01 May 2015

Illinois National Guard hosts foreign military attachés

By Illinois National Guard Public Affairs Office

SPRINGFIELD, IL (04/29/2015)(readMedia)-- CHICAGO - The Illinois National Guard hosted foreign military attachés from more than 30 different countries April 27.

Maj. Gen. William Cobetto of Hillsboro, Illinois, Assistant Adjutant General-Air, Illinois Air National Guard, said the group was particularly interested in how the Illinois National Guard works with civil authorities during domestic operations.

"They were all very intrigued by our command structure during emergency incident response where civilian authorities are in charge and the National Guard elements play a supporting role," said Cobetto. "I also got quite a few questions about recruiting and retention, and how we budget."

After a short presentation, the foreign military attachés toured the Pritzker Military Museum and Library in Chicago before visiting the Illinois National Guard's Army Aviation Support Facility # 2 at Midway in Chicago.

Brig. Gen. Mohammad Shamsuzzaman of the Bangladesh Army, said he learned something new every day of the tour, which included several days not hosted by the Illinois National Guard.

"In Bangladesh we have a force like the National Guard of the USA, but not so structured. We are trying to develop these forces so that the pressure on the active forces reduces," said Shamsuzzaman. "It's new learning for me, the way the National Guard supports the community in cases of national emergency."

Lt. Col. Daniel Rousselot with the Swiss Air Force said the military in Switzerland is very similar to the National Guard in that about 98 percent of the force is reserve.

"It's interesting to visit the different places and different units," said Rousselot. "It was interesting to see what the differences are between your armed forces and ours and go where we can learn something."

Cobetto said he was surprised the group asked questions about Lincoln's Challenge Academy in Rantoul, Illinois, a quasi-military second chance school for Illinois' troubled youth, but said he understood there are similar issues with some youth in their home countries, which explained their interest.

"The take away from this visit is that we've established or extended an endearing relationship with our military counterparts around the world," said Cobetto. "We've got a common bond and are working toward common goals and interests."

29 Apr 2015

Act Soon to be Part of a Lasting Memorial with the Scott County Freedom Rock by Purchasing Hero Pavers

By Cindy Bruhn
LECLAIRE, Iowa. In dedication to the men and women who have so bravely served our country with unbelievable strength and courage, the surroundings of the Scott County Freedom Rock are acting as a memorial to soldiers, firefighters, police officers and emergency responders. "Hero Pavers" will encircle the Freedom Rock and act as a lasting legacy of your loved one.
The Freedom Rock of Scott County is proudly located on the beautiful Levee in LeClaire, Iowa. The magnificent stone displays a long lasting patriotic tribute to all of those in our communities that volunteer their lives in keeping this country free. Your donations will help to carry out this great honor. The Hero Pavers will be installed around the rock and can be purchased for a veteran, policeman, fire fighter, or EMT - our heroes.
The Freedom Rock Tour, created by the artist of The Freedom Rock, Ray "Bubba" Sorensen II, aims to spread the message of thanking our heroes while providing a unique monument to each of the 99 counties in the great state of Iowa.
Please go to http://www.freedomrockscottcountyiowa.com/ to order your Hero Paver today. Dedication can be three lines, up to 13 characters on each line. The cost is only $50. Pay online or send payment to: Freedom Rock - Scott County, c/o Blackhawk Bank & Trust, 323 South 2nd Street, PO Box 748, LeClaire, IA 52753.
Paver installation will be completed by Memorial Day, May 25, 2015, so orders must be received by May 15, 2015.
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28 Apr 2015

First U.S. Tank Commander to Engage Enemy Forces in World War II Dies

By Illinois National Guard Public Affairs Office

1st Lt. Benjamin Morin spent three and a half years as a Prisoner of War, later ordained as a priest

SPRINGFIELD, IL (04/27/2015)(readMedia)-- 1st Lt. Benjamin Morin, the first U.S. tank commander to engage enemy forces in World War II and the last surviving officer of the National Guard's famed 192nd Tank Battalion, has died at a retirement home for Catholic priests in Michigan.

Morin died Thursday, April 23, of natural causes at the Colombiere Center in Clarkston, Michigan. He was 94 years old. After his service in the Philippines' and Japan during World War II, Morin returned home to Maywood, was ordained as a Roman Catholic priest in 1946 and worked as a missionary in Peru for 38 years.

"Meeting him, I felt completely humbled," said Maj. David Pond of the Illinois National Guard's 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team. Pond and five other Soldiers traveled to Michigan in 2012 to present Morin with the Armor Association of the United States Army's Order of Saint George Medallion. "Here's a gentleman that endured unspeakable horrors at the hands of others, but he wouldn't speak a bad word about anyone. The most he would say about his Japanese captors was 'They were not the nicest people.'"

Morin enlisted into the Illinois National Guard's 33rd Tank Company in 1937. The company was based in his hometown of Maywood, Illinois. The 33rd Tank Company was called to federal service in the fall of 1940 and re-designated as Company B, 192nd Tank Battalion. The battalion was comprised of National Guard units from Illinois, Wisconsin, Ohio and Kentucky. It trained in Kentucky and Louisiana before deployed to the Philippines' in 1941.

The battalion arrived in the Philippines' on Thanksgiving Day, 1941. On Dec. 8, 1941, the day after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, the battalion was attacked by enemy aircraft. Three days before Christmas, 1941, Morin's tank platoon attacked enemy forces who had landed in the Philippines', making it the first U.S. tank engagement of World War II. With his main gun inoperable, his tank disabled and on fire, the other tanks in his platoon withdrawing, and four enemy tanks bearing down on him and his crew; 2nd Lt. Morin was forced to surrender himself and his Soldiers.

What followed was three and a half years as a Prisoner of War under the most appalling conditions imaginable, Morin and his fellow prisoners endured constant beatings, disease, lice, and malnutrition. For more information on 2nd Lt. Morin's experience in World War II, please visit the Proviso East High School's history project on the 192nd Tank Battalion at http://www.proviso.k12.il.us/Bataan%20Web/Morin.htm.

Command Sgt. Maj. Mark Bowman, the Illinois National Guard's Land Component Command Sergeant Major, grew up near Maywood and remembers hearing about the valor of the 192nd Tank Battalion. "Last week, the Illinois Army National Guard lost a hero," he said. "I remember all the time I spent playing on the M3 Stuart Tank by the memorial. I was told the story of the unit's bravery."

"Lt. Morin was a leader. He was a first sergeant as the unit left San Francisco for the Philippines and promoted to second lieutenant after the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. He and his comrades were all proud tankers. Illinois Army National Guard tankers the first to make contact with the Japanese."

To those who knew him, Morin was always an optimist.

"The things I remember about Ben was his sense of humor. He had a great wit. There was always a sparkle in his eye. He (was) an extremely kind person," said Jim Opolony, the history teacher at Proviso East High School who led the 192nd Tank Battalion history project.

Maywood has held a ceremony in September honoring the 192nd Tank Battalion for more than 70 years. It was started during World War II by the mothers of the battalion's missing Soldiers. The lineage of the 33rd Tank Company lives today in the Illinois Army National Guard's 2nd Battalion, 106th Cavalry Regiment, 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team.

20 Apr 2015

Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds seek Iowans assistance in locating photo of fallen Iowa Vietnam Vet for "Wall of Faces" memorial

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

Branstad, Reynolds hope Iowans can provide assistance in locating the photo of David L. McCombs of Oskaloosa before Memorial Day

(DES MOINES) - Iowa Gov. Terry E. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds today were joined at their weekly press conference by Iowa Newspaper Association Executive Director Chris Mudge to ask Iowans for their assistance in the locating photo of an Iowan who died in the Vietnam War for the Vietnam Memorial Fund's "Wall of Faces" electronic memorial.

According to information from the National Archives, 851 Iowans died in the Vietnam War and are included on the Vietnam Memorial Wall. Of those causalities, David L. McCombs of Oskaloosa, Iowa, is the only Iowan whose photo has not been located and obtained for the "Wall of Faces."

"As a Vietnam-era veteran and as governor of the state, I want to ensure that Iowans who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation are properly recognized and honored," said Branstad. "Iowa has always been supportive of our military members and I am hopeful that we can work together to locate a photo of this brave soldier before Memorial Day."

The following information is known about the Iowan whose photo is missing:

David L. McCombs

Date of Birth: 5/5/1943

Date of Death: 10/11/1969

Hometown: Oskaloosa, Iowa

Branch of Service: Army

"With Memorial Day approaching on Monday, May 25, 2015, we see this next month as an opportunity to take the time to locate a photo of David L. McCombs for the 'Wall of Faces' memorial," said Reynolds. "Together we can ensure that every Iowan that gave his or her life in the Vietnam War protecting the freedoms we cherish is honored."

The missing photo was brought to the governor's and lieutenant governor's attention by Iowa Newspaper Association Executive Director Chris Mudge at a March meeting. Mudge informed the Governor's Office that her organization had been working with local newspapers to locate photos of fallen soldiers from the Vietnam War.

"Through our members across Iowa, we've been successful in finding many photos for the 'Wall of Faces' memorial," said Mudge. "Unfortunately, we're still missing a photo of Daniel L. McCombs, but we're optimistic that Iowans will take this call to action to heart and help find the remaining photos before Memorial Day."

The Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs has been working diligently to locate the photo by following-up on potential leads and resources. Unfortunately, the department has been unable to locate a photo through government, school and other community records.  The department is hopeful that someone will come forward with more information about McCombs.

Individuals who believe they may have a photo of McCombs or may know someone who would have a photo may contact Missy Miller with the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs at Melissa.Miller2@iowa.gov or by phone at 515-727-3443.

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14 Apr 2015

Branstad, Reynolds announce 2015 ROTC Governor's Cup Award Recipients

By Rick Martin

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry E. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds today will present the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Governor's Cup ROTC Award for outstanding achievement to ten students from The University of Iowa, Iowa State University, Drake University, University of Dubuque, Buena Vista University, University of Northern Iowa, and Coe College.

The ceremony was scheduled for Tuesday, April 14 at 10 a.m. at the State Capitol in the Robert D. Ray Conference Room.

The awards are presented annually by Governor Branstad to top students in ten ROTC programs at seven universities.  The awards "honor the cadets for leadership, academics, and military achievement."

Receiving this year's awards will be:

Cadet Captain Matthew D. Hanson, Buena Vista University Army ROTC, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Darwin Hanson of Villisca, Iowa.

Cadet Second Lieutenant Tanner J. Hildebrand, Iowa State University Army ROTC, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Jay Hildebrand of Hiawatha, Iowa.

Cadet Colonel Clint J. Matthews, University of Iowa Air Force ROTC, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Andy Matthews of Nashua, Iowa.

Cadet Major Connor C. McGuire, Iowa State University Air Force ROTC, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Don McGuire of Algona, Iowa.

Cadet Lieutenant Colonel Christopher J. Morton, University of Dubuque Army ROTC, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Morton of Charlottesville, Virginia.

Cadet Captain Jesse C. Parker, Drake University Army ROTC, the son of Mr. Mark Parker of Johnston, Iowa and Ms. Christina Cole of Urbandale, Iowa.

Midshipman First Class Matthew Sindelar, Iowa State University Naval ROTC, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Ken Sindelar of Shakopee, Minnesota.

Cadet Major Jacob Ulrich, Coe College Army ROTC, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Ken Ulrich of Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Cadet Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Yehieli, University of Northern Iowa Army ROTC, the son of Ms. Michele Devlin of Cedar Falls, Iowa.

Cadet Captain Evan W. Zalenski, University of Iowa Army ROTC, the son of Ms. Anne Zalenski of Williamsburg, Iowa.

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14 Apr 2015

Senior Enlisted Advisor for the National Guard Bureau Visits Marseilles Training Center

By Illinois National Guard Public Affairs Office

MARSEILLES, IL (04/13/2015)(readMedia)-- Story by Staff Sgt. Robert R. Adams, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs

Chief Master Sergeant Mitchell O. Brush, Senior Enlisted Advisor for the National Guard Bureau, visited Marseilles Training Center in Marseilles, Illinois April 10 -11 to connect with Soldiers from units throughout Illinois.

Brush linked up with Command Sgt. Maj. Mark W. Bowman of Naperville, State Command Sergeant Major of the Illinois National Guard to discuss Illinois National Guard Training.

The two leaders had breakfast with the troops, watched the Best Warrior competitors negotiate the confidence course, attended the Best Warrior social and then travelled to see the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 178th Infantry train at the Marseilles forward operating base. There they observed the mortar men going through operating procedures to fire the weapon system.

Sgt. David Gray of Chicago, Indirect Fire Infantryman with the Headquarters and Headquarters 178th Infantry Company based in Chicago, gave Brush an overview of the weapon and training.

"It feels good to know our training is being observed on a personal level," said Gray. "His visit was meaningful to us on all levels of our unit."

After visiting the 178th, Brush and Bowman visited the convoy improvised explosive device training area where Soldiers were running through procedures to prevent contact and react to contact with an IED.

Later, Brush and Bowman travelled to the repel tower where Soldiers with the 108th Multifunctional Medical Battalion were training on the 35-foot wall.

Soldiers said they were surprised and pleased when Brush arrived and wanted to repel down the wall.

"It means a lot that someone of his importance is taking time out of his intense schedule to show support and encourage all his Soldiers," said Sgt. Kirsten Smock of Palos Hills, Illinois Combat Medic with the 708th Medical Company of Chicago.

Bowman said he appreciated seeing Brush put on a Swiss seat and get directly involved in the Soldier's training.

"It's important that he sees what's going on at this level so he can relay that information to the Joint Chiefs of Staff," said Bowman.

Brush said there's no better way to connect with Soldiers and see how training is going than to jump in and do it with them.

"We want to make sure there's a good balance between our mandated training and job training," said Brush.

Brush ended his visit with a town hall meeting taking questions from Illinois Guardsmen on topics ranging from the tattoo policy and training opportunities to the future of the National Guard.

Bowman said he could see how important the visit was to the Soldiers while Brush was opening up to the troops and addressing their concerns.

"He understands the sacrifice these troops are making and it means a lot to them," said Bowman.

09 Apr 2015

Illinois Soldiers compete for title of Best Warrior

By Illinois National Guard Public Affairs Office

Illinois Soldiers compete for title of Best Warrior

Pentagon-level Leader visits competiton

MARSEILLES, IL (04/09/2015)(readMedia)-- The Illinois National Guard conducts the Best Warrior Competition to select the non-commissioned officer and enlisted Soldier to represent the Illinois Army National Guard at regional and national competitions in 2015.

WHO:

Illinois National Guard

Chief Master Sgt. Mitchell Brush, National Guard Bureau Senior Enlisted Avisor

WHAT:

• The Best Warrior Competition pits Soldiers against each other in warrior tasks, weapons qualification, land navigation and physical fitness. Key events include a 12-mile road march with a 40-pound rucksack, a confidence course race, and an interview board.

• During the Best Warrior Competition, Chief Master Sgt. Mitchell Brush will visit to speak with Soldiers. Brush is the Senior Enlisted Advisor for the National Guard Bureau. He advises the Chief, National Guard Bureau on all enlisted matters affecting training, health of the force, and enlisted professional development.

WHEN: Saturday April 11, 2015 at 01:30PM Central Time (US & Canada)

WHERE:1700 Army Road
Marseilles, Illinois 61341

09 Apr 2015

Honoring their sacrifice

By Rep. Dave Loebsack

Dear Friend,

Last month, I had the privilege of hearing directly from veterans from across our district on several occasions.  As the father of two children in the Marine Corps, I know the tremendous sacrifice service members and their families have made for our country.

Often, an individual's story sticks with you.  That's how I felt after hearing about Mr. Ray Marlow's service in Korea, where he showed extraordinary courage and patriotism.  In the battle of Pork Chop Hill, for example, Mr. Marlow was shot in the face and had shrapnel lodged in his stomach.  He survived despite incredible odds, and ultimately was awarded the Purple Heart, Silver Star, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal with three bronze stars, Combat Infantry Badge and United Nations Service Medal.   After he reached out to my office because he was missing a medal box, I was honored to present Mr. Marlow with all six medals and thank him for his service in person.

Early in March, I met with the Department of Iowa Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) to hear about their legislative priorities and what I could do to help.  Less than a week later, I held a town hall in Davenport with Vietnam War veterans to share updates on legislation related to Agent Orange exposure and to learn more about what challenges they face.  I also wrote to House appropriators in support of full funding for veterans' health services and in support of continued psychological health and traumatic brain injury research.

It is my solemn and welcome responsibility to serve veterans and their families in Congress, both through legislation like the Veterans Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act, which I helped to introduce and which became law in November 2012, and by helping individual veterans and their families cut through red tape at the Department of Defense, Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Social Security Administration.  If you believe I can be of assistance to you, please contact my Iowa City office at (319) 351-0789 or toll free at (866) 914-IOWA.

As a member of the the Military Veterans Caucus, I will continue to fight against proposals to reduce or eliminate essential benefits for those who have made such great sacrifices on behalf of our nation.  Thank you, and I look forward to staying in touch about this important topic.

Sincerely,

Dave Loebsack
Iowa's Second District

06 Apr 2015

Illinois National Guard acknowledges NATO's 66th anniversary

By Adriana Schroeder, Illinois National Guard Command Historian

SPRINGFIELD, IL (04/03/2015)(readMedia)-- April 4 marks the 66th anniversary of the formation of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, better known as NATO. Originally designed as a mechanism to deter Soviet aggression, NATO existed for more than 40 years before its first military operation. The Illinois National Guard has been a consistent contributor to NATO military missions over the last 23 years.

NATO aircraft enforced a no-fly zone over Bosnia-Herzegovina beginning Nov. 22, 1992 during Operation Deny Flight. The Illinois Air National Guard's 126th Air Refueling Wing (ARW), then based at O'Hare Air Reserve Station in Chicago, now at Scott Air Force Base, supported the operation with three separate deployments ending in February 1996.

In 1996, the 933rd Military Police Company was the first of a test group of National Guard units to perform a home station mobilization in November 1996, which eliminated the need to deploy to an active duty base for mobilization training. The 933rd deployed to Support Operation Endeavour, NATO's first peacekeeping operation.

The Illinois National Guard continuously supported NATO missions in the Balkans from 1996 to 2011. Detachment 1 of the 708th Medical Company, the 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, the 44th Rear Area Operations Center, and the 106th Aviation Battalion all deployed in support of various NATO missions along with several individuals who augmented units from other states supporting missions in the Balkans.

Over the past decade, the NATO mission in Afghanistan has received considerable international attention and a consistent amount of support from the Illinois National Guard including the largest single overseas deployment of troops from Illinois since WWII when the 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, based in Urbana, Illinois, deployed to Afghanistan in September 2008.

More recently, the 126th ARW supported a NATO mission in Libya, providing air-refueling operations in support of Operation Odyssey Dawn, the air campaign, in March 2011.

In 2012, Illinois National Guard supported NATO, but this time within the borders of the U.S. as NATO held its 25th Summit in Chicago on May 20-21. Illinois National Guard Soldiers and Airmen augmented the Department of State staff to provide support to visiting delegations. The support included reception services as the delegates arrived, transportation and international media support as well as ceremonial support during several state dinners in the Chicago area.

In July 1993, the Illinois National Guard forged a partnership with the Republic of Poland, a member of NATO since 1999. The partnership was originally created to assist Poland with military transformation and acceptance into NATO. The partnership includes over 330 bilateral events focused on interagency cooperation and interoperability. In addition to joint training, since 2007, the two forces have participated in 14 NATO driven co-deployments to Afghanistan.

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03 Apr 2015

US Coast Guard establishes diver specialty

By U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters Public Affairs

WASHINGTON - The Coast Guard announced Wednesday the establishment of the diver enlisted rating and corresponding chief warrant officer specialty.

About 50 enlisted personnel and three chief warrant officers will initially transition to the Diver (DV) rating and Diving (DIV) specialty, respectively.

The newly-minted divers received certificates signed by the commandant and the master chief petty officer of the Coast Guard at several locations throughout the service.

Divers support a variety of Coast Guard missions by servicing aids to navigation, conducting subsurface search and recovery, inspecting and maintaining Coast Guard vessels, and providing technical expertise with remotely operated vehicles, sonar equipment, and underwater imagery.

In addition to the new specialty, the Coast Guard is scheduled to establish Regional Dive Locker Pacific in Honolulu this summer. Divers will be stationed at one of three dive lockers or at other units throughout the country.

For more information on the history of the Coast Guard's diving program, please visit: http://www.uscg.mil/history/articles/CoastGuardDivingProgramCOTPSanFran.pdf

To view more imagery, please visit: http://coastguard.dodlive.mil/2015/04/coast-guard-officially-stands-up-dive-rating/

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