Nominate a Kane County Veteran For State Bicentennial ‘Honor 200’
Kane County residents have a chance to nominate a veteran to be honored in the state bicentennial celebration.
Last month, the state announced the launch of HONOR 200, a signature program of the Illinois Bicentennial Celebration, honoring the work of 200 veterans whose contributions are above and beyond the call of duty.
Jacob A. Zimmerman, superintendent of the Veterans Assistance Commission of Kane County, is hoping that veterans from Kane County communities will be among those who are recognized at the Bicentennial Birthday Party Gala set for Dec. 3, 2018, at the United Center.
Nominations are due by July 31, 2018.
Zimmerman is also starting a monthly award to recognize veterans right here in Kane County.
“We encourage you to nominate veterans by using the form and mailing it the Kane County Veterans Assistance Commission at 719 South Batavia Avenue in Geneva,” he said. “We will forward the forms on to the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs and also will choose a veteran to be recognized monthly in Kane County.”
In a news release launching the HONOR 200 campaign, Gov. Bruce Rauner said Illinois veterans should recognized as part of the bicentennial because they “have played a critical role in defining our heritage.”
“They’ve served our country, protected our freedoms, and many of them continue to be a positive force in their communities,” he said. “It’s only fitting that we honor them and recognize their contributions to society.”
Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs Director Erica Jeffries said it is a very special privilege to honor our veterans.
“Honor 200 provides us with an opportunity to showcase our veterans and the values they have when it comes to serving our communities,” she said.
The IDVA will work with veteran’s organizations throughout the state to promote HONOR 200 and solicit nominations for those who will be recognized as part of the program. Nominees will be evaluated on their achievements and on the extent to which their contributions have aided, benefited and provided inspiration to their community.
Anyone can nominate an Illinois Veteran. Written nominations can be sent to the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs, 69 W. Washington Street, Chicago, IL 60601 or on-line at www.illinois.gov/veterans.
How To Nominate a Kane County Veteran
(1) Fill Out a Form
(2) Mail to: Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs, George W. Dunne Office Building, Attn: Illinois “Honor 200” Bi-Centennial Award, 69 W. Washington Street, Suite 1620, Chicago, Illinois 60601. Or e-mail to: Harry.Sawyer@illinois.gov
For Local Recognition As Well as State Nomination
- Mail to Kane County Veterans Assistance Commission, 719 South Batavia Ave., Geneva, IL 60134.
Guidelines For Statewide Nomination
- The nominee must reside in Illinois and must have received an honorable discharge from the U.S. Military.
- The nominator needs to provide alegible and up-to-date copy of the Veteran’s DD214.If the veteran lost or misplaced his/her discharge, they can contact one of the IDVA Veteran Service Offices. The list of locations can be found on our website at www.illinois.gov/veterans or call (800) 437-9824 for assistance. Failure to provide record of service documentation will render the nomination ineligible.
- In addition to the DD214 and the information requested on the nomination form, please provide a written summary of the nominee’s achievements, including; (a) a description of significant accomplishments, including dates; (b) information concerning military service; and (c) a list of military awards and decorations received by the nominee. In order to validate these accomplishments, please include or attach documentation(s) that will substantiate the nominee’s service and accomplishments (i.e., news articles, relevant online biographies and/or copies of commendations, etc.).
- The nominator must also provide a description of their association and/or relationship to the nominee.
- Nominations will be evaluated on the scope and impact of a nominee’s achievements and the extent to which his/her efforts benefit
and provide inspiration to their community and other veterans. Please document significant achievements and accomplishments, especially those made after the nominee’s military service. - 200 Veteran honorees from across the state of Illinois will be chosen for this award. The honorees will be recognized at the event/dinner on Dec. 3, 2018.
- Nomination deadline is July 31,2018.
