02 Oct 2014

Operation Blackhawk, an organization for Soldiers

By Staff Sgt. Aleah M. Castrejon, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs Office

SPRINGFIELD, IL (10/01/2014)(readMedia)-- SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - In 2008, a group of five people came together for nothing more than to help Soldiers and their families. Operation Blackhawk began raising money to help servicemembers.

Staff Sgt. John K. Clinton of Greenup, Illinois, deployed twice, was working a temporary job with the Illinois Army National Guard when that ended, he found himself struggling to make ends meet. Clinton was no longer able to pay his bills and was in jeopardy of losing his transportation.

During a family day picnic with Company B, 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry in Effingham, Illinois, Operation Blackhawk made a substantial difference in one Soldiers life. Clinton heard of Operation Blackhawk and asked for help.

"I was unemployed at 49 years old with a bad back," said Clinton. "I told them my story and they offered me a job, where I started a few days later. They helped my family get caught up on bills."

Operation Blackhawk made arrangements and helped Clinton become current with the payments on his bills. Paul Gutman, owner of Legacy Harley Davidson in Effingham, Illinois, hired Clinton full-time at the dealership.

"We supported him, as he supported us," said Gutman, one of the original five to start Operation Blackhawk.

Operation Blackhawk gives back to the Soldiers who gave so much, said Gutman.

"Without the Blackhawk group support, my wife and I would have lost a lot," said Clinton. "The organization helped pay my bills so we didn't lose anything. They helped us keep our sanity through a bad time."

The organization started with a group of men from Effingham, Illinois, who had a deep sense of support for the military. Boris Bonutti, Bob Lakin, Dennis Brown, Bob Ferguson and Gutman understand Soldiers go through different hardships. They want Guardsmen to know community businesses support military members.

The organization said it understands that unplanned and expensive issues arise, such as, a broken car or plumbing issues. The organization wants to ensure Soldiers and their families make it through those challenges, said Gutman.

Operation Blackhawk wants to let Soldiers know if they need help in any way, their organization is a resource, financially and otherwise, said Bonutti.

"That is the mission," said Gutman. "We want to be able to support our local guys and let them know we are here for them."

Future plans for the organization are to educate other groups or organizations around Illinois, who can start similar organizations. They are currently working through the process to receive donations.

26 Sep 2014

Illinois National Guard Soldiers arrive in Poland for training exercise

By Staff Sgt. Patrick DeGeorge, 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs

SPRINGFIELD, IL (09/25/2014)(readMedia)-- ORZYSZ, POLAND - Nearly 100 Soldiers with the Illinois Army National Guard's 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) and 224th Digital Liaison Detachment arrived in Poland, Sept. 24 to take part in a two-week training exercise, known as Anaconda 14, with Soldiers from Poland, Lithuania, Estonia and the Czech Republic.

"I think this is a great opportunity for the brigade," said Col. Mark Jackson, of Frankfort, Illinois, the 33rd IBCT commander. "It gives us a chance to further our partnership and strengthen our relationship with Poland. It also gives us a chance to build new relationships with the other countries."

23 Sep 2014

U.S.: Ban Landmine Use Everywhere, Korea Included

By Mica Bevington

20th Anniversary of President Clinton's call for their "eventual elimination"

Press Release - For Immediate Release

(Washington DC, September 23, 2014) Today's announcement by the United States that it will not use antipersonnel landmines anywhere in the world except on the Korean Peninsula is a positive step, but the geographic exception must be overcome if the US is to ever join the Mine Ban Treaty, said the US Campaign to Ban Landmines.

The US policy announced September 23 commits the United States to not use antipersonnel landmines outside of the Korean Peninsula and commits it to destroy antipersonnel mine stockpiles "not required for the defense of the Republic of Korea." This affirms the de facto US policy against any antipersonnel mine use that has existed since 1991. Yet these indiscriminate weapons pose a danger to civilians no matter where they are used and further use of antipersonnel mines on the Korean Peninsula cannot be justified under any circumstances.

During the 1997 negotiation of the Mine Ban Treaty, the US tried to get a geographic exception for Korea, but was strongly rebuffed by its closest military allies, which concluded that the humanitarian dangers of such mines outweighed any military utility and that permitting one geographic exception would encourage other nations to seek similar exemptions from the ban treaty.

Today's policy announcement also committed the US to not assist, encourage, or induce other nations to use, stockpile, produce or transfer antipersonnel mines outside of Korea. The White House announcement notes that all NATO member states except the US are now party to the Mine Ban Treaty. A total of 162 nations are party to the treaty, which prohibits antipersonnel landmines, requires the destruction of stockpiled mines, and requires clearance of contaminated land and assistance to victims.

Today's White House announcement was made on the eve of the 20-year anniversary of President Clinton's 1994 speech to the United Nations General Assembly when he became the first world leader to call for the "eventual elimination" of antipersonnel landmines.

Previously, on June 27 at the Third Review Conference of the Mine Ban Treaty in Maputo, Mozambique, the US announced an immediate ban on the production and acquisition of antipersonnel mines, but did not address use of the weapons. In both policy announcements, the US has confirmed it is "diligently pursuing ... solutions that would be compliant" with the Mine Ban Treaty and "that would ultimately allow us to accede" to it.

The US Campaign to Ban Landmines has repeatedly urged that the outcome of the policy review initiated in 2009 be a decision to join the Mine Ban Treaty as soon as possible, to immediately prohibit the use of antipersonnel mines, and to begin destruction of all stocks of antipersonnel mines. The US Campaign to Ban Landmines reiterated this call in a September 12 letter to President Obama.

According to US officials, the policy announced today does not represent the final outcome of the landmine policy review initiated by the Obama administration in 2009, but is an interim announcement. The US Department of Defense is currently conducting a detailed study into alternatives to self-destructing antipersonnel mines and the impact of no further use of the weapon on the Korean Peninsula.

The US has a stockpile of about 3 million antipersonnel mines.

The United States Campaign to Ban Landmines is a coalition of more than 400 non-governmental organizations. It is the US affiliate of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines, co-laureate with former ICBL Coordinator Jody Williams of the 1997 Nobel Peace Prize.

According to the White House announcement, the new policy will "bring U.S. practice in closer alignment with a global humanitarian movement that has had a demonstrated positive impact in reducing civilian casualties" from antipersonnel landmines.

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For more information, see:

22 Sep 2014

Governor Quinn Breaks Ground on First Veterans Home in Chicago

By Dave Blanchette

New Facility Will Care for 200 of the Nation's Heroes

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today broke ground on the $70.5 million Illinois Veterans Home at Chicago. The 200-bed facility will be the fifth veterans' home in the state and the first in Chicago. Today's action is part of Governor Quinn's longstanding commitment to honor and support the men and women who have served our nation.

"All of us on the homefront have a duty to take care of those who have borne the battle," Governor Quinn said. "More than half of Illinois' veterans live in the Chicago area, and this new facility will greatly benefit these heroes and their families. Our new veterans' home in Chicago will provide care and support for 200 of our nation's heroes and create hundreds of jobs for hardworking Illinois residents."

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has approved federal reimbursement for up to 65 percent of the eligible construction costs on the project. This means as much as $45.8 million of the construction cost could be covered by the federal government.

The five-story home will feature single occupancy rooms with private bathrooms and common areas for dining and meeting with visitors. The facility will be built to meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) silver standards, a testament to its energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly design. The construction project will be managed by the Illinois Capital Development Board.

Construction will begin by early October on 7.8 acres of land at the southwest corner of Forest Preserve Drive and Oak Park Avenue. The location was selected because of its proximity to the Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital and its accessibility to public transportation. Units will provide special long-term care for veterans with Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Construction is scheduled for completion in mid 2016.

"The start of construction on the Illinois Veterans Home at Chicago is a great step forward," Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs (IDVA) Acting Director Rodrigo Garcia said. "Thanks to Governor Quinn's leadership and commitment to serving those who have served, Chicago-area veterans will have a chance to access the great quality of care and the caring, patriotic environment we offer at our four existing Homes."

"There is no more important building being constructed in the state of Illinois than this one," Capital Development Board Executive Director Jim Underwood said. "We are honored to oversee the construction of this home that will care for heroes who answered the call to serve."

The Illinois Veterans Home at Chicago will be operated by IDVA, which also supervises veterans' homes in Anna, LaSalle, Manteno and Quincy. IDVA also operates the Prince Home, a 15-bed permanent supportive housing facility for homeless and disabled veterans at Manteno. When completed and after recognition of the Illinois Veterans Home at Chicago, the Department will be able to receive USDVA per diem payments that will provide over one quarter of the annual operating budget of the home.

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22 Sep 2014

Loebsack Welcomes Quad Cities Honor Flight to Washington

By Joe Hand

Veterans from WWII and Korean Wars view monuments built in their honor

Washington, D.C. - September 18, 2014 - Congressman Dave Loebsack today welcomed the Quad Cities Honor Flight to the National World War II Memorial on the National Mall in Washington. Loebsack presented the members of the Honor Flight with copies of the Congressional Record statement he submitted in recognition of their service, as well as a booklet entitled "Our American Government." The Quad Cities Honor Flight brings World War II and Korean War veterans o Washington to visit our nation's capital and Memorials built in their honor.

"I look forward to welcoming each Honor Flight to our nation's capital so they can see the memorials that were built in their honor. Being able to welcome these veterans today was especially meaningful," said Loebsack. "We cannot thank these veterans enough for their service to our nation. I was honored to present them with a copy of the statement I made for the official Congressional Record to recognize their service."

The Honor Flights are all fully paid for, and the veterans are typically accompanied by volunteers who donate their time to ensure that the veterans have a safe trip. This group included 90 veterans. The Quad Cities Honor Flight left from the Quad Cities Airport this morning and will return tonight.

Loebsack is an avid supporter of our veterans. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, he has worked to improve care and benefits for our servicemembers and veterans, including expanding Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits for the National Guard; expanding access to mental health care; helping our veterans find civilian jobs; and opening new Community Based Outpatient Clinics to improve access to VA services for Iowa veterans. He also co-introduced bipartisan legislation to eliminate the waiting period for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits for servicemembers wounded in combat.
22 Sep 2014

Can You Fill 16,000 Packages?

By Carolyn Blashek
Here's How YOU Can Help

On Monday morning of this week, I received this picture and note from one of our troops overseas:

"I greatly appreciate this package, because it comes from the hearts of many amazing people out there. Thank you so much!"

As world events have put the U.S. Military on high alert, so too has Operation Gratitude been impacted by the growing threats worldwide.  Here is an update on requests to send Operation Gratitude Care Packages to our Troops overseas and to our New Recruits and Veterans here at home.

On August 23rd, our volunteers in Southern California assembled 7,062 packages that were immediately shipped to troops deployed in harm's way.  Then on September 3rd, we received an urgent request to send an additional 2,200 packages as soon as possible.  Our volunteers reacted within 48 hours and made packages for each and every hero.

This Saturday, September 20th, we have requests to send an additional 7,000 packages overseas.  Hundreds of local supporters have registered to volunteer to make sure that we fulfill every request.

This means that in a span of just 30 days, our volunteers will have assembled and shipped more than 16,000 Care Packages!  

Your generosity and support have helped us fulfill every care package request ever made since Operation Gratitude started in 2003: More than 1.1 Million Care Packages sent!  

Even if you are not available to volunteer at the National Guard Armory this Saturday, here are several very important ways that you can participate from anywhere in the country to ensure that we can send tens of thousands of additional packages by year-end.  

You can:

However you choose to serve, I am forever appreciative of your kindness.  Thank you for believing in our cause and for continuing to support our troops!

Fondly,

Carolyn Blashek, Founder

22 Sep 2014

Illinois National Guard Soldiers place in marksmanship competition

By Illinois National Guard PAO

SPRINGFIELD, IL (09/17/2014)(readMedia)-- FORT BENNING, Ga. - Illinois National Guard Soldiers placed in the All Army Long Range Championship at Fort Benning, Georgia, September 8-11.

Sgt. 1st Class Tracy Mix of Marseilles, Illinois, with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade in Chicago, and Chief Warrant Officer 3 Brandon Gibbs of Pleasant Plains, Illinois, with Company B, 634th Brigade Support Battalion, took first and second overall in the service rifle category.

The competition is an advanced combat live-fire training event open to Active Army, National Guard and Army Reserve.

This year, seven National Guard Soldiers competed out of 32 competitors. The Soldiers made up three two-man teams and had one individual competitor.

The two categories for this competition are service rifle (U.S. rifle, 7.62mm, M21 or M24) and bolt (U.S. rifle, caliber .300 Winchester Magnum M2010 or M-24). In all five matches, the competitors had 15 shots for record at each distance of 800, 900 and 1,000 yards.

"It's fun," said Maj. David Stapp, sustainment commander at the National Guard Marksmanship Training Center in Camp Robinson, Arkansas.

Even though many competitors enjoy competing, they must spend a lot of time with their weapon to be successful.

"I have to know the data and wind charts to prepare," said Chief Warrant Officer 3 Ryan Landon of Creal Springs, Illinois, with the 3637th Support Maintenance Company in Springfield, Illinois.

The Soldiers have to know the data for their weapon and learn how wind affects distance and direction of their shot, which requires the Soldiers to practice in their personal time.

"I go to civilian ranges to practice on my own and start going over my wind charts and data in advance to mentally prepare," said Mix.

22 Sep 2014

Braley Statement on Vote to Address ISIL Threat

By Kirsten Hartman

Washington, D.C. - Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) today released the following statement after his vote in support of an amendment designed to address the ISIL threat:

 

"ISIL is a threat to our country that must be eliminated. Today's vote is an important step toward accomplishing that goal while preventing the United States from involving itself in another extended ground war and nation-building effort.  I will closely follow our mission against these violent terrorists in the weeks and months ahead and do whatever I can to keep all Americans safe and secure."

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19 Sep 2014

Illinois National Guard generals receive Gold Polish Army Medal

By Illinois National Guard PAO

WASHINGTON, D.C. (09/12/2014)(readMedia)-- Senior Illinois National Guard leaders were awarded the Gold Polish Army Award and celebrated Polish Armed Forces Day at the Polish Embassy in Washington, D.C., Sept. 9.

Maj. Gen. Daniel Krumrei of Springfield, Illinois, the Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard along with Maj. Gen. William Cobetto of Hillsboro, Illinois, the Illinois National Guard Assistant Adjutant General-Air, and retired Maj. Gen. Dennis Celletti of Springfield, Illinois, received the Gold Polish Army Award for their support of Polish-American military cooperation.

"I accept this award on behalf of the 13,000 Soldier and Airmen of the Illinois National Guard who have been cooperating with the Polish Armed Forces for over 21 years and who have deployed with the Polish Armed Forces on every rotation to Iraq and Afghanistan since 2003," said Krumrei.

The Polish Army Medal was established in September 1999 to recognize service to the Polish Army by foreign civilians and military personnel. The medal is presented in three grades Gold, Silver and Bronze by the Polish Minister of National Defence.

This year the Illinois National Guard conducted more than 30 separate engagements with the Polish military, strengthening collective defenses. In June, Soldiers participated in a biological response exercise in Poland. In October, 75 Soldiers and Airmen will participate in an exercise in Poland known as Anaconda Saber. Also in October, C130s from the 182nd Airlift Wing will deploy to Poland where they will fly side by side with the Polish C130s in support of NATO operations in Poland.

19 Sep 2014

Chicago based unit receives Army Award for Maintenance Excellence

By Staff Sgt. Michael Camacho, 108th Sustainment Brigade

WASHINGTON, D.C.- (09/12/2014)(readMedia)-- The Illinois Army National Guard's 108th Special Troops Battalion based in Chicago received a national-level Army Award for Excellence in Maintenance (AAME) Sept. 10 during the 10th Annual United States Army Combined Logistics Excellence Award ceremony in Washington, D.C.

The 108th STB, which deployed to Kuwait in January under the 108th Sustainment Brigade in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, placed first in the large-unit category in the 2013 AAME competition. This is the second year since 2011 the unit has received the award.

"The AAME gives recognition and improves overall readiness," said Col. Drew Dukett of Roodhouse, Illinois, the 108th Sust. Bde. commander. "When you have a checklist of what needs to be done per the regulation you have to maintain a high level of readiness and maintenance."

This competition maintains the efforts and progress the 108th has already made in its stride toward efficiency, said Dukett.

"Especially in tough fiscal times, maintenance is vitally important. It preserves our ability to conduct military operations and saves the taxpayer the cost of having to replace Army equipment," said Dukett. "My Soldiers understand this and it has shown in their work. I'm proud of them and their dedication. The AAME award is a reflection of their efforts."

AAME evaluators from Fort Lee, Virgina, conducted onsite inspections in the final phase of the competition earlier this year. Evaluators visited the 108th STB's facilities in both North Riverside and the Northwest Armory near Humboldt Park.

The competition involves a thorough inspection in different areas of the unit including maintenance, supply, training and overall unit readiness. The AAME competition is divided into different phases spanning several months. The 108th STB won maintenance competitions at the state, regional and National Guard Bureau levels.

Competition categories are determined by the number of personnel assigned to a unit or command. Units with 300 or more personnel compete in the large category.

The 20-page nomination packet, required to enter the AAME competition, illustrated the unit's maintenance programs and Soldier readiness. The 108th STB is the first unit in the Illinois National Guard to win in the large category since the 232nd Combat Support Battalion out of Springfield in 2001.

The 108th SB as a whole is no stranger to logistical excellence awards. Units and Solders within the brigade have received awards and citations for excellence in supply, maintenance and combat support operations in recent years.

Capt. Alison Jacobs of Rochester, Illinois, the logistics officer with the 108th STB said the unit's success in the competition reflects the unit's overall dedication to mission readiness and support in Illinois and abroad.

"A major part of the AAME program revolves around units displaying that they are prepared for their mission for internal and external support," Jacobs said. "Being mission ready is especially critical for logistical support units."

Jacobs said it was the team effort that made the 108th STB successful in the AAME competition.

"Success doesn't come from the efforts of one person," said Jacobs. "It's a team dynamic, drawing support throughout the unit, from the leadership to Soldiers in the motor pool. It's not just about reaching the standard, but exceeding it and continuing to maintain that level."

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