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"At a time when our men and women in
uniform are taking risks and making sacrifices to serve the nation
in a time of war, it is important that we show support for their
husbands, wives and children who are here at home," Blagojevich
said. "This is a way to put our soldiers' minds at ease and let them
know that their loved ones are receiving financial help while they
are fighting for the freedoms we enjoy."
The Military Family Relief Fund was
created to provide financial support to the families of Illinois
National Guard and Reserve members facing economic hardships because
the military member has been called to active duty.
The governor's fiscal 2004 budget,
which began July 1, includes $5 million for the fund. An additional
$75,000 in donations has been received from private businesses,
foundations and civic organizations. Individuals will also be able
to make contributions to the fund when filing their 2003 individual
income tax returns next year.
"The Department of Military Affairs and
the Illinois National Guard are proud to be able to administer this
fund for Reserve military families," said Brig. Gen. Randal Thomas,
adjutant general of the Illinois National Guard. "More than 500
Illinois National Guard soldiers were recently called to active
duty. We owe it to our soldiers and airmen to ensure that their
families have assistance available to them, whether financially or
emotionally, through our family readiness groups."
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Funds can be dispersed in three
categories: status-based for up to a $500 grant, need-based to a
maximum of $2,000 and casualty-based up to $1,000. Processing time
takes four to six weeks from when applications are received, but on
average families are receiving checks in four weeks.
"We receive numerous phone calls from
applicants expressing their appreciation," said 2nd Lt. Shannon
Pennell, military program supervisor and program manager for the
Illinois Military Family Relief Fund. "We kept them in mind when we
designed the application to make it as easy as possible and thus get
them the needed assistance as quickly as possible."
Donations
may be sent to: Illinois Military Family Relief Fund, 1301 N.
MacArthur Blvd., Springfield, IL 62702. For more information about
the fund or to receive an application, call toll-free 1 (866)
524-4564 or visit
www.il.ngb.army.mil.
[News release from the
governor's office]
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