27 May 2014

Governor Quinn Honors Fallen Servicemembers and Military Families During Memorial Day Weekend

By Katie Hickey

"Portrait of a Soldier" Memorial Exhibit on Display at Illinois Tollway Oases through Independence Day  

SCHILLER PARK - Governor Pat Quinn today commemorated Memorial Day by unveiling the "Portrait of a Soldier" memorial exhibit at the O'Hare Oasis and announced the summer exhibit schedule at Tollway Oases in northern Illinois. The exhibit features a series of hand-drawn portraits of nearly all of the more than 300 Illinois men and women who have died while serving our country since Sept. 11, 2001.  

"The 'Portrait of a Solider' memorial exhibit helps people across Illinois learn about true heroes who paid the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedoms," Governor Quinn said. "From Memorial Day to Independence Day, I encourage everyone to take time to visit the display and honor our brave servicemembers who will forever remain in our hearts and minds."  

The exhibit is on display at the O'Hare Oasis until Sunday, June 1, and then will travel to the Hinsdale Oasis, where it will be displayed through Sunday, June 8. The exhibit will be on display at the Chicago Southland Lincoln, DeKalb, Belvidere and Lake Forest oases through theJuly 4 weekend.  

"By displaying the portraits of these dedicated men and women, we hope to honor the sacrifice they made while serving our country," Illinois Tollway Executive Director Kristi Lafleur said. "We ask our Tollway customers to consider pausing in their travels to view this exhibit and help us commemorate the courage of these brave Americans."  

Governor Quinn established the "Portrait of a Soldier" memorial exhibit in 2004 to honor fallen Illinois servicemembers when artist Cameron Schilling of Mattoon drew the first portrait of Army Spc. Charles Neeley, also of Mattoon, after he was killed in Iraq. Schilling, a student at Eastern Illinois University at the time, committed to drawing a portrait of every servicemember who has fallen during the Global War on Terror.  

"This powerful exhibit presented on this solemn day helps us remember the ultimate price these men and women have paid to ensure our safety," Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs Director Erica Borggren said. "It also reminds us of the duty we have to honor the fallen and support their families."  

Governor Quinn has made commitment to veterans, servicemembers and their families a top priority throughout his career. He led the Illinois Warrior Assistance Program that helps veterans transition back to their daily lives and the Welcome Home Heroes program which helps support Illinois service members seeking homeownership. As Lieutenant Governor, Governor Quinn championed the Illinois Military Family Relief Fund Act, which established a fund to provide grants to families of Illinois National Guard members and Illinois residents serving in the U.S. Armed Forces Reserve components, who are called to active duty. These grants help servicemembers and their families with the costs of food, housing, utilities and other expenses when the wage-earner has left civilian employment for active military duty. The fund has distributed more than $15.1 million to 29,625 Illinois military families to assist with the financial burden at home.

Portrait of a Soldier Memorial Exhibit Schedule

Saturday, May 24 - Sunday, June 1              O'Hare Oasis (Schiller Park), Tri-State Tollway (I-294)

Monday, June 2 - Sunday, June 8                 Hinsdale Oasis, Tri-State Tollway (I-294)

Monday, June 9 - Sunday, June 15               Chicago Southland Lincoln Oasis (South Holland) Tri-State Tollway (I-294/80)

Monday, June 16 - Sunday, June 22             DeKalb Oasis, Reagan Memorial Tollway (I-88)

Monday, June 23 - Sunday, June 29             Belvidere Oasis, Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90)

Monday, June 30 - Sunday, July 6                 Lake Forest Oasis, Tri-State Tollway (I-94)

NOTE: Beginning June 2, the exhibit will open at noon on Mondays at each oasis and for the rest of the week during the dates listed above, will remain open 24/7.

For more information on the "Portrait of a Solder" exhibit or to view the portraits online, please visit www.OperationHomefront.org.

Governor Quinn Honors Military Families with Welcome Home Heroes Program

Visits Cities Across Illinois to Promote Program and Continues Push to Protect Critical Veterans Services from Budget Cuts

WINNEBAGO - As part of his agenda to support our veterans in honor of Memorial Day, Governor Pat Quinn today will visit cities across Illinois to discuss his Welcome Home Heroes program. As part of this program, veterans and their families can take advantage of the $10,000 in cash down-payment assistance that is available. Visiting Rockford, Chicago, Rock Island and Decatur, the Governor is continuing his push for a responsible budget that adequately funds critical veterans services.  

"It is Job One on the homefront to take care of our veterans and military families for all of the sacrifices they make," Governor Quinn said. "With programs like Welcome Homes Heroes, Illinois leads the nation in serving those who have served us. I will continue to fight to ensure we protect our essential veterans services for those who have sacrificed so much."

In addition to the down-payment assistance, the program provides a 30-year fixed rate mortgage with an affordable interest rate (currently 3.875 percent); and a mortgage tax credit worth up to $20,000 over the life of the loan to reduce federal income tax liability. Since the program's launch three years ago, 1,300 Illinois veterans, active military personnel, reservists and Illinois National Guard members have accessed more than $165 million to buy their homes.

The Governor today will visit several veterans and their families today who have achieved their goal of homeownership through the Welcome Home Heroes program:

  • ·         Dr. Eric Luke, and his wife, Andrea, had been renting in the Rockford area since 2009 while taking care of Dr. Luke's father who was sick. Luke served four years in Korea and reached Staff Sergeant in the Iraq War and now is currently a chiropractor. They're excited to be in the new house and Welcome Home Heroes made it possible. "We did save our dollars. We're savers by nature," Dr. Luke said. "However, when you factor in student loans from medical school and things we might potentially need to fix up in our new house, we realized that the assistance from Welcome Home Heroes would be just the product to put us over the top. We really appreciate the assistance."
  • ·         Billy Lynn served in the Marines from 2000-2004 and achieved the rank of Sergeant. After becoming a Marine he and his unit were deployed in Australia. He was only there for six months when the September 11, 2001 attacks occurred. His unit was deployed to Afghanistan and was one of the very first units to arrive there. He purchased his home in Evergreen Park in October of 2012. "I wouldn't have been able to buy my house without Welcome Home Heroes," Sgt. Lynn said. "The program is great. The assistance ($10,000) really made my home purchase a possibility for me."
  • ·         Joshua Thompson is an IT Tech with the Rock Island Arsenal and is also currently in the Army National Guard as an Active Reserve Soldier. He served in Afghanistan from 2010 - 2011 as a Specialist. After coming home from service overseas in 2011, Josh rented in the Quad Cities area as that is where he is from. He purchased his home in October of 2013 after he learned of the Welcome Home Heroesprogram from co-workers who are other military personnel at the Rock Island Arsenal. "I had high standards for the home I wanted to buy. There were a lot of things I was looking for and if it weren't for the assistance by the Welcome Home Heroes program, I would not have been able to purchase this home," Thompson said. "Mary at U.S. Bank explained the program to me and helped me through the process. Overall it's been fantastic!"
  • ·         Paul Joliff served in the U.S. Army from 1986 - 1990, where he achieved the rank of an E4 Specialist and worked as a mechanic and crew chief on cobra helicopters. He then served in the National Guard from 1990 - 1994. Paul and his two children recently closed on their home on May 14th in Forsyth. "Welcome Home Heroes was huge for us," Joliff said. "The assistance allowed me not only to get a bigger house, it also allowed me to stay in Forsyth. My kids are in the school there and I love the school district. Getting a bigger home in a great school district was what I really wanted and Welcome Home Heroeshelped make that happen."

Welcome Home Heroes is one of a number of affordable mortgage programs the Governor has launched. In total, Governor Quinn has targeted $20 million total in state capital Illinois Jobs Now! funds to the Welcome Home Heroes program to help increase affordable homeownership opportunities for military veterans and their families.

Additionally, Welcome Home Heroes and other Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) programs help benefit the overall economy. According to the Illinois Association of Realtors (IAR), every home sold generates two jobs and $60,000 in ripple effects to the overall economy. This impact has already been realized statewide with other IHDA programs. In 2013, 3,000 families purchased homes through one of IHDA's programs, generating 1,500 jobs and infusing $70 million into Illinois' economy. Projections show that even just a 15 percent increase in 2014 could generate an additional 1,725 jobs and infuse another $10 million into Illinois' economy.

"Under Governor Quinn's leadership, Welcome Home Heroescontinues to eliminate barriers to homeownership that many Illinois military families face by providing a financial package that is one of the most substantial in the nation," IHDA Executive Director Mary R. Kenney said. "As the state's housing finance agency, we are proud to offer a program that helps military homeowners and improves local real estate markets across Illinois."

IHDA's mortgages have lower credit score requirements, provide cash for down payment assistance and require homeownership counseling. A list of lenders is available at www.ihda.org.

For more information about the Governor's programs for our veterans, visit OperationHomefront.org or call the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs at (217) 782-6641 or (312) 814-2460.

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22 May 2014

Loebsack Statement on VA Management Accountability Act

By Vonnie Hampel

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today after the House of Representatives voted on the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Management Accountability Act of 2014.

"The men and women who volunteered to serve and defend our nation deserve only the best care when they return from service. Like many others, I have been outraged at the reports of alleged preventable deaths and subsequent cover ups at various VA health centers across the country. While the accountability included in the legislation that passed today is important, there are additional steps that the VA should take to address this problem. They include : hiring more medical specialists to better address the increasing influx of veterans entering the VA health system; reauthorizing the Health Professional Scholarship Program; strengthening and increasing partnerships with community hospitals and university hospitals to take advantage of all medical personnel in a community; and broadening telemedicine pilot programs that allow veterans access to care from the comfort of their home.

"As a parent of military children these recent events are deeply disturbing to me. I believe that the VA must do everything in their power to rectify this situation and I will work to ensure they have the resources they need to prevent anything further from harming our veterans."

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22 May 2014

Loebsack Welcomes Eastern Iowa Honor Flight to Washington

By Joe Hand

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack today welcomed the Eastern Iowa 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 Eastern Iowa Honor Flight brings World War II, Korean and Vietnam 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 84 veterans. The Eastern Iowa Honor Flight left from the Eastern Iowa 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.
21 May 2014

Vice Adm. Peter Neffenger relieves Vice Adm. John Currier as vice commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard

By U.S. Coast Guard HQ Public Affairs

WASHINGTON – U.S. Coast Guard Vice Adm. Peter Neffenger relieved Vice Adm. John Currier as Vice Commandant of the Coast Guard during a change of watch ceremony at U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters, Washington, D.C., Tuesday.

Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Bob Papp presided over the ceremony and U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson attended.

"It has been my honor to serve our nation as the vice commandant," said Currier. "Thanks to all of my shipmates in this great organization and semper paratus."

The change-of-watch ceremony is a time-honored event preserved by rich heritage of naval tradition. It is a formal custom that is designed to strengthen the respect of authority, which is vital to any military organization.

The ceremony marked the completion of a distinguished military career that began at Officer Candidate School in Yorktown, Va., in 1976. He was designated a naval aviator in 1977 and an aeronautical engineer in 1982. Currier served at six Coast Guard Air Stations throughout his career, highlighted by command of Air Stations Detroit and Miami. Subsequently, he was assigned as Pacific Area Chief of Operations then Pacific Area chief of staff. Currier was promoted to flag rank in 2005. He then served as Assistant Commandant for Acquisition at Coast Guard Headquarters, then as commander of the 13th District. He assumed the duties of the Coast Guard's chief of staff in 2009, later transitioning to the service's first Deputy Commandant for Mission Support. Following the ceremony, Currier formally retired from the Coast Guard after nearly 38 years of service.

"Vice Admiral Currier has served our nation with distinction for nearly 38 years and the Coast Guard is safer, more proficient and more capable due to his exceptional leadership," said Neffenger.  "I am truly humbled to follow his impeccable service as vice commandant. I wish him fair winds and following seas."

Neffenger became the 29th vice commandant of the Coast Guard after serving as the Deputy Commandant for Operations, responsible for establishing and providing operational strategy, policy, guidance and resources as needed to meet national priorities for Coast Guard missions, programs and services. He was commissioned in 1982 at Officer Candidate School. Neffenger commanded Sector Los Angeles - Long Beach, Calif.; served as a fellow to the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee; as the Coast Guard liaison officer to the Territory of American Samoa; as an engineer on the Coast Guard Cutter Gallatin;  and as chief of the Office of Budget and Programs at Coast Guard Headquarters. As a flag officer, Neffenger served as director of the Strategic Management Directorate, was the Deputy National Incident Commander for the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill, the largest and most complex oil spill in the nation's history and as commander of the 9th District, where he oversaw Coast Guard operations throughout the Great Lakes and Saint Lawrence Seaway region.

For imagery of the ceremony, please go to https://www.dvidshub.net/.

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20 May 2014

Lt. Governor Simon-backed military education reform legislation advances

By Ted Nelson

Measure to assist military students next returns to House for approval

SPRINGFIELD - May 19, 2014. Lt. Governor Sheila Simon on Monday applauded the Illinois Senate for passing legislation crafted by her office to ease the transitions of military students moving in and out of Illinois schools. Sponsored by state Sen. Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) and state Rep. Eddie Lee Jackson (D-East St. Louis), House Bill 3939 will align Illinois with national standards on the treatment of military students, many who transfer schools three times more often than their civilian peers. The legislation now returns to the Illinois House for final consideration.

"This measure has the potential to ease the transition for military students and keep defense jobs in our state,"  said Simon, chairperson of the Interagency Military Base Support and Economic Development Committee. "By better aligning with national standards, we can assist thousands of military students in Illinois and show how much we value their families. I commend Sen. Bush and Rep. Jackson for their work to pass this legislation."

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.

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16 May 2014

Illinois Guard Soldier Competes in Veteran Pageant

By Spc. Ian Withrow, 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, Illinois Army National Guard

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - The military often conjures images of combat boots, firearms and fatigues; hardly a scene of beauty. Yet for female veterans around the country, the Ms. Veteran America contest affords an opportunity to trade their uniforms for glamorous evening gowns. Now in its third year, the pageant features contestants who are all current or former military members.

The Ms. Veteran America contest sets itself apart in a unique way. In addition to awarding tiaras and sashes, the contest's organizers also raise money and awareness for the Final Salute organization. Final Salute is a fund-raising initiative that helps homeless female veterans get access to safe and suitable housing.

Staff Sgt. Katie Jo Williams, of Altamont, Illinois, a recruiter with the Illinois National Guard Recruiting and Retention Command, said she decided to compete when a friend brought the organization to her attention on Facebook.

"My friend sent me the link and I thought it was a good cause," said Williams. "I got to thinking, when most people think of homeless vets they think of men, not women. I'm not a big feminist, but I think women get downplayed a lot."

Williams said she didn't have very high hopes when she decided to compete.

"I've never really been a girly-girl, I was always a tomboy," said Williams. "I had never even really tried something like this but I thought the worst they would say is 'no'. I deal with a lot of young women in high school and I feel like they don't have enough confidence. I want to show them how. Even if I don't win, I can be a cross-fit competitor and a pageant competitor. Just getting the word out there will help those homeless female veterans," said Williams

Outside her military career Williams also practices competitive cross-fit. She placed 21st in her division at "The Event," a cross-fit competition at her gym in Bloomington, Illinois, in April.

Williams said it was family legacy and personal drive that convinced her to join the military seven years ago.

"My grandpa was in the Navy and then the Army. My father was in the Marine Corps. And now I am the only female in my family to be in the military," said Williams. "My grandpa told me stories when I was young about his time in Vietnam. Since I was ten I knew I wanted to be a part of it. I wanted to travel the world and have all those experiences."

After enlisting as a motor transport operator, Williams deployed with the 634th Brigade Support Battalion, out of Mattoon, Illinois, to Camp Phoenix, Afghanistan, from 2008 to 2009. It was in the 634th when she met Staff Sgt. John A. Howard of Champaign, Illinois

Howard, who is now the full-time readiness noncommissioned officer for the 1544th Transportation Company Detachment in Danville, Illinois, has given Williams many pointers throughout her career and has always helped her through tough situations.

Howard said he thinks Williams stands a solid chance of winning because of her work ethic and her reputation as a motivated Soldier.

"I wouldn't bet against her if she stays true to herself and continues to do what she has been doing and doesn't deviate from what she knows is right," said Howard.

Williams will compete not only for the title of Ms. Veteran America, but also for two additional awards. Williams elected to compete for the titles of "Social Butterfly," which requires the most "likes" on Facebook to win, and "Iron Princess," which is awarded to the competitor who best works fitness and healthy living into their lifestyle. Williams said she wants to compete for the Social Butterfly title because, as a recruiter, she likes to connect with people and make new friends.

Williams said Iron Princess was also a natural choice given her involvement in cross-fit and healthy life style.

So what is next for Williams? For now she is preparing for the regional competition in Arlington,Virgina, which will take place on June 8. Though that is right around the corner, Williams said she believes she is ready.

"I'm not nervous about the experience, but maybe I am anxious," said Williams. "This is something I have never done before, so I do have some stomach butterflies, but it is excitement and nervousness all at the same time."

Williams said she wants to wow the judges with her voice during the talent portion of the competition. She has chosen to sing "I see the Light" sung originally by Mandy Moore from Disney's 2010 animated musical "Tangled."

"My sister tells me I sound like Mandy Moore," said Williams. "My sister and my friends told me I should do that one. It's a nice simple song just to show the judges what I can do."

For now, Williams is keeping herself grounded but hopeful about the regionals contest in June.

"If I do win, that would be awesome," said Williams. "I wouldn't know what to say. I would be ecstatic about being able to represent female veterans everywhere. I don't think there's another title that can compare."

14 May 2014

Lt. Col. Tammy Duckworth Participates in Memorial Day Events

By Illinois National Guard PAO
SPRINGFIELD, IL (05/14/2014)(readMedia)-- WHO: • Illinois Army National Guard Lt. Col. Tammy Duckworth of Hoffman Estates, Ill. WHAT: • Several Memorial Day ceremonies across Illinois WHEN/WHERE: • May 24, 12 p.m. - Grand Marshal of Chicago Memorial Day parade. The parade will start at 12 p.m. and proceed south on State Street from Lake Street to Van Buren. • May 25, 11 a.m. -Streamwood Memorial Day ceremony; Streamwood Veterans Memorial next to the village hall at 301 E. Irving Park Road in Streamwood, Ill. • May 26, 10:45 a.m. -Oak Ridge Cemetery at War Memorials, 1441 Monument in Springfield, Ill. • May 26, 2 p.m. -Camp Butler National Cemetery Memorial Day, 5063 Camp Butler Road in Springfield, Ill. • May 27, 9 a.m. -Athens High School, #1 Warrior Way in Athens, Ill. • May 27, 2 p.m. -Trinity Lutheran School, 11503 German Church Road, Burr Ridge, Ill. MORE: • 2014 marks the 10-year anniversary the aviation incident that injured Duckworth. She served in Iraq as an Assistant Operations Officer and flew combat missions as a Black Hawk helicopter pilot. During a mission north of Baghdad on Nov. 12, 2004 her aircraft was ambushed and a rocket-propelled grenade struck the helicopter she was co-piloting. She continued to attempt to pilot the aircraft until passing out from blood loss. As a result of the attack, Duckworth lost both her legs and partial use of one arm. She received many decorations for her actions, including the Purple Heart, the Air Medal and the Combat Action Badge. • Duckworth spent the next year recovering at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. As one of the highest-ranking patients, she became an advocate for her fellow Soldiers and testified before Congress about caring for veterans and wounded warriors. • She became the Director of the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs in 2006. • In 2009, President Obama appointed Duckworth to be Assistant Secretary of Veterans Affairs. • Duckworth was elected to Congress in 2012. • Duckworth lives in Hoffman Estates with her husband Bryan, an Army major. Since her recovery, Duckworth has taken up scuba diving, surfing, skydiving and flies as a civilian pilot. She has also completed several marathons. • Enlisting in September 1991, Duckworth continues to serve with the Illinois Army National Guard. • Duckworth's husband, Bryan Bowlsbey, is a major in the Illinois Army National Guard where he has served since 1987. For additional information, please contact the Public Affairs office at 217-761-3569 or ng.il.ilarng.list.staff-pao@mail.mil -30-
14 May 2014

ILLINOIS NATIONAL GUARD, POLISH MILITARY, OTHERS PARTICIPATE IN EARTHQUAKE RESPONSE EXERCISE IN SPRINGFIELD

By Illinois National Guard PAO

SPRINGFIELD, IL (05/13/2014)(readMedia)-- The Illinois National Guard, Illinois Emergency Management Agency, and U.S Northern Command will hold a media availability during a week-long earthquake response exercise at the 183rd Fighter Wing in Springfield at 11:00 a.m. May 14. The media availability will coincide with a visit from the Illinois National Guard's State Partners from Poland.

WHO:

• Illinois Air National Guard's 183rd Fighter Wing based in Springfield, Ill.

• Illinois Army National Guard's 65th Troop Command Brigade based in Springfield, Ill.

• Illinois National Guard State Partnership Program Polish delegation

WHAT:

• Media availability highlighting the Illinois National Guard's earthquake response training and its strong partnership with Poland.

WHEN: Wednesday May 14, 2014 at 11:00AM Central Time (US & Canada)

WHERE:183rd Fighter Wing
1301 J. David Jones Pkwy
Springfield, Illinois 62707

NOTES:

• The Illinois National Guard is conducting a week-long exercise to prepare its units for rapidly responding to a major earthquake along the New Madrid and Wabash faults in southern Illinois.

• A delegation of Polish Army officers is visiting the Illinois National Guard to study the Guard's domestic operations mission.

• The Polish delegation will observe three days of exercises.

• The delegation is part of the National Guard's State Partnership Program, which partners U.S. states with European countries to support the Department of Defense security cooperation objectives.

• Representatives from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and advisors from U.S. Northern Command are also participating in the exercise.

12 May 2014

Illinois National Guard servicemember raises children, servicemembers

By Staff Sgt.Michael Camacho, 108th Sustainment Brigade Public Affairs
CAMP ARIFJAN, KUWAIT (05/10/2014)(readMedia)-- Mother's Day in the United States is annually held on the second Sunday of May. It celebrates motherhood and it is a time when people show appreciation to mothers and mother figures. In today's military there are thousands of mothers who serve the U.S. at home and abroad. Many of these military moms have blended their leadership skills with maternal care used in their family and military family. Staff Sgt. Maria McEnroe-Prentiss, the noncommissioned officer in charge administration with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 108th Sustainment Brigade out of Chicago, has merged her troop care and leadership training as a NCO with her lessons learned as a mother of 11 children. She said her military service and experience has aided her as a mother and was the encouragement for her older children to also enlist. Deployed to Kuwait with the 108th Sust. Bde., Prentiss will spend this Mother's Day with the Soldiers she provides leadership and care for and be away from her seven children still at home.Prentiss enlisted into the Army Reserves in 1980 and later joined the Active Duty Army in 1982. While stationed at Fort Campbell, Ky., she met Todd Prentiss, who was also stationed at Fort Campbell. The two married at the post chapel in 1983, two years later the couple had their first child, the start to the family they wanted. Shortly after their first child's birth Maria left the Army to raise their new family, while Todd continued to serve. "The military was a big part our life, but we both know we wanted to have a big family and I wanted to be a dedicated mother while Todd continued to serve," said Maria. The two moved to Germany when Todd was reassigned to his new duty station. In Germany the Prentiss family continued to grow as the couple now had four children. In 1989 Todd's military service had come to a close and the family moved to Maria's hometown of Peoria, Ill. Todd joined the Peoria Fire Department while Maria continued to care for the children at home. Even after her service Maria said what she learned through professional leadership training and experience was never forgotten. "When I attended (the Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course) we learned a lot about troop care, leadership, compassion and all the things needed to provide the best for your Soldiers," said Maria. "Nearly every leadership trait or skill was something I put into practice with the children, especially as they grew up and our family grew." Todd and Maria often told their children about how they met while serving on Active Duty. On a few on their family trips the children were able to visit Fort Campbell and see the chapel where their parents were married. Maria said she believes this exposure to the military coupled with her and Todd's stories about military service influenced their children to also enlist into the military. Air Force Staff Sgt. Sean Prentiss a Peoria Native, with the 86th maintenance squadron was one of the first of their children to join the military enlisting into the Active Duty Air Force in 2006. Sean said the values his mother instilled in them help prepare him for military culture. "I feel that when it came time to go over customs and courtesies along with the proper mentality needed to be effective in the service, her parenting had already formed that foundation prior to going into the recruiters office," said Sean. As her children came closer to the age of 18, the military option was not low on the list for her children, said Maria. Army Sgt. Sonja Prentiss also a Peoria native, with the Active Army's 8th Military Information Support Battalion said her mother was a critical influence in her joining the military. "If it wasn't for her, I wouldn't be who I am today," said Sonja. Sonja said her mother had always encouraged her to join the military when she was growing up to help her decide what she wanted to achieve in her life. "I joined in 2009, when I was 19 years old," said Sonja. "I had not gone to college, and couldn't figure out what I wanted to be. Being in the military has given me a life that I never could have had if I had stayed in my hometown." While Sonja credits her mother for enlisting, it was Sonja's visit to the recruiters office that lead to Maria re-enlistment into the Army. Maria said she wanted to accompany Sonja to a visit at the recruiters office, the recruiter mentioned the opportunities for prior service wanting to return into the military. Soon after Maria enlisted into the Illinois Army National Guard, and in the following months Sonja joined the Active Duty Army. As Maria shows pride in the service of her children, her children share the same pride in their mother. "I am extremely proud of my mom and her ability to push herself," said Sonja. "Not many people would take the steps that she has and rejoin the military so late in life, and with seven out of 11 children at home," said Prentiss. "My mother is a true inspiration to all of the people that she comes in contact with, and she most certainly has what it takes to be an outstanding NCO and take care of her Soldiers."
12 May 2014

Illinois National Guard members are recognized at the Winston P. Wilson matches

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

LITTLE ROCK, ARK. (05/09/2014)(readMedia)-- Brig. Gen. Daniel Krumrei, the Illinois National Guard Adjutant General presented awards at the 43rd annual Winston P. Wilson (WPW) competition at Camp Robinson in Little Rock, Ark., May 8.

"Shooting is a perishable skill," said Krumrei. "What makes the competition so valuable are the skills the servicemembers bring back to our Soldiers and units. These skills improve our combat readiness and prepare us to defend our nation."

The WPW matches are held at the National Guard Marksmanship Training Center in Little Rock, Ark. Servicemembers from around the nation compete in the WPW matches. There are approximately 90 teams and 20 different matches. In order to make it to the WPW competition, the servicemembers must complete vigorous training, which includes multiple days on the range and volunteering their time to polish their shooting skills. Expert shooters from each state are sent to compete in this long time-honored competitive set of matches.

"Shooting is not only for the competitions," said Sgt. 1st Class David Perdew of Astoria, Ill., the Illinois National Guard state marksmanship coordinator. "The skill is fine tuned and leaves an impact on the servicemembers and benefits the Guard as a whole."

The reflexive fire match is one of the 20 matches in the WPW competitions. Reflexive Fire is an advanced marksmanship skill that relies on the shooters instinctive response to engage close targets in a short period of time. During this match, the servicemembers must accurately fire the rifle while doing a series of movements.

Staff Sgt. Gabe Cullers of Carrier Mills, Ill., with the Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry in Marion, Ill., took first place in the reflexive fire match.

"We work on our marksmanship skills for multiple days, shooting all day," said Cullers. "It feels good to represent the state as a first place winner."

The matches are not an easy task. The servicemembers must be well rounded in shooting, health and in dedication. The matches take a lot of time and commitment, said Gen. Frank Grass, the Chief of the National Guard Bureau.

To be a committed marksman it takes time and dedication beyond normal duty obligations.

"We spent five days in Tennessee zeroing rifles and running through matches and drills on a range from sun up to sun down," said Sgt. Jeff Bugger of Springfield, Ill., with the 1844th Transportation Company in Quincy, Ill., who took second place in the reflexive fire match. "It's a good feeling to know we came out on top while competing against hundreds of other competitors."

This competition is invaluable, as the skills are passed to the junior enlisted, said Grass. Having competed in the WPW matches years ago.

"These servicemembers come from all over the country honing their skills to compete in this competition," said Grass.

Grass awarded the Chief's 50 Marksmanship Badge for their outstanding marksmanship abilities during the WPW rifle and pistol championships.

This year, two Illinois National Guardsmen received the Chief's 50 Marksmanship Badge: Sgt. 1st Class John Stockton of Springfield, Ill., with the Headquarters Company, 33rd Brigade Combat Team in Urbana, Ill., and Sgt. 1st Class Tracy Mix of Marseilles, Ill., with the 404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade in Chicago. Mix is also a distinguished marksman in both the rifle and pistol discipline. The distinguished marksmanship program has been around since 1884 and is what the shooters strive to obtain.

The competitors learned and taught each other on individual and team proficiency with rifles, pistols and shotguns during numerous matches, where they competed with the best shooters from around the nation.

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