Veterans

Democratic U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen met with veterans from Bloomington-Normal this week. Among their top concerns are the bureaucratic hoops they must jump through to receive services.

Nancy Benedict of Pontiac served in the Marine Corps from 1975-1978. She died last fall while enrolled in CreatiVets. Her classmates worked together to finish the pottery she'd started and dedicated their exhibition to her memory.

Every year starting in late October, the red Toys for Tots boxes start appearing in nearby businesses, institutions and restaurants in Bloomington-Normal. The 110 drop boxes remain fairly vacant until the holiday shopping season.

CreatiVets and Heartland Community College host veteran-focused art classes that count for class credit and help veterans heal.

Quartermaster Jim Waters is aware of the VFW's stereotype as a place for "old guys to drink and tell war stories." Post 454 in Bloomington is thinking outside the box to meet the needs and interests of younger veterans and connect across generations.

The state's only circuitwide problem-solving court, formed in 2018, serves veterans charged with non-violent crimes in McLean, Ford, Livingston, Logan and Woodford counties. The program's graduation rate hovers near 90%.

Outdoor Veterans takes veterans and first responders on hikes, fishing trips and more to help with mental health struggles and building connections.

John Borling is a distinguished Vietnam veteran, having spent 6 1/2 years as a prisoner of war in Hanoi. His service awards include a Silver Star and two Purple Hearts.

Devildog Canine co-founder Michael Parker, a veteran, trains dogs in basic obedience, therapy, protection and service work. Some of the dogs he's trained belong to other veterans who benefit from this special form of companionship.

The Veteran Warriors hockey team touts itself as the only sports program in Central Illinois dedicated to rehabilitation and therapy for disabled veterans. They strive to provide a buddy-check support system and an experience for veterans suffering from PTSD, substance abuse, or other issues.