18 May 2015

Illinois National Guard Recognized for Sexual Assault Prevention Efforts

By Illinois National Guard Public Affairs Office

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois - The Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault (ICASA) presented Maj. Gen. Daniel Krumrei, The Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard (ILNG), Lt. Col. Maurice Rochelle, Deputy of Manpower and Personnel for the ILNG, and Sergeant Maj. Diane Rogers, the Joint Force Headquarters Sexual Assault Response Coordinator for the ILNG, the "Moxie" Award at the President Abraham Lincoln Hotel and Conference Center on May 14 in Springfield, Illinois.

The Moxie award is presented to individuals who have done extraordinary work for survivors of sexual assault. This year's focus was on those who put "survivors first" to improve services, support and advocacy within our nation's institutions.

"It is not only rape crisis centers that are doing the work," said Polly Poskin, the executive director of the ICASA. "These are the first responders out there assisting victims and working to put a stop to sexual assault."

Poskin said the work of first responders, along with other sexual assault prevention advocates, sometimes goes unnoticed. The event today recognizes them for their efforts.

Krumrei said that when he became commander of the Illinois National Guard, he placed priority on identifying and reporting offenders.

"I told every readiness NCO, every senior leader, along with the senior enlisted advisor for the Army and Air National Guard that they are responsible for any perpetrator using and hiding behind the uniform," said Krumrei. "I made it very clear that those who choose to ignore an incident of sexual assault are just as responsible as the one committing the act and they will be disciplined as well."

Krumrei said the response to these statements has been very quick and positive throughout the ILNG.

"Though an environment of sexual assault may be 'just how it is out in the world', it will not be that way in this organization," said Krumrei. "We now have battalion commanders and platoon leaders stepping up and saying, 'this will not be the way it is in my battalion or my platoon.' We are getting there. We have more to work on, but we are better."

Krumrei said the Guard is very intentional about refusing to allow criminals to hide behind the military uniform of the United States to commit their crimes.

Poskin said that she has seen the determination by leaders in the ILNG to face sexual assault head on.

"Lieutenant Colonel Rochelle attended our 40-hour training course on sexual assault prevention and it made a difference," said Poskin. "His calm demeanor and dedication to speaking up on how we all have to take responsibility and stand up for those who need help shift the training by showing that there are a lot of allies out there."

Poskin said we need to continue to build on the mindset Rochelle showed in the course.

"We will continue to work hard in the Illinois National Guard to build upon on our relationship with ICASA and build upon our efforts to eliminate sexual assault from our ranks," said Rochelle.

There are 29 rape crisis centers throughout Illinois and these centers work closely with local organizations like the Illinois National Guard to improve upon efforts to prevent sexual assault.

"Having the National Guard take a stand against sexual assault is inspiring to others," said Poskin. "I have no doubt that their stance will continue to positively affect the efforts of others against sexual assault in this nation."

18 May 2015

Loebsack Statement on the 2016 Defense Policy Bill

By Vonnie Hampel
May 15, 2015 - Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today after the House passed the FY 2016 National Defense Authorization Act.

"I have always fought to ensure the men and women serving our nation have had the support, equipment and training they need to safely carry out their mission. As a military parent and former member of the House Armed Services Committee, I take great pride in serving those who have served our nation. The bill that passed today addresses many of Iowa's priorities, including taking important steps to strengthen the Rock Island Arsenal by driving more workload to their facilities.

"At the same time, I have great concerns about how this bill came together. For example, it is paid for using an accounting gimmick, amounting to tens of billions of dollars, while undermining investments in education and infrastructure. Since the idea was first introduced, I have been opposed to the across the board cuts, known as sequestration. Congress must find a way to get rid of these cuts and replace it with a commonsense way to deal with our nation's fiscal issues. I look forward to working with Republicans and Democrats to strengthen this bill as it works its way through the Senate and during the Conference Committee to improve the final bill."

###
18 May 2015

National Veterans Golden Age Games Seeks Volunteers

By Will Ackerman
OMAHA, Neb. – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking more than 2,000 volunteers to support the 2015 National Veterans Golden Age Games (NVGAG), being held in Omaha, Neb., Aug. 8 - 12.

Volunteers donating their time and talents are essential to the success of this event. Several thousand opportunities are available to help with everything from sporting events to meal service. Events take place at the CenturyLink Center, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Burke High School, Mockingbird Lanes and Dodge Riverside Park. Opportunities are also available to assist at the Eppley airport and downtown Omaha hotels.

Make sure to look through all of the volunteer positions to find the best fit for your talents. Volunteers must be 14 years of age or older, unless accompanied by a parent or guardian for the duration of the volunteer shift. Visit www.veteransgoldenagegames.va.gov to sign up as a volunteer.
VA looks forward to the communities' support of the "Patriots on the Plains" in Omaha!

More than 800 athletes are enrolled to compete in the national multi-event sports and recreational competition for senior Veterans. The event encourages participants to make physical activity a central part of their lives, and supports VA's comprehensive recreation and rehabilitation therapy programs. Competitive events include air rifle, badminton, bowling, cycling, dominoes, field, golf, horseshoes, nine ball, shuffleboard, swimming, table tennis and track.

For more information visit www.veteransgoldenagegames.va.gov and follow VA Adaptive Sports on Twitter at @VAAdaptiveSport or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/vaadaptivesports.

For additional questions about participating, volunteering, or sponsorship, contact Anna Morelock, 2015 NVGAG Local Coordinator, at 402-995-5748 or email VHANWIGoldenAgeGames@va.gov.

For media inquiries, contact Will Ackerman, VA NWIHCS Public Affairs Officer, at 402-995-4719, or email William.ackerman@va.gov. For inquires about VA's National Veterans Sports Programs & Special Events, contact Michael.molina1@va.gov or call 202-560-7305.

###
18 May 2015

Loebsack Authored Provisions Included in 2016 Defense Policy Bill

By Nicholas Depew

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement after three provisions he authored were included as amendments to the FY 2016 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The legislation recently passed the House Armed Services Committee and is now being debated on the House Floor.

"Our men and women in uniform, along with their military families, proudly and honorably serve our country. The legislation that is now being debated on the House floor includes provisions I authored to make the Rock Island Arsenal stronger by driving more workload to their facilities," said Loebsack.

Specifically, amendments authored by Congressman Loebsack included in the FY 2016 National Defense Authorization Act are:

1.      Installation Arsenal Reutilization Authority - Provides senior leadership at Rock Island Arsenal greater authorities to lease real or personal property for the purposes of leveraging private investment at military manufacturing arsenals through long-term facility use contracts, property management contracts, leases, or other such agreements. This amendment is designed to give Rock Island leadership greater flexibility to utilize unused administrative and warehouse space on the island, helping to bring workload and continued employment to the Island.

2.      Utilization of Armament Retooling and Manufacturing Support (ARMS) Initiative - This provision makes improvements to the ARMS program by giving the Army flexibility to enter into longer lease terms. It also encourages greater cooperation with the local community to promote greater use of ARMS. As the United States shifts to a peacetime footing, increased use of ARMS will help to support our ammunition plants and the highly skilled workforce there. This amendment allows the Army to work closely with local and state governments as well as economic development organizations and private businesses to make ARMS even more of a win-win for the Army, private businesses, local communities, and the ammunition plants.

3. Pharmacy Amendment (Offered with Rep. Austin Scott (R-GA-08)) - This amendment modifies a pilot program that is intended determine if the DOD can get the same savings using a network of preferred retail pharmacies as they can from using mail order by allowing retail pharmacies to provide medications to TRICARE beneficiaries at the same copayment rates as mail order.  It will ensure that veterans can continue to access their local, trusted pharmacies for their medications.

###
14 May 2015

Illinois Korean Memorial Association Publishes New Book

By Karen Le Seure
The Illinois Korean  Memorial Association has published a booklet, " A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE KOREAN WAR". It has a tear proof cover, actual headlines, photos from Department of Defense, peace talks, maps, American Commanders & more, all from 1950-53 era.  A must for any teacher who wants to hold a class, or a student who wants to write  a paper on the Korean War. To receive a copy, send $10 check or money order to Illinois Korean Memorial Association, P.O. Box 8554, Springfield, Illinois 62791.  100% of all funds go to the book project to send this booklet to Illinois schools & libraries at no charge.
13 May 2015

Senior Star at Elmore Place Hosts Senior Veterans Affairs Benefits Presentation

By Christina L. Maggio-Kellerstrass

VA expert to discuss benefit changes and answer frequently asked questions

DAVENPORT, IA (May 11, 2015) - Senior Star at Elmore Place invites all Quad City senior veterans and their families to a presentation by guest speaker David Woods from Veterans Affairs at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 21 at 4502 Elmore Avenue, Davenport.

The informal presentation will address benefit changes and frequently asked questions.  "Engaging a local expert allows attendees to seek pertinent information that they otherwise wouldn't receive from online research," said Marc Strohschein, executive director of Senior Star at Elmore Place.  "We encourage all senior veterans and their families to join us for this important presentation."

A light lunch will be served.  An RSVP is requested no later than May 20 by calling 563.484.5114.  Seating is limited for lunch so please call and reserve your spot today!

For more information about Senior Star at Elmore Place or to schedule a tour, call 563.484.5114 or visit the website at www.seniorstar.com.

About Senior Star at Elmore Place

Senior Star at Elmore Place, a Senior Star community, features 236 modernly decorated apartments spanning across 20 acres of beautifully landscaped property with many customized amenities to offer its residents three distinctive living experiences:  independent living, assisted living and memory care.  For more information, visit www.seniorstar.com.

 

###

13 May 2015

Motorpool Mania: 2015 Military Museum Vehicle Show

By Illinois National Guard Public Affairs Office

Check under the hood and kick the tires or tracks

SPRINGFIELD, IL (05/11/2015)(readMedia)-- The Illinois State Military Museum and private collectors will display an array of U.S. and international military vehicles May 16, 2015 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1301 N. MacArthur Blvd., in Springfield, Illinois.

WHO:

• Illinois National Guard and Militia Historical Society

• Illinois State Military Museum

• Private vehicle collectors

WHAT:

• See an array of U.S. and international military vehicles from the iconic jeep to 21st Century equipment. Private collectors are invited to display vehicles. For more information visit: http://ilng-history.org/wp/upcoming-events/ismmmilitaryvehicleshow/

WHEN: Saturday May 16, 2015 at 09:00AM Central Time (US & Canada)

WHERE:Illinois State Military Museum
1301 N. MacArthur Blvd
Springfield, Illinois 62702

NOTES:

• Admission and parking are free.

• Free registration for private vehicle collectors. Visit http://ilng-history.org/wp/upcoming-events/ismmmilitaryvehicleshow/

For additional information, please contact the Illinois State Military Museum at 217-761-3910.

12 May 2015

Specialized Illinois National Guard unit to mobilize for Afghanistan

By Illinois National Guard PAO

Five Soldiers mobilize May 15 as part of an embedded staff team

SPRINGFIELD, IL (05/11/2015)(readMedia)-- A deployment ceremony is scheduled for five Soldiers who will deploy to Afghanistan as part of an embedded staff team. The ceremony for the Bilateral Embedded Staff Team (BEST) A15 will be May 15 at 11 a.m. at Camp Lincoln, 1301 N. MacArthur Blvd. in Springfield, Illinois.

The Soldiers will train for a brief time at Fort Bliss, Texas, before deploying to Afghanistan. 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 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."

The team is expected to return to Illinois in spring 2016.

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.

Become our Facebook Fan!

www.facebook.com/illinoisnationalguard

-30-

05 May 2015

Governor Designates Four More Home Base Iowa Communities and Two More Certified Higher Academic Military Partners

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry E. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds today announced Franklin County, Story County, Muscatine County and the City of Johnston have met the criteria to become designated as a Home Base Iowa Communities. Today they also announced Kirkwood Community College and North Iowa Area Community College have been designated as a Home Base Iowa Certified Higher Academic Military Partners (CHAMPs).

Franklin County, Story County, Muscatine County and the City of Johnston join fourteen existing communities in becoming a certified Home Base Iowa Communities. To become a Home Base Iowa Community, an area must meet the following criteria: 10% of its businesses with potential to hire sign on as Home Base Iowa Businesses; local government supports the effort; signage indicates the community is a Home Base Iowa Community and the community creates local incentives that offer additional benefits for Veterans and that complement those in the statewide Home Base Iowa Act.

"We've seen the momentum build with this program through the 1,300 veterans hired thus far," said Branstad. "With the support of our education CHAMPS, our Iowa communities and the aggressive career and recruitment efforts of the program, we are both pleased and excited to know what began as a great idea is now becoming a program recognized as a national model."

Kirkwood Community College and North Iowa Area Community College join the existing  HBI CHAMPs?Upper Iowa University, Mount Mercy University, University of Dubuque, Mercy College of Health Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa State University, University of Northern Iowa, Des Moines Area Community College, Hawkeye Community College, Iowa Central Community College , Eastern Iowa Community College and Western Iowa Tech Community College.  The Home Base Iowa CHAMP program allows Iowa colleges and universities to become certified for their ability to educate and assist Veterans on campus. The certification will help attract Veterans and transitioning Service Members to Iowa. It also helps academic institutions market their campus as Veteran-friendly. To become a Home Base Iowa CHAMP, education institutions must meet criteria in each of the three categories: On-Campus Veteran Resources, Mindfulness of Service Member Transitions and Financial Considerations.

"Iowa is proud to provide transitioning and retiring service members with every opportunity for success?whether through education, employment or continued service," said Lt Governor Kim Reynolds. "Iowa has 15 education institutions designated as CHAMPS and with 18 Iowa communities embracing the Home Base Iowa initiative, our state is creating a culture that is welcoming and attractive to recruit and retain veterans."

The City of Johnston is the first Des Moines metro city to be designated as a Home Base Iowa Community and is the home to Camp Dodge. A high percentage of the community is already military service-connected. With the enviable assets available to all Service Members of any branch of Service available through Camp Dodge and the strong support of local business incentives in Johnston, the city considers itself well-positioned to welcome military families.

Story County offers an aggressive $2500 relocation incentive for qualifying Veterans and gained an impressive list of 70 businesses committed to hiring Veterans. Ames has already landed veteran families to the area as it worked toward designation and recently attracted attention of the Wall Street Journal. Story County's efforts were led by the Ames Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development.

Franklin County offers qualifying Veterans a $500 cash grant to work with a Franklin County company and $500 cash grant to live in Franklin County, plus an enticing package of offers from local merchants. Eighty-seven percent of businesses with potential to hire signed on as a Home Base Iowa company. Contact Franklin County Development for more information.

Muscatine County?an area with some of the state's largest employers?has earned Home Base Iowa designation with incentives that range from closing cost assistance to substantial discounts from area businesses. Greater Muscatine Chamber of Commerce and Industry led the efforts for designation.

BACKGROUND ON THE HOME BASE IOWA ACT 

Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds launched the Home Base Iowa initiative in November of 2013 at the Iowa Gold Star Military Museum at Camp Dodge. Branstad and Reynolds named Congressman Leonard Boswell and Casey's CEO Bob Myers the co-chairs of the initiative.

The Home Base Iowa Act was signed into law on May 26, 2014. It passed the Iowa Senate 46-0 and the Iowa House 94-2. The Home Base Iowa initiative does the following:

  • Fully exempts military pensions from state income tax.
  • Gives veterans, their spouses and dependents in-state tuition at Iowa's colleges and universities.
  • Allows Iowa's licensing boards to adopt rules allowing credit for military training and experience in the licensing process.
  • Allows private-sector companies to follow the public sector's lead by allowing a preference in hiring and promoting veterans.
  • Eliminates the special plate issuance fees charged for plates associated with military service.
  • Expands eligibility for the Military Homeownership Assistance Program, which provides $5,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance.  Additional funding for the program is provided in a separate appropriations bill.

In addition to the Home Base Iowa Act, Branstad also signed Senate File 2352 in 2014.

Senate File 2352 an Act relating to the additional homestead credit for certain disabled veterans and including effective date and applicability provisions.

For more information on Home Base Iowa, please visit www.HomeBaseIowa.org. Those interested in becoming a Home Base Iowa Business, a Home Base Iowa Community or a Home Base Iowa CHAMP should contact Kathy Anderson, Home Base Iowa Program Manager at 515.725.3149 or kathy.anderson@iowa.gov.

 

###
05 May 2015

Illinois National Guard participates in commemoration of President Lincoln

By Randy Stalsberg

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois - Governor Bruce Rauner, Maj. Gen. Daniel Krumrei, The Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard and members from the Illinois Air National Guard, Illinois Army National Guard and the Lincoln's Challenge Academy all played a role in the Abraham Lincoln Funeral Re-Enactment Events May 2 in Springfield, Illinois.

Two Airmen from the 183rd Air Refueling Wing and two Soldiers from the 233rd Military Police Company, both units based in Springfield, provided a color guard detail posting the colors during the opening ceremony.

Over 12,000 re-enactors along with 17 partnering organizations and a few thousand spectators were present at the ceremony.

Governor Rauner delivered a speech to paying tribute Lincoln as people crowded around to see Lincoln's casket during the opening ceremony downtown Springfield.

Rauner said the event was a great opportunity for everyone to listen and learn about our fallen hero.

Krumrei spoke of Lincoln's service in the Illinois Militia during the Black Hawk War and said the very image of Lincoln is a symbol of freedom. The Illinois Militia is now known as the Illinois National Guard.

"Lincoln did not aspire to be an icon," said Krumrei. "He was a man of the people...a man for the people. A man elected...by the people...to do a job and was determined to succeed."

The event concluded with the exchange of gifts honoring Lincoln's memory including Governor Rauner presenting the flag that was draped over Lincoln's coffin during the re-enactment to Krumrei to be place in the Illinois State Military Museum on Camp Lincoln.

In addition to the opening ceremony, other events went on honoring Lincoln gathering more crowds of people eager to listen to the history behind the iconic leader. Members of the 144th Army Band played military songs for people at a church in downtown Springfield while members of the Lincoln's Challenge Academy out of Rantoul, Illinois served as volunteers for the encampment activities in Lincoln Park.

"It was a wonderful event and a great outpouring of love and emotion for our greatest Illinoisan, Abraham Lincoln," said Rauner.

ILNG Gold Star families honored at remembrance ceremony on Camp Lincoln

SPRINGFIELD, IL (05/03/2015)(readMedia)-- Governor Bruce Rauner, Maj. Gen. Daniel Krumrei, the Adjutant General for the Illinois National Guard, other senior leaders and Soldiers gathered with the Gold Star Families at the Fallen Heroes Memorial May 3 at the Illinois State Military Museum on Camp Lincoln, Springfield, Illinois.

Thirty-four Illinois National Guardsmen, 1 Airmen and 33 Soldiers, killed during Operation Iraqi and Operation Enduring Freedom.

Governor Rauner said these Guardsmen are our heroes.

"We all owe these brave men and women a great debt of graduate for their sacrifices," said Rauner. "It is a privilege to be here today to remember them, to honor them and to pay tribute."

Krumrei placed a wreath at the memorial on behalf of the Illinois National Guard while all Soldiers present rendered a salute honoring the fallen guardsmen.

"We have held this ceremony each year to honor these guardsmen and we will continue to do so in the future," said Krumrei. "These families will never forget their loved ones and we as the Illinois National Guard will never forget them."

The ceremony ended with the families placing a yellow rose at the base of the memorial and Rauner greeting each family member to offer his condolences.

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.