(CHENNAI, INDIA) - Gov. Terry E. Branstad ordered flags to fly at half-staff on Tuesday, September 17, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., to honor Rockwell City Police Officer Jamie Buenting, who was killed in the line of duty last Friday morning.

Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds will represent the administration at tomorrow's funeral services.

Flags will be at half-staff on the state Capitol building and on flag displays in the Capitol complex, and upon all public buildings, grounds, and facilities throughout the state. Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties and other government subdivisions are encouraged to fly the flag at half-staff for the same length of time as a sign of respect.

"Portrait of a Soldier" Memorial Exhibition on Display at Columbia College Chicago

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today honored the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks and servicemembers killed in Iraq and Afghanistan by proclaiming Sept. 11, 2013 as Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance. The Governor also unveiled the "Portrait of a Soldier" memorial exhibit at Columbia College Chicago. The exhibit features a series of hand-drawn portraits of nearly all of the 306 Illinois men and women who died in the 9/11 terrorist attack, Iraq, Afghanistan or in combat service to our country since Sept. 11, 2001. The exhibit is part of Governor Quinn's long-standing commitment to honor Illinois' men and women in uniform.

"On the eve of the anniversary of one of America's darkest days, let us remember the brave servicemembers who have given their lives to protect our nation's freedom," Governor Quinn said. "We should never forget the individuals and first responders who lost their purposeful lives on September 11, 2001, and the military heroes who have since made the ultimate sacrifice overseas. We will honor them always."

In a joint resolution in December 2001, the U.S. Congress designated September 11 of each year as Patriot Day and on April 21, 2009, President Barack Obama signed into law the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, which includes language to officially establish September 11 as an annually recognized National Day of Service and Remembrance.

"The 'Portrait of a Solider' exhibit is a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made in the name of our state and country," Governor Quinn said. "These sketches are a moving tribute to those Illinois citizens who gave their last full measure of devotion to protecting our freedoms."

Governor Quinn founded the "Portrait of a Soldier" memorial exhibit to honor fallen servicemembers in 2004 after artist Cameron Schilling of Mattoon drew the first portrait of Army Spc. Charles Neeley, of Mattoon, who was killed in Iraq. Schilling then committed to drawing a portrait of every Illinois servicemember who has fallen during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The "Portrait of a Soldier" memorial exhibit will be on display at Columbia College Chicago until tomorrow afternoon. The exhibit's next stop will be at Lincoln Log Cabin in Lerna from Monday, Sept. 16, until Saturday, Oct., 5, 2013.

Governor Quinn has made our veterans, servicemembers and their families one of his top priorities throughout his career in public service. He has led programs including the Illinois Warrior Assistance Program and the Veterans Cash lottery ticket, which has awarded more than $10 million to not-for-profit organizations across the state that provide health care and post-traumatic stress disorder treatment, housing assistance, disability benefits and other services to Illinois Veterans. He also championed numerous veterans' causes during his service as Lieutenant Governor and Illinois Treasurer. In 2011, Governor Quinn launched the Welcome Home Heroes program to support Illinois servicemembers seeking homeownership.

For more information on the "Portrait of a Soldier" exhibit or to view the portraits online, visit OperationHomefront.org. A copy of today's proclamation is attached.

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Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack today announced that local law enforcement agencies in Scott County will receive $100,575 to support their efforts to prevent crime, keep our families and communities safe, and keep drugs off the street. The funds come from the Department of Justice's Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (Byrne JAG) Program, which is the only source of federal funding for multi-jurisdictional drug task forces that work to prevent, fight and prosecute drug-related and violent crime. The funding will be used to reduce the amount of illegal narcotics available to the public and to identify and arrest those who distribute and manufacture illegal narcotics.

"I have long been a supporter of Byrne JAG because it supports law enforcement agencies in their efforts to keep Iowa families safe," said Loebsack. "I have met with our local law enforcement officers many times, and have always been impressed with their dedication to protecting our communities and keeping our streets drug free. I will continue to fight to ensure that Iowa's law enforcement officers have the resources they need to serve our communities."

In 2008, Loebsack led the successful bipartisan effort in the House of Representatives to prevent Byrne JAG from being eliminated and has long been a strong supporter of this program. That effort was supported by the National Narcotic Officers' Associations' Coalition, the National Fraternal Order of Police, the National Sheriff's Association and the National District Attorney's Association, amongst others.