Q: How do I get back to my old career?
A: The law requires that employees called up for duty in the military be given the same or equivalent jobs when they return. Employees also are supposed to keep their seniority and receive any raises or promotions they would have earned had they not been called up. 

Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve counsels employers about their obligations to military veterans. ESGR also offers free mediation services to veterans who believe an employer has not followed the law. More information is available at esgr.org. Veterans who need help resolving issues with employers can call (800) 336-4590.

Q: How do I get a new job?
A: The Illinois Department of Employment Security has 67 staffers trained to specifically help veterans obtain a job or secure a better job. They will work one on one with veterans to identify issues that could be an impediment to employment, help them find suitable job openings and even conduct mock interviews to prepare them for the actual interview. The staffers also meet regularly with employers to encourage them to hire veterans. The state also has a newly created program offering employers a $600 tax break for hiring veterans. A list of IDES offices, their hours and additional information about benefits is available at ides.state.il.us.

Q: What should I do about obtaining veterans benefits?
A: The state Department of Veterans Affairs recommends that all veterans visit a DVA office as soon as possible to get information about both state and federal benefits and for assistance in starting the application process. A list of DVA offices is available at state.il.us/agency/dva. The site also contains extensive information about programs available to veterans.

Veterans service organizations such as the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars have members at many of their posts trained to help veterans learn about their benefits and navigate through the paperwork.

Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn’s office also maintains a Web site, operationhomefront.org, that contains not only information about government benefits, but also organizations and programs that help military personnel and their families.