15 Jan 2015

Illinois National Guard supports Gubernatorial Inauguration

By Staff Sgt. Aleah M. Castrejon, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs Office

SPRINGFIELD, IL (01/14/2015)(readMedia)-- SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - The Illinois National Guard supported the inauguration of Governor Bruce Rauner, Jan. 12, at the Prairie Capital Convention Center in Springfield, Illinois.

Illinois Governor Rauner is commander in chief to the Illinois National Guard when they are not under federal activation.

"We had a great chance to represent the Guard," said Maj. Bryan Miller of Naperville, Illinois, 566th Air Force Band (AFB) commander. "It's an honor to be part of an integral part of the inauguration."

The 144th Army Band and 566th AFB performed more than 20 songs during the event, playing an hour before the event as well as post inauguration. The two bands prepared for the event every four years as a part of their ongoing mission. Nevertheless, there are many different pieces to coordinate with such a large event.

"We have to take care of the logistics and protocol within the convention center," said Miller. "We have to work with the technical aspect and the governor's staff to ensure we have the correct script and timing. We must be prepared to start the event late and remain on time with the script."

Miller said this is his fifth inauguration he attended with the band and commends the band members for their long history performing at inaugurations.

"It's an honor to have the opportunity to represent the Guard on a personal and unit level," said Miller. "It's challenging; things are constantly changing. Equally, it's very humbling to stand in front of our Soldiers and Airmen. It's an honor to be on that team and lead that team."

The Illinois Army and Air Force National Guard's four-man color guard team rehearsed together in support of the inauguration.

In preparation for the event, the color guard teams went over procedures and rehearsed for the event.

"I have been in the honor guard more than a year. This if my first color guard event," said Sgt. Jacob A. King of Monticello, Illinois, with the 233rd Military Police Company in Springfield, Illinois. "I felt honored to be a part of this event."

04 Nov 2014

Illinois Soldier and pianist performs to honor veterans

By Staff Sgt. Aleah M. Castrejon, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs Office

SPRINGFIELD, IL (11/03/2014)(readMedia)-- SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Illinois Army National Guard Soldier and pianist Capt. Ian Gindes of Urbana, Illinois, played a Salute to Veterans performance, a series of patriotic works in honor of members of the armed services at the University of Illinois in Urbana, Illinois, Nov. 2.

"A lot of servicemen and women have been through things that I cannot explain. Many have been in combat," said Gindes. "I hope that the music helps them understand what our American culture is."

Gindes played at a concert in honor of all servicemembers during American music month. He regularly performs for veterans and has performed at the Bradshaw and Buono International Piano Competition, as well as Carnegie Hall in New York performing multiple challenging masterpieces.

"I've known him for several years and he is a very talented fellow. It's wonderful that he does these concerts," said Dr. Reid Alexander, professor of music at the University of Illinois, School of Music and Gindes' academic advisor. "I think it's wonderful that he is taking the time to put this together on top of everything else he has to do. I am very proud of him."

In addition to playing the piano for 28 years, Gindes enlisted in the California Army National Guard before transferring to the Illinois Army National Guard in 2004. He commissioned as an officer in 2007 and serves as the personnel officer for the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 106th Aviation in Peoria, Illinois.

Gindes joined the Guard as a way to give back to his country. In addition to his responsibilities as a commissioned officer, he used his talent to raise money for military families and victims of terrorism.

"It is very important to me to give back and use my talent for those families in need of relief," said Gindes. "I think the performance went very well, the emotional parts came out and the heart was there. It was very sentimental."

Gindes said he wanted the veterans to take away a reminiscent cleansing of the soul from the performance.

"I think it's a fantastic, wonderful, unique, beautiful thing he's doing," said Kris Becker, international award winning composer and pianist. "I like how it combines service to our country with a certain segment of our culture. I think it's a neat combination."

02 Oct 2014

Operation Blackhawk, an organization for Soldiers

By Staff Sgt. Aleah M. Castrejon, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs Office

SPRINGFIELD, IL (10/01/2014)(readMedia)-- SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - In 2008, a group of five people came together for nothing more than to help Soldiers and their families. Operation Blackhawk began raising money to help servicemembers.

Staff Sgt. John K. Clinton of Greenup, Illinois, deployed twice, was working a temporary job with the Illinois Army National Guard when that ended, he found himself struggling to make ends meet. Clinton was no longer able to pay his bills and was in jeopardy of losing his transportation.

During a family day picnic with Company B, 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry in Effingham, Illinois, Operation Blackhawk made a substantial difference in one Soldiers life. Clinton heard of Operation Blackhawk and asked for help.

"I was unemployed at 49 years old with a bad back," said Clinton. "I told them my story and they offered me a job, where I started a few days later. They helped my family get caught up on bills."

Operation Blackhawk made arrangements and helped Clinton become current with the payments on his bills. Paul Gutman, owner of Legacy Harley Davidson in Effingham, Illinois, hired Clinton full-time at the dealership.

"We supported him, as he supported us," said Gutman, one of the original five to start Operation Blackhawk.

Operation Blackhawk gives back to the Soldiers who gave so much, said Gutman.

"Without the Blackhawk group support, my wife and I would have lost a lot," said Clinton. "The organization helped pay my bills so we didn't lose anything. They helped us keep our sanity through a bad time."

The organization started with a group of men from Effingham, Illinois, who had a deep sense of support for the military. Boris Bonutti, Bob Lakin, Dennis Brown, Bob Ferguson and Gutman understand Soldiers go through different hardships. They want Guardsmen to know community businesses support military members.

The organization said it understands that unplanned and expensive issues arise, such as, a broken car or plumbing issues. The organization wants to ensure Soldiers and their families make it through those challenges, said Gutman.

Operation Blackhawk wants to let Soldiers know if they need help in any way, their organization is a resource, financially and otherwise, said Bonutti.

"That is the mission," said Gutman. "We want to be able to support our local guys and let them know we are here for them."

Future plans for the organization are to educate other groups or organizations around Illinois, who can start similar organizations. They are currently working through the process to receive donations.

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