13 Aug 2014

Retiring commander finds inspiration in soldiers he commands

By Illinois National Guard PAO

Maj. Nathan A. Westby Retires After 24 Years of Service

SPRINGFIELD, IL (08/12/2014)(readMedia)-- Story by Sgt. 1st Class Rob Fafoglia, 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

As his military career draws to a close, Maj. Nathan A. Westby, commander of the 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment in Springfield, Ill., said his main career inspiration has been the Soldiers he worked with and for.

"I have a profound respect and love for the great Soldiers and leaders I've had the opportunity to work for over the years," said Westby. "The kind of leaders who sacrifice an immense portion of their personal and professional time to make sure that, at the end of the day, their Soldiers, their teammates, are taken care of."

Westby, originally from Edgerton, Wisconsin, finished his career as commander of the 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, based in Springfield, Illinois. He reflected on what has made him successful over the years, as well as any other officer hoping to take command.

"Overall, officers in the National Guard today need to demonstrate the ability to be adaptable to an ever-evolving mission-set and creative in a resource constrained training environment," said Westby, "as our defense force adapts to the changing environment."

According to many of the Soldiers Westby served with over the years, he practiced what he preached.

"He was able to stand back and take a holistic view," said Sgt. 1st Class Peter Feudo, platoon sergeant with C Troop, 2/106th Cavalry (RSTA), in Aurora, Illinois, and a Plainfield, Illinois, resident who deployed with Westby to Afghanistan in 2008. "He understood the mission in its entirety. He also took into account our personal safety. Because he knew his men and we trusted each other, we did what needed to be done to accomplish the mission."

Another secret of Westby's success is his willingness to listen to other's opinions and ideas, especially those of his NCO's, he said.

"As the commander of the MPAD, I think anyone that listens to and involves the officers and NCO's in the unit in planning and executing training will be successful," said Westby. "This unit has a lot of great leaders who have a lot of experience, and not just experience in public affairs or journalism. Many of the Soldiers in this unit have come from other career fields in the military and bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise."

His former Soldiers agreed this was a practice at which Westby excelled.

"He has a lot of maturity as an officer, said Master Sgt. Pedro Gaston, operations sergeant for the 766th Engineer Battalion in Decatur, Illinois, and resident of Schaumberg, Illinois. "He was an NCO first, and he takes NCO opinions very seriously.

Feudo echoed this sentiment.

"He was a Soldier's commander," he said. "He is smart and methodical. He would listen to opinions then make decisions.

Westby's care and concern for the Soldiers serving under him seems to be universal, regardless of the unit.

"(His Soldiers) had nothing but respect and admiration for the man," said Gaston. "He's a good person and treats everyone with respect, regardless of rank. That in itself is admirable."

Westby said this universal respect for those with whom he served, subordinate, peer or superior, was a huge driving force in his career.

"The only reason I've stayed in the (military) this long is because of my admiration for the Soldiers I've worked with and for," he said. "They are simply the best fabric of America. They are the selfless people who will knowingly put their lives on the line for others, whether it's their fellow soldier in the trenches with them, or a faceless nation an ocean away, safely going about their day."

Staff Sgt. Brian Allen, also with 2/106th Cavalry, said Maj. Westby's command philosophy was very simple.

"He lives the Army Values," said Allen, a resident of Downer's Grove, "but it's more than that. He genuinely cares about what he doing and his drive pushes him to be the best at whatever he is doing. Also, his loyalty to his Soldiers was key. He would do anything for his Soldiers. In combat, I've seen him do things you would not believe to protect his men."

This loyalty and respect for his Soldiers is something many of them will always remember.

"He was incredibly personal," said Feudo. "He knew his men and still does to this day. He took an individual approach to each Soldier. He knew their families and their histories. Those that were with him during the toughest times will always remember him as both a commander and a friend."

Westby is not sure what he will do with his retirement, but said the military has definitely benefitted his life and civilian career possibilities.

"It's given me an opportunity to develop leadership skills and made me a much better communicator, he said. "I've developed and honed skills that I've transferred into improving my civilian career and job position over the years. It's given me a tremendous education opportunity. I come from a family where I was the first person to attend college. I now have a master's degree from the University of Illinois."

Westby also said he is looking forward to spending more time with his family in Sussex, Wisconsin, where they now reside.

"I just look forward to being able to spend all of my weekends and summers raising my children, coaching them in sports, taking family vacations and so on," he said.

Whatever Westby does, he will be remembered long after leaving the National Guard.

"Every Soldier I know who served under Maj. Westby loved him," said Allen, "simple as that. We still have Soldiers talking about him to this day. He will be missed."

13 Aug 2014

Governor Quinn Signs Legislation to Support Veterans With Disabilities

By Andrew Mason

New Law Removes Unnecessary Hurdles for Veterans Who Rely On the Use of Accessible Parking Spots

VILLA PARK - Governor Pat Quinn today signed legislation to ensure that veterans with disabilities can utilize accessible parking spaces across Illinois without facing unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles. The Governor was joined at today's bill signing by Congresswoman and former Assistant Director of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Tammy Duckworth (D-IL). Congresswoman Duckworth is a decorated Iraq War veteran who was awarded a Purple Heart for serious injuries sustained during combat. Today's action is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to honor and support the men and women who have served our nation.

"Our veterans with disabilities shouldn't have to deal with unnecessary barriers to keep their parking privileges each year," Governor Quinn said. "This law will help make daily life a little easier for those who have fought hard to protect our country. Illinois is the most veteran-friendly state in the nation and this new law will ensure we are doing everything we can for our brave men and women who have borne the battle."

"I am proud that Illinois is the first state to pass legislation that will make it easier for veterans with permanent disabilities to renew their accessible parking placard each year," U.S. Representative Duckworth said. "This bill is a great way to honor our returning veterans and all who have served."

"All of us in the veteran community are grateful for Governor Quinn's leadership in ensuring those who serve our country, and especially those whose service required great sacrifice, have all the support they need back here in Illinois," Acting Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs Director Rodrigo Garcia said.

Senate Bill 3255, sponsored by State Senator Tom Cullerton (D-Villa Park) and State Representative Stephanie Kifowit (D-Aurora), exempts veterans with a permanent disability from the annual recertification requirement to retain their handicapped parking designation. Once a doctor has determined a veteran to have a permanent disability, the new law allows veterans to renew their placard or special license plate without submitting a doctor's determination each year. The law is effective Jan. 1, 2015.

"It was a pleasure to work with my colleagues on behalf of our veterans who have given life and limb to pass Senate Bill 3255 and remove unnecessary roadblocks to the services they absolutely deserve," Senator Cullerton said.

"I am honored to have passed Senate Bill 3255 which helps our veterans by alleviating an unnecessary burden to receiving services and shows our respect for the sacrifices they have made for our country," Representative Kifowit said.

Governor Quinn has long been a leading advocate and supporter of Illinois veterans. 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.

The Governor also championed the Military Family Relief Fund, which has provided more than $15.4 million in support of 28,840 families of deployed servicemembers since its inception in 2003. Governor Quinn also signed a law to make employment and job training organizations eligible to receive grants through the Veterans Assistance Fund.

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12 Aug 2014

News from the Illinois National Guard

By Illinois National Guard PAO

Illinois Special Forces Soldiers conduct Airborne training

Story by Sgt. 1st Class Kassidy L. Snyder, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs

FORT MCCOY, WISC. (08/12/2014)(readMedia)-- With great weather for Airborne training, approximately 30 Special Forces (SF) Soldiers with the Illinois National Guard's Company A, 2nd Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne) in Chicago, conducted day and night static line and military free fall operations at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, August 8.

Three CH-47D Chinook helicopters from Company B, 2nd Battalion, 238th Aviation Regiment in Peoria, Illinois, provided transportation to and from the sky for the SF Soldiers. Static line jumps were performed from roughly 1,500 feet, while free fall jumps were from 14,000 feet.

"We rarely get the occasion for night jumps and it's a great opportunity to stay proficient and keep our jumpmasters current," said Company A, 2-20th's commander.

During the night, Soldiers performed a high altitude high opening jump where they opened the parachute immediately and traveled a lateral distance of 9 kilometers to the drop zone.

SF Soldiers must conduct four jumps a year to maintain jump proficiency. Jumpmasters are senior Soldiers who manage airborne jump operations. They inspect all equipment prior to loading the aircraft, confirm in-flight navigation and act as a safety for proper exiting procedures.

"It's always an interesting mission for us and good real-world training for the Special Forces," said Capt. A.J. Hager of Galesburg, Illinois, a Chinook pilot with Company B, 2-238th. "It keeps us proficient transporting troops and allows us to assist Soldiers within the Illinois Guard."

Company B, 2-238th returned from Afghanistan in December and was back to fully mission capable in April. The company typically does two to three paradrop operations a year in addition to passenger and cargo movement and external loads, said Hager.

Special Forces Soldiers complete a multitude of missions from maritime operations to surveillance and reconnaissance.

"Airborne operations, both static line and military free fall provide a means of infiltration; it is our way of getting to work." said Company A, 2-20th's operations officer.

A majority of the Soldiers with Company A, 2-20th are traditional Soldiers, who also hold a full-time civilian career ranging from attorney to rocket scientist and physician assistant. Their ages range from the early 20s to late 40s.

"Within the span of those ages, the knowledge and experience we have allows us to adapt a lot easier and think out of the box to meet mission requirements," said Company A, 2-20th's commander. "Most SF Guardsmen serve because they like the flexibility to have a civilian job, but do it because they want to be here too."

Editor's note: Due to the nature of Special Forces missions, names of Special Forces Soldiers are not made public.

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Freedom Salute Ceremony for Springfield-based Team that Deployed to Afghanistan; Aug. 16 ceremony recognizes Bilateral Embedded Staff Team A12

SPRINGFIELD, IL (08/12/2014)(readMedia)-- Approximately 20 Illinois Army National Guard Soldiers will be recognized Aug. 16 by the National Guard Bureau Freedom Salute Campaign for their sacrifice and service in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The ceremony for the Bilateral Embedded Staff Team (BEST) A12 will be at 1 p.m. Camp Lincoln, 1301 N. MacArthur Blvd. in Springfield, Illinois.

The BEST A12 Soldiers were mobilized in September 2013 and deployed to Afghanistan, returning home in May 2014.

The team trained with the Polish Land Forces before deploying. The unique mission allowed Illinois Army National Guard Soldiers to train and deploy side-by-side with their Polish counterparts. The Soldiers are from various parts of Illinois and were selected for the mission based on their training and skills.

While embedded with Task Force White Eagle in Ghazni Province, the team enhanced the brigade's operational and logistical capabilities. The Soldiers developed and implemented the transition and retrograde plans for the base, transferring about 25 percent of the base to Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF). They also prepared the remaining portions for transfer to the ANSF as the U.S. continues to withdraw troops from the region. BEST A12 also recouped more than $80 million dollars of U.S. military equipment.

The team coordinated and executed the closing ceremonies for the Ghazni Islamic Cultural Celebration and the national elections, which saw a higher voter turnout and fewer incidents than expected.

The Freedom Salute Campaign program is a small way to show these patriotic citizen-Soldiers, their families and employers how much their sacrifice is appreciated. On behalf of the National Guard Bureau, the Illinois Army National Guard will present each eligible Soldier with an encased American flag, as well as a sequentially-numbered

commemorative coin, certificate of appreciation and lapel pin. Families will also receive items recognizing their support and sacrifice.

The Freedom Salute Campaign is one of the largest Army National Guard recognition endeavors in history. It is designed to publicly acknowledge Army National Guard Soldiers and those who supported them while deployed.

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Illinois National Guard's 404th Maneuvers Enhancement Brigade BEST Warrior Competition

Story by Sgt. 1st Class Marie Schult-Slosser 404th MEB PAO

SPRINGFIELD, IL (08/11/2014)(readMedia)-- MARSEILLES, Ill. - The 44th Chemical Battalion in Galesburg, Illinois, swept the brigade level Soldier and noncommissioned officer (NCO) of the year competition at Marseilles Training Center, July 27. Sgt. Chris Morris of Robinson, Illinois, and Spc. Paul Born of Washington, Illinois, both chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear specialists, won against six other competitors. Both Soldiers will compete against other brigade winners at the state competition in September.

"I was actually surprised that I won," said Born, after being named the 404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade (MEB) Soldier of the Year. "I just wanted to prove to myself that I could compete with the best Soldiers in the state."

Eight Soldiers competed in 11 events during the Best Warrior Competition at Marseilles, events included weapons qualifications, physical fitness test, a five-mile ruck march, land navigation, a confidence course, a call for fire exercise; they also completed Army Soldier tasks and an Army knowledge board.

"My hats off to these guys to want to put themselves through this to represent their units and themselves and eventually the state," said Master Sgt. Jose Guerrero of Grayslake, Illinois, an infantryman and operations noncommissioned officer with the 404th MEB.

Guerrero is in charge of coordinating and setting up the competition and the events, a task he has been doing at the 404th MEB and other units for years.

For Morris, the NCO of the year, this is his third year competing and his second year to move up to the state level in this competition. In 2012, he not only made it to the state level but he went on to compete at regionals, where he was knocked out of the competition.

"Of all the years I've competed, this group of competitors is the best," said Morris. "There is always one serious guy, but this year everyone was working together, motivating each other and rooting for each other. The camaraderie was great."

The eight competitors, four in the lower enlisted category (private to specialist) and four in the NCO category (corporal and above), spent three grueling days getting to know one another as they competed in the events throughout the Marseilles Training Center.

"This encourages Soldiers and to strive to be among the best and encourage them to exceed the standards," said Sgt. Maj. Shane Lammers. "This also gives brigades and battalions the opportunity to highlight the wonderful Soldiers we have in our ranks."

Soldiers spent three days testing themselves with the grueling tasks and very little time in between for rest or reflection. The afternoon of the first day, after taking tests and doing a call for fire exercise they went all in for a physical fitness test followed by a semi-formal banquet, only to rise at 4:30 a.m. the next morning to hit the ground running in the ruck march event.

"I enjoy the competition. We get to do out of the ordinary stuff like ruck marching and obstacle courses," said Morris. He also said he would advise anyone who wants to participate in this competition to, "train hard, study hard and try in every event regardless of how you did on the previous event."

For his part, Born said it is important to get a good sponsor.

"My sponsor was with me at every event, motivating me and encouraging me."

In September, both Born and Morris will return to Marseilles to test themselves against the other Soldiers who made it to the state competition.

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The 2014 Adjutant General's rifle and pistol match

MARSEILLES, IL (08/12/2014)(readMedia)-- Soldiers from around the state met at the Illinois National Guard Marseilles Training Center in Marseilles, Illinois, to compete in The Adjutant General's (TAG) Rifle and Pistol Match, 8 through 10 August.

Every unit in the Illinois National Guard has the opportunity enter a team into the TAG Match, and more than 100 Soldiers participated in the 2014 marksmanship event.

Shooters are rated both as teams and individuals using the pistol and rifle. The shooters are also evaluated on a combined arms, 3-gun match in which the Soldiers fired the pistol, rifle and shotgun.

The top 20 individual shooters received the Governor's Twenty Tab, which they can wear on their uniforms. The top three teams and individuals of each event received a plaque to display their accomplishments.

Winners of the TAG Match may be selected to join the Illinois National Guard's Marksman Team. The teams must select two new shooters to compete in regional and national events annually.

Results of the 2014 ILARNG TAG Rifle and Pistol Match:

Overall Top Three Individuals:

1. SGT Raleigh Walker of Goreville, Illinois; HHC 2/130 INF

2. CW4 Keith Koca of Custer Park, Illinois; HHC, 106 AVN

3. SSG Jacob Blount of Charleston, Illinois; 1544th Trans Co.

Overall Individual Rifle

1. CW4 Keith Koca of Custer Park, Illinois; HHC, 106 AVN

2. SGT Raleigh Walker of Goreville, Illinois; HHC 2/130 INF

3. SPC Joseph Miller of Petersburg, Illinois; HHC, 232nd CSSB

Overall Individual Pistol

1. SGT Raleigh Walker of Goreville, Illinois; HHC 2/130 INF

2. SPC Justin Titzer of Fairfield, Illinois; HHC 2/120 INF

3. SSG Jacob Blount of Charleston, Illinois; 1544th Trans Co.

Combined Arms (3-Gun)

1. SFC William Gibbs of Litchfield, Illinois; B Btry 2/123 FA

2. SSG Jacob Blount of Charleston, Illinois; 1544th Trans Co.

3. SGT Raleigh Walker of Goreville, Illinois; HHC 2/130 INF

Overall Top Three Teams

1. HHC 2/130 INF; SSG Travis Wisely of West Frankfort, Illinois; SGT Raleigh Walker of Goreville, Illinois; SGT Seth Johnson of Collinsville, Illinois; SPC Justin Titzer of Fairfield, Illinois.

2. 106 AVN.; CW4 Keith Koca of Custer Park, Illinois; CW2 Joseph Nicholas of Bolingbrook, Illinois, SSG Jason Jenkins of Montgomery, Illinois, SGT Mark Rosenak of Bartonville, Illinois.

3. 1544th Trans Co; SSG Jacob Blount of Charleston, Illinois; SSG Brent Tripp of Warsaw, Illinois; SSG Eric Daggett of Jerome, Illinois, SGT Matthew Blount of Charleston, Illinois.

Top Pistol Team

1. HHC 2/130 INF; SSG Travis Wisely of West Frankfort, Illinois; SGT Raleigh Walker of Goreville, Illinois; SGT Seth Johnson of Collinsville, Illinois; SPC Justin Titzer of Fairfield, Illinois.

2. 1544th Trans Co; SSG Jacob Blount of Charleston, Illinois; SSG Brent Tripp of Warsaw, Illinois; SSG Eric Daggett of Jerome, Illinois; SGT Matthew Blount of Charleston, Illinois.

3. 106 AVN; CW4 Keith Koca of Custer, Park, Illinois; CW2 Joseph Nicholas of Bolingbrook, Illinois; SSG Jason Jenkins of Montgomery, Illinois, SGT Mark Rosenak of Bartonville, Illinois.

Top Rifle Team

1. 232nd CSSB; SSG Drew Geer, SGT Kraig Kennedy of New Berlin, Illinois, SPC Joseph Miller of Petersburg, Illinois, SPC Thomas Winlund of Mason City, Illinois.

2. B Btry 2/123 FA; SFC William Gibbs of Litchfield, Illinois; SGT Brandon Hornung of Utica, Illinois; SGT Eric Fowler of Lansing, Illinois; SPC Josh Webb of Lewiston, Illinois.

3. C Trp 106 CAV; SGT Scott Lange of Aurora, Illinois; SPC Ryan White of Macon, Illinois; SPC Aendri Decker of Montgomery, Illinois; PFC Steven McMahon of Streamwood, Illinois.

The Governor's Twenty

1. SGT Raleigh Walker of Goreville, Illinois; HHC 2/130 INF.

2. CW4 Keith Koca of Custer Park, Illinois; HHC, 106 AVN

3. SSG Jacob Blount of Charleston, Illinois; 1544th Trans Co

4. SFC William Gibbs of Litchfield, Illinois; B Btry 2/123 FA

5. SGT Scott Lange of Aurora, Illinois, C Trp 106 CAV

6. CW2 Joseph Nicholas of Bolingbrook, Illinois; 106 ANV.

7. SGT Brandon Hornung of Utica, Illinois, C Btry 2/123 FA

8. SGT Kevin Riggle of North Aurora, Illinois; 233rd MP's

9. SPC Aendri Decker of Montgomery, Illinois, C Trp 106 CAV

10. SGT Mark Rosenak of Bartonville, Illinois, 106 AVN.

11. SPC Joseph Miller of Petersburg, Illinois; 232nd CSSB

12. SGT Seth Johnson of Collinsville, Illinois, HHC 2/130 INF.

13. 1LT Arthur Morris of Peoria, Illinois; A Co 33rd BSTB

14. SGT Matthew Blount of Charleston, Illinois; 1544th Trans Co

15. SPC Josh Burns of St. Francisville, Illinois; 631st ENG

16. SPC Justin Titzer of Fairfield, Illinois, HHC 2/130 INF

17. SPC Josh Webb of Lewiston, Illinois, B Btry 2/123 FA

18. SGT Levi Worden, Illinois; HHC 2/130 INF

19. SSG Eric Daggett of Jerome, Illinois, 1544th Trans Co

20. SSG Gino Maldonado of Aurora, Illinois, 233rd MP's

12 Aug 2014

Schilling Veterans Bill Signed Into Law

By Jan Schweppe

Schilling: "monumental step forward for veterans"


EAST MOLINE, Ill.?Bobby Schilling's veterans bill has been signed into law by President Obama.

Schilling's bill, which allows veterans the ability to use their own doctors in their own hometowns when VA waitlists prevent veterans from getting immediate access to care, did not become law overnight. Bobby Schilling (R-Colona) initially introduced the Enhanced Veterans Health Care Experience Act in 2011 and worked throughout his term to pass the bill through committee. Unfortunately, he faced gridlock and significant partisan opposition to reforming the Veterans Administration.

However, once the media firestorm surrounding the VA scandal took place, Congress finally got to work for our veterans. Rep. Jeff Miller (R-Florida) picked up Schilling's bill, made a few tweaks, and introduced the Veterans Access to Care Act. Miller continued Schilling's critical work, pushed the bill through committee, and got it passed it through the House of Representatives unanimously.

For more information on Bobby Schilling's bill and the initial work he did to move it forward in Congress, click here.

The Senate passed a similar version of the bill 93-3 and proceeded to conference with the House to draft a compromise bill. The new compromise veterans legislation passed both chambers and was signed into law by President Obama last Thursday.

Bobby Schilling released the following statement:

"While there is still much work to do, this bill?now law?is a monumental step forward for veterans in this country who have been needlessly burdened with waitlists and backlogs from the VA for far too long. Now veterans have the right to use their own doctors in their own hometowns, rather than wait extended periods of time for the VA when they need care immediately.

"There are still additional reforms we need to pass to improve our veterans access to health care, but this is a monumental first step and I'm pleased to see this bill signed into law. Working on this veterans issue was a passion of mine while serving in Congress, and it's great to see our work pay off to help our heroes."

Bobby Schilling was a leader on this important issue and recognized the problems in the Veterans Administration three years ago. After the problems his own father had with the Veterans Administration, Schilling analyzed the problem and designed a creative way to help solve it without expanding government bureaucracy. He was ahead of his time in introducing his bill and was very pleased to see it signed into law. Still, there is more work to be done to serve veterans, and Bobby Schilling is seeking to once again represent the people of the 17th Congressional District to put his problem-solving skills back to work for the middle class, the working poor, and especially our veterans in need of quality, accessible health care.

Bobby Schilling was born and raised in Rock Island, Illinois. He has been married to his wife, Christie for 28 years and together they have 10 children. Schilling represented the Illinois 17th District in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2011-2012, serving on the House Armed Services Committee, the House Agriculture Committee, and the House Small Business Committee. Schilling is seeking another term and is running against incumbent liberal Congresswoman Cheri Bustos.
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05 Aug 2014

Serving those who served...

By Rep. Dave Loebsack

As a parent of two children who serve in the military and a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I know that our service members and military families have made great sacrifices over the last decade and have courageously served our nation. I strongly believe that there is no greater responsibility we have as a nation than to ensure our servicemembers, veterans, and military families receive the benefits and support they deserve.

That is why I recently hosted a series of town halls on my Serving Those Who Served tour. This annual tour gives me a chance to meet with veterans and discuss issues that are important to them. I was honored to be joined by local veterans service organizations, County Veterans Affairs Officers and other groups at these town halls. My staff was also available at each stop to provide any assistance veterans needed dealing with the federal government. As a military parent, I stand ready to help Iowans who need assistance working with military services, the VA, or other agencies.

At each town hall, I was deeply humbled by the stories and experiences the veterans shared. As a member of the Armed Services Committee, I work every day to ensure our servicemembers, veterans, and military families have the equipment, training, benefits, and support they need and deserve.

I personally value the ideas and thoughts veterans have about how our country can best honor our commitment to serving those who have worn our nation's uniform. That is why I look forward to hosting my Serving Those Who Served tour and will continue to fight against proposals to reduce or eliminate essential benefits for those who have made great sacrifices on behalf of our nation. If you or someone in your family is a veteran and needs assistance, please do not hesitate to contact my office.

Sincerely,

Dave Loebsack
Iowa's Second District

05 Aug 2014

Special Programs to Honor Veterans at the 2014 Iowa State Fair

By Lori Chappell

DES MOINES, IA (08/04/2014)(readMedia)-- On Monday, August 11, the Iowa State Fair will honor active and retired military with special Veterans' Day programming and discounts throughout the day. "Nothing Compares" to the Iowa State Fair, August 7-17.

Veterans will be honored with discounted gate admission on Veterans' Day, August 11. With a military I.D., retired and active members of the armed forces and their spouses will receive $8 gate admission from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Veterans' Day will also feature special patriotic programming.

The Veterans' Day parade, an annual tradition featuring military bands, floats and more, will parade down the Grand Concourse at 11 a.m.

The Spirit of Liberty Foundation's Freedom Bell will be on display north of the Administration Building through August 11. The bell honors our armed forces past, present and future.

Stop by the West Grand Exhibit Area to check out Hoover Presidential Library Museum display focused on President Hoover's food relief efforts during World War I. Brush up on your history, snag a Hoover biscuit and be sure to catch the Hoover Humanitarian Relief Ship as it cruises the grounds daily at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Visit the "Remembering Our Fallen" display in the Richard O. Jacobson Exhibition Center Atrium and pay tribute to Iowa's military who have died from wounds since September 11, 2001. The display is open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The special events don't stop there. Throughout the day Fairgoers can enjoy performances such as a military tribute concert honoring Iowa's veterans as well as performances by the 34th Army Band and Iowa Military Veterans' Band.

"Nothing Compares" to the 2014 Iowa State Fair, August 7-17. The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University Avenue, just 10 minutes east of downtown Des Moines. Discounted gate admission tickets are on sale now through our convenient print at home ticket option at iowastatefair.org. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

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04 Aug 2014

Illinois Air National Guard Security Forces Airmen return from overseas mission

By Illinois National Guard PAO

SPRINGFIELD, IL (08/01/2014)(readMedia)-- PEORIA, Ill. - Eighteen Illinois Air National Guard Security Forces Airmen with the 182nd Airlift Wing are scheduled to return August 4, after a seven-month deployment to Southwest Asia in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

The Illinois Air National Guardsmen were assigned to the 405th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron (ESFS) overseas, where they were responsible for law enforcement and security missions.

"The men and women of the 182nd Airlift Wing continue to step up and provide a high level of mission accomplishment for our call to duty around the world," said Col. William P. Robertson, 182nd Airlift Wing commander. "I want to thank the families and the community for their support of our Airmen. Our Security Forces unit is top notch and we can't do the mission without the support of the home front. They have performed in an outstanding manner and completed the mission. They went to do a job and excelled in all aspects of the mission."

The deployed personnel are members of 182nd Security Forces Squadron, a component of the 182nd Mission Support Group.

"This deployment demonstrated the value of the Air National Guard capability to our country and the fact that our members deploy globally serving our nation's call," said Col. Cory K. Reid, the 182nd Mission Support Group commander. "They performed flawlessly. Now we are able to welcome them safely back home and congratulate them on a job well done."

The Airmen's home station commander was also pleased with their achievement.

"I cannot be more proud of the accomplishments these men and women of the 182nd Security Forces Squadron achieved while deployed," said Lt. Col. Todd M. Leach, commander of the 182nd Security Forces Squadron. "They represented Peoria well on the global stage."

The 405th ESFS leadership overseas praised the unit for making improvements to the air base during its tour. Accomplishments included boosting the security infrastructure, building strong relationships with the host-nation military forces and advancing the air base's physical and electronic force protection capabilities.

"I am confident that we have left behind a better squadron than how it was handed to us," said Air Force Maj. William Englebert, the 405th ESFS commander. "Our goal was to leave behind a legacy and I am confident we have obtained our goal."

The Airmen will arrive at Gen. Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport at 10 p.m., August 6th.
04 Aug 2014

Illinois Guardsmen receive reserve component transportation corps recognition

By Robert Jackson Jr.

SPRINGFIELD, IL (08/01/2014)(readMedia)-- SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Two members of the Illinois National Guard's 1244th Transportation Company received recognition as the Reserve Component Transportation Corps Regimental Noncommissioned Officer (NCO) and Officer of the Year for 2013. Transportation Corps Soldiers and civilians, gathered at the annual Army Transportation Ball held at the Richmond Marriott in Richmond, Virginia, to honor the accomplishments of the award recipients, July 25.

Sgt. 1st Class Jose R. Sanchez of Romeoville, Illinois, 1244th Transportation Company (TC) platoon sergeant, in North Riverside, Illinois, was selected as the Reserve Component Transportation Corps Regimental Noncommissioned Officer (NCO) of the Year for 2013.

"Sanchez compiled a record that established him as a pacesetter in our battalion," said Lt. Col. Jose B. Jaques of DeKalb, Illinois, 1144th Transportation Battalion commander in Delavan, Illinois. "His mentorship and example provided a solid foundation for the future of his Soldiers, while also providing outstanding operational results."

Sanchez was nominated for the award by his company commander and received endorsement from Jaques, as well as each level of command up to National Guard Bureau.

"His contributions will surely continue to benefit many and I firmly believe the prestige of this award will be bolstered by his addition to the roles of recipients," said Jaques.

Capt. David Tanner of Williamsport, Indiana, commander of the 1244th TC in North Riverside, Illinois, said Sanchez is an expert in his field.

"Sanchez sets the example as a highly dedicated and professional noncommissioned officer," said Tanner. "He is a key member of the 1244th TC who utilizes his experience from two previous combat deployments and vast occupational knowledge to make his Soldiers and the 1244th TC as a whole, more ready, more resilient and more adaptable."

The Transportation Corps National Guard Officer of the Year for 2013, was Lt. Linden Allen of Chicago, former executive officer with the 1244th TC and recently named commander of the 1644th TC in Rock Falls, Illinois.

"Allen's leadership, coupled with his emphasis on safe execution and the development of Soldiers, improves individual and unit capabilities," said Col. Michael Glisson of Festus, Missouri, 65th Troop Command Brigade commander. "In turn, the Illinois National Guard and United States Army become stronger."

Allen learned many lessons from his deployment to Iraq in the harsh and hazardous environment of the desert, said Jaques.

"Allen consistently demonstrated his knowledge of transportation operations, planning, execution and development," said Tanner. "He epitomizes the selfless service all commissioned officers strive toward in supporting and serving their Soldiers."

Allen and Sanchez are strong examples of what it means to be a Citizen Soldier, said Tanner.

"One of the strengths of the National Guard is our connection to 'Main Street,'" said Tanner. "These awards recognize the value the winners provide in their contributions to those communities, not just their performance within their unit. The 1244th TC is extraordinarily proud of this recognition for two of our own."

These awards, established decades ago by the U.S. Army Chief of Transportation are to recognize outstanding performers in the transportation corps. They are evaluated on nominees' contributions both in and out of uniform. Illinois Army National Guard Soldiers compete against the U.S. Army Reserve for the awards.

"Two Soldiers from the same state, honored in the same year is an outstanding accomplishment," said Tanner. "Both also being from the same unit is remarkable."

Sgt. 1st Class Jose R. Sanchez of Romeoville, Illinois, 1244th Transportation Company platoon sergeant, in North Riverside, Illinois, received recognition as the Reserve Component Transportation Corps Regimental Noncommissioned Officer of the Year for 2013. Transportation Corps Soldiers and civilians, gathered at the annual Army Transportation Ball held at the Richmond Marriott in Richmond, Virginia, to honor the accomplishments of the award recipients, July 25.

Lt. Linden Allen of Chicago, former executive officer with the 1244th Transportation Company and recently named commander of the 1644th Transportation Company in Rock Falls, Illinois, received recognition as the Reserve Component Transportation Corps Regimental Officer of the Year for 2013. Transportation Corps Soldiers and civilians, gathered at the annual Army Transportation Ball held at the Richmond Marriott in Richmond, Virginia, to honor the accomplishments of the award recipients, July 25.

31 Jul 2014

Braley Backs Bipartisan Veterans Administration Reform Compromise

By Kirsten Hartman

Congressman urges President to sign bill as quickly as possible

Washington, D.C. - Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) today voted in favor of the Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act of 2014?the bipartisan reform package, meant to address problems within the Veterans Affairs Administration?as it overwhelmingly passed the House 420-5. Earlier this week, the package was agreed to by Senate VA Committee Chairman Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and House VA Committee Chairman Jeff Miller (R-Fla).

"I'm proud that both parties could come together today and support this legislation aimed at seriously addressing the misconduct that has been exposed at the VA," Braley said. "Our veterans deserve high quality, efficient, and easy-to-access care and this legislation is a big, bipartisan step in that direction. I urge the President to sign this bill as quickly as possible."

The Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act of 2014 has four main components:

·         Strengthen VA to meet veterans' needs: The Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act of 2014 would bolster VA staffing, add new infrastructure and facilities designated for veterans care, and authorize major medical facility leases for 27 new clinics in 18 states and Puerto Rico.

·         Expand access to care: The legislation would allow veterans who have waited more than 30 days for an appointment with the VA, or that live more than 40 miles from a VA facility, to seek care from a private physician, a community health center, a Department of Defense health care facility or Indian Health Center.

·         Support veterans and their families: The legislation would improve the delivery of care for veterans who experienced sexual trauma while in the military; survivor benefits will be expanded so surviving spouses can further their education, rebuild their lives, and take care of their families;  all veterans eligible for education benefits under the Post 9/11 GI Bill will qualify for in-state tuition; and the legislation would extend a program (set to expire) which provides housing for veterans struggling with traumatic brain injuries.

·         Remove incompetent senior officials: The VA secretary would be granted the authority to immediately remove senior executives based on poor job performance or misconduct and the Merit Systems Protection Board would prevent political firings or other abuses of power including retaliation against whistle blowers.

 

Braley had previously endorsed the framework outlined in the Senate package formulated by Senators Sanders and McCain (R-Ariz).

Last month, Braley called on Congressional leadership to pass his Veterans Access to Care Act to provide solutions to problems at the VA.

# # #
30 Jul 2014

New Analysis Shows For-Profit Colleges Are Top Recipients of Post 9/11 G.I. Bill Dollars

By Sen. Tom Harkin

Two Years After Harkin Report Revealed Questionable Business Practices in For-Profit College Industry

Top Eight For-Profit Colleges Received $2.9 Billion in Post-9/11 G.I. Bill Funds Between 2009 and 2014 and Nearly 25 Percent of all Post-9/11 GI Bill Funds Last School Year; Seven of Top Eight For-Profit Colleges Receiving Post-9/11 G.I. Bill Benefits Are Under State or Federal Investigation

 

WASHINGTON, D.C.?Two years after a landmark investigation into the for-profit college industry revealed a host of serious problems, including poor student outcomes and high debt burdens, a new report by the majority staff of Chairman Tom Harkin's (D-IA) Senate HELP Committee shows that for-profit colleges are collecting billions of taxpayer dollars from veterans using their Post-9/11 G.I. Bill benefits. Although overall student enrollment has decreased at each of the eight top for-profit Post-9/11 G.I. Bill beneficiaries, their enrollment of veterans has dramatically increased?anywhere from 61 to 657 percent?during the same period.

The Post-9/11 G.I. Bill, which went into effect in 2009, provides veterans with up to $19,200 a year in education benefits for four years. The HELP Committee's new report raises concerns, given that the previous Committee investigation revealed that many for-profit schools utilize aggressive and often questionable marketing and recruiting tactics, provide programs of questionable value, and often cost far more than comparable programs offered at public schools.  These findings have provided the underpinnings of a nationwide series of investigations and lawsuits by dozens of state Attorneys General and federal enforcement agencies.

"More and more veterans are enrolling in high cost for-profit programs of questionable quality, while the share of veterans enrolling in community colleges and state universities is shrinking," Harkin said. "While the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill was designed to expand educational opportunities for our veterans and servicemembers, I am concerned that it is primarily expanding the coffers of the big corporations running these schools. It is evident that more needs to be done to ensure that veterans and servicemembers, who have sacrificed so much for our nation, are receiving a quality education?and that taxpayer dollars aren't wasted on shoddy programs.

"This report, including the findings that $186 million of veteran benefits were squandered and thousands of veterans will be impacted by the failure of Corinthian Colleges, must be a wake-up call for anybody concerned about our nation's veterans," Harkin added. "Eight institutions, nearly all of which are under investigation by federal and state law enforcement for questionable business practices, received almost a quarter of all Post-9/11 G.I. Bill dollars last year. It is clear that all stakeholders, and especially Congress, must take action to better protect our nation's military families."

"On too many basic measures of value, for-profit colleges fail to meet minimum standards.  The recent collapse of Corinthian Colleges should serve as a warning to students to think twice before enrolling in these schools and to taxpayers who are subsidizing these schools often up to 90% of their total revenue," said Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), author of the Protecting Our Students and Taxpayers (POST) Act, which would include Post-9/11 GI Bill funding in the current federal 90/10 rule. "By leaving open a loophole that allows Post-9/11 GI bill funding to go unaccounted for, we are incentivizing for-profit education companies to aggressively market to and enroll veterans.  The results laid out in Chairman Harkin's report show that unfortunately these predatory tactics are working.  We need to close this loophole."

"Today's report should be a wake-up call to the federal government. It's a serious problem that Post-9/11 G.I. Bill dollars are often inflating these companies' revenues instead of actually providing a meaningful education to the men and women who earned those benefits. The Post-9/11 G.I. Bill should benefit our veterans and their families?not companies like Corinthian that's gotten $186 million in G.I. Bill funds but is now undergoing bankruptcy proceedings," said Senator Chris Murphy, a member of the HELP Committee. "The bottom line is that the federal government can't sit back and let some for-profit colleges get away with deceptive practices that rob our veterans of their education and military benefits in order to pad profits. We need to act now."

The investigation released today shows that taxpayers are paying twice as much for a veteran to attend a for-profit college as a public college.  For-profit colleges received $1.7 billion in Post-9/11 G.I. Bill benefits in the 2012-2013 school year, nearly as much as the total cost of the program just four years earlier. Eight of the top ten recipients of Post-9/11 G.I. Bill federal funds are large, publicly-traded companies that operate for-profit colleges. Those companies have received $2.9 billion in taxpayer dollars to enroll veterans in these schools over the past 4 years, including 23 percent?or $975 million?of all Post-9/11-G.I. Bill benefits in 2012-13.

Additional findings from the report include :

Veteran enrollment at for-profit colleges is skyrocketing relative to enrollment at public colleges, with for-profit colleges collecting billions in Post-9/11 G.I. Bill funds:

·         While the total number of veterans attending all colleges on the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill grew rapidly between 2009-10 and 2012-13, both the number of veterans attending for-profit colleges and the amount of benefits these colleges received increased more than in other sectors of higher education.
  • The percentage of veterans attending a public college declined from 62 percent in 2009 to just 50 percent in 2013.  During the same period, the percentage of veterans enrolling in for-profit colleges increased from 23 to 31 percent of total enrollees.

Taxpayers continue to fill the coffers of for-profit colleges: today's report revealed that many of these companies rely on a loophole and use these benefits to meet a requirement that they not receive more than 90 percent of revenues from the federal college aid programs. Programs at for-profit colleges are also often far more expensive than comparable programs at public schools:

 

  • Taxpayers are paying twice as much on average to send a veteran to a for-profit college for a year compared to the cost at a public college or university ($7,972 versus $3,914).
  • Some large companies that operate for-profit colleges appear increasingly dependent on continued receipt of Post-9/11 G.I. Bill funds to comply with the federal "90/10" requirement, designed to ensure the companies and the schools are not overly dependent on federal education resources. A loophole in federal law allows for-profit colleges to consider funds from the Post 9/11-G.I. Bill and the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) on the "10 percent" side, as non-federal funds. However, at least four of the companies receive an estimated 43 to 63 percent of their "10 percent" revenues from Post-9/11 G.I. Bill benefits.
  • Amongst the top recipients of Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits is Corinthian Colleges, Inc.  Corinthian received $186 million in Post-9/11 G.I. Bill funds from 2009 to 2013, yet recently announced it was in such severe financial distress that it would close or sell all campuses.  In all, seven of the eight companies are currently under investigation by state attorneys general or federal agencies for deceptive and misleading recruiting or other possible violations of federal law.

Further, students at these for-profit colleges, as shown in Harkin's 2012 report, withdraw from school at a high rate, frequently take on significant debt, and are often left with meager job prospects that leave them unable to repay their loans:

 

  • The federal government does not currently track how veterans are performing at different colleges.  However, overall student outcomes provided by the companies to the HELP Committee for students enrolling between 2008 and 2009 demonstrate reason for concern.  Up to 66 percent of students who enrolled in the for-profit colleges currently receiving the most Post-9/11 G.I. Bill benefits withdrew in that school year without a degree or diploma.
  • Between 39 and 57 percent of the programs offered by four of the companies receiving the most Post-9/11 G.I. Bill benefits would fail to meet the proposed gainful employment rule thresholds, suggesting that the students who attend these institutions do not earn enough to pay back the debt they take on.

Harkin's HELP Committee led a two year investigation into the for-profit college industry, culminating with the release of For Profit Higher Education: The Failure to Safeguard the Federal Investment and Ensure Student Success, an extensive final report. The investigation found that for-profit colleges were the largest recipients of Post-9/11 G.I. Bill benefits and that many in the for-profit sector targeted veterans and servicemembers with manipulative and misleading marketing campaigns, offered educational programs that were far more expensive than comparable public programs, and failed to provide enrollees with necessary support services.

The final report similarly underscored the questionable value of many for-profit programs, revealing that the majority of associate's and bachelor's degree students at for-profit colleges left school with debt but no diploma, while those that did graduate were often unable to find employment that allowed them to pay back their often-sizeable student loan debt. The report showed that students at for-profit colleges accounted for nearly half of all federal student loan defaults.

The full report can be seen here. The appendices to the report can be seen here and here.

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