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Wednesday, July 02, 2008 --- 64 days ago http://www.pjstar.com/news/x1816438994/Family-Relief-Fund-seeks-help
| When Bruce Bennett was shipped to the Middle East, the last thing he expected to worry about was paying for a baby-sitter. "You don't realize the things your spouse has to pay for when you're gone," said the 182nd Airlift Wing captain, ". . . but there are a lot of human things that come up." Bennett, along with more than 11,000 Illinois National Guard and Reserve members, has taken advantage of the Illinois Family Relief Fund, which helps fill the salary gap created when military personnel are deployed. In 2003, Illinois became the first state to create a military fund, and since its inception five years ago, it has distributed more than $6.3 million to families throughout the state. But as an increasing number of troops are sent to Iraq and Afghanistan, the fund is straining to meet demand. Just in time for the Fourth of July, Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn, who drafted the fund, made a stop in Peoria on Wednesday to urge people to support the men and women who are fighting for freedom. "They are making a financial sacrifice," he said at a news conference at the Peoria Army Recruiting Station on Wednesday. "This is not charity. It is a token of gratitude from the people of Illinois to those who are serving us and protecting our democracy." Quinn, who traveled throughout Illinois on Wednesday to promote the fund, said 55 percent of married National Guard and Reserve members report a loss of income when they are called to active duty. About 1 ... |
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