Illinois Joining Forces

07/22/2026

Coffee & Conversation from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., where Veterans can meet with VACCC leadership, ask questions, learn about available resources, and provide feedback about the needs they see within the Veteran community.

Beginning at 11:00 a.m., our Claims Clinic will provide one-on-one assistance from our accredited Veteran Service Officers with VA disability compensation claims, pension and survivor benefits, VA health care enrollment, education benefits, appeals, and general questions regarding VA benefits.

Event Details

Date: Friday, July 31
Coffee & Conversation: 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Claims Clinic: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Location: American Legion Post 208
121 N. Douglas Ave.
Arlington Heights, IL 60004

07/18/2026

Illinois Joining Forces is out today at Peoria Pridefest! Stop by our booth to say hello to Melissa, Melvin and Steve, and to learn more about the resources IJF connects Service Members, Veterans and their Families with across the state. We'd love to see you out there!

07/08/2026

Check out this article from WMBD and CIProud.com . Thank you for highlighting our event and mission. There is still time to register. Come see us tomorrow in Bloomington. Registration flyer is posted in the pinned area at the top of our page.

Illinois Joining Forces is holding a regional summit in Bloomington to connect and support service members, veterans, and their families, with sessions on moral injury, NARCAN Nasal Spray, and cont…

07/04/2026

Happy Independence Day!

Illinois Joining Forces wishes a safe and happy 250th anniversary of American independence to all our Service Members, Veterans, and Families across the state. This milestone belongs to everyone who has worn the uniform and everyone who has supported them at home.

We're grateful for this community and everything it stands for. Have a wonderful and safe Fourth of July.

06/26/2026

Registration is now open for the 2026 Northern Illinois Regional Summit, and we want YOU there!

Join us on July 30th at the South Shore Cultural Center (7059 South Shore Dr., Chicago, IL 60649) from 8am to 4pm for a full day dedicated to connecting and strengthening the network of those who serve Illinois Service Members, Veterans, and Families.

This year's summit will feature the reveal of the Northern Illinois Veteran of the Year and Veteran Serving Organization of the Year, CEUs are available for attending participants, and breakfast and lunch will be provided.

Seating is limited, so don't wait. Scan the QR code in the flyer or click the link to register today.

https://events.blackthorn.io/5e2G8L97/5a2bUO3VDqT

If you know an organization who serves Veterans and military families in Northern Illinois, please share this post and pass the information along. The more voices we have in the room, the stronger our network becomes.

We'll see you in Chicago!

06/24/2026

If you're in Springfield, IL stop in and see Steve and the other organizations that are there to assist our Veteran community.

06/24/2026

🤝🇺🇸 VACCC Partner Highlight: Illinois Joining Forces – 2026 Veteran & Veteran Service Organization of the Year Nominations 🇺🇸🤝

The Veterans Assistance Commission of Cook County is proud to share an exciting opportunity from our partners at Illinois Joining Forces (IJF) to recognize the outstanding Veterans and organizations making a difference across Illinois.

🏆 Nominations are now open for the 2026 Central Region Veteran of the Year and Veteran Service Organization of the Year Awards!

These awards honor individuals and organizations whose dedication, leadership, advocacy, and service have made a lasting impact on the Veteran community. Whether it's a Veteran who continues to serve beyond the uniform or an organization working tirelessly to support Veterans and their families, this is an opportunity to recognize their contributions.

📅 Nomination Period: June 12 – July 1, 2026

📍 Award Winners Announced:
Central Regional Summit
July 9, 2026
Bloomington, Illinois

We encourage community members, Veteran organizations, local leaders, and fellow Veterans to submit nominations for those who exemplify service, commitment, and excellence in supporting our Veteran community.

Thank you to Illinois Joining Forces for their continued efforts to strengthen support networks for Veterans, service members, and military families throughout Illinois.

⭐ Know a deserving Veteran or organization? Submit a nomination today!

🇺🇸🏅

06/18/2026

Employment opportunity in Sangamon County, IL.

06/12/2026

Registration is now open for the 2026 Central Illinois Regional Summit, and we want YOU there!

Join us on July 9th at the DoubleTree by Hilton Bloomington (10 Brickyard Dr., Bloomington, IL 61701) from 8am to 4pm for a full day dedicated to connecting and strengthening the network of those who serve Illinois Service Members, Veterans, and Families.

This year's summit will feature the reveal of the Central Illinois Veteran of the Year and Veteran Serving Organization of the Year, CEUs are available for attending participants, and breakfast and lunch will be provided.

Seating is limited, so don't wait. Scan the QR code in the flyer or click the link to register today.

If you know someone who serves Veterans and military families in Central Illinois, please share this post and pass the information along. The more voices we have in the room, the stronger our network becomes.

We'll see you in Bloomington!

https://events.blackthorn.io/en/5e2G8L97/2026-central-regional-summit-bloomington-5a2bUO3VDor/overview