President Preckwinkle and County Board Honor Military Veterans As Part of Silver Star Service Banner Program

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and County Commissioners today recognized 42 military veterans for their sacrifice and service to nation under the annual Silver Star Service Banner program. 

The veterans were saluted for their service in wartime during the Board meeting. To be eligible for the Silver Star Service Banner program, a veteran must have been wounded or become ill while serving in a war zone. The veterans honored served in conflicts ranging from World War II to Afghanistan. 

The Silver Star Service Banner is a national program run by the nonprofit Silver Star Families of America. Cook County began participating in the Silver Star Service Banner program in 2008.

“I am grateful for the participation of the veterans here today. This program is a wonderful way to honor the service of these veterans who have sacrificed so much on behalf of our country,” President Preckwinkle said. “Thank you to the Cook County Department of Veterans Affairs and to the many commissioners that work to honor veterans in the Silver Star Banner Service program.”

The County Board during its meeting approved a resolution honoring the Silver Star Service Banner veterans. Those who were present were individually recognized during the meeting. The veterans also received several commemorative items. 

“It is so important to take time to salute these veterans and reflect upon the tremendous sacrifices they have made in the defense of this great nation,” said Commissioner Jeffrey R. Tobolski (16th), chairman of the County Board’s Veterans Committee.  “Each level of government has an obligation to our veterans and I am proud of Cook County's commitment to support those who defended our freedom.”

One of those honored today served in World War II, three in the Korean War, 29 served in Vietnam, three in Iraq, three in Afghanistan and three in the war on terrorism. Twenty-eight of today’s Silver Star Service Banner veterans served in the Army, five in the Navy, two in the Air Force, six in the Marines and one in the Army Reserve.

Bill Browne, Director of the Cook County Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA), worked with County Commissioners and veterans organizations throughout Cook County to identify the recipients for this year’s Silver Star Service Banner program. 

Preckwinkle created the County’s first-ever Department of Veterans Affairs in 2013.The DVA works with Cook County employee-veterans and collaborates with veterans organizations in providing information for and helping direct veterans to programs and benefits based on their military service.