- Wide Job Fair From 9:00 AM to 1:00pm VFW Post #1303, 3715 – 9th
Street, Rock Island, IL 61201. For more information contact Sue Colloton 309-671-3157

IDES State- Wide Job Fair From 9:00 AM to 1:00pm Lawrenceville VFW, 511 12th
Street, Lawrenceville IL 62439

Saturday, November 13, 2010

IDES State - Wide Job Fair From 9:00 AM to 1:00pm River Oaks Community Church.
16931 S. Park Ave, South Holland IL 60473. For more information contact Gregory
Shephard 708-596-8051

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

The West Point Society of Chicago and Illinois Veterans Task Force Hosts an Employer
Recruitment Seminar (Job Fair) with Special Guest Becky Stokes @ The Union League
of Chicago, 6PM-9 PM ($25) 65 W. Jackson Blvd, Chicago 60604. 70 SEATS
AVAILABLE FOR GRADS AND VETERANS LOOKING FOR EMPLOYMENT
AND B2B NETWORKING!!! IN ADDITION…Becky will provide a separate
performance (BREAKFAST WITH BECKY) for folks who cannot make the evening
event on Nov 18 at 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM at the Club. Go to this link and sign up.
Registration:
https://www.kintera.org/AutoGen/Register/ECReg.asp?ievent=445328&en=lmKSIbN5Jj
JWKgPQIcITJeO7IwJ7LeMRLfJ2KiP0JqJ1LkOeG REGISTRATION ENDS
NOVEMBER 14, 2010. For more info contact Steve 630-749-8414 or Jack 312-445-5021
 November 1, 2010

Thursday, November 18, 2010

The Chicago Chapter of American Veterans for Equal Rights will host the 18th Annual
Veterans Day Dinner and Silent Auction with special guests Capt. Ann Bidwell, USN
and RD2 Lee Reinhart @ The Ann Sather Restaurant. 6:30pm to 9:30pm. 909 W.
Belmont. Chicago, IL 60657 $35 donation includes dinner and drinks. For more info,
contact Jim Darby (773) 752- 0058

Friday, November 19, 2010 Roosevelt University’s Veterans Upward Bound (VUB)
program Veterans Resource Fair 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 430 South Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL
60605. All veterans are invited to attend this free fair for Information and resources
concerning job training, health, education, and housing. For more info contact Dinu
Skariah 312-341-2041or visit http://www.vetfair.blogspot.com/

Please forward this information to anyone who may be able to utilize it. Thank you and
enjoy the rest of you day!