MOLINE, IL  -- PBS, CPB and WQPT recently announced the launch of a new veterans' initiative, which will roll out over the next several years, that features national content, along with local community engagement efforts to increase dialogue and solutions as our nation's veterans transition to civilian life. The initiative includes national, multi-platform content on PBS under the banner of "Stories of Service," and the community engagement campaign funded by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), "Veterans Coming Home."

"The programs featured as part of 'Stories of Service' tell the compelling stories of those who have served and provide a deeper understanding of our nation's military history," said Paula Kerger, PBS president and CEO. "As America's storyteller, we hope to spark conversations in communities and give the public an opportunity to share their personal or family story of service through local events and programs. Across the public television community, stations will be creating their own content and providing resources to returning veterans and their families."

"Americans will connect to these powerful stories of courage, commitment and sacrifice. They will see the veterans as people who have so much to contribute as they return to civilian life. And once they hear and see these stories, they will be compelled to respond through their local public media stations to work with local business and veterans organizations, faith based and community groups," said Pat Harrison, CPB president and CEO. "We know CPB's partnership with PBS, America's public media stations, local veterans and business organizations, working with the men and women who are sharing their personal stories, will create opportunities for our troops and their families in the communities in which they live and continue to serve."

"WQPT is very happy to be working once again with WVIK to create our own 'Stories of Service,'" said WQPT General Manager Mary Pruess.  "Our two year Embracing Our Military initiative has already featured national programming, local programming and community events to better inform our Quad Cities and surrounding communities about the role the military and their families play in our area."

PBS and WQPT's 'Stories of Service' programming kicks off with the May 21 premiere of "Coming Back with Wes Moore," which is funded by CPB. The series explores Moore's search for answers to important questions about veterans returning from war. Longer range, the programming line-up includes the highly anticipated 2016 documentary on the Vietnam War from Ken Burns and Lynn Novick.

Currently, the PBS and WQPT programing under "Stories of Service' includes our veterans interstitials created in partnership with WVIK, "Moments in History" interstitials created in partnership with the Rock Island Arsenal, "Inside the Gates," produced by CBS4 and  upcoming  programming like: "Death and the Civil War," American Experience (7 p.m., June 24); "Day of Days - June 6, 1944 ( 7 p.m. June 10); "Unsung Heroes - The Story of America's Female Patriots (7 p.m. and 8 p.m. June 17); and Nova's "Escape from Nazi Alcatraz" (8 p.m. June 12). More about information about WQPT's programming can be found at wqpt.org.

Upcoming programming includes:

"Coming Back with Wes Moore"

7-9 p.m., May 21, 28 and June 4

A three-episode series, executive produced by best-selling author and veteran Wes Moore and Joel Olicker of Powderhouse Productions, tells the story of Moore's search for answers to some of the most difficult questions facing vets returning from war. Each episode focuses on a different stage of coming home: "Coming Back," "Fitting In" and "Moving Forward." (Produced by Powderhouse Productions; funded by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting [CPB] Diversity and Innovation and Bank of America.)

"Death and the Civil War" (encore)

7-9 p.m., May 24

Based on Drew Gilpin Faust's "This Republic of Suffering," this acclaimed program by Ric Burns explores a critical aspect of the Civil War experience: the implications of the war's staggering and unprecedented death toll. "Death and the Civil War" is written and directed by Ric Burns, edited by Li-Shin Yu, and produced by Robin Espinola, Bonnie LaFave, and Ric Burns. Oliver Platt is the narrator. The original concept was developed by Paul Taylor, and the cinematography is by Buddy Squires, Stephen McCarthy and Allen Moore. Music is by Brian Keane. Executive producer is Mark Samels; exclusive corporate funding for American Experience provided by Liberty Mutual Insurance. Major funding provided by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. Major funding for "Death and the Civil War" provided by the National Endowment for the Humanities: Exploring the Human Endeavor. Additional funding provided by the Arthur Vining Davis Foundations, Dedicated to Strengthening America's Future Through Education; the Nordblom Family Foundation and the Gretchen Stone Cook Charitable Foundation, members of the Documentary Investment Group; and by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting [CPB] and PBS and public television viewers.) 

NOVA's "D-Day's Sunken Secrets"

7-9 p.m., May 15

NOVA joins an exclusive team as they carry out the most extensive survey ever done of the seabed bordering the legendary D-Day beachheads of Normandy, revealing the ingenious technology that helped the Allies overcome the German defenses and ultimately liberate Europe from the Nazis. (Produced by WGBH Science Unit; major funding for NOVA provided by Boeing, The David H. Koch Fund for Science, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting [CPB], and PBS and public television viewers. Additional funding for "D-Day's Sunken Secrets" provided by The Arthur Vining Davis Foundations.)

About WQPT-Quad Cities PBS

WQPT-Quad Cities PBS is a media service of Western Illinois University. Founded in November 1983 the station has received local and national awards for their production work and educational outreach.

About PBS
PBS, with its over 350 member stations, offers all Americans the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television and online content. Each month, PBS reaches nearly 109 million people through television and over 28 million people online, inviting them to experience the worlds of science, history, nature and public affairs; to hear diverse viewpoints; and to take front row seats to world-class drama and performances. PBS' broad array of programs has been consistently honored by the industry's most coveted award competitions. Teachers of children from pre-K through 12^th grade turn to PBS for digital content and services that help bring classroom lessons to life. PBS' premier children's TV programming and its website, pbskids.org, are parents' and teachers' most trusted partners in inspiring and nurturing curiosity and love of learning in children. More information about PBS is available at www.pbs.org, one of the leading dot-org websites on the Internet, or by following PBS on Twitter, Facebook or through our apps for mobile devices. Specific program information and updates for press are available at pbs.org/pressroom or by following PBS PressRoom on Twitter.

About CPB

The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), a private, nonprofit corporation created by Congress in 1967, is the steward of the federal government's investment in public broadcasting. It helps support the operations of more than 1,400 locally-owned and -operated public television and radio stations nationwide, and is the largest single source of funding for research, technology, and program development for public radio, television and related online services.

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(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry E. Branstad today signed the following bill into law:

House File 2459: an Act relating to the individual income tax by creating a tax credit for reserve peace officers and by modifying the tax credit for volunteer fire fighter and volunteer emergency medical services personnel and including retroactive applicability provisions.

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DAVENPORT, IOWA -The Davenport Jaycees, a young professionals service organization, and WQPT-Quad Cities PBS, a public media service of Western Illinois University are teaming up for the Quad City Classic - Brew Ha Ha in September.

As part of a collaborative agreement, operations of Brew Ha Ha will transfer to the Davenport Jaycees immediately. Brew Ha Ha has been hosted by WQPT since 2000 to raise funds for children's programming.

"We have been looking to expand our educational outreach activities and turning Brew Ha Ha over to the Jaycees allows us to focus on our mission of educational outreach for children and families," WQPT Chief Development Officer Jamie Lange said. "The Davenport Jaycees is a well-respected, established non-profit organization who shares our mission of education and supporting children and families. The partnership is ideal."

Brew Ha Ha proceeds will continue to benefit WQPT's children's program and will expand to include other charitable initiatives of the Jaycees.

"Brew Ha Ha is a wonderful community event," Davenport Jaycees President April Boyer said. Expanding its reach under our direction will give us an opportunity to continue supporting WQPT but also other great community organizations that fit within the Jaycees mission."

"As a young professional group that is focused on service and growing our leadership skills, this event and its mission fits us well," Davenport Jaycees President April Boyer said. "We are honored that WQPT asked to partner with us and it demonstrates the value of young leadership who want to support their communities."

The partnership between the two organizations will continue through other projects as well.

"As a result of this partnership, the Davenport Jaycees will help WQPT invest in a new children's project to be held in the spring 2015 so it's really exciting," said Boyer.

About Brew Ha Ha: Brew Ha Ha, an annual tradition in the Quad Cities will be held Saturday, September 20 from 1:00-5:00 p.m. in LeClaire Park. The tasting event features more than 200 beers and includes a Cabot cheese tasting. The event also includes live music, comedy and games.

Tickets will be available in July at davenportjaycees.com. Tickets are $30 in advance/$35 at the gate. Attendees are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance as limited tickets are available as this event has sold out in the past.

About the Jaycees: The Davenport Jaycees aim to build personal and professional relationships by work together on projects to strengthen and grow the Quad-Cities community. Currently celebrating their 80th year, the Davenport chapter is one of the oldest chapters in the state of Iowa and has grown to include young professionals from both sides of the Mississippi River. They pride themselves on blending social opportunities with service - like planning the annual Bridal Expo that raises funds for charitable initiatives.

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