SPRINGFIELD, IL (09/07/2010)(readMedia)-- Illinois National Guard leaders have identified open discussions and stronger relationships between Soldiers and Airmen among the keys to suicide prevention programs administered by the Illinois National Guard.

Since Sept. 11, 2001, three Illinois National Guard Soldiers have committed suicide and the Department of Defense (DoD) has experienced record numbers of suicides across all services since 2002. As a result, DoD programs to identify causes for suicide and implement preventative strategies have received attention and funding.

One challenge has been getting Soldiers and Airmen to understand that seeking help when dealing with difficult emotional situations will not negatively affect their careers.

Chief Warrant Officer (2) Mariah Peterson, Illinois National Guard Suicide Prevention Program Manager, said she has seen a decrease in the negative stigma surrounding mental health issues.

"Soldiers are learning more and more that the repercussions from seeking help are no longer going to affect their military career," said Peterson. "In order to be an effective Soldier, one has to be both physically and mentally strong."

The Army's Ask Care Escort (ACE) program and the supplemental Shoulder-to-Shoulder training are the only Army-approved suicide prevention training programs, which focuses on building and maintaining positive relationships.

"It is taught by first-line leaders and gives Soldiers the opportunity to open up and discuss the training in an informal setting. Soldiers tend to open up more when they are surrounded by their peers," said Peterson.

During an address to the 132nd General Conference of the National Guard Association of the United States Aug. 21 in Austin, Texas, Maj. Gen. Raymond W. Carpenter, acting director of the Army National Guard, emphasized more vigilant leadership and better post deployment follow up as among the solutions for stemming suicides.

"The issue of Soldier suicides isn't a deployment problem, it has to do with significant emotional events in their lives, but beyond that, it has to do with their ability to cope," he said.

The lesson is that leaders must be more assertive and involved to help troubled Soldiers before issues mushroom, said Carpenter.

Getting the families of Illinois National Guard members involved, helping them understand help is available and how to get that help are all points of emphasis in Illinois. This part of the mission is spearheaded by the Family Readiness Groups and the Chaplain Corps.

"We spend very little time in our offices," said Col. Daniel Krumrei, Joint Forces Headquarters chaplain, and the command staff chaplain. "We're always out and around counseling Soldiers, assisting commanders and developing relationships. As much as humanly possible our chaplains are available. We're at Soldiers' homes, at hospitals, funeral homes and even jails; wherever we are needed to help the Soldiers manage emotionally stressful events in their lives."

The Strong Bonds Retreats are weekend get-aways for Illinois servicemembers and their spouses designed to help Soldiers reconnect with their families and enhance their marriages, said Chaplain (1st Lt.) Vincent Lambert administers the Army's Strong Bonds program.

"Reconnecting with family after a deployment can be an extremely stressful situation for a Soldier and a chaplain has a special vantage point because we are specifically trained in counseling and many couples want to follow up with us," said Lambert. "The confidentiality a chaplain guarantees is key."

The Air National Guard's suicide prevention program, called the Wingman Project, consists of an interactive Web site available to anyone with Internet access and says that for every one Airman killed in combat, seven Airmen take their own lives. Wingmanproject.org was developed to empower Air Guard members, their families and friends to prevent suicides and train them to recognize the signs of suicide. The site includes training on how to ask the right questions, links and contact information for additional help like the suicide hotline.

The fact that wingmanproject.org is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is especially important for traditional National Guard members.

"The National Guard is, at times, at a disadvantage compared to the Army and Air Force," said Peterson. "We see our Soldiers and Airmen two days out of the month. That is why it is imperative to know your Soldiers and your Airmen. Suicide prevention should not be something that is on the front page one day and forgotten the next; it is knowing your buddy, knowing what resources are available for help, paying attention to what is going on in your Soldiers' or Airmen's lives and not being afraid to talk about it."

September is National Suicide Prevention Month and National Suicide Prevention Week is Sept. 5-11.

For more information please contact the Illinois National Guard Public Affairs office at 217-761-3569.

1st Lt. Dutch Grove.

Register in September for chance to win a College Savings Iowa account

DES MOINES, IA (09/01/2010)(readMedia)-- State Treasurer Michael Fitzgerald announced today that Iowa has joined other states in declaring September as "College Savings Month" in an effort to increase awareness among families about the importance of saving for their children's higher education expenses.

"I want families to know it's never too early to start planning for their child's future education," said Fitzgerald. "As a way to raise awareness about the importance of saving for higher education, College Savings Iowa is giving away a free $529 account. I encourage Iowans to register today for a chance to win and jumpstart their college savings." To register, visit www.iowa529contest.com.

Studies show that children who have money saved for them are almost four times more likely to attend a four-year college than those with no account.* This makes saving ahead of time one of the most significant things families can do to help make college a reality for their children. By starting early and saving regularly, families can watch their savings and their children grow side by side. College Savings Month is a time when families are encouraged to explore the benefits of saving through a 529 plan like College Savings Iowa.

College Savings Iowa is an affordable, tax-advantaged option for families who are saving for their children's college education. It takes just $25 to open a College Savings Iowa account, and investors can contribute as little as $25 when adding to the account. Participants who are Iowa taxpayers can deduct contributions up to $2,811 per beneficiary account from their adjusted gross income in 2010. **

Anyone can invest in College Savings Iowa on behalf of a child. Investors do not need to be a state resident and can withdraw their investment federally tax-free to pay for qualified higher education expenses including tuition, books, supplies and certain room and board costs at any eligible college, university, community college or technical training school in the United States or abroad. *** To learn more about College Savings Iowa, go to www.my529iowaplan.com or call 1-800-523-0644.

*From the Center for Social Development study: The Role of Savings and Wealth in Reducing "Wilt" between Expectations and College Attendance. William Elliott III and Sondra Beverly, 2010.

**If withdrawals are not qualified, the deductions must be added back to Iowa taxable income.

*** Earnings on non-qualified withdrawals may be subject to federal income tax and a 10% federal penalty tax, as well as state income taxes. The availability of tax or other benefits may be contingent on meeting other requirements.

CHARLES TOWN, WV (08/27/2010)(readMedia)-- LARRY J. GARY, a Transportation and Logistics Management major and resident of Davenport, was among more than 4,000 degree recipients recognized at American Public University System's Spring 2010 commencement at DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, DC.

American Public University System, winner of the Sloan Consortium's 2009 Ralph E. Gomory Award for Quality Online Education and two-time recipient of Sloan's Effective Practice Award, offers more than 100 online certificate and degree programs through its American Public University and American Military University institutions. APUS's relevant curriculum, affordability and flexibility help more than 70,000 working adults worldwide pursue degrees in subjects ranging from homeland security to management and liberal arts. For further information, visit www.apus.edu.

Annual College Savings Iowa State Fair survey shows that most kids plans for the future includes attending college, but not before eating a corndog.

DES MOINES, IA (08/18/2010)(readMedia)-- State Treasurer Michael Fitzgerald announced today that 95% of the children that participated in College Savings Iowa's annual State Fair survey see getting a college education as a necessary step to achieving their career aspirations. "Iowa children are already planning for their futures," stated Fitzgerald. "This survey demonstrates how important it is for families to start planning and saving early to help make college a reality for their children."

"Every year we ask children visiting the fair what they want to be when they grow up and if they will need to go to college to achieve their career goals. Needless to say, we are always amazed by the responses they offer," Fitzgerald stated. Seventeen percent of the children questioned want to study veterinary medicine, with another 13% planning to become teachers. The health care-related fields came in third this year with 11% of the responses, and professional athlete with 7% ranked fourth. "One little guy plans to go to college to become a super hero, but not before eating his favorite State Fair food."

In addition to the questions about career and college goals, the survey also asks children to identify their favorite State Fair food item. "Corn dog was the hands down favorite with kids again this year," Fitzgerald said. Funnel cake was second on the list of favorites, with cookies, donuts and pizza tying for third place. "Kids are especially fond of food on sticks. I'm always amazed by the ones who come to State Fair looking for an egg on a stick."

"Families that save and invest for their child's college education will be better prepared to meet the challenge of paying for it when the time arrives, and College Savings Iowa is here to help," added Fitzgerald. Anyone - parents, grandparents, friends and relatives - can invest in College Savings Iowa on behalf of a child. This year Iowa taxpayers can deduct up to $2,811 in contributions per beneficiary account from their adjusted gross income. * To learn more about College Savings Iowa, visit www.collegesavingsiowa.com or call 1-888-672-9116.

*Adjusted annually for inflation. If withdrawals are not qualified, the deductions must be added back to Iowa taxable income.