11 Apr 2011

Illinois National Guard Blackhawk Flight Takes Vietnam Vets Back in Time

By readMedia

LOVES PARK, IL (04/04/2011)(readMedia)-- Several Loves Park VFW members had a chance to ride in an Illinois Army National Guard Blackhawk April 2. The event's timing held special significance, as the Department of Defense (DoD) has recognized this year as the 50-year anniversary of the start of the Vietnam War.

"This felt pretty familiar," said Jim Puckett of Loves Park, a member of the Loves Park VFW and former Marine Sgt. who served in Da Nang province, Vietnam, as a member of 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Division. Puckett said he spent his fair share of time in a helicopter.

"I was only eighteen at the time," he said. "It was an eye-opening experience."

Puckett, who is also the Loves Park police chief, served as a squad radio operator in the Infantry during Vietnam.

"It was scary, but I remember it being a beautiful country," he said.

Retired Army Spc. Marvin Matthees of Loves Park shared Puckett's feelings.

"It was a scary time; there were a lot of bad aspects," he said.

Matthees, who served as a crew chief and door gunner on a UH1D helicopter with the 336th Assault Helicopter Company, was responsible for putting Soldiers on the ground, making supply runs and performing maintenance on the aircraft.

"We were pretty busy," he said. "We got mortared a lot."

Matthees said his first night in Saigon was a memorable one.

"We had just laid down in our bunks when we got hit by a mortar attack," he recalled. "It was one heck of a wakeup call."

Matthees said he was amazed at how far the military's equipment had come.

"Things are a lot more advanced now," he said. "I think the training is a little more extensive too."

There have been other positive changes, Puckett said.

"Definitely being able to stay in touch more with loved ones was a major change," he said.

Matthees agreed.

"I was married right before I left and my daughter was born while I was overseas," he said.

While Matthees said it was very hard for him, his wife and daughter made it all worthwhile.

"Pamela stuck with me through the whole thing," he said.

Puckett said the day's activities reminded him of how much today's military men and women sacrifice, and how proud he is of them.

"My hat's off to them," he said. "They're doing a fantastic job. We support them 100 percent."

In fact, Puckett was recognized by the DoD as a Patriotic Employer for his treatment of National Guard Soldiers within his department.

"In our department right now we have a guy getting ready to go over," he said. "Nothing has changed; these guys are the ones in harm's way. I think the Guard is doing a great job. How can you not support your troops, when they're the ones keeping us free?"

Matthees agreed and said "We all go do our duty. I was proud to serve."

Puckett said he had nothing but good things to say about his time in service.

"I would have no problem going back in right now," he said. "I loved doing what I did and serving my country."

The flight also included several teachers from the area who will take their experiences back to the classroom, sharing the importance of military history with their students.

Photo 1/ Photo by U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Rob Fafoglia, 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment/

Several members of the Loves Park VFW wait to receive their pre-flight briefing before an orientation flight April 2. Several of the VFW's members are veterans of the Vietnam War. The Department of Defense is recognizing 2011 as the 50th anniversary of the start of the Vietnam War, as 1961 marks the year the first full units were deployed to Vietnam.

Photo 2/ Photo by U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Rob Fafoglia, 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Members of the Loves Park VFW receive a pre-flight briefing before their orientation flight on April 2. Several members of the VFW are veterans of the Vietnam War. The Department of Defense is recognizing 2011 as the 50th anniversary of the start of the Vietnam War, as 1961 marks the year the first full units were deployed there.

For Video go to: http://www.dvidshub.net/video/111748/vietnam-veteran-flight

11 Apr 2011

Treasurer Fitzgerald Announces Deadline to Apply for Robert D. Blue Scholarship Draws Near

By readMedia

DES MOINES, IA (04/04/2011)(readMedia)-- State Treasurer Michael Fitzgerald reminds students that the deadline to apply for a Robert D. Blue Scholarship is drawing near. Applications must be submitted online at www.rdblue.org by May 10 in order to be eligible for this year's award.

"Over the years we've helped thousands of Iowa students meet their college costs with this scholarship," Fitzgerald stated. "Awards are based on financial need, academic achievements, written recommendations and an original essay." In 2010, ten Iowa students received a $1,000 Robert D. Blue Scholarship award.

The Robert D. Blue Scholarship is awarded by the Iowa Centennial Memorial Foundation to honor Iowa students attending college in Iowa. The Foundation was created in 1949 to commemorate the one hundredth anniversary of Iowa's acceptance into the union. Governor Blue wished to encourage the youth of the state to continue their education at one of Iowa's fine institutions of higher learning. In 1990, the Foundation officially named the scholarship to honor the late Governor Blue.

Robert D. Blue Scholarship applications are only accepted online at www.rdblue.org, and the winners will be announced during the summer. Those who would like more information on the Robert D. Blue Scholarship should visit the website, or call the treasurer's office at (515) 242-5270.

11 Apr 2011

Over 400 Upper Iowa University students complete degree requirements

By readMedia

FAYETTE, IA (04/01/2011)(readMedia)-- Upper Iowa University announced today that over 400 students have completed their degree requirements in December 2010, which makes them eligible to receive their UIU diploma during the official University commencement exercises. Three consecutive ceremonies will be held on the Fayette, Iowa campus on Saturday, May 7, 2011.

Students in your area include the following:

Luke Chester Hank, Davenport, Bachelor of Science, Criminal Justice

John Javon-Perry Banks, Rock Island, Bachelor of Science, Community Recreation

Michael Aaron Cripps, Andalusia, Bachelor of Science, Social Science

For more information about Upper Iowa University's May commencement ceremonies, go to www.uiu.edu.

About Upper Iowa University

Founded in 1857, Upper Iowa University is a private, not-for-profit university providing undergraduate and graduate degree programs and leadership development opportunities to nearly 6,800 students-nationally and internationally-at its Fayette campus and learning centers worldwide. Upper Iowa University is a recognized innovator in offering accredited, quality programs through flexible, multiple delivery systems, including online and independent study. For more information, visit www.uiu.edu.

# # #

24 Mar 2011

Illinois National Guardsmen Recall Service in Vietnam

By readMedia

2011 Is the 50th Anniversary of the Start of the Vietnam; Story by Staff Sgt. Rob Fafoglia, 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

QUINCY, IL (03/17/2011)(readMedia)-- There have been many events which defined the United States as a nation. Whether positive or negative, all have shaped America's history. One of those events was the Vietnam War. The Department of Defense is recognizing 2011 as the 50th anniversary of the start of the Vietnam War. In 1961 the first full units were deployed to Vietnam.

Seven years after the start of the war, in 1968, one Illinois Army National Guard unit was activated to help fellow American troops, who were fighting to keep the entire infrastructure of South Vietnam from collapsing. Spc. William Twaddle and Spc. Charles Waters, both retired members of the Illinois National Guard's 126th Supply and Service Company from Quincy, remember the call-up well.

"I was working for the fire department at the time," said Twaddle, a 25-year veteran of the Quincy Fire Department. "They called me up and asked how I'd like an all-expense paid trip to Chicago."

The unit initially deployed 30 men to Chicago on April 6, 1968, for state active duty, to help distribute rations to other Illinois National Guard units working riot control during the wake of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. These men were recalled April 11, when the 126th Soldiers discovered through the Chicago Tribune they were headed overseas.

"The Chicago Tribune knew before we did," said Waters, also a Quincy native. "They called us up and asked if we knew we were on the list to go."

On Sept. 19, roughly 129 members of the 126th landed in Chu Lai, Vietnam, where they were assigned to the 23rd Supply and Transportation Battalion, Americal Division. Their first few days in country gave them a taste of things to come. Heavy shelling greeted them on the first night, made even worse by the fact they had not yet been issued weapons to return fire.

Waters was one of the first Soldiers to pull perimeter guard duty during his second night in Chu Lai.

Upon arriving at his post, he said he lost his balance and fell out of the back of the transport truck.

"I remember lying on my face in the rain and mud thinking, 'Well this is it, I'm here,'" said Waters.

The 126th had a multitude of duties, including overseeing the transportation and issuance of the battalion's food, clothing, fuel, equipment and vehicles.

"Anything that had to do with supply and services came through our unit," said Twaddle, a company clerk. "We provided services for over a hundred units. I know we went through several thousand gallons of petroleum a day."

Twaddle did an array of tasks, performing administrative duties, updating personnel records and unit history, dealing with unit retention issues and emergencies, doing correspondence work for the commander and even issuing pay and Vietnamese currency.

"We had so many talented guys over there," said Waters. "It was such a diversified group."

The unit included Soldiers from every walk of life. The 126th's members held many different civilian jobs, including welders, construction workers, landscapers, woodworkers, butchers, law enforcement, truck drivers, architects, engineers and even a barber, who charged 25 cents for a haircut in Chu Lai.

"These were just regular guys doing their specialized jobs every day," said Twaddle.

Waters echoed this sentiment.

"That's why most of us signed up, to do our jobs," he said. "We were very dedicated."

Whether refueling trucks and helicopters, traveling to town each day to pick up and pay the civilians who worked on post, or building their very own USO club for entertainers to perform, both men agreed the 126th stayed busy and positive.

"Morale was always high," said Twaddle. "We were so close as a National Guard unit."

While many things about the military have remained the same throughout the years, some have changed drastically. Communication is one of the more notable aspects, said Twaddle.

"With e-mail and computers, communication is instant," he said. "I called home to (his wife) one time."

Waters said he also called home only once, but tried making tapes to talk with his family at home.

"My family would ask me, 'What is that I hear in the background?'" he said. "I didn't want to tell them it was explosions."

Both men said they wrote hundreds of letters, numbering them to keep some sort of sequence. A delay could cause undo worry to friends and family, they said.

The 126th was deployed to Vietnam for almost a year, and served with great distinction, earning praise and

decorations for their efforts. Three National Guardsmen were awarded the Bronze Star for their heroism in defending supply convoys. On Aug. 16, 1969, when the 126th Soldiers returned, they came home to a hero's welcome in Quincy.

Twaddle admits their homecoming was different than many other Soldiers received.

"When we left, it was only our immediate families," he said. "When we got back, there were four to five thousand people of Quincy waiting to greet us, flags and all."

Mary Twaddle, William's wife, said she remembers the day fondly.

"It was wonderful when he first came home," she said. "It was like a second honeymoon for us. It was just a joyous, happy time."

During a public ceremony at the local park, then Illinois Governor Richard Oglive spoke to the assembled Soldiers, their families, friends, and the people of Quincy. His words summarized the 126th's sacrifices in the service of their country.

"As distinguished as your service has been, it was not unexpected," said Oglive. "For the record your fathers and grandfathers wrote before you has taught us that uncommon valor is indeed a common virtue among the men of the National Guard."

For Video go to: http://www.dvidshub.net/video/109846/hallmarks-vietnam
24 Mar 2011

Sarah Johnson of Davenport to present at Alpha Chi convention

By readMedia

HUNTINGTON, IN (03/17/2011)(readMedia)-- Sarah Johnson, a member of the Indiana Beta Chapter of Alpha Chi at Huntington University, will be attending and giving a presentation at the Alpha Chi National Convention in San Diego March 31 through April 2. Johnson is one of 15 students attending which is the largest group of HU students ever to present at an Alpha Chi convention.

Johnson, of Davenport, IA, will also be competing for AX presentation prizes. Johnson will also be competing for Alpha Chi Region V scholarships and fellowships. In addition, the HU chapter will be one of 17 chapters presenting at the convention on chapter activities.

The group will be accompanied by chapter sponsors Dr. Paul Michelson, distinguished professor of history at HU, and Jean Michelson, circulation coordinator for the RichLyn Library at HU. Michelson also serves as secretary-treasurer of Region V and is a member of the Alpha Chi National Council.

The Indiana Beta chapter will be presented with the Alpha Chi Star Chapter award at the convention. It is one of only four chapters that have won this award every year since its inception in 1996.

Membership in Alpha Chi is the highest academic honor at Huntington University and represents both a recognition of scholastic achievement and a commitment to promoting academic excellence on and off campus.

Johnson, a junior Journalism and English major, will give a presentation titled, "Dirty Old Women: Sexual Correctness of Dominant Female Characters from Ancient Literatures," on the topic of British Literature.

Huntington University is a comprehensive Christian college of the liberal arts offering graduate and undergraduate programs in more than 70 academic concentrations. U.S. News & World Report ranks Huntington among the best colleges in the Midwest, and Forbes.com has listed the university as one of America's Best Colleges. Additionally, Princeton Review has named the institution to its "Best in the Midwest" list. Founded in 1897 by the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, Huntington University is located on a contemporary, lakeside campus in northeast Indiana. The university is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU).

18 Mar 2011

American Red Cross Volunteer Goes Above and Beyond to Help National Guard

By readMedia

SPRINGFIELD, IL (03/15/2011)(readMedia)-- As a former New Orleans resident, Mari Richardson of Athens saw the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina first hand. Since then, she decided to volunteer with the American Red Cross. She has been with the Red Cross for two years and has worked a lot with the Illinois National Guard. Richardson now works as a liaison between the Red Cross and Illinois National Guard's Family Readiness Group (FRG), keeping families of deployed Soldiers in contact with their loved ones.

"When my husband deployed during Vietnam, the FRG didn't exist and we really needed something like it," said Richardson.

She also helps with a program called Mail for Heroes, which sends holiday cards to deployed troops overseas. Most recently, she worked with a Girl Scout troop to send personalized Valentine's Day cards to servicemembers.

Richardson's work does not stop with the FRG and holiday cards. She also helps facilitate the annual ceremony for fallen Illinois National Guard Soldiers and Airmen at the Illinois State Military Museum in Springfield. This year's event will be May 14.

"I lost two uncles during war and I saw how devastated and hurt my grandmother was; it has stuck with me all my life," Richardson said.

Richardson said she loves what she does for the Army and feels very passionate about her experience. Her hope is to build a strong unit, to contribute to "anything new which might improve the past."

Richardson's job with the Red Cross has earned her a lot of respect throughout the Illinois National Guard community.

"Mari is so modest and does so much more than most people realize," said Annette Chapman of Atlanta, Illinois National Guard State Family Readiness support assistant. "She helps our family readiness groups coordinate child care, attends deployment and homecoming ceremonies, promotes the National Guard throughout our communities and does so much more than you could imagine. The Illinois National Guard is blessed to have this special woman on our team."

Richardson said volunteers contribute time, effort and talent to meet a need and further a mission. She said the easiest way to help the Illinois National Guard is to contact the Red Cross or the FRG.

"Volunteers are always needed for the Army and the Army doesn't turn down the help," she said.

Story by Spc. Zachary Zimerman, 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

17 Mar 2011

Illinois Army National Guard Unit Thrives with Unique Mission

By readMedia

CHICAGO, IL (03/11/2011)(readMedia)-- Imagine being a member of an Illinois Army National Guard unit that is so unique among the thousands of units that exist in the U. S. Army. A military unit of which there are only 11 similar units across the Army National Guard, Army Reserves and Active Duty forces and in total, numbers less than 300 Soldiers. That unit is Illinois Army National Guard's 244th Army Liaison Team (ALT) in Chicago.

The 244th ALT has been part of the Illinois Army National Guard since 2000. Although the 20-Soldier team is small, it is a highly visible unit with an important mission.

"Our mission is to provide liaison capability to the Army Forces/Joint Task Force commander with major subordinate commands, Allied Coalition Force Commands Joint Task Force and other U.S. services," said Col. Troy Phillips of Philo, ALT team chief.

Meeting with foreign officials, being the eyes and ears of the coalition commander on the ground, and ensuring that Soldiers from different cultures are on the same page to reach a common goal could seem like an impossible task, but these tasks are part of everyday life for the men and women of the 244th ALT.

This Chicago-based unit, in many ways, is like most every other Army unit. However, it has a colonel who serves as the team chief rather than a commander, a lieutenant colonel, several majors and captains, as well as senior enlisted Soldiers. The unit also has one full-time Soldier that assists with daily operations.

The major difference is the 244th does not have all the Soldiers beneath them to do the work.

"It has an operations section, intelligence section and logistics section, as well as vehicle mechanics and medical personnel, said Maj. Jorge Fonseca of Bolingbrook, who until recently served as the unit's intelligence officer. "The command staff is used in time of war to coordinate and facilitate the synchronization of information relating to current and future plans and operations with subordinate, lateral, and superior units and the multi-national force commander."

During its most recent deployment to Iraq in 2006, Soldiers from the 244th were assigned to various agencies within the Iraq government. Members of the unit were liaison officers inside of the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Defense, Iraqi National Joint Operations Center and the Prime Minister's Situation Room. Their job was to ensure the Strategic Operations Center of the Multi-National Forces-Iraq Headquarters, commanded by Gen. George Casey, had the same information and intelligence that was being passed on to the newly elected Iraqi government.

"Success on the battlefield requires accurate information in a timely manner," Phillips said. "In Iraq, the 244th ALT worked to improve the unity of effort among our Iraqi partners while ensuring the coalition received timely reports in order to monitor the synchronization between the ministries and various Iraqi security forces."

It is these highly skilled officers and noncommissioned officers from the various ALTs working behind the scenes that have helped ease the tension and understanding of cultural differences between the young Iraqi government and Multi-National Forces-Iraq, adding to the successful completion of Operation Iraqi Freedom. As of Sept. 1, operations in Iraq now fall under the name Operation New Dawn, which signifies a new chapter in Iraqi history as the U.S. begins to withdraw troops and recognize a new Iraq government.

The 244th has also worked with many foreign armies to conduct multi-national exercises. Members of the unit are usually involved in all aspects of the exercise development.

"The exercises conducted with foreign troops allow the 244th to practice its primary mission, and present many unique challenges, such as language barriers and cultural differences," Phillips said. "The exercises assist in reducing the barriers, and develop esprit de corps between the Soldiers, regardless of nationality."

The 244th has been involved with numerous missions over the last few years on foreign soil.

In June 2010, the 244th ALT participated in Exercise Cooperative Resolve 10, peace enforcement stability and support operations based exercise held in Ankara, Turkey. In March 2009, the 244th participated in the Bagram Five in Poland with the Polish Army. The exercise was to validate the Polish 6th Air Assault Brigade before its deployment to Afghanistan. In 2007 the unit participated in a joint command post exercise (TORGAU 07) held in Germany with members of the Russian military.

The exercises build strong bonds with foreign militaries and governments, ensuring both armies are able to operate and work together in a combat zone.

"These exercises are invaluable to our training and development of our junior officers and non commissioned officers, who will likely see more U.S. involvement in coalition warfare during their careers," Phillips said.

While the unit is made up of senior enlisted Soldiers and officers, the unit will be undergoing some restructuring in the future and the number of Soldiers will greatly expand.

"The ALTs will become Digital Liaison Detachments with an additional fire support team as well as an air missile defense team," Fonseca said. "The additional personnel will greatly improve the interoperability of the 244th as they plan for the next mission."

The 244th ALT continues to train in preparation for its next mission. The unit is expected to deploy in early 2012 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Story by Sgt. Dan Stinson, 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment.

15 Mar 2011

Statement from the Iowa State Educators Association

By readMedia

DES MOINES, IA (03/10/2011)(readMedia)-- We stand together with our brothers and sisters in Wisconsin who are struggling to make sense of what it means to have democratically elected officials turn a deaf ear to the overwhelming majority of voters. We hope and pray that our own demonstration in Iowa on Monday, March 7, serves as notice to our elected officials that there is far more support for employee rights than they previously calculated.

Monday night's rally marks the largest demonstration of solidarity most Iowans can remember and the ISEA is proud to have been an integral part of it. Make no mistake, the ISEA will continue to fight for a fair and representative process and will continue to support our neighboring states to the north, south, east and west, as each of us struggle against oppressive attacks.

The ISEA is a professional organization made up of more than 34,000 educators who are dedicated to supporting and protecting a quality public education for all Iowa students. Great Education. It's an Iowa Basic!

15 Mar 2011

Orion resident Michael Tuttle honored in Who's Who Among Students for 2011

By readMedia

BOURBONNAIS, IL (03/08/2011)(readMedia)-- Michael Tuttle of Orion has received national recognition for 2011 by the Who's Who Among Students program. He is the son of Robin and Scott Tuttle.

Tuttle is one of a select group of 54 students from Olivet Nazarene University to accept this prestigious award. More than 2,842 schools in all 50 states and the District of Columbia participated in nominating their students for this honor.

An accounting/economics/finance major, Tuttle received this honor for his achievements while at Olivet, including: being named to the dean's list; member of Sigma Beta Delta international business honor society; marshal for 2010 ONU commencement; president of Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE); member of honors program; volunteer with Youth for Christ; and serving on mission trips to Haiti, Romania and the Osage Nation Reservation.

Olivet Nazarene University's campus nominating committee - made up of representatives from the faculty, administration and student body - selected and nominated him for this award. Criteria for this selection included grade point average, participation and leadership in school activities, community involvement and leadership ability.

Olivet Nazarene University is an accredited Christian, liberal arts university offering over 120 areas of study. It is centrally located in the historic village of Bourbonnais, Illinois - just 50 miles south of Chicago's loop - with additional School of Graduate and Continuing Studies locations in Rolling Meadows, Ill. and throughout Chicagoland.

For more than 76 years, Who's Who Among Students has annually honored outstanding student leaders from institutions of higher learning across the country. It is one of the most highly regarded and long-standing honors programs, respected by college faculties and administrations.

14 Mar 2011

Local Student Named to Dean's List

By readMedia
Kayla Norris a resident of East Moline, IL was named to the Dean's List at Rockford College. Students attending Rockford College were named to the Dean's List for the fall 2010 semester who earned at least a 3.5 GPA with no grades below "C."

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