For over three decades, VFW Post 8322 has been a cornerstone of our far northwest side community, extending its support to local schools, churches, community organizations, and our fellow veterans. Our post has served as a hub for advocacy, legislative discussions, voting, and providing essential insights on veteran affairs to our elected officials and their staff.
Throughout the history of our VFW Post, we have always strived to advocate for our veterans, hosting candidate town hall meetings and voter registration drives, we ensure that veterans’ concerns remain at the forefront of political discourse. Recently, under the leadership of Post Commander Paul Bezazian, a retired Chicago firefighter, our post convened a roundtable discussion to address the needs of our members and the broader veteran community. With the participation of Alderman Gilbert Villegas, himself a USMC Veteran and member of Post 8322, the discussion centered on enhancing city government services to better serve veterans, particularly in housing and employment opportunities.
Taking the insights gathered from this discussion, Alderman Villegas brought this back to City Council and introduced two critical ordinances. The first seeks to expand the Veterans Hiring Preference to all city departments, ensuring veterans receive due consideration across various job categories. The second ordinance aimed to extend affordable housing preferences to veterans, addressing the pressing need for housing support within our community. After months of dedicated advocacy from VFW members, American Legion’s, and various veteran orgs along with Chicago’s Council Veteran Caucus, led by Alderman Villegas, we are proud to announce that both ordinances were unanimously approved by the Chicago City Council this week, marking a significant victory for veterans’ rights in our city.
At the national level, the VFW has long been recognized as a formidable advocate for veterans’ interests in Washington, D.C. From landmark legislative initiatives like the 1917 War Risk Insurance Act Amendments to the ongoing expansion of healthcare and education benefits, the VFW continues to shape policy and champion the rights of veterans across the country. Through congressional testimony, engagement with state and local officials, and mobilization of our vast network of members and supporters, the VFW remains steadfast in its commitment to prioritizing veterans’ needs.
Here in Chicago, we are honored to carry forward the legacy of our National VFW, advocating tirelessly for our veterans and their families. With unwavering dedication and collective action, we strive to make Chicago the premier destination for veterans, ensuring they receive the support and recognition they rightfully deserve.
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