30 Jul 2015

Civilians get a glimpse of the life of a Soldier

By Illinois National Guard Public Affairs Office

MARSEILLES, IL (07/29/2015)(readMedia)-- Members of Illinois Joining Forces and Illinois communities participated in "Military Immersion" training, July 17 at Marseilles Training Center, Marseilles, Illinois.

The participants stayed overnight at a MTC and experienced military life, interacted with service members and learned about the military. They were also shown military equipment, military vehicles and given new insight into how to best help and support service members, veterans, and their families.

"We wanted to give the civilians a chance to actually stay in military barracks and get to do the training that Soldiers go through," said Lt. Col. Maurice Rochelle of Chatham, Illinois with Joint Force Headquarters based in Springfield, Illinois, Illinois National Guard. "Normally training events only allow for observing, but with this one we wanted to give our participants a chance to 'walk in a Soldiers boots' for the day."

Twenty-seven civilians in professions ranging from lawyers to health care providers along with Kenneth Barber, Executive Director of Illinois Joining Forces, Erica Jeffries, Director of Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs and Ron Bacci, Chair of Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve participated in the two day event.

"This is the second year we have had a successful event, and it looks like it will continue," said Rochelle.

Brandon Woodenburg, a student at SIU School of Law and volunteer at the SIU veterans' rural pro bono initiative, a first timer for immersion training said he respects veterans even more than he did before because of what he experienced on this trip.

"This visit was very insightful and I was able to get a point of view that a civilian wouldn't normally get to see," said Woodenburg. "It was exciting to see a small fraction of what a veteran or active member goes through on a frequent basis."

Woodenburg said he came on this trip hoping to get more insight on veterans and their lifestyle in order to help them more as a volunteer.

Woodenburg said his favorite part of the trip was being in the platoons, doing cadences and marching.

Sgt. 1st Class Joshua Nickels of Montgomery, Illinois, a training assistant for the Illinois Pre Mobilization Training Assistance Element took the civilians through an IED training lane and taught them how to use the decision making process to navigate past obstacles they encountered.

"This training exposes the general population to the complexity of the jobs in the Army," said Nickels. "We want to show the capabilities of our Soldiers to civilians that can make them more marketable for employment purposes."

Nickels said the feedback from the civilians throughout the training was positive.

"This was a great opportunity for us to show them what we do instead of just telling them what we do," said Nickels. "This is a great event and hopefully we can expand this in the years to come."

23 Jul 2015

Gov. Branstad takes action to further strengthen security at National Guard facilities

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

Action comes after Branstad briefs Iowa Congressional Delegation in Washington, D.C., and urges federal action to protect servicemen and women at facilities outside of the National Guard's purview

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) - Iowa Gov. Terry E. Branstad, as the commander-in-chief of the Iowa National Guard, today authorized Maj. Gen. Timothy Orr to strengthen current security measures and arm additional personnel at facilities under his purview, at the Adjutant General's discretion, while he continues to assess security at National Guard facilities and recruiting stations. This action bolsters current security measures, which already include armed personnel at certain military facilities.

"I am pleased the Iowa National Guard, under the exemplary leadership of Major General Timorthy Orr, already had active security measures in place that included armed security at certain facilities prior to the terrorist attack in Chattanooga, Tennessee, last week," said Branstad. "These brave men and women go to work every day to protect our state and nation. Today's action strengthens current security measures and gives Major General Timorthy Orr the authorization to arm additional soldiers, at his discretion, at Iowa National Guard facilities and recruiting stations to protect themselves and others from danger."

The announcement comes following Branstad's meeting with Iowa's congressional delegation in Washington, D.C., where the Iowa leaders discussed further collaboration to strengthen security measures, including authorizing military servicemen and servicewomen to be armed at military facilities and recruiting stations that are not under the Iowa National Guard's purview.

On Monday, Branstad announced that he would take the additional step of seeking federal cooperation to address the issue nationally. As the co-chair of the Council of Governors, a group appointed by the president which advises federal officials on matters related to national security and the National Guard, Branstad will seek federal support to review policies on National Guard bases, military instillations and at recruiting stations to ensure our nation's soldiers are safe and secure. Gov. Branstad will bring this matter up at the Council of Governors meeting tomorrow, Thursday, July 23, 2015, in Washington, D.C.

###
16 Jul 2015

REPORT: The Vets Group That Fights Against Veterans

By Kevin McAlister

Bridge Project and VoteVets.org have teamed up to expose the political agenda of Concerned Veterans of America in a new report titled, "The Vets Group That Fights Against Veterans." CVA promotes extreme right-wing policies that stand in opposition to nearly every other veterans group, as reported in the Military Times today.

From pushing a plan to privatize the VA healthcare system to proposing a transition from the current military retirement system to a private 401(k)-like plan, CVA follows the radical conservatism of the Koch brothers, working to advance the billionaires' self-interest at the expense of veterans

Already, Marco Rubio has participated in a CVA town hall in New Hampshire. Bridge Project will be working with partners to hold CVA and the Koch brothers accountable as Jeb Bush, Rubio, Scott Walker, and the rest of the Republican field audition for a slice of the $900 million the Kochs plan to spend propping up GOP candidates and trying to buy the White House.

Read "The Vets Group That Fights Against Veterans" here:

16 Jul 2015

Illinois National Guard Warrant Officers extend invitation to Senior Enlisted Soldiers

By Illinois National Guard Public Affairs Office
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Senior noncommissioned officers from across the state met on July 11 at the Illinois Military Academy on Camp Lincoln, Springfield, Illinois for the 2015 Warrant Officer (WO) Selection Event. The WO Selection Event is an annual recruitment event held in July at Camp Lincoln and in August at the North Riverside Armory in Chicago.

Brig. Gen. Richard J. Hayes Jr., The Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard, visited the event and said after years of partial vacancies, getting Illinois' warrant officer program up to full strength was a top priority.

"Everyone here has been identified and selected by their leadership for warrant officer consideration," said Hayes. "Commissioned officers are generalists, but warrants bring highly technical expertise to critical areas, and we are committed to supporting them, their Families, and their employers."

Although last year's WO Selection Event had about 50 attendees and generated several leads, this year's smaller event was targeted towards 30 senior NCOs who already possess the interest and qualifications to begin a warrant officer application. All of the Soldiers that were present in the classroom were screened for eligibility and invited based on recommendations from their commanders. Each attendee came from technical backgrounds where warrant officer positions are hard to fill.

Command Sgt. Maj. Mark W. Bowman, Land Component Command Sergeant Major of the Illinois National Guard, said success in his organization means having the right person in the right slot at the right time. He said he's glad to see experienced NCOs considering the switch.

"Have you had leadership fail you in the past? Ever thought that you could do better? Now is your chance." said Bowman.

Warrant Officer Aaron D. Poynter of Pekin, Illinois, petroleum systems technician for the 108th Sustainment Brigade based in Chicago, came to share his experience with the attendees after being the honor graduate in his Warrant Officer Basic Course that ended in June.

Poynter, an 18 year veteran, was a sergeant first class when he began the warrant officer process. He said he chose warrant officer because it would allow him to do what he loved even longer.

"I would ask anyone interested, if you have the technical knowledge, why not serve your state in the best capacity possible? Why not take the next step to become an expert and advisor?"

Chief Warrant Officer 5 David W. Hammon, Command Chief Warrant Officer of the Illinois National Guard, said the event offers senior Soldiers a great opportunity for career longevity in a way that benefits both the Soldier and the organization.

"Highly specialized and technical career fields aren't always easy to keep filled, but doing so will increase the strength and status of our state," said Hammon. "We have all these great, experienced people, and we want to keep them where they are, but at a higher level."

If you are interested in being a warrant officer please contact Chief Warrant Officer 3 Miranda Dawdy at 217-761-1275 or miranda.r.dawdy.mil@mail.mil.

03 Jul 2015

Sergeant Major receives Legion of Merit award

By Illinois National Guard Public Affairs Office

SPRINGFIELD, IL (07/02/2015)(readMedia)-- SPRINGFIELD, Illinois - Sgt. Maj. Jerry D. Clements of Pittsfield, Illinois, the former command sergeant major of the 404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, Illinois National Guard received the Legion of Merit during a ceremony July 1 at Camp Lincoln in Springfield, Illinois.

Clements received the award for meritorious service as the command sergeant major of the 404th MEB from June 2012 to January 2015.

17 Jun 2015

U.S. Coast Guard commandant releases cyber strategy

By Lisa K. Novak

WASHINGTON – The commandant of the Coast Guard, Adm. Paul F. Zukunft, released the service's cyber strategy Tuesday at the Center for Strategic and International Studies to ensure the prosperity and security of the nation's Maritime Transportation System (MTS) in the face of a rapidly evolving cyber domain.

"While cyber certainly poses a number of unique risks and challenges," said the commandant. "I am confident that we can meet them in a way that benefits the marine industry, protects privacy and maintains the safety and security of our maritime environment."

Cyberspace is an operational domain that integrates information and intelligence in support of Coast Guard operations. The rapid development of digital technologies has led to unprecedented efficiencies, but it has also come with serious risks. The Coast Guard's cyber strategy  is a comprehensive framework that identifies three strategic priorities critical to the service's effort defending the maritime domain:

  • Defend cyberspace - Ensure the full scope of the Coast Guard's capabilities are effective and efficient by building and maintaining secure and resilient Coast Guard information networks;
  • Enable operations - Detect, deter, disable and defeat adversaries by developing and leveraging a diverse set of cyber capabilities and authorities; and
  • Protect critical infrastructure through a unity of effort to protect maritime infrastructure from attacks, disasters and accidents.

To ensure long-term success in combating cyber threats to the nation's MTS and infrastructure, the cyber strategy outlines a number of cross-cutting factors that support the Coast Guard's strategic objectives. Among these factors, the Coast Guard will focus on recognizing cyberspace as an operational domain; developing guidance and defining the mission space; leveraging partnerships to build knowledge, capacity and  understanding of MTS vulnerabilities; sharing of information; organizing for success; building a well-trained cyber workforce; and making thoughtful future cyber investments.

The Coast Guard will continue to adapt, as it has for the past 225 years, by employing this strategy to protect America's maritime interests in cyberspace, maintain advantage over adversaries and help maintain the safety, security and prosperity of the nation.

"Cyber is a new risk factor, but it does not interrupt long-standing and successful regimes for dealing with prevention and response to incidents," said Zukunft.

To view the Coast Guard's cyber strategy, please visit http://www.uscg.mil/seniorleadership/DOCS/cyber.pdf.

###

16 Jun 2015

Military sexual assault; Grassley reiterates support for independent justice system prior to amendment vote

By Grassley Press

Please note:  Sen. Grassley plans to join Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand and fellow senators for a news conference in the Radio and TV Gallery, S-325, immediately after the vote on the Military Justice Improvement Act, an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act that would establish an independent military justice system to address the crisis of sexual assault. The vote is scheduled today as a part of a series beginning at 2:15 p.m. Eastern.  A live webcast of the news conference will be available HERE.

 

Floor Statement by Senator Chuck Grassley on the Gillibrand Military Justice Improvement Act Amendment

Delivered Tuesday, June 16, 2015

I would like to again add my voice in support of Senator Gillibrand's reforms to the Military Justice System.  Senator Gillibrand has been a great leader on this issue.  I admire her passion and dogged pursuit of justice.  Last year, when I spoke in favor of this measure, I made the point that this was not a new issue that required further study or incremental reforms. We had been hearing promises for years and years that there would be zero tolerance and a real crack down on military sexual assault.

Last year, the National Defense Authorization Act included a lot of commonsense reforms.  But, it did not include any fundamental reform of the military justice system.  We were told to give these new adjustments to the current system a chance to work, and come back next year.  At the time, I made the point that we had already tried working within the current system, to no avail.

I am not one to advocate for a major, sweeping reform if less will address the problem.  But, what we've been doing hasn't worked.  Last year, after Congress passed the package of more modest reforms, but not our Military Justice Improvement Act amendment, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dempsey, said, "We've been given about a year to demonstrate both that we will treat this with the urgency that it deserves, and that we can turn the trend lines in a more positive direction."

He made clear that if we didn't see real progress, he wouldn't stand in the way of more major reforms.  Well, we have not seen any significant movement.  In terms of the number of sexual assault cases, and the shocking rate of retaliation against those who report, we simply don't see progress.  That's probably because the current system is part of the problem.

The fact that victims of sexual assault cannot turn to an independent system to get justice, combined with the very real fear of retaliation, acts as a terrible deterrent to reporting sexual assault.   If sexual assault cases are not reported, they cannot be prosecuted.  If sexual assault isn't prosecuted, it leads to predators remaining in the military and a perception that it is tolerated.

By allowing this situation to continue, we are putting at risk the men and women who have volunteered to place their lives on the line.  We are also seriously damaging military morale and readiness.  Taking prosecutions out of the hands of commanders and giving them to professional prosecutors who are independent of the chain of command will help ensure impartial justice for the men and women of our armed forces.

This would in no way take away the ability of commanders to punish troops under their command for military infractions.  Commanders also can and should be held accountable for the climate under their command.

But, the point here is the sexual assault is a law enforcement matter - not a military one.  This isn't some reform that came out of the blue either.  An advisory committee appointed by the Secretary of Defense himself came out in support of our reforms.

On September 27, 2013, the Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services (DACOWITS) voted overwhelmingly in support of each of the components of the Military Justice Improvement Act Amendment.  DACOWITS was created in 1951 by then Secretary of Defense, George C.  Marshall.

The Committee is composed of civilian and retired military women and men who are appointed by the Secretary of Defense to provide advice and recommendations on matters and policies relating to the recruitment and retention, treatment, employment, integration, and well-being of highly qualified professional women in the Armed Forces. Historically, DACOWITS' recommendations have been very instrumental in effecting changes to laws and policies pertaining to military women.

The bottom line is, this isn't some advocacy group or fly by night panel.  It's a longstanding advisory committee handpicked by the Secretary of Defense and it supports the substance of our amendment to a tee. We've tried reforming the current system and it didn't work.  When we are talking about something as serious and life altering as sexual assault, we cannot afford to wait any longer.  I urge my colleagues to join us in supporting the Military Justice Improvement Act amendment.

-30-


12 Jun 2015

None Caring Congress For Navy Vietnam Veterans

By John Bury
It has come of a common opinion amongst Vietnam War Veterans that Congress
tends to exclude mostly Blue Water Vietnam Veterans for VA benefits.  This
group of veterans never had boots on ground Vietnam, yet just the same
they are sick due to Agent Orange exposure.  It seems Congress and the VA
consider these veterans not worthy.

There are limited benefits to those who served in Country and those who
served at sea are excluded, yet Agent Orange was in the drinking water
onboard Navy ships causing sickness years later.  How many more of us have
to die in agony until there are so few of us left that the amount of
dollars to care for those left won't matter much.  Is this what America is
about none caring attitude by our legislators?  Where does it say in our
Constitution and Bill of Rights that our veterans need NOT be cared for
when in need?  "A man who is good enough to shed his blood for the Country
is good enough to be given a square deal afterwards" Theodore Roosevelt.

Over 175,000 Navy veterans are the unsung casualties of the Vietnam War.
It is not about Democrats and Republicans, It is about Americans who
fought a thankless war.  Maybe this is why Congress is reluctant to
provide VA benefits, a Thankless War.

Several years past, legislative Bills have been introduced for this group
of sailors only to fail in committee.  Presently there are two new Bills,
House Bill HR-969 and Senate Bill S.681, both are titled The Blue Water
Navy Vietnam Veterans Agent Orange Act.  If either of these Bills are
passed, Navy Veterans will receive their VA benefits.  The American people
can help by calling and writing to your members of Congress and Senators
to support these Bills.

END

By:  John J. Bury, US Navy, retired, Vietnam War Veteran
Media, Pa.
12 Jun 2015

Illinois National Guard Adjutant General to give Lincoln's ChalleNGe Academy Commencement Address

By Illinois National Guard Public Affairs Office

SPRINGFIELD, IL (06/10/2015)(readMedia)-- The Illinois National Guard's new Adjutant General will cap off his first week on the job by giving the commencement address to some 200 graduates of Lincoln's ChalleNGe Academy.

The graduation for the academy's Class 44 will be held Saturday, June 13, 2015, at 11 a.m. at the Prairie Capital Convention Center. The program for former Illinois high school dropouts from across Illinois is among the top such academies in the nation and operates the largest single-site Youth ChalleNGe Academy in the United States. About 12,000 youth have graduated from Lincoln's ChalleNGe since the program began in 1993.

Brig. Gen. Richard Hayes officially started as The Adjutant General on Monday, June 8, after being appointed by Gov. Bruce Rauner on May 25. He replaced Maj. Gen. Daniel Krumrei, who is retiring after more than 38 years of military service.

Lincoln's ChalleNGe students, age 16 to 18, complete a rigorous 22-week resident program at the former Chanute Air Force Base in Rantoul. The resident program is conducted in a quasi-military environment to provide students a clearly structured and regimented educational environment. Not only does the unique Guard-sponsored program provide former dropouts the education and skills they need to become successful adults, students leave the program more self disciplined and with a newfound work ethic that makes them a more valuable asset to society.

Having successfully completed the resident program, the students will return to their communities to begin post-secondary education or enter the work force. After graduation, each student is paired with a volunteer mentor who acts as both an advisor and role model.

The graduating Lincoln's ChalleNGe class will be joined at the Prairie Capital Convention Center by thousands of family members and friends. Special guests for the ceremony will also include Maj. Gen. William Cobetto, The Assistant Adjutant General - Air of the Illinois National Guard, and Col. Stephen Baggerly, Federal Program Manager of Lincoln's ChalleNGe Academy and Director of Staff of the Illinois Air National Guard. During the ceremony the Illinois Community College Board will award more than 35 college scholarships to graduating Lincoln's ChalleNGe students.

The next Lincoln's ChalleNGe class is scheduled to begin July 15, 2015 and applications are now being accepted for this class. Those interested in enrolling in this class should call 1-800-851-2166 for more information.

View Online: http://readme.readmedia.com/Illinois-National-Guard-Adjutant-General-to-give-Lincolns-ChalleNGe-Academy-Commencement-Address/11241627

08 Jun 2015

Former Chief of Staff receives Legion of Merit award

By Illinois National Guard Public Affairs Office

SPRINGFIELD, IL (06/06/2015)(readMedia)-- Col. Eric Little of Springfield, Illinois, the United States Property Fiscal Officer for the Illinois National Guard received the Legion of Merit award during a ceremony June 4 at Camp Lincoln in Springfield, Illinois.

Little received the award for his meritorious service as the Chief of Staff for the Illinois National Guard from June 2013 to May 2014.

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