Steve Bridges

Steve Bridges is the Central Illinois Region - Education, Outreach, and Community Engagement Specialist at Illinois Joining Forces (IJF). Originally from Springfield, IL, he comes from a family with strong military roots, including his father, a WWII U.S. Navy Chief, and two brothers who also served in the Navy.

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Despite early struggles in school, a Springfield police officer and an Illinois Army National Guard recruiter influenced Steve’s decision to join the National Guard in 1991. He served 10 years in the Military Police at Camp Lincoln, IL, including two state activations: one during the Chicago Bulls Championship and another for the 1993 Mississippi River flood.

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Steve also worked with at-risk youth at Lincoln’s Challenge Academy. In 2005, Steve transitioned to civilian law enforcement in Mattoon, IL, where he served as a Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, and Crime Scene Investigator. He also volunteered with the Illinois Warrior to Warrior program, helping veterans transition to civilian life along with connecting homeless veterans with services.

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After retiring from law enforcement in 2021, Steve became a Case Manager for the Salvation Army’s Veterans Services Team, managing transitional housing for homeless veterans.

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He’s been married for 16 years, has two stepchildren, two grandchildren, and five cats. Steve is also a professional axe thrower and engages veterans through the sport, providing “Support Veterans” bracelets with the Veteran’s Crisis Line number.

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Steve is passionate about helping veterans access the services they deserve.