For Release: Monday, December 16, 2002
Contact: Frank Miles: (618) 233-8026

U.S. CONGRESSMAN JERRY COSTELLO PARTICIPATES IN DEDICATION OF BELLEVILLE VETERANS ADMINISTRATION CLINIC VAN

Belleville, IL -- On Monday, December 16, 2002, U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL) participated in a dedication of a new service van for area veterans served by the Belleville Veterans Administration Clinic.

Costello, along with area volunteers and local veterans, dedicated the new Chevy Venture van at a short ceremony held at the VA Clinic in Belleville. Driver, Ted Hartman took the lead in obtaining the private funds to replace an older van with high mileage. Hartman solicited funds from area Veterans groups and individuals.

Costello and Linda Kurz, Area Director for the Veterans Health Administration Office, cut the ribbon for the new van at the ceremony. Costello was instrumental in securing the VA Clinic for Belleville and opened the facility in 1999. It now serves thousands of area veterans annually.

Costello said "this van provides a critical service to our area veterans and it's service is open to any vet that is admitted into the VA system."

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