On Monday morning of this week, I received this picture and note from one of our troops overseas:

"I greatly appreciate this package, because it comes from the hearts of many amazing people out there. Thank you so much!"

As world events have put the U.S. Military on high alert, so too has Operation Gratitude been impacted by the growing threats worldwide.  Here is an update on requests to send Operation Gratitude Care Packages to our Troops overseas and to our New Recruits and Veterans here at home.

On August 23rd, our volunteers in Southern California assembled 7,062 packages that were immediately shipped to troops deployed in harm's way.  Then on September 3rd, we received an urgent request to send an additional 2,200 packages as soon as possible.  Our volunteers reacted within 48 hours and made packages for each and every hero.

This Saturday, September 20th, we have requests to send an additional 7,000 packages overseas.  Hundreds of local supporters have registered to volunteer to make sure that we fulfill every request.

This means that in a span of just 30 days, our volunteers will have assembled and shipped more than 16,000 Care Packages!  

Your generosity and support have helped us fulfill every care package request ever made since Operation Gratitude started in 2003: More than 1.1 Million Care Packages sent!  

Even if you are not available to volunteer at the National Guard Armory this Saturday, here are several very important ways that you can participate from anywhere in the country to ensure that we can send tens of thousands of additional packages by year-end.  

You can:

• Write letters at home or organize a letter writing drive,
• Start a collection drive for much needed supplies for next month's care packages,
• Make a handmade item such as a scarf, hat or paracord survival bracelet,
• Donate a used vehicle, or donate your old cell phone as you upgrade to a new one
• Make a financial donation to help us with shipping costs, which are adding up fast (each package costs us $15 to assemble and ship).

However you choose to serve, I am forever appreciative of your kindness.  Thank you for believing in our cause and for continuing to support our troops!

Fondly,

Carolyn Blashek, Founder

The Quad City Wind Ensemble (QCWE) and season sponsor Edward Jones announce a free fall concert featuring Master Gunnery Sergeant Kurt Dupuis, "The President's Own" Marine Band principal trumpeter.  The concert will be Sunday, October 26, at 3:00 p.m. in the Galvin Fine Arts Center, 517 W. Locust St., on the campus of St. Ambrose University in Davenport, IA.  Master Gunnery Sgt Dupuis will also conduct a Masterclass on Saturday, October 25th, from 12:00-3:00 p.m., also at the Galvin Fine Arts Center.  Both events are free and open to the public.  All are encouraged to bring their instrument to the Saturday masterclass.

Master Gunnery Sgt. Dupuis, of Rochester, N.H., joined "The President's Own" United States Marine Band in September 1992. He was named principal trumpet in 1997.

He began his musical instruction at age 8 and studied with Terry Detwiler, former Marine Band solo cornet. He graduated in 1985 from Spaulding High School in Rochester, N.H. and earned a bachelor's degree in music from Boston University in 1990 where he also pursued graduate studies. His teachers included Roger Voisin, Peter Chapman, and Dr. Robert Stibler. In addition, he has received extensive coaching from Rolf Smedvig, Timothy Morrison, Jeff Curnow, and Susan Slaughter.

Prior to joining "The President's Own," Master Gunnery Sgt. Dupuis was a fellow at the Tanglewood Music Center in Lenox, Mass., and was a participant at the Grand Teton Orchestral Seminar in Jackson Hole, Wyo., for two summers. He also was a member of the Atlantic Brass Quintet, winners of the Coleman International Chamber Music Competition, Summit Brass International Chamber Music Competition, and the Rafael Mendez International Chamber Music Competition. The quintet toured the U.S. and Canada under Columbia Artist Management and coached at the Empire Brass Seminar at the Tanglewood Institute. Master Gunnery Sgt. Dupuis has performed in conjunction with the Empire Brass both at Carnegie Hall in New York and at the Bermuda Arts Festival.

Master Gunnery Sgt. Dupuis currently resides in Alexandria, Va.  He has been featured as a soloist with both the Marine Band and Marine Chamber Orchestra, frequently conducts masterclasses at universities and has published an article in the International Trumpet Guild and The Brass Herald.

"Marine Band principal trumpet Master Gunnery Sgt. Kurt Dupuis' performance with the Quad City Wind Ensemble is in a volunteer capacity."

The Marine Band is America's oldest continuously active professional musical organization. Founded in 1798, the band has performed for every U.S. president since John Adams. Known as "The President's Own" since the days of Thomas Jefferson, the Marine Band's mission is to provide music for the President of the United States and the Commandant of the Marine Corps.

The QCWE was founded in 1987 by Dr. Charles B. DCamp of St. Ambrose University, and has become one of the finest adult bands in the nation. In 2012 the QCWE was the Community Division winner of The American Prize in Band/Wind Ensemble Performance.  For additional information, please visit www.qcwindensemble.org, http://www.facebook.com/qcwindensemble, or contact Tyné Rieck, QCWE Public Relations at info@qcwindensemble.org.

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Funding includes loan guarantees and grants for solar energy to create jobs, promote energy independence and advance the use of renewable fuels

BUNN, N.C., Sept. 18, 2014 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA is investing in 540 renewable energy and energy efficiency projects nationwide.

"These loan guarantees and grants will have far-reaching impacts nationwide, particularly in the rural communities where these projects are located," Vilsack said. "Investing in renewable energy and energy efficiency will continue the unprecedented increase in home-grown energy sources and American energy independence we've seen in recent years. This is creating jobs, providing new economic opportunities and leading the way to a more secure energy future."

Secretary Vilsack made the announcement while in North Carolina to highlight USDA's investments in rural renewable energy projects, as part of the Obama Administration's 'all-of-the-above' energy strategy. It is the most recent of a series of USDA actions to strengthen the country's energy sector. Two weeks ago, Vilsack announced a $105 million loan guarantee to a company that will produce jet fuel from municipal solid waste.

Today's funding is being provided through USDA Rural Development's Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). REAP was created by the 2008 Farm Bill and was reauthorized by the recently passed 2014 Farm Bill.

The announcement comes on a day when President Obama is announcing new executive actions to further advance the development of solar technologies across the country. These new investments in solar will reduce America's energy consumption, cut carbon pollution by nearly 300 million metric tons - equivalent to taking more than 60 million cars off the road for a year - and save businesses nearly $45 billion on their energy bills. The renewed effort to invest in solar energy also includes commitments from a broad coalition of 50 public and private sector partners, including leading industry, community development organizations and housing providers in 28 states. To learn more about this new Obama Administration initiative to increase the use of solar power, visit the White House website.

"USDA is proud to play a key role in Obama Administration's efforts to promote the use of solar technologies," Vilsack said. "Of the REAP projects funded today, 240 projects are for solar investments of $5.2 million in grants and $55.3 million in loans."

During Secretary Vilsack's trip to North Carolina, he visited Progress Solar in Bunn, N.C., which received a $3.4 million REAP loan guarantee in 2012 for installation of a solar array. Progress Solar now produces enough solar energy to power 540 average-sized homes each year. The 4.5 megawatt array was developed by North Carolina-based O2 Energies, Inc. The Progress Solar site is a dual-use solar power plant and a working farm where a 10th generation farming family raises free range sheep and lambs. The project serves as a test site for herd management best practices on a solar farm, and the goal is to model future collaborative efforts that marry solar-energy production with agriculture production. This is the seventh solar farm venture that O2 Energies has developed in North Carolina.

In North Carolina alone, Vilsack announced $55.3 million in new REAP program loan guarantees and grants for 22 solar energy projects. For example, USDA is awarding a $3 million loan guarantee to Broadway Solar Center, LLC to help finance a 5 megawatt solar array in Columbus County, a $4.9 million loan guarantee for a similar project in Hertford County and a $2.1 million guarantee for a project in Warren County.

In total, Vilsack announced $68 million in REAP loan guarantees and grants today. Funding is contingent upon the recipients meeting the terms of the loan or grant agreement.

Eligible agricultural producers and rural small businesses may use REAP funds to make energy efficiency improvements or install renewable energy systems including solar, wind, renewable biomass (including anaerobic digesters), small hydroelectric, ocean energy, hydrogen, and geothermal.

Since the start of the Obama Administration, REAP has supported more than 8,800 renewable energy and energy efficiency projects nationwide. During this period, USDA has provided more than $276 million in grants and $268 million in loan guarantees to agricultural producers and rural small business owners.

President Obama's historic investments in rural America have made our rural communities stronger. Under his leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way - strengthening America's economy, small towns and rural communities.

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (866) 632-9992 (Toll-free Customer Service), (800) 877-8339 (Local or Federal relay), (866) 377-8642 (Relay voice users)

Dubuque, Iowa - During its annual convention being held in Dubuque, the Iowa Credit Union League (ICUL) announced that it is supporting Bruce Braley for United States Senate and Terry Branstad for Governor. In addition, ICUL also announced its support of Pat Murphy for Iowa's First Congressional District One and Dave Loebsack for Iowa's Second Congressional District.

"These candidates understand the unique role the credit unions play as non-profit, financial cooperatives. They also have been strong supporters of ensuring credit unions are able to provide their one million Iowa members with needed financial services in a marketplace that is quickly changing. It is with great enthusiasm that we announce our support for these candidates today," said Patrick S. Jury, CEO/President, ICUL.

"Congressman Braley has been supportive of Iowa's credit unions since he was first elected to Congress back in 2006. He understands and supports credit unions' cooperative model and tax structure, and supports providing small businesses with better access to capital by lifting the business lending cap placed on credit unions in federal law. Bruce Braley is a champion for credit union and he will be an outstanding United States Senator," Jury said.

"Governor Branstad has been a credit union member for decades and understands the value Iowa's credit unions provide to more than one million members in Iowa. He has consistently stood with us as we seek to provide our members better services while helping them keep more of their own hard-earned money. Iowa's credit unions have a friend in Governor Terry Branstad," he said.

In addition to making these endorsements, ICUL also announced it has, to date, supported 102 candidates running for the state legislature, a list is provided below. ICUL's Advocacy Committee and its non-partisan political action committee, CUPAC, evaluate candidates solely on their support for credit union issues.

"As the trade association for Iowa's credit unions, we feel it is important to provide this information to our members, so they can make decisions," Jury said. "The endorsements do not reflect the opinions of individual credit union members or staff."

2014 CUPAC Supported Candidates 
Abdul-Samad, Ako (D - Des Moines)
Anderson, Marti (D - Des Moines)
Finkenauer, Abby (D - Dubuque)
Staed, Art (D - Cedar Rapids)
Bacon, Rob (R - Slater)
Baudler, Clel (R - Greenfield)
Bearinger, Bruce (D - Oelwein)
Bennett, Liz (D - Cedar Rapids)
Berry, Deb (D - Waterloo)
Brown Powers, Timi (D - Waterloo)
Byrnes, Josh (R - Osage)
Cohoon, Dennis (D - Burlington)
Costello, Mark (R - Imogene)
Cownie, Peter (R - West Des Moines)
Dawson, David (D - Sioux City)
Deyoe, Dave (R - Nevada)
Dolecheck, Cecil (R - Mount Ayr)
Drake, Jack (R - Griswold)
Forbes, John (D - Urbandale)
Forristall, Greg (R - Macedonia)
Fry, Joel (R -Osceola) 
Gaines, Ruth Ann ( D - Des Moines)
Gaskill, Mary (D - Ottumwa)
Grassley, Pat (R -New Hartford)
Gustafson, Stan (R - Cumming)
Hagenow, Chris (R - Windsor Heights)
Hall, Chris (R - Sioux City)
Hanson, Curt (D - Fairfield)
Hanusa, Mary Ann (D - Council Bluffs)
Heartsill, Greg (R - Chariton)
Heaton, Dave (R- Mt. Pleasant)
Heddens, Lisa (D - Ames)
Hein, Lee (R - Monticello)
Hess, Megan (R - Spencer)
Highfill, Jake (R - Johnston)
Holt, Steve (R - Denison)
Hunter, Bruce (D - Des Moines)
Huseman, Dan (R - Cherokee)
Isenhart, Chuck (D - Dubuque)
Jacoby, Dave (D - Coralville)
Jorgensen, Ron (R - Sioux City)
Kaufmann, Bobby (R - Wilton)
Kearns, Jerry (D - Keokuk)
Kelley, Dan (D - Newton)
Klein, Jarad (R - Keota)
Koester, Kevin (R - Ankeny)
Kressig, Bob (D - Cedar Falls)
Landon, John (R - Ankeny)
Lensing, Vicki (D - Iowa City)
Lundby, Daniel (R - Marion)
Lykam, Jim (D - Davenport)
Mascher, Mary (D - Iowa City)
Maxwell, David (R - Gibson)
McConkey, Charlie (D - Council Bluffs)
Meyer, Brian (D - Des Moines)
Miller, Helen (D - Fort Dodge)
Miller, Linda (R - Bettendorf)
Moore, Brian (R - Bellevue)
Muhlbauer, Dan (D - Manilla)
Oldson, Jo (D - Des Moines)
Olson, Rick (D - Des Moines)
Ourth, Scott (D - Ackworth)
Paulsen, Kraig (R - Hiawatha)
Prichard, Todd (D - Charles City)
Rogers, Walt (D - Waterloo)
Ruff, Patti (D - McGregor)
Running-Marquardt, Kirsten (D- Cedar Rapids)
Sexton, Mike (R - Rockwell City)
Smith, Mark (D - Marshalltown)
Soderberg, Chuck (R - LeMars)
Steckman, Sharon (D - Mason City)
Stutsman, Sally (D - Riverside)
Taylor, Rob (R - West Des Moines)
Taylor, Todd (D - Cedar Rapids)
Thede, Phylis (D - Bettendorf)
Upmeyer, Linda (R - Clear Lake)
Vander Linden, Guy (R - Oskaloosa)
Wessel-Kroeschell, Beth (D - Ames)
Wills, John (R - Spirit Lake)
Winckler, Cindy (D - Davenport)
Wolfe, Mary (D - Clinton)
Wood, Frank (D - Eldridge)
Worthan, Gary (R - Storm Lake)

Senate
Anderson, Bill (R - Pierson)
Beall, Daryl (D - Fort Dodge)
Bertrand, Rick (R - Sioux City)
Bisignano, Tony (D - Des Moines)
Bolkcom, Joe (D - Iowa City)
Bowman, Tod (D - Maquoketa)
Chelgren, Mark (R - Ottumwa)
Dix, Bill (R - Shell Rock)
Dotzler, Bill (D - Waterloo)
Dvorsky, Robert (D - Coralville)
Feenstra, Randy (R - Hull)
Hart, Rita (D - Wheatland)
Hogg, Rob (D - Cedar Rapids)
McCoy, Matt (D - Des Moines)
Quirmbach, Herman (D - Ames)
Ragan, Amanda (D - Mason City)
Schultz, Jason (R -Schleswig)
Smith, Roby (R - Bettendorf)
Whitver, Jack (R - Ankeny)

About the Iowa Credit Union League
The Iowa Credit Union League is the trade association that represents the interests of Iowa credit unions and their more than one million members. Credit unions are not-for-profit, financial cooperatives owned and operated by their members. Iowans use their credit union membership to receive higher interest rates on savings and lower interest rates on loans. For more information on ICUL and Iowa credit unions, visit www.IowaCreditUnions.com. Follow ICUL on Twitter at www.twitter.com/icul or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/iowacreditunions.To learn more about credit unions, visit www.ASmarterChoice.org.

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