21 Nov 2014

Lt. Gov. Simon, Illinois Chamber of Commerce present findings of state's first military economic impact study

By Rick Martin

Military bases support 150,000 jobs; pump billions into Illinois' economy

SPRINGFIELD - Nov. 20, 2014. The military and defense industry supports 150,000 jobs and $13.3 billion in economic activity in Illinois, according to a new statewide economic impact study released today by the Lt. Governor Sheila Simon's Office and the Illinois Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

The figures include employment and spending related to four categories: active military installations, Department of Defense contracts, National Guard facilities and payments to military-linked retirees and school districts.

The largest impact stems from the installations at Scott Air Force Base near Belleville, the Rock Island Arsenal in the Quad Cities, and the Naval Station Great Lakes. Those bases alone support 85,000 jobs, and contribute a total of $9.1 billion the state's economy, the study shows. The study estimates the military and defense industry supports about 2 percent of the state's gross domestic product.

Lt. Governor Sheila Simon was joined by Illinois Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Todd Maisch to announce the study's findings. She said the new figures should help Illinois fight to retain and enhance military bases if Congress proceeds with sequestration or Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) in the next two years.

"We know that military installations are huge economic engines in their respective communities, but this study shows us exactly how crucial they are to our state's economy as a whole," said Simon. "I encourage all stakeholders to use this data as a foundation for efforts to preserve, promote and enhance our military assets going forward. Tens of thousands of jobs, billions in spending and our nation's security are at stake."

The study was commissioned by the Illinois Chamber of Commerce Foundation, in conjunction with the state's Interagency Military Base Support and Economic Development Committee (IMBSEDC), which Simon chairs. The impact study falls under the committee's statutory responsibilities regarding military base retention.

The analysis was conducted by the Center for Government Studies at Northern Illinois University. Researchers used a dynamic modeling tool to calculate the direct and indirect economic activity related to the military and defense industry and reported the figures by region, Congressional district and the state.

Researchers also conducted a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats or SWOT analysis that looked at quality of life factors, including a new law initiated by Simon that will ease military students' transitions into and out of Illinois' schools. The law also more closely aligns Illinois with similar laws in other states.

"This study is a first step toward educating Illinoisans about the importance of our military assets," Simon said. "We want all stakeholders to understand what we have, what we have to lose and what there is to gain."

The report outlines several areas that need further exploration and analysis, and recommends the following steps for the IMBSEDC going forward:

  • Closely monitor military-related developments at the federal, regional, state and local levels for their potential economic impact to the state
  • Look at strategic outreach, advocacy, and communications underway by other states that are promoting, preserving and enhancing their military and defense industry assets
  • Encourage military installations and communities to identify and implement shared service partnerships with the public and private sectors
  • Stress the importance of proactively engaging well in advance of another BRAC round

As chair of the IMBSEDC, Simon helped coordinate the state's activities and communications relating to current and former military bases in Illinois. The study is the final action taken during her service as chair.

To read the study in its entirety, please visit the Lt. Governor's website, or click here.

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20 Nov 2014

Simon to release findings of statewide military economic impact study

By Ken Lowe

SPRINGFIELD - Lt. Governor Sheila Simon will be joined tomorrow by Illinois Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Todd Maisch to announce findings from a comprehensive study of the economic impact military bases and the defense industry has on Illinois' economy. The first-of-its-kind study in Illinois will be available for use by advocates at the local, state and federal levels to take full advantage of changes in Defense Department (DoD) spending.

The study was produced by the Center for Governmental Studies at Northern Illinois University for the Illinois Chamber of Commerce Foundation and the Lt. Governor's Office. It examined economic factors tied to Illinois' three major, active military installations -- the Scott Air Force Base, the Rock Island Arsenal and the Naval Station Great Lakes - as well as DoD contracts, National Guard facilities and payments tied to military retirees and students.

 

DATE: Nov. 20

TIME: 9:30 a.m.

LOCATION: Blue Room, Illinois State Capitol, Springfield

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12 Nov 2014

Specialized Illinois National Guard unit to mobilize for Afghanistan

By Illinois National Guard PAO

SPRINGFIELD, IL (11/12/2014)(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) A14 will be Nov. 14 at 2 p.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 2015.
07 Nov 2014

Local Businesses Offer Veterans Free Stuff

By Kevin Behan

When we see men and women in military uniforms, many of us want to walk up and thank them for devoting their lives to preserve our freedom. Many national chains with locations in our area are doing just that by offering veterans free stuff for Veterans Day and beyond.

 

  • Great Clips, the world's largest hair salon brand, is offering veterans a free hair cut from November 11 through Dec. 31 2014. Customers come in for a service on Veterans Day (Nov. 11) and get a free haircut card to give to a veteran, redeemable through the end of 2014.   
  • Golden Corral, the nation's #1 grill buffet franchise, is offering veterans a free buffet meal and beverage on November 17 from 5-9PM.
  • Great Clips Free Haircut For Veterans 

Great Clips, the world's largest hair salon brand, is giving veterans a free haircut from Veteran's Day, November 11, through Dec. 31 2014.

 

How It Works:

  • Customers come into any U.S. Great Clips salon on Nov. 11 and, with the purchase of a service, receive a free haircut card to give to a veteran.
  • Limit one card per customer.
  • The free haircut cards are redeemable by veterans at any U.S. Great Clips from Nov. 11-Dec. 31, 2014 with proof of service. The promotion applies to veterans only.
  • Veterans who visit Great Clips in the U.S. on Nov. 11 receive either a free haircut that day or a free haircut card to redeem by Dec. 31. AfterNov. 11, veterans must have a free haircut card to get the free haircut.

 

  • Golden Corral Free Meal and Beverage for Veterans

Golden Corral, the nation's #1 grill buffet franchise, will thank thousands of active-duty and retired U.S. military personnel for their service with a free dinner buffet and beverage, while raising donations for the DAV (Disabled American Veterans).  At all of its restaurants nationwide, Golden Corral will serve free dinner buffets with beverage from  5PM to 9PM on Monday Nov. 17 to any person who is serving or has served in a United States Military branch, including the National Guard and Reserves - identification is not required.

07 Nov 2014

Illinois Guardsman retires after 27 years of service

By Sgt. Brian Vorce 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

SPRINGFIELD, IL (10/19/2014)(readMedia)-- Col. Christopher Hall of Springfield, Illinois, retired after more than 27 years of service in the Illinois Army National Guard, the last five and a half as Illinois' United States Property and Fiscal Officer (USPFO).

"What I'm going to miss about being in the National Guard is being part of a team with a common purpose," Hall said. "I will miss putting on the uniform every day."

Hall, a Mount Carmel native, enlisted in the Illinois Army National Guard in 1987 as a combat engineer. After his unit leadership selected him for Warrior Challenge, a series of boards and reviews where Soldiers can learn more about officer candidacy school, Hall entered Officer Candidate School (OCS) and commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1990.

"I felt honored they selected me," Hall said. "I felt a duty and a responsibility to enter OCS."

As an officer, Hall served in a variety of roles, from quartermaster commander to logistics officer to working for the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS). In December 2008, Hall took over as the USPFO for Illinois and served in that position until June 2014. Hall coordinated with Washington to provide funding and logistic support for the Illinois National Guard.

"Doing the USPFO job (in Illinois) was a good way to finish out my career," Hall said.

Daniel Krumrei, the Adjutant General for the Illinois National Guard, said Hall's service as USPFO was exemplary.

"Colonel Hall always has taken on tough assignments, whether here in Illinois or around the military, including nearly six years as USPFO, proceeded by battalion command and more than 60 months of joint duty service at the JCS and at United States Central Command," Krumrei said.

Hall said his philosophy is to leave any team, place or unit better than he found it. With National Guard Bureau asking Hall's office to teach, assist and develop other USPFOs around the country, Hall feels like he has done that.

"Not on my own, but as a team we've done that," Hall said.

After serving in an active duty capacity since 1995, Hall will transition into his new job with the Federal Highway Administration, continuing a career in government affairs.

"I see many challenges and opportunities to be a key contributor," Hall said. "I knew it was a perfect fit."

Hall met his wife, Kimberly, during his time traveling to Camp Lincoln in Springfield for OCS. The couple have two children, a son Alec, 17, and a daughter Kristin, 13.

31 Oct 2014

Veterans Day Event Will Help Genesis Honor Veterans All Year

By Craig Cooper

DAVENPORT, Iowa - Oct. 30, 2014 -- By honoring veterans on Veterans Day, Tuesday, Nov. 11, Genesis VNA and Hospice will also be able to honor veterans throughout the year.

We Honor Veterans is a national program of the Veterans Administration and National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) with hospice care providers across the country. Genesis hospice patients who are veterans, nearing the end of life, are celebrated in an individual ceremony with loved ones. They are recognized for their service by hospice volunteers who are often veterans themselves.

To support We Honor Veterans for Genesis hospice patients, Genesis is inviting all veterans, their families and the public to the Adler Health Education Center in the lower level of the Genesis Heart Institute for an event recognizing veterans. The address is 1236 E. Rusholme Street, Davenport.

There will be a mini-health fair starting at 1 p.m. with free seasonal flu vaccinations for veterans, blood pressure checks and information about senior living, eye care, hospice care and other health services.

At 2 p.m. there will be a showing of The Monuments Men, the story of a special unit of soldiers in World War II charged with retrieving priceless works of art stolen by German troops. The Monuments Men stars George Clooney and Matt Damon. The movie will be screened again at 4:30 p.m.

The event is free and everyone is welcome to attend.

Sponsorship is being provided by the Quad-City Times Bix 7, Eye Surgeons 

Associates, Genesis Imaging and Northwest Bank & Trust. Proceeds will be used to conduct the recognition ceremonies for veterans at the end of life and will help defray the costs of Genesis hospice nurses who accompany veterans in hospice care who are able to go on Honor Flights.

In 2014 for the first time, participants in the Quad-City Times Bix 7 were able to add to their entry fee in support of Genesis efforts to recognize and honor veterans. Race director Ed Froehlich will present a check of the proceeds prior to the screening of The Monuments Men.

"It is not only World War II veterans who are at an age where they need hospice care. We are also caring for more Korean and Vietnam era veterans in hospice,'' said Pat Christy, operations manager for Genesis Hospice Services and the Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House. "Every veteran deserves our gratitude and recognition of their service.

"At the end of their lives the We Honor Veterans program celebrates their service and their lives.

"In their final days, many veterans have a story to share. We Honor Veterans ceremonies give us the opportunity to recognize them while also giving them the chance to share their personal stories with their families and loved ones.''

Veterans receive an enamel pin and a certificate that they and the family can display. American flags and service flags are displayed in their homes outside hospice patient rooms at the Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House and service flags are flown outside the hospice house on a rotating basis each month.

For more information, call (563) 421-9263. To make a donation to We Honor Veterans, call the Genesis Health Services Foundation at (563) 421-6865.

For more information about We Honor Veterans, go to www.wehonorveterans.org.

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29 Oct 2014

Senior Star at Elmore Place Hosts Senior Veterans Affairs Benefits Presentation

By Christina L. Maggio-Kellerstrass

VA expert to answer frequently asked questions for senior veterans

 

 

DAVENPORT, IA (October 28, 2014) - Senior Star at Elmore Place invites all Quad City senior veterans and their families to an event with guest speaker David Woods from Veterans Affairs at 11:30 a.m., November 3 at 4502 Elmore Avenue, Davenport.

The presentation will be informational and cover frequently asked questions about senior veterans' benefits and eligibility requirements.  A light lunch will be served.

An RSVP is requested no later than November 2 by calling 563.484.5114.

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.

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28 Oct 2014

Governor Quinn Welcomes Illinois National Guard Brigade Home from Kuwait

By Dave Blanchette

Illinois' 108th Sustainment Brigade Returns from Deployment

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today welcomed home more than 200 Illinois Army National Guard soldiers who served in Kuwait. The soldiers are all members of the 108th Sustainment Brigade, and were deployed overseas for approximately 10 months. Homecoming ceremonies for the brigade were held today in Bridgeview and Springfield.

"I'm proud to welcome home the heroes of the 108th Brigade and thank them for serving our country and protecting our freedoms," Governor Quinn said. "It's important that we take care of those who have borne that battle and this celebration is a small thank you to our state's veterans and their families. While we could never repay them for their sacrifice, we thank each of our National Guardsmen for their service to our great nation. Welcome home."

The 108th includes soldiers from throughout Illinois, with a large concentration from Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. The soldiers trained for a brief time at Fort Hood, Texas before deploying overseas. In preparation for the deployment, the unit participated in training exercises at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas and the Illinois National Guard's Marseilles Training Center.

The 108th Sustainment Brigade, led by Col. Drew Dukett of Roodhouse and Command Sgt. Maj. John Burns of Benld, deployed to Kuwait in January.  Most were headquartered at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, while several soldiers served in other locations throughout the region. The 108th provided mission command and logistical support operations for servicemembers and civilians in Kuwait, Afghanistan and Iraq, and assisted with humanitarian aid in Iraq.

The 108th Special Troops Battalion, led by Lt. Col. Ron A. Jeanblanc of Athens, was deployed as part of the brigade and provided all internal support and medical operations within the brigade. The battalion also oversaw more than $600 million in financial transactions and conducted more than 220 financial missions throughout the Middle East. They also established the first Army Post Office in Iraq since 2011 and coordinated the transport of more than seven million tons of cargo across 75,000 nautical miles.

Governor Quinn is committed to honoring and supporting the men and women who have served our nation, and supporting the mission of the Illinois National Guard. His efforts include signing a law to create the Veterans Cash lottery ticket to be sold year round with 100 percent of proceeds supporting Illinois veterans. In 2011, Governor Quinn launched the Welcome Home Heroes program to support Illinois servicemembers seeking homeownership. Since that time more than 1,500 Illinois veterans, active military personnel, reservists and Illinois National Guard members have accessed more than $170 million to buy their homes.

28 Oct 2014

Illinois National Guard colonel retires after 28 years

By Spc. Ian Withrow 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

SPRINGFIELD, IL (10/23/2014)(readMedia)-- SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - After 28 years of service, Col. Alexander D. Lawson of Springfield, Illinois, will retire from the Illinois Army National Guard as the director of information management.

Lawson, a native of Hamilton, Illinois, said his decision to join the military was fueled by the desire to provide for his family.

"There were seven of us kids and only my mom to support us," said Lawson. "We were on welfare the majority of my life and I wanted something better for my family and me."

"He enlisted in the Illinois Army National Guard as a forward observer and attended Monmouth College in Monmouth, Illinois in 1986. He then enrolled into the Reserve Officer Training Corps and graduated with a degree in computer science and commissioned as an officer in May 1989."

Lawson first served with Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 2nd Battalion, 123rd Field Artillery in Milan, Illinois, in 1989, and continued serving with various elements of the 123rd until he transitioned to Joint Force Headquarters (JFHQ) in Springfield, Illinois, in 2000. Lawson remained with JFHQ until his deployment to Afghanistan in 2008-2009 with the 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, returning to JFHQ in 2009 and staying through 2013, until his retirement as the director of information management Sept. 8, 2014.

The directorate of information management is responsible for all information technology within the Illinois Army National Guard. This includes network operations, telecommunications, cyber, service support, administrative support, tactical, plans and policies.

Lawson said he has seen many changes over his nearly three decades of service and he hopes to see continued excellence in the future, as well as the maintaining of old customs.

"In regards to information management, we have come a long way from floppy drives to state of the art systems," said Lawson. "Illinois remains a top 10 state in information technology and I hope my predecessor can continue this metric. From an artillery perspective, don't forget the old days. Artillery is both an art and science. I truly believe manual gunnery is a proven method for young Soldiers to visually see the battlefield."

Lawson said there are many aspects of being a Soldier he will miss.

"I will miss my friends and colleagues, their selfless service and dedication to duty and the uniform," said Lawson. "The National Guard is a family, my family and I will always treasure that."

Lawson said he plans to begin his retirement by taking off to enjoy life for a while with his wife, Susan, before potentially returning to work in the civilian information technology sector.

Lawson also has two brothers who have become officers in the military. His brother, Col. Chris Lawson serves with the Joint Chiefs of Staff, National Guard Bureau, and his brother John Lawson is a retired lieutenant colonel.

28 Oct 2014

Illinois Soldier recognized for Sexual Assault Prevention Program work

By Staff Sgt. Michael Camacho, 108th Sustainment Brigade Public Affairs

SPRINGFIELD, IL (10/22/2014)(readMedia)-- CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait- Sgt. 1st Class Melissa Hiller of McCullom Lake, Illinois, an Illinois Army National Guard Soldier with the 108th Sustainment Brigade in Chicago, was recognized for her work as the U.S. Army Central senior (USARCENT) Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) from May to September 2014.

"As the senior SARC, Hiller provided critical guidance and information related to the Sexual Harassment Assault Response Prevention (SHARP) program to 18 brigade-level SARCs throughout the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility," said Maj. Marvin Brown, USARCENT SHARP manager.

Hiller served as the USARCENT senior SARC from May to September 2014, while also serving as the 108th Sustainment Brigade SARC.

"She epitomizes the noncommissioned officer corps," said Lt. Gen. James L. Terry, commanding general of USARCENT. "I've come to depend on her expertise and her candor, telling me as a commander what I need to know. This allows commanders throughout USARCENT to develop and strengthen the effectiveness of the SHARP program in their units and the organization as a whole."

Terry said the SHARP program continues to improve as Soldiers become better trained and educated on what support is available and how sexual assault and harassment will not be tolerated within the military.

Hiller was one of the first unit victim advocates in the Illinois National Guard. She served in Illinois working with the Joint Force Headquarters in Springfield, Illinois, aiding Soldiers seeking assistance from the SHARP program. When she joined the 108th prior to the unit's deployment, she was assigned as the brigade's SARC. Two months after arriving in Kuwait she was selected to serve as USARCENT SARC, in addition to serving the brigade.

Hiller said the opportunity to serve as USARCENT SARC was both an honor and a privilege.

"I started as a unit victim advocate to help Soldiers in my unit. Now I'm in the position to help Soldiers throughout USARCENT," said Hiller. "Sexual assault and harassment prevention are a priority for Army leaders. It's our job as SARCs to provide assistance and care to victims and help them through a difficult recovery process."

While Hiller served as SARC, she worked with units across USARCENT to train and educate not only Soldiers, but leaders and command teams. While holding SHARP summits, she gave leaders insight on how to combat sexual assault and harassment at the unit level and the importance of their role as leaders to the SHARP program.

"When Soldiers and leaders understand what sexual assault and harassment are, they can help create an environment where they can identify and stop possible incidents," said Hiller. "Intervention and strong positive leadership lessen the chance of incidents."

Hiller added she has made a difference helping Soldiers by providing training and guidance to leaders to help future generations.

"She dramatically increased the effectiveness of the USARCENT SHARP Program through a strategic approach to providing victim support," said Brown. "Her expertise and guidance were critical in drafting and updating USARCENT SHARP policies and procedures."

Brown said Hiller is a dynamic and innovative trainer and conducted highly effective training sessions for units throughout Kuwait.

"Sgt. 1st Class Hiller's passion for helping victims and changing the culture of sexual assault and sexual harassment is second to none and she has certainly left the U.S. ARCENT SHARP Program better than it was when she arrived," said Brown.

Prior to deploying, Hiller served as the full-time victim advocate coordinator for the Illinois Army National Guard. Upon her return to Illinois, Hiller hopes to find employment that will allow her to engage her skills and experience to continue assisting victims and educating leaders to ensure a workplace free of sexual harassment and sexual assault.

"Sexual harassment and assault of any nature is a crime and not in line with the Army values. It will not be tolerated," said Terry. "It is the dedication and tireless effort of Soldiers like Sgt. 1st Class Hiller who ensure the improvement of the SHARP program to prevent incidents and help the victims."

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