13 Nov 2013

Iowa FFA member, Iowa State University student elected Central Region vice president of 2013-14 National FFA Officer team

By Randy Stalsberg

INDIANAPOLIS (Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2013/National FFA Organization) - Steven Brockshus of Iowa was to say at least an active high school student.

At Sibley-Ocheyedan High School in Sibley, Iowa, he was active in concert, marching and jazz bands. He was a choir member and performed as lead in several high school plays and musicals. Brockshus was a member of the varsity football, wrestling and track teams. And he belonged to groups including Fellowship of Christian Athletes, National Honor Society, 4-H and more.

"I joined so many activities in high school to find out where I belonged," he said. "While I didn't feel out of place in any of them, I found something special in FFA."

FFA inspired Brockshus, he recalls. "The organization itself is empty without people. FFA creates an atmosphere in which anyone can find their place, regardless of background, family structure, age, skin color, language or accent."

Brockshus was elected to the 2013-14 National FFA Officer team as Central Region vice president at the 86th National FFA Convention & Expo.

Other members of the team are Brian Walsh of Virginia as president, Mitch Baker of Tennessee as secretary, Jackson Harris of Alabama as Southern Region vice president, Wes Davis of West Virginia as Eastern Region vice president and Jason Wetzler of Oregon as Western Region vice president.

Originally from Sibley, Iowa, and today an agricultural education and global resource systems major at Iowa State University, Brockshus previously served as Iowa FFA Association president and northwest state vice president. In high school, he served as his FFA chapter's reporter and secretary.

Each year at the National FFA Convention & Expo, six students are elected by delegates to represent the organization as National FFA officers. Delegates elect a president, secretary and vice presidents representing the central, southern, eastern and western regions of the country.

National officers commit to a year of service to the National FFA Organization. Each travels more than 100,000 national and international miles to interact with business and industry leaders, thousands of FFA members and teachers, corporate sponsors, government and education officials, state FFA leaders, the general public and more. The team will lead personal growth and leadership training seminars for FFA members throughout the country and help set policies that will guide the future of FFA and promote agricultural literacy.

After graduation from Iowa State, Brockshus hopes to develop agriculture, teach and be involved in missionary work in a third-world country to encourage community development, spur innovation and motivate people in need.

"I am excited to help members find their belonging by serving as a role model, unconditionally loving every person I meet," he said. "I want to make every interaction a moment of positive influence by being vulnerable and sharing my passion.

"I hope to foster an atmosphere of belonging in every member I come in contact with while serving as a national officer. I want to empower members by creating opportunities for self-discovery and express the value of living in the moment with every interaction."

The National FFA Organization provides leadership, personal growth and career success training through agricultural education to 579,678 student members in grades seven through 12 who belong to one of 7,570 local FFA chapters throughout the U.S., Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

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About National FFA Organization
The National FFA Organization is a national youth organization of 579,678 student members as part of 7,570 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. The National FFA Organization operates under a federal charter granted by the 81st United States Congress and it is an integral part of public instruction in agriculture. The U.S. Department of Education provides leadership and helps set direction for FFA as a service to state and local agricultural education programs. For more, visit the National FFA Organization online at www.FFA.org, on Facebook, Twitter and the official National FFA Organization blog.

07 Nov 2013

AAWA President Lee Marsh Urges Public to Watch Child-Friendly Faith Conference

By Randy Stalsberg
She Says Jehovah's Witness is Just One Faith Group that Fosters Religion-Based Child Abuse

Lee Marsh, president of Advocates for Awareness of Watchtower Abuses, urges the public to tune in Nov. 8 to a ground-breaking conference focused on ending religion-based child abuse.

Child-Friendly Faith Project's first conference brings together religion, legal and other experts including Texas Supreme Court Justice Debra H. Lehrmann, "Prophet's Prey" author Sam Brower, Christian theology professor Dr. David H. Jensen, child advocate Dr. Rita Swan, and family law expert Ann M. Haralambie, JD. There will also be a survivors panel discussion moderated by cult expert Steven Hassan.

You can watch the conference during a live stream beginning at 9 a.m. Nov. 8 at ChildFriendlyFaith.org. The goal is to end all religion-based child abuse and cover-ups that protect abusers.

"There are a number of practices that hurt children," says Marsh, who was raised a member of Jehovah's Witness. "Some faiths encourage spanking and other physical abuse - even for small babies. Some forbid their followers from seeking medical treatment, relying instead on faith to heal, which has led to the deaths of children. And some allow child sexual abuse to go unchecked and unpunished."

Religion-based child abuse is more prevalent than many believe, she says.

"It neither started nor stopped with the infamous Roman Catholic Church scandal," says Marsh, who says as a child, she and her 13-year-old aunt were sexually abused by the same man.

"Instead of calling the police, the leaders of the Jehovah's Witness congregation I attended were told to deal with the problem," Marsh says.

"In both cases, the elder in charge suggested that we girls go to live at another home away from our families. The issue was kept quiet and the accused person remained in the home and in the congregation."

Among those expected at the conference is another Jehovah's Witness, Candace Conti. She's one of the few members of the faith who successfully pushed for legal prosecution of the church for protecting her abuser. The Watch Tower Society, which oversees Jehovah's Witnesses,  was found guilty of covering up child sexual abuse to protect a molester, and she was awarded $28 million in damages.

"It's important for everyone to be allowed to practice the faith of their choice, and to draw the strength, support and instruction from it that they need," Marsh says. "However, we have to protect the most vulnerable in our society from the practices that cause physical and emotional harm - practices that are not tolerated in any other area of civilized society."

Lee Marsh is a retired trauma counselor and president of Advocates for Awareness of Watchtower Abuses and the director of Support Services. AAWA is an international organization established to educate the world about some of Watchtower's most shocking practices.
04 Nov 2013

Dr. David Schroeder Elected IPMS President

By Randy Stalsberg

David Schroeder, DPM, FACFAS, of Davenport, Iowa was elected President of the Iowa Podiatric Medical Society (IPMS) during the organization's annual Business Meeting in October. The organization represents Doctors of Podiatric Medicine (DPMs) in Iowa who serve an important role in keeping Iowans on their feet -- active and healthy.

Dr. Schroeder has been a member of the IPMS for over 20 years. During that time he has made substantial contributions to the leadership of the Association, including serving as a Director to the IPMS Board and chair of the IPMS Insurance Committee. He practices with the newly formed Quad Cities Foot and Ankle Associates in Davenport, IA.

Dr. Schroeder is Board Certified in foot surgery by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery (ABPS) and a fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (FACFAS). Dr. Schroeder is also wound care certified.

After completing his undergraduate work at the University of Iowa, Dr. Schroeder earned his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from the Dr. Wm. M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine in Chicago, IL in 1989. Dr. Schroeder is on staff at UnityPoint Medical Center, Genesis Medical Center and the Mississippi Valley Surgery Center.

The Iowa Podiatric Medical Society (IPMS) is the professional organization representing over 140 medical and surgical specialists of the foot and ankle, located throughout the state of Iowa. Doctors of Podiatric Medicine (D.P.M.) are physicians and surgeons who provide comprehensive services ranging from routine foot care to sophisticated foot surgery. Doctors of Podiatric Medicine are also involved in examining and treating patients diagnosed with diabetes, and those at risk for the disease, to assist them in avoiding possible complications, such as foot ulcers and amputations. For more information on IPMS, call 515-282-8192 or visit www.ipms.org.

11 Oct 2013

Loebsack Takes Iowans Shutdown Concerns Directly to President Obama

By Randy Stalsberg

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack delivered stories of Iowans who have been affected by the shutdown directly to President Obama during a meeting at the White House yesterday. More than 1,100 Iowans from the Second District have written or called Loebsack since the shutdown began to express their concern and share their personal stories. Excerpts from some of the letters are below. Included with the letters from Iowans, Loebsack also wrote the President to highlight how the shutdown is having an impact on families in the state. A copy of that letter can be found here.

 

"Many Iowans are needlessly hurting due to the government shutdown. It is at the height of irresponsibility that Iowans are being hurt by reckless Washington dysfunction. All of this could be solved immediately by taking the simple step of passing a clean funding resolution to reopen the government," said Congressman Dave Loebsack.

 

"I just got an e-mail from our Crisis Center co-ordinator, informing all of the hotline volunteers, that this shutdown by the Govt means that services from HHS, specifically SAMSHA, are doubtful. This means that the National Suicide Prevention Hotline business offices are furloughed. How do you think that your colleagues would feel if one of their own were in trouble and tried to call Lifeline and be told that Congress has furloughed workers? 'Try to find another way to find help if you're feeling suicidal?' ... this hotline shutdown is just plain rotten."

-Bobbie, Iowa City

"I am a counselor working ... on a small military base.... I am furloughed, so it's obviously impacting me, but it's also impacting my clients, many of whom are active duty service members who have been deployed.

I feel like we government employees are caught in the middle of this very childish drama - through no fault of our own.

Please do your best to end this - I am fed up!!"

- Pella

"I work with WIC families and learned early Monday that the offices would not be printing WIC vouchers for families as a result of the shutdown. This means that women who come in every three months for vouchers for milk, infant formula, cereal, bread, and fresh produce will not be receiving them.

Many of these women time their shopping trips to coincide with receiving WIC. They will be out of milk and out of formula, and look forward to getting some bananas and apples for their families. This is terrible news for them."

-Gale, Davenport

 

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11 Sep 2013

GAHC is proud to announce our Board of Directors President Cal Werner is the recipient of the Quad City Caring Award!

By Randy Stalsberg
Cal is President of the Board and also a Life Member of the German American Heritage Center, which is true of the entire Werner family; they have provided moral and financial support literally from the ground up. In nearly every aspect of the organization, Cal has contributed his encouragement, time, leadership skills, strong work ethic, and financial resources. "Occasionally he even shares his opinion, delivered in an unmistakable baritone for those who might miss it," stated Janet Brown-Lowe, Executive Director of the German American Heritage Center (seen on left). Cal is immensely proud of his German heritage and has inspired countless others to step up and acknowledge that pride as well. In addition, has has used his legal training to benefit GAHC, has lead capital campaigns, supervised membership drives, sought grant funding, and managed challenge support initiatives. "Many who receive a call or reach Cal by phone can quickly quote his signature self-introduction - 'Cal Werner of Greater Davenport.' Those who know the man and his impact understand that it is not just a moniker, it is his way of life as his contributions to our community extend beyond the walls of GAHC," stated Mrs. Brown-Lowe.

-an excerpt from Mr. Werner's nomination letter from the Community Foundation of the Great River Bend Annual Celebration  

Join us in congratulating Cal and thanking him for his dedication to our community!
11 Sep 2013

Syria options, President's speech

By Randy Stalsberg

Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa tonight made the following comment on President Obama's outline for possible U.S. military action in Syria.

"Yesterday afternoon I went to the White House for a secured briefing about Syria with Vice President Biden.  Today, I listened to the President directly when he came to Capitol Hill to talk with senators, as well as his speech on TV tonight.  I appreciate the complicated issues the President faces.  Still, I don't think the case for military action has been made.  From what I have heard, Iowans strongly oppose military action by the United States. They have concerns and questions about what the President has proposed. If the goal is to deter and degrade Assad's ability to use chemical weapons, how would a limited strike achieve this goal?  What are the risks of military action? What is the U.S. national interest in striking Syria? I'm still leaning against the authorization for the use of force that's been presented. In addition, the Russian proposal to force Assad to turn over chemical weapons to international monitors presents a possible alternative. Military action should be the last resort, so this diplomatic offer, if credible and enforceable, needs to be considered."


11 Sep 2013

Loebsack Statement on the President's Speech on Syria

By Randy Stalsberg

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement this evening after President Obama addressed the nation regarding Syria.  Earlier today, Loebsack questioned Administration officials at a House Armed Service Committee hearing about what the results of a strike would be. Yesterday, Loebsack viewed classified materials and received classified briefings. He has also encouraged Iowans to visit his website, http://loebsack.house.gov/syria, to share their thoughts about the situation in Syria.

"I think the Administration has been moving too quickly on Syria and am pleased that the vote to authorize the use of force has been taken off the table at this time. The use of chemical weapons against civilians is morally reprehensible and should be unequivocally condemned by the international community. While I remain skeptical of the prospects for success of the proposed diplomatic plan, we should always examine any diplomatic option that is presented. At this point I cannot support the use of unilateral U.S. military force in Syria. Too many pieces of the puzzle are left on the table to authorize such a dramatic step. After more than a decade of war during which time our troops and military families have made great sacrifices on our behalf, we must exercise extreme caution in undertaking any military action."

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03 Sep 2013

Loebsack Statement on the President's Speech on the Situation in Syria

By Randy Stalsberg

Washington, D.C.  Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today following the President's speech on the situation in Syria.  As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, Loebsack has received a briefing from the White House regarding the ongoing situation.

"I have called on the President to seek congressional authorization but more importantly, before any action is taken, the administration must make the case to the American people and the American people must support it. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I was briefed by the White House and believe the Administration must lay out their strategic reasoning behind military action, define the national security reasoning for such action, and establish an end goal for potential use of force.

"The use of chemical weapons against civilians is morally reprehensible and should be unequivocally condemned by the international community. However, after more than a decade of war during which time our troops and military families have made great sacrifices on our behalf, we must exercise extreme caution in undertaking military action."

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29 Aug 2013

Iowa Farm Bureau President Encourages All Farmers to Adopt New Conservation Measures on Their Farm

By Randy Stalsberg

Iowa's Largest Grassroots Farm Organization Begins Summer Policy Conference with Message on Conservation

WEST DES MOINES, IOWA - August 27, 2013 - The president of Iowa's largest grassroots farm organization kicked off the 2013 Summer Policy Conference this week in Des Moines with a call on all farmers to do their part to protect the land and water.

President Craig Hill, a crop and livestock farmer from Milo, opened the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) 2013 Summer Policy Conference, praising progress and calling all farmers to heed the call to conservation.  "Farmer to farmer, let's look at one another, as stewards of the land, and take a long, hard look at how we care for two of our most precious resources: soil and water.  It has never been more important than today to have this dialog with each other about conservation.   We must go beyond talking, to doing what is right for your farm and for all of Iowa's natural resources," said Hill.

Hill also touted the Nutrient Reduction Strategy and the progress farmers have already made in preserving the soil and watershed.   "Since the Nutrient Reduction Strategy was developed by many stakeholders and funded by the legislature, Iowa Farm Bureau has been leading the charge to encourage farmers to do one more thing.   Just since the funding was announced recently, 1,096 farmers in 97 of the 100 Soil and Water Conservation Districts in Iowa have applied to participate in the newly funded cost share program.  Farmers have submitted applications for more than 120,000 acres of new conservation practices.  This is great news! But we know that more needs to be done," said Hill.

The 2013 Summer Policy Conference continues tomorrow at 8:00 a.m. at the IFBF headquarters where delegates from 100 county Farm Bureaus will finalize policies for 2014.  For a transcript of Craig Hill's speech, click here.

-30 - 

About Iowa Farm Bureau

The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation is a grassroots, statewide organization dedicated to enhancing the People, Progress and Pride of Iowa.  More than 153,000 families in Iowa are Farm Bureau members, working together to achieve farm and rural prosperity.  For more information about Farm Bureau and agriculture, visit the online Newsroom page at www.iowafarmbureau.com.

29 Aug 2013

Q&A on Presidential Libraries

By Randy Stalsberg

by U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley

 

Q:        What is the purpose of presidential libraries?

A:        Building on an idea conceived by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Congress passed legislation in 1955 that established a system to preserve the artifacts and documents of the presidency.  The network of libraries starts with the 31st president, Iowa's own Herbert Hoover.  The law has worked to secure the official papers, documents and materials collected throughout a president's years in office.  It also helps prevent these records that bear tremendous value to the American public from being lost, destroyed or sold.  The Presidential Libraries Act of 1955 set a precedent in which private dollars are used to establish and build the libraries after which the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) would operate and maintain them.  Until 1978, presidents were encouraged to donate their records and materials after leaving office.  The Presidential Records Act of 1978 established that all materials documenting the constitutional, statutory and ceremonial duties of the president are the property of the American public.  Through museums, archives and public programs, the 13 presidential libraries offer current and future generations a unique opportunity to understand and appreciate how history unfolded within the White House.  Technology has changed dramatically from the audio recordings of FDR's "fireside chats" to the video and social media platforms that today capture every breath a 21st century president takes.  No matter the medium, the carefully archived material offers researchers, scholars, historians and the American people a profound look back at each presidency.  From the millions of pages of letters and documents to the hours and hours of audio and video footage, visitors get to take a look behind the scenes and gain a deeper understanding of each president's policies, priorities, pressures, politics and place in history.  Congress passed a major funding update in 1986 that requires private endowments to be established for each facility to help offset the cost of maintenance.

 

Q:        Where are the 13 presidential libraries?

A:        Barbara and I took a road trip in August to visit the presidential libraries of the 33rd and 34th presidents, two Midwestern-raised men who made it all the way to the White House.  We spent five hours at President Harry S. Truman's presidential library and museum in Independence, Missouri, and the next day drove to Abilene, Kansas, to learn more about President Dwight D. Eisenhower.  Both of these men came from humble beginnings, chose to serve his country in the military, and then served two terms as leader of the Free World.  Both of their stories, one a Democrat and the other a Republican, illustrates the enduring American values of hard work, sacrifice, public service, and love of country.  Just like our visits to Hoover's library in West Branch, Barbara and I enjoyed visiting the presidential libraries in Missouri and Kansas.  Planning a visit to one or all of the 13 presidential libraries makes for a great family trip.  Visitors will soak in bits of history and come away with an even stronger appreciation for our American heritage.

 

Here's a list of each presidential library and location:

·         Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum, West Branch, Iowa

·         Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum, Hyde Park, New York

·         Harry S. Truman Library and Museum, Independence, Missouri

·         Dwight D. Eisenhower, Presidential Library and Museum and Boyhood Home, Abilene, Kansas

·         John F. Kennedy, Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, Massachusetts

·         Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Library, Austin, Texas

·         Richard M. Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, Yorba Linda, California

·         Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library, Ann Arbor, Michigan and Museum, Grand Rapids, Michigan

·         Jimmy Carter Library and Museum, Atlanta, Georgia

·         Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum, Simi Valley, California

·         George H. W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum, College Station, Texas

·         William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum, Little Rock, Arkansas

·         George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum, Dallas, Texas.

 

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

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