City of Chicago forms Veteran Affairs Office to expand services

Mayor Rahm Emanuel has set up a new Chicago Veteran Affairs Office to expand services for military veterans and their families.

Emanuel’s office announced Saturday that he has appointed Victor LaGroon to serve as director of the new department. LaGroon served with the U.S. Army 10th Mountain Division and has advocated for veterans’ health needs for the past decade.

Emanuel’s office says it’s the first time the city will have a full-time staffer specializing in veterans policy and programming.

The city also announced Saturday that a website to guide Chicago veterans to resources in areas including housing and jobs is up and running.