McHenry County Blog

Its leaders may be under indictment, but NASA Education is sponsoring a one-day Veterans Stand Down on October 2nd.

The press release follows:

Veteran’s Stand Down October 2, 2012

Calling all veterans this event is for you.

There is no cost to attend this function.

Veterans who are newly discharged, displaced, disabled, homeless or unemployed are the focus of the Fall Veterans’ Stand Down, which will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 2 at NASA Education’s corporate office, located at 3305 South Illinois Route 31 in Crystal Lake, IL.

The past three Stand Downs were held at the Harvest Bible Chapel in Crystal Lake, however Harvest Bible Chapel elected to not host the Stand Down this time to help the veterans, although Mr. Blanchard did not speak with anyone from Harvest, so he can only assume that they did not get what they wanted out of the event.

He thought it was about helping the veterans. Hundreds have received help during each of the last three
Stand Down’s that were held at Harvest, as well as the other nine Stand Down’s that were hosted at Camp Algonquin. He concluded with “I can’t think of any Christian reason why anyone wouldn’t want to help our veterans”. So once again, we were forced to make one of two decisions; not have the event or find another location.

According to Mr. John Blanchard, owner and Executive Director of NASA Education, “Not doing the Stand Down will never be an option. We have had incredible, measurable and verifiable results which shouldn’t change because of the opinions, venue or economic climate. Our attendees deserve the best during the good times and bad times because they had no choice but to serve their God, Country and Commander in Chief, regardless where it may have led them and now they deserve our best.

If Harvest Bible Chapel, doesn’t want to help us assist those in need, then we lost Harvest Bible Chapel, but if I was behind enemy lines and had to fulfill a task, I’m still going to do it regardless of what the obstacles may be. So tasked with finding yet another location, it seems the only viable option and decision that wouldn’t interfere with our event is to host the event on our own home turf.

So once again we took an obstacle and have turned it into an opportunity to make everything better because the people that attend the stand down couldn’t have it any worse. If we can’t obligate a day or two, twice a year to pull even one attendee out of their homeless status, then we have no reason to wrap ourselves in the flag as public servants.”

Blanchard, continued by saying, “ Those challenged and charged in fulfilling veteran opportunities as veteran organizations, should do whatever it takes to fulfill their mission regardless of funding or personal opinion. I certainly hope to see all of the same service providers that have supported the veterans over the past 12 stand downs which we have hosted, because after all the stand down is about supporting and helping the veterans, not reflecting the current climate. Once again, I challenge everybody in the seven county area to turn out for these individuals no matter what their personal opinions or agendas may be, whether Federal, State, County or local affiliation.”

“We will have something for every veteran in need,” said John Blanchard, executive director of National Association of Systems Administrators Education Corporation (NASA Education), the sponsor of the event. He added that the organization is expecting to assist over 300 veterans. “The community stands ready to help those who gave so much for all of us.” This is the 6th year and 13th Stand Down event sponsored by
NASA Education and even though we are able to assist our veterans, the numbers keep rising. With Iraq and Afghanistan coming to an end, there will be even more increasing numbers in the not to near future.

Known as one of the best Stand Downs in Illinois, attendees are treated with the utmost care and respect they deserve. “The individuals attending our Stand Down, coming for assistance are truly heroes. Each and every one of us owes them our gratitude for the freedoms we enjoy, worldwide. The reasons that they have reached the point in need of assistance, varies as widely as their own individuality. The people coming to the Stand Down for assistance are not only recent veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan, but are also veterans that reach as far back as the Vietnam War, the Korean War and the few remaining heroes of WWII. These are today’s MIA’s; Missing In America.” said Blanchard, the sponsor of the event. As NASA Education motto states, “Through ‘help and healing and delivering on their hope’, these individuals want to rejoin the
mainstream of our productive society. They were once the most loyal, dedicated, responsible and professional employees that the federal government has ever had and they need to get that back.“

“The veterans aren’t looking for charity, and the help we’re giving them should not be interpreted as charity. They want a job. A place to live. A means of paying their bills. The same things all of us want and need,” said Blanchard. “They deserve these things.”

Veterans will also receive a number of amenities at the Stand Down.

Transportation will be provided from the Pingree Train Station in Crystal Lake, to the Stand Down site. Please phone NASA Education at 866-338-4968 toll-free for moreinformation about the Stand Down, pick-up points, volunteering and making donations.

Or you may send an email to Amy Johnson at Amy_Johnson@nasaeducation.org or please visit our website at www.nasaed.org. Although pre-registration is closed an individual may come the day of the event.

NASA Education is a Crystal Lake-based, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that provides comprehensive workforce and community reintegration services for U.S. veterans who are displaced, disabled, homeless or otherwise in transition.

A press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office:

OWNER AND FOUR EMPLOYEES OF CRYSTAL LAKE BUSINESSES CHARGED WITH DEFRAUDING UNITED STATES, U.S. MILITARY VETERANS, AND SERVICE DISABLED VETERAN OWNED SMALL BUSINESSES

ROCKFORD — the owner of certain Crystal Lake, Ill. businesses, three of his current employees, and one former employee, were all indicted today by a federal grand jury in Rockford, Ill. The indictment charges the five defendants with defrauding the United States, U.S. military veterans, and certain other disadvantaged businesses known as Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Businesses.

Defendant, John C. Blanchard, 51, of Crystal Lake, Ill., owns and operates several businesses referenced in today’s indictment, including

• National Association of Systems Administrators, Inc. (“NASA, Inc.”),
• National Association of Systems Administrators Corporation (“NASA Corp.”),
• NASA Education Corp. (“NASA Education”), and
• Liberating Solutions Corporation (“Liberating Solutions”).

NASA, Inc., and NASA Corp. provide computer system maintenance and support for small businesses and engage in some software design.

NASA Education and Liberating Solutions are companies that are purportedly designed to help homeless U.S. military veterans by providing them with work training, community reintegration, and other services. All of these businesses are located in Crystal Lake, Ill.

The remaining four defendants all worked for John Blanchard’s businesses.

• Joanne Blanchard, 49, of Crystal Lake, John Blanchard’s wife, managed the finances and payroll for her husband’s companies.
• James Blanchard, 55, of McHenry, Ill., John Blanchard’s brother, was a Project Manager for Liberating Solutions and managed security for his brother’s businesses.
• Eric R. Behler, 51, of Curlew, Washington, was a Contracting Officer for Liberating Solutions.
• Amy B. Johnson, 50, of Elkhart, Indiana, oversaw NASA Education.

The indictment alleges that the defendants fraudulently obtained federal contracts that were set-aside for Service Disable Veteran Owned Small Businesses. Federal law allows for certain contracts to be set-aside for Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Businesses.

To qualify as a Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business, a company must be at least 51% owned by one or more service-disabled veterans, and the daily operations of the business must be managed by a service-disabled veteran.

According to the indictment, the defendants caused Liberating Solutions to bid for and win federal set-aside contracts by falsely representing that Liberating Solutions was a Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business.

The indictment also charges that the defendants defrauded the U.S. military veterans who were enrolled in the NASA Education program by failing to pay them the wages they were entitled to under the Davis Bacon Act, the Service Contract Act, and Illinois law.

The Davis-Bacon Act requires that companies receiving federally funded contracts for work on federal buildings must pay their employees locally prevailing wages and fringe benefits for similar projects in the area. The Service Contract Act requires companies that are awarded federal contracts to provide certain services to the federal government must also pay their employees certain wage rates. Illinois law has similar requirements for contractors who are awarded contracts for state and local government projects.

According to the indictment, the defendants caused Liberating Solutions and NASA Education to win contracts with the federal government and local governments in Illinois by representing that their businesses would pay their employees the wage rates required under the Davis Bacon Act, the Service Contract Act, and Illinois law.

Then, the defendants required the U.S. military veterans who were enrolled in the NASA Education program to perform the physical labor required by these contracts.

Contrary to the representations on the contracts, the defendants did not pay the veterans the wage rates required by the Davis Bacon Act, the Service Contract Act, and Illinois law.

The indictment also charges the defendants with defrauding the United States in connection with the receipt of certain grant funds.

The U.S. Department of Labor (“DOL”) provides up to $10,000 in grant funds to organizations that sponsor “Stand Downs.”

Stand Downs are events which provide homeless veterans with information regarding training, employment opportunities, and social services.

The DOL requires organizations that receive these grants to provide the DOL with receipts and invoices for the costs incurred. The grant recipients are also required to return any funds not expended for the event.

According to the indictment, the defendants fraudulently caused NASA Education to keep excess grant funds it received for Stand Down events by submitting fraudulent invoices falsely claiming that Liberating Solutions had incurred certain expenses.

For example, some of these fraudulent invoices claimed that security for NASA Education’s Stand Down events had been provided by a company known as “Bull Dog Security,” when in fact security for those events had been provided by veterans who were not paid for their services.

The indictment returned today contains six counts of wire fraud, one count of mail fraud, and ten counts of providing material false statements and documents in a matter within the jurisdiction of a federal agency. Each count of wire fraud and mail fraud carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

Each count of providing material false statements or documents carries a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison. All of the counts carry a maximum fine of $250,000, or an alternate fine totaling twice the loss or twice the gain derived from the offense, whichever is greater, and restitution. If convicted, the Court must impose a reasonable sentence under the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines.

The defendants are scheduled to be arraigned on the indictment next Tuesday, August 28, 2012, at 11:00 a.m., at the federal courthouse in Rockford, Ill. The arraignments will be conducted by U.S. Magistrate Judge P. Michael Mahoney.

The indictment was announced today by Gary S. Shapiro, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, James Vanderberg, Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago Office of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, John W. Brooks, Special Agent in Charge of the Central Field Office of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of the Inspector General, Armando Lopez, Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Inspector General, and Jeffrey L. Arsenault, Special Agent in Charge of the Central Field Office of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott A. Verseman.

The public is reminded that an indictment contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt. Each defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

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You can read the indictment here.

A press release from State Senator Pam Althoff:

Althoff veterans’ ID bill moves forward

SPRINGFIELD, IL. – Legislation giving veterans their own unique Illinois drivers’ licenses and State ID cards has passed both chambers of the General Assembly.

Senate Bill 2837, sponsored by State Sen. Pamela Althoff (R-McHenry), is aimed at raising awareness about resources available to veterans, and to provide emergency responders with valuable information when treating veterans during times of crisis.

It would also help veterans take advantage of special discounts and incentives offered to them by private industry.

“This legislation is a common-sense way we can connect veterans with the resources they’ve earned because of their service,” Althoff said.

“Veterans have sacrificed much to preserve our freedom, this legislation is one small way we can help support them in return.”

The initiative was the number one recommendation of the Illinois Discharged Service Members Task Force, which was charged with finding ways of helping veterans after their years of service are complete.

NASA Education’s Spring Stand Down is coming up at Crystal Lake’s Harvest Bible Chapel and Country Inn and Suites.

The following email explains what is happening.

Here’s some information on our up and coming stand down. The pics are John Blanchard and crew unloading the 2 53’ semi’s of clothing and gear.

NASA Education is “gearing up” for its Homeless Veterans Spring Stand Down and Conference.

[NASA Education has] kicked off the two week preparation for the April 30-May 1 event at Harvest Bible Chapel and Country Inn and Suites in Crystal Lake, IL from 9:00-5:00 on Monday and 8:00-11:00 on Tuesday.

[Recently] we received over 60,000 pounds of gear and clothing for the event.

We are very pleased that we can still have the homeless veteran stand down even though the federal government has stopped funding them.

This up and coming event will mark our twelfth Stand Down and conference, we have been able to have the past 6 events without federal funding with the help of monetary donations, food, clothing and supplies from local community support and private donors.

Since we will be hosting nearly 500 at this event we are always looking for volunteers, assistance and participants, especially if you have not seen the event at our new location, Harvest Bible Chapel.

We are looking for individuals and companies to get on board with assisting some of the most deserving individuals that walk this planet. There are opportunities to volunteer, present in a workshop setting, as wells as display their offerings in the service providers showcase area.

We will be offering 15-30 minute presentation spots for service providers, so sign up early to solidify your spot. As potential employers, they will be able to meet with individuals that are seeking employment or as service providers; they will be able to let the attendees know what is available out there that they may be unaware existed. So whatever their participation, we would like individuals to consider coming out and becoming part of this beneficial and worthwhile event. It’s going to be amazing.

There is no cost to participate in this event, only their time.

How can you help?

The set up for the Spring Veterans’ Stand Down and Conference takes a lot of manpower prior to, during and after the event. We distribute clothing and gear that will help our homeless attendees make it through the elements of summer. Items such as coats, rain gear, waterproof shoes, socks under garments and clothing are a few of the items they will receive at the Conference. Toiletry items will be distributed, so that our attendees can take a warm shower during their stay.

We seek volunteers to assist in the loading, unloading, set-up, tear down, as well as during the 2 day event. Any amount of time individuals can provide is greatly appreciated. Our schedule still needs to be solidified as far as the weekend setup, but if they are willing to volunteer their time, then NASA Ed staff will get in touch with them with times and locations. During Monday and Tuesday we seek volunteers that will be available to help staff security, the registration area, parking lot, clothing distribution area, bingo callers, as well as runners that assist other volunteers and service provider’s needs.

We also seek volunteers to help provide baked goods, or other snack type items. The numbers of our overnight guests keep rising and they really enjoy having goodies to snack on in the evening. And of course if time is an issue, we will always welcome monetary donations to help defer some of the costs.

Volunteers make this event happen

Since our very first Stand Down in the fall of 2006, we’ve had very loyal and dedicated volunteers, some who have assisted in every stand down. We couldn’t do it without our loyal friends. This event is a huge undertaking and everyone who is willing to give their time, no matter whether its 5 minutes or 5 hours, is very much appreciated.

Thank you again for your continued support and dedication to such a great cause. If you know of any other individuals that may want to come out and give us a hand, please forward this information to them.

For more information please visit our website at www.nasaed.org or contact Amy Johnson at amy_johnson@nasaeduation.org or 815-455-5085.

Wednesday, United States Senator Dick Durbin came to McHenry County.

He met with employees of NASA Education and related companies at President John Blanchard’s headquarters on Route 31 in Prairie Grove.

The first part of the visit was chronicled here yesterday.

“Last year was a disaster,” the number two Democrat in the U.S. Senate declared, “but for one thing–President Obama jobs bill on helping Veterans.

“Is there any indication that jobs bill has changed anything?” he asked.

“No,” Blanchard replied.

He said hadn’t seen any effect, pointing out that subsidizing a Veterans salary isn’t the problem.

“They can get a job.

“They just can’t hold a job,” Blanchard explained.

They need to get out of “their homelessness” and get their “responsibility back.”

“Who’s going to hire those with a criminal background?” Blanchard asked.

State Rep. Jack Franks (D-Marengo), who arrived after the meeting began, observed that unemployment in McHenry County is above the state average.

NASA Education’s Amy Johnson pointed out that Veterans don’t always want to go to work and have doctor’s appointments that disrupt production schedules.

She said there was a molding firm in Algonquin whose management understood and made allowances for the various problems.

When Durbin asked the wages people helped in their job hunting by NASA Education, Johnson said they ranged from minimum wage to $16-17 an hour at Olson Electric.

Blanchard brought up a problem that Veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan face.

“They have difficulty getting Illinois certificates.”

He mentioned nurses and licenses for truck drivers (CDL’s or Commercial Drivers Licenses) especially.

Franks suggested that legislation might be needed to establish reciprocity between Illinois licensing and skills in the Armed Forces.

“There ought to be an equivalency test,” Durbin agreed.

“Amy, you put your finger on it. A lot of them are facing personal issues,” the Senator continued.

What’s needed, Blanchard said was to

• get them safe
• get them clean
• get them going in a different direction

Durbin then launched on a severe critique of private trade schools.

He said he would be holding a Chicago hearing on the subject in about two weeks.

He charged that the for-profit schools were enticing Veterans to enroll using Federal Pell Grants to pay tuition.

Yet, he said, the Federal government is not holding them responsible for educational or job placement results.

He used the phrase “fly by night operation.”

“We should never be giving Pell Grants.”

Rep. Franks agreed, suggesting the results of state financial  assistance be examined as well.

Durbin focused on culinary schools in which TV cooking shows were inspiring people to enroll.

The private schools, he pointed out were self-accrediting.

Not everything was serious, however.

I got a couple of good shots of Durbin and Franks laughing.

I don’t know what other stops he had on his Wednesday journey to McHenry County, but I caught up with U.S. Senator Dick Durbin while he was learning about NASA Education’s automotive repair business.

It has recently been re-located from Pingree Road sought of Rakow to Route 31 near the fire place store.

There people can get total care for their vehicles which are fixed by Veterans who are mechanics or training to be mechanics.

Durbin listened to the stories of three men in the shop.

He asked several times whether John Blanchard’s brainchild got any Federal funds.

The answer was “No.”

That seemed to surprise the number two Democrat in the U.S. Senate.

Blanchard explained that funding came from related business.

That and contributions.

One source of contributions results from inserts in driver’s license renewals sent out by Secretary of State Jesse White.

They solicit the donations of cars, which NASA Education employees pick up all over the state and beyond.

One of the men told of going to St. Louis and Indiana to get vehicles.

“Most of them aren’t in great shape,” Blanchard said, explaining how they were repaired there prior to being sold or given to Veterans who needed them.

That happens eight months a year.

NASA Education Foundation has to pay for the printing, but obviously the postage is paid by State government.

So far, about 120 cars have been donated.

Durbin, his staff, Blanchard and his assistant Amy Johnson, then walked over the NASA Education, the for-profit headquarters.

Again, Durbin asked, “Any government funding?”

“We’re working for our money,” Blanchard explained, after noting that the recession hasn’t hurt contributions.

He briefly outlined some of the businesses, including a re-sale shop in Carpentersville and a trucking company, among others.

The topic moved onto “the increasing difficulty at getting served at the VA.”

A Veteran in the room explained that it was “more difficult to get the appointments and make the appointments timely.”

“They’re getting swamped,” Blanchard observed.

He explained that if one needed immediate care, a hospital emergency room was where Veterans had to go.

Durbin talked about how ill-advised he thought it had been to close the Veterans Hospital in North Chicago.  He credited former Congressman John Porter with advancing the idea of combining the care of Veterans with active duty personnel at Great Lakes.

“Impossible!” was the reaction.  “They don’t speak the same language,” congressmen were told.

He told of “head-to-head battles between unions, the Navy and the VA.”

But the merger was accomplished.

“Don’t cut the budget,” Durbin said with reference to Veterans health care.

“For God’s sake, we promised these servicemen we’d stand behind them.”

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More tomorrow.

An email from State Rep. Mike Tryon:

Today is a day for us all to reflect on the sacrifices made by veterans who have spent a part of their lives devoting themselves to military service. The freedoms we enjoy are due to the sacrifices they have made. Whatever your political leaning, whatever fierce debates we have in Illinois and in America, one thing that unites us all is our appreciation for those who serve our country in the military.

In the General Assembly, we take Veterans issues very seriously. On this day of remembrance, I thought it would be appropriate to outline just some of the recent laws in Illinois that help our service men and women while they are away and when they return from duty.

Protecting Veteran’s Monuments/Grave Markers
HB 3273    P.A. 97-384

• Makes it a crime for any scrap metal dealer, recycling facility or other business to accept metal from the grave marker of a veteran

Protecting Funeral Services of Veterans
HB 180     P.A. 97-0359

• Protests, demonstrations and/or disorderly conduct may not be conducted within 300 feet of the ingress or egress of the funeral site (previous legislation limited protests to 200 ft)

Honoring Wounded and Fallen Veterans
HB 1537     P.A. 97-0258

• Designates the 7^th day of August of each year as “Purple Heart Day” to be observed as a day to honor and remember those wounded or killed in battle

Protecting the Service Member’s Employment Tenure Act
HB 2095     P.A. 97-0580

• If an employer knowingly violates the Service Member’s Employment Tenure Act they will be charged with a Class A misdemeanor (Service Member’s Employment Tenure Act: Provides employment protection to service members called into active duty service. Service members who are honorably discharged or otherwise satisfactorily complete their service are entitled to be returned to employment, at a level to which they would have attained if not for their period of active duty)

Assisting Fallen Veterans’ Family
HB 2875     P.A. 97-0302

• Any natural mother/father or spouse of a veteran killed in the line of duty (Gold Star Family members) deemed eligible by the US Dept. of Veterans Affairs is entitled to admission to any of the Illinois Veterans Homes, should vacant beds exist

Veterans and the Department of Natural Resources
HB 3274     P.A. 97-0498

• Veterans returning home from service abroad are eligible for free camping, hunting and fishing licenses for the amount of time they served abroad

Veterans Traumatic Brain Injury and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Public Service Announcement Fund
HB 3275     P.A. 97-0078

• Creates the Veterans Traumatic Brain Injury and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Public Service Announcement Fund in the State treasury

Driver’s License Expiration Deferment for Veterans
HB 3331     P.A. 97-0079

• Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code by changing the driver’s license expiration deferment for those serving in the US Armed Forces outside of the state of Illinois and 120 days thereafter

Veterans-Owned Small Businesses
SB 1270     P.A. 97-0260

• Amends the Illinois Procurement Code. Sets as a goal that 3% of State contracts be awarded to service-disabled veterans-owned small business and veterans-owned small businesses.

I wish you all a very safe and happy Veteran’s Day, and as always, if my staff or I can assist you in any way, please do not hesitate to call my Crystal Lake office at 815-459-6453.

Sincerely,

Michael W. Tryon
State Representative, District 64

Some images I have collected concerning Veterans:

And, if you would like to see want World War II was like in the Pacific theater, I invite you to see the photos Wonder Lake’s Sully Sullivan brought back from some of the most vicious fighting of the war. The photographs, not all of which are for the faint of heart, include a broader view of the one one you see above of the signing of the unconditional surrender by the Japanese, among many others the physician who supervised this Pharmacists Mate.

A press release from State Representatives Kent Gaffney and Sandy Cole:

Cole & Gaffney Host an Evening with Our Veterans

WHO: State Representative Sandy Cole (R-Grayslake), State Representative Kent Gaffney (R-Lake Barrington) & Lake County Veterans

WHAT: An evening with our veterans encompasses free food, handouts and information pertaining to important state issues specifically for our veterans and their families.

WHEN: Thursday, September 29, 2011 -5:30pm-7:30pm

WHERE: American Legion Post 911, 515 S. Main Street, Wauconda, IL 60084

WHY: As State Representatives, Rep. Cole & Rep. Gaffney continue to advocate for the men and women who have served our country in uniform. Notwithstanding our State’s significant financial challenges and the slow economy, they remain committed to protecting veteran’s access to affordable health care, educational advancement and employment opportunities.

INTERVIEWS: State Representative Cole & State Representative Gaffney will be available to answer media questions prior to or directly after the event.

A press release from the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs:

IDVA to host “Helping Our Hometown Heroes” veterans benefits fair August 19th in Woodstock

CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs (IDVA) is hosting a free Helping Our Hometown Heroes benefits fair for veterans on Friday, August 19th in Woodstock at the Woodstock Opera House (121 W. Van Buren St., Woodstock, 60098). The fair will bring federal, state and local agencies and organizations together in one location.

“Helping Our Hometown Heroes is a great resource for veterans to learn about and tap into all the benefits they have earned and are entitled to receive,” said newly appointed IDVA Director Erica Borggren. “We appreciate all of the agencies that support these events and are working hard to serve veterans and their families in this community.”

Many federal, state and local agencies and organizations throughout the region will attend the event, which will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The program is free and open to the public.

Among the participating organizations are the

• McHenry County Veterans’ Assistance Commission,
• McHenry County Supervisor of Assessments,
• Transitional Living Services of McHenry County,
• Lake & McHenry Veteran and Family Services,
• Congressman Don Manzullo’s office,
• State Representative Jack Franks’ office,
• McHenry County College,
• BraveHearts Therapeutic Riding Program,
• Helmets to Hardhats,
• Illinois Attorney General’s Office,
• Illinois Comptroller’s Office,
• Illinois Secretary of State’s Office,
• Illinois State Treasurer’s Office,
• Illinois Department on Aging,
• Social Security Administration,
• Veterans’ Administration (Lovell),
• Chase Bank, and Fifth Third Bank

Other organizations and vendors who are interested in participating, please contact the McHenry County Veteran Service Officer Ted Biever at (815) 338-9292.

For more information and future events, please visit the Helping Our Hometown Heroes website.