MARSEILLES, IL (08/12/2013)(readMedia)-- "Shooters, watch your lanes!" was a familiar line on the qualifying ranges at the 2013 Illinois Army National Guard Adjutant General's (TAG) Rifle and Pistol Match Aug. 8 through 11 at Marseilles Training Center in Marseilles, Ill. Roughly 120 Illinois Army National Guard Soldiers participated in the annual marksmanship event.

"The TAG Match is training through competition," said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Kyle Gleason of Lincoln, Ill., with the 3625th Surface Maintenance Company in North Riverside, Ill., and range master for the contest. "It's like a World Series or a Super Bowl, but you're out there training and competing with your peers and other units. You don't just pass or get a 'go,' there are different ratings."

Shooters are rated both as teams and individuals using the pistol and rifle. There is also a combined arms match, a new addition this year, in which Soldiers are tested on both weapon systems.

"It's short-ranged and very fast-paced," Gleason said. "The phrase we like to use is 'you can't miss fast enough.'"

All the matches are based off what the Illinois National Guard marksman teams have faced when competing out of state, which enables Soldiers to experience big interstate match concepts at the Illinois state level, Gleason said.

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Brandon Gibbs of Pleasant Plains, Ill., director of the competition, said future competitions will be even more complex and exciting.

"Next year we're going to try and add the shotgun for a three-gun event," said Gibbs, with Company B, 634th Brigade Support Battalion in Champaign, Ill. "But it's really hard to change it up and make it different when these are the stages of fire set from the Winston P. Wilson Championship, of which we base our TAG Match off."

Sgt. James Wayne of Springfield, Ill., with Joint Force Headquarters in Springfield, Ill., gained new knowledge during his first TAG match, despite having 20 years of shooting experience.

"It's been a pretty good event so far with the competition and camaraderie," said Wayne. "If you get a chance to do this, by all means do it. It's a great thing and even I'm learning new things."

Every unit in the Illinois Army National Guard had the opportunity to put a team together for the TAG Match. 1st Sgt. Keith Rodgers of Eldorado, Ill., with Company C, 33rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion in Carbondale, Ill., participated in the event with a group of Soldiers from his unit.

"It's a fun event," Rodgers said. "I've heard a lot about it over the years but have always been too busy to try to participate in it. I've got some motivated Soldiers in the unit that wanted to get a team together, so I was glad to get on board and give it a try."

Rodgers said he appreciated the chance to do more than he would at a yearly qualification range.

"It's been really enjoyable," he said. "There's a lot more going on here than the standard range. It's an opportunity to put a lot of rounds down range and shoot in different situations that you normally don't get to try."

Brig. Gen. Richard J. Hayes of Springfield, Ill., Assistant Adjutant General of the Illinois Army National Guard, spoke at the ceremony recognizing the winners completion of the match.

"Your experience with this helps you to be better," Hayes said. "Through that competition, it forces you to fine tune what you were doing, to achieve and hopefully be one of the winners today."

The top 20 individual shooters received the Governor's Twenty Tab, which they can wear on their uniforms. The top three teams and individuals of each event received a plaque to display their accomplishments.

1st Lt. Justin F. Conley of Downers Grove, Ill., with the 135th Chemical Company in Machesney Park, Ill., was the first place shooter overall.

"There are some really good shooters out here," Conley said. "You can't just walk in the door, no matter how good you are. To max all three categories like that is humbling to say the least."

Winners of the TAG Match may be selected to join the Illinois National Guard's Marksman Team. The team must select two new shooters to compete in regional and national events annually. Gleason said the TAG Match is an important tool in selecting the Guard team.

"There's a pyramid, and the bottom of the pyramid is the state level match," Gleason said. "We always have to recruit from within the state and that's part of what this is here for. We can see their scores and we can study them."

Gibbs said despite the number of people in the Illinois Army National Guard, few compete in the TAG match.

"I would like to add more competitors to next years TAG Match," Gibbs said. "It would be nice to see more than 121 shooters show up especially since with have more than 10,000 plus members in the Guard."

Results of the 2013 ILARNG TAG Rifle and Pistol Match

Overall Top Three Individuals

1. 1st. Lt. Justin F. Conley of Downers Grove, Ill.; 135th Chemical Company in Machesney Park, Ill.

2. Sgt. Raleigh G. Walker of Goreville, Ill.; Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry Regiment in Marion, Ill.

3. Spc. Scott A. Lange of Aurora, Ill.; Troop C, 2nd Squadron, 106th Cavalry Regiment in Aurora, Ill.

Overall Individual Rifle

1. 1st. Lt. Justin F. Conley of Downers Grove, Ill.; 135th Chemical Company in Machesney Park, Ill.

2. Sgt. Raleigh G. Walker of Goreville, Ill.; Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry Regiment in Marion, Ill.

3. Spc. Nathaniel Roux of Grand Detour, Ill.; Troop B, 2nd Squadron, 106th Cavalry Regiment in Dixon, Ill.

Overall Individual Pistol

1. 1st. Lt. Justin F. Conley of Downers Grove, Ill.; 135th Chemical Company in Machesney Park, Ill.

2. Sgt. Raleigh G. Walker of Goreville, Ill.; Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry Regiment in Marion, Ill.

3. Spc. Scott A. Lange of Aurora, Ill.; Troop C, 2nd Squadron, 106th Cavalry Regiment in Aurora, Ill.

Combined Arms

1. Staff Sgt. Joshua L. Slocum of Roscoe, Ill.; Company A, 1st Battalion, 178th Infantry Regiment in Bartonville, Ill.

2. Pfc. Connor W. Peters of Carbondale, Ill.; Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry Regiment in Marion, Ill.

3. Spc. Scott A. Lange of Aurora, Ill.; Troop C, 2nd Squadron, 106th Cavalry Regiment in Aurora, Ill.

Overall Top Three Teams

1. Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 2nd Squadron, 106th Cavalry Regiment in Kewanee, Ill.

2. 135th Chemical Company in Machesney Park, Ill.

3. Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 178th Infantry Regiment in Chicago

Top Pistol Team

Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry Regiment in Marion, Ill.

Top Rifle Team

Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 178th Infantry Regiment in Chicago

The Governor's Twenty

1. 1st. Lt. Justin F. Conley of Downers Grove, Ill.; 135th Chemical Company in Machesney Park, Ill.

2. Sgt. Raleigh G. Walker of Goreville, Ill.; Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry Regiment in Marion, Ill.

3. Spc. Scott A. Lange of Aurora, Ill.; Troop C, 2nd Squadron, 106th Cavalry Regiment in Aurora, Ill.

4. Spc. Nathaniel Roux of Grand Detour, Ill.; Troop B, 2nd Squadron, 106th Cavalry Regiment in Dixon, Ill.

5. Sgt. Justin W. Snyder of Gibson City, Ill.; Company B, 634th Brigade Support Battalion in Champaign, Ill.

6. Sgt. Terry R. Pody of Machesney Park, Ill.; 135th Chemical Company in Machesney Park, Ill.

7. Staff Sgt. Keith Ellsworth of Chatham, Ill.; Joint Force Headquarters in Springfield, Ill.

8. 1st Lt. Joshua Z. Olds of Danville, Ill.; 3rd Battalion, 129th Regional Training Institute in Springfield, Ill.

9. Sgt. 1st Class Jon Arneson of Polo, Ill.; Troop B, 2nd Squadron, 106th Cavalry Regiment in Dixon, Ill.

10. Sgt. Gary Kupiec of Forsyth, Ill.; Company B, 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry Regiment in Effingham, Ill.

11. Sgt. 1st Class Richard T. Helkey of Mount Sterling, Ill.; 233rd Military Police Company in Springfield, Ill.

12. Sgt. Jerry D. Taylor of Monmouth, Ill.; Company A, 1st Battalion, 178th Infantry Regiment in Bartonville, Ill.

13. 2nd Lt. Brett Buscher of Glen Ellyn, Ill.; Company B, 634th Brigade Support Battalion in Champaign, Ill.

14. Sgt. Nolan C. Murray of Ottawa, Ill.; Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 178th Infantry Regiment in Chicago

15. Sgt. Trevor B. Chayer of Ladd, Ill.; Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 2nd Squadron, 106th Cavalry Regiment in Kewanee, Ill.

16. Sgt. 1st Class William N. Blackwell of Champaign, Ill.; Company B, 634th Brigade Support Battalion in Champaign, Ill.

17. 2nd Lt. William B. Leak of Normal, Ill.; Troop A, 2nd Squadron, 106th Cavalry Regiment of Pontiac, Ill.

18. Sgt. William A. Rylko of Rockford, Ill.; Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 178th Infantry Regiment in Chicago

19. Spc. Colin M. Kehoe of Aurora, Ill.; Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 33rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion in Machesney Park, Ill.

20. Spc. Robert W Siempelkamp of Palmer, Ill.; 233rd Military Police Company in Springfield, Ill.

New Laws Extend Tuition Waivers and Supplement Use of GI Bill Benefits 

SILVIS - Governor Pat Quinn today visited Hero Street in Silvis to sign two new laws that improve educational opportunities for Illinois veterans. The laws extend National Guard tuition waivers and allow students using their GI Bill of Rights benefits to be billed for tuition as in-state students. Today's actions are part of Governor Quinn's agenda to serve those who have served our country.

"The men and women of our National Guard are valuable members of any campus community," Governor Quinn said. "These new laws will put more National Guard members in the classroom and are an easy way for the people of Illinois to say 'thank you.' Here on Hero Street, which has sent more than 100 residents into military service since World War II, and in every community in Illinois, we want to help our veterans and improve their lives."

"The Illinois National Guard grant is a great incentive for our Soldiers and Airmen to remain in the military," Illinois National Guard Adjutant General Brig. Gen. Daniel Krumrei said, "Now our experienced Illinois Guardsmen can earn two more years of education after ten years of service, which will ultimately enhance their value to their community, employer and overall military service."

Under Senate Bill 2229, sponsored by State Senator Mike Frerichs (D-Champaign) and State Representative Deborah Conroy (D-Villa Park), anyone with at least 10 years of service in the Illinois National Guard will be eligible for six years of tuition waivers instead of the current maximum of four years. This recognizes the fact that older service members may take a longer time to complete their studies. The new waiver takes effect in the upcoming 2013-2014 school year.

"By furthering their education, National Guard members can advance their own careers while using the knowledge they've gained to better serve our state," Senator Frerichs said.

First created in 1976, the Illinois National Guard Grant Program is administered by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission. During the 2011-2012 school year, 1,978 National Guard members took advantage of the grant program, with 804 attending a state university and 1,174 attending a community college. Illinois National Guard members should contact their college financial aid office to determine what portion of their total tuition and fees will be covered by the grant.

Governor Quinn today also signed House Bill 2353, which allows students using their Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits to be billed as in-state students for the purpose of tuition. The benefit only applies state-supported institutions of higher learning in Illinois. The law is effective immediately.

CARBONDALE - After convening listening posts in three Illinois defense communities, Lt. Governor Sheila Simon today announced her office will continue soliciting input from residents and military families across the state. To extend her reach, Simon launched an online survey for individuals to share the issues facing communities that neighbor military bases or are home to National Guard and reserve units.

The community and virtual listening posts come as communities around the Metro East, Quad Cities and North Chicago areas struggle with the economic impact of sequestration and the possibility of future cuts.

"The listening posts enabled us to talk with residents, business owners, military families and others about how the state can help make their communities even better places to live and work," said Simon. "It is important that residents who weren't able to attend these meetings have a way to be heard, so I encourage people to participate in this survey. Together we can make Illinois the best state for military families."

The survey, which is being administered in partnership with the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs (IIRA), will close Friday, Sept. 6. The brief online survey includes questions pertaining to business climate, education, workforce training and quality of life, and takes less than 10 minutes to complete.

The Lt. Governor's Office will work with the IIRA to compile the survey data with information from the three listening posts held in the Metro East, Quad Cities and North Chicago, where she met with military families, employees of the U.S. Department of Defense, veterans, employers and educators this spring and summer. Though the communities surrounding Scott Air Force Base, Rock Island Arsenal and Naval Station Great Lakes are different, each share concerns on issues such economic development and education opportunities for children.

Simon will then present the findings to the Interagency Military Base Support and Economic Development Committee (IMBSEDC), which she chairs. 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. 

The survey can be found here.

DES MOINES, IA (08/05/2013)(readMedia)-- On Monday, August 12, the Iowa State Fair will honor active and retired military with special Veterans' Day programming and discounts throughout the day. "Nothing Compares" to the Iowa State Fair, August 8-18.

New this year, the Fair will be honoring veterans with discounted gate admission. With a military I.D., retired and active members of the armed forces and¬ their spouses will receive $8 admission at the gate from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

"Remembering Our Fallen," a tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, will be on display all day in the Richard O. Jacobson Exhibition Center Atrium. Fairgoers can honor these men and women throughout the Fair from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The Veterans' Day parade, an annual tradition featuring military bands, floats and more, will parade down the Grand Concourse at a new time, now 11 a.m.

The special events don't stop there. Throughout the day Fairgoers can enjoy performances by Iowa's Military Veteran's Band and the 34th Army Band as well as a special Military Tribute Contest in the Susan Knapp Amphitheater. The Fair will commemorate the day with a special patriotic display of flags throughout the amphitheater area.

"Nothing Compares" to the Iowa State Fair set August 8-18, 2013. Save money on advance admission tickets now through August 7 (while supplies last). For more information, call

800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

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