28 Oct 2013

U.S. Coast Guard christens fourth National Security Cutter

By U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters Public Affairs

WASHINGTON – The U.S Coast Guard christened its fourth National Security Cutter Saturday, during a ceremony at Ingalls Shipyards in Pascagoula, Miss.

The cutter's sponsor, Linda Kapral Papp, led the time-honored tradition of breaking a champagne bottle on the cutter's bow, officially giving the cutter the name Hamilton. She was accompanied by Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Bob Papp, who was the keynote speaker for the event.

"A ship's sponsor is considered a permanent part of the ship's crew and an advocate for its continued service and well-being," said Linda Kapral Papp. "I take this advocacy role, both for the crew and their family, very seriously."

The Hamilton was named after Alexander Hamilton, the first Secretary of the Treasury and the driving force behind the establishment of the Revenue Cutter Service, a precursor to the modern U.S. Coast Guard. With the christening, the Hamilton becomes the sixth U.S. Coast Guard cutter that bears the name Hamilton. The first was the 75-foot U.S. Revenue Cutter Hamilton, commissioned in 1830.

"I'm very proud to be joined today by Linda, my wife and the ship's sponsor, as we both christened cutter Hamilton," said Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Bob Papp. "The christening ceremony marks an important milestone in the creation of a national asset that is designed and uniquely equipped to provide a persistent water-borne presence, ensuring maritime security far from our shores."

The Hamilton was launched Aug. 10, 2013, and is scheduled for delivery to the Coast Guard in September 2014. The Hamilton will be homeported in Charleston, S.C. Following the christening, production work on the Hamilton will continue until 2014.

"Today was an exciting day because we are one step closer to bringing cutter Hamilton to her new home in Charleston," said Capt. Doug Fears, the Hamilton's prospective commanding officer. "This exceptionally capable ship is the first major cutter to enter the Coast Guard's Atlantic fleet in more than 30 years, and it will serve our national security interests for decades, along with providing economic opportunities through ship maintenance and technical support to the greater Charleston area. Hamilton's crew is eager to test the ship's capabilities and equally thrilled to become part of the Charleston community."

Currently, three NSCs, including the Hamilton, are in production at Ingalls Shipyards. The fifth NSC, the James, is scheduled for delivery in 2015. The sixth NSC, the Munro, is scheduled for delivery in 2016. A contract option for long lead time materials for NSC 7, the Kimball, was exercised June 14, 2013. Long lead time materials includes main propulsion and navigation systems, generators, electrical switchboards, major castings and other items needed for production.

The NSC is the most technologically sophisticated cutter in the Coast Guard fleet, capable of performing critical homeland security, law enforcement and national defense missions in the most demanding open ocean environments. The cutter is 418 feet long, has a top speed of 28 knots, a range of 12,000 miles and endurance to perform 60- to 90-day patrols.

Three NSCs have been delivered to the Coast Guard and commissioned into service. These cutters, Bertholf, Waesche and Stratton, are currently performing operations in support of Coast Guard missions.

The Hamilton's prospective commanding officer, Capt. Doug Fears, and a small precommissioning crew are currently stationed in Charleston and are making preparations for the cutter's arrival in 2014. They are available upon request for public speaking or other opportunities to educate the public about the Hamilton. For additional information, please contact Capt. Fears at (843) 740-3143.

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25 Oct 2013

Meet Andrew Harriman

By Steven Nardizzi
Last week we received overwhelming support for our warriors ? thank you! In response to the wishes of many, Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) would like to share an inspiring story with you.

Andrew Harriman deployed to Iraq as a medic in 2006. During the first nine months of Andrew's deployment, he treated 23 men. Every one of them survived. "There was a lot of skill involved," Andrew says. "But I got very lucky in a lot of circumstances, too."

On March 5, 2007, while on a mission to deliver supplies to snipers in a heavily armed insurgent area of the Diyala River Valley, a fellow warrior was hit by gunfire. While attempting to save his comrade, Andrew's medical kit exploded, forcing him to act quickly.

While applying pressure to stop his comrade's bleeding, Andrew grabbed a nearby weapon in his other hand and started to fire. He dragged his fellow warrior out of the line of fire, stabilized him, and quickly arranged to have him airlifted to safety.

Andrew was awarded the Silver Star for bravery, and by the end of his deployment, he was also awarded a Bronze Star for valor, an Army Commendation Medal with valor, and the Purple Heart.

Andrew's own injuries include leg wounds, punctured eardrums, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). But he, too, had someone to help him when he needed it most. He says: "WWP has helped me immensely ... [including] getting me out with other warriors who have been hurt ... resources for finding a job through the Warriors to Work® program ... WWP has all the aspects covered."

Andrew continues his involvement with WWP through outdoor excursions. "The fact that everyone has had similar experiences really helps. You can be yourself."

You show Andrew and the countless injured warriors like him your support by giving a generous gift of $50, $75, $100, or more today. Your gift lets injured warriors know they are not forgotten.

With thanks,

Steven Nardizzi
Executive Director
Wounded Warrior Project
22 Oct 2013

Woman GI Sought for Veteran's Day and More

By Don Bracken

She Did All She Could in Iraq, Woman GI to Tell all on Veterans' Day

She was all that she could be with the U.S. Army in Iraq, and she told all about it in her book,   All I Could Be, a May 2013 title from History Publishing Company. The media called on her for the ten-year anniversary of Operation Iraqi Freedom and now there are those event planners and movers who want their attendees and audiences to hear all about her for Veteran's Day and days beyond.

Miyoko Hikiji, once a soldier deployed to Iraq with the Iowa National Guard's 2133rd Transportation Corps, and now a model, actress, and author, is compiling a list of events that will call on her to prove that she is still all that she can be without her M-16 and heavy truck. She no longer drives into the face of the enemy but now looks into the faces of friends and fellow Americans. She will be soon doing that on a growing list:

  • 11/7   Notable Iowans exhibit debuts at Iowa Gold Star Military Museum, Camp Dod
  • 11/8   Van Meter community Veteran's Day assembly, Van Meter High Schoo
  • 11/9   Veteran's Day presentation at Cedar Rapids Public Libra
  • 11/11 Veterans' Day luncheon and speech, sponsored by Chrysalis Foundation and Ellen Hubbell
  • 11/12 Veteran's Day presentation, Waukee Public Library, Wauk11/18 Presentation, Ames Rotary Club, Am
  • 12/3 Dupont Pioneer International Series Presentation, Iowa International Center, Des Moines Public Library
  • 12/7 Jordan Creek Barnes and Noble, Book Signing, West Des Moi
  • 12/13 Edgewater Retirement Community Program, West Des Moine
  • 1/8 West Des Moines United Methodist Church Women's Group Presentation
  • 3/5 "A Date with History" Lecture Series Presentation & Book Signing, First Division Museum, Wheaton, IL

Miyoko Hikiji  is considered a force of nature by those who know her. The U.S. Army discovered that in Iraq, television and radio audiences discovered that too, in recent months. And now those who honor and respect those who served in the military will as well.

History Publishing Company will make available to accredited members of the media review copies of Miyoko's book,  All I Could Be. To download a review copy, please use the widget link below.

All I Could Be

https://www.netgalley.com/widget/open?widget_id=37652_42987_1381787042525c65a2d3469_9781933909868_US

Contact: Don Bracken, djb@historypublishingco.com, 945-398-8161

17 Oct 2013

Loebsack Welcomes Eastern Iowa Honor Flight to Washington

By Joe Hand

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

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 copy of the Our Flag booklet.  The Eastern Iowa Honor Flight brings both World War II and Korean 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."

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 83 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.

PHOTOS

http://loebsack.house.gov/UploadedFiles/DSC01195.jpg

Congressman Dave Loebsack joins veterans from the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight at the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C.

http://loebsack.house.gov/UploadedFiles/DSC01136.jpg

Congressman Dave Loebsack welcomes a veteran from Eastern Iowa who flew to Washington D.C. to visit the WWII Memorial.

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15 Oct 2013

Illinois National Guard military police unit honored at Freedom Salute ceremony

By Illinois National Guard PAO

Six Soldiers earn Bronze Star Medal

FORT SHERIDAN, IL (10/15/2013)(readMedia)-- Approximately 130 Illinois Army National Guard Soldiers from the 933rd Military Police Company based in Fort Sheridan, Ill., were recognized for their service in Afghanistan at a Freedom Salute ceremony at the Chicago Botanic Gardens, Oct. 12.

The unit mobilized Aug. 7, 2012 and deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF).

"Welcome back 933rd, I'm glad to have you back to recognize all the great work you did in Afghanistan. Be very proud of yourselves for the fine work you did over there," said Brig. Gen. Richard J. Hayes Jr., Assistant Adjutant General-Army. "To the families - thank you for your enduring sacrifice. I know it's very hard to have your loved ones away."

The company worked with Special Forces troops in Afghanistan; therefore, much of its mission is classified. 933rd Soldiers were spread across four remote combat posts in Afghanistan successfully accomplishing missions such as guard operations and prisoner escort.

"I want to thank you all for coming and the support," said Capt. Thomas Gilligan of Bolingbrook, 933rd commander. "The most important part of the National Guard is the bond we have with our families, friends and local community and as you can see with the facilities we have here today and the support we have been given over the year and the various things that got shipped to us that we needed in theater, the support we have as a unit is great and that is because of you guys."

Six Soldiers earned Bronze Star Medals, 76 earned Army Commendation Medals, 42 earned the Army Achievement Medals and 19 Soldiers received Combat Action Badges. Recipients of the Bronze Star Medal included Capt. Thomas Gilligan of Bolingbrook, 1st Lt. Christopher Rothwell of Chicago, 1st Lt. Lorrie Novak of Oak Forrest, Sgt. 1st Class Delval Desavieu of Dolton, Staff Sgt. Bret Thompson of Yorkville. Sgt. 1st Class Joel Mauney of Springfield also earned the Bronze Star Medal, but was not present for the ceremony.

The 933rd also mobilized from February 2003 to July 2004, as one of the first Illinois Army National Guard units to be deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The Freedom Salute Campaign is a small way to show these patriotic citizen-Soldiers, their families and employers how much their sacrifice is appreciated. On behalf of the National Guard Bureau, the Illinois Army National Guard presented each eligible Soldier with an encased American flag, as well as a sequentially-numbered commemorative coin, certificate of appreciation and lapel pin. Families also received items recognizing their support and sacrifice.

The Freedom Salute Campaign is one of the largest Army National Guard recognition endeavors in history. It is designed to publicly acknowledge Army National Guard Soldiers and those who supported them while deployed.

10 Oct 2013

Loebsack Statement on Legislation to Provide Military Death and Burial Benefits

By Vonnie Hampel

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement after the House voted on legislation to ensure families of service members who are killed while serving our nation will receive death, burial, and travel benefits.

"It is unconscionable and disgraceful that we have gotten to the point where those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our county and the families of our fallen heroes have been put in the middle of reckless political games. Our nation has a moral responsibility to care for the families of our fallen heroes and to honor those who have given the last full measure of devotion. That reckless Washington politics trumped that responsibility is outrageous.

"I strongly supported legislation today to immediately right this wrong. However, in order to ensure that our troops, veterans, and military families receive the full support, care, and benefits they are owed, Congress must immediately take the simple step of passing a clean funding resolution to reopen the government. As a military parent, it pains me to see the families of the men and women who died fighting to protect our country being left out. For their sake, and for many others, we must end this shutdown now."

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03 Oct 2013

Military Leader to Loebsack: "Disruptive and Unfortunate" Don't Begin to Address Impact of Shutdown

By Rick Martin

LtGen Faulkner: "Words like disruptive and unfortunate don't even begin to address the impact of this shutdown" 

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack today questioned military leaders about the effects that the shutdown is having on our nation's military and Department of Defense civilian workforce such as those at Rock Island Arsenal at a House Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness hearing. Loebsack questioned United States Army Lieutenant General Raymond Mason, Deputy Chief of Staff, Logistics and Marine Corps Lieutenant General William Faulkner, Deputy Commandant for Installations and Logistics. When asked for his assessment of what the shutdown means to the civilian workforce who support our troops and who have been furloughed, Faulkner stated "Words like disruptive and unfortunate don't even begin to address the impact of this shutdown on our Marine civilians."

Lieutenant General Faulkner followed up this statement by saying: "more descriptive words, such as disrespectful, are more appropriate."

"We are now in our second day of the shutdown and I could not agree with the General more. This shutdown is disrespectful to our troops, as well as the civilians who work day and night to support them. Republicans and Democrats must come together immediately to find a way forward to end this needless shutdown," said Congressman Loebsack.

Video of the remark can be found here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrCtOguQEHU

The full video of Loebsack's questions can be seen here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ncUR3_vcSrg&feature=youtu.be

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01 Oct 2013

Shutdown affects on Illinois National Guard

By Illinois National Guard PAO

SPRINGFIELD, IL (10/01/2013)(readMedia)-- The federal government shutdown will mean temporary layoffs of some state employees and the indefinite furlough of more than 1,100 Illinois National Guard federal technicians.

"This has been a difficult year for our technicians and their families," said Brig. Gen. Daniel M. Krumrei, the Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard. "They along with our state employees are hard working, professional people who are tirelessly dedicated to our mission; helping our neighbors, defending our nation and protecting the state. This is no way to treat these patriots and heroes who train, mobilize, serve, sacrifice, bleed and die: just like every other Soldier and Airman. It is long past time we treat the National Guard with the dignity and equality they have earned in over 300 years of service to the people of this nation."

During the past four months, federal government officials furloughed more than 1,100 employees for up to five days. The nation requires these Soldiers to be active, traditional members of the Illinois National Guard who wear their military uniforms to work daily. However, under fiscal law the National Guard must treat these employees differently than other full-time military members.

Approximately 80 military civilian employees who support critical life and safety activities are exempt from the furlough.

Because the federal government reimburses the state for 53 Illinois Department of Military Affairs employees, the Adjutant General is also forced to layoff these employees.

The shutdown also caused the termination of the contracts of 15 employees paid through the State's Master Cooperative Agreement with the federal government.

01 Oct 2013

Branstad accepts resignation of Iowa Veterans Home Commandant David Worley, appoints Gen. Jodi Tymeson to serve as new commandant

By Tim Albrecht

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry E. Branstad today accepted the resignation of Iowa Veterans Home Commandant David Worley, effective tomorrow.

Branstad has appointed current IVH COO Gen. Jodi Tymeson as the new commandant at the Iowa Veterans Home.

"I want to thank David for his years of service and important changes at the Iowa Veterans Home, and am pleased General Jodi Tymeson will take on this important role for Iowa's veterans," said Branstad.

Worley served in the previous administration, and was retained by Gov. Branstad to serve in the commandant position.  The text of his letter is as follows:

Dear Governor,

It has been a great honor to serve our nation's bravest citizens as Commandant of the Iowa Veterans Home. During my tenure, my top priority has been to provide the excellent standard of care Iowa's veterans have earned and deserved. Care of our veterans and their spouses always comes first. I worked hard to maintain that standard, and believe we have made a number of positive changes for the betterment of our veterans.

At this time, however, I have made the decision to seek other opportunities. While I am proud of the progress we made, it is with a solemn sense of respect and gratitude for the Iowa Veterans Home that I will be stepping down as the Iowa Veterans Home Commandant effective tomorrow.

I want to thank you for giving me your confidence to serve in this position. It has been an honor to serve the people of Iowa in this role. I want to thank Jodi Tymeson, my fellow staff at the Veterans Home, the volunteers, and families who all contributed to a very positive experience during my tenure.

I will continue to pray for the veterans our home serves. I am thankful for the heroism they provided to defend our nation, and am grateful I had the opportunity to serve them as Commandant. They will have my eternal admiration.

Respectfully submitted,

David G Worley

Commandant, Iowa Veterans Home

# # #
01 Oct 2013

Simon: Government shutdown hurts military communities

By Annie Thompson

Thousands in defense and military communities facing furloughs

SPRINGFIELD - October 1, 2013. As chair of the Interagency Military Base Support and Economic Development Committee (IMBSEDC), Lt. Governor Sheila Simon urged Congress to end the stalemate that has resulted in a federal government shutdown. Illinois is home to three military bases that employ thousands of civilian workers who are now facing furloughs, and river cities such as Peoria are facing new risks..

As the battle to end the government shutdown rages on in Washington, the effects are already being felt here in Illinois. The state's military bases employ military and civilian personnel that are a vital part of the state's economy and national defense.

"The men and women employed at Illinois' military installations serve our country and deserve the support of their government," said Simon. "I encourage members of Congress to think of these families that now worry about putting food on the table, and work toward a meaningful compromise."

Approximately 2,500 civilian employees at Naval Station Great Lakes, as well as two-thirds of Scott Air Force Base's 5,000 civilian workers are facing furloughs. At Rock Island Arsenal, around 3,000 civilian employees could be affected.

Throughout the summer, Simon's office convened listening posts in the Metro East, Quad Cities and North Chicago, all of which neighbor military installations and are already struggling with the economic impact of sequestration and the possibility of future cuts. In order to maximize participation, residents were also able to participate via an online survey, which received hundreds of responses.

The survey and listening posts were administered in partnership with the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs (IIRA). More than 750 participants answered questions pertaining to business opportunities, education, workforce training and quality of life. Preliminary review of data has shown shared concerns related to the availability of jobs and the quality of education. Simon also heard from business owners who talked about the boost civilian and military personnel give local businesses, support that cannot be counted on now as thousands of workers face being furloughed.

In mid-October, Simon will present the findings to the IMBSEDC. The IMBSEDC coordinates the state's activities and communications relating to current and former military bases in Illinois, and provides advice and recommendations for base retention, realignment and reuse.

Simon also chairs the Mississippi, Illinois, and Wabash and Ohio River Coordinating Councils, which are charged with reviewing state and federal programs that impact the watersheds and working with local communities to raise awareness of and address watershed issues. As Simon convenes the quarterly meeting of the Illinois Rivers Coordinating Council later today in Peoria, federal Coast Guard reservists and civilian inspectors who work to protect the Illinois River are also being impacted by the furloughs. Officials have said they are coordinating with local law enforcement to ensure continued enforcement along the river.

Simon is encouraging residents to contact their elected officials here to demand an end to the shutdown.

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