Son of Holocaust Survivors Cites Need to Preserve Older Generation's Stories

As World War II ignited in Europe, the woman who would eventually bring Eli Nussbaum into the world was already a young mother with a husband and a little boy.

The family lived in Poland, part of the largest population of Jews in Europe before the war. As the Nazis invaded her country in 1939, Bella-Rachel Liebermench placed her toddler son in the protection of a monastery.

Eventually, she and her husband would be transported to a concentration camp, where he would die and she would survive torture and deprivation. She would never again find her first little boy.

That story is at the heart of a new novel, The Promise (www.elinussbaum.com), by Nussbaum, now one of the United States' premiere pediatric pulmonologists.

"In writing a novel, I was able to truly immortalize my family's stories because a novel is something that will be read by many more people than just my family," Nussbaum says. "Having a record of a family, like a family tree or what a  genealogist might prepare, is important, but few strangers will want to curl up on a sofa with that and read."

Nussbaum says adult children need to think creatively about how they preserve and pass along their parents' stories. Documenting names, dates and milestones is fine, but the audience for that is limited. Recounting the events that shaped your parents' lives, and their reactions to them, not only preserves their legacies, Nussbaum says, it can provide illustrative and cautionary tales for the world at large.

He suggests:

• Make a StoryCorps recording: StoryCorps is a non-profit organization that has collected and archived more than 40,000 interviews since 2003. Anyone can share their story; it will be archived at the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress and participants receive a CD of their recording. Go to www.storycorps.org, find the location nearest you and make a reservation. Bring a friend or loved one - someone who will either appreciate your story or whose story you want to share - and think about the story you want to tell. Staff at the recording sight will help you; the process takes about 40 minutes.

• Create a digital slide show with soundtrack: Photos set to music are an entertaining and often emotional way to share a story. Don't try to tell a whole life's story in one slideshow - that's more like watching someone's old home movies. Instead, choose an interesting time, event or story to share. As you compile photos, music and narration, remember, you don't want to create a photo album, you want to tell a story. So you should have a beginning, middle and end. Your finished product should be no more than two to three minutes long. Caption the photos with names, dates and places. There are numerous public sites online to share your show.

Nussbaum notes that he wrote his novel after his parents' deaths; he knew the stories, so he didn't have to rely on his parents to re-tell them. Those whose parents are still living should involve them in the process, if possible. With StoryCorps, for example, parents can share their stories in their own words.

"The older generations are beginning to pass away," he notes. "For example, in Israel, where I am also a citizen, a study of Holocaust survivors found that by 2015, 66 percent of the survivors in that country will be over 80 years old, and their numbers will have shrunk from 240,000 to 144,000.

"It's important to preserve their legacy now. If your parents are already gone, you need to do it before you can't remember their stories."

About Eliezer Nussbaum, M.D.

Eliezer Nussbaum, M.D., was born in Katowice, Poland; his father lost his first wife and four children in the Holocaust and his mother lost her first husband and son. He is a professor of Clinical Pediatrics Step VII at the University of California and Chief of Pediatric Pulmonary Medicine and Medical Director of Pediatric Pulmonary and Cystic Fibrosis Center at Memorial Miller Children's Hospital of Long Beach. He has authored two novels, three non-fiction books and more than 150 scientific publications, and was named among the top U.S. doctors by US News and World Report in 2011-12.

DAVENPORT, IA - On May 18, 2012, Ronald Ronnell Hearn, age 28, of Rock Island, Illinois, was sentenced to 12 months of imprisonment for one count of escape from federal custody, announced United States Attorney Nicholas A. Klinefeldt. Chief United States District Judge James E. Gritzner also ordered Hearn to serve a term of supervised release of 3 years following his incarceration and pay an assessment of $100 to Crime Victims Fund.

On Tuesday, November 08, 2011, after having been released from the Federal Bureau of Prisons to the custody of the Residential Re-Entry Center in Davenport, Iowa, Hearn left the facility, ostensibly to look for a job in Rock Island, but failed to return. His GPS tracking bracelet was found by law enforcement in an open field after having been cut off and discarded.

After Hearn was declared an escapee and his image was broadcast on local television stations, he turned himself in to police.

This investigation was conducted by the United States Marshals Service, the Illinois State Police, the Rock Island, Illinois, Police Department, the Rock Island County Sheriff's Office, the East Moline, Illinois, Police Department, the Davenport, Iowa, Police  Department, and the Illinois Department of Corrections. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney's Office, Southern District of Iowa.

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Dear Rivermont Community,

 

Congratulations to the Class of 2012!  This year's class has finished their AP exams and projects and are currently involved in their Senior Projects.  These projects place our students in professional environments that give them first-hand exposure to their chosen professions.  The students will make formal presentations of their projects on Wednesday, May 30 at 5:30 PM in the Auditorium.  Everyone is invited to this special program that is the culmination of a Rivermont education.

 

 

The Class of 2012

Matt Newsome
University of Pennsylvania



Meghana Yerrapothu
University of Illinois at Chicago

Joann Weeks
Benedictine University

 

Pavane Gorrepati
Yale University


Meghana Pagadala
California Institute of Technology





 

Christine
Christine Mbakwe
Washington University in St. Louis

 

Ramya
Ramya Prabhu
University of Illinois at Chicago

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pavane Gorrepati, Matt Newsome, Ramya Prabhu, and Joann Weeks also share the distinction of joining the Heritage Club.  These students are affectionately known as "lifers" since they have been at Rivermont since Kindergarten!

 

The Class of 2012 received acceptances to the following colleges and universities across all sections of the United States: East Coast, West Coast, Midwest, and South. To date students have been offered $1,630,294.00 in renewable merit scholarships over 4 years.

 

American University DC

Augsburg College MN

Augustana College IL

Baylor University TX

Benedictine University IL

Boston University MA

Brown University RI

California Institute of Technology CA

Case Western Reserve University OH

College of New Jersey, NJ

Columbia University NY

Cornell University NY

Dartmouth College NH

DePaul University IL

Duquesne University PA

Drew University NJ

Drexel University PA

Duke University NC

Emory University GA

Gustavus Adolphus College MN

Johns Hopkins University MD

Kent State University OH

Knox College IL

Lehigh University PA

Michigan Technological University MI

New Jersey Institute of Technology NJ

New York University NY

Northern Michigan University MI

Northwestern University IL

Pennsylvania State University PA

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute NY

Rice University, TX

Richard Stockton College NJ

Rosemont College PA

Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey-Newark NJ

St. Ambrose University IA

St. Bonaventure University NY

St. Louis University MO

Sienna College NY

Stanford University CA

Stevens Institute of Technology, NJ

Stony Brook University NY

Temple University PA

Union College NY

University of Alabama AL (EMSAP)

University of Chicago IL

University of Cincinnati OH

University of Connecticut CT

University of Illinois at Chicago IL

University of Iowa IA

University of Kansas KS

University of Maryland MD

University of Miami FL

University of Minnesota, Morris MN

University of Minnesota, Twin Cities MN

University of Missouri- Kansas City MO

University of Pennsylvania PA

University of Pittsburgh PA

University of Southern Alabama AL

University of Rochester NY

University of Toledo OH

University of Virginia VA

Ursinus College PA

Vanderbilt University TN

Villanova University PA

Virginia Commonwealth University VA

Washington and Jefferson College PA

Washington University in St. Louis MO

Wayne state University MI

West Chester University PA

Widener University PA

Yale University CT

Youngstown State University OH

 

Intellect, Character, and Creativity!

 

Rick St. Laurent

Headmaster

 

Join us for our 125th Commencement Exercises on
Friday, June 1, 10:00 AM on the South Terrace of the Mansion.
DAVENPORT, IA - On May 18, 2012, Kerry Bernard Morgan, age 43, from Davenport, Iowa, was sentenced to 41 months of imprisonment by Chief United States District Court Judge James E. Gritzner, having previously pleaded guilty to felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Nicholas A. Klinefeldt. Morgan also was ordered to serve three years of supervised release and pay $100 towards the Crime Victims Fund.

On September 2, 2011, the Davenport Police Department executed a search warrant at Morgan's residence in Davenport, seizing a .357 handgun and ammunition, marijuana, digital scales, cash and drug packaging material. Morgan had prior felony convictions, including a conviction for burglary.

This investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Davenport Police Department. This case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

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Legislation incorporates several Braley proposals to strengthen sexual assault protections, protect vets from home foreclosure; bill stops changes at Des Moines Air Guard facility

Washington, D.C. - The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that passed the US House of Representatives today included provisions authored by Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) to reduce sexual assault and domestic violence in the military and provide additional protections for veterans against foreclosure.  The legislation would also block a proposed Air Force recommendation to eliminate over 700 jobs at the Des Moines-based 132nd Iowa Air National Guard Fighter Wing.

"These provisions make important changes that would reduce the incidence of sexual assault in the military, protect more veterans and their families from home foreclosure, and protect the Des Moines Air National Guard Fighter Wing from cuts," Braley said.  "This is important to many Iowans in uniform and to many veterans, and I'm encouraged that they moved a step closer to implementation today.  We've worked hard to get this done for our men and women in uniform and those who have served, and we'll keep working until the job's done."

 

In April 2011, Braley introduced the Holley Lynn James Act, a bill that would force the Department of Defense to make changes to reduce the incidence of sexual assault and domestic violence in the military.  Several of the bill's provisions were included in a Defense bill that passed the House in December; this April, the Pentagon announced it was implementing several provisions from the Holley Lynn James Act.  Today's bill includes a provision from the Holley Lynn James Act that ensures senior officers -- higher up the chain of command -- review any accusation of sexual assault.

Also included in the Defense bill passed today was an amendment introduced by Braley to expand veterans' mortgage foreclosure protections to spouses of veterans who were killed in action, and disabled veterans.  In October, the House passed Braley's Protecting Veterans Homes Act to expand foreclosure protections for returning veterans.

Finally, the Defense bill also included language that would block the US Air Force from following through on their threat to eliminate over 700 jobs at the 132nd Iowa National Guard Fighter wing based at the Des Moines airport.  For months, Braley has pressed Congressional leaders and the Pentagon to abandon their plans to downsize the fighter wing.

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Davenport, IA- The German American Heritage Center will host Matt Gaul as he presents "Autos meet Architecture" on Sunday May 20th at 2pm. His talk will take us through the green architecture of German auto firms and how they incorporate iconic symbols off the road and into the landscape! Matt Gaul is a recent graduate in Architecture at Iowa State University and alum of Bettendorf High School. Admission is $5 adults, $4 seniors, $3 children 5-17, and free for members and will be held on the 4th floor of GAHC at 712 W 2nd St Davenport, IA. This event is sponsored in part by Brake, Hayes, Miller, Mahon Architects. Please call 563-322-8844 or visit gahc.org for more information.


Governor to Meet with World Leaders During NATO;

Summit will Increase Illinois' Trade and Export Opportunities

 

CHICAGO - May 18, 2012. Just before the start of the 2012 NATO Summit in Chicago, Governor Pat Quinn today announced that Illinois exports rose more than 17 percent in the first quarter of 2012 to its highest point in more than a decade. The announcement also follows the successful reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank, backed by Governor Quinn, to finance exports for hundreds of Illinois companies. These developments keep the state on track to meet the Governor's aggressive goal of doubling exports by 2014.

 

During the NATO Summit, Governor Quinn will also meet with world leaders to bolster trade relations for Illinois.

 

"We want to welcome the world to Illinois and continue to make more of our goods and services available around the globe," Governor Quinn said. "Illinois' long-term economic growth depends on our ability to compete in the global economy. These latest export numbers prove that our work to create jobs and grow our economy is paying off."

 

Illinois continues to rank first in the Midwest for exports and foreign direct investment and was the sixth largest U.S. exporting state in 2011.

 

During the 2012 NATO summit, Governor Quinn will work to increase trade opportunities with visiting nations and meet with several heads of state to bolster Illinois' international relations. Expanding global trade partnerships is critical to Illinois' continued economic growth. In the first quarter of 2012, Illinois exports grew to $17.2 billion - up from $14.7 billion in the same time period last year - representing the state's highest quarterly export figure in more than a decade. A rise in sales of industrial machinery, petroleum and coal products, autos and auto parts, and chemicals fueled the gains. Additionally, emerging markets, including China and Brazil, purchased Illinois products to construct roads and factories.

 

"Exports are a key growth engine for the state. We are focused on making sure Illinois competes with the world by developing long-term strategies to target emerging markets and new business opportunities," Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Acting Director David Vaught said. "Illinois is well positioned to take advantage of the national rise in exports as our state has the airports, major train lines and interstate highways to make it easy to move goods from factories to international markets."

 

In 2011, Governor Quinn announced an aggressive plan to double Illinois exports by the end of 2014. To help reach that goal, the Governor established the Illinois Export Advisory Council earlier this year. The Council, chaired by Navistar Chairman and CEO Daniel C. Ustian, is working to increase exports by providing recommendations on the state and federal policies and programs. The Council consists of 21 top Illinois CEOs and private sector leaders that drive international trade for Illinois.

 

Governor Quinn also applauded recent Congressional action to reauthorize funding for the U.S. Export-Import Bank and raise the limit on the bank's loan portfolio. In recent months, the Governor and the Export Advisory Council have urged Congress to pass a four-year reauthorization of funding for the bank, which has financed exports since the Depression. Without Congressional action, the bank faced the possibility of shutting down by the end of this month when its legal authorization was set to expire. Over the past five years, the Export-Import bank has assisted more than 280 Illinois companies, 67 percent of which are the small- and medium-sized businesses that are crucial to Illinois' economic growth.

 

The NATO Summit is expected to provide an additional economic boost as visitors and leaders from around the world visit and patronize Chicago businesses. The European Union is one of Illinois' key trading partners. European companies' investments in Illinois are the largest from any region in the world, with countries such as the U.K., Germany and France serving as top investors. Countries within the European Union have 723 firms with 3,476 locations in Illinois, employing more than 183,137 Illinoisans. Some of those companies include Siemans Industry, T-Mobile USA, Deutsch Bank, Philips Electronics, Chrysler-FIAT SPA and Volvo Group of North America.

 

Governor Quinn is committed to showcasing Illinois on the world stage and recruiting new business to our state. The Governor recently traveled to Washington D.C. where he met with Brazil President Rousseff and nine governors from Brazil to focus on trade relations. The Governor will also lead a trade mission to Brazil later this year.

 

In March, Governor Quinn traveled to Belgium on an economic trade mission where he met with key business and economic leaders from countries within the European Union, which has resulted in a global corporate headquarters' move to Illinois. Also in March, Governor Quinn attended the Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association (CRFA) trade show, which is the leading foodservices and hospitality event in Canada, to promote Illinois' foodservices industry, as well as tourism and life sciences industries. The Governor led a trade mission to China last fall that resulted in $370 million in new business agreements for Illinois-based companies.

 

Illinois unemployment rate dropped to 8.7 percent, marking eight consecutive months of falling unemployment and the lowest rate in three years. Over the last three months, Illinois has averaged approximately 6,300 new jobs each month. Illinois' job picture shows a growing economy, in part because of rising exports.

 

Export figures are based on U.S. Census Bureau data provided by the World Institute for Strategic Economic Research, an international trade data center. More information about Illinois trade and business opportunities can be found on the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity's website at www.illinoisbiz.biz.

 

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Save the Date

Join Quad Cities Interfaith on October 5th, 2012 for QCI's 25th Anniversary Celebration and Fundraiser at the St. Ambrose Rogalski Center from 6-10pm. We'll keep you updated as the details unfold.

Leadership Assembly

QCI meets every month on the second Tuesday of the month. Next meeting is Tuesday, June 12th, 2012 at 6:30 pm at St. Mary's Parish Center (525 Fillmore, Dav.). Come and grow with us.

What's New

QCI is bringing toegther local clergy to work on an action calling for equitable acces to public works jobs. The next planning meeting for an August action will be at the QCI Religious Leaders Gathering onTuesday, July 17th at 11:00am, hosted by Reverend Rogers Kirk, Jr. Pastor, Third Missionary Baptist Church. We will meet at 222 W. 14th Street, Davenport. If your clergy or congregation would like more information , contact Leslie Kilgannon at 563.322.4910

Come visit QCI at the QC Juneteenth Festival on June 23rd, 2012 from 10am-9pm at LeClaire Park (downtown Davenport). For more info, visit www.qcjuneteenth.com


QCI would like to let all congregations know about local summer food programs:
Project NOW will conduct a Summer Food Service Program for children ages 0-18 years during the summer.  The addresses and dates of operation are below:

Colona Grade School                         June 4 to June 29
700 1st St. Colona, IL 61241

Eagle Ridge School                         June 4 to August 10
2002 Eagle Ridge Dr, Silvis, IL 61282

Moline Housing Authority, Springbrook                    June 4 to August 10
4141 11th Avenue A, Moline, IL 61265

Oak Grove                          June 4 to August 10
2215 Morton Dr, East Moline, IL 61241

The Summer Food Service Program is available to all eligible children regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.  To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call toll free (866) 632-9992 (Voice).  Individuals who are hearing impaired or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339; or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish).  USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

If you are interested in further information regarding this program, please contact Ron Lund at 309-793-6391.

The Davenport Community Schools will offer free meals to children from 1-18 years old at summer program site, and the city's parks department will provide activities. Adults may accompany children to the sites, but meals are provided only for the children. The Community Cafe sites will operate June 11 through July 13, expect July 4.

Outdoor sites (lunch only):

Goose Creek/Americana Park, West 60th and Scott streets, 10:50 a.m.-11:25 a.m.

Herrington Park, 1100 Gaines St., 12:15-12:35 p.m.

Roosevelt Center, 1220 Minnie Ave., 11:35-11:55 a.m.

Sister Concetta Park, 6th and Warren streets, 11:40 a.m. to noon

Van Buren Park, Lincoln and Elmwood avenues, 11-11:20 a.m.

Whalen Park, 2800 W. 72nd St., 11:45 a.m. to 12:05 p.m.

Emeis Park, 2000 Emeis Drive, 12:15-12:35 p.m.

Indoor sites

Buchanan Elementary, 4515 N. Fairmount St., 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

Garfield Elementary, 902 E. 29th St., breakfast from 7:40-8:05 a.m. and lunch from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. extended dates June 4-July 27

Hayes Elementary, 622 S. Concord St., 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Madison Elementary, 116 E. Locust St., breakfast from 7:40-8:05 a.m., lunch from 11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m.

Monroe Elementary, 1926 W. 4th St., breakfast from 7:40-8:05 a.m., lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Truman Elementary, 5506 N. Pine St., lunch from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Washington Elementary, 1608 E. Locust St., breakfast 8-8:30 a.m. June 11-June 28 only, lunch 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Davenport Parks and Recreation will offer free activities for children before and after lunch June 11 to July13. Parks staff and Youth Corps Volunteers will provide art, music, games, gardening, story time and more as an expansion of the mobile playground program. Before lunch activities will run from 10 am to 11:30 am at the Roosevelt Center, aTruman Elementary sites. After lunch activities will be held from 12:30-1 pm at the Hayes and Washington Elementary sites and 12-1:30 pm at Goose Creek/Americana Park. No registration is required.

Help support QCI through the Birdies For Chartity (John Deere Classic). The Birdies for Chartity organization has been around for years and has given out millions of dollars to non-profit organizations in the Quad Cities Area. On the average, if you donate just $.01 you will give $15 - $20. You may also give a one time gift of your choice for a dollar amount that you chose. This program also gives QCI a bonus of 5 to 10 % of the dollar amount donated in our name. Our Birdies for Chartity # 1065 is what you want to use so QCI will get your donation. We will pledge cards at the QCI office or you should be able to download a pledge card from the birdies for chartiy website http://www.birdiesforchartity.com/birdies.html. All donations are tax deductible.

QCI Monthly Committees

Fundraising meets June 1st, 2012
The Fundraising Committee is currently working on QCI's 25th Anniversary Fundraising Celebration to be held October 5th, 2012. We are very excited about this event and will give you more details as our event details unfold. Please save this date. We hope to have all of you there. We are currently working on a Taco Tuesday Fundraising event to be held at Mulligan's Valley Pub in Coal Valley in July. We are waiting for a date confirmation from Mulligan's. And will keep you posted as we work out the details. We are very excited about all the FUN we are having this year!

Transportation Equity and Jobs Coalition
The Transportation Equity and Jobs has been working hard to ensure that our community benefits with local jobs and a diverse workforce on  the Chicago to Moline Passenger Rail . The Coalition continues to grow and has participation from the US Department of Labor's Office of Apprenticeship, Youth Build Quad Cities, NAACP Davenport and NAACP Rock Island County, as well as many people of faith. Recently leaders met with IL Secretary of Transportation Ann Schenider and IL DOT Chief Counsel Ellen Schanzle about implemetation of Project Labor Agreement, and implementation of the CBA platform in the rail projects in the QCA, Springfield and East St Louis. 

QCI transportation leader participated in the Transportation Equity Network (TEN) annual conference in Washington D.C. in April to connect with others who are working on similar projects across the US and also met with our legislators to tell them about what the Quad Cities is doing and seeking their support. Our next Task force meeting is May 23rd at 10 AM at Church of Peace in Rock Island. This task force wil be working closely with the clergy who are planning a transportation and jobs action later in the summer.

Local QCI leaders meet US Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood: Mr. LaHood spoke at Rock Island and Scott County's Annual Law Day 2012. Pictured are: Illinois Supreme Court Justice McBride, QCI Board Member ClaraDelle Thompson, US Transportation Secreatry Ray LaHood, QCI Director Leslie Kilgannon and QCI Leader Rev. Michael Swartz, Pastor, Church of Peace, UCC in Rock Island. 
Immigration Task Force  
The Immigration Task Force is focusing on voter registration, making sure eligible voters are registered. Friday April 20th, QCI leaders will join a national webinar training on GOTV, voter registration. Task force is also focusing on know your rights sessions for the immigrant communities in the Quad Cities. A broader concern is that each immigrant understands the rights and challenges pertinent to his or her immigration status. The task force is looking at ways to work with other entities in the community to make this information available. Training will  be provided to task force members so they will have a fuller understanding of immigration legal issues. Lastly, the task force has been discussing the problem of human trafficking along Interstate 80 in Iowa.  The task force will continue to explore this issue. Our next meeting is Tuesday, May 22nd, 2012 at 5:30pm at Village Inn (Harrison Street).

Health Equity Task Force
The Health Equity Task Force is looking at health care issues that arise when patients are not fluent in written and spoken English.  We know that clear communication is often a challenge in health care encounters, especially those that are stressful, but a whole level of complexity is added when a third party translator is involved.  Finding ways to help these situations locally will help reduce certain disparities in health care, improve equity in health care services, and ultimately, we hope, improve the health of a significant number of members of our community.  Please join us at our next meeting:  5:00 PM, Thursday, May 31st, 2012, QCI Conference Room, 111 E. 3rd St (4th floor), Davenport.
Hear Us Now Youth Leaders
Yvonne Villagomez has organized and is leading a group of 10 or so Latino youths from St. Mary's Davenport parish.  The youth have made it clear that they're interested in tackling the issues of immigration/discrimination and bullying.  The leader are planning their meeting with our elected congress persons to discuss the need for humane immigration reform that keeps families together. If your youth groups wants to get involved, please call QCI office.
Upcoming Events:

QCI monthly Leadership Assembly -- Tuesday, June 12th at St Mary's Church - 912 Fillmore, Davenport
Gamaliel of Illinois National LeadershipTraining July 8th-July 14th,2012  Mundelein, IL
Gamaliel of Illinios Week Long Training August 5th-August 11th, 2012 Chicago, IL
International Leadership Training December 6th-8th, 2012 (site TBD)

Coming Soon- Back by Popular Demand! QCI Taco Night Fundraisier coming this July 2012! Watch this space for more info!

Community Events

Welcome to Quad Cities Interfaith Newsletter


Hi, we are hoping you are enjoying our newsletter. Please take some time and check out our new website. It's the same web address, but a whole new look. Bare with us as we get all our information moved. We'd  love to hear any feedback from all of you about our newsletter and our website. Also, we would welcome information about faith-based activities to post on our newsletter. We reserve the right to edit for space and content.  Be patient with us as we grow in using the newsletter.  If you like this, please forward to your friends. Have a Blessed Day!
Contact Us:
Quad Cities Interfaith
111 E 3rd Street Suite 423, Davenport, IA 52801
563-322-4910 qcinterfaith@gmail.com

Legislation to support our troops clears the House of Representatives with bipartisan support

Washington, DC - Congressman Bobby Schilling (IL-17) released the following statement after the House of Representatives approved H.R. 4310, its version of the Fiscal Year 2013 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA):

"Ensuring our organic industrial base and our men and women in combat are prepared for whatever threats tomorrow may bring is of the utmost importance to me," Schilling said. "It's an honor to represent the interests of warfighters, veterans, the Rock Island Arsenal, and our region's manufacturing capabilities on the House Armed Services Committee, and I'm pleased so many colleagues on both sides of the aisle supported today's defense bill.  I will work to ensure that the bill approved by the Senate and sent to the President meets the high standards those in our defense and intelligence communities deserve."   

The NDAA is annual comprehensive legislation that specifies the budget authority of the United States Department of Defense (DOD) and additional national security programs under the Department of Energy (DOE).  The Act supports common defense and provides for the needs of our troops, ensuring that they have access to the best possible tools, equipment, and training necessary to complete their mission.  The FY2013 NDAA authorizes $544 billion for national defense and $88.5 billion for Overseas Contingencies Operations.  This is nearly $4 billion more than the President's budget request, but less than last year's request.  It is, however, consistent with the budget resolution the House passed last month.  The Senate Armed Services Committee is scheduled to begin considering its version of the defense authorization on May 22.  

Schilling worked with several of his colleagues to ensure a number of bipartisan provisions were included in this year's NDAA, the 51st annual defense authorization bill.  Schilling's provisions include :

  • Language authored with Congressman Dave Loebsack (IA-02), also a member of HASC, to ensure DOD recognizes the critical manufacturing work done at facilities like the RIA in our overarching national security strategy, and reviews how to maintain those skills and therefore the people who do the work.  Schilling and Loebsack are building on their historic, bipartisan work to strengthen the arsenal in last year's NDAA.
  • Language authored with Congressman Steve Stivers (OH-15) to better shape the policies and practices of TRICARE to efficiently and effectively account for the specific health care needs of children.  TRICARE is the military health care system covering 9.6 million, including military retirees, the children and families of active duty soldiers, and National Guard and Reservists.  As the program's reimbursement structure is based on Medicare, TRICARE often adopts policies and practices from Medicare that do not account for pediatric health care delivery and settings.  This Schilling and Stivers language will convene a working group to review and make recommendations for improving TRICARE policies and practices to account for children's needs, and work jointly with specialty providers of children's health care.
  • Language authored with Congressman Dan Lipinski (IL-03) to encourage cooperation between the DOD and universities to uncover the remains of American troops who died in action overseas. This bipartisan provision will help provide closure for families with lost loved ones, and will honor those who gave so much for our country.  Universities such as the University of Illinois are already working to reduce the backlog of cases that have been reported but not investigated or for which remains have been located but not recovered, but there is bureaucratic red tape that complicates coordinating efforts with the DOD.  This provision will help DOD be more cost effective and increase the speed at which we can bring our warfighters home from more friendly countries, allowing the DOD to focus on its recovery efforts in more dangerous areas of the world.
  • Language authored with Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-32), who serves with Schilling on the Small Business Committee, to reform small business contracting and make it easier for small contractors wishing to do business with the federal government.  Small businesses have proven that they can perform a service or produce goods for the government at a lower cost and often at a faster pace than their larger counterparts, but many challenges remain for businesspeople seeking to break through the bureaucracy.  This bipartisan provision allows the Small Business Administration to oversee civilian mentor-protégé programs (programs intended to partner small businesses with established mentors  to improve the small business' ability to win contracts and subcontracts), facilitating inter-agency agreements, guaranteeing that programs benefit small businesses, and encouraging equal treatment among all small businesses, including those owned by women and minorities.

The legislation includes a number of broader provisions as well, including:

  • Provisions providing for the warfighter and military families: The NDAA seeks to provide our warfighters and their families with the care and support they need, deserve, and have earned.  It ensures that our military is robust, flexible, and capable.  The NDAA rejects Administration proposals to increase some TRICARE fees and establish new TRICARE fees; authorizes a 1.7 percent pay increase; and extends bonuses and special pay for our servicemen and women.  It also reflects a bipartisan effort actively supported by Schilling to provide new regulations and procedures to combat and prosecute sexual assault within the military.
  • Provisions to maintain and rebuild our military:  The NDAA does not authorize additional rounds of Base Closure and Realignment Commission (BRAC) in either FY2013 or FY2015, as had been called for by the Department of Defense.  Schilling strongly opposed efforts to authorize a BRAC.  The bill includes and restores vital systems, platforms, and authorities to maintain America's combat power after a decade of war.
  • Provisions pertaining to detainees:  The FY2012 NDAA reaffirmed U.S. authority to pursue terrorists who are part of or substantially support al Qaeda, the Taliban, or associated forces.  The FY2013 NDAA, though the incorporation of the Right to Habeas Corpus Act, makes clear beyond a shadow of a doubt that every American will have his day in court.  It also prohibits the transfer of Guantanamo Bay detainees to the United States.

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egislation also includes initiative to boost to Rock Island Arsenal; Housing fix for the Guard; Pay raise for Troops

 

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack today applauded House passage of critical provisions in the FY 2013 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).  Included in the legislation was an amendment authored by Loebsack that would prevent personnel and aircraft from the 132nd Fighter Wing based in Des Moines from being retired or cut. As the only Member of Congress from Iowa on the House Armed Services Committee, Loebsack also included a provision that directs the Department of Defense to identify the critical manufacturing capabilities provided by arsenals, including Rock Island Arsenal, and determine the amount of work that is required to maintain them in peacetime.

 

"The men and women who serve our nation deserve the best support, resources and care available.  While I do not support every provision in this bill, I am proud to have addressed many Iowa priorities in this bill and to have addressed critical national security challenges.  I am pleased the House voted in a bipartisan fashion to save the 132nd fighter wing, provide a boost for the Rock Island Arsenal and provide a deserved pay increase for the troops.  The quality of work being performed, especially by the Iowa Air Guard and the highly-skilled men and women at the Arsenal, is vital to our national security and second to none."

 

Below are additional details about Loebsack initiatives included in the legislation.

 

Amendment to save the 132nd Fighter Wing

  • The bill includes language authored by Loebsack to prevent personnel cuts and retirements or transfer of Air National Guard aircraft, including the 132nd Fighter Wing in Des Moines.  The bipartisan amendment was offered in Committee and was cosponsored by Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-CA).

 

Boost for Rock Island Arsenal; Stops BRAC rounds

  • · Congressmen Loebsack and Bobby Schilling (IL-17) worked together to include language that directs the DOD to identify the critical manufacturing capabilities provided by arsenals and determine the amount of work that is required to maintain them in peacetime.  The two also joined in fighting to ensure no there will be no BRAC rounds in either FY 2013 or FY 2015.

 

Housing Benefits Fix for National Guard

  • Also included in the NDAA, was Loebsack's legislation that prohibits reductions in the rate of Basic Allowance for Housing for members of the National Guard who transition from full time National Guard duty to active duty or from active duty to full time National Guard duty. Under current policy, some National Guardsmen who make this transition see their benefits reduced at a time when they and their families can least afford it because of a policy that changes how their benefits are calculated.

 

National Guard Counterdrug Schools

  • The legislation reauthorizes the National Guard Counterdrug Schools like the Iowa Guard runs at Camp Dodge (the Midwest Counterdrug Training Center). The Center provides critical training to local law enforcement from across Iowa and the country to help keep drugs off of our streets.

 

Pay Raise for troops

  • As a member of the Military Personnel Subcommittee, Loebsack worked to provide a 1.7 percent pay increase in pay for our troops.

 

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