13 Aug 2014

"JEWS ROCK" AND ROLL INTO RIVER MUSIC EXPERIENCE

By Rick Martin

Four-month program presented by Riverboat Development Authority celebrating the Jewish heritage in popular music

DAVENPORT, IA - The Jewish Federation of the Quad Cities (www.jfqc.org) is turning up the volume on "Jews Rock" - a four-month series of activities celebrating popular music's Jewish heritage - presented by Riverboat Development Authority (RDA).

All events will be hosted at River Music Experience (www.rivermusicexperience.org), 129 Main Street, Davenport, IA. In addition to the RDA and the venue (RME), sponsors include Rauch Family Foundation II, Inc., Stanley and Bernice Harris Memorial Endowment Fund, Bernard and Irene Goldstein Memorial Endowment Fund as well as Presenting Media Partner KWQC TV 6 and Event Partners The Sedona Group, The Dispatch-Argus and Quad-City Times.

The cornerstone of "Jews Rock" are photos by Janet Macoska (www.janetmacoska.com). A nationally recognized rock photographer from Cleveland, OH, she curates a series of images featuring Jewish performers from the last 50 years of popular music. The photos will be displayed at RME beginning Wednesday, Sept. 10th with a free public lecture by Macoska at 7:00 PM, and will remain on site for public viewing through December 10th, 2014. The photo exhibit is free and open to the public during RME's regular business hours. Details on a silent auction to own one of the limited edition prints will be announced soon. (A full list of Jews Rock activities follows this release.)

"Our goal at the Jewish Federation is to connect people of all religions and ethnic backgrounds with the incredible variety of Jewish culture and to develop partnerships with other community resources like River Music Experience," said Allan G. Ross, Executive Director. "Thanks to the RDA and our other sponsors, the 'Jews Rock' program will be a great way to visually, and of course musically, tell the story of the significant Jewish contributions to popular music in our country. Having the RME host it is a perfect fit."

"The RME is excited to partner with the Jewish Federation of the Quad Cities in this great program," said Deb Sandry-Powers, CEO of River Music Experience. "We are fortunate that two non-profit entities can collaborate to share space and resources to highlight another Quad City cultural program featuring the music and art of our heritage."

The Jewish Federation of the Quad Cites (www.jfqc.org) is a non-profit, 501 c (3) Illinois corporation founded in 1980. With other local organizations, JFQC addresses a broad range of needs to include cultural, religious, educational, family welfare, care of the elderly and interfaith relations. The Federation combats hate and anti-Semitism by supporting religious liberty and civil rights for everyone.

The core mission of JFQC is to preserve, protect, enrich and enhance Jewish communal life and the well-being of Jews locally, in Israel and throughout the world. It is a proud member of the Jewish Federations of North America (www.jewishfederations.org). The Jewish Federation of the Quad Cities is also on Facebook at www.facebook.com/jewishfedqc.

Summary of Events For "Jews Rock" (September-December, 2014)

The Jewish Federation of the Quad Cities and River Music Experience are combining to stage "Jews Rock" in the Fall of 2014 presented by the Riverboat Development Authority. Events planned include a photography exhibition, educational presentations and performances that highlight the role of Jews in popular music.

Wed., Sept. 10 - Kickoff with photographer Janet Macoska - 7 PM Lecture - River Music Experience (129 Main St., Davenport, IA) - Free and open to the public. Nationally recognized rock photographer from Cleveland, OH, Macoska's images of Jewish rock musicians will be the cornerstone of the exhibition. Her photos will be on display in the River Music Experience Sept. 10th-Dec. 10th, 2014. www.janetmacoska.com

Sun., Oct. 26 - AKA Doc Pomus movie - 4 PM - Redstone Room at River Music Experience (129 Main St., Davenport, IA) - Adults $7; Seniors (60+) and Military $6; Students Free - One man connects Elvis, Ray Charles, Lou Reed, Bob Dylan and Dion...his name is Doc Pomus. Filmmaker Will Hechter documents the extraordinary life of one of the most prolific songwriters in modern music. This documentary was premiered at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in January, 2014 and will have its Iowa premiere at Jews Rock. www.akadocpomus.com

Wed., Nov. 19 - Lucky Break - Doors 7 PM/Show 7:30 PM - Redstone Room at River Music Experience (129 Main St., Davenport, IA) - Adults $10 in advance; $12 at the door; Students with ID - $5 - Tickets available through www.rivermusicexperience.org - This Midwestern band takes you through an evening of Bluegrass standards as well as a treatment of Jewish music with a twang. www.luckybreak.us

Tue., Dec. 9 - "There Was A Fire: The History of Jews in Modern Music" - Words and Music From Ben Sidran - 7 PM Doors/7:30 PM Show - Redstone Room at River Music Experience (129 Main St., Davenport, IA) - Adults $10; Seniors (60+) and Military $8; Students Free (Tickets available at the door) - Songwriter, historian and musician Ben Sidran hosts a one-man performance and lecture based on his recent book. www.bensidran.com

 

Wed. Dec. 10 - An Evening With The Ben Sidran Quartet - 7 PM Doors/7:30 PM Show - Redstone Room at River Music Experience (129 Main St., Davenport, IA) - Adults $20 in advance; $25 at the door; Students $5 with ID - Tickets available through www.rivermusicexperience.org - One of the preeminent voices in smooth jazz, this songwriter, musician and historian will join us to perform with his band in an evening of Jazz leading into the holidays. Sidran performs all over the world and has collaborated with many of the greats in music. www.bensidran.com

Events presented by Riverboat Development Authority; Presenting Media Partner: KWQC TV-6; Event Partners: The Sedona Group, Rauch Family Foundation II, Inc., Bernard & Irene Goldstein Memorial Endowment Fund, Stanley & Bernice Harris Memorial Endowment Fund; Media Sponsors: Quad-City Times, The Dispatch-Argus

-30-

13 Aug 2014

Iowa Rep. Deborah L. Berry Selected as CSG Toll Fellow

By CSG Media Relations

LEXINGTON, Ky.--Iowa state Rep. Deborah L. Berry is one of 48 state policymakers from across the country selected as a Council of State Governments' Henry Toll Fellow for the Class of 2014.

The Class of 2014 Toll Fellows represents 35 states and Puerto Rico, with 35 serving in the legislative branch, four serving in the judiciary and nine hailing from the executive. A nine-member committee of state leaders, many who are Toll Fellows themselves, reviewed a record number of applications to select the class.

"The Henry Toll Fellowship has a distinguished history of cultivating some of the nation's top leaders and forging lasting relationships among a special few who serve without fear or favor," said Tennessee Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris, the 2014 CSG national chair and a 2002 CSG Toll Fellow. "This year's class is drawn from a very deep talent pool, and each of those selected will contribute significantly."

The Toll Fellowship Program, named for CSG founder Henry Wolcott Toll, is one of the nation's premier leadership development programs for state government officials. Each year, the program brings 48 of the nation's top officials from all three branches of state government to Lexington, Ky., for an intensive six-day, five-night "intellectual boot camp."

"I have heard from my colleagues who have participated in the program that the experience has been 'transforming' and helpful in terms of their aspirations as a legislator," Berry said. "As a sixth-term legislator, many would feel there is not much left to learn. I believe the experience in the program will provide new opportunities of leadership and provide an opportunity to share my experiences with my colleagues from around the country."

The program's agenda includes a lineup of dynamic speakers and sessions designed to stimulate personal assessment and growth, while providing priceless networking and relationship-building opportunities. While each year's program is unique, previous programs have included sessions on leadership personality assessment, media training, crisis management, appreciative inquiry, adaptive leadership and much more.

"The Toll Fellowship remains the oldest and most prestigious of all leadership development programs for elected officials," said David Adkins, CSG's executive director/CEO. "Its impact is profound and its quality is renowned. As a Toll Fellow from 1993, I know first hand the impact the program has on elected officials."

Adkins was a 1993 Toll Fellow when he served as a Kansas state representative.

Toll Fellows alumni include U.S. Rep. John Carney, a former Delaware lieutenant governor; U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, a former Hawaii state Senate president; U.S. Rep. Todd Rokita, a former Indiana secretary of state; former North Carolina Gov. Beverly Perdue and former U.S. Labor Secretary Hilda Solis.

Berry said programs like Toll Fellows are important because they give policymakers the chance to get to know each other outside of the usual "us vs. them" atmosphere.

"Sharing ideas, networking and building lifelong relationships with colleagues from around the country provides for a more open and honest dialogue on issues once back home in our own state legislatures," she said, "which could lead to bipartisan efforts among colleagues. Eradicating the hostile climate we see today is critical in moving our state and country to a more productive place."

This year's program will be held Sept. 5-10 in Lexington.

13 Aug 2014

U.S. Coast Guard issues final rule on vessel documentation renewal fees

By U.S. Coast Guard HQ Public Affairs

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Coast Guard's final rule on vessel documentation renewal fees was published in the Federal Register Tuesday.

The Coast Guard is amending its regulations to separately list an annual fee for renewals of endorsements upon the Certificate of Documentation. The Coast Guard is required to establish user fees for services related to the documentation of vessels.

This final rule separately lists a fee of $26 to cover the current costs of the vessel documentation services provided by the Coast Guard. It will increase the annual Certificate of Documentation fee collections so that they more accurately reflect the actual costs to the Coast Guard of providing the documentation services.

The Coast Guard sets fees at an amount calculated to achieve recovery of the costs of providing the service. This is consistent with the user charges principles set forth in OMB Circular A-25. The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 (46 U.S.C. 2110) requires the Coast Guard to charge a fee for services but limits charges to no more than the overall cost of the program.

The fees will become effective 90 days after the rule is published.

The final rule may be found at  https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2014/08/12/2014-18999/vessel-documentation-renewal-fees.

###

Date: Aug 12, 2014

U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters

Contact: Headquarters Public Affairs

Office: (202) 372-4632

Saving Lives and Guarding the Coast Since 1790.
The United States Coast Guard -- Proud History. Powerful Future.

12 Aug 2014

Simon to celebrate Illinois' farming heritage at State Fair

By Rick Martin

Will open annual Agriculture Day Awards

 

SPRINGFIELD – Lt. Governor Sheila Simon will celebrate Illinois' rich agricultural heritage Tuesday by honoring over 50 growers, producers, educators and more who have worked to further the agriculture industry in Illinois.

A resident of southern Illinois, Simon is chair of the Governor's Rural Affairs Council and advocates for agriculture education. Simon's husband, Perry Knop, comes from a family that has farmed over a century near Steeleville.

Throughout the fair, Simon is partnering with the Illinois Reading Council to showcase live readings, a book giveaway and a book drive at her tent. Visitors may drop off new or gently used children's books to be donated to Springfield schools, and also register to win the 35 books selected for Illinois Reads 2014, a literacy project aimed at children and adults.

Lt. Governor Simon's tent is located at the intersection of Main Street and Brian Raney Avenue, across from the Emmerson Building and will be open Friday, Aug. 8 to Sunday, Aug. 17, from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. For more information about Illinois Reads, please visit www.IllinoisReads.org.

 

DATE: Tuesday, Aug. 12
TIME: 12:30 p.m.
LOCATION: Director's Lawn, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Avenue, Springfield

###
12 Aug 2014

Second Baptist Church of Rock Island Celebrates 141st Church Anniversary - "A Time Of Celebration", Sunday, August 24, 2014

By Rick Martin

Rock Island, IL, August 11, 2014: Pastor Joseph D. Williamson III and the members of Second Baptist Church, 919 6th Avenue, Rock Island invite our family, friends, and the community to join us in celebrating its 141st Church Anniversary! This is a major milestone in the life of Second Baptist Church! The theme is "A Time of Celebration" taken from Luke 16:22-24.

The 141st Anniversary Celebration begins at the 8:00 & 10:45 a.m. worship services with our special guest Rev. Joseph Tracy of Straightway Baptist Church, East St. Louis, Illinois. The Rev. Lawrence D. Anderson and congregation of Second Baptist Church, Kewanee, Illinois will be the special guests at the 3:00 p.m. services.

Join us in celebrating the Second Baptist Church 141st Anniversary on Sunday, August 24th at 8:00 and 10:45 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Every Praise is to our God for keeping us daily and sustaining our church family for 141 years!

For more information, contact the church at (309) 788-0677. Rev. Joseph D. Williamson III, Pastor

12 Aug 2014

Governor Quinn Takes Bill Action **Monday, August 11, 2014**

By William Palmisano

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today took action on the following bills:

 

Bill No.: HB 4561

An Act Concerning: Transportation

Provides that adult driver education course provider applicants undergo a fingerprint-based background check in order to qualify for certification.

Action: Signed

Effective: Jan. 1, 2015

 

Bill No.: HB 5504

An Act Concerning: Transportation

Streamlines the memorial highway designation process.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 927

An Act Concerning: Transportation

Provides for the use of emergency lights by Illinois State Toll Highway Authority vehicles responding to an emergency or engaged in maintenance and construction, and qualifies these vehicles for protections under Scott's Law.

Action: Signed

Effective: Jan. 1, 2015

 

Bill No.: SB 930

An Act Concerning: Transportation

Increases the maximum speed limit for trucks on interstates outside of urban areas from 55 to 60 miles per hour in certain counties.

Action: Vetoed

Effective: Immediately

 

A copy of the veto message is attached.

 

Bill No.: SB 1103

An Act Concerning: Employment

Creates the Occupational Safety and Health Act.

Action: Signed

Effective: Jan. 1, 2015

 

Bill No.: SB 2972

An Act Concerning: Education

Provides that a superintendent endorsement may be attached to the Professional Educator License of a holder that has the requisite experience and satisfies all other requirements.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 3313

An Act Concerning: Local Government

Requires that any private business telecommunications system must be configured so dialing 9-1-1 is a direct connection to emergency services.

Action: Signed

Effective: July 1, 2015

 

###
12 Aug 2014

Upper Iowa University welcomes the Class of 2018

By Monica Bayer Heaton

FAYETTE, IA (08/11/2014)(readMedia)-- Upper Iowa University is pleased to welcome the class of 2018 to campus. New students will begin class on August 25.

The 2014-15 academic year is an exciting one for Upper Iowa. The private, not-for-profit university has redesigned its academic offerings across university to better meet student demands and the needs of the job market that graduates will be entering.

UIU Provost Kurt Wood said the deans of each of the four UIU schools assessed enrollments in current majors to determine demand, researched academic programs against benchmarks and best practices, and proposed changes that were then approved by the university's curriculum committees and the Board of Trustees.

"The evaluations done by each of the University's schools were evidence-informed and driven by data," Wood says. "These data show that we offered about 20 percent more majors than our peers. While some 50 major fields of study may be the right number for UIU to offer, the associated costs must be balanced with the value derived by our students. It's not all about the spreadsheet, but today's higher education environment demands that attention be paid to the bottom line. We have to be responsive to the marketplace and align workforce preparation expectations with the University's program offerings to ensure that our graduates can compete and have the opportunity to succeed. Upper Iowa remains committed to providing accessible, affordable and well-regarded higher education with employment rates for its graduates that meet or exceed national averages."

UIU President William R. Duffy, Ed.D., Ed.S., added that the academic redesign is not only about adding or deleting majors but is, more importantly, about expanding opportunities for UIU students around the world.

"Many UIU majors and programs will now reach more students than just those who sit in classrooms here in Fayette or at one of our centers. We have expanded the offerings available through the UIU online learning program, making these opportunities accessible to everyone," Duffy said. "We also refreshed and updated programs to add specific skills that can be taken into the 21st century workplace, and help UIU students stand out as exceptional students, employees and professionals."

Realignment of majors will continue as needed as part of the University's ongoing quality improvement process, he added.

Attending Upper Iowa for the new 2014-15 academic year are:

Dawson Jones of Muscatine, IA

Anthony Murillo of Davenport, IA

Anna Schroeder of Davenport, IA

About Upper Iowa University Founded in 1857, Upper Iowa University is a private, not-for-profit university providing undergraduate and graduate degree programs and leadership development opportunities to more than 6,200 students-nationally and internationally-at its Fayette campus and learning centers worldwide. Upper Iowa University is a recognized innovator in offering accredited, quality programs through flexible, multiple delivery systems, including online and self-paced degree program. For more information, visit www.uiu.edu.

12 Aug 2014

Friday Is Deadline for Entering McGruder Diversity Awards

By S. Jacobsen
THE ROBERT G. MCGRUDER AWARDS FOR DIVERSITY LEADERSHIP

Enter your nominations for the awards honoring individuals, news organizations or related journalistic organizations or teams of journalists who embody the spirit of Robert G. McGruder, a former executive editor of the Detroit Free Press, former managing editor of The Plain Dealer in Cleveland, graduate of Kent State University and relentless diversity champion. McGruder died in April 2002.

Two awards are given annually: one for newspapers with a circulation up to 75,000; one for newspapers with more than 75,000 circulation.

The awards are sponsored by the Associated Press Media Editors Foundation, American Society of News Editors, The Plain Dealer in Cleveland and the Newseum Institute.

Jurors will be looking for nominees who have made a significant contribution during a given year or over a number of years toward furthering diversity in news content and in recruiting, developing and retaining a diverse workforce.

The winners will be honored at the joint ASNE-APME conference Sept. 15-17 in Chicago. Each will receive $2,500 and a leadership trophy.

Deadline: Friday, Aug. 15.

Send material to:
Sally Jacobsen, email: SJacobsen@ap.org
APME
450 West 33rd Street
New York, N.Y. 10001
212-621-7007
12 Aug 2014

Settlement of Clean Water Act Violations Aims to Prevent Future Oil Spills by Cargill Inc.

By Ben Washburn

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 7 (Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and Nine Tribal Nations)

(Lenexa, Kan., August 11, 2014) - Cargill Incorporated, a privately held multinational corporation headquartered in Minnetonka, Minn., has agreed to settle allegations that it violated the Clean Water Act (CWA) at two different large oil storage facilities located in Blair, Neb., and Eddyville, Iowa.

Through the settlement with EPA Region 7, Cargill will pay a civil penalty of $187,500 to the United States.

The Clean Water Act requires facilities that store large quantities of oil to develop a Facility Response Plan (FRP) that outlines procedures for addressing "worst-case" discharges of oil. By being prepared and by conducting required response drills, facilities are better situated to prevent environmental harm from such releases. Each of Cargill's two facilities produces and stores more than 1 million gallons of oil.  Combined, the two facilities have a total estimated storage capacity of more than 7 million gallons.

"The Clean Water Act requires large oil storage facilities to have adequate response plans to prevent a spill from turning into a large scale environmental disaster," said Karl Brooks, EPA Region 7 administrator.  "The lack of a Facility Response Plan for these facilities can have serious consequences for humans and the environment in the case of a spill.  This settlement helps protect the communities of Blair, Neb., and Eddyville, Iowa, if spills were to occur."

EPA identified the lack of a response plan during 2013 site visits at Cargill's facilities in Blair, Neb., and Eddyville, Iowa.  Each facility required a Facility Response Plan (FRP) because the storage capacity of its denatured ethanol tanks exceeded 1 million gallons.  As a result of the visits, in June 2014 Cargill submitted to EPA signed and effective FRPs.

The settlement resolves the FRP violations of the CWA by Cargill.

# # #

12 Aug 2014

News from the Illinois National Guard

By Illinois National Guard PAO

Illinois Special Forces Soldiers conduct Airborne training

Story by Sgt. 1st Class Kassidy L. Snyder, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs

FORT MCCOY, WISC. (08/12/2014)(readMedia)-- With great weather for Airborne training, approximately 30 Special Forces (SF) Soldiers with the Illinois National Guard's Company A, 2nd Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne) in Chicago, conducted day and night static line and military free fall operations at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, August 8.

Three CH-47D Chinook helicopters from Company B, 2nd Battalion, 238th Aviation Regiment in Peoria, Illinois, provided transportation to and from the sky for the SF Soldiers. Static line jumps were performed from roughly 1,500 feet, while free fall jumps were from 14,000 feet.

"We rarely get the occasion for night jumps and it's a great opportunity to stay proficient and keep our jumpmasters current," said Company A, 2-20th's commander.

During the night, Soldiers performed a high altitude high opening jump where they opened the parachute immediately and traveled a lateral distance of 9 kilometers to the drop zone.

SF Soldiers must conduct four jumps a year to maintain jump proficiency. Jumpmasters are senior Soldiers who manage airborne jump operations. They inspect all equipment prior to loading the aircraft, confirm in-flight navigation and act as a safety for proper exiting procedures.

"It's always an interesting mission for us and good real-world training for the Special Forces," said Capt. A.J. Hager of Galesburg, Illinois, a Chinook pilot with Company B, 2-238th. "It keeps us proficient transporting troops and allows us to assist Soldiers within the Illinois Guard."

Company B, 2-238th returned from Afghanistan in December and was back to fully mission capable in April. The company typically does two to three paradrop operations a year in addition to passenger and cargo movement and external loads, said Hager.

Special Forces Soldiers complete a multitude of missions from maritime operations to surveillance and reconnaissance.

"Airborne operations, both static line and military free fall provide a means of infiltration; it is our way of getting to work." said Company A, 2-20th's operations officer.

A majority of the Soldiers with Company A, 2-20th are traditional Soldiers, who also hold a full-time civilian career ranging from attorney to rocket scientist and physician assistant. Their ages range from the early 20s to late 40s.

"Within the span of those ages, the knowledge and experience we have allows us to adapt a lot easier and think out of the box to meet mission requirements," said Company A, 2-20th's commander. "Most SF Guardsmen serve because they like the flexibility to have a civilian job, but do it because they want to be here too."

Editor's note: Due to the nature of Special Forces missions, names of Special Forces Soldiers are not made public.

###

Freedom Salute Ceremony for Springfield-based Team that Deployed to Afghanistan; Aug. 16 ceremony recognizes Bilateral Embedded Staff Team A12

SPRINGFIELD, IL (08/12/2014)(readMedia)-- Approximately 20 Illinois Army National Guard Soldiers will be recognized Aug. 16 by the National Guard Bureau Freedom Salute Campaign for their sacrifice and service in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The ceremony for the Bilateral Embedded Staff Team (BEST) A12 will be at 1 p.m. Camp Lincoln, 1301 N. MacArthur Blvd. in Springfield, Illinois.

The BEST A12 Soldiers were mobilized in September 2013 and deployed to Afghanistan, returning home in May 2014.

The team trained with the Polish Land Forces before deploying. The unique mission allowed Illinois Army National Guard Soldiers to train and deploy side-by-side with their Polish counterparts. The Soldiers are from various parts of Illinois and were selected for the mission based on their training and skills.

While embedded with Task Force White Eagle in Ghazni Province, the team enhanced the brigade's operational and logistical capabilities. The Soldiers developed and implemented the transition and retrograde plans for the base, transferring about 25 percent of the base to Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF). They also prepared the remaining portions for transfer to the ANSF as the U.S. continues to withdraw troops from the region. BEST A12 also recouped more than $80 million dollars of U.S. military equipment.

The team coordinated and executed the closing ceremonies for the Ghazni Islamic Cultural Celebration and the national elections, which saw a higher voter turnout and fewer incidents than expected.

The Freedom Salute Campaign program is a small way to show these patriotic citizen-Soldiers, their families and employers how much their sacrifice is appreciated. On behalf of the National Guard Bureau, the Illinois Army National Guard will present each eligible Soldier with an encased American flag, as well as a sequentially-numbered

commemorative coin, certificate of appreciation and lapel pin. Families will also receive items recognizing their support and sacrifice.

The Freedom Salute Campaign is one of the largest Army National Guard recognition endeavors in history. It is designed to publicly acknowledge Army National Guard Soldiers and those who supported them while deployed.

###

Illinois National Guard's 404th Maneuvers Enhancement Brigade BEST Warrior Competition

Story by Sgt. 1st Class Marie Schult-Slosser 404th MEB PAO

SPRINGFIELD, IL (08/11/2014)(readMedia)-- MARSEILLES, Ill. - The 44th Chemical Battalion in Galesburg, Illinois, swept the brigade level Soldier and noncommissioned officer (NCO) of the year competition at Marseilles Training Center, July 27. Sgt. Chris Morris of Robinson, Illinois, and Spc. Paul Born of Washington, Illinois, both chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear specialists, won against six other competitors. Both Soldiers will compete against other brigade winners at the state competition in September.

"I was actually surprised that I won," said Born, after being named the 404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade (MEB) Soldier of the Year. "I just wanted to prove to myself that I could compete with the best Soldiers in the state."

Eight Soldiers competed in 11 events during the Best Warrior Competition at Marseilles, events included weapons qualifications, physical fitness test, a five-mile ruck march, land navigation, a confidence course, a call for fire exercise; they also completed Army Soldier tasks and an Army knowledge board.

"My hats off to these guys to want to put themselves through this to represent their units and themselves and eventually the state," said Master Sgt. Jose Guerrero of Grayslake, Illinois, an infantryman and operations noncommissioned officer with the 404th MEB.

Guerrero is in charge of coordinating and setting up the competition and the events, a task he has been doing at the 404th MEB and other units for years.

For Morris, the NCO of the year, this is his third year competing and his second year to move up to the state level in this competition. In 2012, he not only made it to the state level but he went on to compete at regionals, where he was knocked out of the competition.

"Of all the years I've competed, this group of competitors is the best," said Morris. "There is always one serious guy, but this year everyone was working together, motivating each other and rooting for each other. The camaraderie was great."

The eight competitors, four in the lower enlisted category (private to specialist) and four in the NCO category (corporal and above), spent three grueling days getting to know one another as they competed in the events throughout the Marseilles Training Center.

"This encourages Soldiers and to strive to be among the best and encourage them to exceed the standards," said Sgt. Maj. Shane Lammers. "This also gives brigades and battalions the opportunity to highlight the wonderful Soldiers we have in our ranks."

Soldiers spent three days testing themselves with the grueling tasks and very little time in between for rest or reflection. The afternoon of the first day, after taking tests and doing a call for fire exercise they went all in for a physical fitness test followed by a semi-formal banquet, only to rise at 4:30 a.m. the next morning to hit the ground running in the ruck march event.

"I enjoy the competition. We get to do out of the ordinary stuff like ruck marching and obstacle courses," said Morris. He also said he would advise anyone who wants to participate in this competition to, "train hard, study hard and try in every event regardless of how you did on the previous event."

For his part, Born said it is important to get a good sponsor.

"My sponsor was with me at every event, motivating me and encouraging me."

In September, both Born and Morris will return to Marseilles to test themselves against the other Soldiers who made it to the state competition.

###

The 2014 Adjutant General's rifle and pistol match

MARSEILLES, IL (08/12/2014)(readMedia)-- Soldiers from around the state met at the Illinois National Guard Marseilles Training Center in Marseilles, Illinois, to compete in The Adjutant General's (TAG) Rifle and Pistol Match, 8 through 10 August.

Every unit in the Illinois National Guard has the opportunity enter a team into the TAG Match, and more than 100 Soldiers participated in the 2014 marksmanship event.

Shooters are rated both as teams and individuals using the pistol and rifle. The shooters are also evaluated on a combined arms, 3-gun match in which the Soldiers fired the pistol, rifle and shotgun.

The top 20 individual shooters received the Governor's Twenty Tab, which they can wear on their uniforms. The top three teams and individuals of each event received a plaque to display their accomplishments.

Winners of the TAG Match may be selected to join the Illinois National Guard's Marksman Team. The teams must select two new shooters to compete in regional and national events annually.

Results of the 2014 ILARNG TAG Rifle and Pistol Match:

Overall Top Three Individuals:

1. SGT Raleigh Walker of Goreville, Illinois; HHC 2/130 INF

2. CW4 Keith Koca of Custer Park, Illinois; HHC, 106 AVN

3. SSG Jacob Blount of Charleston, Illinois; 1544th Trans Co.

Overall Individual Rifle

1. CW4 Keith Koca of Custer Park, Illinois; HHC, 106 AVN

2. SGT Raleigh Walker of Goreville, Illinois; HHC 2/130 INF

3. SPC Joseph Miller of Petersburg, Illinois; HHC, 232nd CSSB

Overall Individual Pistol

1. SGT Raleigh Walker of Goreville, Illinois; HHC 2/130 INF

2. SPC Justin Titzer of Fairfield, Illinois; HHC 2/120 INF

3. SSG Jacob Blount of Charleston, Illinois; 1544th Trans Co.

Combined Arms (3-Gun)

1. SFC William Gibbs of Litchfield, Illinois; B Btry 2/123 FA

2. SSG Jacob Blount of Charleston, Illinois; 1544th Trans Co.

3. SGT Raleigh Walker of Goreville, Illinois; HHC 2/130 INF

Overall Top Three Teams

1. HHC 2/130 INF; SSG Travis Wisely of West Frankfort, Illinois; SGT Raleigh Walker of Goreville, Illinois; SGT Seth Johnson of Collinsville, Illinois; SPC Justin Titzer of Fairfield, Illinois.

2. 106 AVN.; CW4 Keith Koca of Custer Park, Illinois; CW2 Joseph Nicholas of Bolingbrook, Illinois, SSG Jason Jenkins of Montgomery, Illinois, SGT Mark Rosenak of Bartonville, Illinois.

3. 1544th Trans Co; SSG Jacob Blount of Charleston, Illinois; SSG Brent Tripp of Warsaw, Illinois; SSG Eric Daggett of Jerome, Illinois, SGT Matthew Blount of Charleston, Illinois.

Top Pistol Team

1. HHC 2/130 INF; SSG Travis Wisely of West Frankfort, Illinois; SGT Raleigh Walker of Goreville, Illinois; SGT Seth Johnson of Collinsville, Illinois; SPC Justin Titzer of Fairfield, Illinois.

2. 1544th Trans Co; SSG Jacob Blount of Charleston, Illinois; SSG Brent Tripp of Warsaw, Illinois; SSG Eric Daggett of Jerome, Illinois; SGT Matthew Blount of Charleston, Illinois.

3. 106 AVN; CW4 Keith Koca of Custer, Park, Illinois; CW2 Joseph Nicholas of Bolingbrook, Illinois; SSG Jason Jenkins of Montgomery, Illinois, SGT Mark Rosenak of Bartonville, Illinois.

Top Rifle Team

1. 232nd CSSB; SSG Drew Geer, SGT Kraig Kennedy of New Berlin, Illinois, SPC Joseph Miller of Petersburg, Illinois, SPC Thomas Winlund of Mason City, Illinois.

2. B Btry 2/123 FA; SFC William Gibbs of Litchfield, Illinois; SGT Brandon Hornung of Utica, Illinois; SGT Eric Fowler of Lansing, Illinois; SPC Josh Webb of Lewiston, Illinois.

3. C Trp 106 CAV; SGT Scott Lange of Aurora, Illinois; SPC Ryan White of Macon, Illinois; SPC Aendri Decker of Montgomery, Illinois; PFC Steven McMahon of Streamwood, Illinois.

The Governor's Twenty

1. SGT Raleigh Walker of Goreville, Illinois; HHC 2/130 INF.

2. CW4 Keith Koca of Custer Park, Illinois; HHC, 106 AVN

3. SSG Jacob Blount of Charleston, Illinois; 1544th Trans Co

4. SFC William Gibbs of Litchfield, Illinois; B Btry 2/123 FA

5. SGT Scott Lange of Aurora, Illinois, C Trp 106 CAV

6. CW2 Joseph Nicholas of Bolingbrook, Illinois; 106 ANV.

7. SGT Brandon Hornung of Utica, Illinois, C Btry 2/123 FA

8. SGT Kevin Riggle of North Aurora, Illinois; 233rd MP's

9. SPC Aendri Decker of Montgomery, Illinois, C Trp 106 CAV

10. SGT Mark Rosenak of Bartonville, Illinois, 106 AVN.

11. SPC Joseph Miller of Petersburg, Illinois; 232nd CSSB

12. SGT Seth Johnson of Collinsville, Illinois, HHC 2/130 INF.

13. 1LT Arthur Morris of Peoria, Illinois; A Co 33rd BSTB

14. SGT Matthew Blount of Charleston, Illinois; 1544th Trans Co

15. SPC Josh Burns of St. Francisville, Illinois; 631st ENG

16. SPC Justin Titzer of Fairfield, Illinois, HHC 2/130 INF

17. SPC Josh Webb of Lewiston, Illinois, B Btry 2/123 FA

18. SGT Levi Worden, Illinois; HHC 2/130 INF

19. SSG Eric Daggett of Jerome, Illinois, 1544th Trans Co

20. SSG Gino Maldonado of Aurora, Illinois, 233rd MP's

Pages

more

Subscribe & Listen to Reader Podcasts

On Stands Now

 

Tagged Content

Two Ways to Subscribe

1. Subscribe to free weekly e-mail content updates.

You'll get both the current official narrative challenge and What's Happenin' in the Quad Cities.
(Did you know we publish a new Real Astrology and RCR Crossword every week?) 

Subscribe!

* indicates required

2. Get 12 monthly issues mailed first class for $48

Get 12 issues mailed monthly for $48 per year.

Get the printed Reader edition mailed to you (or anyone you want) first-class for 12 months for $48.
$24 goes to postage and handling, $24 goes to keeping the doors open!

Click this link to Subscribe now.

 
 

Meetings Calendar

Kids Calendar

Eat & Drink Calendar