Illinois' 108th Sustainment Brigade Returns from Deployment

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today welcomed home more than 200 Illinois Army National Guard soldiers who served in Kuwait. The soldiers are all members of the 108th Sustainment Brigade, and were deployed overseas for approximately 10 months. Homecoming ceremonies for the brigade were held today in Bridgeview and Springfield.

"I'm proud to welcome home the heroes of the 108th Brigade and thank them for serving our country and protecting our freedoms," Governor Quinn said. "It's important that we take care of those who have borne that battle and this celebration is a small thank you to our state's veterans and their families. While we could never repay them for their sacrifice, we thank each of our National Guardsmen for their service to our great nation. Welcome home."

The 108th includes soldiers from throughout Illinois, with a large concentration from Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. The soldiers trained for a brief time at Fort Hood, Texas before deploying overseas. In preparation for the deployment, the unit participated in training exercises at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas and the Illinois National Guard's Marseilles Training Center.

The 108th Sustainment Brigade, led by Col. Drew Dukett of Roodhouse and Command Sgt. Maj. John Burns of Benld, deployed to Kuwait in January.  Most were headquartered at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, while several soldiers served in other locations throughout the region. The 108th provided mission command and logistical support operations for servicemembers and civilians in Kuwait, Afghanistan and Iraq, and assisted with humanitarian aid in Iraq.

The 108th Special Troops Battalion, led by Lt. Col. Ron A. Jeanblanc of Athens, was deployed as part of the brigade and provided all internal support and medical operations within the brigade. The battalion also oversaw more than $600 million in financial transactions and conducted more than 220 financial missions throughout the Middle East. They also established the first Army Post Office in Iraq since 2011 and coordinated the transport of more than seven million tons of cargo across 75,000 nautical miles.

Governor Quinn is committed to honoring and supporting the men and women who have served our nation, and supporting the mission of the Illinois National Guard. His efforts include signing a law to create the Veterans Cash lottery ticket to be sold year round with 100 percent of proceeds supporting Illinois veterans. In 2011, Governor Quinn launched the Welcome Home Heroes program to support Illinois servicemembers seeking homeownership. Since that time more than 1,500 Illinois veterans, active military personnel, reservists and Illinois National Guard members have accessed more than $170 million to buy their homes.

SPRINGFIELD, IL (10/22/2014)(readMedia)-- CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait- Sgt. 1st Class Melissa Hiller of McCullom Lake, Illinois, an Illinois Army National Guard Soldier with the 108th Sustainment Brigade in Chicago, was recognized for her work as the U.S. Army Central senior (USARCENT) Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) from May to September 2014.

"As the senior SARC, Hiller provided critical guidance and information related to the Sexual Harassment Assault Response Prevention (SHARP) program to 18 brigade-level SARCs throughout the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility," said Maj. Marvin Brown, USARCENT SHARP manager.

Hiller served as the USARCENT senior SARC from May to September 2014, while also serving as the 108th Sustainment Brigade SARC.

"She epitomizes the noncommissioned officer corps," said Lt. Gen. James L. Terry, commanding general of USARCENT. "I've come to depend on her expertise and her candor, telling me as a commander what I need to know. This allows commanders throughout USARCENT to develop and strengthen the effectiveness of the SHARP program in their units and the organization as a whole."

Terry said the SHARP program continues to improve as Soldiers become better trained and educated on what support is available and how sexual assault and harassment will not be tolerated within the military.

Hiller was one of the first unit victim advocates in the Illinois National Guard. She served in Illinois working with the Joint Force Headquarters in Springfield, Illinois, aiding Soldiers seeking assistance from the SHARP program. When she joined the 108th prior to the unit's deployment, she was assigned as the brigade's SARC. Two months after arriving in Kuwait she was selected to serve as USARCENT SARC, in addition to serving the brigade.

Hiller said the opportunity to serve as USARCENT SARC was both an honor and a privilege.

"I started as a unit victim advocate to help Soldiers in my unit. Now I'm in the position to help Soldiers throughout USARCENT," said Hiller. "Sexual assault and harassment prevention are a priority for Army leaders. It's our job as SARCs to provide assistance and care to victims and help them through a difficult recovery process."

While Hiller served as SARC, she worked with units across USARCENT to train and educate not only Soldiers, but leaders and command teams. While holding SHARP summits, she gave leaders insight on how to combat sexual assault and harassment at the unit level and the importance of their role as leaders to the SHARP program.

"When Soldiers and leaders understand what sexual assault and harassment are, they can help create an environment where they can identify and stop possible incidents," said Hiller. "Intervention and strong positive leadership lessen the chance of incidents."

Hiller added she has made a difference helping Soldiers by providing training and guidance to leaders to help future generations.

"She dramatically increased the effectiveness of the USARCENT SHARP Program through a strategic approach to providing victim support," said Brown. "Her expertise and guidance were critical in drafting and updating USARCENT SHARP policies and procedures."

Brown said Hiller is a dynamic and innovative trainer and conducted highly effective training sessions for units throughout Kuwait.

"Sgt. 1st Class Hiller's passion for helping victims and changing the culture of sexual assault and sexual harassment is second to none and she has certainly left the U.S. ARCENT SHARP Program better than it was when she arrived," said Brown.

Prior to deploying, Hiller served as the full-time victim advocate coordinator for the Illinois Army National Guard. Upon her return to Illinois, Hiller hopes to find employment that will allow her to engage her skills and experience to continue assisting victims and educating leaders to ensure a workplace free of sexual harassment and sexual assault.

"Sexual harassment and assault of any nature is a crime and not in line with the Army values. It will not be tolerated," said Terry. "It is the dedication and tireless effort of Soldiers like Sgt. 1st Class Hiller who ensure the improvement of the SHARP program to prevent incidents and help the victims."

Campus-Style Community Designed to Serve Veterans with Families Now Open in Chicago

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today announced the opening of Hope Manor II, one of the first large-scale housing developments in the nation designed to address the needs of female veterans and veterans with families at risk of homelessness. The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) and the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) provided approximately $1 million in funding to finance the development located at 60th and Halsted streets in Chicago's Englewood neighborhood. Today's event is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to make Illinois the most veteran-friendly state in the nation.

"Hope Manor II is not only about housing, it is about helping our veterans get a job, keep a job and provide for their families," Governor Quinn said. "We have a duty on the homefront to take care of our heroes and protect those who protected us especially when it comes to jobs, education and housing. For all they have sacrificed in the name of freedom, Hope Manor II will give our servicemembers the comforts and safety of home they deserve."

Developed by the Volunteers of America of Illinois (VOA), Hope Manor II is designed for veterans and their children. It will be home to more than 100 Illinois heroes and family members who were previously homeless or at risk of homelessness. The development will be an important part of the state's goal to help struggling veterans change and improve their lives over the long-term by promoting self-sufficiency, building new skills, creating strong support networks and integrating veterans more positively into community life.

Services at the campus include employment readiness classes, job training and coaching, computer training, peer support groups, recovery resources, individual and family counseling, mental health screening, emergency assistance for food and household items and case management support. Residents will also have access to the Volunteers of America of Illinois' True North Project which aids veterans who are struggling, in crisis or at risk of serious instability in their lives.

"This is a great day for our veterans, Chicago businesses and for Illinois," Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs Acting Director Rodrigo Garcia said. "We know that employment and stability for families is critical in helping veterans and those at-risk bridge from the military to a thriving civilian life. Hope Manor II will be a great base for our veterans to find great jobs here in Illinois and help businesses thrive."

The campus-style community features a mix of single-family town homes and apartments built around a park, all located on a three-acre site donated by the city of Chicago. In addition to state resources, the development also received a $1.9 million loan and a $3 million tax-increment financing grant from the city of Chicago. All 73 apartments will receive Project-Based Rental Assistance from the Chicago Housing Authority.

"We are excited to partner with the Volunteers of America of Illinois to provide the stability and support our veterans need to transition back into civilian life," IHDA Executive Director Mary R. Kenney said. "Our goal is to provide a comprehensive response to the unique challenges of today's veterans, delivering the tools they can use to change their lives over the long-term."

Women veterans and those with dependent children are the fastest growing demographic in the veteran community, often facing significant challenges as they transition to civilian life. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that approximately six to eight percent of all homeless veterans are women and as many as 175 female veterans, most with children, are homeless in Chicago each night. After IHDA provided federal stimulus funds and federal tax credit financing for Hope Manor I to provide housing and services to single veterans, a community to serve families was the next appropriate step.

Since Governor Quinn took office, Illinois has made it a priority to address the need for affordable housing and supportive services. He is the first Governor in Illinois history to dedicate state capital dollars to supportive housing, creating approximately 2,150 community-based supportive housing units since 2009. IHDA has financed 860 units of affordable housing either reserved or specifically targeted to veterans in that same timeframe.

SPRINGFIELD, IL (10/14/2014)(readMedia)-- Story by Staff Sgt. Aleah M. Castrejon, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs Office

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -Lt. Col. Tammy Duckworth of Hoffman Estates, Illinois, an Illinois National Guardsman with Joint Force Headquarters, announced her military retirement 10 years after her Blackhawk helicopter was shot down in Iraq and she lost both legs.

Duckworth commissioned with the Army Reserves in May 1992 and joined the Illinois Army National Guard in 1996, with dreams of becoming a Foreign Service officer, and someday an ambassador, she said.

"I was studying for my master's degree and in my classes were a lot of vets, drilling Reservists and Guardsmen," said Duckworth. "I just naturally gravitated toward those folks as my friends."

Her college friends advised her to understand the military better and attend military classes. Before long, she was heading off to military training.

"I had just been laid off from my job and everything worked out," said Duckworth. "I was able to go to basic training. So off I went to cadet basic training. It was miserable, but I loved the challenge."

Duckworth faced many hurdles throughout her career. In 2004, she deployed to Iraq as a Blackhawk helicopter pilot for the Illinois Army National Guard. She was one of the first Army women to fly combat missions during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Her helicopter was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade Nov. 12, 2004. Duckworth lost both legs and partial use of her right arm in the explosion and received a Purple Heart for her combat injuries.

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Kurt Hannemann of Chicago, with Company B, 1st Battalion, 106th Aviation in Peoria, Illinois, served as a door gunner on the same Blackhawk that was shot down. Hannemann said he considers Duckworth a mentor, admiring her mission-focused attitude and attention to detail.

Having been in the military for 23 years, Duckworth said balancing her civilian job and military career was the most challenging.

"I've always been a Reservist or Guardsman," said Duckworth. "During my command of Company B, 106th Aviation, it was a part-time job. That balance between being a citizen-Soldier and my civilian job has always been a real challenge throughout my career."

While Duckworth mentioned many fond memories and many testing situations, she always had a mentor to guide her.

"The person I have worked both closely with and for has been Colonel Sikowski," said Duckworth. "He taught me to be thoughtful, whereas the Army teaches you to be decisive. You want to make a decision and execute, but he taught me to be patient."

Sikowski responded to situations after taking time to think and come up with a better solution, one that had better long-term effects, said Duckworth.

"I carry his thoughtfulness to Washington and I teach that to my staff," said Duckworth, who is also a congresswoman. "I've always admired that and I carry that through the rest of my career."

Duckworth was not originally scheduled to deploy to Iraq in 2004, but volunteered for the deployment, said Sikowski.

"She was my right-hand person as far as operations for the entire task force," said Sikowski.

Sikowski required his staff to fly twice a week and remain fully engaged in the mission during the deployment.

"Tammy's always been driven," said Sikowski. "She's the type of person who can accomplish anything she wants to do whether this incident happened or not."

After her helicopter was shot down, Duckworth was determined to stay in the military.

She said she learned to enjoy other aspects of the military just as much as flying. She joined to become a pilot and flying was her passion; however, working in a tactical operations center (TOC) is something she enjoyed second to flying.

"I am a total TOC rat," said Duckworth. "I love writing operations orders, even though I cannot fly. The other thing I really love is TOC operations and being in the Joint Operations Center."

"It has been a privilege to serve with all of these amazing folks. I am so proud of what they do," said Duckworth. "The American people do not know what our National Guardsmen give up to wear the uniform."

Duckworth recalled many notable missions during her military career. She said she flew Bell UH-1, also known as a Huey, around the Pyramids in Egypt, Blackhawks over glaciers in Iceland and completed a deployment to Iraq.

"The greatest part of my career was when I was in command of Company B, 106th Aviation," said Duckworth. "As tough as it was and the hard work that it was, that was by far the best part of my career."

Duckworth maintained many great relationships and built a network of friends while in the military.

"We all have friends that go way back," said Duckworth. "You may not see them for ages, but when you do it's old home week. I treasure it."

In talking about her 10-year anniversary, Duckworth tears up thinking about that day and the Soldiers who saved her.

"They literally carried me off of the field," said Duckworth. "It's my turn to do a little carrying. Not a day goes by that I don't get up and say, 'What can I do to pay back?"

Choosing to remain in the military after the incident, Sikowski said it is quite an amazing accomplishment given the severity of her injuries that she continues serving so well.

Duckworth recently got her fixed wing pilot license and started flying again. Her motivation comes from the lifestyle of being a pilot, said Sikowski.

"The requirements, time and effort it takes to become a pilot becomes a lifestyle," said Sikowski. "It doesn't leave your blood. It's another one of those accomplishments that requires the drive that she possesses."

As she continues with her civilian career, she is working to ensure the veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom receive the care they need.

"I am working with respiratory and neurological associations to do studies," said Duckworth. "I don't want our Soldiers to wait 20 years before they are treated like agent orange and Gulf War syndrome."

Duckworth recently announced her pregnancy and said she has big plans after retirement.

"I plan on continuing my civilian job, raising this baby and being as big a cheerleader of the Guard as I can," said Duckworth. "I'll be a Guard spouse, as my husband is still in."

In the last decade, Duckworth has accomplished many personal goals including scuba diving, surfing, skydiving, marathons, going back to school, and helping in her community.

"Through her, I have learned that humans can be very resilient, both physically and mentally," said Hannemann. "I am very proud of how she has taken a negative thing and turned it into such a positive outcome."