HR0391 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0391 LRB101 12418 MST 60500 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Vet Centers were established by Congress with the signing of PL 96-22 on June 13, 1979, out of recognition that a significant number of Vietnam combat and era veterans were not accessing VA services; and

WHEREAS, The program's mission was expanded over the course of many years to include all conflict zone veterans, all veterans and active duty who experience sexual trauma while on military duty, bereavement counseling for family members, services for veterans who provided emergent medical care or mortuary services while on active duty, and members of utilizing unmanned aerial vehicle crews; and

WHEREAS, Vet Centers guide Veterans and their families through many of the major adjustments in lifestyle that often occur after a Veteran returns from combat and provide counseling, outreach, and referral for eligible veterans; Vet Center counselors and outreach staff, many of whom are Veterans themselves, are experienced and prepared to discuss the tragedies of war, loss, grief, and transition after trauma; and

WHEREAS, U.S. military veterans in the State of Illinois are served by 11 Vet Centers, 2 Mobile Vet Centers, and multiple community access points; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare June 9-15, 2019 as Vet Center Week in Illinois in recognition of the 40th anniversary of the establishment of Vet Centers and their work helping veterans, active duty service members, and their families; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be presented to each of the 11 Vet Centers in the State of Illinois as a symbol of our respect and esteem.