02 Aug 2013

Research Technology Day brings together academics, technologists

By Andrew Careaga

ROLLA, Mo. - College and university faculty members, students and staff wanting to learn more about using technology to support their research efforts and hobbies are encouraged to attend the third annual Research Technology Day on the Missouri University of Science and Technology campus.

Research Technology Day 2013 (RTD2013) begins with a reception and street party the evening of Monday, Sept. 9, followed by a full day of workshops, presentations and a vendor fair. A new addition to the conference this year is "challenge connection," during which researchers have five minutes to discuss the technological hurdles they must overcome in their research and to seek collaborators to help them overcome those challenges.

University of Missouri System President Timothy M. Wolfe will attend the opening reception and street party, and Dr. Henry C. "Hank" Foley, executive vice president for academic affairs at the UM System, will present the keynote address on Tuesday, Sept. 10.

All RTD2013 events will be held at the Havener Center on the Missouri S&T campus. The event is free to all participants, but registration is required. To register or submit a presentation proposal, visit the event website, rtd2013.mst.edu.

"We created Research Technology Day to provide a forum for researchers to showcase the technology they've used successfully in their research projects and to learn how others are using computing and other technologies in their research," says Mark Bookout, director of research support services in Missouri S&T's information technology division. "It's a great opportunity to network with other researchers, industry partners, students and faculty from S&T and other universities in the region."

A member of the Great Plains Network consortium of research universities in the Midwest, Missouri S&T welcomes attendance at the conference from researchers and students of other consortium members: the University of Arkansas, the University of Kansas, Kansas State University, the University of Missouri-Columbia and the University of Nebraska.

More information about RTD2013 is available online at rtd2013.mst.edu.

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02 Aug 2013

Why Everyone Needs an 'Incapacity Plan'

By Rick Martin
3 Experts Share Tips for Protecting Yourself & Your Assets


Dementia has become the No. 1 cause of disability globally, according to the World Health Organization.

Stroke, which can also profoundly impair judgment and decision-making, stands at No. 2.

"This year, 7.7 million new cases of dementia will be diagnosed, and 15 million people will suffer a stroke," says CPA Jim Kohles, chairman of RINA accountancy corporation, (www.rina.com). "By the time dementia symptoms become apparent, their competence may already be affected. Strokes, as we know, can be tragically sudden."

While many people carefully plan for retirement and what will become of their estate after death, too few provide for that middle ground - incapacity, adds attorney John Hartog of Hartog & Baer Trust and Estate Law, (www.hartogbaer.com).

"We should plan for incapacity, and if it never comes into play that's wonderful," says wealth management advisor Haitham "Hutch" Ashoo, CEO of Pillar Wealth Management, (www.pillarwm.com).

Incapacity planning ensures you're able to speak for yourself in all decisions, from your medical care to financial affairs.

Here are three steps everyone should take, from the accounting, legal and financial perspectives.

• Get disability insurance. "The likelihood of something happening that affects your ability to work is high, so you really should carry disability insurance," says accountant Jim Kohles.

How you pay for it can have different tax impacts. If you purchase it through your business, whether as owner or employee, you can take a tax deduction on the premiums. But that means any claims paid will be taxable. If you pay with post-tax dollars, any benefits are not taxable.

"The difference in saving taxes on $200 a month in premiums versus $5,000 a month in benefits is significant," Kohles says.

Kohles also cautions that more new policies now are capped at 10 years of payments - not lifetime. So be sure you understand the terms.

• Have legal documents that clearly state your wishes. These include a durable power of attorney for financial affairs and an advanced health care directive for medical decisions, says attorney Hartog.

Name the people - the "agents" -- who will be responsible for implementing those decisions, and draw up a document that delineates their responsibilities and powers. Choose people in whom you have a great deal of faith and trust. "People need to remember they're going to be vulnerable - you don't want to pick someone if you have a quiver of doubt about them," he says. One safeguard is to name an agent, and a second person to whom the agent must report. "Just the idea that you have to report keeps people honest," Hartog says.

In some states, the government provides forms so people can prepare these documents themselves, although Hartog suggests at least consulting with an attorney.

• If you're the "non-financial" spouse, become familiar with the financial plan. "Typically, one spouse is in charge of the finances, and the other takes a back seat, or even a no seat," says wealth management advisor Ashoo. "The non-involved person needs to understand how the finances are arranged and planned, and he or she needs to be very comfortable with the family's advisors." This will prevent a nightmare during an already stressful time should the involved spouse suddenly become incapacitated.

Both spouses should attend meetings with the family's advisors, even if one spouse doesn't fully understand or isn't interested in all the details. "If something happens, they will know who to call and what to do," Ashoo says. "They'll avoid a nightmare. That's the peace of mind I want for my clients."

All three experts stress the importance of having these provisions in place long before you think you'll need them.

"Younger people have a higher chance of becoming disabled before they die, and they're usually the people who haven't planned for that at all," says Kohles.

About John Hartog, Jim Kohles & Haitham "Hutch" Ashoo

John Hartog is a partner at Hartog & Baer Trust and Estate Law. He is a certified specialist in estate planning, trust and probate law, and taxation law. Jim Kohles is chairman of the board of RINA accountancy corporation. He is a certified public accountant specializing in business consulting, succession and retirement planning, and insurance. Haitham "Hutch" Ashoo is the CEO of Pillar Wealth Management, LLC, specializing in client-centered wealth management. All three are based in Walnut Creek, Calif., and advise ultra affluent families.

02 Aug 2013

Galena, Illinois named as one of the friendliest cities in the world

By Celestino Ruffini

GALENA, Ill. - The city of Galena, Illinois - always considered a "town that time forgot" - has stepped back into the limelight as a city that no one can forget about. Condé Nast Traveler recently published the results of their annual Readers' Choice Survey and declared Galena as not only one of the friendliest cities in the United States, but in the world.

Galena, coming in second on the domestic list and fourteenth on the global list with a score of 87.9 out of 100, was praised as being a relaxing destination with plenty to do and a place that can be spiritually and emotionally uplifting. The historic, idyllic city was one of only four from the United States to make the top 20 internationally.

Condé Nast Traveler, one of the most trusted names in travel, had 46,476 responses to their most recent survey. Readers provided feedback such as, "When I want to treat myself or lift my spirits?I visit Galena."

"A 'quaint' city that was once home to President Ulysses S. Grant, Galena, Illinois, is also well known for its 'welcoming' atmosphere. Those who make the trip to this former mining town find it 'relaxing, with plenty to do.' After all, this 'step back in time' has 'neat shopping and historical sites' to spare," stated the magazine.

"The distinction is another feather in the cap for Galena. Our community welcomes visitors from throughout the world that are looking to take a look back into time and experience what small-town America is really all about," stated Celestino Ruffini, director of sales & marketing for the Galena/Jo Daviess County Convention & Visitors Bureau.

The friendliest top 10 cities in the United States ranked in order by the Readers' Choice Survey of Condé Nast Traveler are: 1. Charleston, S.C., 2. Galena, Ill., 3. Savannah, Ga., 4. Asheville, N.C., 5. Austin, Texas, 6. Jackson, Miss., 7. Natchez, Miss., 8. Telluride, Colo., 9. Sonoma, Calif., 10. Branson, Mo.

The friendliest top 20 cities in the world ranked in order by the Readers' Choice Survey of Condé Nast Traveler are: 1. Florianopolis, Brazil, 2. Hobart, Tasmania, 3. Thimpu, Bhutan, 4. Queenstown, New Zealand, 5. Charleston, S.C., 6. Paro, Bhutan (tie), 6. Margaret River, Australia (tie). 7. Mandalay, Burma, 9. Kilkenny, Ireland (tie), 9. Ubud, Bali, Indonesia (tie), 10. Chiang Mai, Thailand, 11. Christchurch, New Zealand, 12. Dublin, Ireland, 14. Galena, Ill. (tie), 14. Victoria, British Columbia, Canada (tie), 16. Auckland, New Zealand (tie), 16. Savannah, Ga. (tie), 18. Edinburgh, Scotland, 20. Asheville, N.C. (tie), 20. Cork, Ireland (tie)

Visitors are encouraged to call the Galena/Jo Daviess County Convention & Visitors Bureau toll-free at 1.877.464.2536 or explore www.galena.org for information on attractions, lodging, dining, shopping, events and more in the Galena area.

 

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02 Aug 2013

LeClaire Chamber of Commerce Announcements - 08/02/13

By LeClaire Chamber of Commerce

The September 2013 Chamber Newsletter will soon be in production to be delivered to over 2500 recipients - Every Business and Home within the 52753 zipcode area!! Advertising rates remain: 1/8 page: $75; ¼ page: $100; ½ page: $125; full page: $250. Just send your ad information to LeClaireChamber@gmail.com and we will forward it on to House of Print for you. No cost assistance in developing an advertisement is available through House of Print. If you would rather work with House of Print directly, call 563-388-7701. You can send your ad to HouseofPrint@mchsi.com, or fax 563-388-7934 and please copy LeClaireChamber@gmail.com Deadline August 15!

 

WELCOMING NEW MEMBER!

 

or DianeNelson@RuhlHomes.com

 

CALENDAR

 

August 2nd - First Friday in LeClaire!! 5-8 p.m.
Mississippi River Distilling Company - signature cocktails and spirited food items!
Wide River Winery - Live Music - Patchy Fog - 5-8pm
Faithful Pilot - The Matriarchs, live music - 7:30-9:00pm
Aunt Hatties - Come in for a red velvet cupcake!
Razzleberries - Booze cake while it lasts!

LeClaire Antiques and Appraisals - 'First Friday's Free Appraisals' 5-7 p.m.

Grasshoppers - Live Music - Acoustic Friends on "The Porch" - 6-8 p.m. Restaurants and many other shops open late!

 

August 3rd - Fashion Show and Luncheon - Boll's Community Center - Princeton, IA. Doors Open at 11 A.M. Featuring LeClaire businesses including Razzleberries and Artswork! For more info, call Bonnie Gray - 563-332-5951.

 

August 3rd - Heartland British Auto Fest 9am-3pm on the LeClaire Levee

 

August 3rd - Craft Show and Food 9am-3pm at the LeClaire Civic Center

 

August 4th - Live Music at Wide River Winery 2-5 p.m. featuring Jordan Danielson 106 N. Cody Road www.wideriverwinery.com

 

August 8th - Workshop - Bond Snapshot with Kathy Jones 3:00 p.m. Eric Johannes, Charles Schwab, 5345 Elmore Ave #300, Davenport, IA 52807. Please R.S.V.P 563-275-3659.

August 8-10 - Tugfest!!!!!! Live bands all 3 nights. Thursday Wristband Night 5-11. Friday parade, fireworks, tug pit dedication.  Saturday Kid's Tug and Big Tug!  Advance purchase weekend wristbands for $8 available at Slagle's Grocery from June 15-August 1.  Get ready to TUG!!!!!!

August 9th - Live Music at Wide River Winery 5-8pm featuring "The Whoozdads" 106 N. Cody Road www.wideriverwinery.com

August 12th - Economic Development Meeting - Great River Financial Services, 8:00 a.m.

August 13th - Chamber Networking Lunch - Big Dave and Holly's - noon - everyone welcome!

 

August 16th - Live Music at Wide River Winery 5-8pm featuring "Pieces of Candy" 106 N. Cody Road www.wideriverwinery.com

August 18th - Sunday Brunch at the Faithful Pilot Cafe & Spirits Seatings at 10:00 and 12:30 - Reservations 563.289.4156 www.faithfulpilot.com

 

August 21st - Workshop - Behavioral Finance: How Emotions Impact Financial Decisions 12:00p.m. Eric Johannes, Charles Schwab, 5345 Elmore Ave #300, Davenport, IA 52807. Please R.S.V.P 563-275-3659


August 23rd - Live Music at Wide River Winery 5-8pm featuring Dan Peart 106 N. Cody Road  www.wideriverwinery.com

 

August 24th - Pleasant Valley Wrestling 2nd Annual "Grapple on the Greens" Golf tournament at Olathea Golf Course To be a sponsor, to donate prizes or to participate as a team, please contact zahntrever@pleasval.k12.ia for more information.

 

August 30th - Live Music at Wide River Winery 5-8pm featuring Mississippi River Distilling Company's "Ryan Burchett and the Moonshiners"! 106 N. Cody Road  www.wideriverwinery.com

 

Save the Date

 

September 6 - First Friday in LeClaire!! 5-8 p.m.

 

FYI

 

LeClaire Lions Club presents "Apple Fest on the River" Sunday, October 13th 11:00am-4:00pm Apple Orchards Welcome! Vendor Sign Up! NOW is the time! For more information: Email:  boehlb@hotmail.com Phone:  563-340-6332 (Bonnie)

First Presbyterian Church of LeClaire FREE LUNCH at the Civic Center, 11:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. Third Tuesday of the month: June 18, July 16, August 20: Come to eat and stay for the conversation!

LeClaire Antiques is hosting an on going Plant Sale benefiting LeClaire Parks. Go by and see the beautiful plants for sale - great prices!

Please volunteer or help recruit volunteers for the LeClaire Information Center! We get a lot of great comments about the LIC, and we help promote all of LeClaire:

1. Through telling visitors about our great attractions, shops, restaurants, parks, schools, housing developments, etc.,

2. By mailing out information to individuals, small groups and bus tours who want to come find out what LeClaire is all about, and

3. Through providing nice, convenient public restrooms to shoppers, diners, people checking out our attractions, families, LeClaire residents who are just out for a walk - everyone appreciates the restrooms!

Almost everyone knows at least one person who loves to talk and meet new people - a retired neighbor or stay-at-home mom, a relative, a friend, a person from church, a person from your civic club, a person from exercise class... Please contact Cindy at 563-650-7963 or info@visitleclaire.com Volunteers are trained and there is lots of brochures and information to share with visitors.

Let's make downtown LeClaire and the LeClaire Information Center the best it can possibly be!

 

Buffalo Bill Museum is open until 5pm daily. Hours are 9am to 5pm Monday

through Saturday, and on Sundays 12noon to 5pm. A reminder: group discounts are available for tour groups, clubs/reunions, and school groups. Call the museum at 563-289-5580 for details!

 

"LIKE" the LeClaire Chamber of Commerce on FaceBook Visit the chamber's Face Book page and discover a great source of news, business announcements, events, and other information that is updated frequently. It's a useful source of updated information for all members and non-members!

 

Chamber 2013 Networking Events - Everyone welcome to attend!

August 13 - Big Dave and Holly's - lunch -noon

September 10 - Steventon's - after hours - 5-8pm

October 8 - Hungry Hobo - lunch - noon

November 12 - Subway - lunch - noon

December 10 - Happy Joes - lunch -noon

 

SERVING THE COMMUNITY AND BEYOND

 

Meet and greet Pastor Melody any Wednesday from 1-3 pm at Happy Joe's. Pastor Melody from First Presbyterian Church of LeClaire, will be at Happy Joe's in LeClaire, every Wednesday, from 1-3 pm, sipping on a soda, reading and waiting to visit with you and your friends. Stop by and say hi. Or, if you have a prayer request or a question, just let her know. 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.

Asbury United Methodist Church is hosting a "Partnering to EmPOWER" fundraising event for Winnie's Place on Tuesday, October 15th.  The team putting together the event is looking for vendors who would be interested in participating in this worthy cause. Booth fees are $15 for sales people and $25 for those providing a service (ALL booth fees will go to Winnie's Place). Vendors will also agree to donate 9% of their sales to Winnies Place, which corresponds to the statistic that every 9 seconds, a woman is abused. Interested vendors are asked to contact Heidi Lubben at hjlubben@aol.com for more details. Marketing packets for vendors will be available June 15th. The deadline for returning a signed vendor agreement is August 20th.

LeClaire 2013 Events Calendar:

First Fridays each month 5:00-8:00 P.M.

August 8th-10th Tugfest

October 6th - Dogtoberfest at Bier Stube

October 13th - AppleFest

October 24th - HalloWine

October 26th - Witches Walk Costume Contest and Parade

December 6-8 - Christmas in LeClaire

Family Nights at the LeClaire Rec Center: Details at www.leclairereccenter.com

www.LeClaireChamber.com and visit the Chamber on FaceBook!

02 Aug 2013

CCHS Alumni and UOI graduate returns to perform at his high school Performing Arts Center prior to chasing his dream as a musician!

By Vanessa McNeely

Central Community High School alum Elliott Beenk and his band, Chasing Shade, return to his alma mater Friday, Aug.16, to present a back-to-school concert at 7 p.m. at the Central Performing Arts Center at the high school in DeWitt.

This indie-beach-blues group based in Iowa City has shared the stage with some of the top acts in the country including Bon Jovi, Pepper, G. Love & Special Sauce, Rusted Root, Lissie and Mason Jennings.

The band is made up of University of Iowa graduates and a current student. Griffen Harris is the lead vocalist and plays drums and acoustic guitar; Beenk plays lead guitar and is backup vocalist; Trent Harrison plays trumpet; and Jonathan Birdsall, saxophone. The band also will have a bass player, to be named, for the DeWitt concert.

Chasing Shade is not a typical college rock band. Its members create a sound that digs deeper than the usual Iowa City rock group.

"I think we identify as indie folk rock," Harris says. "We definitely have rock, we definitely have folk, but we also have a lot of blues influences, harmonies, and we dig jazz drumming."

Chasing Shade recently completed a solar-powered tour across Iowa via bicycles during RAGBRAI (The Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa). The band was self-contained, transporting all of its instruments via bicycle trailers and generating sustainable power from active solar panels on their trailers. The tour included impromptu shows during the ride in addition to nightly shows at overnight stops. The goal of the tour was to promote the harmony of cycling, music and the environment.

Chasing Shade also is committed to giving back to the community and promoting sustainability. The band has contributed to and performed at fundraisers benefiting Amnesty International, Habitat for Humanity and Engineers for a Sustainable World. In addition, Chasing Shade tries to be environmentally conscious with everything it does. The band recently led the "greening" of a music festival called Camp Euphoria.

 

The future of Chasing Shade is exciting. Soon the group plans to leave Iowa City, Beenk says. "We will move to Colorado or California or Europe or anywhere

. . . just somewhere we can grow and expand as musicians."

"We're going to chase the dream," Harris adds.

Tickets are $5 each and will be available at the door. Doors open at 6 p.m.

–30–

02 Aug 2013

Benjamin Kammel Graduates from Western Technical College

By Julie Lemon

LA CROSSE, WI (08/01/2013)(readMedia)-- Benjamin Kammel, of Moline, graduated from Western Technical College in the Bio-Medical Electronics program. Kammel is one of the 1,456 graduates to receive an associate's degree, technical diploma, or certificate in 2013.

Western Technical College is part of the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS). Each year, more than 400,000 Wisconsin residents receive education and training from the state's 16 technical colleges.

To learn more about Western Technical College programs and services, please call 608.785.9200 or visit the website at www.westerntc.edu. For more information on WTCS, visit www.witechcolleges.com.

02 Aug 2013

Patient-Provider Communication Important Factor in Anesthesia Safety Say Iowa's Nurse Anesthetists

By Rick Martin
NEWTON, Iowa - Open communication between patients and their anesthesia providers prior to surgery or other procedures helps ensure patient safety, according to the Iowa Association of Nurse Anesthetists (IANA), the professional association representing more than 350 nurse anesthetists in Iowa. The IANA is committed to promoting patient safety through patient education and robust patient-provider communication.

When preparing for surgery or other procedures involving anesthesia, patients often feel nervous and find they are unable to ask questions or share information when discussing their health and medical treatment with their surgeon or Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). In some cases, this occurs because patients feel afraid to contradict what they consider to be their provider's authority. CRNAs throughout Iowa are making an effort to remove such deterrents that often hinder candid communication between a patient and provider.

"It is imperative that patients realize they have a voice and providers are there to listen and meet their needs. One of the largest components in patient safety and education is open communication," said IANA President Troy Anderson, CRNA. "As CRNAs, everything we do is driven by patient safety. Patients should always feel comfortable discussing their presurgical questions and concerns with their CRNA, whether the topic pertains to types of anesthetics, course of treatment, pre-and post-surgical anesthesia expectations, or anything else that comes to mind regarding their anesthesia care."

CRNAs are the sole anesthesia professionals in 75 percent of Iowa's hospitals, making them a vital healthcare resource to patients across the state. In addition, CRNAs are the sole providers of chronic pain management in 52 percent of Iowa's hospitals, enabling pain patients to receive treatment close to home rather than having to travel great distances for care.

Since 2001, Iowa CRNAs have practiced without physician supervision, establishing a superior record of anesthesia safety and high-quality patient care that was confirmed by the 2010 study titled, "No Harm Found When Nurse Anesthetists Work Without Supervision By Physicians," published in Health Affairs, the nation's leading health policy journal. As advanced practice registered nurses, CRNAs work in every type of setting where anesthesia is delivered, and have the authority to prescribe medications used before, during, and after the administration of anesthesia. They are equipped to oversee every detail pertaining to a patient's anesthesia care.

About the Iowa Association of Nurse Anesthetists
Founded in 1940, the IANA represents more than 350 CRNAs and student registered nurse anesthetists. In 2001, Iowa became the first state to "opt out" of the Medicare physician supervision rule.
02 Aug 2013

"Tunes for Tots" Featured at Rock Island Library's Hug-A-Book Event

By Rick Martin
Rock Island, IL: As part of its goal to support children's early learning needs, this year's Rock Island Public Library Hug-A-Book event will feature "tunes for tots" by a Rock Island musician.  

Musician Chris Dunn, of Rock Island, will provide music for children ages two to five from 6:30 to 7:30 pm on Thursday, August 22 at the Rock Island Main Library, 401 19th Street. Each child attending the event will also receive a free children's book and Hug-A-Book bag to keep, courtesy of the Merrill Harris Hug-A-Book Memorial Fund of the Rock Island Public Library Foundation.

Each Hug-A-Book event includes an educational program designed to support the early learning needs of two-to-five-year-olds. According to Susan Foster, Rock Island Library Children's Service director, music was chosen because of its role in helping children activate language skills. "Music helps very young children practice language, recognize sounds and develop reasoning ability, which are all skills that help children become more ready to read and to learn."

Hug-A-Book is free and open to the public. For more news about library events and hours, visit the library website at www.rockislandlibrary.org, sign up for an email newsletter, follow the library on Facebook or Twitter, or call 309-732-7323 (READ.)

(End)
02 Aug 2013

U.S. Trade Representative Froman, Secretary of Agriculture Vilsack Announce Continued EU Market Access for American Producers of High-Quality Beef

By USDA Office of Communications

Washington, D.C. - August 1, 2013 - Today, United States Trade Representative Michael Froman and Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack announced that the European Union (EU) will continue to provide U.S. beef producers with significant access, at zero duty, to the EU market for high-quality beef produced from non-hormone-treated cattle. The United States and the European Union are planning to extend for two years Phase 2 of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in 2009 in connection with the United States' long-running dispute with the European Union over its ban on beef from cattle treated with certain growth-promoting hormones.

In the year since Phase 2 began, U.S. beef shipments under the quota were an estimated $200 million, up 300 percent from the value of exports in the year before the MOU entered into force. Under the extension, the EU would maintain until August 2, 2015 its duty-free tariff rate quota for high-quality beef, established pursuant to the MOU between the United States of America and the European Commission Regarding the Importation of Beef from Animals not Treated with Certain Growth Promoting Hormones, at the Phase 2 quantity of 45,000 metric tons per year.

"I am very pleased that American ranchers and meat processors will be allowed to ship substantial quantities of high-quality U.S. beef into a market worth millions of dollars to their bottom lines," said Ambassador Froman. "Before the memorandum of understanding was signed, the EU's beef market had been largely closed for far too long. The substantial market access that we have achieved since 2009 shows what we can accomplish with practical, problem-solving approaches to trade barriers."

"Since 2009, this agreement has greatly expanded opportunities for U.S. beef producers to export high-quality products to the European Union," said Vilsack. "By working together with our EU partners to extend this agreement, we have maintained access to a key market for beef products, and set the stage for further progress. USTR and USDA will continue working closely with our trading partners around the world, including the EU, to further expand trade access for U.S. agricultural products."

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (866) 632-9992 (Toll-free Customer Service), (800) 877-8339 (Local or Federal relay), (866) 377-8642 (Relay voice users).


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02 Aug 2013

Illinois National Guard Recruit Sustainment Program ranks ninth nationwide

By U.S. Army Sgt. Jason Treadway, 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

SPRINGFIELD, IL (08/01/2013)(readMedia)-- For the second consecutive year the Illinois Army National Guard's Recruit Sustainment Program (RSP) earned a top 10 ranking nationwide for the number of Soldiers who complete their initial entry training as honor graduates.

The RSP, created in 2004 by the National Guard Bureau, ensures Soldiers are physically, mentally and administratively prepared for the rigors of initial entry training.

In fiscal years 2012 and 2013 more than 12 percent of the Illinois Army National Guard recruits completed Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training as distinguished honor graduates and honor graduates.

"I look at the number of Soldiers graduating as either honor graduate or distinguished honor graduate as a reflection of the high quality of Soldiers that are being enlisted in the Illinois Army National Guard and the training we do at the RSP prior to Soldiers going to basic combat training," said Lt. Col. Mark Alessia of Sherman, commander the Illinois Army National Guard's Recruiting and Retention Command.

The RSP makes significant difference in the overall success of Soldiers, said Master Sgt. Allen Morris of Rochester, who has served with various RSP companies throughout the state since 2005 and now serves as the program's noncommissioned officer in charge.

"The training consists of a lot of basic Soldier tasks, such as rank structure, marching, learning the general orders and the Soldier's creed," said Morris. "But the big focus is on resiliency training."

Resiliency training is an Army program that gives Soldiers the skills needed to face challenges and bounce back from adversity.

Soldiers learn what to expect in basic combat training and advanced individual training and develop the skills to endure some of the hardships they may encounter during that, said Morris.

RSP training includes obstacle courses, tactical combat procedures and classroom instruction and learning tactical combat procedures.

"We like to leave a training weekend on a high note because when we do recruits want to come back and they want to do well," said Morris.

Morris said innovative training plays a large role in the continued success of the RSP.

"We're constantly working with the 13 companies in the RSP to find fresh ideas for training," he said. "A part of our state training meeting is an hour and a half block of new ideas that the first sergeants of these companies can see and say, 'Hey, I want to try that.'"

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