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"The men and women we honor today [April 9] are strong individuals,"
said Roy L. Dolgos, director of the Illinois Department of Veterans'
Affairs. "They have been tested in ways we cannot imagine. It is
their strength and perseverance that give the rest of us hope. It is
our responsibility to stand behind those who served our country and
to do everything possible to account for those who did not return."
During the hour-long ceremony a yellow ribbon was tied around a
special white oak tree on the mansion lawn to remember the
sacrifices made by former prisoners of war and those still missing
in action, as well as to show support for those troops who are
currently in battle overseas. The tree was planted on April 9, 1983,
as a "living memorial, dedicated for all prisoners of war and those
missing in action of all wars."
Dolgos also outlined Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich's many efforts to
improve the quality of life for Illinois' military veterans,
including a measure pending in the General Assembly that would
provide low-income veterans with affordable, comprehensive medical
coverage.
"I think I speak on behalf of most Illinois veterans and their
families when I say thank you to the governor for moving forward on
such an important issue," Dolgos added. "It's absolutely
unconscionable to think that we have men and women coming back from
war and can't go see a doctor for the ailments they incurred while
bravely serving their country."
Under the first phase of Veterans Care, a program jointly
designed by the governor and Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn, veterans who don't
have health insurance and don't live within driving distance of a
federal VA clinic would be covered. Participants who take part in
the pilot program would not be charged a monthly premium.
Prescription drugs and doctor's office visits would require a very
minimal co-payment, ranging from $2 to $5.
"Veterans Care will help the tens of thousands of Illinois
veterans who are without medical insurance -- especially those brave
men and women returning from Iraq and Afghanistan who don't rank
high enough on the federal VA's totem pole in terms of injury to get
the coverage they deserve," Dolgos explained. "We're talking about
people who have put their lives on the line to fight for America's
freedoms. The least we can do is give them access to the health care
system."
There are approximately 73,000 uninsured veterans under the age
of 65 in the state of Illinois, and they must meet specific
requirements to be eligible for Veterans Care. To be eligible, a
veteran must:
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Live at least 50
miles from the nearest VA medical center.
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Have a household
income below 100 percent of the federal poverty level.
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Not have been
dishonorably discharged from service.
The state's 50
veteran
service offices will serve as sign-up locations for the proposed
health care initiative.
Taking direct order from the governor, the Department of
Veterans' Affairs hired 25 new service officers and opened five new
offices last year to improve outreach to the state's 1 million
veterans and their families. The officers help veterans cut through
the red tape and bureaucracy associated with applying and receiving
compensation and other benefits from the federal Veterans
Administration. Their primary job responsibility is assisting in
applying for nearly $400 million in federal money that goes
unclaimed each year by the 26.4 million veterans across the country.
The officers also help veterans gain access to a variety of
services, including education and vocational training, low-interest
home loans, and counseling.
Blagojevich also proclaimed April 9 as American Ex-POW
Recognition Day in the state of Illinois. The governor's
proclamation reads as follows:
Whereas, many
loyal and brave Americans who served in the wars of this nation were
captured by the enemy or listed as missing while performing their
duties; and
Whereas,
despite strict rules and regulations set forth by international
codes, American Prisoners of War have often suffered unconscionable
treatment and many have died as a result of cruel and inhumane acts
by the enemy captors; and
Whereas, it is
exceedingly fitting that we recognize the sacrifices of American
Prisoners of War and those missing in action; and
Whereas, these
heroic soldiers have demonstrated their love and convictions in the
people and freedoms of this country by enduring these tragedies, and
in some unfortunate cases by giving the ultimate sacrifice;
Therefore, I,
Rod Blagojevich, Governor of the State of Illinois, do hereby
proclaim April 9, 2006, as American Ex-POW Recognition Day in
Illinois and encourage all citizens to take a moment to honor and
remember the men and women who suffered while fighting to make
America a better place for all to live.
[Illinois
Department of Veterans' Affairs news release]
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