Cook County Hosts Veterans Resource Fair Thursday, September 28 at Brookfield Zoo

The Cook County Department of Veterans Affairs (CCVA) is pleased to announce the return of its annual veterans resource fair at the Brookfield Zoo. In addition to providing a space for military community members to connect with veteran service organizations, CCVA is honoring and celebrating the Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legions of Cook County at this year’s event.

For decades these organizations have been a pillar of support by offering camaraderie and making available services known to the military community of Cook County.

The resource fair is Thursday, September 28 from 9:30 a.m. – noon at Brookfield Zoo located at 3300 Golf Road, Brookfield, IL 60513 (parking info below).

Schedule of events for the resource fair:

• 9:30 a.m. – service members can begin arriving
• 10 a.m. – the program begins and formal remarks are given
• 11 a.m. – animal ambassadors take the stage, service members can visit vendor booths and lunch is provided at no cost
• 12 p.m. – event concludes, service members can walk the zoo grounds for free

Proof of military service is encouraged. Acceptable forms of identification include: DD214 with photo ID, Veteran ID card or Military CAC card.

Click the blue button below to RVSP by Friday, September 22, 2023.

RSVP to Attend

Parking Information

Please enter Brookfield Zoo at the South Gate, located near the corner of Golf Road and Ridgewood Road in Brookfield, IL (3300 Golf Road, Brookfield, IL 60513). At the parking gate, state you are here for the Cook County Veterans Resource Fair event for complimentary parking. Once past the parking gate, proceed to the right and follow the signs to the Discovery Center. Park in the Discovery Center Parking Lot. Proceed past the Discovery Center and take a left towards the Pavilions. Registration for the event will take place outside the Pavilions.

Brookfield Zoo will have golf carts available for anyone who needs assistance.

Questions

If you have any questions, please email Maj. Deanna “De” Love at veterans.affairs@cookcountyil.gov or call (312) 603-6423.

Veterans Affairs

Director of Veterans Affairs: Maj. Deanna Love
Phone: (312) 603-6423
Email: veterans.affairs@cookcountyil.gov
Website: https://www.cookcountyil.gov/agency/veterans-affairs

Mission

The Department of Veterans Affairs’ mission is to empower all Cook County veterans who have served in a branch of the military through workshops, newsletters and access to a network of outreach services; allowing them to leverage their knowledge and achieve a better quality of life for themselves and their families.

Values

Equity. Engagement. Excellence.
Learn more about our strategic plans for Cook County with the Policy Roadmap: Five-Year Strategic Plan for Offices Under the President.