16 Jul 2012

Quad Cities Interfaith Newsletter July 2012

By Quad Cities Interfaith

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.


QCI in Action

 

Quad Cities Interfaith, LULAC, NAACP, Churches United and the Davenport Civil Rights Commission have been meeting with Davenport Chief of Police Donchez and various City Officials for the past two years regarding our concerns about racial profiling by local law enforcement. The goal of this group is to eliminate incidnets of racial profiling or the perception that law enforcement is profing in our community.  A St. Ambrose Professor and his Grad students have completed a base line study on racial profiling and have requested from the City $15,000.00 a year for four years, for a more detailed annual study. During this current base line study, the report shows  the police department have thusfar been very cooperative with St. Ambrose. It is expected that the city will commit the money for a more detailed study.  The organizations are pleased with the current cooperation between the organizations and the Davenport Police Department and hope to model this project so partnerships can be formed in other Quad Cities.

Leadership Assembly

QCI meets every month on the second Tuesday of the month. Next meeting is Tuesday, August 14th, 2012 at 6:30 pm at St. Mary's Parish Center (525 Fillmore, Dav.). Come and grow with us.


What's New

Quad Cities Construction Employment Workshop is Saturday, July 21st, 2012 at Second Baptist Church (919 6th Ave, Rock Island, IL) 10 am to 2 pm. The Rock Island County NAACP, Quad Cities Interfaith, And IL/IA Center for Independent LIving would like to talk about the upcoming rail and transportation projects in the QCA, other upcoming construction projects in the QCA, building business relationships, job readiness skills, and  becoming a Certified Disadvantages Business Enterprise (DBE). Any Questions can be answered by Liz Sherwin at 309-793-0090/Liz@iicil.com or Leslie Kilgannon at 563-322-4910/qcikilgannon@gmail.com.

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.



Here is Rock Island and Moline meal/activity site info:

 

Broadway Presbyterian Church

June 11th - July 20th

12 - 12:30 Lunch

4 - 4:30 Dinner

 

15th Avenue Christian Church

June 4th - June 29th

12 - 12:30 Lunch

 

Church of Peace

June 4th - August 2nd

9 - 9:30 Breakfast

12 - 12:30 Lunch

 

Rausch Park

June 4th - August 2nd

11:30 - 12:00 Lunch

4 - 4:30 Dinner

 

Truth Temple

June 4th - August 2nd

4 - 4:30 Dinner

 

Rock Island Academy

June 11th - July 20th

10 - 10:30 Breakfast

12 - 12:30 Lunch

 

Academy for Math and Science

June 11th - July 20th

10 - 10:30 Breakfast

12 - 12:30 Lunch

 

Ridgewood Elementary School

June 11th - July 20th

10 - 10:30 Breakfast

12 - 12:30 Lunch

 

Frances Willard School

June 11th - July 20th

9 - 9:30 Breakfast

12 - 12:30 Lunch

 

Martin Luther King Center

June 11th - July 20th

9 - 9:30 Breakfast

12 - 12:30 Lunch

 

The Place 2B

June 4th - August 2nd

5 - 5:30 Dinner

 

Union Congregational Church

June 8th - July 27th

Fridays only

5 - 6 Dinner

 

Longfellow Elementary School

June 5th - July 20th

7:50 - 8:15 Breakfast

11:45 - 12:15 Lunch

 

Casa Guanajuato

June 4th - August 10th

8 - 9 Breakfast

11:30 - 12:00 Lunch

4 - 5:00 Dinner

 

Valley View Apartments

June 4th - August 10th

8:30 - 9:00 Breakfast

12:00 - 12:30 Lunch

 

Pheasant Ridge Apartments

June 4th - August 10th

9 - 9:30 Breakfast

12 - 12:30 Lunch

 

Immanuel Lutheran Church

June 11th - July 20th

8:30 - 9 Breakfast

12 - 12:30 Lunch

Most, but not all, sites have enrichment activities besides meals.  All is free.  For more information, call Nora at Church of Peace 788-6357.

QCI Monthly Committees

Fundraising meets August 14th, 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  in July.  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 Task Force is hosting a meeting with officials from the Iowa Department of Transportation on Wedensday, June 27th at 3rd Missionary Baptist Church in Davenport.The goal of this meeting is to build a relationship between our leaders and the Iowa DOT Officials and to see if there are ways to partner in our common interest of extending the rail line from the Illinois to the Iowa Quad Cities.  The next regular task force meeting is Wednesday July 18th at 10 am at Church of Peace, Rock Island to plan a local leadership training.

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, July 24th, 2012.

Health Equity Task Force

The Health Equity Task Force continues to learn about the issues involved in medical interpretation and translation and how they affect equitible access to medical services in the Quad Cities.  We are currently working primarily with Genesis Health System.  We have also been networking with Broadway Presbyterian Church in order to see how our work and theirs on this issue might be mutually supportive.  Our next Task Force meeting will be Monday, July 16, 2012.  We will be meeting with representatives of Genesis Health System to continue our dialogue.The Task Force is committed to finding solutions that will 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.

Upcoming Events:

QCI monthly Leadership Assembly -- Tuesday, August 14th at St Mary's Church - 516 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)

Back by Popular Demand! QCI Taco Night Fundraisier is on July 17th, 2012! Join us at Azteca 1 (4811 N Brady St) Walnut Center from 5 pm to 8pm. Buffett dinner. Drinks not included. $10.00 per person. Call QCI for your Ticket reservations 563-322-4910.

Community Events

Broadway Church (710 23rd Street, Rock Island, IL) invites everyone to our FREE Annual Concerts on the Lawn this summer.  
All of our concerts are free, and we invite you to join us!

  • Our first concert on June 17 featured Christopher Sheridan, a local solo artist, with a blend of acoustic rock and folk.

  • July 15 brings the Just 4 Fun Band - five ladies from the Quad Cities performing old-time string music.

  • For our final concert of the summer on August 19, we welcome Rose 'n' Thorns, with their mix of music from the '50's through the '90's.

All three concerts will be from 4:00 to 6:30 p.m. on our lawn.  (In case of rain or other inclement weather, concerts will be held indoors as scheduled.)  
Refreshments will be available for a donation during each concert.  So bring lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy great FREE music and fellowship!

For more information, see the church website (www.BroadwayQC.org) as the dates approach or contact the church office (309-786-2631 orBroadway@BroadwayQC.org).


Crrection: In last month's newsletter we miss identified Illinios Supreme Cout Justice Tom Kilbride. We regret our error.

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 at www.qcinterfaith.org. 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!

16 Jul 2012

Lights! Sirens! Action!

By Jenna Smith

WHAT: Lights! Sirens! Action! Emergency Responders Exhibit
WHEN: Opens Saturday, July 21 - February!

WHERE: Putnam Museum
COST: Exhibit Hall Pricing: Adult: $7; Senior/Military/Student: $6; Youth: $5; Members: Free. Make it the perfect emergency combo by adding Rescue 3D for only $4.50!

 

DAVENPORT - Lights! Sirens! Action! is an exhibit that explores how emergency responders spring into action when someone calls 911! This is a family oriented, hands-on exhibit that features local emergency responders - fire fighters, law enforcement officers, EMT's and dispatchers who help people in emergency situations.

See equipment used by local responders and discover how new technologies have changed the way responders do their jobs. Local emergency staff and vehicles will be on-site for you to explore at the Museum on Saturdays to have an up-close and personal experience!

Talk to the professionals and tour the emergency vehicles that will be at the Museum Saturdays through September!

Saturday, July 28: East Moline Police Department

Saturday, August 4: Quad City Airport Fire Department

Saturday, August 11: Red Cross Emergency Responders Vehicle and Medic Ambulance

Saturday, August 25: Rock Island Police Department

Saturday, September 1: Davenport Police Department

Saturday, September 8: Bettendorf Police

Saturday, September 15: Scott County Sheriff and Media Ambulance

Saturday, September 22: Davenport Fire Department

Saturday, September 29: Scott County Sheriff and Medic Ambulance

 

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16 Jul 2012

Judicial conference on Maui scrutiny continues

By Grassley Press
Monday, July 16, 2012

Sen. Chuck Grassley, ranking member of the Judiciary Committee, and Sen. Jeff Sessions, ranking member of the Budget Committee, have been scrutinizing the expense of the Ninth Judicial Circuit's upcoming conference in Hawaii.  The Ninth Circuit announced that it will cancel next year's conference.  Grassley and Sessions are seeking cost containment for the Hawaii conference this year, as well as for future conferences.  Grassley made the following comment.

"After weeks of scrutiny, it's good to see a response at last to criticism of expensive conferences.  However, while an encouraging sign, cancelling next year's conference does not necessarily signal lasting change.  This year's conference is likely to be expensive, and future events could be expensive, as well.  I'm looking for long-term spending reductions and restraint on conference expenditures."

The Ninth Circuit's 2013 conference cancellation announcement is available here.

Grassley and Sessions sent a second letter to the Ninth Circuit on Friday.  That letter is available here.

16 Jul 2012

Fun Fair Entertainment and Activities Just For Kids

By Lori Chappell

DES MOINES, IA (07/16/2012)(readMedia)-- At the 2012 Iowa State Fair "Nothing Compares" to the kids activities and entertainment all free with gate admission. From Blue Ribbon Kids to the Fun Forest Stage and family-friendly fun in the Kids' Zone, Fairgoers will always have something to see or do. The Fair is set August 9-19.

The Kids' Zone - a special area packed with food, games and entertainment - is planned with young Fairgoers in mind. Check out the stunts at the BMX Pros Trick Team show, try your green thumb at Little Hands on the Farm and visit the Blue Ribbon Kids tent for a fun activity. Stroller and wheelchair rentals are also located in the Kids' Zone.

Blue Ribbon Kids, the Fair's special club for ages 10 and under, allows children to experience the Fair from a unique perspective. Blue Ribbon Kids members will get to be part of the action during special club activities. All events start at 2 p.m. at the kids' club tent in the Kids' Zone, north of the Animal Learning Center and will last 30-60 minutes. Membership is free and children can sign up at any club event or download a form from iowastatefair.org and bring it along.

Schedule of Blue Ribbon Kids Events:

Thursday, August 9 - Fair Food Day

Friday, August 10 - Photo Scavenger Hunt Day

Monday, August 13 - Baby Farm Animals Day

Tuesday, August 14 - Iowa State Trooper Day

Wednesday, August 15 - Make and Take Craft Day

Thursday, August 16 - Pella Wildlife Day

Friday, August 17 - Kids' Club Final Event

Fun Forest Stage:

The Fair's family-friendly Fun Forest Stage is nestled in 1.5 acres of fun, located east of the Agriculture Building. All shows are ASL interpreted, courtesy of the Deaf Action Center and the Iowa State Fair.

Babaloo is best described as a one-man musical comedy performance and is a high-energy experience. He has been wowing children with his zany brand of entertainment for nearly a decade. Shows daily at 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m.

Matt's Family Jam brings together many musical tastes to encourage families to play and sing together. Audiences will hear new tunes and familiar favorites, all arranged to appeal to little and big ears. Shows daily at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 and 3:30 p.m.

VSA Iowa strives to create a society where people with disabilities learn through, participate in, and enjoy the arts. VSA presents a variety of entertainment acts throughout the Fair. Shows daily at noon, 2 and 4 p.m.

More Entertainment:

The Bengal Tiger Encounter is an inspirational program featuring the incredible Bengal tiger and educates the public on the loss of habitat and the killing of tigers for profit in other parts of the world. These tigers are protected and cared for by loving trainers. Tigers are on display all day with shows daily at 10 a.m., 1 and 4 p.m.

During the Swampmaster's Gator Show, Swampmaster Jeff Quattrocchi and his band of playful alligators provide thrills, laughter and fun facts as they give valuable information and edge-of-the-seat entertainment guaranteed to please. Shows held daily at 11 a.m., 1:30 & 3:30 p.m., west of the Jacobson Exhibition Center.

The Red Trouser Show is a high-end street theater performance that exceeds expectations. This professional and highly skilled duo is a unique and visible attraction that leaves awe-struck audiences laughing. Using fire, juggling and illusions, the show provides a whole new kind of acrobatics that is sure to entertain audiences of all ages. Shows daily at noon, 2 and 5 p.m on Expo Hill.

Seed Survivor, an interactive exhibit in the Agriculture Building, is designed to teach kids about plants and what it takes to grow them. Or explore the AgVenture Discovery Trail by picking up a map and lanyard, visiting all 10 stops and turning it in to receive a prize.

The young pop band Action Item has been played regularly on Radio Disney and has worked with Nick Jonas, producing songs for their album, "The Stronger the Love." The band will be making their Fair debut on the Anne and Bill Riley Stage on Friday, August 10 at 8 p.m.

There's no knowing what tricks Silly Sally the Clown will pull out of her hat. This fun-loving, kid-friendly clown has created shows that both teach and entertain audiences of all ages. She wows the crowd with magic, music, puppetry and dancing. The performance will be held on Thursday, August 9 at 2 p.m. on the Anderson Erickson Stage.

Local singer and story teller Nina Givan as Mother Goose travels throughout Iowa providing children with educational and engaging entertainment. Story time will be held August 11, 12, 18 and 19 at 10 a.m. and noon on the porch of the Ralph H. Deets Historical Museum and at 2 p.m. in the Country School.

No matter what your age, fun will be had by all on Iowa Park and Recreation day. Visit the Anne & Bill Riley Stage and Grand Concourse on Thursday, August, 16 and participate in bubble gum blowing and pie eating contests, big wheel races, arts & crafts and scavenger hunts.

In addition to feeling the squish of grapes between your toes during the Grape Stomp (daily, 11 a.m., 2, 3 and 6 p.m.), more Grape Getaway Kids' Activities will be held daily at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. in a tent north of Grandfather's Barn.

"Nothing Compares" to the Iowa State Fair, August 9-19. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

* * *

16 Jul 2012

Branstad moves to prevent the release of dangerous murderers in light of recent U.S. Supreme Court decision

By Office of the Governor of Iowa, Terry Branstad

Branstad commutes 38 sentences to life with a mandatory 60 years before parole possible

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry Branstad today took action to prevent the release of dangerous murders in light of the recent Miller v. Alabama United States Supreme Court decision, where they ruled that states cannot mandate life sentences without the possibility of parole for murderers who committed their crimes before the age of eighteen.

The court's ruling means that up to 38 dangerous juvenile murderers in Iowa will seek resentencing and more lenient sentences.

"During this process, the victims are all too often forgotten by our justice system, and are forced to re-live the pain of the tragedies," said Branstad. "These victims have had their loved ones violently taken away from them. I take this action today to protect these victims, their loved ones' memories, and to protect the safety of all Iowans."

In compliance with the U.S. Supreme Court decision, Gov. Branstad will commute the life without parole sentences today to life with the possibility parole only after 60 years for the 38 people who were convicted of First Degree Murder while a juvenile.

This action means that they will not have the possibility of parole until they have served 60 years.

"Justice is a balance and these commutations ensure that justice is balanced with punishment for those vicious crimes and taking into account public safety," said Branstad. "First degree murder is an intentional and premeditated crime and those who are found guilty are dangerous and should be kept off the streets and out of our communities."

"Today Governor Branstad and I want to ensure that justice is served, Iowans are protected, and victims are heard," said Reynolds. "The governor's action today gives the opportunity for parole in compliance with the recent Supreme Court decision; however, the action also protects victims from having to be re-victimized each year by worrying about whether the Parole Board will release the murderer who killed their loved one."

# # #
16 Jul 2012

Loebsack to Meet with IPSCO Employees

By Joe Hand

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack will meet with employees of TMK IPSCO Tubulars Inc. in Camanche TODAY, July 16th at 4pm.  Loebsack will tour the plant prior to the meeting.  Press is invited to attend the meeting.

Loebsack Meeting with IPSCO Employees

4:00pm

2011 7th Ave.

Camanche

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16 Jul 2012

Distinquished Visitors Drop in on Soldiers

By Sgt. Jesse Houk, 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

CAMP RIPLEY, MINN. (07/14/2012)(readMedia)-- Approximately 60 distinguished visitors from all around Illinois flew in from Aurora and Peoria July 12 to pay a visit to the Soldiers participating in the Army National Guard's eXportable Combat Training Capability (XCTC) program; observing and experiencing their training first hand.

The diverse group consisted of civilians and prior service, white collar and blue collar, but the common thread that brought them all together was their admiration and appreciation for the Soldiers that serve them.

"Our mission is to serve those that serve and that's those who wear the uniform and their families," said John May of Chicago, chairman and chief executive officer of USO of Illinois. "Today gave me a first-hand opportunity to see what those in uniform are doing. It was really a once in a lifetime opportunity that I will never forget. Just meeting the people, seeing the level of dedication, seeing how they slip out of a civilian role, into a military role so easily and effectively; every moment was a highlight."

The distinguished visitors followed an action-packed itinerary. After arriving at Camp Ripley on C-130 airplanes they attended an introductory gathering, observed the launching of an unmanned aerial vehicle and then were whisked away to meet the Soldiers in the field on Blackhawk helicopters.

They went on to connect and converse with Soldiers in the field and then witnessed Soldiers moving in a combat-simulated field training exercise. The day came to a close after Chinooks transported the distinguished visitors to the tactical operations center where they experienced a state of the art battlefield operation.

Paul Brian of Burr Ridge, radio personality at WLS radio in Chicago, served for three years toward the end of the Vietnam conflict and appreciated the ongoing sacrifice that those in the Illinois Army National Guard and all branches of the military make to provide freedom.

"The sacrifice a Soldier makes is apparent every day," said Brian. "There's nothing that we do in this country, or have done since the inception of this country, that has not been made possible by men and women wearing our uniform. And for us to not support them, the people who are making our freedom possible is absolutely unconscionable to me."

Although many of the distinguished guests expressed their gratitude during their visit, the Soldiers they visited were equally honored by their presence.

"I respect and admire all of them," said Sgt. 1st Class Stacey A. Long of Champaign, planning, training, and operations non commissioned officer. "They are an example to emulate. The civilian population will come to a better understanding and a better appreciation for what we do because those same people are going to go out into the community and will talk about what they saw. I have a great deal of respect for that because they didn't have to do that."

Photo 1: Photo by Sgt. Jesse Houk, 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment/ Distinguished visitors learn infantry maneuvers from Capt. Nick P. Camardo of Rockford, commander, Company A, 1st Battalion, 178th Infantry Regiment and then see them executed in real-time. The visitors observed Soldiers in several scenarios in the Army National Guard's eXportable Combat Training Capability program at Camp Ripley, Minn.

Photo 2: Photo by Sgt. Jesse Houk, 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment/ Distinguished visitors experience the launch of an unmanned aerial vehicle at Camp Ripley, Minn. The group was invited connect with Illinois Army National Guard Soldiers.

Photo 3: Photo by Sgt. Jesse Houk, 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment/ Suzanne Ravlin of Dixon, from Katherine Shaw Bethea Hospital and Tom Bushmann of Dixon, from VFW Post 540, both distinguished visitors, are greeted by Brig. Gen. Johnny R. Miller of Tamms, assistant adjutant general of the Illinois Army National Guard, and Command Sgt. Maj. Mark W. Bowman of Plainfield, Illinois Army National Guard land forces sergeant major. The two were flown to experience Soldiers training in Army National Guard's eXportable Combat Training Capability program at Camp Ripley, Minn.

16 Jul 2012

35th Infantry Division General Visits Illinois Guard Troops in Minnesota

By Sgt. 1st Class Mike Chrisman, 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

CAMP RIPLEY, MINN. (07/14/2012)(readMedia)-- Brig. Gen. Victor Braden, Assistant Division Commander of the 35th Infantry Division (ID) at Fort Leavenworth, Kan. visited Camp Ripley, Minn. July 13 to observe Illinois Army National Guard Soldiers training.

"This is a great opportunity for the brigade and the Soldiers," Braden said. "I am very impressed. Training like this is good for the Army as a whole and it's great that our Soldiers have opportunities like this."

Approximately 3,200 Illinois Army National Guard Soldiers are at Camp Ripley for the eXportable Combat Training Capability (XCTC) exercise. The training simulates realistic situations Soldiers could encounter in combat.

Col. Paul Hastings of St. Charles, Ill., Brigade Commander of the 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) said the 15 months of planning for the exercise has made it a success.

"This exercise is going exactly as planned," said Hastings. "Soldiers and leaders are stressed and doing their best to improve."

The 33rd IBCT, with headquarters in Urbana, has 30 companies throughout Illinois. The 33rd was the first unit in the country to participate in XCTC operations in 2007 as they prepared for a deployment to Afghanistan.

Braden said training has evolved since he came into the Army in 1980.

"There is more technology, but the basics are the same," Braden said. "This is a great example of how they have improved training to better prepare our Soldiers for a successful mission."

The 33rd IBCT and 35th ID have historical ties. In 2006 Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 66th Brigade, 35th ID consolidated and was designated Headquarters, 33rd IBCT.

Photo: Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Mike Chrisman, 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment/ Brig. Gen. Victor Braden (left), Assistant Division Commander for the 35th Infantry Division at Fort Leavenworth, Kan. visits Camp Ripley, Minn. July 13. Braden, along with Brig. Gen. Johnny Miller of Tamms, Ill., Assistant Adjutant General of the Illinois Army National Guard (center) and Col. Paul Hastings of St. Charles, Ill., Brigade Commander of the 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team observe 33rd Soldiers conducting training.

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16 Jul 2012

Governor Quinn Signs Law to Increase Fiscal Responsibility at State Universities

By Nafia Khan

New Law Will Limit Use of Expensive Search Firms and Require Universities to Further Improve Hiring Practices

CHICAGO - July 14, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today signed a new law to increase fiscal responsibility at state universities in Illinois by limiting their use of search firms. This law will help ensure that universities capitalize on existing resources instead of automatically hiring search firms, which can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. This is the latest action taken by Governor Quinn to protect taxpayer money and ensure efficiency at our public universities.

"We want the best and brightest from across America to oversee our universities but recruiting should not come at the expense of the education of our students," Governor Quinn said.  "Universities have a responsibility to maintain fiscal responsibility while making sure that students receive affordable, world-class educations."

Sponsored by Rep. Chapin Rose (R-Mahomet) and Sen. Dale Righter (R-Mattoon), House Bill 5914 will allow state universities to hire external search firms only when hiring university presidents or when the current president and board of trustees prove there is a need for hiring guidance. The new law, which will further improve hiring practices, was designed to ensure that universities do no hire expensive search firms rather than using university leadership to conduct a search using existing resources.

"In this economic climate we can ill afford such extravagances, particularly when most universities in Illinois get by just fine without using them," said Rep. Rose. "I appreciate the Governor's interest in this issue and his signing of the bill today."

The law also requires state universities, including the University of Illinois, Southern Illinois University, Chicago State University, Eastern Illinois University, Governors State University, Illinois State University, Northeastern Illinois University, Northern Illinois University and Western Illinois University, to implement policies for conducting hiring searches.

The new law goes into effect Jan. 1, and universities will have six months from Jan. 1 to implement search policies.

 

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16 Jul 2012

Great News! We're Over Our Goal!

By Move America Forward

NEED $28,539 MORE TO GET 
CARE PACKAGES TO AFGHANISTAN

GREAT NEWS! Thanks to a very generous donor who wishes to remain anonymous, we are able to raise our goal to get care packages to more of our troops in Afghanistan. We set a modest goal of $250,000 because contributions had been dropping as our economy stalls.

We're now in a position to get care packages to most of the troops that are in harm's way. To get that many care packages, we raised our goal to $400,000 and are now only $28,539 short of hitting that mark. Can you help push us over the top so our military men and women will know they are not forgotten?

Combined with all the other money that has come in overnight, we're now at a total of $371,461 raised for the Troopathon. That means we've achieved our initial goal, thanks to the generosity of many awesome patriots like yourself! 

HUGE THANKS to everyone who has donated thus far! Now let's see if we can accomplish something really spectacular this year and see if we can raise up to $400,000 to make sure that none of our troops overseas are forgotten! 

We've worked so hard to get where we are now, but if we just keep going a little longer, I know we can raise another $28,539! It would be an amazing morale boost to our troops if they could receive $400,000 in support this summer.

Don't our troops deserve it?

 
MAF CARE PACKAGES FOR THE TROOPS INCLUDE:

Gourmet Coffee
Oreo Cookies
Lip Balm
Diana Nagy
"Journey of Life" CD		 Planters Trail Mix
Candy Diplomacy Jelly Beans
Wet Wipes
Foot Powder
Sun Block		 Gatorade
Premium Beef Jerky
Deodorant
Bug Repellant
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