SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) -- The Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs has launched an online registry aimed at helping connect veterans to services.

Veterans who register through the "Stand Up and Be Counted" website will be contacted by a local Veterans Service Officer within 48 hours.That officer will be able to assist with paperwork, in securing benefits and in pointing the way to other resources.

Veterans' affairs Director Erica Borggren says participation in the registry will help the agency gain a better understanding of the state's 1.2 million veterans. She's encouraging vets to register "for the sake of their battle buddies."