PEORIA, IL (03/11/2013)(readMedia)-- Master Sgt. Anthony Moreno of East Moline was named the 168th Air Support Operation Squadron's 2012 Outstanding Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year for the 182nd Airlift Wing in Peoria.

Moreno was recognized for his performance, mission accomplishment and leadership. Criteria included actions, initiatives and results that showed exceptional leadership and duty performance. Consideration was given for job effectiveness, job knowledge and support to deploying or deployed operations. Additionally, the board reviewed awards and recognition, significant individual accomplishments, unique job achievements, processed or implemented suggestions and innovative problem solving.

Submitted photo/ Master Sgt. Anthony Moreno of East Moline was named the 168th Air Support Operation Squadron's 2012 Outstanding Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year for the 182nd Airlift Wing in Peoria. Moreno has 16 years of military service.

SYCAMORE, IL (01/31/2013)(readMedia)-- Story by Sgt. Kenneth Vasser, Unit Public Affairs Representative, Illinois Army National Guard

The artillerymen of Alpha Battery, 2nd Battalion, 122nd Field Artillery opened their armory doors to the general public, local leaders and family and friends for an open house Jan. 27, at the Sycamore Armory.

The purpose of the Open House was to give the public an opportunity to learn about the unit's history and military mission, see unit equipment and facilities, and visit with the Redlegs of Alpha Battery.

Visitors were given a presentation on the history and lineage of the unit and its involvement in various conflicts throughout history. The main event of the day was a full-speed "dry-fire" artillery demonstration that explained how the "eyes," "brains" and "brawn" of the field artillery work together to achieve mission success.

"Artillerymen work hard," said Capt. Dustin Cammack of Chicago, battery commander. "The forward observers are the "eyes," they travel with the infantry and send us target information. The fire direction center, the "brains", then processes that information into firing data. Then the gun line, known as the "brawn," uses that data to put steel on target," said Cammack. "When all things are in sync, it's a beautiful thing."

Guests were able to see firsthand the inner workings of the technology, equipment and technical proficiency involved with modern day field artillery. The spectators observed four "dry- fire" missions as Soldiers and leaders explained and demonstrated their duties, tasks and responsibilities as artillerymen.

"The event was an overall success," said Staff Sgt. Jorge Solis of Wheaton, a cannon crew chief. "The motivation of the Soldiers was high, and the community was involved and attentative."

Spc. Levi Kammes of Crystal Lake, a cannon crew member, appreciated the local community's support.

"It was a great day and a great opportunity for the community to support the unit and really see what is within the armory walls," said Kammes.

The unit hopes to maintain its strong connection with the city of Sycamore as the Soldiers continue their commitment to serve the community and nation.

"We are truly grateful and proud of the support this unit has received from the people of Sycamore," said Cammack. "It has allowed us to be such an amazing part of American history and this town's history for nearly 100 years."

More than 40 people attended the first-ever open house at the Sycamore Armory. Notable attendees included state Rep. Bob Pritchard, 70th District, Paul Herbert, First Division Museum at Cantigny executive director, and Alison Ruble, USO of Illinois president and CEO.

SPRINGFIELD, IL (10/13/2012)(readMedia)-- The U.S. Department of Defense has approved an Innovative Readiness Training project that will allow the Airmen of the 183rd Civil Engineer Squadron, 183rd Fighter Wing to build affordable, safe and decent housing with Habitat for Humanity of Sangamon County in local low-income neighborhoods.

183rd Fighter Wing Commander Col. Michael Meyer announced the partnership today with representatives from Habitat for Humanity and the Enos Park Neighborhood Improvement Association at the site of the first project, a two-story townhouse that will be built at 1137 North 5th Street, Springfield.

"This is a win-win for both the Illinois Air National Guard, Habitat for Humanity, and - most importantly - local low-income families," said Illinois National Guard Assistant Adjutant General - Air Brig. Gen. William Cobetto. "Our Airmen practice the skills they need to perform their military missions and, through Habitat for Humanity, local families get decent safe housing."

The project is scheduled for three years and the 183rd CES will help build as many as 12 homes in Sangamon County. Three of those homes are slated to be built in Springfield's Enos Park Neighborhood. Habitat for Humanity will provide the building materials and supplies as well as meals for the Airmen working on the project and the Airmen will provide the labor and tradesman skills they acquired from their military training.

"As the Commander-in-Chief of the Illinois National Guard, I am so proud that Illinois was one of a handful of states to administer an Innovative Readiness Training Project approved by the Department of Defense," Gov. Pat Quinn said. "This project will improve the training of our men and women in uniform and strengthen the communities where they live and work."

This isn't the first DoD-approved Innovative Readiness Training project for the 183rd CES. Last year, approximately 35 members of the squadron helped construct a 3,200-square-foot adult programs building for the St. Michaels Association for Special Education in the heart of Navajo Nation in Arizona.

"My Airmen really enjoyed helping the Navaho Nation, but this project is even better," Meyer said. "Now they are helping their own communities in their own state. This is very special to us."

To acquire DoD assistance through the Innovative Readiness Training program, Habitat for Humanity had to submit an approval packet that underwent legal, fiscal and operational scrutiny. The local nonprofit had to prove the IRT would not put the military in competition with local contractors, would be a fiscally responsible use of military training funds and the work performed would accurately exercise the military skills the Airmen would need to perform their military mission. The 183rd CES' wartime mission is to build structures in support of military operations.

Airmen with the 183rd Civil Engineer Squadron, 183rd Fighter Wing help construct a home with Habitat for Humanity through an Innovative Readiness Training project in Springfield, Oct. 13.

Military Family Licensing Act Provides Expedited Professional Licenses to Illinois Servicemembers and Their Spouses

CHICAGO (06/27/2012)(readMedia)-- In grand fashion, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn and the Illinois National Guard hosted First Lady Michelle Obama at an historic bill-signing at the Calumet armory in Chicago on June 26. The governor - flanked by the first lady, Acting Adjutant General of Illinois Maj. Gen. Dennis Celletti, bill sponsors Illinois State Senate President John Cullerton, state Rep. Bob Pritchard, and state Sen. Martin Sandoval - signed into law the "Military Family Licensing Act".

The bill - officially named Senate Bill 275 - provides for temporary expedited professional and educational licenses for active duty members of the military and their spouses after the families relocate to Illinois for military service. More than 300 Servicemembers and their families crowded into the armory in the South Loop to witness the historic event. Illinois will become the 23rd state to adopt pro-military spouse license portability legislation when the law takes effect Jan. 1, 2013.

"Our military families make great sacrifices every day, and they shouldn't have to put their career on hold while their loved ones are serving their country overseas," Gov. Quinn said. "This new law will strengthen Illinois and allow these dedicated professionals to waste no time in finding work and making a difference as they settle into their new home."

As part of her Joining Forces initiative to honor, recognize and support military families, the first lady has advocated for the 100,000 military spouses who serve in professions that require state licenses or certification. For many, this means having to bear high financial burdens to transfer their credentials from state to state as they serve.

"Because of Governor Quinn's efforts, more military spouses will be able to advance in their careers. More businesses, hospitals and schools will get the talented, experienced workers they rely on. And more families will have the income they need and the financial security they deserve," said First Lady Michelle Obama. "Above all, military families will know that America has their back. We are working hard every day to serve them as well as they have served this country."

In February, the first lady and Dr. Jill Biden asked the country's governors to improve job portability for military spouses in their states by relieving some of the financial burdens they face. At the time the first lady and Dr. Biden addressed the governors, only 11 states had such legislation. With the addition of the law in Illinois, that number has grown to 23, and an additional seven states have similar pending legislation.

"This is a monumental day for Servicemembers and their spouses here in Illinois," said Maj. Gen. Dennis Celletti of Springfield, the Acting Adjutant General of Illinois. "The legislation signed today will no doubt ease the burden associated with professional license transfer and further strengthen communities around the state. Illinois has once again set the standard for excellence in caring for its heroes."

The state agencies that issue occupational licenses, including the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) and the State Board of Education, will be able to grant temporary licenses to military members and spouses who hold credentials in other states in more than 50 professions, such as teachers, doctors, nurses, dentists, plumbers, paramedics, social workers, dieticians, and therapists.

"This new law is powerful for the more than 16,000 military families who call Illinois home," said Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs Director Erica Borggren. "Military spouses make tremendous sacrifices to follow their loved ones from duty station to duty station - and temporary, expedited licensure is an important way our state can support them through those sacrifices."

In addition to temporary six-month licenses, the act allows the IDFPR to consider all relevant experience and training that a Servicemember has gained through military service towards meeting certain permanent state licensing requirements.

Illinois Army National Guard member Staff Sgt. Jamie Witt of Urbana, added to the sentiment felt by the bill's many supporters at the bill-signing. "As a civilian nurse, I can attest to the difficulties one may encounter when acquiring the proper state licensure for his or her profession. I am honored to be here today to witness the signing of this legislation," said Witt. "Our Servicemembers and their families now have one less obstacle to overcome during their transition to Illinois. This further illustrates that Illinois truly values its Servicemembers and their families - I am honored and proud to call Illinois home," said Witt.