FERUARY 13, 2010 - CVO Valentines Day Fundraiser

• When: Saturday, February 13th, 6 to 9 PM
• Where: Trinity Lutheran Church, 5106 N LaCrosse Ave in Chicago
  (On LaCrosse between Elston and Foster, just off Cicero & I-94
  Exit I-94 at Foster Plenty of Parking Handicapped Accessible)
• Who: Dinner prepared by Chef Charles ‘Smudge’ Coleman
• What: Dinner, Entertainment, Music, Raffles and Prizes!

Musical performances by: Carol Williams and Free Range Strings

FEBRUARY 20, 2010 - CVO Meeting
CVO is meeting on Saturday, Feb. 20th
from 10 AM to 12:30 PM at Montford Point Marine Association
at 7011 S Vincennes in Chicago.

JANUARY 7, 2010 Veterans Helping Veterans live TV show
Thursday, (Jan. 7, 2010) Veterans Helping Veterans live TV show will be answering questions from a single caller: Caroline of French radio.

LocalChicago cable TV viewers will able to call during the 6:30-6:55 PM airing of the live show on channel 21. The show will talk about working with other vets to recover from the war. The Show will be posted ASAP at veteranshelpingveterans.us together with the other past episodes of the show.

JANUARY 14, 2010 - VOICE OF THE VET: Veterans Writing Project
Come and experience a two-hour introductory expressive writing workshop with Kathleen C. Nesbitt, transformative language artist and facilitator of VOICE OF THE VET: Veterans Writing Project.

Thursday January 14th
5:15 PM to 7:30 PM
OEF/OIF Conference Room
10th Floor Damen

Download flyer here! (pdf format 168kb)

JANUARY 16, 2010 - CVO Meeting
CVO is meeting on Saturday, Jan. 16th
from 10 AM to 12:30 PM at Montford Point Marine Association
at 7011 S Vincennes in Chicago.

DECEMBER 19, 2009 - CVO Meeting
CVO is meeting on Saturday, Dec. 19th
from 10 AM to 12:30 PM at Montford Point Marine Association
at 7011 S Vincennes in Chicago.

The agenda will include nominations for the Board, the Million Veterans March/Movement and our February 13th Dinner Fundraiser. In order to vote for Board members in January, you must pay up your membership (individuals only $10) by the December meeting.
Be sure to come and bring your membership up to date!!

Aug 1 -- Sun Fest 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM Clarendon Park Community Center. Join Truman’s College Veterans United Advocacy Club as they sell food and drinks to raise money for VUAC projects to support Student Veterans. More info: veteransunitedadvocacyclub@gmail.com. Celebrate summer: music, inflatables, food vendors--and find out about Fall programs offered at Clarendon Park. Chicago's neighborhood festivals are great opportunities for communities to come together in the parks celebrating with friends, neighbors and family members. All throughout the city, the Chicago Park District organizes festivalsand special events which are family focused and offer activities for Chicagoans of all ages. Community organizations and chambers of commerce periodically sponsor neighborhood festivals which include local parks. Additionally, some parks sponsor mini-festivals to bring the community together for fun and socializing.

Aug 5 – Teamsters Veterans Initiative/Helmets to Hardhats Job Resource Forum 9am-2pm @ Teamsters Local 705 Auditorium, Chicago, IL. Contact Mike Yauger 312-666-2750 for more info.

Aug 8 -- Student Veterans Education and Military Group An IIT Student Club And members of the Illinois Student Education Association Invite Veterans and Military Members to a Veterans Workshop on Education and Benefits On Saturday August 8th 2009 10 AM to 2PM.
Jesse Brown VA Hospital and Medical Center, 18 South Damen (2000 West). Parking Available 2nd floor Auditorium. Download flyer

Aug 9 -- FREE Picnic for our local-area Veterans, Military Service Members and their families on Sunday, August 9, 2009 at the Hines VA Pavilion. The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2378 of Berwyn, Illinois is honoring our American Heroes. SUNDAY, AUGUST 9th 12pm-5pm Hines VA Pavilion 5th and Roosevelt Road Hines, Illinois. Download flyer
RSVP: (708) 749-2378 or VFWPost2378@yahoo.com.

Aug 15 -- National Women Veterans United 2nd Annual Formal Affair Honoring Women Veterans Past & Present. Oak Lawn Hilton Hotel, 9333 South Cicero Avenue, Chicago, IL. Tickets $60. Contact NWVU members at ladyvets2@yahoo.com or 312-458-9130 info at http://nwvu.org/special_events

Aug 16 -- Veterans Day at the Illinois State Fair. Veterans and their families are admitted to the grounds for free. A drum and bugle competition and veterans parade are some of the highlights for the day. For list of events and more information: www.agr.state.il.us/isf/events/VetDay.htm

Aug 22 -- CVO Meeting Special Date Due to NWVU Gala Aug 15
We are moving the CVO meeting to Malcolm X College on the corner of Damen and Jackson in Chicago. There is plenty of parking in a huge lot on Jackson across from the main entrance to the college. The Blue Line stops at Damen on Congress just south of the college. We are holding our meeting at Malcolm X in conjunction with Rep. Danny Davis' State of the District meeting on August 22nd. Please show up at 10 AM. More information--room numbers, agenda, etc.--will follow. That's on Saturday, August 22nd, a week from this Saturday. (click for directions) More information, room numbers, agenda, etc. will follow.

Aug 24-26 -- Veterans for Unification Fundraiser: Jewel Shop & Share Program. Here is a great way to support the Veterans for Unification without donating a dime. 5% of the total purchase goes back to VU. Items excluded are gift cards, fuel, tobacco, liquor, stamps, money orders, lottery tickets & sales tax. People can shop at any Jewel/Osco. The only restriction is that we may NOT stand outside of a Jewel and hand these coupons out to people; they must be given to customers before they are on any property of a Jewel/Osco location. Please tell your friends, family, co-workers, neighbors and everyone you know to help us out with this fundraiser. We all have to shop for ourselves, so the more you spend on your own personal needs, the more Jewel gives back to us. It is an easy and efficient way to support our Veterans without writing a check.

August 28 -- 1-3 PM The PAWSitive Therapy Troupe therapy dogs have been invited to the annual Hines VA Hospital Cancer Survivor's Day event on. Teams will circulate among patients and their families during the event, held in the Hines Auditorium..

JULY EVENTS
July 3 --Free Concerts @ Petrillo Music Shell featuring The 85th Army Band & Fireworks Spectacular presented by the City of Chicago during the Taste of Chicago at Grant Park.
July 7 – 1pm The Chicago Area Veterans Forum (CAVF) first kick-off meeting for “The Million Veterans March” to be held on Saturday September 26, 2009. This March is to alert citizens of the Veterans Platform to help citizens stop the violence and save the children. It would be appreciated, if you or another member of your organization participates in the planning and organizing of this momentous occasion. The location of the meeting is the VET center at 7731 S. Halsted. If the date and/or time stated above are not convenient for anyone in your organization, please contact us immediately. Julie Rudison 773 343-5616 C4jar84@yahoo.com
July 11 -- BraveHearts Therapeutic Riding & Educational Center Cowboy Cookout Fundraiser will be held at BraveHearts Farm, 7319 Maxon Road. Proceeds from the event support the programs and services of BraveHearts, an organization that teaches disabled individuals how to ride horses. Live entertainment by Dan Whittaker & The Shinebenders, hayrides, line dancing lessons, great food, raffle and silent auction. For tickets, call Marge at (708) 485-5629
July 17-- National Women Veterans United Deadline for Ad book copy and artwork. All ads print in black and white. Photos accepted for full and half pages ads (JPEG preferred). Email artwork to ladyvets2@yahoo.com. If mailing, please label backs of all photos and supply a self-addressed envelope if you would like the photo returned. Please send completed form and ad material to: National Women Veterans United Commemorative Ad Book, Post Office Box 20149, Chicago, IL 60620. www.nwvu.org
July 18 -– Special Rockin’ for the Troops Concert Gates open: 12:00 PM Tickets: $25 All ages, general admission. Presented by: NAVISTAR International Corporation. Limited On-site Parking - $10. Featuring Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band Showcasing Rock n Roll Hall of Famer Chris Hillman, Co-Founder of the Byrds and Desert Rose Band. Special Guest Performers: "Momsense" Comedian Anita Renfroe ! And Heartache Tonight Performing the Music of the Eagles. For more information on concert details and ticket sales, please visit www.osotil.org.Cantigny Park is closed due to the concert event. It will be open to ticket holders only beginning at 12:00pm. Charge by phone: 800-594-TIXX (8499) Cantigy Park 1S151 Winfield Rd, Wheaton, IL 60189-3353 (630) 260-8260

JULY 18, 2009 - CVO Meeting
CVO is meeting on Saturday, July 18th
from 10 AM to 12:30 PM at Montford Point Marine Association
at 7011 S Vincennes in Chicago.

JUNE 11, 2009 - VLSC Art Showcase
Thursday, June 11th, 2009 from 3:00pm to 6:00pm
Click here for more info

JUNE 20, 2009 - CVO Meeting
CVO is meeting on Saturday, June 20th
from 10 AM to 12:30 PM at Montford Point Marine Association
at 7011 S Vincennes in Chicago.

JUNE 22, 2009 - Education and healthcare benefits briefing
9/11 GI Bill and other education and healthcare benefits briefing
June 22, from 12:30 PM til 4:00 PM at Jesse Brown VA Medical Center in Multi-Conference room 'C' — Sponsored by Congressman Mike Quigley.

JUNE 27th and 28th  — Walk for Suicide Prevention
Sponsor Bruce Parry for the walk for Suicide Prevention June 27th and 28th.

»click here for more info

MAY 19, 2009 - VAV Press Conference
Veterans Against Violence Conference
TOPIC: Youth Violence
6:00 p.m. St. Sabina, 7800 S. Throop

MAY 23, 2009 - Memorial Day Parade
Chicago Memorial Day Parade Date: May 23, 2009
Chicago Memorial Day Parade Time:
Wreath Laying on Daley Plaza's Eternal Flame - TBD
Parade Start - 12 Noon

Form up at 11 A.M. on Wacker Drive
between Wells and Franklin (Need Directions See Map)
CVO is #120 in the Parade!
Bring the whole family!! It’s fun! Kids Welcome!
Cars available for those who can’t walk.

NO CVO Meeting this month.

View Chicago Memorial Day Parade in a larger map 

APRIL 18, 2009 - CVO Meeting
Save the date! CVO is holding a Town Hall Meeting on Saturday, April 18th from 10 AM to 12 noon at the Montford Point Marine Association at 7011 S Vincennes in Chicago. Sen. Roland Burris will attend. We are also inviting other elected officials. Veterans will have the opportunity to express their concerns and ask questions.

We hope everyone will attend!!

APRIL 23, 2009 - 2009 CAREER FAIR EXPO
Thursday, April 23, 2009
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Kennedy-King College
Building W Atrium 6343 S Halsted
Chicago, Illinois 60621

Download flyer here

MARCH 8, 2009 - Welcome Home Celebration
Jesse Brown VA Medical Center
Combat Case Management Team
Honoring the veterans of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom
When: March 8, 2009
Where: University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) Forum
725 West Roosevelt Road
Chicago, Illinois 60607
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
All OEF/OIF active duty, veterans, and family are invited for a day of free activities, including:
- Food, Entertainment, Massages and Children’s Games

- Door prizes and other giveaways including tickets donated by Chicago

- Job information and employers hoping to fill vacancies with OEF/OIF veterans

- Information on veterans benefits, health care, and community services to assist
veterans in their transition to home and family. Bring your DD2-14 and register
for health benefits on-site.

Please call (312) 569-6150 by March 8, 2009, to let us know
how many adults and children will attend. Download flyer here!

MARCH 14, 2009 - Women on the Front Line
In Recognition of National Women’s History Month
Women on the Front Line
In Defense of this Nation Ceremony
Saturday, March 14, 2009
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Hosted at The National Vietnam Veterans Art Museum
1801 S. Indiana Ave. Chicago, IL 60616

MARCH 21, 2009 - CVO Meeting
CVO is meeting on Saturday, March 21st from 10 AM to
12:30 PM at Montford Point Marine Association at
7011 S Vincennes in Chicago.

MARCH 30, 2009 - Place of Angels Presentation
A Special Presentation to Benefit
The Midwest Shelter For Homeless Veterans
7 p.m., Monday, March 30, 2009
College of DuPage McAninch Arts Center

“… an honorable story, a tribute to vets
that’s simply but beautifully told.”
Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune
Download Flyer Here!

FEBRUARY 14, 2009 - VALENTINES DAY DINNER AND DANCE Valentine's Day Dinner and Dance Fundraiser
When: February 14, 2009 6 - 10 PM
Where: Irving Park Baptist Church, 4401 W. Irving Park Rd.
Who: Valentine's Dinner prepared by Chef Charles 'Smudge' Coleman
What: Food, Entertainment, Dancing, Music, Raffles, and Prizes

Entertainment by Jessie Brown VA Chorus "Songs of Honor" directed by Thadeus Holloway How Much: All this for just $20 a ticket!!!
For more information contact:
Smudge Coleman at 773-562-6992 or Bruce Parry at 773-395-3559
Download Flyer Here!

FEBRUARY 21, 2009 - CVO Meeting
The CVO meeting will be held THIS Saturday, February 21st, from 1 to 3 PM instead of the usual time. Please note the time change!!

As usual, it will be at Montford Point Marine Association, 7011 S Vincennes in Chicago.

Please arrive at 12:45 PM so we can get started on time!

Important points on the agenda include: 

1)   Electing the Board of Directors for 2009-2010.

2)   Organizing veterans to go to Springfield to Rally for Veterans Benefits.

3)   February CVO Veterans’ Valentine Fundraiser!!!

4)   Individual and Organizational Memberships (see attached forms).

 Coffee and refreshments will be served.

 If you have questions about the agenda or about Individual or Organizational Membership, please call me. Sign up now and be the first to join!

October 2, 2008 - Autumn Green at Wright Campus
You’re invited to a Seminar with Dale Tippett. The "Less Stress Move: Taking the Mystery Out" seminar will feature; the process of selling your home, the appropriateness of the decision, what to do with your "stuff", the professionals involved, a timeline, and more! The date is October 2nd; 1:00-2:00 p.m. at Autumn Green at Wright Campus located 4239 North Oak Park Ave. Refreshments will be provided. More info?

October 18, 2008 - CVO Meeting at Chicago Cultural Center
It is important that all our members plan to attend the upcoming CVO meeting, to be followed by the screening of "Lioness." We are inviting the leadership of all our member organizations and we will be discussing building towards the trip to Washington DC in 2009. Let's make sure we have a good turnout.

The meeting will be on Saturday, October 18th at the Cultural Center on the corner of Washington St. and Michigan Ave (Click for map).

The meeting will be from 11 AM to 1 PM. Then we'll have a pizza lunch from 1 to 2 PM. At 2 PM will be the screening of "Lioness"--see the flyer. Lioness is a film about the first women ever to be sent into combat in some of the bloodiest battles in Iraq. This will help us all see what women in the military are facing today. The program will conclude by 4 PM.

October 18, 2008 - Veterans Helping Veterans CAN-TV Show Meet & Greet & Fundraiser
7 - 10 p.m. UE Hall, 37 S. Ashland, Chicago IL (Click For Map)
$ 5 donation (no-one turned away)

Join hosts, producers, guests & friends to celebrate VHV entering its 3rd season and help keep this one of a kind show on the air!

Each unique episode is hosted by a Veteran and guest Veteran who field live call-in questions and discuss relevant news and events. Topics range from the practical to the political.

This show provides Veterans, family/friends of Veterans and local anti-war groups a perfect opportunity to get together on a regular basis and share information.

The show is on Thursdays 6:30 p.m. on Chicago Access Network Channel 21.Past episodes can be seen at veteranshelpingveterans.us

September 4, 2008 - Moving Wall Ceremonies
The Moving Wall!! Opening Ceremonies are on Thursday, September 4th at 2 PM. The Wall will be there through Monday, September 8th at UIC's Harrison Field at 700 S Halsted in Chicago.

September 5th and 6th, 2008 - Danny Davis' District Meeting
CVO Fights for Veterans Rights!! Congressman Danny Davis' State of the District meeting, Malcolm X College (1901 W Van Buren in Chicago). Friday September 5th at 6 PM, Saturday, September 6th at 8 AM.
http://www.house.gov/davis/

September 20, 2008 - CVO Meeting
CVO Meeting Saturday, September 20th from 10 AM to 12:30 PM at Montford Point Marine Association, 7011 S Vincennes in Chicago!

September 25, 2008 - Helmets to Hardhats Job Fair
Helmets to Hardhats is hosting a Job Fair for our veterans on September 25, 2008 from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the Teamsters Local 705 Auditorium, 325 S. Marshfield, Chicago, Illinois. (flyer and forms here).
More info?

August 16, 2008 - CVO Meeting
CVO will hold its monthly meeting on this Saturday, August 16th from 10 AM to 12:30 PM at Montford Point Marine Association, 7011 S Vincennes.
CVO buttons are in!! Get your CVO button!
Prep for the Veterans Awareness March on August 29th
We will have a limited number of CVO shirts, ranging from $22 to $25 depending on size. First come, first served!
Please arrive early (9:45 AM) so we can get started on time!

August 23, 2008 - NWVU Dinner and Dance
NWVU "A Night to Remember" Dinner and Dance Info? Contact Rochelle Crump 773-895-8015 or DCHELLMAR@aol.com.

August 29, 2008 - CVO Veterans Awareness March
CVO Marches!! Veterans Awareness March, Flyer Here. Info? Call John Monaghan (773) 524-9731 or jhmjr46@yahoo.com.

July 19, 2008 - CVO Meeting
Coalition of Veterans Organizations (CVO) will have its next meeting on this Saturday, July 19th, from 10 AM to 12:30 PM at Montford Point Marine Association at 7011 S Vincennes in Chicago.

If you have an agenda item, please send it to me by Thursday (July 17th) so it can be included on the agenda. We want to give everyone ample time to address points on the agenda.
Please arrive a bit early so we can get started on time!

July 26, 2008 - Disability Pride Parade
CVO is supporting the Disability Pride Parade in Chicago on this Saturday, July 26th. Form up with VVAW and IVAW at the corner of Plymouth and Van Buren (under the Brown line CTA station at the back of the Harold Washington Library) 10:30 AM on Saturday July 26, 2008. We'll step off at 11:00 AM Sharp! Since we will be Number 3 in the line of march, we mean 11 AM SHARP!!!!
Wear your CVO hats and shirts and represent us with pride!

July 31, 2008 - KUP's Cruise
You can sign up for Kup's Cruise at http://www.kphf.us/. The Cruise is on Thursday, July 31st and is limited to 500 veterans. I suggest you sign up soon if you want to go.

June 21, 2008 - CVO Meeting
The Coalition of Veterans Organizations (CVO) will be meeting on Saturday, June 21st from 10 AM to about 12:30 PM at Montford Point
Marine Association at 7011 S Vincennes in Chicago.

Please plan to be on time! We'll be hearing from the Single-Payer Healthcare Coalition and discussing the Awareness March set for August 29th!

April 19, 2008 - CVO Meeting
The Coalition of Veterans Organizations (CVO) will be meeting on Saturday, April 19th, from 10 AM to about 12:30 PM at Montford Point
Marine Association at 7011 S Vincennes in Chicago.