22 May 2014

Loebsack Welcomes Eastern Iowa Honor Flight to Washington

By Joe Hand

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack today welcomed the Eastern Iowa 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 pocket Constitution. The Eastern Iowa Honor Flight brings World War II, Korean and Vietnam War veterans to 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, as well as a pocket Constitution."

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 84 veterans. The Eastern Iowa Honor Flight left from the Eastern Iowa 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.
21 May 2014

Vice Adm. Peter Neffenger relieves Vice Adm. John Currier as vice commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard

By U.S. Coast Guard HQ Public Affairs

WASHINGTON – U.S. Coast Guard Vice Adm. Peter Neffenger relieved Vice Adm. John Currier as Vice Commandant of the Coast Guard during a change of watch ceremony at U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters, Washington, D.C., Tuesday.

Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Bob Papp presided over the ceremony and U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson attended.

"It has been my honor to serve our nation as the vice commandant," said Currier. "Thanks to all of my shipmates in this great organization and semper paratus."

The change-of-watch ceremony is a time-honored event preserved by rich heritage of naval tradition. It is a formal custom that is designed to strengthen the respect of authority, which is vital to any military organization.

The ceremony marked the completion of a distinguished military career that began at Officer Candidate School in Yorktown, Va., in 1976. He was designated a naval aviator in 1977 and an aeronautical engineer in 1982. Currier served at six Coast Guard Air Stations throughout his career, highlighted by command of Air Stations Detroit and Miami. Subsequently, he was assigned as Pacific Area Chief of Operations then Pacific Area chief of staff. Currier was promoted to flag rank in 2005. He then served as Assistant Commandant for Acquisition at Coast Guard Headquarters, then as commander of the 13th District. He assumed the duties of the Coast Guard's chief of staff in 2009, later transitioning to the service's first Deputy Commandant for Mission Support. Following the ceremony, Currier formally retired from the Coast Guard after nearly 38 years of service.

"Vice Admiral Currier has served our nation with distinction for nearly 38 years and the Coast Guard is safer, more proficient and more capable due to his exceptional leadership," said Neffenger.  "I am truly humbled to follow his impeccable service as vice commandant. I wish him fair winds and following seas."

Neffenger became the 29th vice commandant of the Coast Guard after serving as the Deputy Commandant for Operations, responsible for establishing and providing operational strategy, policy, guidance and resources as needed to meet national priorities for Coast Guard missions, programs and services. He was commissioned in 1982 at Officer Candidate School. Neffenger commanded Sector Los Angeles - Long Beach, Calif.; served as a fellow to the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee; as the Coast Guard liaison officer to the Territory of American Samoa; as an engineer on the Coast Guard Cutter Gallatin;  and as chief of the Office of Budget and Programs at Coast Guard Headquarters. As a flag officer, Neffenger served as director of the Strategic Management Directorate, was the Deputy National Incident Commander for the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill, the largest and most complex oil spill in the nation's history and as commander of the 9th District, where he oversaw Coast Guard operations throughout the Great Lakes and Saint Lawrence Seaway region.

For imagery of the ceremony, please go to https://www.dvidshub.net/.

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20 May 2014

Lt. Governor Simon-backed military education reform legislation advances

By Ted Nelson

Measure to assist military students next returns to House for approval

SPRINGFIELD - May 19, 2014. Lt. Governor Sheila Simon on Monday applauded the Illinois Senate for passing legislation crafted by her office to ease the transitions of military students moving in and out of Illinois schools. Sponsored by state Sen. Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) and state Rep. Eddie Lee Jackson (D-East St. Louis), House Bill 3939 will align Illinois with national standards on the treatment of military students, many who transfer schools three times more often than their civilian peers. The legislation now returns to the Illinois House for final consideration.

"This measure has the potential to ease the transition for military students and keep defense jobs in our state,"  said Simon, chairperson of the Interagency Military Base Support and Economic Development Committee. "By better aligning with national standards, we can assist thousands of military students in Illinois and show how much we value their families. I commend Sen. Bush and Rep. Jackson for their work to pass this legislation."

In 2010, Illinois joined the Interstate Compact for Military Children and adopted the state's first-ever law recognizing the unique educational challenges of military students. In the 45 other Compact states, military students enter the same grade level at their new schools, retain previously earned credit and are offered opportunities for extracurricular activities. Illinois' law does not currently offer the same assurances. The Simon-backed legislation brings Illinois into alignment with other Compact states, providing protections military students deserve while also preserving local control. They include :

• Grade Level: Students must be allowed to continue their enrollment at grade level in the receiving state at the time of transition; subsequent evaluation to verify placement is allowed.

• Course & Program Placement: Schools shall initially honor course and program placement for military students at the time of transition, including Advanced Placement and ESL, provided that the courses are offered and space is available; subsequent evaluation to verify placement is allowed.

• Extracurricular Activities: Schools shall facilitate the opportunity for inclusion in sports and other activities to the extent that children are qualified and space is available as determined by the school principal.

 

The state of Illinois is home to approximately 10,000 military students, most of whom have at least one parent on active duty at major installations in North Chicago, the Quad Cities and Metro East. They may transfer schools up to nine times between kindergarten and high school graduation, a rate three times that of their civilian peers.

Simon added that with potential federal defense spending reductions and potential base closures on the horizon, this measure positions our bases for expansions, not drastic cuts.

During a series of listening posts hosted by the Simon-chaired Interagency Military Base Support and Economic Development Committee (IMBSEDC) held last year near Scott Air Force Base, Naval Station Great Lakes and the Rock Island Arsenal, families and military leadership consistently raised the issue of improving school transition.

As chair of the IMBSEDC, Simon helps coordinate the state's activities and communications relating to current and former military bases in Illinois.

###
16 May 2014

Illinois Guard Soldier Competes in Veteran Pageant

By Spc. Ian Withrow, 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, Illinois Army National Guard

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - The military often conjures images of combat boots, firearms and fatigues; hardly a scene of beauty. Yet for female veterans around the country, the Ms. Veteran America contest affords an opportunity to trade their uniforms for glamorous evening gowns. Now in its third year, the pageant features contestants who are all current or former military members.

The Ms. Veteran America contest sets itself apart in a unique way. In addition to awarding tiaras and sashes, the contest's organizers also raise money and awareness for the Final Salute organization. Final Salute is a fund-raising initiative that helps homeless female veterans get access to safe and suitable housing.

Staff Sgt. Katie Jo Williams, of Altamont, Illinois, a recruiter with the Illinois National Guard Recruiting and Retention Command, said she decided to compete when a friend brought the organization to her attention on Facebook.

"My friend sent me the link and I thought it was a good cause," said Williams. "I got to thinking, when most people think of homeless vets they think of men, not women. I'm not a big feminist, but I think women get downplayed a lot."

Williams said she didn't have very high hopes when she decided to compete.

"I've never really been a girly-girl, I was always a tomboy," said Williams. "I had never even really tried something like this but I thought the worst they would say is 'no'. I deal with a lot of young women in high school and I feel like they don't have enough confidence. I want to show them how. Even if I don't win, I can be a cross-fit competitor and a pageant competitor. Just getting the word out there will help those homeless female veterans," said Williams

Outside her military career Williams also practices competitive cross-fit. She placed 21st in her division at "The Event," a cross-fit competition at her gym in Bloomington, Illinois, in April.

Williams said it was family legacy and personal drive that convinced her to join the military seven years ago.

"My grandpa was in the Navy and then the Army. My father was in the Marine Corps. And now I am the only female in my family to be in the military," said Williams. "My grandpa told me stories when I was young about his time in Vietnam. Since I was ten I knew I wanted to be a part of it. I wanted to travel the world and have all those experiences."

After enlisting as a motor transport operator, Williams deployed with the 634th Brigade Support Battalion, out of Mattoon, Illinois, to Camp Phoenix, Afghanistan, from 2008 to 2009. It was in the 634th when she met Staff Sgt. John A. Howard of Champaign, Illinois

Howard, who is now the full-time readiness noncommissioned officer for the 1544th Transportation Company Detachment in Danville, Illinois, has given Williams many pointers throughout her career and has always helped her through tough situations.

Howard said he thinks Williams stands a solid chance of winning because of her work ethic and her reputation as a motivated Soldier.

"I wouldn't bet against her if she stays true to herself and continues to do what she has been doing and doesn't deviate from what she knows is right," said Howard.

Williams will compete not only for the title of Ms. Veteran America, but also for two additional awards. Williams elected to compete for the titles of "Social Butterfly," which requires the most "likes" on Facebook to win, and "Iron Princess," which is awarded to the competitor who best works fitness and healthy living into their lifestyle. Williams said she wants to compete for the Social Butterfly title because, as a recruiter, she likes to connect with people and make new friends.

Williams said Iron Princess was also a natural choice given her involvement in cross-fit and healthy life style.

So what is next for Williams? For now she is preparing for the regional competition in Arlington,Virgina, which will take place on June 8. Though that is right around the corner, Williams said she believes she is ready.

"I'm not nervous about the experience, but maybe I am anxious," said Williams. "This is something I have never done before, so I do have some stomach butterflies, but it is excitement and nervousness all at the same time."

Williams said she wants to wow the judges with her voice during the talent portion of the competition. She has chosen to sing "I see the Light" sung originally by Mandy Moore from Disney's 2010 animated musical "Tangled."

"My sister tells me I sound like Mandy Moore," said Williams. "My sister and my friends told me I should do that one. It's a nice simple song just to show the judges what I can do."

For now, Williams is keeping herself grounded but hopeful about the regionals contest in June.

"If I do win, that would be awesome," said Williams. "I wouldn't know what to say. I would be ecstatic about being able to represent female veterans everywhere. I don't think there's another title that can compare."

14 May 2014

Lt. Col. Tammy Duckworth Participates in Memorial Day Events

By Illinois National Guard PAO
SPRINGFIELD, IL (05/14/2014)(readMedia)-- WHO: • Illinois Army National Guard Lt. Col. Tammy Duckworth of Hoffman Estates, Ill. WHAT: • Several Memorial Day ceremonies across Illinois WHEN/WHERE: • May 24, 12 p.m. - Grand Marshal of Chicago Memorial Day parade. The parade will start at 12 p.m. and proceed south on State Street from Lake Street to Van Buren. • May 25, 11 a.m. -Streamwood Memorial Day ceremony; Streamwood Veterans Memorial next to the village hall at 301 E. Irving Park Road in Streamwood, Ill. • May 26, 10:45 a.m. -Oak Ridge Cemetery at War Memorials, 1441 Monument in Springfield, Ill. • May 26, 2 p.m. -Camp Butler National Cemetery Memorial Day, 5063 Camp Butler Road in Springfield, Ill. • May 27, 9 a.m. -Athens High School, #1 Warrior Way in Athens, Ill. • May 27, 2 p.m. -Trinity Lutheran School, 11503 German Church Road, Burr Ridge, Ill. MORE: • 2014 marks the 10-year anniversary the aviation incident that injured Duckworth. She served in Iraq as an Assistant Operations Officer and flew combat missions as a Black Hawk helicopter pilot. During a mission north of Baghdad on Nov. 12, 2004 her aircraft was ambushed and a rocket-propelled grenade struck the helicopter she was co-piloting. She continued to attempt to pilot the aircraft until passing out from blood loss. As a result of the attack, Duckworth lost both her legs and partial use of one arm. She received many decorations for her actions, including the Purple Heart, the Air Medal and the Combat Action Badge. • Duckworth spent the next year recovering at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. As one of the highest-ranking patients, she became an advocate for her fellow Soldiers and testified before Congress about caring for veterans and wounded warriors. • She became the Director of the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs in 2006. • In 2009, President Obama appointed Duckworth to be Assistant Secretary of Veterans Affairs. • Duckworth was elected to Congress in 2012. • Duckworth lives in Hoffman Estates with her husband Bryan, an Army major. Since her recovery, Duckworth has taken up scuba diving, surfing, skydiving and flies as a civilian pilot. She has also completed several marathons. • Enlisting in September 1991, Duckworth continues to serve with the Illinois Army National Guard. • Duckworth's husband, Bryan Bowlsbey, is a major in the Illinois Army National Guard where he has served since 1987. For additional information, please contact the Public Affairs office at 217-761-3569 or ng.il.ilarng.list.staff-pao@mail.mil -30-
14 May 2014

ILLINOIS NATIONAL GUARD, POLISH MILITARY, OTHERS PARTICIPATE IN EARTHQUAKE RESPONSE EXERCISE IN SPRINGFIELD

By Illinois National Guard PAO

SPRINGFIELD, IL (05/13/2014)(readMedia)-- The Illinois National Guard, Illinois Emergency Management Agency, and U.S Northern Command will hold a media availability during a week-long earthquake response exercise at the 183rd Fighter Wing in Springfield at 11:00 a.m. May 14. The media availability will coincide with a visit from the Illinois National Guard's State Partners from Poland.

WHO:

• Illinois Air National Guard's 183rd Fighter Wing based in Springfield, Ill.

• Illinois Army National Guard's 65th Troop Command Brigade based in Springfield, Ill.

• Illinois National Guard State Partnership Program Polish delegation

WHAT:

• Media availability highlighting the Illinois National Guard's earthquake response training and its strong partnership with Poland.

WHEN: Wednesday May 14, 2014 at 11:00AM Central Time (US & Canada)

WHERE:183rd Fighter Wing
1301 J. David Jones Pkwy
Springfield, Illinois 62707

NOTES:

• The Illinois National Guard is conducting a week-long exercise to prepare its units for rapidly responding to a major earthquake along the New Madrid and Wabash faults in southern Illinois.

• A delegation of Polish Army officers is visiting the Illinois National Guard to study the Guard's domestic operations mission.

• The Polish delegation will observe three days of exercises.

• The delegation is part of the National Guard's State Partnership Program, which partners U.S. states with European countries to support the Department of Defense security cooperation objectives.

• Representatives from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and advisors from U.S. Northern Command are also participating in the exercise.

12 May 2014

Illinois National Guard servicemember raises children, servicemembers

By Staff Sgt.Michael Camacho, 108th Sustainment Brigade Public Affairs
CAMP ARIFJAN, KUWAIT (05/10/2014)(readMedia)-- Mother's Day in the United States is annually held on the second Sunday of May. It celebrates motherhood and it is a time when people show appreciation to mothers and mother figures. In today's military there are thousands of mothers who serve the U.S. at home and abroad. Many of these military moms have blended their leadership skills with maternal care used in their family and military family. Staff Sgt. Maria McEnroe-Prentiss, the noncommissioned officer in charge administration with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 108th Sustainment Brigade out of Chicago, has merged her troop care and leadership training as a NCO with her lessons learned as a mother of 11 children. She said her military service and experience has aided her as a mother and was the encouragement for her older children to also enlist. Deployed to Kuwait with the 108th Sust. Bde., Prentiss will spend this Mother's Day with the Soldiers she provides leadership and care for and be away from her seven children still at home.Prentiss enlisted into the Army Reserves in 1980 and later joined the Active Duty Army in 1982. While stationed at Fort Campbell, Ky., she met Todd Prentiss, who was also stationed at Fort Campbell. The two married at the post chapel in 1983, two years later the couple had their first child, the start to the family they wanted. Shortly after their first child's birth Maria left the Army to raise their new family, while Todd continued to serve. "The military was a big part our life, but we both know we wanted to have a big family and I wanted to be a dedicated mother while Todd continued to serve," said Maria. The two moved to Germany when Todd was reassigned to his new duty station. In Germany the Prentiss family continued to grow as the couple now had four children. In 1989 Todd's military service had come to a close and the family moved to Maria's hometown of Peoria, Ill. Todd joined the Peoria Fire Department while Maria continued to care for the children at home. Even after her service Maria said what she learned through professional leadership training and experience was never forgotten. "When I attended (the Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course) we learned a lot about troop care, leadership, compassion and all the things needed to provide the best for your Soldiers," said Maria. "Nearly every leadership trait or skill was something I put into practice with the children, especially as they grew up and our family grew." Todd and Maria often told their children about how they met while serving on Active Duty. On a few on their family trips the children were able to visit Fort Campbell and see the chapel where their parents were married. Maria said she believes this exposure to the military coupled with her and Todd's stories about military service influenced their children to also enlist into the military. Air Force Staff Sgt. Sean Prentiss a Peoria Native, with the 86th maintenance squadron was one of the first of their children to join the military enlisting into the Active Duty Air Force in 2006. Sean said the values his mother instilled in them help prepare him for military culture. "I feel that when it came time to go over customs and courtesies along with the proper mentality needed to be effective in the service, her parenting had already formed that foundation prior to going into the recruiters office," said Sean. As her children came closer to the age of 18, the military option was not low on the list for her children, said Maria. Army Sgt. Sonja Prentiss also a Peoria native, with the Active Army's 8th Military Information Support Battalion said her mother was a critical influence in her joining the military. "If it wasn't for her, I wouldn't be who I am today," said Sonja. Sonja said her mother had always encouraged her to join the military when she was growing up to help her decide what she wanted to achieve in her life. "I joined in 2009, when I was 19 years old," said Sonja. "I had not gone to college, and couldn't figure out what I wanted to be. Being in the military has given me a life that I never could have had if I had stayed in my hometown." While Sonja credits her mother for enlisting, it was Sonja's visit to the recruiters office that lead to Maria re-enlistment into the Army. Maria said she wanted to accompany Sonja to a visit at the recruiters office, the recruiter mentioned the opportunities for prior service wanting to return into the military. Soon after Maria enlisted into the Illinois Army National Guard, and in the following months Sonja joined the Active Duty Army. As Maria shows pride in the service of her children, her children share the same pride in their mother. "I am extremely proud of my mom and her ability to push herself," said Sonja. "Not many people would take the steps that she has and rejoin the military so late in life, and with seven out of 11 children at home," said Prentiss. "My mother is a true inspiration to all of the people that she comes in contact with, and she most certainly has what it takes to be an outstanding NCO and take care of her Soldiers."
12 May 2014

Illinois National Guard members are recognized at the Winston P. Wilson matches

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

LITTLE ROCK, ARK. (05/09/2014)(readMedia)-- Brig. Gen. Daniel Krumrei, the Illinois National Guard Adjutant General presented awards at the 43rd annual Winston P. Wilson (WPW) competition at Camp Robinson in Little Rock, Ark., May 8.

"Shooting is a perishable skill," said Krumrei. "What makes the competition so valuable are the skills the servicemembers bring back to our Soldiers and units. These skills improve our combat readiness and prepare us to defend our nation."

The WPW matches are held at the National Guard Marksmanship Training Center in Little Rock, Ark. Servicemembers from around the nation compete in the WPW matches. There are approximately 90 teams and 20 different matches. In order to make it to the WPW competition, the servicemembers must complete vigorous training, which includes multiple days on the range and volunteering their time to polish their shooting skills. Expert shooters from each state are sent to compete in this long time-honored competitive set of matches.

"Shooting is not only for the competitions," said Sgt. 1st Class David Perdew of Astoria, Ill., the Illinois National Guard state marksmanship coordinator. "The skill is fine tuned and leaves an impact on the servicemembers and benefits the Guard as a whole."

The reflexive fire match is one of the 20 matches in the WPW competitions. Reflexive Fire is an advanced marksmanship skill that relies on the shooters instinctive response to engage close targets in a short period of time. During this match, the servicemembers must accurately fire the rifle while doing a series of movements.

Staff Sgt. Gabe Cullers of Carrier Mills, Ill., with the Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry in Marion, Ill., took first place in the reflexive fire match.

"We work on our marksmanship skills for multiple days, shooting all day," said Cullers. "It feels good to represent the state as a first place winner."

The matches are not an easy task. The servicemembers must be well rounded in shooting, health and in dedication. The matches take a lot of time and commitment, said Gen. Frank Grass, the Chief of the National Guard Bureau.

To be a committed marksman it takes time and dedication beyond normal duty obligations.

"We spent five days in Tennessee zeroing rifles and running through matches and drills on a range from sun up to sun down," said Sgt. Jeff Bugger of Springfield, Ill., with the 1844th Transportation Company in Quincy, Ill., who took second place in the reflexive fire match. "It's a good feeling to know we came out on top while competing against hundreds of other competitors."

This competition is invaluable, as the skills are passed to the junior enlisted, said Grass. Having competed in the WPW matches years ago.

"These servicemembers come from all over the country honing their skills to compete in this competition," said Grass.

Grass awarded the Chief's 50 Marksmanship Badge for their outstanding marksmanship abilities during the WPW rifle and pistol championships.

This year, two Illinois National Guardsmen received the Chief's 50 Marksmanship Badge: Sgt. 1st Class John Stockton of Springfield, Ill., with the Headquarters Company, 33rd Brigade Combat Team in Urbana, Ill., and Sgt. 1st Class Tracy Mix of Marseilles, Ill., with the 404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade in Chicago. Mix is also a distinguished marksman in both the rifle and pistol discipline. The distinguished marksmanship program has been around since 1884 and is what the shooters strive to obtain.

The competitors learned and taught each other on individual and team proficiency with rifles, pistols and shotguns during numerous matches, where they competed with the best shooters from around the nation.

30 Apr 2014

Braley: Dubuque-Area Pearl Harbor Hero Should be Eligible for Additional Service Awards

By Kirsten Hartman

Congressman asks Navy Secretary for full review of Chaplain Aloysius Schmitt's records, after heroic efforts aboard USS Oklahoma

 

Washington, D.C. - During the attack on Pearl Harbor, while attempting to evacuate those aboard the USS Oklahoma, Dubuque-area Chaplain Aloysius Schmitt told those trying to pull him to safety, 'Please let go of me, and may God bless you all'. Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) is today asking the Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus for a full-review of Chaplain Schmitt's records with the belief that his service and sacrifice make him eligible for some of the Navy's highest awards for valor.

"It's never too late to do the right thing," Braley said. "The actions Chaplain Schmitt took that day?and the lives he saved?continue to have a positive effect on Iowa and our nation, so it's only right that we ensure his sacrifice is honored to the fullest extent."

Schmitt, the first Chaplain of any faith killed in World War II, was aboard the USS Oklahoma as Japanese aircraft launched their assault on Pearl Harbor. While he was ministering to the dying and wounded in the ship's sick bay, the Oklahoma was struck by a torpedo causing the ship to capsize. Rather than evacuate the badly damaged ship, Schmitt remained on board, repeatedly directing others to safety before the Oklahoma sank.

Braley is asking the Navy to review Schmitt's records to see if he qualified for awards for valor, the criteria for which include actions taken at great danger and at great personal risk. Braley's letter details several other individuals aboard the Oklahoma that received awards for valor, including the Medal of Honor.

"The United States of America, the state of Iowa, and the residents of Dubuque are eternally grateful for the sacrifice made by this brave man," Braley wrote.

A copy of Braley's letter is available below:

 

 

April 30, 2014

The Honorable Ray Mabus

Secretary of the Navy

1200 Navy Pentagon

Washington, DC 20305-1000

 

Dear Secretary Mabus,

I am writing to you today on behalf of the community of Dubuque, Iowa regarding the service of Chaplain Aloysius Schmitt. He was the first Chaplain of any faith killed during World War II. On the morning of December 7, 1941, Chaplain Schmitt was aboard the USS Oklahoma as Japanese aircraft launched their assault on Pearl Harbor. While he was ministering to the dying and wounded in the ship's sick bay, the Oklahoma was struck by a torpedo causing the ship to capsize.

Chaplain Schmitt, along with several other sailors, was forced to move to a compartment where only a small porthole offered a method of evacuation from the incoming water. With no regard for his own safety, Chaplain Schmitt helped these men escape, and only after all other personnel had exited, did he try to exit himself. Struggling to get through the porthole, he realized that others had found their way into the compartment. Knowing that time was short, he directed these sailors to escape ahead of himself. As the water continued to rise, the sailors urged him to save himself yet Chaplain Schmitt replied only with "Please let go of me, and may God bless you all."

I have heard from many of my constituents regarding this powerful sacrifice and find Chaplain Schmitt's actions worthy of additional acknowledgment. Given the heroic nature of his actions, many in the Dubuque community have felt that he deserves greater recognition in the form of a valorous combat award.

Chaplain Schmitt's sacrifice was not the only one of its kind that day. Ensign Frank O'Flaherty and Seaman First Class James Ward, also aboard the Oklahoma, were awarded the Medal of Honor for remaining at their post and allowing fellow sailors to escape before the ship capsized. Machinist's Mate First Class Robert Scott and Chief Watertender Peter Tomich were also awarded the Medal of Honor for similar actions.

I ask you today to consider an appropriate upgrade from the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for which Chaplain Schmitt was originally awarded. Department of the Navy guidance requires that an award for valor must be performed in the presence of great danger and at great personal risk, criteria that I feel Chaplain Schmitt's actions certainly meet.

The United States of America, the state of Iowa, and the residents of Dubuque are eternally grateful for the sacrifice made by this brave man. I appreciate you taking the time to consider this request and look forward to hearing back from you.

Sincerely,

Bruce Braley

30 Apr 2014

Lt. Gov. Reynolds joins broad, bipartisan letter from state leaders in support of the National Guard

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

(DES MOINES) - Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds is joining nearly 40 of her colleagues in asking President Obama to support the U.S. National Guard on the eve of an important congressional hearing. National Guard Bureau Chief General Frank Grass is scheduled to testify to the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee for Defense on the proposed reductions tomorrow, Wednesday April 30. Lt. Governor Reynolds currently serves on the Executive Committee of the National Lieutenant Governors Association.

"I am working with my peers across the country to highlight this vital state issue which requires serious review," said Reynolds. "The Iowa National Guard has helped communities across the state effectively respond to disasters, like floods and tornadoes. Beyond that, the National Guard is an effective and efficient element of the U.S. total force and has aptly served our nation at home and abroad."

Nearly forty of the seconds-in-command in the states and territories co-signed the letter noting various proposed National Guards cuts would return funding to a pre-9/11 level.  Lt. Governor Reynolds commends the entire Iowa delegation for their engagement on this important issue to the Iowa National Guard, including Congressmen Latham, King, Braley, and Loebsack for co-sponsoring legislation calling for an independent commission to thoughtfully explore the optimal force structure to meet emergency response and national defense needs.

Reynolds continued, "As a state leader, I respect the need to review, modernize, and balance budgets.  I would request that this scrutiny, though, include transparent, careful examination of the cost effectiveness of the National Guard and the essential nature of its service to states and territories."

A copy of the letter co-signed by Lt. Gov. Reynolds can be found here.

This letter echoes continued engagement from Governor Branstad and 49 other governors and the nation's Adjutants General to ensure the National Guard is appropriately valued in national policy discussions.

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