Illinois State representative Stephanie Kifowit, D-Oswego, a United States Marine Corps veteran, was honored to be host to a roundtable discussion Monday, Aug. 21 with United States senator Dick Durbin to reaffirm their unwavering support and commitment to our veterans.
Numerous critical topics were discussed by the veterans who were in attendance representing the branches of the U.S. military. The roundtable focused on essential matters such as Veteran Affairs health care and benefits, veteran suicide prevention, improving the transition program for newly-discharged service members and the support for women veterans.
“My fellow veterans dedicate their lives in service to our Country, and it is important to reciprocate that dedication by ensuring they receive the resources and benefits they deserve,” stated Kifowit.
Senator Durbin expressed his unwavering dedication by stating, “We owe it to them, and to the ideals they’ve defended, to stand by their side as they’ve stood by ours.”
The gathering captured a powerful moment of collaboration, emphasizing the ongoing efforts of both State representative Kifowit and United States senator Durbin in advocating for necessary changes and improved support systems for our deserving veterans. In addition, they discussed ways in which the State government of Illinois can work with the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to improve service in Illinois for more than 500,000 veterans. Illinois is of the top 10 states for its population of veterans.
—Office of Illinois State representative Stephanie Kifowit