22 Sep 2014

USDA Invests $68 Million in 540 Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Projects Nationwide

By USDA Office of Communications

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)

22 Sep 2014

Celebrate with College Savings Iowa and Register to Win a $5,290 College Savings Iowa Account!

By Karen Austin

A message from State Treasurer Michael L. Fitzgerald

DES MOINES, IA (09/18/2014)(readMedia)-- With back-to-school in full swing, I know it can be a busy time of year for parents and children alike. At College Savings Iowa it is a busy time of year as well. In addition to observing College Savings Month throughout September, we are celebrating our Sweet 16. Since the program's inception in 1998, our message has always been the same. By starting early, saving regularly and making smart investment choices, families can make their savings work for them, and College Savings Iowa is here to help.

To get a jump start on helping your loved ones save for their higher education, join us in celebrating our Sweet 16 and College Savings Month by registering to win a $5,290 College Savings Iowa account. For more information and to enter the giveaway, please visit CollegeSavingsIowa.com any time before November 30.

College Savings Month, a nationally recognized campaign, was created to bring attention to emphasize that saving for college is one of the most significant things families can do for their children. While any form of saving for college is better than not saving at all, there are additional benefits to using a 529 plan like College Savings Iowa. Administered by the state treasurer's office, the plan offers multiple investment choices, including four age-based options that take into account the child's age and the account owner's tolerance for risk. As the beneficiary nears college age, the assets are automatically shifted to more conservative portfolios. This allows account owners to reduce the market risk before they begin making withdrawals for college expenses.

In addition, 529 plans offer significant federal and state tax benefits to help grow your savings even more. Contributions and earnings grow free of federal and Iowa state income taxes while invested and remain tax-free when used to pay for qualified higher education expenses at any eligible college, university, community college or accredited technical training school in the United States or abroad.* College Savings Iowa sweetens the deal by allowing Iowa taxpayers to deduct up to $3,098 in contributions per beneficiary account from their 2014 adjusted gross income.**

You can also stay up to date on our future events and giveaways by following College Savings Iowa on Facebook and Twitter (@Iowa529Plan).

Start saving today and help make college a reality for a child in your life - you'll be glad you did!

Michael L. Fitzgerald

State Treasurer

*The earnings portion of nonqualified withdrawals may be subject to federal income tax and a 10% federal penalty tax, as well as state and local income taxes. The availability of tax or other benefits may be contingent on meeting other requirements.

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

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22 Sep 2014

Iowa Credit Union League Supports Braley for Senate, Branstad for Governor

By Emily Caropreso

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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22 Sep 2014

100 Years of the Quad City Symphony Orchestra

By Mark McLaughlin
Celebrating the Past, Looking Forward to the Future

IA/IL QUAD-CITIES - The 2014-2015 season marks the 100th year of the Quad City Symphony Orchestra (QCSO) in the Quad Cities area. Over the past century, the QCSO has presented masterpieces both old and new for the enjoyment of music lovers in the Midwest. "In celebrating our 100th Season, we look back on the rich legacy of our past, and also look forward to how we will serve the community in the next 100 years," said Mark Russell Smith, QCSO Music Director and Conductor. "We thank the people of the Quad Cities area for their sincere ongoing support." 

"We see the 100th Season as a wonderful opportunity to raise awareness as we celebrate this historic milestone," said Benjamin Loeb, QCSO Executive Director. "During the 100th Season we will present the world premieres of five compositions in the QCSO Masterworks series. Also, the season will end in a one-night-only concert featuring cellist Yo-Yo Ma, a best-selling classical recording artist with more than 75 albums, including 15 Grammy Award-winners."

According to Loeb, the 100th Season will feature works by three composers from the Quad-Cities and surrounding area. "The Riverfront Pops featured world-premiere music from a local composer in its pre-show," he said. "Several new arrangements by William Campbell, Composition Professor at St. Ambrose University, were performed by the Quad City Symphony Youth Ensemble." 

The first premiered piece in the Masterworks series is by John Frantzen, originally from Maquoketa, Iowa. "John now lives in Los Angeles, California, and composes for films and documentaries," Loeb said. "He comes from an artistic family - his sister, Rose Frantzen, is an accomplished artist whose work has appeared in full exhibits at Davenport's Figge Museum."

Loeb noted that the season will also include a commissioned work by Jacob Bancks, Assistant Professor of Theory and Composition at Augustana College. Loeb, an accomplished pianist, will perform the work with violinist David Bowlin on the first Signature Series concert October 19. 

The Holiday Pops will be conducted by new QCSO Assistant Conductor Benjamin Klemme and will feature the return engagements of the First Presbyterian Church Sanctuary Choir and Quad City Symphony Youth Choir. Cirque de la Symphonie, the group that thrilled QC audiences a few years back with their energetic troupe of aerial flyers, acrobats, contortionists, dancers and more, will be back as well. A new work by composer Gary Fry will receive its world premiere at the Holiday Pops. This year, Holiday Pops will be back at the Adler Theatre in three performances including a Saturday matinee perfect for family members of all ages.

According to Smith, the many premieres in the 100th Season show that the QCSO is deeply invested in perpetuating the classical tradition. "Classical music isn't meant to be a museum," he said. "It's a live, vibrant, creative force. It's not just about the past: it's about the present and the future. We enjoy bringing new works to the public's attention. The composers we are working with all have very different voices, as unique and diverse as the individuals themselves."

The 100th Season also marks the return of famed pianist Garrick Ohlsson, who last appeared with the QCSO in 1989. Ohlsson is an international grandmaster pianist and the first American to win the International Frederic Chopin Piano Competition. "Ohlsson is a personal favorite of mine," Loeb said. "He creates incredible emotion without being overly sentimental."

The highlight of the 100th Season will be a performance by master cellist, Yo-Yo Ma. "He is today's biggest star in classical music," Loeb said. "He receives countless requests to perform. We went through seven months of negotiations before he said 'Yes' in late 2013. He has worked with me and Mark Russell Smith before, and that helped to secure the engagement." 

Loeb went to work lining up sponsors for the Yo-Yo Ma performance and gained enthusiastic support from the Riverboat Development Authority, Modern Woodmen of America, and John Deere. "We are delighted that Yo-Yo Ma will be coming to the Quad-Cities to share his unique talents," he said, "and we know most music lovers throughout the area share that sentiment."

In addition to the Pops Series, Masterworks Series and Signature Series, the 100th Season will also include Youth Concerts, Family Concerts, Side by Side Concerts, and Volunteer Events, as well as such multi-faceted educational programs as youth ensembles and school education engagements. Many other programs are also in place to enhance the public's enjoyment and enlightenment, including:

Inside the Music: Conversations with QCSO Music Director Mark Russell Smith on Thursday afternoons at the Hotel Blackhawk before the Masterworks. Students@Symphony: Local students are invited to QCSO dress rehearsals and interact with the guest soloists, QCSO musicians and Music Director Mark Russell Smith.

Concert Conversations: Pre-concert conversations one hour before concert start time, hosted by Kai Swanson of Augustana College.

Afterglow: A gathering in the lobby of the Hotel Blackhawk after Saturday Masterworks with free hors d'oeuvres, cash bar, and a chance to socialize with the musicians from the concert.

"The QCSO has been a part of this community for a century, and that says a lot," Smith observed. "It has played an important role in this area since it first began, and will continue to be just as important 100 years from now. The Symphony is part of what makes this an exciting place to live. It adds inherent value to the community."

For more information on each event, be sure to download the full season brochure at  http://www.qcso.org/calendar.. 

Quad City Symphony Orchestra tickets are available at the QCSO box office at 327 Brady St., Davenport. You can also call the QCSO at (563) 322-7276 or visit  http://www.qcso.org.

-- End --

22 Sep 2014

Gov. Terry Branstad, First Lady Chris Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds launch bullying prevention listening tour

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa
Branstad-Reynolds Administration continues commitment to better address bullying in schools 

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry Branstad, First Lady Chris Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds announced they will visit three Iowa school districts this fall to learn more about what Iowa schools are doing to deal with bullying and what steps Iowans would like the state to take next.

Better addressing the problem of bullying in schools has been a top priority of the Branstad-Reynolds Administration. Their work has included two statewide bullying prevention summits in Des Moines, which each drew an audience of more than 1,000, including many students from across the state. They've also proposed legislation to give schools clear discretion to respond to cyberbullying that occurs away from school but seriously interferes with a student's education at school, as well as requiring parents to be notified if their child is the target of bullying.

Fifty-seven percent of sixth-, eighth- and 11th-graders reported being bullied at school in some way in the past 30 days, according to the 2012 Iowa Youth Survey. That was up from 50 percent in the 2010 Iowa Youth survey.

"All students deserve to feel safe and respected at school," said Governor Branstad. "Many schools and their communities have started anti-bullying campaigns. We want to learn more about what they are doing, and to hear from educators, students, parents, business leaders and others how they think they state could better support their efforts to reduce bullying in schools."

"Cyberbullying is a particular concern," said Reynolds. "We can protect free speech and keep students safe at the same time. We have an obligation to make sure schools have the authority they need to look out for a student who is being tormented on social media"

"As a mother and grandmother, I want to help bring attention to why it's critical to better address the problem of bullying," said Chris Branstad. "It's unacceptable that some students dread going to school because they worry about being taunted by classmates."

The listening tour meetings are open to the public. They will include a panel discussion with students, educators and others as well as time for audience comments and questions.

The first of the three events will be held Wednesday, Sept. 24, from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., at the West High School Media Center, 2001 Casselman St., Sioux City. Branstad and Reynolds will attend.

The second  listening tour town hall will take place Monday, Oct. 6, from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., at North Linn Junior/Senior High School Gymnasium, 3033 Lynx Dr., Troy Mills. The third town hall will take place Tuesday, Oct. 7, 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., at the Orpheum Theater, 220 E. Main St., Marshalltown. The governor, first lady and lt. governor will attend both of those meetings.

Photos of Gov. Branstad, First Lady Mrs. Chris Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds can be found here.

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22 Sep 2014

PQA Plus© Training Session Set in Cedar County

By Amanda Heitz

The Iowa Pork Industry Center and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach are teaming up to provide training for pork producers and others who need certification in the Pork Quality Assurance Plus© (PQA Plus©) program. One certification session has been set for Thursday, September 25th in Cedar County.

Cedar County Office Manager, Joyce Coppes said the session will be held at the Cedar County Extension office, 107 Cedar Street, Tipton, Iowa 52772 and will be taught by ISU Extension and Outreach swine program specialist Tom Miller.

"The PQA Plus© session is set for 1:00?3:00p.m.," she said. "Anyone who plans to attend should let us know as soon as possible to ensure that we have adequate materials for everyone."

Cost for this certification program is $25 per person and is payable at the door. To preregister, contact the Cedar County Extension office at 563-886-6157.

To learn more about PQA Plus© please see the National Pork Board Web site at http://www.pork.org/certification/default.aspx

-30-

22 Sep 2014

RIVERMONT COLLEGIATE Art Program Ranks #9 in the State!

By Vanessa Douglas

?Artsonia awards Rivermont Collegiate's Visual Art Educator Colleen Tomlinson with The Artsonia Leadership Award.

This is an honor extended to only 10 schools per state across the United States

Artsonia showcases over twenty-seven million pieces of artwork from thousands of schools, but thanks to Colleen Tomlinson's efforts, Rivermont's online art gallery ranks #9 in the state of Iowa. These results are based on the number of artwork published in the gallery, as well as the teacher's ability to cultivate a community of fan club members who actively support your students and their creativity. Below you will see the actual results for Rivermont Collegiate's online gallery in 2013-2014.

* Total Artwork Published: 3168

* Active Fan Club Members: 313

* Comments Left for the Artists: 238

* Artist Statements about their Artwork: 92

22 Sep 2014

Free Viewing of the Stars and Moon!

By Davenport Parks & Recreation
Join The Quad Cities Astronomical Society and Davenport Parks and Recreation for a public family viewing of the stars and moon! Participants can see the celestial sights through the QCAS and member telescopes.

The event is Free to the public and members of the Astronomical Society will be there to give everyone a tour of prominent stars, galaxies, nebulae, planets and constellations.

A Near Full Moon is expected for October 4th!!!.

Where & When
8991 N Division St
Davenport, Iowa
Saturday, October 4
At Dusk (approximately 7:00pm)
Gates open at 6:00pm
22 Sep 2014

Illinois National Guard Soldiers place in marksmanship competition

By Illinois National Guard PAO

SPRINGFIELD, IL (09/17/2014)(readMedia)-- FORT BENNING, Ga. - Illinois National Guard Soldiers placed in the All Army Long Range Championship at Fort Benning, Georgia, September 8-11.

Sgt. 1st Class Tracy Mix of Marseilles, Illinois, with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade in Chicago, and Chief Warrant Officer 3 Brandon Gibbs of Pleasant Plains, Illinois, with Company B, 634th Brigade Support Battalion, took first and second overall in the service rifle category.

The competition is an advanced combat live-fire training event open to Active Army, National Guard and Army Reserve.

This year, seven National Guard Soldiers competed out of 32 competitors. The Soldiers made up three two-man teams and had one individual competitor.

The two categories for this competition are service rifle (U.S. rifle, 7.62mm, M21 or M24) and bolt (U.S. rifle, caliber .300 Winchester Magnum M2010 or M-24). In all five matches, the competitors had 15 shots for record at each distance of 800, 900 and 1,000 yards.

"It's fun," said Maj. David Stapp, sustainment commander at the National Guard Marksmanship Training Center in Camp Robinson, Arkansas.

Even though many competitors enjoy competing, they must spend a lot of time with their weapon to be successful.

"I have to know the data and wind charts to prepare," said Chief Warrant Officer 3 Ryan Landon of Creal Springs, Illinois, with the 3637th Support Maintenance Company in Springfield, Illinois.

The Soldiers have to know the data for their weapon and learn how wind affects distance and direction of their shot, which requires the Soldiers to practice in their personal time.

"I go to civilian ranges to practice on my own and start going over my wind charts and data in advance to mentally prepare," said Mix.

22 Sep 2014

Braley Statement on Vote to Address ISIL Threat

By Kirsten Hartman

Washington, D.C. - Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) today released the following statement after his vote in support of an amendment designed to address the ISIL threat:

 

"ISIL is a threat to our country that must be eliminated. Today's vote is an important step toward accomplishing that goal while preventing the United States from involving itself in another extended ground war and nation-building effort.  I will closely follow our mission against these violent terrorists in the weeks and months ahead and do whatever I can to keep all Americans safe and secure."

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