11 Apr 2014

Lt. Governor Simon applauds passage of military education reform legislation

By Ted Nelson

Military student transition measure now moves to Illinois Senate

SPRINGFIELD - April 10, 2014. Lt. Governor Sheila Simon on Thursday applauded the Illinois House for the passage of legislation crafted by her office to ease the transitions of military students moving in and out of Illinois schools. Sponsored by 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.

"This legislation provides a chance for Illinois to strengthen our commitment to our brave military families,"  said Simon, chairperson of the Interagency Military Base Support and Economic Development Committee. "We want to make sure these students are prioritized and transition smoothly into their new classes. It's right for our kids and  important for keeping defense jobs in the state of Illinois."

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. During testimony in front of the Illinois House Elementary & Secondary committee, Simon noted the importance of ensuring these transitions are as seamless as possible, out of respect for their families' sacrifices, the children's learning opportunities and the economic future of our state. Read her testimony here.

Simon added that with potential federal defense spending reductions and potential base closures on the horizon, this measure also levels the playing field for military students and positions our bases for expansions, not drastic cuts.

"I am proud to have drafted and negotiated this bill as part of my role as chairperson of our state's military base retention committee," said Simon. "I want to commend Rep. Jackson and the Illinois House for their quick work to pass this important legislation. I hope the Senate and governor will also work quickly to make this the law of Illinois. House Bill 3939 sends a strong message to military families and our federal leaders that Illinois is a strong and supportive education state."

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. A copy of the legislation can be found here.

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11 Apr 2014

Gov. Terry E. Branstad orders flags at half-staff to honor World War II pilot 1st Lt. Louis Longman

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

After remaining missing for 70 years, Clinton native 1st Lt. Longman to return home Saturday to final resting place at Rock Island Arsenal National Cemetery

 

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry Branstad has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in Iowa from 5 p.m. Friday, April 11, 2014, until 8 a.m. Monday, April 14, 2014, in honor of U.S. Army Air Corps 1st Lt. Louis L. Longman, formerly of Clinton, Iowa. A photo of 1st Lt. Longman may be found here.

Longman, a 26-year old Clinton, Iowa native serving with the 433rd Fighter Squadron, 475th Fighter Group, 5th Air Force, U.S. Army Air Corps, was last seen April 16, 1944 as his unit returned from a B-25 bomber escort mission over Hollandia, New Guinea. A Lockheed P-38 "Lightning" fighter pilot, Longman was on the return leg of the mission in a P-38J aircraft when his unit encountered severe weather in the Markham Valley. Longman's last reported location was in the vicinity of Bogadjim, New Guinea, as his formation broke up. The 5th Air Force lost 53 pilots and crewmen that day in what became known as "Black Sunday."

Longman was officially declared deceased on Feb. 27, 1946, but his remains were never recovered. In February 2005, the Joint Prisoners of War/Missing in Action Accounting Command - Central Identification Laboratory (JPAC) received information of a possible aircraft crash site in Madang province, Papua New Guinea. In August 2007, human remains, as well as parts of a U.S. P-38J aircraft were recovered by a JPAC Investigation Team. Additional remains and physical evidence were also recovered in 2009 and 2010 by JPAC personnel.

In 2011, JPAC's Research and Analysis Group concluded a historical association drawn from Missing Air Crew Report #4501 and the excavation site. The location of the excavated aircraft crash site and the wreckage reported by JPAC personnel, consistent with a Lockheed P-38J Lightning, support this historical association.

Louis Longman was born Jan. 23, 1918 in Murdock, Minn. to George F. and Ellen T. (Cleary) Longman. He graduated from St. Mary's High School in Clinton, Iowa in 1936, and participated in a wide variety of school activities, including basketball, football (All-State honorable mention), yearbook sports editor, dramatics, and class officer positions.

Longman enlisted in the U.S. Army on Feb. 19, 1942, and transferred into the U.S. Army Air Corps in June. Longman completed his primary flight training at Cal-Aero Academy in Ontario, Calif., then completed Basic (Merced Army Airfield, Merced, Calif.) and Advanced (Williams Army Airfield, Mesa, Ariz.) Flight Training, receiving his pilot wings on April 12, 1943. He left the U.S. for duty in the Pacific theater in July 1943 and was assigned to the 433rd Fighter Squadron, 475th Fighter Group, 5th Air Force, U.S. Army Air Corps.

Among his military awards and honors is the Air Medal (with numeral "2"), American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal (w/4 Bronze Service Stars), World War II Victory Medal and Pilot Wings.

He was preceded in death by his parents. His four brothers and four sisters are also deceased.

A memorial service and interment will be held at the Rock Island Arsenal National Cemetery, 1 Rock Island Arsenal, Rock Island, Ill. on April 12, 2014 at 1 p.m., with full military honors provided by the Iowa National Guard. Please use the Moline entrance. The public is welcome to attend the memorial service.

The Governor's directive applies to all U.S. and state flags under the control of the state. H.R. 692, signed in 2007, requires federal government agencies in the state to comply with the Governor's Executive Order that the U.S. flag be flown at half-staff in the event of the death of a member of the Armed Forces.

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

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09 Apr 2014

Illinois National Guard Special Forces train with Puerto Rico National Guardsmen

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

CAMP SANTIAGO, PUERTO RICO (04/08/2014)(readMedia)-- Approximately 40 Illinois National Guard Special Forces (SF) Soldiers with Company A, 2nd Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne) in Chicago conducted foreign internal defense (FID) training with the Puerto Rico National Guard, April 2 to 6, 2014 at Camp Santiago in Salinas, Puerto Rico.

More than 300 Puerto Rico National Guardsmen were familiarized with marksmanship training, mechanical and ballistic breaching procedures, military operations on urban terrain and close-quarter battle techniques.

"We were able to teach basic fundamentals to establish a baseline of proficiency to build upon in future training," said a weapons sergeant with the Company A, 2-20th. "They were very receptive and we were able to challenge their abilities."

SF Soldiers shared techniques for more accurate and proficient shooting with the M16A2 rifle, M4 Carbine, M249 squad automatic weapon and M240B machine gun.

"The tactical weapons training was the best part," said Spc. Christopher Figueroa, with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 296th Infantry Regiment in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. "The opportunity to fire crew serve weapons was very beneficial and refreshing."

Each unit said they gained language proficiency, because both English and Spanish were spoken throughout the training.

"This was the first time I had to use English for training," said Spc. Eric Aponte, an infantryman with Company A, 1st Battalion, 296th Infantry Regiment in Utuado, Puerto Rico. "They have been great at explaining the training step by step and I learned a lot."

The training was an opportunity for SF Soldiers to maintain their primary skillsets in a foreign culture while advancing language capabilities. Puerto Rico Guardsmen improved their ability to operate as a cohesive unit with a culminating exercise that involved mission planning, movement as a 30-man element and operating in a complex urban environment.

In the past three years Company A, 2-20th has deployed four operational detachments to Central America for long-term FID missions, but this is the first time in more than 10 years Company A, 2-20th conducted training in Puerto Rico.

"There were long days with little sleep, but everyone enjoyed the training," said 1st Lt. Alexis Avellanet, the executive officer for Company C, 1st Battalion, 296th Infantry Regiment in Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico. "We will take this back to our units and raise the standard of training."

09 Apr 2014

Braley Continues Push to Create Veterans' Job Corps

By Rick Martin

Congressman: Putting veterans' specialized skills to use is common sense

Washington, D.C. - Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) today continued his fight to create a Veterans' Job Corps, reintroducing legislation that would put unemployed veterans back to work using skills they developed in the military?in such roles as improving our national parks, serving as police officers and firefighters and working in local communities.

"Unemployment levels for veterans remains higher than the national average, and the Veterans' Jobs Corps is an opportunity to level the playing field for those that have sacrificed so much for our country," Braley said. "Many of our veterans have highly valued skills that could be put to good use with minimal training?it's commonsense that we should pursue every opportunity to do that."

 

The Veterans' Jobs Corps Act would allow the executive branch to create the program as a cooperative project between federal agencies. Members of the jobs corps could be employed to improve public lands and national parks, prevent forest fires, work in public safety jobs and control floods. Participation in the corps would be open to veterans and widows of veterans.

Braley previously co-hosted a series of bipartisan field hearings on veterans' unemployment.  Braley also successfully fought for a pair of tax credits that give businesses incentives to hire unemployed veterans.

A link to the bill can be found HERE.

 

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08 Apr 2014

Lt. Governor Simon to testify on education reforms for military students

By Ted Nelson
SPRINGFIELD - Lt. Governor Sheila Simon will testify in support of new legislation that aims to ease the transitions of military students moving in and out of Illinois schools during an Illinois House  Elementary & Secondary Education Committee hearing on Tuesday.
Simon is supporting legislation sponsored by Rep. Eddie Lee Jackson to extend the Illinois Education Opportunity for Military Children Act beyond its June 2015 sunset. House Bill 3939 will extend the same protections to Illinois' military families that are extended in the 45 other states that are also part of the Interstate Compact for Military Children.
As chair of the Interagency Military Base Support and Economic Development Committee, Simon helps coordinate the state's activities and communications relating to current and former military bases in Illinois. Simon is committed to protecting the state's military operations, installations, and the families of those who selflessly serve our state and country.
DATE: Tuesday, April 8
TIME: 9 a.m.
LOCATION: Room D-1, Stratton Building, Springfield
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07 Apr 2014

Branstad to present Governor's ROTC Awards April 9th

By Rick Martin

(DES MOINES) - Governor Terry E. Branstad will present the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Governor's ROTC Award for outstanding achievement to nine students from The University of Iowa, Iowa State University, Drake University, University of Dubuque, Buena Vista University, and the University of Northern Iowa.  The ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday, April 9, 2014,  at 9 a.m. at the State Capitol in the Robert D. Ray Conference Room.

The awards are presented annually by Governor Branstad to top students in nine ROTC programs at six universities.  The awards "honor the men and women for leadership, academics, and military achievement." 

Receiving this year's awards will be:


Cadet Colonel Jonathon L. Beening, University of Iowa Air Force ROTC, the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Beening of Inverness, Illinois.
Cadet Lietenant Colonel Zachary A. Graham, Iowa State University Army ROTC, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Graham of Waverly, Iowa.
Cadet Captain Amelia A. Herink, University of Iowa Army ROTC, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Herink of Canton, Illinois.
Second Lieutenant Charles C. Hohnbaum, Iowa State University Air Force ROTC, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles K. Hohnbaum of Oregon, Wisconsin.
Midshipman First Class Kelly A. Larkin, Iowa State University Naval ROTC, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Pete Larkin of New Hampton, Iowa.
Cadet Major Benjamin J. Levine, Drake University Army ROTC, the son of Ms. Mary Levine of Bloomington, Minnesota.
Cadet Major Mason E. Nielsen, Buena Vista University Army ROTC, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Nielsen of Central City, Iowa.
Cadet Major Jacob C. Pinion, University of Dubuque Army ROTC, the son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Dan Pinion of Maquoketa, Iowa.
Cadet Captain Mark R. Wieneke, University of Northern Iowa Army ROTC, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Steve Wieneke of Ankeny, Iowa.
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02 Apr 2014

Specialized Illinois National Guard unit to mobilize for Afghanistan

By Illinois National Guard PAO

Nearly 20 Soldiers mobilize April 5 as part of an embedded training team

SPRINGFIELD, IL (04/02/2014)(readMedia)-- A deployment ceremony is scheduled for 16 Soldiers who will deploy to Afghanistan as part of an embedded training team. The ceremony for the Bilateral Embedded Staff Team (BEST) A13 will be April 5 at 9 a.m. at Camp Lincoln, 1301 N. MacArthur Blvd. in Springfield, Ill.

The BEST Soldiers have conducted more than 24 days of pre-mobilization training at Joint Base McGuire Dix Lakehurst, N.J. and will spend an additional 40 days training in Poland before deploying to Afghanistan. Following the training, the Soldiers will deploy to Afghanistan for a six-month mobilization. The unique mission allows 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.

"Our 20-year partnership with Poland is the strongest National Guard State Partnership Program in the nation," said Brig. Gen. Daniel Krumrei of Springfield, Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard. "Illinois Soldiers and Airmen are instrumental in developing secure international relationships, while broadening their experiences and developing their military skills."

News media attending the event should arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the ceremony and are asked to contact Public Affairs at 217-761-3569 to gain access to Camp Lincoln.

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01 Apr 2014

Freedom Salute Ceremony for Peoria aviation unit that deployed to Afghanistan

By Illinois National Guard PAO

April 5 ceremony recognizes 238th General Support Aviation Battalion

PEORIA, IL (04/01/2014)(readMedia)-- Approximately 60 Illinois Army National Guard Soldiers will be recognized April 5 by the National Guard Bureau Freedom Salute Campaign for their sacrifice and service in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). The ceremony for 2nd Battalion of the 238th General Support Aviation Battalion in Peoria, Ill. will be at 10 a.m. at the Army Aviation Support Facility #3, 2323 S. Airport Road in Peoria.

The unit mobilized in January 2013 and deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, returning home Dec. 14. The aviation unit includes members from across Illinois.

While deployed, the 238th flew CH-47 Chinook helicopters for heavy helicopter air movement and air assault missions. The company was also in charge of re-supply operations and aviation maintenance support. The 238th moved personnel and cargo across the battlefield to decisive points at critical times.

The company flew more than 3,100 combat hours, moving more than 14,000 people and three million pounds of cargo during its rotation.

"I cannot speak highly enough of this company and its Soldiers," said Maj. Clarence Pulcher of Morton, Ill., commander of the 238th. "We executed all of our missions without fail and without a single serious accident."

Pulcher highlighted his maintenance section's performance after several of the unit's aircraft were damaged by a hailstorm in April, just weeks after the unit arrived in Afghanistan.

"It was a hailstorm of biblical proportion dropping anywhere from pea-sized to baseball-sized hail," Pulcher said. "Living most of my life in Southern Illinois, tornado alley, I have never seen anything like it."

Pulcher said his maintenance teams worked around the clock to get the Chinooks airborne within two weeks.

The Freedom Salute Campaign 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.

News media attending the event should arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the ceremony and are asked to contact the Public Affairs Office to gain access to Camp Lincoln.

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28 Mar 2014

Braley: 'It's time the Pentagon hears from Iowa' on Proposed National Guard Cuts

By Rick Martin

Congressman will turn over comments from Iowans to Pentagon next week  

   

Washington, D.C. - After receiving hundreds of impassioned responses from people all over the state opposed to cuts to the Iowa National Guard, Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) today is announcing that he will turn over those personal stories to Secretary Chuck Hagel at the Department of Defense next Thursday, April 3?leaving just one more week for Iowans to express their opposition to those cuts.  

   

"From reading the responses I've already received, it's clear Iowans appreciate and need the service and protection the Iowa National Guard provides," Braley said. "The Iowa National Guard bravely and selflessly serves Iowa's communities and our nation every single day, and I'm glad so many Iowans spoke out in support of the Guard. It's time the Pentagon hears from Iowa on this issue."

   

Braley has already received hundreds of responses from Iowans on the proposed cuts to the Iowa National Guard including personal stories of the positive impact the Guard has had on families and communities during times of natural disasters and conflicts abroad.

Additional stories can be shared on his website at: braley.house.gov

Earlier this month, Braley asked Iowans to share their experiences and thoughts regarding the Iowa National Guard in the wake of proposed cuts.

Braley has been a consistent advocate for Iowa's National Guard. In February, Braley sent a letter to US Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel outlining his opposition to cuts to Iowa's National Guard forces as the Department of Defense looks to reduce spending. 

In December of 2012 he joined Rep. Tom Latham in efforts to block cuts to the Des Moines Air National Guard.

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26 Mar 2014

Governor Quinn Announces Illinois Veterans Affairs Director Selected White House Champion of Change

By Katie Hickey

Army Veteran Erica Borggren One of 10 Honored Nationwide

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today announced that Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) Director Erica Borggren has been named a Woman Veteran Champion of Change by the White House. Director Borggren's recognition was for her leadership at IDVA in creating the Illinois Joining Forces public-private network to assist Illinois servicemembers, veterans and their families.

"Our Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs is doing excellent work for Illinois veterans and making a difference under Erica Borggren's leadership," Governor Quinn said. "Serving our heroes is one of my top priorities and that's why we've made Illinois the most veteran-friendly state in America. Erica is a great example of what our veterans bring back to our communities when they leave the service."

Director Borggren and top leaders in the Illinois Departments of Veterans Affairs and Military Affairs helped create Illinois Joining Forces (IJF), a public-private network of nearly 200 military and veteran-serving organizations working together to create a "no wrong door" system of support for Illinois servicemembers, veterans and their families. IJF member organizations work together online at illinoisjoiningforces.org, where they post services and events and refer veteran clients to each other. In addition, they continue their mission in person through IJF Working Groups, where they identify gaps in services and work to bridge those gaps.

The Women Veteran Champion of Change event will take place on Tuesday, March 25 at the White House. The event will be live streamed at whitehouse.gov/live, and will include panel discussions featuring all ten of the honorees.

With the Champions of Change (whitehouse.gov/champions) program, the White House recognizes everyday Americans who are making positive changes in their communities. This Champions event will honor women veteran leaders who have contributed to our nation's business, public and community service sectors.

Earlier in 2013, the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs and its IJF network were recognized with the Abraham Lincoln Pillars of Excellence Award from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) at a special White House Ceremony. VA Secretary Eric Shinseki and National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs (NASDVA) President Clyde Marsh presented the award to Borggren on Feb. 11 during the 2014 NASDVA Mid-Winter Conference.

The Abraham Lincoln Pillar of Excellence Award is a new program by the VA in partnership with NASDVA. The goal of the award is to recognize those state agencies that engage on the three VA Priority Goals - eliminating claims backlogs, ending veteran homelessness, and improving access to VA benefits and services. The award also highlights those states for Innovative Excellence for programs or services to veterans.

A Rhodes Scholar and West Point graduate, Borggren currently serves as the Director of the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs. Besides IJF, under her leadership IDVA has also created a very successful Women Veterans Program and Veteran Entrepreneurship Program. Prior to her leadership in Governor Quinn's administration, she served as a speechwriter for General David Petraeus in Iraq and as a company commander in Korea.

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 servicemembers seeking home ownership. As Lieutenant 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.

For more information about these and other 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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