DES MOINES, IA (03/07/2011)(readMedia)-- There are thousands of things to love about the great Iowa State Fair, where "Nothing Compares!" From funnel cakes and Ferris wheels, food on a stick and free entertainment, to premier livestock events, art exhibits and the country's largest state fair food department, the Iowa State Fair has something for everyone. There is still time for Iowans to show their love for the Fair on their tax returns and help the Fair continue the renovation and preservations of the historic Iowa State Fairgrounds.

Look for the State Fairgrounds Renovation Check Off on line 58b of Iowa Tax Form 1040 or on line 14 of Iowa Tax Form 1040A and check off $1 (or more!) to help preserve the historic Iowa State Fairgrounds. Your gift is either deducted from your refund or added to the amount due. Contributions to the Corndog Checkoff are fully tax-deductible.

"The Corndog Checkoff is a simple way for Iowans to show their love for the Iowa State Fair. Funds raised through this program are an important part of the effort to preserve this great institution for future generations," said Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation Executive Director John Putney.

Every dollar donated to the Checkoff is directly allocated to capital improvements. The Corndog Checkoff has raised nearly $1.6 million and has supplemented restoration projects from the Grandstand to Ye Old Mill. In addition, funds generated by the Checkoff have helped improve the campgrounds, parking areas, sidewalks and restrooms.

The Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation is a non-profi t 501(c)3 organization. Since its inception in 1993, the Foundation has generated over $80 million for renovations and improvements to the Iowa State Fairgrounds. For more information on the Corndog Tax Checkoff, please contact the Blue Ribbon Foundation at (800) 450-3732 or email bluerf@blueribbonfoundation.org.

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Units from Springfield, Paris, North Riverside, Chicago, Scott Air Force Base, Rock Falls and Fort Sheridan Supported War Efforts in Kuwait

SPRINGFIELD, IL (02/23/2011)(readMedia)-- Twenty years ago troops were mobilized and ground combat operations marked the beginning and the end of the Gulf War Feb. 23, 1991 in the deserts of Kuwait. Capt. Brad Sinkler of Sullivan, commander of the 1544th Transportation Company in 1990 was one of those Soldiers.

"It was a surprise," said Sinkler. "August 2 Saddam had invaded Kuwait. We'd heard some rumblings and were following the news. My operations sergeant said we had a pretty good chance to get called up ... and a week later we got the call."

The war lasted only 100 hours after months of U.S. military forces, both active and reserve components, preparation to meet with heavy resistance from the Iraqi forces that invaded Kuwait in August 1990.

Twenty days after the invasion of Kuwait, President George Bush authorized the mobilization of National Guard and Reserve units to support combat operations in Kuwait.

With the mobilization of reserve components, the Illinois National Guard supplied 11 units and roughly 1,400 Soldiers and Airmen to support Operation Desert Storm.

The 1244th Transportation Company in North Riverside, the 1544th Transportation Company in Paris, the former 108th Medical Battalion in Chicago, the 1644th Transportation Company in Rock Falls, the 233rd Military Police Company in Springfield, the 126th Air Refueling Wing and two of its subordinated squadrons all based in Scott Air Force Base, the 182nd Tactical Air Support Group in Peoria and the 933rd Military Police Company in Fort Sheridan were deployed to support the combat efforts in Kuwait.

The first Illinois National Guard unit mobilized was the 1244th Transportation Company on Sept. 20, 1990; the 1544th Transportation Company followed one week later.

The 1544th went to Fort Campbell, Ky., a few days later and was in Saudi Arabia Nov. 6, 1990.

"We were nervous," said Sinkler. "We didn't know what to expect, how long we were going to be gone. It was just a new experience. We just listened to what the people in the states were telling us and making sure our families was taken care of. We just went through the process and didn't really know how to feel."

Sinkler said once in Kuwait the Soldiers of the 1544th were still uncertain of what they would do out in the Kuwaiti desert. They later found it would be what they do best: take to the roads transporting cargo.

The 1544th conducted transportation missions and moved supplies and people throughout the country. They traveled of more than 750,000 miles with no accidents.

"My biggest fear was losing one of my Soldiers," said Sinkler. "I made sure we did things as safely as we could, made sure the Soldiers were getting the sleep they needed and that they conducted the proper maintenance on their vehicles."

Life in the deserts of Kuwait was a drastically different experience for many of the Soldiers, said Sinkler.

"We really didn't have the things the Soldiers have today," Sinkler said. "We had a TV, but we couldn't pick up (American Forces Network TV). The only way we could watch anything is if we had a VHS player and VHS tapes. Nobody had a laptop or Internet. Back then it was mainly just mail and maybe once a week a telephone call."

A few of Soldiers in 1544th were Vietnam veterans, said Sinkler. He said the veterans had the experience to take care of fellow Soldiers who had never been in a combat.

This was the first major combat operation U.S. forces had participated in since Vietnam, but Desert Storm was not viewed in the same controversy.

"The support we had back home was just overwhelming," said Sinkler. "Really, our nation hadn't experienced war to that level since Vietnam. It was humbling and we knew that no matter the outcome, we were going to have the support of the American people."

Since initial operations moved so fast, Sinkler said, specific details of the mission were had to come by.

"We were in the moment, we didn't know how the operation was going, we were just doing our job," said Sinkler. "We were calling home and talking to our families and they were telling us what they

were seeing on CNN. My wife told me about things that were going on in Kuwait that I had no idea about."

The passing months culminated into ground warfare Feb. 23, 1991 with a cease fire between U.S. and Iraqi forces March 3. After roughly four months in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, combat operation had halted. As quickly as it began, Soldiers returned home.

"I'm glad it ended when it did or it was going to be a real challenge to keep the ground forces resupplied because they were moving so fast," said Sinkler. "In the month of March we sustained the forward units and were just waiting for our turn to go to the port and go home."

It was good just to go over and help the people of Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, said Sinkler.

"It was being part of something that was bigger than you," he said. "It had national importance; it was a part of history in the making and something we can look back on and say 'I was there.' It was an experience that gives you a greater appreciation for our nation and what it stands for."

PEORIA, IL (02/18/2011)(readMedia)-- As the old adage goes, 'music has charms to sooth a savage beast, to soften rocks, or bend a knotted oak.'

With the title Airmen, many may envision a pilot and flight crew, but there are many other ways Airmen serve their country with a double bassoon instead of a fighter jet.

With more than 150 different occupations in the National Guard, there is only one job that allows a servicemember to use an instrument instead of a weapon. That group of talented citizen-Airmen is part of the Air National Guard Band of the Midwest.

"Each time I sing the armed forces melody while the band plays, it's such an honor to see the veterans stand to their feet," said Air Force Tech. Sgt. Keisha Gwin-Goodin of Chicago, a vocalist with the U.S. Air Force Band of Mid-America.

The mission of the Illinois Air National Guard's 566th Air Force Band is unique among military units. The Airmen's skills reflect both art and dedication to service in patriotic performance.

"Our mission is multi-faceted," said Air Force Maj. Bryan Miller of Naperville, commander and conductor of the Illinois Air National Guard's 566th Air Force Band. "We are a powerful resource, everything from morale, welfare and recreation to recruiting internally, to improving community relations and portraying a positive image for our nation's military."

The band performs all over the globe, but has had recent concentrations on morale boosting concerts and memorial services in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"With so many military missions in action, we will construct and deploy the most appropriate ensemble needed for the mission," said Miller. "We accomplish this with any number of products to include ceremonial and concert bands, jazz and rock bands, vocalists, buglers and anything else that could best serve a specific mission."

Alongside performing for deployed troop operations, the 566th Air National Guard Band also lifts the

spirits of civilians by performing locally at schools, nursing homes and surrounding organizations.

"The 566th Air National Guard Band is an essential column to the military public affairs structure," said Tech. Sgt. Jack Kinsella of Mahattan, Ill., "Performing not only inspires patriotism, but it most importantly strengthens relationships with a variety of publics to enhance the reputation of the fighting forces of America."

With 11 Air National Guard bands in the continental United States, each band is accountable for supporting units in a multi-state area of responsibility. While performing a diverse line up of patriotic ensembles, the Illinois Air National Guard band has established and maintained an integral root within military history.

Miller said, "I do believe in our mission, whether it's performing for deployed troops in theater, stateside or for the citizenry, we have the unique opportunity to reach out and touch people."

For more information on the band please contact the Illinois National Guard Public Affairs Office, 217-761-3569.

MIAMI (02/17/2011)(readMedia)-- Kaplan University celebrated the graduation of its winter 2011 class during a live graduation ceremony on February 5 in Miami. Bill Richardson, former two term governor of New Mexico, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, U.S. Energy Secretary and multiple Nobel Peace Prize nominee, served as the commencement speaker.

The following local students were awarded degrees:

Mike Bixby of Davenport, IA was awarded a Master of Science in Criminal Justice.

M. Elizabeth Blaha of Davenport, IA was awarded a Bachelor of Science in Management in Management.

Fred Monfeli of Davenport, IA was awarded a Bachelor in Business Administration.

Catanna Dement of East Moline, IL was awarded a Master of Business Administration in Business Administration.

Ryan Hazen of Moline, IL was awarded a Bachelor in Information Technology.

Richardson referenced his path from student to governor and told the approximately 1,000 graduates in attendance that "when you combine diversity and creativity with energy, commitment and a strong work ethic, there is no limit to what you can do."

"I feel very strongly about providing opportunities and increasing access to education, which Kaplan University does very efficiently and very effectively. And what they've done is adapt to a changing world and respond to the needs of students - to your needs," Richardson added.

The Kaplan University winter 2011 class, which included more than 5,600 graduates, earned associate's, bachelor's and master's degrees - as well as professional certificates - completely online. More than 1,000 of them traveled from around the country and the world to attend the ceremony, meeting face-to-face for the first time. Kaplan University has graduated nearly 27,000 online students since it began offering web-based degrees in 2001.

The Kaplan University winter 2010 class, which included more than 5,600 graduates, earned associate's, bachelor's and master's degrees - as well as professional certificates - completely online. More than 1,000 of them traveled from around the country to attend the ceremony, meeting face-to-face for the first time. Kaplan University has graduated nearly 27,000 online students since it began offering web-based degrees in 2001.

About Kaplan University

Kaplan University offers a different school of thought for higher education. It strives to help adult students unlock their talent by providing a practical, student-centered education that prepares them for careers in some of the fastest-growing industries. The University, which has its main campus in Davenport, Iowa, and its headquarters in Chicago, is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (www.ncahlc.org) and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Kaplan University has more than 125 academic programs and offerings, and serves more than 75,000 online and campus-based students. The University has 11 campuses in Iowa, Nebraska, Maryland and Maine, and Kaplan University Learning Centers in Wisconsin, Indiana, Missouri and Florida.

Kaplan University is part of Kaplan Higher Education, which serves more than 100,000 students online and through more than 70 campus-based schools across the United States and abroad. Kaplan Higher Education schools offer a spectrum of academic opportunities, from certificates and diplomas to graduate and professional degrees, including a juris doctor degree. Kaplan Higher Education is part of Kaplan, Inc., a leading international provider of educational and career services for individuals, schools and businesses. Kaplan, Inc. is a subsidiary of The Washington Post Company (NYSE: WPO), and its largest and fastest-growing division. For more information about Kaplan University, visit www.kaplanuniversity.edu.