09 Nov 2015

What Price For Our Blue Water Navy Veterans

By John Bury

As of this writing there are 289 members of Congress who are co-sponsors
of House Bill HR-969 and 34 member of the Senate who are co-sponsors of
Senate Bill S.681.  Both Bills are titled,   The Blue Water Navy Vietnam
Veterans Agent Orange Act.  There are enough co-sponsors Congress and
Senate to send these Bills to the floor for a vote.  They are held up in
committee. Why? Are our veterans not worth the attention they deserve? A
budget has yet to be set for the care and wellbeing of this group of
veterans known as Blue Water Navy.  Many are sick, many have died from
diseases caused by the herbicide Agent Orange.  This deadly herbicide
floated out to sea.  Our Navy ships in combat came in contact with this
deadly chemical.  Some of our ships also transported barrels of Agent
Orange.  In rough seas some of these barrels would break loose, the
herbicide would be awash on deck and had to be cleaned up.  Unknowingly
the cleanup crews did not know they were cleaning up death.
Approximately 750,000 sailors served during the Vietnam War. Many have
fallen sick to the herbicide and many have died.  Nearly all could not get
benefits as our Congress refused to pass a Bill that would provide these
Navy sailors with better quality of life.  These ships at sea provided air
and gunnery support on targets inland, saving American troop's lives.
Does our government care about sick and dying Navy sailors?  No.  Their
lives are not worth the dollars.   To the American people, write and call
your members of Congress and Senate to pass the Bills, Congress HR-969 and
Senate S.681.   Freedom is not Free, it is costly.   

End

By:  John J. Bury, U.S. Navy, retired, Vietnam War Veteran
Media, Pa.

09 Nov 2015

Q & A: Veterans With U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley

By Grassley Press

Q: What is your message to Iowans this Veterans Day?

A: The nation's 21 million veterans have served America with sacrifice and service. And Iowa is home to more than 226,000 of these patriots who answered the call to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces. Called to duty in times of war, natural catastrophe or humanitarian crisis, these men and women in uniform maintained the nation's military readiness 24/7, 365 days a year. As a nation, we owe America's veterans a debt of gratitude. Whether working behind the scenes or fighting on the front lines, our veterans have served around the clock and around the world during our nation's hour of need.  Now it's America's duty to uphold the nation's promises to our veterans during their hour of need. Time spent in the military, away from families and careers, can create considerable hardship and heartache that is difficult to overcome. And the transition from military service to non-military life isn't always a simple integration, especially for wounded warriors who return battle-scarred with bone and brain injuries. Many war veterans need specialized care and rehabilitation for service-related injuries or treatment for mental illness, post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. For all of our veterans who have worn the uniform with dignity and distinction, it is the least we can do as a nation to welcome their safe return into our hometown communities and productive transition into workplaces across the United States. On this Veterans Day, let's renew our commitment to America's veterans. Let's remember we are fortunate to enjoy the blessings of a free society. And let's honor those who have returned to home base, especially those who return broken in mind, body or spirit. By every measure of their service and sacrifice, they helped secure the land of the free and home of the brave for generations yet to come.

Q: What has Congress done this year to help veterans?

A: Working to fix the scandal-ridden Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) remains a top priority in Congress. I am keeping close tabs on beefed up accountability measures enacted last year to help root out employee misconduct and a culture of corruption within the VA so that veterans receive the benefits and services they deserve. But, the new VA Secretary has made it clear he still needs more tools to remove the bad eggs not focused on veterans' needs and who continue to poison the culture. The House of Representatives has answered that call and the Senate should follow suit. Recognizing the urgent need for additional resources to address mental health care for veterans, Congress this year also passed a bill I cosponsored, The Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act and other provisions to prioritize VA programs for caregivers, homelessness, adaptive sports and vocational benefits for veterans with severe injuries. Lawmakers also approved reforms to the Veterans Choice Program that allow more veterans to qualify to receive health care from non-VA health care providers in their local communities. For example, the reforms expand eligibility for those whose wait time for a VA appointment would exceed 30 days or if their driving distance exceeds 40 miles. I'm glad the VA revised its 40-mile rule from the "as-the-crow-flies" to a more realistic driving distance calculation to reflect the reality of veterans living in rural areas who may live a half-day's drive away from the nearest VA health care facility. However, the VA continues to maintain that veterans are not eligible if they live near a VA outpatient clinic even if the care they need is offered 100 miles away at a VA hospital. I am supporting legislation to make the VA implement the Veterans Choice Program as Congress intended -- for the benefit and best interest of veterans and taxpayers - not the federal bureaucracy.

Q: Why did you create a veterans fellowship program?

A: Listening to Iowans and learning about their lives helps me do a better job representing real life concerns at the policymaking tables in Washington. With 35 consecutive years of face-to-face conversations with Iowans in each of Iowa's 99 counties ever year, I very much appreciate that having direct dialogue is an invaluable benefit that helps identify and solve problems. Reaching out to veterans is an important part of that process. This year I created a new veterans fellowship program in my Senate office to draw from the experiences and expertise of Iowa veterans. I am glad to have Don Bailey, a Vietnam era veteran who served in the U.S. Air Force, to christen this fellowship program in my Des Moines office. He has pursued outreach and engagement with veterans and service providers in local communities. Iowans who would like to share ideas with the veterans fellow currently serving in my Senate office are welcome to send an email to VeteransFellow_Grassley@grassley.senate.gov.  Representing the people of Iowa is a responsibility I take very seriously, particularly when it comes to upholding the public trust and restoring credibility in government "of, by and for the people." That includes upholding the nation's promise to our veterans. As I say to Iowa veterans I am privileged to meet during my county meetings and those from the Honor Flights who come to the war memorials in Washington, D.C.: You shall not be forsaken, nor forgotten.

Iowa veterans experiencing red tape at the Department of Veterans Affairs for health care benefits or other services may contact one of Sen. Grassley's six state offices in Cedar Rapids, Council Bluffs, Davenport, Des Moines, Sioux City or Waterloo for assistance.
06 Nov 2015

Great War Encampment returns to Illinois State Military Museum

By Illinois National Guard

SPRINGFIELD, IL (11/06/2015)(readMedia)-- WHO:

• Illinois State Military Museum's Living History Detachment re-enactors

• Illinois State Military Museum

• Illinois National Guard and Militia Historical Society

WHAT:

• Great War Encampment: Living historians in authentic uniforms recreate battles and life in the trenches of Europe during World War I. Historians will discuss how Illinois units trained and fought as well as the consequences of the war.

WHEN:

• Friday, Nov. 6, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday, Nov. 7, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.,

WHERE:

• Illinois State Military Museum, two blocks north of the Camp Lincoln Gate, 1301 N. MacArthur Blvd., Springfield, Illinois

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• Parking and admission are free

View Online: http://readme.readmedia.com/Great-War-Encampment-returns-to-Illinois-State-Military-Museum/12010593

05 Nov 2015

FAZOLI'S TO COMMEMORATE VETERANS DAY WITH FREE PASTA BOWL AND "THANK YOU" ACTIVITY FOR KIDS

By Rick Martin

America's favorite fast-casual Italian chain to provide FREE pasta bowl to veterans and active duty personnel on November 11

LEXINGTON, Ky. (November 4, 2015) - Less than seven percent of the U.S. population are veterans of the armed forces, but all citizens benefit from their sacrifices. Fazoli's, America's favorite fast-casual Italian restaurant chain, will honor the men and women of the United States Armed Forces by offering a FREE "Build Your Own Pasta Bowl" to veterans and active duty personnel of the armed forces on Wednesday, November 11.

Veterans and active duty military personnel will have the opportunity to build an individualized, delicious pasta bowl at their local Fazoli's by choosing from a variety of freshly prepared noodle and sauce options.

"Like so many other businesses, we owe our opportunity to succeed and the freedom to prosper to those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces," said Carl Howard, president and CEO of Fazoli's. "We simply wanted to take a moment to say thank you to those who are serving and to the veterans who have served before them."

To redeem the offer, veterans and active armed forces personnel should visit a participating location and show their military ID or wear their uniform.

Additionally, children will have the opportunity to decorate patriotic "Thank You" cards for U.S. troops on Tuesday, Nov. 10, as part of Fazoli's Kid's Night Spaghetti Smarts activity. Fazoli's will send the personally crafted messages to our troops as a token of gratitude for their service.

Fazoli's is proud to offer fast, fresh Italian to consumers across the country. To learn more about the savory dishes available Monday-Sunday at Fazoli's, visit www.fazolis.com.

About Fazoli's

With approximately 220 restaurants, Fazoli's is America's largest Italian fast-casual chain, serving freshly prepared entrees, Submarinos® sandwiches, salads and pizza. One of the New York Post's five breakout fast-casual restaurants and a FastCasual.com Brand of the Year, Fazoli's franchisees are experiencing record sales growth. Visit www.ownafazolis.com for details on development opportunities, including new operator incentives.
02 Nov 2015

Coast Guard leaders from Arctic Nations sign historic joint statement

By Sarah M. Janaro

NEW LONDON, CT - A joint statement, officially establishing the Arctic Coast Guard Forum (ACGF), was signed today by leaders representing all eight coast guard agencies of the Arctic nations.

The Arctic Coast Guard Forum (ACGF) is an operationally-focused, consensus-based organization with the purpose of leveraging collective resources to foster safe, secure, and environmentally responsible maritime activity in the Arctic. Membership includes Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, the Russian Federation, and the United States.

"The United States is proud to join fellow Arctic nations at this inaugural Arctic Coast Guard Forum," said Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson. "The Arctic is crucial to our shared security, and this declaration underscores our commitment to cooperating with our international partners as we navigate this challenging and changing region."

"Today's historic Arctic Coast Guard Forum represents a critical step forward in our collective efforts to promote safety, security and environmentally-responsible maritime activity in the Arctic," said U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Paul Zukunft.  "As the ocean becomes more accessible to human activity, all Arctic nations have committed to enhancing maritime cooperation in this remote and challenging environment."

The signing ceremony marked the successful conclusion of a summit held at the United States Coast Guard Academy on October 28-30, 2015. The ACGF will reconvene for an Experts Meeting in spring 2016.

For more photos, please go to https://www.dvidshub.net/image/2258509/coast-guard-arctic-forum

Date: Oct 30, 2015

###

30 Oct 2015

Impact of Tickets on Mental and Family Health Shared By 28,000 in Recent Veteran Tickets Foundation Online Survey

By Tiffany Hoffman
Tempe, Ariz. - Oct. 29, 2015 - As Veterans Day approaches, we would like to share with you a summary of findings from an online survey report conducted by Veteran Tickets Foundation (Vet Tix) and their 28,000 members detailing the difficulties and successes in reintegrating veterans and their families with their communities.

This positive effort maybe the type of story you would like to add in your publication, blog or newscast. We are available for comments.

See attached for full release.

Full Survey Click Here:
28 Oct 2015

U.S. Coast Guard and federal partners lead Artic search-and-rescue exercise

By Sarah M. Janaro

WASHINGTON ? The United States Government, led by the United States Coast Guard, the Department of Defense (USNORTHCOM and Alaska Command), and the Department of State, successfully held Arctic Zephyr, an international Arctic Search and Rescue table-top exercise, at the University of Alaska Anchorage from October 19-22, 2015.

Arctic Zephyr examined the Agreement on Cooperation on Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue in the Arctic, signed in 2011.  This agreement was the first binding instrument negotiated under the auspices of the Arctic Council.  It enhances coordination of response capabilities of the Arctic Nations, local governments, private sector, and indigenous communities for mass casualty search-and-rescue (SAR) operations in the Arctic Region.

Participants included Arctic SAR stakeholders and subject matter experts from the United States, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden.  In addition, representatives from the Arctic cruise industry, Alaska Northwest, and North Slope Boroughs participated.  The exercise format included a series of baseline overview briefings followed by scenario-driven facilitated discussions.

"This is a magnificent opportunity to anticipate challenges and explore successful solutions for the extreme environment of the last frontier," said Rear Adm. Daniel Abel, Seventeenth Coast Guard District commander.

The objectives of Arctic Zephyr were to advance the understanding of Arctic Nations' SAR capabilities and the means for coordination, and command and control among mission partners and relevant stakeholders; to identify and recommend improvements for coordination and interoperability; to identify the challenges associated with increased human access and environmental changes and their impact on international Arctic SAR operations; to evaluate the complexities involved in conducting remote mass search and rescue operations; and to develop a core set of implementation recommendations to be presented to the Arctic Council.

"We are eager to fully realize the benefits of our collaboration during the Arctic Zephyr exercise," said Abel.

An after-action report will be developed, with recommendations for national leadership and the Arctic Council.  The United States will host a live international search and rescue exercise in 2016.

###

28 Oct 2015

ANOTHER MILESTONE & A NEW GOAL

By Operation Gratitude
On December 7, 2013, Operation Gratitude celebrated its biggest milestone to that date -- our One Millionth Care Package.

On October 17th of this year, we reached another milestone: Our volunteers assembled and shipped our 1.3 Millionth Package!
In the past 22 months, we have experienced extraordinary growth and development:

1. Our 50,000 volunteers nationwide assembled and shipped 311,860 care packages to the Military, wove 98,929 paracord survival bracelets, handmade 49,803 hats, scarves & cool-ties, and wrote 1,247,440 letters of appreciation!
2. We launched two new care package programs:  
"Care Packages for New Recruits" -- to say "Thank You" to the youngest men and women who bravely pledge the next several years of their lives in defense of our nation; and the
"First Responder Program" -- to express appreciation to all who serve our nation here at home: Law enforcement, firefighters and emergency medical technicians (EMTs).

3. We announced our move to a new location that can accommodate our ever-expanding mission.
Your dedication, and that of other Operation Gratitude supporters all over the country, made all this happen, and truly make a difference!

Now, close to 10,000 U.S. troops remain in harm's way in Afghanistan. More than 150,000 American Service Members are deployed around the globe, many in dangerous "hot-spots."   2.3 Million First Responders serve on the frontlines here at home.

All of these heroes need, and deserve, to feel our gratitude.

Join us this holiday season to say "Thank You" to our men and women in uniform.  Here are three ways you can help:
  1. Volunteer your time
  2. Send items on our Wish List
  3. Donate funds to ship care packages
We are doubling down on our commitment to all who serve this nation. Our goal for the next 14 months is to send 200,000 care packages on our "March to the 2nd Million."

Together, we can do it.

Thank you for your generosity, passion and commitment to this cause.  I am forever grateful. www.OperationGratitude.com
20 Oct 2015

Governor Rauner Announces New Director of the Illinois National Guard Joint Staff

By Catherine Kelly

Col. Michael J. Glisson will be promoted to brigadier general

SPRINGFIELD - Governor Bruce Rauner announced that The Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard, Maj. Gen. Richard J. Hayes Jr., has appointed Col. Michael J. Glisson, as the Illinois National Guard's Director of the Joint Staff. As a result of the appointment, Col. Glisson will be promoted to brigadier general.

Glisson will replace Brig. Gen. Alicia Tate-Nadeau, who is being appointed as the Assistant Adjutant General - Army. Both Glisson and Tate-Nadeau are traditional Army National Guard Soldiers who will continue their civilian full-time employment outside of the Illinois National Guard. Brig. Gen. Michael Zerbonia, the full-time Assistant Adjutant General - Army and Commander of the Illinois Army National Guard is in a two-star position and is eligible to be promoted to major general.

"I'm pleased to announce this key appointment within the Illinois National Guard and congratulate Col. Glisson on his pending promotion," Governor Rauner said. "The Director of the Illinois National Guard Joint Staff works with the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and a multitude of other agencies to ensure we are ready to respond to any of a multitude of emergencies that could occur within Illinois."

The Director of the Joint Staff oversees all Illinois National Guard planning for domestic emergencies as well as the Illinois National Guard Counterdrug Program and the Illinois National Guard's State Partnership Program with Poland. In addition, the director administers the Department of Defense's Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve within Illinois.

"Mike Glisson has extensive experience working in both domestic and international operations and has worked with all other U.S. military services as well as a great many international militaries," Maj. Gen. Hayes said. "He has also worked extensively with Illinois community leaders as well as with communities as far away as Poland and Afghanistan. He will do exceptionally well as the Director of the Joint Staff."

Glisson previously served as the Commander of the 65th Troop Command Brigade, a position he served in since June 2013. Glisson earned his commission in May 1988 through the Reserve Officer Training Corps at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. He joined the Illinois Army National Guard in February 1990 as a fire support team chief assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 123rd Field Artillery Regiment and was attached to the 3rd Battalion, 130th Infantry Regiment in East St. Louis, Illinois. He has since held command positions at every level up to brigade as well as several key Army and Joint staff positions.

He has deployed to Afghanistan from 2008 to 2009 as the director of Afghan National Security Forces Development for Combined Joint Task Force Phoenix VIII and previously deployed in support of Operation Noble Eagle as the Chief, Army Liaison Section, Air Mobility Command, U.S. Air Force. He has also supported multiple state active duty mobilizations and overseas training missions. As the plans branch chief for the Illinois Army National Guard, he was a key leader in the success of the 2012 NATO Summit in Chicago.

"Being selected as the Director of the Joint Staff and for promotion to brigadier general is a true honor and privilege," Glisson said. "I'm looking forward to working as a team with leaders both within the Illinois National Guard and outside our ranks. A great number of challenges lie ahead, but I'm confident that by working as a team we can overcome any obstacles and protect our state and defend our nation."

Glisson's professional education includes a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in metalsmithing from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale and a master's degree in Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College. He graduated from multiple military courses including the Field Artillery Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, Combined Arms Staff Services School, Infantry Captains Career Course, Joint Firepower Course, Joint Operation Fires and Effects Course, Air Mobility Operations Course, Command and General Staff Officer Course and the Reserve Component National Security Course.

Glisson's awards include a Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, Afghan Campaign Ribbon, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Illinois Medal of Merit, Illinois State Active Duty Ribbon and the Joint Meritorious Unit Award.

As a civilian, COL Glisson is a self-employed artist blacksmith.
19 Oct 2015

Special Olympics Athlete becomes Soldier-for-a-Day

By Staff Sgt. Robert R. Adams, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs

John Henley, a Special Olympics Athlete from Marion, Illinois was honored as a Soldier-for-a-Day at Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry Regiment based in Marion, Illinois, Oct. 16.

Henley suited up in uniform and was put through training Soldiers go through to stay ready for missions that lie ahead. Henley completed a modified Army Physical Fitness test, weapons training in a simulator, vehicle maintenance,along with squad tactics and a patrol.

"My favorite part was hanging out with the big dogs and shooting," said Henley.

Staff Sgt. Beau Detrick of Marion, Illinois, a recruiter with the Illinois National Guard Recruiting and Retention Command based in Springfield, Illinois, said John Henley has been doing great things for the Special Olympics, not just in Marion but nationwide. "Soldiers are out there training, fighting the Global War on Terror and doing other humanitarian missions, but when we can bring it to the unit level and help out a community hero it is a true honor," said Detrick.

Henley, who visits the armory often, said he enjoys coming to see the Soldiers.

During this visit Maj. Casey Kline of Marion, Illinois presented Henley with a certificate making Henley an honorary member of the 2-130th. At the end of the day Henley was honorarily promoted to sergeant by Kline for his outstanding leadership potential.

Henley said he plans to put the certificate next to his more than 125 Special Olympic medals in his room.

Henley's parents, Richard and Jane, and his girlfriend, Stephanie, along with members of Henley's Special Olympics Team also attended the event to support John as he was put through the training.

"This was a thrill of a lifetime. We know this took some work to make this happen for John and we are very grateful," said Richard Henley, John's father. "It is something we will never forget and something John will never forget."

Pages

Subscribe & Listen to Reader Podcasts

On Stands Now

 

Tagged Content

    

Two Ways to Subscribe

1. Subscribe to free weekly e-mail content updates.

You'll get both the current official narrative challenge and What's Happenin' in the Quad Cities.
(Did you know we publish a new Real Astrology and RCR Crossword every week?) 

Subscribe!

* indicates required

2. Get 12 monthly issues mailed first class for $48

Get 12 issues mailed monthly for $48 per year.

Get the printed Reader edition mailed to you (or anyone you want) first-class for 12 months for $48.
$24 goes to postage and handling, $24 goes to keeping the doors open!

Click this link to Subscribe now.