Soon after taking office in August, recently appointed state Rep. David Olsen (R-Downers Grove), immersed himself in community activities, including a veterans’ event and blood drive, sponsoring the affairs with fellow legislators.
"[State Sen.] Christine Radogno (R-Lemont), [state Rep.] Jim Durkin (R-Burr Ridge) and I co-hosted a Veterans' Expo and blood drive at American Legion Post 80 in Downers Grove,” Olsen stated via his Facebook page recently. The free event on the morning of Sept. 10 at 4000 Saratoga Ave. was designed to provide resources for local military veterans looking for employment, education or health care.
“These are passionate and patriotic Americans who deserve our respect and admiration for giving of themselves when their country needed them most,” Olsen said. “It is also important to acknowledge the families … who make the ultimate sacrifice of selfless contribution in sending their family members to serve.”
Approximately 40 professional representatives attended the event to answer questions and impart information to vets and their families. Participants -- from civic leaders to health care providers and other state resource representatives -- made an effort to reach out and provide connections with support staff.
“I consider it my civic duty to support initiatives like the Veterans’ Expo as a great way to help these deserving Americans,” Olsen said. “The expo had a variety of experts to assist in educational or employment opportunities for younger veterans while providing older veterans with advice on health care and housing."
Radogno is a Republican State Senator representing District 41 (Cook, DuPage and Will counties), while Durkin, from District 82, serves as House minority leader.
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