Du Quoin, Ill. (Sep. 1, 2023)—On Sunday, August 27, Rend Lake College representatives were at the Veterans’ Exposition in the Du Quoin State Fair to talk to veterans about the educational benefits and grants that are available to them at RLC.
RLC Staff pose for a photo at Du Quoin State Fair Veterans Exposition. FROM LEFT; Heather Bauersachs (Director of RLC Murphy Walll Pinckneyville Campus), Lauren Turner (RLC Financial Aid Specialist), and Megan Mckinly (RLC Public Information Specialist).
RLC Financial Aid Specialist and School Certifying Official Lauren Turner was there to work the event and provide useful information to veterans or their loved ones who are interested in earning a degree or certificate.
“This is a great opportunity to reach out to the veterans in our community and let them know the benefits that could potentially be available to them on a Federal or State level,” Turner said. “I had the privilege to speak with a student Veteran at RLC and he believes some Veterans may not be aware of the benefits or whether they qualify. My goal to improve that by providing them with as many resources as possible. We hope to invite an Illinois Veteran Service Officer to come to campus to speak with our Veterans.”
Veterans Service Officers (VSO) for the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs (IDVA), Tina Griffiths and Dax Griffith, were hands-on with Jeffrey Lewis Southern Regional Director in the organization of the Veterans Exposition at the Du Quoin State Fair. Griffiths said these types of events are important for the information that they bring directly to the veterans and their families.
The Veterans Expo provided free lunch and live entertainment to all Vets and their families. Along with RLC, a multitude of organizations were there to talk to veterans about the different benefits that are available to them that they may not have been aware of.
The Expo brought in a variety of vendors and resources for veterans such as: CaptionCall by Sorenson, DAV Department of Illinois, Land of Lincoln, US Senator Tammy Duckworth, Gold Star Mission, VETS, Survivor Outreach Services, Hospice of Southern Illinois, Attorney General Office, IDES, MOA, Marion VAMC Services, Knives by Jeff, Reserve Officers Association (ROA), Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), Illinois Veterans Home at Anna, West Frankfort Military Museum, Marine Corps League, Veterans Honor Flight, Sons of American Revolution, American Legion, The Able Veteran, VFW, and Military Family Readiness.
Griffiths served for 13 years in the Illinois and Indiana Army National Guard with one tour supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) before working for IDVA, so she understands the value of these events.
“This is a great place to make valuable connections,” Griffiths said. “The Veterans’ Expo is a way for my generation of vets to show up for those who may not be aware of the benefits available to them and offer assistance. I also think this is a great place to make sure our elder war veterans get the support, welcome, and recognition.”
RLC Financial Aid Specialists like Lauren Turner are available at any time to assist students in directing them on who to contact about possibly eligibility for benefits. They can also visit our website: Downloads - Veterans Benefits Brochure - Rend Lake College (rlc.edu).