28 May 2013

BANDITS ROUT LUMBERKINGS, 11-4, IN SERIES FINALE

By Marco LaNave
Every starter contributes hit, including three each by Carlos Correa, Austin Elkins, Jobduan Morales

CLINTON, Iowa (MAY 27, 2013) - Shortstop Carlos Correa, second baseman Austin Elkins and catcher Jobduan Morales each had three hits for the Quad Cities River Bandits, who had 16 hits - with at least one from every starter - in an 11-4 Memorial Day victory over the Clinton LumberKings to win a third straight game at Ashford University Field.

The River Bandits (27-23) took a lead with two outs in the first inning on first baseman Miles Hamblin's first Midwest League home run to right field off LumberKings right-hander Matt Anderson (2-5) for a 1-0 lead. In the bottom of the first inning, Clinton loaded the bases with two outs against right-hander Vincent Velasquez (4-2), but designated hitter Gaby Guerrero hit into a fielder's choice to end the inning. The tying run at third base was the closest the LumberKings (25-25) came the rest of the afternoon.

In the third inning, Correa hit into a fielder's choice that brought in center fielder Jordan Scott for the first of the latter's game-high three runs. Scott drew three walks, had a bunt single and finished the series 5-for-8 with seven walks in four games.

Quad Cities extended the lead to 4-0 in the fifth inning, as Scott hit a leadoff single and scored on a double to right-center field by Correa, who came home on Hamblin's single. The LumberKings answered with three straight hits against Velasquez in the bottom of the inning, with right fielder Jabari Henry driving in two runs with a double and scoring on an infield grounder to make it 4-3.

The River Bandits answered in the next half-inning, however, as third baseman Ryan Dineen singled to left field, Scott walked, and Correa drove in both with a single just out of reach for second baseman Tim Lopes. With a 6-3 lead, right-hander Jamaine Cotton started the sixth inning for Quad Cities and allowed a leadoff home run by Clinton catcher Tyler Marlette before retiring the side in order.

The River Bandits added a run in the seventh on Morales' RBI double and a four runs in the eighth on a two-run single from left fielder Terrell Joyce, a groundout by designated hitter Brian Blasik, and an RBI single by Morales. The 11 runs were the most for the River Bandits since a season-high 17 runs April 30, and the 16 hits were the most since they had a season-high 17 on April 6.

The victory means The Captain's Table at 4801 River Drive in Moline will offer The Captain's Table Victory Discount on Tuesday, May 28. Anyone who mentions the River Bandits victory can receive a free appetizer or dessert with the purchase of two lunches or dinners with beverages on Tuesday, May 28.

With their first three-game winning streak since May 5-8, the River Bandits return to Modern Woodmen Park for the first of three games with the Kane County Cougars at 7 p.m. Tuesday. Right-handers Daniel Minor (3-1) and Lance McCullers (0-4) are scheduled to face Cougars right-hander Dillon Maples (0-0).

UP NEXT: All tickets are buy-one-get-one free on Tuesday, which is Outdoors Night for the River Bandits' 7 p.m. game against the Kane County Cougars. Kids Eat Free, and fans can redeem an empty can or bottle of Mountain Dew for a free 16-ounce soda voucher on a Dew for Twosday presented by Pepsi, WOC and Q106.5. Single-game tickets are on sale at the River Bandits box office at Modern Woodmen Park, by phone at 563-324-3000 and online at www.riverbandits.com. Season ticket and mini-plan packages start at just seven games and begin at less than $50. Call a River Bandits account representative today to choose your seats and get the details of our various mini-plan packages.

28 May 2013

Simon: Reserve your place for Moline listening post

By Robert Jackson Jr.

Defense and Local Community listening post to hear from northwestern Illinois residents

SPRINGFIELD - May 27, 2013. The deadline to register for the Rock Island Arsenal Defense and Local Community Listening Post is just two days away, Lt Governor Sheila Simon announced today. All local residents, especially military families, civilian Department of Defense employees, veterans, employers and educators, are invited to register by the end of the day Wednesday to attend the listening post on Friday.

"This is an opportunity for all community members, businesses and Rock Island Arsenal families to speak out about economic challenges and opportunities within this unique region," said Simon. "I look forward to engaging with these residents so we can better coordinate federal, state and local action to strengthen these communities."

Simon will be joined by Congresswoman Cheri Bustos at the listening post where participants will take a brief survey and then discuss issues pertaining to business climate, education, workforce training and quality of life. Simon will present feedback from the listening posts to the Interagency Military Base Support and Economic Development Committee (IMBSEDC), which she chairs. The IMBSEDC coordinates the state's activities and communications relating to current and former military bases in Illinois, and provides advice and recommendations for base retention, realignment and reuse.

Simon is holding the Defense and Local Community Listening Post in partnership with the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs at Western Illinois University. Simon and the Institute held similar listening posts last year in rural communities to survey residents about quality of life issues. Feedback from the meetings helped shape the Vision for Rural Illinois, a strategic plan that helped guide Simon's work in expanding access to local food and strengthening emergency medical services in rural Illinois.

Simon held the first Defense and Local Community Listening Post near Scott Air Force Base earlier in May and will visit North Chicago, near Naval Station Great Lakes, on June 5. For up-to-date information and to RSVP to attend the listening posts, click here.

 

DATE: Friday, May 31

TIME: 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.

LOCATION: Western Illinois University - Riverfront Campus, Rooms 103/104, 3300 River Drive, Moline

NOTE: RSVP here by Wednesday, May 29.

 

###
28 May 2013

Personal Finance Article: Leasing a Car on the Cheap

By Steve Burke

By Jason Alderman

My trusty Volvo wagon served our family well for 13 years, but after 106,000 miles it finally gave up the ghost. My wife just completed graduate school so we weren't ready to commit to a new car payment. I rented a car at first, but at $500 a month, that soon got old.

Then I came across a concept new me: assuming someone else's car lease. Initially I was skeptical, but after considerable research I took the plunge. It took many emails and phone calls and a month-long wait for the paperwork to clear, but I now have a one-year lease on a quality car whose monthly cost is about a third less than the stripped-down model I was renting.

With the caveat that car lease assumption is not right for everyone, here's how the process works:

People need to get out of their car leases for a variety of reasons but it's notoriously difficult to do so - you usually must pay the outstanding balance plus an early termination fee.

One way around this, if your finance company allows it, is to transfer the lease to another party for the remainder of its term. Many people use online lease assumption services like Swapalease.com and LeaseTrader.com. I went with Swapalease.com.

These companies match people wanting to unload their lease (think of them as "sellers") with so-called "buyers" interested taking over the remainder of someone's lease. Among the potential advantages for buyers:

  • No down payment.
  • You can secure a shorter-term lease.
  • Sellers will generally offer or agree to financial incentives to unload their lease.
  • Newer cars are usually still under warranty.

However, be aware of the many fees involved on both sides of the transaction:

  • Sellers are charged a fee to advertise their vehicle on the websites (generally $50 to $150), and a transaction fee if a lease transfer is initiated ($100 to $150).
  • Buyers pay a registration fee to obtain contact information for sellers (around $40 to $80). Some sites charge buyers a transaction fee as well.
  • Buyers must file a credit application with the lender which can cost up to several hundred dollars; the fee typically isn't refundable if the credit check deems you aren't creditworthy.
  • The leasing company itself will typically charge the buyer a lease transfer fee (typically $50 to $600).

A few additional suggestions and precautions:

  • Inspect the car and note any damage. You may also want to have a mechanic inspect it.
  • Ask whether the lender will remove the seller's name from the lease - some won't.
  • During negotiations, ask the seller to pay the application and lease transfer fees. It doesn't hurt to ask and you're still saving them a ton of money.
  • Don't expect a lot of customer service from the swapping website.
  • Make sure there's enough mileage left on the lease to suit your needs.
  • You'll have to pay DMV registration fees and sales tax may apply.
  • Your insurance company will need to provide the leasing company with evidence that you have adequate coverage.
  • Know that it can take several weeks or more for the transaction to fully close. For me, that meant an extra month's rental.

All in all, if you're flexible about what kind of car you're willing to drive and not in a big hurry, assuming someone else's lease can be a viable option. Just make sure to do your due diligence.

28 May 2013

RIVER BANDITS DODGE RAIN, LUMBERKINGS FOR WIN

By Marco LaNave
Terrell Joyce hits third home run, Austin Elkins adds three hits for Quad Cities' second straight victory

CLINTON, Iowa (MAY 26, 2013) - Quad Cities River Bandits right fielder Terrell Joyce hit a solo home run to break a 2-2 tie with one out in the fifth inning, and the visitors waited out a mid-game rain delay and Clinton LumberKings pitching for a 5-2, rain-spattered win at Ashford University Field Sunday afternoon.

Following a one-hour, 19-minute delay before the top of the fourth inning, Quad Cities trailed 2-1 when coming to bat against new right-hander David Holman (0-3). Designated hitter Brian Blasik drew a leadoff walk, stole second base and went to third on a ground ball by catcher Roberto Pena. Second baseman Austin Elkins then lined a single into left field to tie the game, 2-2. Elkins and left fielder Jordan Scott, the No. 8 and No. 9 hitters in the River Bandits lineup, combined to go 5-for-7 while drawing two walks and a hit by pitch in 10 plate appearances.

The immediate run following the delay gave a no-decision to Quad Cities left-hander Brian Holmes, who pitched three innings before the delay. Holmes struck out the first five batters of the game but allowed the LumberKings to score twice in the third inning for a 2-1 lead.

Right-hander Gera Sanchez (2-0) started the bottom of the fourth inning following the delay, and he combined with right-hander Jordan Jankowski to retire 17 of 19 batters in the final six innings. LumberKings shortstop Ketel Marte singled once against each right-hander for Clinton's only baserunners following the delay. Sanchez stranded Marte at third base to end the fifth inning, and Pena threw out Marte on a seventh-inning steal attempt.

Joyce's fifth-inning, opposite-field blast to right field against Holman gave Quad Cities (26-23) the lead for good, but the River Bandits added two insurance runs while rain came down steadily in the ninth inning. Left-hander Blake Holovach issued the last two of the LumberKings' 11 walks - matching the season high set in Game 2 of Saturday's doubleheader - and allowed the runs to score on an error by second baseman Brock Hebert and a wild pitch.

With a 5-2 lead, Jankowski kept the LumberKings (25-24) from putting a ball in play on the wet diamond by striking out the final four batters of the game. He finished four shutout innings for his second save and has not walked a batter in 21 consecutive innings.

The victory means The Captain's Table at 4801 River Drive in Moline will offer The Captain's Table Victory Discount on Tuesday, May 28. Anyone who mentions the River Bandits victory can receive a free appetizer or dessert with the purchase of two lunches or dinners with beverages on Tuesday, May 28.

Quad Cities and Clinton will play the Memorial Day series finale of a four-game, three-day series at 2 p.m. Monday. River Bandits right-handers Vincent Velasquez (3-2) and Jamaine Cotton (0-1) are scheduled face LumberKings right-hander Matt Anderson (2-4).

UP NEXT: All tickets are buy-one-get-one free on Tuesday, which is Outdoors Night for the River Bandits' 7 p.m. game against the Kane County Cougars. Kids Eat Free, and fans can redeem an empty can or bottle of Mountain Dew for a free 16-ounce soda voucher on a Dew for Twosday presented by Pepsi, WOC and Q106.5. Single-game tickets are on sale at the River Bandits box office at Modern Woodmen Park, by phone at 563-324-3000 and online at www.riverbandits.com. Season ticket and mini-plan packages start at just seven games and begin at less than $50. Call a River Bandits account representative today to choose your seats and get the details of our various mini-plan packages.

28 May 2013

Quad Cities Comic Book Convention June 8

By Alan Morton

The Quad Cities Comic Book Convention will be held on Saturday June 8, 2013 at the Ramada Inn in Bettendorf, IA. The Ramada Inn is located at 3020 Utica Rd (I-74 @ Kimberly Rd / Spruce Hills Dr, IA Exit 2).

It will be open to the public from 10 AM to 4 PM and admission for the public is free.

Dealers from three states specializing in comic books new and old, toys and related.

Or if you have old comics lying around that you no longer want bring them by dealers are buying.

For further information contact Alan at (309) 657-1599 or visit www.epguides.com/comics.

28 May 2013

BANDITS COME BACK TO SPLIT WITH LUMBERKINGS

By Marco LaNave
Miles Hamblin caps rally from 5-0 deficit with go-ahead two-run single in 2-for-3, three-RBI Game 2

CLINTON, Iowa (MAY 25, 2013) - After being shut out for the first 11 innings of a doubleheader against Clinton Saturday night, the Quad Cities River Bandits scored twice in the fifth inning and four times in the sixth inning of Game 2 for a 6-5, seven-inning victory and doubleheader split with the LumberKings, who had taken a 1-0 win in Game 1 at Ashford University Field.

Quad Cities (25-23) drew 11 walks and capitalized on three LumberKings errors to complete its largest comeback victory of the season despite being out-hit, 10-3, in Game 2. The split left Quad Cities and Clinton (25-23) tied for third place in the Western Division, three games behind second-place Beloit, which lost twice at Kane County Saturday.

Trailing 5-0 in the top of the fifth inning in Game 2, Quad Cities drew three straight walks against left-hander Tyler Pike. A bases-loaded wild pitch brought in left fielder Jordan Scott for the first run, and first baseman Miles Hamblin drove home center fielder Teoscar Hernandez with a sacrifice fly to right field that made it 5-2. Right-hander Oliver Garcia (3-2) came on to finish the inning with a 5-2 lead, but the River Bandits rallied against Garcia in the sixth inning.

With a 5-2 lead, Garcia walked catcher Roberto Pena and later Scott to put runners at first and second with one out. Hernandez then hit a check-swing grounder to second baseman Tim Lopes, who had the ball go over his shoulder toward shallow right field, and when Lopes tried to throw out Pena at the plate, the ball bounced in front of catcher Tyler Marlette and went behind him, allowing Scott to score the second run and Hernandez to reach second base on the two-error play by Lopes. With a 5-4 advantage, Garcia walked shortstop Carlos Correa to put runners at first and second, prompting a pitching change to right-hander Grady Wood.

After Correa stole second base, Hamblin hit a line-drive single - the only River Bandits hit in their run-scoring innings - that brought in Hernandez and Correa for a 6-5 lead. It capped the scoring that was aided by seven walks, two wild pitches and two errors in the fifth and sixth innings combined. The comeback made a winner of right-hander Mike Hauschild (3-0), who allowed all five LumberKings runs in a six-hit bottom of the third inning that included both River Bandits errors of the doubleheader. Right-hander Cameron Lamb worked two scoreless innings for his second save, getting help from a pick-off throw from Pena to Correa and a game-ending double play after three LumberKings singles started the inning.

The victory means The Captain's Table at 4801 River Drive in Moline will offer The Captain's Table Victory Discount on Sunday, May 26. Anyone who mentions the River Bandits victory can receive a free appetizer or dessert with the purchase of two lunches or dinners with beverages on Sunday, May 26.

Clinton took Game 1, 1-0 in seven innings, thanks to a fifth-inning, two-out RBI double by center fielder Jabari Henry against left-hander Colton Cain (1-5) to back six shutout innings by right-hander Victor Sanchez (1-1). Each team had four hits and no errors in the opener. After a split of Saturday's doubleheader, the teams will play at 2 p.m. Sunday at Ashford University Field.

UP NEXT: All tickets are buy-one-get-one free on Tuesday, which is Outdoors Night for the River Bandits' 7 p.m. game against the Kane County Cougars. Kids Eat Free, and fans can redeem an empty can or bottle of Mountain Dew for a free 16-ounce soda voucher on a Dew for Twosday presented by Pepsi, WOC and Q106.5. Single-game tickets are on sale at the River Bandits box office at Modern Woodmen Park, by phone at 563-324-3000 and online at www.riverbandits.com. Season ticket and mini-plan packages start at just seven games and begin at less than $50. Call a River Bandits account representative today to choose your seats and get the details of our various mini-plan packages.

28 May 2013

CAP's photo assessment of every house damaged in Oklahoma tornadoes helps homeowners

By Rick Martin

MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -  "I don't think we've ever had a mission like this one," said Lt. Col. Dave Roberts of the door-to-door ground team sorties Civil Air Patrol is performing for the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The mission, which began on Wednesday, is to photography up to 12,000 home sites damaged by the Oklahoma tornadoes.

"We've had boots on the ground and have been right in the middle of it from day one," said Roberts, CAP's incident commander on Friday, of the organization's role in providing photographic assessment of every house damaged by the tornadoes.

Half of the members conducting the ground team mission are CAP cadets 12-20 years old, Roberts noted. To date more than 100 members from the Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas and Arkansas wings have contributed to CAP's air and ground missions following the tornadoes. "We've got some really sharp people working and they are doing a great job," he said.

The system for working the ground team mission is ingenious. CAP's aerial photo tracks taken for FEMA and the Oklahoma Division of Emergency Management, which documented the depth and width of the damage, were added to Google Earth images from Moore and Oklahoma City to determine where streets had been located and where houses were supposed to be, creating a grid to guide CAP's pilots. On the ground, GPS trackers are being used to locate housing sites within 30 feet of their location, allowing CAP to photograph each home site.

CAP is taking an average of 500 photos per day, but is planning to triple that number beginning today with the addition of more volunteers and more cameras.

"It really drives home what I've seen on the news the last couple of days," said Capt. Brian Summers of the Oklahoma Wing, a ground team leader for the door-to-door photography. "I feel bad for the people affected by the storms and am amazed at the positive attitude of homeowners. All have said thank you for our support.

"CAP is happy to be able to provide the pictures to allow everybody to see how severe the damage was and to assist FEMA and others in planning for the future and to support the people affected."

"CAP gets the job done. We don't have to worry," said Linda Pryor, emergency management officer with ODEM, which is using the images "to compare which houses were there and which weren't so FEMA can get recovery money to the homeowners."

"I am honored to work with such am amazing team," said Chris Vaughn of FEMA. "Thank you for everything you do. You are really making a difference in the way that we support survivors."

Civil Air Patrol (CAP), the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, is a nonprofit organization chartered by Congress in 1941 with a 501(c)3 designation and pre-dates the Air Force. CAP consists of 61,000 unpaid professional members nationwide, and operates a fleet of 550 aircraft. CAP, in its Air Force auxiliary role, performs 90 percent of continental U.S. inland search and rescue missions as tasked by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center (AFRCC) and is credited by the AFRCC with saving an average of 80 lives annually. Its unpaid professionals also perform homeland security, disaster relief and drug interdiction missions at the request of federal, state and local agencies. The members play a leading role in aerospace education and serve as mentors to more than 26,000 young people currently participating in the CAP cadet programs. CAP is a force multiplier to the Air Force CAP received the World Peace Prize in 2011 and has been performing missions for America for 71 years. CAP also participates in Wreaths Across America, an initiative to remember, honor and teach about the sacrifices of U.S. military veterans.

28 May 2013

Convoy of Hope and Bass Pro Shops Partner to Bring Aid to Moore

By Katie Mitchell

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (May 24, 2013) ?Convoy of Hope and Bass Pro Shops partnered once again to bring aid to the survivors of Monday's devastating EF-5 tornado in Moore, Okla.

"When we respond to disasters we are empowered to do so by trusted partners like Bass Pro Shops," says Hal Donaldson, president and co-founder of Convoy of Hope, which, like Bass Pro Shops, is headquartered in Springfield, Mo. "Our partnership with Bass Pro Shops is long standing and valued by our entire team. They are a retailer known for excellent products but also for reaching out to communities that are hurting."

Currently, Bass Pro Shops is shipping cases of water, batteries, headlamps, jerky and meals ready to eat to Moore.   The shipments will arrive at the Convoy of Hope point of distribution located at 8900 S. Shields Blvd. in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Friday, May 24 starting at 9 a.m.

Two years ago, Bass Pro Shops partnered with Convoy of Hope when the organization responded to the Joplin, Mo., tornado. In 2011 Johnny Morris, founder of Bass Pro Shops and his wife, Jeanie, received Convoy of Hope's Legacy Award, which is given annually.

"Our partnership with Bass Pro Shops will impact the people of Moore in a tremendous way," adds Donaldson.

About Convoy of Hope

Convoy of Hope, founded in 1994, has a long history as a first responder in times of natural disasters and has been a Four Star Charity as recognized by Charity Navigator for nine consecutive years. Convoy of Hope, a faith-based organization, has a driving passion to feed the world through children's feeding initiatives, community outreaches, disaster response and partner resourcing. Learn more at www.convoyofhope.org or follow us on Facebook or Twitter.

Convoy of Hope:

Jeff Roman, 417-942-7570
Public Relations Desk
jroman@convoyofhope.org

Jeff Nene, 417-860-2196
National Spokesperson
jnene@convoyofhope.org

Bass Pro Shops Contact:
Katie Mitchell, 417-873-5618
Communications Manager

28 May 2013

Governor Quinn Honors Fallen Servicemembers During Memorial Day Weekend

By Grant Klinzman

"Portrait of a Soldier" Memorial Exhibition on Display at

Illinois Tollway Oases through Independence Day Weekend

DES PLAINES - Governor Pat Quinn today commemorated Memorial Day by unveiling the "Portrait of a Soldier" memorial exhibition at the Des Plaines Oasis and announcing the summer exhibit schedule at multiple Tollway oases in Northern Illinois. The exhibit features a series of hand-drawn portraits of nearly all of the 306 Illinois men and women who died in the 9/11 terrorist attack, Iraq, Afghanistan or in combat service to our country since September 11, 2001. The exhibit is part of Governor Quinn's long-standing commitment to honor Illinois' men and women in uniform.

"With 'Portrait of a Soldier,' we pay a special tribute to our state's brave servicemembers who gave their lives to protect our freedom," Governor Quinn said.  "From Memorial Day to Independence Day, visitors to Illinois Tollway oases will have the opportunity to view the faces and read the names of our state's true heroes who remain in our hearts every day."

The exhibit, on display at the Des Plaines Oasis Saturday, May 25, through Sunday, June 2, will then travel to the Belvidere Oasis through Sunday, June 9. The exhibit will also be on display at the DeKalb, O'Hare, Lake Forest and Chicago Southland Lincoln oases, ending with the July 4 holiday weekend.

"We are honored to again highlight the service of Illinois' remarkable men and women by displaying these portraits at oases throughout the Illinois Tollway system," Illinois Tollway Board Chair Paula Wolff said.  "We invite Tollway customers to see this poignant exhibit and join us in commemorating the lives and sacrifices of our servicemembers."

Governor Quinn founded the "Portrait of a Soldier" memorial exhibit to honor fallen servicemembers in 2004 after artist Cameron Schilling of Mattoon, a student at Eastern Illinois University, drew the first portrait of Army Spc. Charles Neeley, also of Mattoon, who was killed in Iraq. Schilling then committed to drawing a portrait of every Illinois servicemember who has fallen during the Global War on Terror.

"Memorial Day is an important opportunity to reflect on and express thanks for the sacrifice that thousands upon thousands of military men and women have made in serving our country," Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs Director Erica Borggren said. "This sacred day also reminds us of our shared obligation to honor and remember our fallen heroes and their families."

 

Portrait of a Soldier Memorial Exhibit Schedule

Saturday, May 25 - Sunday, June 2

Des Plaines Oasis, Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90)

Monday, June 3 - Sunday, June 9

Belvidere Oasis, Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90)

Monday, June 10 - Sunday, June 16

DeKalb Oasis, Reagan Memorial Tollway (I-88)

Monday, June 17 - Sunday, June 23

O'Hare Oasis (Schiller Park), Tri-State Tollway (I-294)

Monday, June 24 - Sunday, June 30

Chicago Southland Lincoln Oasis (South Holland), Tri-State Tollway (I-294/80)

Monday, July 1 - Sunday, July 7

Lake Forest Oasis, Tri-State Tollway (I-94)

Governor Quinn has made commitment to our Veterans, servicemembers and their families one of his top priorities throughout his career in public service. He has led programs including the Illinois Warrior Assistance Program and the Veterans Cash lottery ticket, which has awarded more than $10 million to not-for-profit organizations across the state that provide health care and post-traumatic stress disorder treatment, housing assistance, disability benefits and other services to Illinois Veterans. He also championed numerous Veterans' causes during his service as Lieutenant Governor and Illinois Treasurer.

For more information on the "Portrait of a Soldier" exhibit or to view the portraits online, visit www.OperationHomefront.org.

###

28 May 2013

Memorial Day - Grassley comments

By Grassley Press
Saturday, May 25, 2013

Senator Chuck Grassley will attend the Memorial Day Parade and speak at the Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday in Aplington. The parade begins at 10 a.m. at the Amvets Post 102 Building in the 900 block of Patriot Street in Aplington.  The ceremony begins at 10:30 a.m. in Pleasant View Cemetery.

Senator Grassley is an original co-sponsor of the Veterans Access to Care Act introduced Thursday by Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota. The legislation would help to improve veterans' medical facilities by allowing facilities with a need for additional health care professionals to apply to be designated as a Health Professional Shortage Area.  Once designated, these facilities have access to National Health Service Corps, which provides service-obligated scholarships and loan forgiveness to health professional students who pledge to practice for at least two years in a Health Professional Shortage Area.  The bill also would require the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Veterans Affairs to establish a process for veterans' facilities to qualify as Health Professional Shortage Areas.

Below is a statement from Senator Grassley about Memorial Day, thanking those who have served and remembering those who have given their lives for freedom.

Memorial Day - Reflecting on the True Price of Freedom by U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley

Memorial Day really is a community-oriented holiday.  The first observances of what we now call Memorial Day were spontaneous expressions of gratitude and remembrance on the part of Civil War veterans for their fallen comrades, organized by veterans groups in local communities.  Only once it became an established tradition did state legislatures and Congress recognize the day as an official holiday.  The tradition remains for local organizations to recognize Memorial Day with moving and heartfelt observances.

Memorial Day is a time for families and neighbors to gather in remembrance and in tribute to those individuals from their community who gave their lives for our country.  This allows us to remember them not as strangers, but as sons and daughters, husbands and wives, fathers and mothers.

When you first arrive at a national cemetery, you are struck by the sea of identical white headstones spreading across green fields.  When you draw closer, you see the name of an individual and their home state, with a date often indicating a young life taken too soon.  That's when it hits home that these are not anonymous soldiers, but individual Americans who left behind a hole in the lives of their loved ones.

I've made it my practice to honor each Iowa soldier that has died in Iraq and Afghanistan with a personal tribute in The Congressional Record.  In the process of doing that, I have learned a little bit about each of these brave Iowans.  I've learned about their hobbies, their sense of humor, and the families they left behind.  I've also noticed that time after time, the family members say the same thing; that their loved one was proud to serve their country, knew the risks, and accepted them.  You can't help but be deeply touched by that kind of selflessness.

I'm proud that we have so many such people in Iowa.  I think it's in close-knit communities like we have in Iowa where the value of service to our fellow Americans is most ingrained.  Neighbors help neighbors and people really care about each other's lives.  When a soldier from a tight-knit community goes off to war, he knows the people he's fighting for by name.  And, if he doesn't come back, his loss is felt very personally in his home town.  We have a solemn duty to honor those who have fallen in service to our country, not in the abstract, but as family members, friends, and neighbors.  Remembering the individual lives of our fallen heroes is deeply humbling and profoundly American.

It's also important to remember what they were fighting for.  Our nation is unique in human history in that it was founded not on the basis of a common ethnic identity or loyalty to a monarch, but on certain enduring principles.  Those principles are best articulated in the simple but eloquent words of the Declaration of Independence - "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

Our patriot forefathers concluded that these principles were worth fighting for and took up arms.  The odds were not great that groups of local militias and a hastily cobbled together national army would defeat the largest and best training military at the time.  Nevertheless, our forefathers risked everything because they believed so deeply in the fundamental truths just mentioned.

Our founding principles are as true today as they have always been and generations of Americans have given their lives to protect that unique and precious gift of liberty.  It's impossible to describe in words the debt of gratitude we owe these fallen heroes, but Memorial Day is a reminder for each of us to reflect on the true price of our freedom.  God bless all those who defend our freedom.

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 Amy Alkon Advice Goddess, Real Astrology, Red Meat cartoon and RCR Crossword every week?) 

* indicates required

View previous campaigns.

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