10 Jun 2014

ILLINOIS / IOWA DELEGATION: ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL RECEIVES $110 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDING TO ENSURE COMPETITIVENESS & STEADY WORKLOAD IN FUTURE

By Kristine Ahlfield, Grassley Press

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - The bipartisan, bi-state delegation that represents the Rock Island Arsenal today announced that the United States Army has allocated $110 million in funding for the Arsenal through the Arsenal Sustainment Initiative, which will help ensure that the Arsenal remains competitive as it bids on additional workload through its partnerships with the private sector.

Today's announcement was made by the members of the Illinois / Iowa Congressional Delegation: U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Mark Kirk (R-IL), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Tom Harkin (D-IA) and U.S. Representatives Cheri Bustos (D-IL-17), Bruce Braley (D-IA-01), and Dave Loebsack (D-IA-02). The funding is made available through a Durbin-authored provision that he included in the Omnibus Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2014.

"As our nation's military draws down overseas and transitions to peacetime, the Rock Island Arsenal needs critical investments like this to adapt to a changing workload and remain competitive with the private sector," said Durbin. "The funding announced today will allow the Rock Island Arsenal to more effectively pursue public-private partnerships and make certain the Arsenal remains a powerful economic engine for our state and a leader in supporting the defense of our nation."

 

"This Industrial Mobilization Capacity funding will strengthen Rock Island Arsenal and aid in the promotion of public private partnerships - a critical component of ensuring the continuity of the Arsenal's peacetime workload," Kirk said. "The Rock Island Arsenal hugely contributes to the Quad Cities economy, and Senators Durbin, Grassley, Harkin and I will continue this bipartisan effort to protect this Illinois facility."

 

"Together, these provisions will help maintain the Rock Island Arsenal in the state of readiness that our nation needs," said Grassley. "The capabilities of the Rock Island Arsenal have proven their value time and again and are a vital backstop in wartime. It's important to help secure the long-term viability of the Arsenal."

 

"As conflicts overseas wind down, Rock Island Arsenal needs to transition to peacetime operations in a way that protects jobs and ensures the long term sustainability of the Arsenal. This funding bridges that gap between urgent wartime operations that the Army assigns to the Arsenal and a future where the Arsenal survives as a competitive enterprise. It also ensures that the Arsenal maintains important manufacturing capacity should our nation have to confront another challenge in wartime," said Harkin.

"The Rock Island Arsenal and its workers not only manufacture equipment that arms and protects our troops, but it is also the engine that drives our region's economy," Bustos said. "This critical investment will bolster the Arsenal's competitiveness and help guarantee a steady workload for years to come. I'll continue to partner with Senator Durbin and leaders in our bi-state region to ensure the Arsenal and our local economy remain strong in peacetime as well as wartime."

 

"The Rock Island Arsenal is an essential national security asset and a source of good-paying jobs in the Quad Cities region," Braley said. "These additional resources will allow the Arsenal to continue its storied history of aiding in our nation's security and sparking economic growth throughout Eastern Iowa."

 

"As the only member from Iowa on the House Armed Services Committee, I have fought to expand the number of public-private partnerships the Arsenal can enter into. I am pleased this funding will support these partnerships and help ensure continued economic growth for the Quad Cities and protect the Arsenal's future as a strategic asset to the Army," said Loebsack.

 

The funding announced today was included in the Omnibus Appropriations bill for Industrial Mobilization Capacity, a fund which helps arsenals keep their work rates competitive. The allocation of IMC funding for Rock Island and other arsenals was based on the Army's analysis of each facility. This will help Rock Island Arsenal and other arsenals compete more effectively for public-private partnerships and other business to help sustain capacity, cost efficiency and technical competence in peacetime, while preserving the ability to provide an effective and timely response to mobilizations, national defense contingency situations and other emergent requirements.

Last week, the Senate Armed Services Committee held a mark-up for the Fiscal Year 2015 National Defense Authorization Act. At Durbin's request, the legislation includes two provisions to help ensure the long-term health of the Rock Island Arsenal:

  • Ensuring a Steady, Higher Level Workload: The legislation makes permanent a provision Durbin included last year in Fiscal Year 2014 Defense to require the Secretary of the Army to maintain a minimum workload at Rock Island Arsenal (and the arsenals in New York and Arkansas). The bill dictates that workload levels should be set to allow the arsenals to maintain critical capabilities and remain healthy, specifically those levels consistent with the Army Organic Industrial Base Strategy Report.

The Army Organic Industrial Base Strategy Report, which has not yet been released, was first proposed by Durbin and U.S. Senators Mark Kirk (R-IL), Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) as part of the Army Arsenal Strategic Workload Enhancement Act of 2012. The study was authorized in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013 which directed the Secretary of Defense to create a strategic plan to ensure arsenals, including Rock Island, receive the workload they need to keep workers' skills sharp. The Army does this type of systematic planning for some of its components but not for arsenals.

  • Putting Arsenals on a Level Playing Field with Other Military Installations: The legislation eliminates the Secretary of the Army's current authority to close an arsenal if he deems it necessary. This provision puts arsenals on a level playing field with other military installations, and ensures that any change in status can only be made through a standard process.
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09 Jun 2014

Honor Flight's Bob Morrison receives Modern Woodmen's Community Service Award

By Rick Martin

Ridgecrest Foundation selected by Morrison to receive $7,500 grant

 

Bob Morrison, director and leader of the Honor Flight of the Quad Cities, will receive Modern Woodmen of America's 2014 Community Service Award at a breakfast ceremony from 7:15 a.m. to 8:15 a.m. on Friday, June 13. The event will be held at Abbey Station in Rock Island (program begins promptly at 7:45 a.m.). Media coverage of this event is welcomed and appreciated.

The fraternal financial services organization will honor Bob Morrison for his volunteer leadership and outstanding impact in the Quad Cities.

About the recipient

Graduate of the University of Iowa, Bob spent 11 years as a Development Director for the New Hope Foundation before transitioning into the development and marketing director position at Ridgecrest Foundation in Davenport, in 2008. The relationships he developed with members at Ridgecrest helped spark his passion for the Honor Flight of the Quad Cities.

In 2008, Bob started an Honor Flight hub based in the Illinois/Iowa Quad Cities area. Bob organized the volunteer board, which now helps oversee more than 200 volunteers. He speaks to civic clubs, churches, schools and other groups, and he has helped organize the past 28 honor flights.

As a longtime community supporter, Bob gives back in a variety of ways. Bob currently serves as a committee member for the Boy Scouts of America Loud Thunder Camp, chair of board of Discipleship for the Iowa Conference United Methodist Church, lay leader of Wesley United Methodist Church, secretary for REVIVE board of directors, Davenport Rotary board member and ILLOWA Partnership of Philanthropic Planning board member.

About the Community Service Award

The Community Service Award is an annual award that includes a grant presented to local charitable organizations. Bob Morrison selected Ridgecrest Foundation to receive a $7,500 award.

The 2014 award recipient will also receive an engraved Waterford crystal clock, representing his time and dedication to community volunteer service. Modern Woodmen initiated the award program in 1997 to help support local charities and encourage community involvement.

Selection is based on:

  • Leadership in the community.
  • Impact on quality of life.
  • Long-term community service.
  • Involvement in the business community.
  • Encouragement of others to be active.

"The purpose of this award is to encourage others to volunteer in the Quad Cities," says W. Kenny Massey, president and CEO of Modern Woodmen. "That's why we recognize local leaders like Bob. His commitment to service and to our veterans encourages those around him to make a difference in the community."

In 2010, Bob joined forces with Modern Woodmen to fly 100 World War II veterans to Washington D.C. All 100 veterans were Modern Woodmen members.

Founded in 1883, Modern Woodmen of America touches lives and secures futures. The fraternal financial services organization offers financial products and fraternal member benefits to individuals and families throughout the United States.

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09 Jun 2014

Soldiers look forward to becoming Army cooks

By U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Aleah M. Castrejon, National Guard Public Affairs Office

SPRINGFIELD, IL (06/06/2014)(readMedia)-- SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Illinois Soldiers earning the 92G Army cook military occupation specialty (MOS) completed their first week of training from fellow Illinois Guardsmen through the 129th Regimental Training Institute in Springfield. The Soldiers are part of the two-week course taught by Illinois Soldiers who earned the 92G MOS last year.

This week the instructors also went through an accreditation process. The process is an assessment of how the schoolhouse conducts training for the class. The 92G school is evaluated by instructors from the quartermaster course based in Ft. Lee, Virginia. After the assessment is complete, it is rolled up into the regiment's accreditation. The schoolhouse is evaluated by the way they instruct, their teaching methods, staff and faculty development programs, and ensure the course manager is using the correct lesson plans and equipment.

"Every time people come to see our students, we are told the instructors are excellent," said Sgt. 1st Class Jaclyn Musgrove of Auburn, Illinois, 2nd Battalion, 129th Regiment, Regional Training Institute (RTI), 92G course manager. "I have to agree, they are top notch."

The evaluators from Virginia commented on the 129th Regiment RTI instructors, commenting on their passion and enthusiasm.

"We have a great team of instructors, a great partnership with Lincoln Land Community College, and support from the state," said Lt. Col. Gregory Ota of Wheaton, Illinois, 2nd Battalion, 129th Regiment, Regional Training Institute (RTI), commander. "I feel like we could compete with the best that the Army has to offer."

Master Sgt. Cindy Singley of Towanda, Illinois, with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade in Chicago, is the kitchen manager for a junior high school. She led the kitchen for annual training. She said she had fun learning and cooking with the Soldiers during this training.

"It gives me pleasure to see the enjoyment on the Soldier's faces," said Singley. "I get to see their faces light up as they are excited to know what we were cooking next."

Spc. Victoria Cain of Chicago, with 108th Sustainment Brigade in Chicago, has been in the Illinois National Guard for three years and was told she needed to reclassify to another MOS. Cain chose the 92G school because she enjoys baking. She said she is learning different cooking techniques and healthy eating.

"I like learning from the non-commissioned officers; I like our communication in the kitchen and I enjoy the camaraderie," said Cain.

She said she is happy to be a part of an MOS that is being used again. She also said she enjoys it and wants other Soldiers to enjoy it as well.

06 Jun 2014

Braley Marks 70th Anniversary of D-Day

By Kirsten Hartman

Washington, D.C. - Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) today released the following statement to commemorate the 70th anniversary of D-Day.

"June 6, 1944 is a day that continues to live in our hearts and minds as we remember the American servicemembers who participated in the invasion of Normandy seventy years ago in the name of freedom. Their bravery and sacrifice continue to have an impact on the lives of all Americans and will never be forgotten."

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04 Jun 2014

Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Zukunft to participate in 70th anniversary D-Day events in Normandy

By U.S. Coast Guard HQ Public Affairs

WASHINGTON – When the Allied Forces landed on Normandy Beach, the U.S. Coast Guard took part in the greatest amphibious operation the world had ever seen. On June 6, 1944, the Coast Guard joined the other U.S. military branches and Allied Forces in the operation code-named Overlord. The Coast Guard played an integral part in Operation Neptune, the code name given to Overlord's amphibious assault and naval gunfire support operations.

Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Paul Zukunft is scheduled to join with President Barack Obama and Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel this week in France for the commemoration of the 70th anniversary of D-Day. Adm. Zukunft assumed the duties of Coast Guard Commandant May 30, 2014.

A fact sheet about the Coast Guard and its participation in D-Day provides units, commands and statistics about the service's actions.

Read about the events of June 6, 1044, in "U.S. Coast Guard at Normandy" by Coast Guard historian Scott Price: http://www.uscg.mil/history/articles/h_normandy.asp.

For tweets from Normandy, link to the Commandant's Twitter account: www.twitter.com/admzukunft

The Commandant's Instagram account, www.instagram.com/admzukunft, will feature photos from Adm. Zukunft's trip to Normandy.

For media interested in arranging interviews with Adm. Zukunft while he is in Normandy, please contact Lt. Cmdr. Matt Moorlag at Matthew.J.Moorlag@uscg.mil.

Some facts about the Coast Guard and D-Day:

  • At least 97 Coast Guard cutters and Coast Guard-manned Navy vessels participated in Operation Neptune.
  • More Coast Guard vessels were lost or damaged that day than at any time in its history. Destroyed in action were LCI(L)-85, 91, 92 and 93. The latter three were lost on Omaha Beach while the 85 sank offshore. Their burning wrecks served as navigation markers that day.
  • Fifteen Coast Guardsmen died in the invasion on D-Day. Most were crewmen from the LCIs and landing craft that participated in the Omaha Beach assault. Six of those who were killed in action are buried in the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in France.
  • Coast Guardsmen who participated were awarded one Navy Cross, 11 Silver Stars and one British Distinguished Service Cross.

 

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02 Jun 2014

Statements on the Resignation of VA Secretary Shinseki

By Various

Loebsack Statement on the Resignation of VA Secretary Shinseki

 

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today after Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki resigned.

"As a military parent, I have been outraged by what has come to light at VA health centers across the nation. I appreciate Secretary Shinseki's prior service to our nation, but believe that his resignation is the only way for the Agency to start fresh and ensure our veterans receive the timely access to health care they deserve. It is now time to move forward and focus on how we as a nation provide the best health care for those who defended our country. We must redouble our efforts to rectify this situation and provide the VA with the resources they need to prevent anything like this from happening in the future."

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Braley Statement on Resignation of Secretary Shinseki

Washington, D.C. - Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) today released the following statement following the resignation of Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki.

"Despite the recent and ongoing issues at the VA that led to today's resignation, Secretary Shinseki's service to our country deserves our sincerest respect and gratitude. While I agree with today's decision, this in no way diminishes our responsibility to fully investigate recent allegations of misconduct, punish those involved?and most importantly?to work together to solve these problems in service to America's veterans. We all owe that to the generations of America's veterans who continue to rely on the VA for quality care."

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30 May 2014

Loebsack Welcomes Quad Cities Honor Flight to Washington

By Joe Hand

Veterans from WWII and Korean Wars view monuments built in their honor

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack today welcomed the Quad Cities Honor Flight to the National World War II Memorial on the National Mall in Washington. Loebsack presented the members of the Honor Flight with copies of the Congressional Record statement he submitted in recognition of their service, as well as a pocket Constitution. The Quad Cities Honor Flight brings World War II and Korean War veterans to Washington to visit our nation's capital and Memorials built in their honor.

"I look forward to welcoming each Honor Flight to our nation's capital so they can see the memorials that were built in their honor. Being able to welcome these veterans today was especially meaningful," said Loebsack. "We cannot thank these veterans enough for their service to our nation. I was honored to present them with a copy of the statement I made for the official Congressional Record to recognize their service, as well as a pocket Constitution."  

The Honor Flights are all fully paid for, and the veterans are typically accompanied by volunteers who donate their time to ensure that the veterans have a safe trip. This group included 92 veterans. The Quad Cities Honor Flight left from the Quad Cities Airport this morning and will return tonight.

Loebsack is an avid supporter of our veterans. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, he has worked to improve care and benefits for our servicemembers and veterans, including expanding Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits for the National Guard; expanding access to mental health care; helping our veterans find civilian jobs; and opening new Community Based Outpatient Clinics to improve access to VA services for Iowa veterans. He also co-introduced bipartisan legislation to eliminate the waiting period for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits for servicemembers wounded in combat.

30 May 2014

Lt. Governor Simon-backed military education reform overwhelmingly passes Illinois General Assembly

By Annie Thompson
Measure to assist military students heads to governor's desk
SPRINGFIELD - May 29, 2014. Lt. Governor Sheila Simon today applauded the Illinois General Assembly for passing legislation crafted by her office to ease the transitions of military students moving in and out of Illinois schools. House Bill 3939 sponsored by Sen. Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) and Rep. Eddie Lee Jackson (D-East St. Louis) now heads to Governor Quinn for signing.
"I appreciate the legislature's strong support of this measure that will improve educational opportunities for military students and help keep military jobs in our state," said Simon, who chairs the state's Interagency Military Base Support and Economic Development Committee (IMBSEDC). "I would like to thank the school administrators for their valuable input, and I commend Rep. Jackson and Sen. Bush for their work to pass this bill.  I look forward to the governor signing it into law."
"The Metro East is home to many of our state's military families, and I look forward to returning to my district to show military families that they have our support," said Rep. Jackson. "Today we showed our commitment to these families that sacrifice so much."
"I was pleased to sponsor this legislation in the Senate, and I would like to thank Lt. Governor Simon for raising this important issue," said Sen. Bush. "It is vital that we do everything in our power to support our military families and military students, and I encourage the governor to sign HB 3939 into law quickly."
In 2010, Illinois joined the Interstate Compact for Military Children and adopted the state's first-ever law recognizing the unique educational challenges of military students. In the 45 other Compact states, military students enter the same grade level at their new schools, retain previously earned credit and are offered opportunities for extracurricular activities. Illinois' law does not currently offer the same assurances.
The Simon-backed legislation brings Illinois into alignment with other Compact states, providing protections military students deserve while also preserving local control. They include :
• Grade Level: Students must be allowed to continue their enrollment at grade level in the receiving state at the time of transition; subsequent evaluation to verify placement is allowed.
• Course & Program Placement: Schools shall initially honor course and program placement for military students at the time of transition, including Advanced Placement and ESL, provided that the courses are offered and space is available; subsequent evaluation to verify placement is allowed.
• Extracurricular Activities: Schools shall facilitate the opportunity for inclusion in sports and other activities to the extent that children are qualified and space is available as determined by the school principal.
The state of Illinois is home to approximately 10,000 military students, most of whom have at least one parent on active duty at major installations in North Chicago, the Quad Cities and Metro East. They may transfer schools up to nine times between kindergarten and high school graduation, a rate three times that of their civilian peers.
Simon added that with potential federal defense spending reductions and potential base closures on the horizon, this measure positions our bases for expansions, not drastic cuts.
During a series of listening posts hosted by the Simon-chaired Interagency Military Base Support and Economic Development Committee (IMBSEDC) held last year near Scott Air Force Base, Naval Station Great Lakes and the Rock Island Arsenal, families and military leadership consistently raised the issue of improving school transition.
As chair of the IMBSEDC, Simon helps coordinate the state's activities and communications relating to current and former military bases in Illinois. This spring, Simon has joined U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), members of Illinois' congressional delegation and officials from the U.S. Air Force to discuss the future Scott Air Force Base in Belleville.
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28 May 2014

In Light of VA Report, Loebsack Calls on Secretary Shinseki to Resign, Department of Justice to Investigate

By Joe Hand

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack today announced that he is calling on Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Eric Shinseki to immediately resign. He is also calling on Attorney General Eric Holder to begin an investigation to determine if any criminal wrongdoing occurred. Results of a preliminary report by the VA Inspector General's Office show that the delay of care to veterans and subsequent manipulation of records is systemic throughout the VA. The report also states that the delay caused the health care of veterans to be compromised.

"The VA Inspector General's report makes it very clear that there are scheduling problems agency-wide and not just isolated to the Phoenix health center. I have made it very clear that if these allegations were proven true that heads need to roll. I appreciate Secretary Shinseki's prior service to our nation, but it is time for a new direction at the VA and Secretary Shinseki needs to leave for that to happen.

"As a military parent, I have been outraged by what has come to light and believe the Department of Justice needs to investigate to determine if any criminal actions took place. We owe it to our nation's veterans to determine exactly what happened."

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28 May 2014

After Release of Interim Report by VA Inspector General, Braley Calls for Resignation of Secretary Shinseki

By Kirsten Hartman

Washington, D.C. - Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) today released the following statement after the VA Office of Inspector General issued an interim report on alleged misconduct related to patient wait times and scheduling practices at the Veterans Health Administration.

"The preliminary report of the VA's Office of Inspector General has convinced me that it is time for Secretary Shinseki to resign. The safety and health of our veterans is the paramount responsibility of the VA?and the report's damning findings include "systemic" problems with delayed medical care to veterans  and manipulation of records to hide those delays. It is now clear that the only way to restore confidence in the VA's ability to identify and eliminate these problems throughout the entire system is with new leadership.

 

"I also join House Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Jeff Miller in calling on the Justice Department to conduct an investigation into alleged misconduct to determine if any criminal charges should be filed against those involved."

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