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News Releases -
Military and Veterans News
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Written by Army Staff Sgt. Jaime L. Witt, 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
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Wednesday, 23 May 2012 12:35 |
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Representing one's nation at the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Three Illinois Guardsmen received that opportunity by participating in the opening ceremony of the NATO Summit in Chicago May 20.
The Illinois Guardsmen, Army Capt. Oluwatoyin Hines of Chicago, Senior Airman Michael D. Citchens of Peoria, and Tech. Sgt. Jacob Curtis of Fairview Heights represented U. S. Armed Services in a color guard who performed for the Heads of State during the opening of the international conference. Military representatives from all 28 nations in NATO participated in the opening ceremony, which featured drill and ceremony, the playing of Taps and Reveille.
Curtis with the 126th Security Forces Squadron at Scott Air Force Base and 2011 Air National Guard Noncommissioned Officer of the Year, served as the primary U.S. military representative, while Citchens and Hines served as alternates.
"To be selected to be the person to represent our entire nation's military was an honor," he said. "I felt privileged and I couldn't image all of the military men and women who gave their lives, while I was up there representing them to show NATO leaders who we are."
Citchens, an integrated avionics specialist with the 182nd Airlift Wing in Peoria, said he appreciated the experience.
"I can't really put it into words," he said. "It is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I'm grateful to be a part of something of that magnitude. Being in the same room as the leaders of the 28 nations of NATO was indescribable."
Hines, a chaplain with the 108th Sustainment Brigade in Chicago works full-time as the Wounded Warrior chaplain for the Illinois Army National Guard and said she was honored to have been selected to participate.
"It was powerful to be able to connect with other servicemembers internationally," Hines said. "It made me perceive my job as a chaplain differently. It made me more patriotic for our country."
All three Guardsmen were selected a month before the summit took place. |
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News Releases -
Military and Veterans News
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Written by Move America Forward
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Wednesday, 23 May 2012 12:34 |
In an amazing story showing his faithfulness and dedication to the troops, actor and 4-time Troopathon participant Gary Sinise is making news again from his astounding level of dedication to our American troops.
Cpl. Joshua Benjamin "J.B." Kerns (USMC)..., lost both his legs below the knee as well as his right arm below the elbow during combat operations in Afghanistan while the then 21-year-old Marine was serving his third combat tour of duty in "The 'Stan" as that nation is referred to by Marines.
![]() In an Associated Press article via Fox News, Sinise promised J.B. that a benefit concert scheduled on March 31st by Sinise's "Lt. Dan Band" would help raise money to construct a "smart home" for the wounded warrior.
Unfortunately, Sinise had to postpone the gig due to an automobile accident he was recently involved in.
True to his word, the concert is back on for this upcoming Thursday.
Sinise, who has raised millions of dollars to aid wounded military vets and first responders, was quoted by the AP:
"These are young guys that have ...given a lot for their country and they're going to have to go for the rest of their lives with a real challenge.
We're trying to do as much as we can for as many of them as possible." |
GARY SINISE IS KEEPING HIS PROMISE TO A MARINE. LET'S MAKE GOOD ON OUR PROMISES TO SUPPORT OUR TROOPS!
These brave troops are deployed in some of the most dangerous provinces in Afghan war zone, including Sangin and Helmand Province.
Updating our progress towards reaching our goal, it looks like we have raised enough funds to support 411 of our 800 Marines. That means we're more than half-way to our goal!
This is an amazing outpouring of support! But we have to keep the momentum going and get all the way to our goal!
We have already collected enough to help over half of our Marines, however there are still 389 Marines out there who need YOU to sponsor a care package for THEM! Please Help today!
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News Releases -
Military and Veterans News
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Written by Jeff Giertz
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Wednesday, 23 May 2012 10:32 |
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Braley will honor retired Army Reserve Sgt. Major Michael Matson
Washington, DC – On Thursday, Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) will travel to Davenport’s Central High School to present the Legion of Merit award to retired Army Reserve Sgt. Major Michael Matson of Davenport.
Matson is being presented with the Legion of Merit award for exceptionally meritorious service and outstanding leadership throughout his 21-year career in the military. The Legion of Merit is among the most distinguished US military decorations, and is one of only two US military decorations to be worn on the neck (the other is the Medal of Honor). Braley worked with the Army to help push through the Legion of Merit honor for Matson.
Thursday May 24, 2012
2:30pm Medal Award Ceremony for Michael Matson
Davenport Central High School
1120 Main St.
Davenport, Iowa
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News Releases -
Military and Veterans News
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Written by National Guard PAO Illinois
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Wednesday, 23 May 2012 07:46 |
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CHICAGO, IL (05/21/2012)(readMedia)-- Three Illinois National Guard Soldiers with Company A, 2nd Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne) in Chicago were recognized on the field during Armed Forces Day at Wrigley Field, May 19. Staff Sgt. Ryan Meister of Urbana, Staff Sgt. Scott Blindt and Staff Sgt. Dan Schwarz were recognized along with five other servicemembers before the game. Gen. John R. Allen, commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan threw out the first pitch. |
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News Releases -
Military and Veterans News
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Written by Leslie Wertheimer
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Wednesday, 23 May 2012 07:28 |
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Ceremony Highlights Heroism and Bravery of Illinois Servicemembers
CHICAGO – May 19, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today joined Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Illinois National Guard Maj. General William Enyart to honor Illinois National Guardsmen Sgt. First Class Ryan Ahern of Glen Ellyn and Capt. Tom Bozzay of Wheaton with Silver Stars for valor. Gen. Dempsey presented the awards to Ahern and Bozzay for their heroic actions in Afghanistan in December 2009 while protecting a French military unit.
“As we honor our military heroes on Armed Services Day, we must never forget their sacrifices,” Governor Quinn said. “Sgt. First Class Ahern and Capt. Bozzay are genuine heroes and a shining example of Illinois' best.”
Ahern and Bozzay are both assigned to Company A, 2nd Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group in Chicago. While deployed to Afghanistan in 2009 and while under attack from a large enemy force, Bozzay moved under fire to provide medical care to five unit members who were seriously injured. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, Bozzay repeatedly used his body to shield wounded comrades from incoming fire.
Ahern was unconscious when the unit received fire, which wounded him and four others. After regaining consciousness from the blast, Ahern identified and fired at the enemy long enough to allow other members of the unit to reinforce their positions.
“The actions of Capt. Bozzay and Sgt. 1st Class Ahern prove they are not only heroes, but they are true protectors of this country,” said Enyart. “They were selfless and fearless without hesitating to simply do their job. They are an inspiration to me and our fellow Illinois National Guardsmen.”
The Silver Star is the third-highest military decoration that can be awarded to any branch of the United States Military. Today’s ceremony on United States Armed Services Day at the Pritzker Military Library comes as the Illinois National Guard is playing a key role in this weekend’s historic NATO summit in Chicago. On Sunday, Governor Quinn will join Polish President Bronisław Komorowski for a ceremony honoring continued military cooperation between Poland and the Illinois National Guard.
As Memorial Day approaches, Governor Quinn is encouraging Illinois residents to honor the servicemen and servicewomen who have lost their lives fighting for democracy by supporting programs that benefit Gold Star Families, including the Illinois Military Family Relief Fund, Operation Hero Miles, and Operation Support Our Troops. For more information about programs for our Veterans, visit www.operationhomefront.org or call the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs at 217-782-6641 or 312-814-2460.
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