Homecoming set for Dec. 14 for Peoria-based National Guard unit

PEORIA, IL (12/13/2013)(readMedia)-- Approximately 60 Illinois Army National Guard Soldiers who served in Afghanistan with 2nd Battalion of the 238th General Support Aviation Battalion in Peoria will return home tomorrow with a homecoming ceremony at 12 p.m., Dec. 14 at the Army Aviation Support Facility #3, 2323 S. Airport Road in Peoria.

The unit was mobilized in January and deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The aviation unit includes members from across Illinois.

While deployed, the 238th flew CH-47 Chinook helicopters for heavy helicopter air movement and air assault missions. It was also in charge of re-supply operations and aviation maintenance support. The unit moved personnel and cargo across the battlefield to decisive points at critical times.

The company flew more than 3,100 combat hours, moving more than 14,000 people and three million pounds of cargo during its rotation.

"I cannot speak highly enough of this company and its Soldiers," said Maj. Clarence Pulcher of Morton, Ill., commander of the 238th. "We executed all of our missions without fail and without a single serious accident."

Pulcher highlighted his maintenance section's performance after several of the unit's aircraft were damaged by a hailstorm in April, just weeks after the unit arrived in Afghanistan.

"It was a hailstorm of biblical proportion dropping anywhere from pea-sized to baseball-sized hail," Pulcher said. "Living most of my life in Southern Illinois, tornado alley, I have never seen anything like it."

Pulcher said his maintenance teams worked around the clock to get the Chinooks airborne within two weeks.

News media attending the event should arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the ceremony. For more information call the Public Affairs Office at 217-761-3569 or email us at ng.il.ilarng.list.staff-pao@mail.mil.

Media and others attending the ceremony should prepare for inclement weather and be flexible for any last minute time adjustments.

Enjoy extended shopping hours until 8pm on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at many LeClaire stores starting Friday, November 29th and going until Saturday, December 21st. And, many stores will be open until at least 3pm on Christmas Eve for that last minute gift or stocking stuffer!

CALENDAR

December 13^th - Bier-Stube starts celebrating 12 days of Christmas specials! http://bier-stube.com/

December 13^th - Visit With Santa at First Central State Bank! 4-5:30 pm

December 14^th - Go Fish Bar and Marina Holiday Party - The Fry Daddies are playing from 7-11 p.m. - Princeton.

December 15th - McKnight/Griebel Benefit - LeClaire Civic Center - 11 am - 7 pm.  Come help a young family who is experiencing tough times. 3 tacos, rice, beans and a drink, just $6. For more information, call Annette Black - 563-370-7735.

December 15th - Faithful Pilot Wine Tasting 3:00-5:00p.m $15.00 for 15 wines.  All wines purchased will be here for your Christmas Dinner Table!

December 16^th - Economic Development Meeting - 204 Jones St. 8:00 a.m.

December 19^th - Market Snapshot with Liz Ann Sonders 3:00pm - Eric Johannes, Charles Schwab - 5345 Elmore Ave #300 - Davenport, IA  52807. Please RSVP 563-275-3659

December 19^th - Civic Club Christmas Party starting at 6:00 pm with a potluck.  Meat will be provided (pulled pork and brisket). Everyone should bring a covered dish to share and a white elephant present if you want to participate in gift giving.  Please wear an old ugly Christmas sweater or sweatshirt (decorate it yourself) and win a fun prize.  Bring a friend. Call Vicky Haynes, cell phone 563-639-4621, or Annette Black, 289-3498, for details.

December 31st - Faithful Pilot - New Years Eve - 7 courses includes champagne toast at the end of your meal.  Seatings at 6:00 & 8:30 for $100.00 per person (no coupons or discounts) $50.00 for a wine pairing will include 5 glasses of wine per person. Call 563-289-4156 for reservations.

December 31^st - Steventon's - New Years Eve - Open for regular dinning from 5-9 and a party from 10-1. The party is 75 dollars plus tax and gratuity. It includes appetizer stations, open bar, live music, a dance floor, a photo booth and a shot ice luge. We are also providing people with a ride home if they need it.

Save the Date

January 25^th - Freedom Rock Trivia - LeClaire Fire Station Come help raise funds for the Freedom Rock, coming to the LeClaire levee as the chosen site for all of Scott County! Doors open at 6:00 pm and trivia will start at 7pm. Cost is $10 per person. All proceeds will go to the Freedom Rock fund. You don't have to be good at trivia - come for the fun and to support this great cause! To reserve a table, email freedomrockscottcountyiowa@gmail.com or contact Barry Long - 563-949-6969.

February 1^st - LeClaire Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Dinner - Davenport Country Club - more details to come!

February 8^th - TugFest Trivia - LeClaire Fire Station Doors open at 6:00 pm and trivia will start at 7pm. Cost is $10 per person.  You don't have to be good at trivia - come for the fun! To reserve a table, email iowatugfestfan@gmail.com

March 1^st - Rock and Roll Bingo!  LeClaire Rec Center - Fund raiser for Freedom Rock. Songs will be played and you identify the songs on bingo cards. There will be 50/50 and other raffles.  Event will be hosted by Cody Tucker of B100!  More details to come!

FYI

Visit the NEW LeClaire Chamber of Commerce website www.leclairechamber.com and see our updated Facebook page!

New Lunch Menu at Blue Iguana - all lunch entree options are 9 dollars.

LeClaire Antiques and Appraisals current hours are Friday through Mondays 12-4pm or by appointment until Dec. 23.

Faithful Pilot - Every Wednesday 1/2 priced wine night with Chef's Tapas menu to go along side. Don't forget to book all of your holiday parties with The Faithful Pilot or bring Chef Robert into your home and let us cater your holiday event! Now open for lunch, 12-2, Wed-Sat.

Buffalo Bill Museum Expansion "It's an exciting time in the museum's almost 57 year history," said Robert Schiffke, Executive Director of the Buffalo Bill Museum & River Pilots' Pier, "as we start another expansion of our facility."  The women who were members of the LeClaire Women's Club, who founded the museum in 1957, wouldn't recognize the building today, but they would see many of the items first exhibited in its original location at 114 North Cody Road, LeClaire. Included will be an Archival Workroom allowing careful access to the museum's extensive print and photograph collection, a "hands on" classroom for children visiting the museum, and exhibits that highlight LeClaire's role in the region's economic growth through its shipyards, button factories, and river pilots who opened the region to river commerce.  An architectural drawing of the expansion is available for public view at the museum during regular hours, and donations towards the expansion are being accepted. "We appreciate the support of the community in this project, and donations of artifacts and funds are always welcome.  We are truly a community institution, and volunteers have grown the museum into the LeClaire landmark that it is today" said Connie Curlott, President of the Board of Directors.  The museum is open 9am - 4pm, Mon.-Saturday; 12noon - 4pm, Sundays. Call 563-289-5580 for more information or to donate to the

Commercial space for rent - 204 Jones St. - $1,200 per month plus utilities - effective Dec. lst.  Call 563-370-2386. Will show by appointment. Commercially zoned only.

Park Run Apartments/Newbury Living complex - 1, 2, & 3 Bedrooms Available - 1701 Iowa Drive, LeClaire, Iowa 52753. Washer & dryers in every unit along with all other appliances.  Each apartment has either a balcony or a patio.  Considerable storage in each 1 BR, 2 BR or 3 BR unit. Call (563) 289-5159 for a tour and more information today!

Do you have Residential or Commercial property available? If you own residential rental property or commercial property that is available for lease or sale in the greater LeClaire region, please contact the LeClaire Chamber of Commerce, leclairechamber@gmail.com, with a property description, complete contact information including phone numbers and rental or purchase pricing. As a service to the community, we would like to have the information available so we can share the most up-to-date information on our website!

SERVING THE COMMUNITY AND BEYOND

First Presbyterian Church of LeClaire Meals for Seniors at the church every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 12 noon. Good food and a time to visit with others. Please call 563-289-3646 and make a reservation 2 days in advance.

Chamber 2014 Networking Events - TBA

Local Children Aged 9 to 14 Apply Research and Robotics To Explore Natural Disasters with FIRST ® LEGO® League "NATURE'S FURY?" Challenge

The non-profit Quad City Engineering and Science Council (QCESC) is proud to be the organizer for the 5th annual Quad Cities Tournament held at the Putnam Museum.  Since 2009 when the first QC Tournament was held with 13 teams, the program has continued to grow.  In 2013, as outlined below, there will be FLL/ Junior FLL Events held on 3 dates with a total of 109 teams, 700+ students supported by 130+ volunteers.

This is a fast-paced, high energy event that will be enjoyed by all ages and expose everyone to the exciting world of robots, engineering, computer program, creative problem solving and most importantly, TEAMWORK! 

The events are free and open to the public.  Further information is available at www.qcesc.org including pictures from past events.

The Schedule of Events for both days: (December 14^th and 15^th):

Background:

Accomplished inventor Dean Kamen founded FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) in 1989 to inspire an appreciation of science and technology in young people. Based in Manchester, N.H., FIRST designs accessible, innovative programs to build self-confidence, knowledge, and life skills while motivating young people to pursue opportunities in science, technology, and engineering. With support from over 200 of the Fortune 500 companies and more than $16 million in college scholarships, the not-for-profit organization hosts the FIRST® Robotics Competition (FRC® LEGO® League (Jr.FLL®) for Grades K-3. Gracious Professionalism® is a way of doing things that encourages high-quality work, emphasizes the value of others, and respects individuals and the community. To learn more about FIRST, go to www.usfirst.org.

The LEGO Group is a privately-held firm based in Billund, Denmark. The LEGO Group is committed to the development of children's creative and imaginative abilities through high-quality, creatively educational play materials, and its employees are guided by the motto adopted in the 1930s by founder Ole Kirk Christiansen: "Only the best is good enough." For more information, visit  FIRST®, the FIRST® logo, FIRST® Robotics Competition, FRC®, FIRST® Tech Challenge, FTC®, and Gracious Professionalism® are registered trademarks of the United States Foundation for Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST®). LEGO®  and MINDSTORMS® are registered trademarks of the LEGO Group. FIRST® LEGO® League, FLL®, Junior FIRST® LEGO® League, Jr.FLL®, NATURE'S FURY®, and DISASTER BLASTER® are jointly held trademarks of FIRST and the LEGO Group. ©2013 FIRST ) for Grades 7-12; FIRST® LEGO® League (FLL®

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Defense policy bill now heads to the Senate

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today after key provisions he authored to support the Rock Island Arsenal and the National Guard were passed by the House. The legislation also includes language, which Loebsack supported and worked to include, that takes significant steps to address the ongoing military sexual assault crisis. Loebsack, the only member of the Iowa delegation who serves on the House Armed Services Committee, again helped draft this agreement, which was negotiated between members of the House and Senate. The National Defense Authorization Agreement for FY 2014 (NDAA) now heads to the Senate.

"The men and women who volunteer to serve our nation deserve our highest level of support and access to the resources they need," said Loebsack. "I am proud to have authored a portion of this legislation that strengthens the Rock Island Arsenal by driving work there not just from the Army, but from across the Department of Defense.  This provision helps ensure both the Arsenal and Quad Cities' economy remain strong."

Congressman Loebsack authored two provisions included in the final NDAA that will provide critical workload support to Rock Island Arsenal and its workforce as the drawdown in Afghanistan continues. These initiatives will drive workload from all of the military services and defense agencies to Rock Island Arsenal by requiring the Department of Defense to assess manufacturing work that can be performed there. They also improve Rock Island Arsenal's ability to compete for work by requiring contracting officers to review the arsenal's manufacturing capabilities when determining how to meet a manufacturing requirement and to notify the arsenal of manufacturing requirements. By driving work to the Arsenal, these initiatives will support the highly skilled workforce there and improve Rock Island Arsenal's ability to support our servicemembers across the entire Department of Defense.

The legislation that passed today also includes initiatives that Loebsack backed and worked to include to help address the ongoing military sexual assault crisis. While these are significant and important reforms, Loebsack is a cosponsor of legislation that would go farther by removing prosecution of sexual assault crimes form the chain of command.

"As a military parent, I am disgusted by the ongoing sexual assault crisis in the military. While I am disappointed the legislation does not go farther in responding to these horrible crimes, I am pleased that significant steps are included to address this crisis by improving prosecution of these reprehensible crimes and increasing support for victims."

Specifically, amendments authored by Congressman Loebsack included in the FY 2014 National Defense Authorization Act are:

Workload for Rock Island Arsenal - Loebsack authored initiatives drive workload from all of the military services and defense agencies to Rock Island Arsenal by requiring the Department of Defense to assess manufacturing work that can be performed there.  They also improve Rock Island Arsenal's ability to compete for work by requiring contracting officers to review the arsenal's manufacturing capabilities when determining how to meet a manufacturing requirement and to notify the arsenal of manufacturing requirements.  These provisions will provide critical workload support to Rock Island Arsenal and its workforce as the drawdown in Afghanistan continues.  By driving work to the Arsenal, they will support the highly skilled workforce there and improve Rock Island Arsenal's ability to support our servicemembers across the entire Department of Defense.

Mental Health Care for our National Guard and Reserve Troops - Requires the Department of Defense to provide specific resources to support mental health care and suicide prevention for our National Guard and Reserve troops.

In addition, Loebsack pushed to include many provisions important to our troops and their families, including.

·         Prohibiting a new round of Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC)

·         A pay raise for our troops

·         Rejecting Department of Defense proposals to increase TRlCARE enrollment fees and pharmacy co-pays;

·         Providing many military retirees in Iowa and elsewhere with the ability to make a one-time choice to stay on TRICARE Prime instead of being forced to move to TRICARE Standard as the Department of Defense has proposed. Switching from TRICARE Prime to TRICARE Standard would increase out of pocket costs for retirees.  Loebsack has pushed for this in order to prevent health care cost increases for Iowa's military retirees;

·         Requiring a minimum of 180 days notification for deployment of members of the National Guard and Reserve;

·         A number of important sexual assault prevention and prosecution provisions which Loeback has championed, including:

o   Stripping commanders of their authority to dismiss a finding by a court martial;

o   Prohibiting commanders from reducing guilty rulings;

o   Sets dismissal or dishonorable discharge dismissal as the mandatory minimum sentence for an assault conviction;

o   Removes the current five year statute of limitations on sexual assault under the UCMJ;

o   Requires victims be given access to qualified, specially trained lawyers to provide legal assistance;

o   Reforms preliminary hearing proceedings to avoid fishing expeditions that harm victim