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

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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.

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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."

13 Oct 2015

Q-C Hosts VFW Big 10 Conference this Weekend

By Jessica Waytenick

Quad Cities - This weekend the Quad Cities is host to 400 attendees of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Big 10 Conference at the Isle Casino Hotel and Quad-Cities Waterfront Convention Center in Bettendorf.

This conference brings together VFW members and Ladies Auxiliary members from 10 Midwest states (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin).  It is on a 10-year rotation for hosting so Iowa won't have the opportunity again until 2025.

There is a reception on Friday night, sessions all day Saturday, and a banquet Saturday night.

The Quad Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau estimates the local economic impact is over $290,000.

The Department of Iowa VFW is an organization that supports Veterans and their families with providing a voice to the National VFW to make sure that the Veterans that fought in Wars in the past and the Veterans that will fight in Wars in the future have the benefits and support of a grateful nation.
09 Oct 2015

Veterans E-Health & Telemedicine Support Act introduced

By Grassley Press

Senator Grassley is an original cosponsor of this bipartisan legislation to improve telehealth services for veterans through the Department of Veterans Affairs.  "Travel to a VA facility can be a real hardship for some veterans for whom it isn't easy to get to the nearest clinic or hospital that offers the care they need," Grassley said.  "Telehealth can make it less necessary to go to a facility as often and still help veterans get medical treatment."

Ernst, Hirono Introduce VETS Act

Bipartisan legislation to improve health care access and affordability for disabled or rural veterans by expanding VA telehealth services

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senators Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Mazie Hirono (D-HI), led eight co-sponsors, in introducing the bipartisan Veterans E-Health & Telemedicine Support Act of 2015 (VETS Act), legislation to improve health care access for disabled or rural veterans by expanding telehealth services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

As defined by the Department of Health and Human Services telehealth is, "the use of electronic information and telecommunications technologies to support long-distance clinical health care, patient and professional health-related education, public health and health administration. Technologies include videoconferencing, the internet, store-and-forward imaging, streaming media, and terrestrial and wireless communications."

Under current law, the VA may only waive the state license requirement for telehealth services if both the patient and physician are located in a federally owned facility. In addition, the VA may only perform at-home telehealth care when the patient and physician are located in the same state. These barriers are a deterrent for disabled or rural veterans who are seeking treatment from a physician in another state, in some cases forcing veterans to travel great lengths to a federal facility before receiving telehealth services by camera or phone.

The VETS Act would address these deficiencies by allowing qualified VA health professionals to operate across state lines and conduct telehealth services, including mental health care treatment, for veterans from the comfort and privacy of their own homes.

Telehealth is one of the VA's major transformational initiatives, and the number of veterans utilizing telehealth services continues to climb. In fact, VA telehealth care grew by 18 percent among veterans in Fiscal Year 2014 and in turn more than 12 percent of veterans received elements of their care through telehealth services. According to the VA, 88 percent of veterans who utilized the VA's telehealth services were satisfied with the care they received. Telehealth services are effective and affordable as veterans save on average $2,000 per year in health care related costs, including travel to a VA medical facility.

"The bipartisan Veterans E-Health & Telemedicine Support Act moves us one step closer to achieving more affordable, patient-centered health care that our veterans deserve by embracing telehealth services to offer physician care and health treatment beyond the walls of a VA facility," said Senator Ernst. "Telehealth care is an innovative and important means to meet the wide-ranging needs of veterans in Iowa and nationwide, including the invisible struggles of mental health care."

"Our nation has a moral obligation to provide the best care for all veterans," said Senator Hirono. "This legislation would eliminate the added burden of traveling long distances, or even to different states, in order to see a doctor. The VETS Act will build on a VA telemedicine program that is proven to work and removes barriers to accessing care particularly for veterans in rural areas like Hawaii's Neighbor Islands."

 

Additional cosponsors to the bipartisan VETS Act include : Senators Kelly Ayotte (R-NH), John Boozman (R-AR), John Cornyn (R-TX), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Jeff Sessions (R-AL), Thom Tillis (R-NC), and Tom Udall (D-NM).

The VETS Act is widely endorsed by the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Paralyzed Veterans of America, the American Legion, Concerned Veterans for America, and the American Telemedicine Association.

The companion bill in the U.S. House of Representatives was introduced by Congressmen Charles Rangel (D-NY) and Glen Thompson (R-PA).

Click here to read the full text of the VETS Act.

VETS Act:

 

·         Allows VA health professionals to practice telemedicine across state lines if they are qualified and practice within the scope of their authorized federal duties.

 

·         Ensures the VA and Congress provide oversight of the VA's telehealth program by requiring the VA to measure program effectiveness.

 

 

Benefits of VA Telehealth Services in Fiscal Year 2014:

 

·         Provided veterans telehealth care from more than 150 VA Medical Centers and over 750 Community Based Outpatient Clinics.

·         More than 12 percent of veterans received elements of their care through telehealth services.

·         More than 717,000 veterans participated in over 2.1 million telehealth care interactions.

·         45 percent of veterans who used telehealth services lived in rural areas.

·         Reduced hospital bed days of care by 54 percent.

·         Reduced hospital admissions by 32 percent.

·         VA telehealth care grew by 18 percent among veterans in Fiscal Year 2014.

·         Patient satisfaction for clinical video telehealth averaged 94 percent.

·         Patient satisfaction for overall home telehealth services averaged 88 percent.

·         Home telehealth services save veterans on average $2,000 per year.

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09 Oct 2015

Smiddy Bill Defines Attacks Against Soldiers and Veterans as Hate Crimes

By Paul Ferrero
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - In response to tragic attacks, state Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, is sponsoring legislation expanding the definition of hate crimes in Illinois to include crimes against  current or former military members.
"The attacks on July 16 in Chattanooga show us that military members are targeted, simply as a result of their service," Smiddy said. "This bill will honor the victims of the attack in Chattanooga by acting as a deterrent for those who would target the men and women who sacrifice just to keep us safe."
Smiddy is cosponsoring House Bill 4308 which designates crimes committed against uniformed members of the Armed Forces or veterans' organizations as potential hate crimes. Under current Illinois law, the 'hate crime' designation is a way to strengthen punishment when crimes are committed against individuals based on their actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, or national origin. The measure ensures that specifically trying to harm military personnel can result in increased penalties at the time of sentencing.
"Criminals who target military members who have sacrificed for our nation deserve strict punishment under the law, and this bill will strengthen the penalties they face," Smiddy said. "We have to continue to take steps to ensure veterans, military members and their families are safe here at home."
House Bill 4308 was filed on October 6 and will be sent to a House committee for consideration.
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21 Sep 2015

Military Retiree Appreciation Day Oct. 24 at Rock Island Arsenal

By Theresa R. Fitzgerald
FORT McCOY, Wis. - A military Retiree Appreciation Day will be held Saturday, Oct. 24 at Rock Island Arsenal, Ill. Retirees from all branches of the armed forces and their family members are eligible to attend. The event begins at 8 a.m. and concludes at noon.

Retiree Appreciation Day provides an opportunity for all armed forces retirees, spouses, surviving spouses, and/or guests to receive updated information about retiree entitlement programs.

Photo identification is required for all personnel to access the installation.

Pre-registration is required and must be accomplished by Oct. 15.  The registration form, available online at http://www.mccoy.army.mil/Services/ACAP_Documents/2015_RAD_REGISTER.pdf, contains detailed information about the event. Direct any questions to 563-508-5123.

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