Brig. Gen. Richard J. Hayes Jr., The Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard, visited the event and said after years of partial vacancies, getting Illinois' warrant officer program up to full strength was a top priority.

"Everyone here has been identified and selected by their leadership for warrant officer consideration," said Hayes. "Commissioned officers are generalists, but warrants bring highly technical expertise to critical areas, and we are committed to supporting them, their Families, and their employers."

Although last year's WO Selection Event had about 50 attendees and generated several leads, this year's smaller event was targeted towards 30 senior NCOs who already possess the interest and qualifications to begin a warrant officer application. All of the Soldiers that were present in the classroom were screened for eligibility and invited based on recommendations from their commanders. Each attendee came from technical backgrounds where warrant officer positions are hard to fill.

Command Sgt. Maj. Mark W. Bowman, Land Component Command Sergeant Major of the Illinois National Guard, said success in his organization means having the right person in the right slot at the right time. He said he's glad to see experienced NCOs considering the switch.

"Have you had leadership fail you in the past? Ever thought that you could do better? Now is your chance." said Bowman.

Warrant Officer Aaron D. Poynter of Pekin, Illinois, petroleum systems technician for the 108th Sustainment Brigade based in Chicago, came to share his experience with the attendees after being the honor graduate in his Warrant Officer Basic Course that ended in June.

Poynter, an 18 year veteran, was a sergeant first class when he began the warrant officer process. He said he chose warrant officer because it would allow him to do what he loved even longer.

"I would ask anyone interested, if you have the technical knowledge, why not serve your state in the best capacity possible? Why not take the next step to become an expert and advisor?"

Chief Warrant Officer 5 David W. Hammon, Command Chief Warrant Officer of the Illinois National Guard, said the event offers senior Soldiers a great opportunity for career longevity in a way that benefits both the Soldier and the organization.

"Highly specialized and technical career fields aren't always easy to keep filled, but doing so will increase the strength and status of our state," said Hammon. "We have all these great, experienced people, and we want to keep them where they are, but at a higher level."

If you are interested in being a warrant officer please contact Chief Warrant Officer 3 Miranda Dawdy at 217-761-1275 or miranda.r.dawdy.mil@mail.mil.

DES MOINES, IA (07/14/2015)(readMedia)-- The 2015 Iowa State Fair will feature expanded agricultural education including new activities focused on swine, dairy cattle and aquaculture. Fair Tour embarks this year August 13-23.

This year, Fairgoers can stop by the John Deere Agriculture Building to experience "It Takes an Iowan," a new interactive exhibit focused on Iowans as leaders in the ongoing effort to provide food for the nation and the world. The exhibit will highlight the advancement of technology to better produce food, as well as family friendly exhibits about agriculture around the world. The new display highlights Iowans as leaders in feeding the world, but also in education, technology, communication, legislation, and transportation.

A short walk from the Agriculture Building, the Animal Learning Center will feature the "Thank a Farmer Wall." The "Thank A Farmer Wall" invites anyone to leave a message for the hard-working farmers of Iowa. Fairgoers can also stop at the new Aquaculture display where they can learn about the new and growing industry of farm raised fish production in Iowa.

Located next to the Animal Learning Center, Little Hands on the Farm is celebrating its 11th Anniversary. Through this interactive adventure, kids can learn what it is like to do chores on a farm and earn play money to spend at the General Store.

Just north of the Animal Learning Center is Kids' Zone featuring the Blue Ribbon Kids' Club Tent and Seed Survivor. Seed Survivor teaches kids how seeds interact with the environment. Each participant can plant their own sunflower seed to take home. Blue Ribbon Kids' events begin at 10 a.m. every weekday and feature make and take crafts for kids based around day-specific themes like turkeys, Fair food and llamas.

The Boulevard of Dairy Breeds, located in the John and Emily Putney Family Cattle Barn, will focus on the six main breeds of dairy cattle in Iowa with new hands-on activities, cattle, baby calves and the favorite, "I Milked a Cow" display.

Returning for the second year at the Fair is the Chicago Mercantile Exchange Ag Commodity Carnival located in the Bruce L. Rastetter 4-H Exhibits Building. Aimed at third through eighth graders, this activity teaches kids what it takes to raise a pig and how to discover profit or loss. The Carnival will be operating August 13-22 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Also returning to the 2015 Fair are kid-friendly favorites; Ag-Venture Discovery Trail and Grape Getaway.

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Frequently ranked as one of the top events in the country, the Iowa State Fair is the single largest event in the state of Iowa and one of the oldest and largest agricultural and industrial expositions in the country. Annually attracting more than a million people from all over the world, the Iowa State Fair located at East 30th and East University, just 10 minutes from downtown Des Moines is Iowa's greatest celebration with a salute to the best in agriculture, industry, entertainment and achievement. "Nothing Compares" to the 2015 Iowa State Fair, August 13-23, 2015. For more information, visit www.iowastatefair.org.

Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa today made the following comment on the announcement of a nuclear agreement with Iran.

"I've always been skeptical about an agreement with Iran that fails to fully dismantle its nuclear program.  This is a country that sponsors terrorism and has a history of hiding its nuclear program from outside inspectors.  I'm concerned that Iran's relief from international sanctions could offer a lot more carrot than stick.  That would open the spigot to support Iran's terror activities and nuclear capabilities, threatening our national security and the security of our allies in the region.