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			 “These 
			awards highlight the wonderful work being done for our veterans,” 
			said IDVA Director Erica Jeffries. “The Veteran Patriotic award 
			honors the work of an Illinois Veteran whose contributions in 
			Service to the Veteran community and their local communities are 
			truly above and beyond. The Illinois Veterans’ Business Appreciation 
			Award highlights and honors the work of any business, organization 
			or a non-profit that has significantly helped veterans, and whose 
			contributions to those who have served our country are documented 
			and deserve to be recognized.” 
			
			Award 
			recipients are those whose efforts add to the powerful narrative 
			that veterans are dedicated, life-long servants whose efforts 
			benefit Illinois’ veteran communities. The Business Appreciation 
			award is designed to highlight and honor those businesses or 
			organizations that go above and beyond the regular call of service 
			to support our veterans. 
			
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			The 
			nomination deadline is July 
			29, 2016. For more information on both of these awards 
			and a nomination form go to http://go.usa.gov/chEmV. 
			
			The 
			Veteran Volunteer of the Year and the Illinois Business Appreciation 
			Award will be announced and presented on Veterans Day at the 
			Illinois State Fair, August 
			14, 2016. 
			
				 
			[Dave MacDonna]  |