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.

# # #
29 Apr 2014

Local Veteran visits Memorials in Washington DC as Snap-on Incorporated Hosts Third Solo Honor Flights for its Associates and Franchisees

By Yana-Janell Scott

WASHINGTON D.C. April 28, 2013 - Snap-on Incorporated recently hosted its third "solo" Honor Flight for the company's associates and franchisees who served in World War II, Korean and Vietnam wars.  Snap-on is the first company to partner with Honor Flight Network to send its own military veterans to visit the Washington DC memorials erected in their honor.

Snap-on formally announced its sponsorship of the "Honor Flight Network" with a $50,000 donation to the organization in 2013. As a result of that donation, more than 50 associates and franchisees participated in Honor Flights to view their memorials.

Bradley Nelson of Davenport, IA was among this honored group.

Due to the overwhelming number of veterans who applied to be a part of the two solo Honor Flights when they were initially announced, Snap-on made a second $50,000 donation to fund additional flights in 2014.

On Snap-on's third solo flight, 26 veterans, accompanied by their guardians, visited the nation's capital.

"This was an extraordinary experience for Snap-on to join with the Honor Flight Network in recognizing our veterans who have given so much. We salute these patriots by giving them a chance to visit the memorials in Washington D.C. dedicated to their service by a grateful nation. It means so much to those who've served. We're delighted to have already conducted two Honor Flights and to make an additional donation sponsoring two more," says Pinchuk.

"Snap-on is a great American company, and it's a privilege for us to thank our veterans in this way.  They protected our freedom and helped make possible the America we love and enjoy today.  These Honor Flights give us the opportunity to show them that their sacrifice has not been forgotten."

Two additional Snap-on-sponsored Honor Flights, each for 26 veterans and their guardians, are planned for June and October of this year.

-30-

About Snap-on Tools

Snap-on Tools is a subsidiary of Snap-on Incorporated, a leading global innovator, manufacturer and marketer of tools, equipment, diagnostics, repair information and systems solutions for professional users performing critical tasks. Products and services include hand and power tools, tool storage, diagnostics software, information and management systems, shop equipment and other solutions for vehicle dealerships and repair centers, as well as for customers in industries, including aviation and aerospace, agriculture, construction, government and military, mining, natural resources, power generation and technical education. Snap-on Tools is one of the largest non-food franchise companies in the world, selling its products and services through franchisee, company-direct, distributor and Internet channels.  Snap-on Incorporated, which was founded in 1920, is a $3.1 billion, S&P 500 company located in Kenosha, Wis. with operations throughout the world.  For additional information, visit www.snapon.com.

29 Apr 2014

Ceremony Honors Illinois National Guard's Fallen Servicemembers

By Illinois National Guard PAO

SPRINGFIELD, IL (04/29/2014)(readMedia)

WHO:

• The Illinois National Guard and families of fallen servicemembers.

WHAT:

• A wreath laying ceremony honoring the Illinois National Guard Soldiers and Airman killed during Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom.

• The memorial ceremony is open to the public. Following the ceremony, there will be a private event for the families of the fallen heroes.

WHEN/WHERE:

• May 3 at 9 a.m.

• Illinois State Military Museum at Camp Lincoln, 1301 N. MacArthur Blvd. in Springfield.

WHY:

• A total of 33 Illinois Army National Guard Soldiers and one Illinois Air National Guard Airman are among the 252 Illinois servicemembers killed since Sept. 11.

• Of the 34 casualties, 18 Soldiers were killed during the historic deployment of the 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT). The 33rd IBCT was mobilized from June 2008 to October 2009 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

28 Apr 2014

Illinois National Guard military police company receives reaction force training

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

SPRINGFIELD, IL (04/25/2014)(readMedia)-- SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Soldiers from the 233rd Military Police (MP) Company in Springfield, Ill., received National Guard Reaction Force (NGRF) training at Camp Lincoln in Springfield, Ill., April 24. Soldiers were trained on proper techniques of deploying a taser, which included a real-life demonstration. The training also required Soldiers to subdue their opponent after being sprayed with Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) spray.

"The Soldiers accomplished non-lethal weapons training in support of the NGRF mission," said Chief Warrant Officer 3 John Chepulis, of Chatham, Ill., deputy director for the Illinois National Guard office of the provost marshal. The training gives their Commander options for supporting the mission from different angles."

The NGRF is designed to be a rapidly deployable element to support an all hazards event. They are capable of supporting law enforcement by providing site security, presence patrols, checkpoints, civil disturbances control, and force protection or security for a variety of events.

The training conducted by the 233rd MP Company is integral for ensuring success in the myriad of missions that an NGRF may be called upon to perform, said Chepulis.

The Illinois National Guard 33rd MP Battalion and subordinate military police companies will assume responsibility of the Illinois NGRF mission from the 2nd Battalion, 123rd Field Artillery later this year. In preparation for the change, the Soldiers went through various training to include baton, taser and OC training.

23 Apr 2014

Clergy and Community Friends Training

By Illinois National Guard PAO
WHO:

• Illinois National Guard Chaplains

WHAT:

• Illinois National Guard Chaplains are hosting upcoming seminars to serve local faith-based organizations throughout Illinois.

• The training is designed to raise awareness among community religious leaders about the challenges faced by servicemembers and their families, with a focus on deployment-related issues such as anger management, suicide prevention, military marriages, and church and community support for the military.

• The training is open to clergy and laity interested in understanding and learning how to support servicemembers, veterans and their families.

• Free lunch will also be served to those in attendance.

WHEN/WHERE:

April 30 General Jones Armory, 5200 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

May 14 Illinois Military Academy, Camp Lincoln, 1301 N. MacArthur Blvd.; Springfield, Ill. 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

May 22 Shiloh Armory, 650 Armory Road; Shiloh, Ill. 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

May 28 Joliet Armory, 2900 W. Jefferson St., Joliet, Ill. 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

For registration information contact Chaplain (Capt.) Vince Lambert at (708) 824-5255

Become our Facebook Fan!

www.facebook.com/illinoisnationalguard

-30-

23 Apr 2014

Casey's General Store to Hold May "Dog Tag" Promotion

By Rick Martin

Proceeds to benefit nonprofit Hope For The Warriors® in honor of Memorial Day

ANKENY, IA, April 22, 2014-During the entire month of May, Casey's General Store (www.caseys.com) is offering a special "Dog Tag" Promotion to raise funds and awareness for the growing needs of service members and military families. For only $1, Casey's customers can do their part to support the growing needs of today's military.  All proceeds will benefit Hope For The Warriors®, a national nonprofit dedicated to restoring a sense of self, restoring the family unit, and restoring hope for our service members and our military families.

Patrons of Casey's General Store will be invited to support Hope For The Warriors® by purchasing a "Dog Tag" for $1.00.  Casey's will display the "Dog Tags" throughout the store, providing their customers the opportunity to demonstrate their commitment and support for the sacrifices of our service members. "Dog Tags" will be available at more than 1,800 Casey's store locations throughout the month of May.

This is the third year that Casey's has supported Hope For The Warriors® throughout the month of May. Thanks to the strong support of Casey's customers, more than $745K has been donated to Hope For The Warriors® in the past two years.

"Casey's General Store employees are eager to continue supporting Hope For The Warriors® and the service members they support,' said Robert J. Myers, Casey's General Store Chairman and CEO.  "Through our May promotion, we are proud to provide the opportunity for our customers to join us in saying 'thank you' to these brave men and women."

"We are very thankful to Casey's for this incredible opportunity and their support over the years," Robin Kelleher, Hope For The Warriors® President said.  "Through this unique promotion, they are helping us reach thousands of patriotic Americans who truly understand the sacrifices of our service members and military families."

The mission of Hope For The Warriors® (www.hopeforthewarriors.org) is to enhance the quality of life for post-9/11 service members, their families, and families of the fallen who have sustained physical and psychological wounds in the line of duty. Hope For The Warriors® is dedicated to restoring a sense of self, restoring the family unit, and restoring hope for our service members and our military families.

Hope For The Warriors® has earned a Four-Star rating from Charity Navigator (www.charitynavigator.org) for three consecutive years. Charity Navigator is an independent organization that evaluates fiscal responsibility and accountability of nonprofits.

Hope For The Warriors® (Federal Tax ID 20-5182295) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charity as defined in sections 509(A)(1) and 170(B)(1)(A)(VI) of the Internal Revenue Code.  Combined Federal Campaign, CFC #27800.

###

22 Apr 2014

Braley Pushes for Passage of Hire a Hero Act

By Kirsten Hartman

Congressman calls on Congress to permanently extend the Work Opportunity Tax Credit for Returning Heroes and Wounded Warriors

Washington, D.C. - After the expiration of a tax credit that had helped put 1400 Iowa veterans back to work, Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) today wrote Speaker of the House John Boehner urging him to restore the tax credit and make it permanent.

"Fifty thousand veterans have been helped by this tax credit?1400 of them in Iowa alone?and it's time we made it permanent," Braley said. "Iowa employers have a strong commitment to hiring our highly-skilled veterans and this law would allow them to continue that commitment."

 

Braley introduced the Hire a Hero Act in December of last year. It was designed to make permanent a temporary tax credit that could be used to hire unemployed veterans.

"Recently I met with veterans and businesses in Ames, Grinnell, and Iowa City. I saw firsthand the individuals and employers that benefited from the Work Opportunity Tax Credit for Returning Heroes and Wounded Warriors," Braley wrote.

In 2011, Braley wrote the Combat Veterans Back to Work Act to provide employers with a payroll tax break if they hired recently returned veterans, including members of the Iowa National Guard. The bill was incorporated into new tax credits signed into law in November 2011. The Returning Heroes and Wounded Warriors work opportunity tax credits provide anywhere between $2,400 and $9,600 to businesses who hire veterans.

These credits are available to businesses that hire unemployed or returning veterans and qualify for tax credits worth between $2,400 and $5,600. Businesses that hire unemployed veterans with a service-connected disability qualify for tax credits of between $4,800 and $9,600. There is no limit to how many veterans a business can hire, therefore no limit on how many tax credits they can receive.

The letter to Speaker Boehner is available below:

 

 

April 22, 2014

The Honorable John Boehner

Speaker of the House

United States House of Representatives

H- 232 The Capitol
Washington, D.C. 20515

 

Dear Mr. Speaker:

I'm writing to urge you to quickly bring up H.R. 3648, the Hire a Hero Act of 2013 for a vote in the House.

Recently I met with veterans and businesses in Ames, Grinnell, and Iowa City.  I saw firsthand the individuals and employers that benefited from the Work Opportunity Tax Credit for Returning Heroes and Wounded Warriors. Unfortunately, this tax credit expired at the end of 2013. Thanks to the credit, in 2013, the unemployment rate for Iowa veterans fell to 3.4 percent, which was about half the national average. However, there are still significant populations of veterans that are in need of good jobs. For example, in December 2013, the national unemployment rate for post-9/11 veterans was 7.3 percent. This remains unacceptably high, and that's why we must renew and extend this important tax credit that helps our nation's veterans find good jobs.

On December 4th, 2013 I introduced H.R. 3648, the Hire a Hero Act of 2013. This bill would make the Work Opportunity Tax Credit for Returning Heroes and Wounded Warriors permanent. Over 50,000 veterans have been hired because of this tax credit nationally, 1400 of those in Iowa. These key figures illustrate the need to make the tax credit permanent, which provides a valuable incentive for businesses to hire veterans.

I urge you to swiftly bring up this bill for a vote in the House and I look forward to hearing back from you soon.

Sincerely,

 

Bruce Braley

# # #
22 Apr 2014

Operation Gratitude Announces National Initiatives

By Operation Gratitude
Operation Gratitude Ramps Up Nationwide Effort in Support of Troops

Nonprofit Military Support Organization Launches Initiatives to Expand
Operation Gratitude has delivered 1 million care packages to U.S. troops, and now the nonprofit organization is ramping up its efforts, professionalizing its approach to managing a network of tens of thousands of volunteers, and launching a nationwide initiative to provide connections to home for the many thousands of men and women who have served and continue to serve globally.

"We're doubling down," said Operation Gratitude founder Carolyn Blashek. "We delivered our one millionth care package in December, and as we reflected upon that accomplishment, we concluded that this is an important turning point. It's an opportunity to take our efforts to the next level, and to thank even more troops and veterans for the sacrifices they make to protect freedom around the world."

The new initiative is highlighted by several significant actions designed to raise national awareness of  Operation Gratitude and transform it into an even more effective means by which a grateful nation can thank those who serve. Among these steps are the hiring of new professional team members, the creation of a national advisory board, creation of a national network of veterans, and a new outreach effort to reconnect the organization with volunteers and supporters who have helped Operation Gratitude in the past.

"This is going to be an exciting time for Operation Gratitude," said Chris Clark, the organization's new National Chief Development Officer. "Carolyn Blashek puts her heart and soul into letting our troops know they are remembered and appreciated by the American people. These new initiatives will nationalize that heart-and-soul effort, and help us better leverage the efforts of our vast network of volunteers to do the greatest amount of good for the troops."

"Chris is a key addition to our team," Blashek said of Clark, a seasoned nonprofit executive who over the past decade has raised more than $20 million on behalf of nonprofit organizations including the Special Olympics and the YMCA. "His experience and knowledge are immensely valuable, and his enthusiasm is contagious."

Clark said the new initiative is already getting under way.

"We're forming a national advisory board, which will help steer the organization's efforts, and we're seeking influential leaders who are passionate about supporting our troops," Clark said. "This group will have a tremendous impact on elevating Operation Gratitude's national profile."

Operation Gratitude is also establishing a network of veterans who have received assistance from the organization and wish to help it benefit those who follow them in military service. "This group will give us tremendous insight, and help us create programs that will have the strongest positive impact on our troops," Clark said.

Blashek added that the organization is reaching out to past volunteers and supporters, seeking to reconnect and renew individuals' commitments to support the troops.

"Our most powerful resource has always been, and always will be, our network of volunteers and generous supporters," Blashek said. "We're thanking them for their past support, and also encouraging them to make a new commitment to bring a slice of home to those who serve our country."

Operation Gratitude was founded in 2003 to send care  packages of donated items and say "Thank You" to the troops. The California-based organization has blossomed, sending approximately 150,000 care packages annually to deployed service members, their children at home, veterans, new recruits, wounded warriors, caregivers and first responders. Care packages typically include handmade items, messages of appreciation and $75 to $100 worth of donated goods. It costs about $15 to assemble and ship each package.

Blashek said it's always important, even during times of relative peace, to let those who serve -- and have served -- know they are not forgotten.

"There's a bit of a misconception out there that the need for our expression of gratitude is diminished, since hostilities are winding down on one front or another," Blashek said. "But that's an incorrect assumption. The need remains as much as ever. At any given time we have tens of thousands of men and women serving their country overseas, many of them in harm's way, and many more stepping forward every year, entering the military to dedicate the next several years of their lives to the defense of our nation."

She added: "We need to let them know we care about them, we respect them, and we appreciate the sacrifices they make, every day, to protect us here at home."

  About Operation Gratitude: The nonprofit organization (www.OperationGratitude.org) annually sends 150,000-plus care packages filled with snacks, entertainment, hygiene and hand-made items, plus personal letters of appreciation, to veterans, new recruits, first responders, wounded warriors, care givers and to individually named U.S. service members deployed overseas. Its mission is to lift the spirits and meet the evolving needs of our active duty and veteran communities, and provide volunteer opportunities for all Americans to express their appreciation to members of our military. Each package contains donated product valued at $75-$100 and costs the organization $15 to assemble and ship. Since its inception in 2003, Operation Gratitude volunteers have shipped more than One Million Care Packages.
15 Apr 2014

Lt. Governor Simon to join Sen. Durbin, Secretary of the Air Force for meeting on the future of Scott Air Force Base

By Ted Nelson
BELLEVILLE - Lt. Governor Sheila Simon will join U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin and Secretary of the U.S. Air Force Deborah Lee James, at Scott Air Force Base for a meeting centered on the base's future. The meeting has been initiated by Sen. Durbin, who chairs the Senate defense appropriation committee.
Last month Simon joined Durbin to meet with Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh at Scott Air Force Base as part of Durbin's continuing efforts to highlight Scott Air Force Base's potential for growth.
Simon chairs Illinois' Interagency Military Base Support and Economic Development Committee (IMBSEDC). Last week Simon was joined by Rep. Eddie Lee Jackson (D-East St. Louis) in Springfield to introduce House Bill 3939 to ease the transitions of military students moving in and out of Illinois schools. The legislation, which passed the House unanimously, will align Illinois with national standards on the treatment of military students, who may transfer schools several times more than their peers.
As chair of the IMBSEDC, Simon helps coordinate the state's activities and communications relating to current and former military bases in Illinois. Simon recently announced plans for a statewide comprehensive economic impact analysis of active military bases in Illinois. Simon is committed to protecting the state's military operations, installations, and the families of those who selflessly serve our state and country.
DATE: Tuesday, April 15
TIME: 12:15 p.m.
LOCATION: Scott Field Heritage Air Park, Directly across Siebert Road from Shiloh Gate (main entrance to base), 100 Scott Drive, Scott Air Force Base
NOTE: The meeting will be closed press with the media availability to follow.
###

Pages

Subscribe & Listen to Reader Podcasts

On Stands Now

 

Tagged Content

    

Two Ways to Subscribe

1. Subscribe to free weekly e-mail content updates.

You'll get both the current official narrative challenge and What's Happenin' in the Quad Cities.
(Did you know we publish a new Real Astrology and RCR Crossword every week?) 

Subscribe!

* indicates required

2. Get 12 monthly issues mailed first class for $48

Get 12 issues mailed monthly for $48 per year.

Get the printed Reader edition mailed to you (or anyone you want) first-class for 12 months for $48.
$24 goes to postage and handling, $24 goes to keeping the doors open!

Click this link to Subscribe now.