Chicago-Kent Law Students Strengthen Connections with IL-AFLAN and VSOs

October 1, 2024

An essential partner of the IL-AFLAN (Illinois Armed Forces Legal Aid Network) hotline is the statewide network of Veterans Service Officers (VSOs), who play a crucial role in supporting veterans across Illinois. Recently, a group of incoming first-year law students from Chicago-Kent College of Law dedicated their Service Day to enhancing this partnership by reaching out to VSOs in all 102 counties of the state. Their goal was to share valuable resources, reinforcing the connection between IL-AFLAN and those on the front lines of veteran services.

Chase Florance also participated in the service day, helping to supervise the other students alongside CARPLS Supervising Attorney Karla Chrobak. Chase, one of the students at Chicago-Kent who leads the Vets Law Society student org at Chicago-Kent, is working with interns from the law society on the IL-AFLAN hotline managed by CARPLS Legal Aid. As a veteran himself, he believes that “IL-AFLAN equalizes access to legal help and is like having another team member on your side.” When asked why he came to help the other students, Chase said, “The military really believes in mentorship and that made CARPLS such a natural fit.. Karla is so willing to share her time and teach, helping everyone get up to speed. It makes you want to pass it on—no one gets it all on day one. This is your chance to show someone else the ropes.” You can read more about Chase’s volunteer work with IL-AFLAN here.

Their Service Day is an initiative designed to encourage new law students to engage with the community through volunteer work with various nonprofits in the Chicago area. For many participants, the choice to volunteer with IL-AFLAN stemmed from a personal connection to the military. One student shared, “Both of my grandpas served in the Navy, and when I read about IL-AFLAN, it resonated with me. I found the hands-on aspect of calling different VSOs rewarding. They appreciated the pamphlets and information we provided.” This sentiment was echoed by others who recognized the importance of giving back to those who have served.

Participants expressed deep respect for service members and a desire to contribute to their well-being. One student remarked, “I really like IL-AFLAN’s mission. Being able to give back to those who have served our country felt incredibly important.” Another added, “From a young age, I learned the value of recognizing veterans and the importance of giving back. This opportunity felt like a meaningful way to make a difference.”

For many students, this experience was more than just a day of volunteering; it was an opportunity to forge connections with their community and contribute to a cause they deeply care about. “I chose IL-AFLAN because I respect our service members and believe it’s honorable to support them. They fight for our freedom, and it means a lot to me to make an impact, even if it’s just through phone calls,” one student shared.

Another participant, who has military ties in their family, spoke about the profound sense of duty they felt: “Seeing how my friends who are veterans struggle to access services makes me realize how beneficial even small efforts can be. Helping others who have sacrificed so much is incredibly important.”

The collaboration between IL-AFLAN and the network of VSOs is a testament to the power of community engagement. Through initiatives like Service Day, law students are not only learning valuable skills but also actively contributing to the well-being of veterans in Illinois. By fostering these connections, they help ensure that those who have served receive the support and recognition they deserve.

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