COD to participate in 'Rockin' for the Troops' concert July 21
College of DuPage is a premier sponsor for this year's Rockin' for the Troops event at Cantigny Park in Wheaton on Saturday, July 21.
Designated a “Military Friendly School” by G.I. Jobs three years, College of DuPage is also the only community college ever to receive the Governor's Award for Excellence in Education by the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs,
At this year's Rockin' for the Troops, College of DuPage student volunteers will assist veterans from Hines VA Hospital throughout the event. In addition, the College's booth will be staffed by members of the COD Student Veterans Association, who will offer first-person insights on their experiences in higher education after returning from active duty to civilian life.
“College of DuPage has made a strong commitment to our veterans, and we continue to find ways to meet their needs as they transition back into civilian life,” said Shelly Mencacci, COD coordinator of Veterans Services. “It's important for us to continue supporting Rockin' for the Troops, a fun event that is also a venue to show support and appreciation for our veterans and their families.”
Gates open at noon for the seventh annual Rockin' for the Troops fundraiser, with special appearances by the Motown tribute band The Voices, the 7th Heaven Band playing rock covers and original music, Big John Howell and Amy Jacobson with the Born to Boogie Band, and Isabella Nanni. The evening will heat up with headliner Gary Sinise & the Lt. Dan Band.
More than 11,000 Chicago area residents are expected to attend this year's concert. Since its inception, Rockin' for the Troops has raised more than $2 million for veterans and their families across the country. Concert attendees are asked to bring items for Operation Support Our Troops – America in exchange for a chance to win one of several door prizes. Since 2003, Lisle-based OSOT – America has sent more than one million pounds of comfort and care packages to deployed troops and military field hospitals.
The College's Veterans Services office provides personal assistance specifically for veterans in such areas as Counseling and Advising, academic assistance, career placement and benefits information. COD also recognizes a number of tuition-based veteran education bills, including the Montgomery G.I. Bill for Active Duty, Survivors and Dependent Educational Assistance Program, and the Reserve Educational Assistance Program. COD accepts the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill, which provides a maximum benefit of free tuition, a monthly housing allowance and a yearly book and supply stipend of up to $1,000 for qualifying veterans.
In addition, College of DuPage offers a new Veterans Counseling certificate (the first of its kind in Illinois), which is now available online. Details about this program are available by calling the Human Services department at (630) 942-2103 or (630) 942-2043.
For more information about services provided for veterans at COD, visit www.cod.edu/admission/veterans. For more information about Rockin' for the Troops and to purchase tickets, which are $25 per person, visit http://osotil.wix.com/rockin.