By Congressman Dan Lipinksi (IL-3)

Throughout the month of May, my office has been hosting Senior Fairs at various locations in the district.  It’s a great opportunity for area seniors to receive assistance from my knowledgeable staff, as well as organizations, agencies, and businesses that provide services to seniors.  My final senior fair will take place this Monday, May 19th, from 10-noon, at Moraine Valley Community College, 9000 West College Parkway, in Palos Hills.  I know many of you will be unable to attend this free event, so I encourage you to stop by or call one of my district offices year-round, Monday through Friday, to ask for help or to get your questions answered. 

I understand that my role as your representative entails more than just my work legislating in Washington, I can also help represent you when you need help cutting through the bureaucratic red tape that can give everyone headaches.  During my time in office, my expert staff has helped thousands of people in this manner.  My caseworkers can handle problems concerning Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, Immigration Services, Passports, the Postal Service, the IRS and many other federal programs.

I am proud to say that the Third Congressional District has a lot of veterans.  I have always made it a priority of my office to fight for those brave individuals that have sacrificed much for our nation.  I have a staff member who specifically handles the questions and concerns of veterans in the district.  Whether it is an issue with your benefits as a veteran, a problem with obtaining your service records, or if you have earned medals for your service but never received them, we can help.

Are you planning a trip to Washington D.C. later this year or next?  My office can help you and your family schedule tours of some of the city's most popular and historic destinations including the U.S. Capitol.  The White House is once again open for tours on a limited basis.  Requests can be submitted up to six months in advance of your visit.  For more details, visit my website, www.lipinski.house.gov.

After the long winter, I’ve noticed that many of the American flags in the district have seen better days.  According to the U.S. Code, "The flag, when it is in such a condition that is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be retired in a dignified way, preferably by burning."  My offices in Orland Park, Oak Lawn, Chicago, and Lockport will accept worn American flags for proper disposal.  For more information, call my Chicago office at 312-886-0481.

If you’re looking for a replacement, I'm honored that my Washington, D.C. office can help constituents obtain an American flag that's actually been flown over the U.S. Capitol.  Contact the office toll-free at 866-822-5701 to find out more.  Please be advised that requests cannot be processed more than one month prior to date the flag would need to be flown.   If possible, we can accommodate requests for flags that are flown at a specific date or time.  My office is happy to provide your first flag free of charge if you are a veteran. 

Finally, you can stay informed about what’s going on in the district and the nation’s capital by signing up for my e-mail newsletter at www.lipiski.house.gov.