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."

Des Moines - With just one day until Election Day, all signs are pointing to clear movement in Bruce's direction - and the campaign's superior ground game and army of grassroots volunteers continues to surpass expectations, expand the electorate, and turn out sporadic voters that Democrats know will push Bruce to victory. 

On Saturday and Sunday alone, volunteers for Bruce and Iowa Democrats knocked over 350,000 doors and made over 450,000 phone calls.  Democrats had nearly 5,000 Iowans knocking doors this weekend, and the state party expects to see that number grow today and tomorrow. 

"Our volunteers and supporters had an unprecedented weekend of voter contact and this grassroots energy and enthusiasm will send Bruce to victory tomorrow night," said Sam Lau, Braley for Iowa spokesman. "This unprecedented field effort has already pushed us ahead among early voters, and we are confident that our momentum and support will expand the electorate and deliver a strong victory for Bruce on Tuesday night."

The campaign's modeling of the electorate shows that Bruce is headed to victory on the strength of his clear and significant lead among early voters, his strong and consistent lead among independent voters, and the superior Democratic ground efforts that will drive far greater numbers of supporters to the polls.

In the final weeks of this campaign, Iowans have focused on Bruce's clear message about fighting for all Iowa families, not just the wealthiest few ?while they've seen Joni Ernst dodge editorial board meetings and desperately try to avoid talking about the issues that Iowans care about most, like her plans to privatize Social Security, give tax breaks to companies that ship jobs overseas, and push for federal legislation banning all abortions and common forms of birth control.

Democrats know that the more doors they knock on, the more voters they can put out in the final days, and the stronger Bruce's returns will be on Tuesday night. The Iowa Democratic Party's dedicated resources to a substantial field operation has already successfully expanded the electorate and will significantly outperform any Republican efforts to get out their voters in the final days.

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Polls will be open on Tuesday, November 4, from 7:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m.

Find the location of your polling place by visiting the voter website.

Iowa allows for voter registration on Election Day. To register and vote on Election Day, you must go to the correct polling place for your current address with proof of your identity and address. The best way to do this is with your valid Iowa driver's license with your current address printed on it. If you do not have an Iowa driver's license, you may use a photo ID that is current, valid, and contains an expiration date. Get details on Election Day Registration.

We urge you to vote for these HRC-endorsed candidates and to encourage your friends and family members to vote for these candidates.

For United States Senate:
Bruce Braley (D)

For United States House of Representatives:
Pat Murphy (D, IA-1)
Dave Loebsack (D, IA-2)
Staci Appel (D, IA-3)
Jim Mowrer (D, IA-4)

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We can't wake up on November 5th knowing we could have done more to elect fair-minded politicians. Tell the world you plan to vote for equality on Tuesday. You'll send a message to your friends, family and the world that LGBT civil rights should be a top priority for our elected leaders