Governor Appoints Former Soldier to Head Department of Veterans' Affairs

CHICAGO - Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich today announced Vietnam veteran Roy L. Dolgos as his choice as director of the state's Department on Veterans' Affairs. Dolgos, 58, will lead an agency that coordinates with the federal government to provide benefits, education and nursing care to Illinois veterans and their families.

"Mr. Dolgos knows first-hand what our veterans gave up to serve their country. His background as a soldier and his professional experience as a manager put him in a unique position to address the needs and concerns of Illinois' veterans," said the Governor, who served on the U.S. House Armed Services Committee while in Congress.

Dolgos served in the U.S. Army as a military policeman from 1966 to 1968. He earned a Bronze Star for his outstanding service under hostile conditions in Vietnam. He is involved with numerous veterans' groups, including the 196th Light Infantry Brigade Association; the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 242; the 9th Infantry Division Association and the Chicago Commission on Human Relations' Advisory Council on Veterans' Affairs.

In 1972, Dolgos earned his bachelor's degree in business administration from Central Connecticut State University. Dolgos, Chicago, is currently a manager for the Inter Parking Corporation, overseeing facility finances and operations. Previously, he served as general manager, secretary and treasurer for Arrow Illinois Company.