Addresses the unique challenges faced by our nation’s veterans
CHICAGO–(ENEWSPF)–November 4, 2011. U.S. Senator Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) today visited Lovell Federal Health Care Center, the nation’s first VA – Department of Defense (DoD) facility, where he met with his Veterans Advisory Board to discuss critical issues facing the veteran community in Illinois, and the nation as a whole.
To illuminate and address the unique concerns of veterans in Illinois and throughout the nation, U.S. Senator Mark Kirk, a commander and intelligence officer in the Navy Reserves, established a Veteran’s Advisory Board. Sergeant Al Lynch, a Vietnam War veteran and Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, and Captain Carrie Hoza, an Iraq War veteran, serve as co-chairs of the board. Board members represent all branches of the U.S. military and have seen action in military engagements ranging from World War II to the Global War on Terror.
“The men and women who have risked their lives fighting for our nation deserve people who are willing to fight for them in return,” Sen. Kirk said. “As a 22-year veteran of the U.S. Naval Reserves, my commitment is to ensure our military veterans receive the best treatment possible.”
Today’s meeting was held at Lovell Federal Health Care Center. Formerly the North Chicago VA Medical Center, Lovell Federal Health Care Center was designated for closure when Sen. Kirk, then a U.S. Representative, fought to combine the adjacent Navy and VA facilities. The merger permitted the VA to continue operating, and on September 30, 2010, Lovell Federal Health Care Center became the first joint VA – Department of Defense (DoD) facility in the nation.
Since his election into the U.S. Senate, Sen. Kirk has introduced several pieces of key legislation meant to assist and protect veterans. As the Ranking Republican Member on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, Sen. Kirk worked with Subcommittee Chairman Tim Johnson (D-SD) to pass an important veterans funding bill, which allocates $142 billion in funding for 2012. With the help of the Veterans Advisory Board, Sen. Kirk will continue to fight on behalf of veterans.
Source: kirk.senate.gov
