29 Jul 2013

Six Illinois Army National Guard Soldiers complete accelerated officer candidate program

By U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Michael Camacho, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs

SPRINGFIELD, IL (07/28/2013)(readMedia)-- Six Illinois National Guard Soldiers graduated the South Dakota Army National Guard's Accelerated Officer Candidate School July 26 at Mount Rushmore, S.D.

"The Accelerated Officer Candidate School is a high paced, intense officer training course, which takes enlisted Soldiers and shapes them into the commissioned leaders of tomorrow's National Guard," said Col. Tom Weiss of Sherman, the commander of the 129th Regiment, Regional Training Institute (RTI) in Springfield, Ill. "Each of these Soldiers have proved themselves ready to be part of the next generation of leaders in the Illinois Army National Guard."

Officer Candidates Dustin Anderson of Preemption, Robert Boney of Columbia, Amanda Bruni of Troy, Jonathan Logemann of Chicago, Jonathan Miller of Chicago and Garrett Nevious of Marion were selected to attend the accelerated class in South Dakota through the Illinois National Guard's Pre-Officer Candidate School program at the 129th Regiment, Regional Training Institute (RTI) in Springfield, Ill.

The graduates were among 52 officer candidates from nearly 20 states and the U.S. territory of Guam hoping to earn a commission in the Army National Guard Officer Corps.

The six graduates will be among the 34 Illinois Army National Guard officer candidates from this year's accelerated and traditional OCS classes to become second lieutenants at the 129th RTI's officer commissioning ceremony to be held Aug. 25 at the Springfield High School in Springfield, Ill.

The accelerated OCS program is an eight-week fulltime training program where as the traditional OCS program is a one-weekend-a-month for 18 months program plus two, two-week long training sessions.

The Illinois National Guard's OCS program has commissioned nearly 140 officers since 2010.

24 Jul 2013

Illinois State Military Museum puts visitors on European street during WWII

By Illinois National Guard PAO

SPRINGFIELD, IL (07/23/2013)(readMedia)-- A U.S. Soldier takes cover behind a bullet-riddled brick wall, holding his Thompson submachine gun against his right leg as he reloads. Behind him, another U.S. Soldier in a muddy uniform uses the barrel of his M-1 Garand rifle to nudge open the front door of a house.

This scene is the focus of a new display in the Illinois State Military Museum in Springfield and aims to take visitors back to the villages of Europe in 1944.

"This display puts you right in the middle of a village alongside Illinois Soldiers during World War II. You get a taste of the tension that Soldiers feel," said Bill Lear, the museum curator who designed the display and supervised its construction and installation on the second floor of the museum.

Lear is an Illinois Army National Soldier who served in Afghanistan with the 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team during its 2009 deployment, the largest single deployment of Illinois National Guard personnel since World War II.

The museum shows the history of the Illinois National Guard from its days as a French militia in 1723 to its current service in Iraq and Afghanistan. This scene expands the museum's World War II section.

"We have another life-sized display showing Illinois Soldiers landing on a Pacific island and we have an interactive computer kiosk that lets visitors select World War II information from a menu of choices. There are also displays showing U.S. weapons and captured German and Japanese weapons and equipment," Lear said.

The new street scene is the result of the generosity of the 84th Division Railsplitter Association, a group of World War II veterans, and the Illinois National Guard and Militia Historical Society, a nonprofit organization that supports the museum's programs. The Railsplitter Association contributed funds to the Historical Society that in turn bought the mannequins, uniforms, signage and construction materials and hired the labor to build the display, said Lear.

"We've lived in freedom because of the service and sacrifice of the Railsplitters and servicemembers like them during World War II. And now, thanks to the Railsplitters and the Historical Society, the military museum can continue to tell the story of the Illinois members of the greatest generation," said retired Illinois National Guard Brig. Gen. Stewart Reeve, director of the Illinois State Military Museum.

The Illinois State Military Museum displays the history of the Illinois National Guard from 1723 to the 21st Century. Located two blocks north of the intersection of MacArthur Boulevard and North Grand Avenue in Springfield, Ill., the museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 1 to 4:30 p.m. Admission and parking are free. For further information about the museum call (217) 761-3910 or visit http://www.il.ngb.army.mil/museum/ . Like the museum on Facebook at www.facebook.Illinois.State.Military.Museum. To learn more about Illinois National Guard history visit http://www.il.ngb.army.mil/History/.

23 Jul 2013

Urbana, Milan National Guard units target artillery training

By Maj. Nathan Westby, 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

FORT MCCOY, WIS. (07/22/2013)(readMedia)-- Soldiers assigned to the Combat Observation and Lasing Team, "Colt" from Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT), based in Urbana, Ill., conduct live-fire training exercises with the 2nd Battalion, 123rd Field Artillery Regiment (2-123 FA), headquartered in Milan, Ill., during the units' annual training at Fort McCoy, Wis., in July.

The two units, who are assigned to different brigades within the Illinois Army National Guard, rarely have the chance to work together despite having complimentary missions. The "Colt" team specializes in accurately identifying enemy locations and calling for indirect fire on enemy targets. The 2-123 FA uses its new M777 howitzers to provide indirect fire support on enemy targets. This training provided both units the opportunity to build proficiency in skills they couldn't accomplish without working together.

"We don't have organic 155mm howitzers, specifically the M777 howitzer in our brigade. This opportunity allows us to call for indirect fire and observe rounds from that weapon system," said Master Sgt. Nathaniel McIntyre of Willisville, Ill., the brigade fires noncommissioned officer with the 33rd IBCT, who also serves as the joint fires observer manager for the Illinois Army National Guard. "We're also helping their battalion train on how their fire direction center is going to work on the digital net to process tactical fire direction orders," said McIntyre.

The Soldiers of the "Colt" team are able to improve their skills using the M1200 Armored Knight, an armored vehicle that provides the "Colt" team with digital communications and targeting technology to quickly and accurately bring indirect fire onto an enemy.

"This training provides us a chance to get out in the field and do our job and work with the digital systems," said Sgt. William McNeese, of Bloomington, Ill., a forward observer with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 33rd IBCT. "It's also a great chance to train up our lower enlisted and increase their proficiency," said McNeece.

 

Captions:

U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Charlie Helmholt, 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment/ Sgt. William McNeese, of Bloomington, Ill., a forward observer with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) observes artillery fire from the top of a M1200 Armored Knight vehicle during annual training at Fort McCoy, Wis., July 18. Soldiers from the 33rd IBCT's combat observation and lasing team or "Colt" identified enemy targets during the training exercise and then called for artillery fire from an Illinois Army National Guard field artillery battalion.

U.S. Maj. Nathan Westby, 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment /Sgt. William McNeese, of Bloomington, Ill., a forward observer with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) points at targets from the observation turret on top of the M1200 Armored Knight vehicle during annual training at Fort McCoy, Wis., July 18. The Soldiers from the 33rd IBCT's combat observation and lasing team or "Colt" conducted artillery live-fire training with 2nd Battalion, 123rd Field Artillery Regiment during the units annual training in Wisconsin.

23 Jul 2013

MILAN-BASED FIELD ARTILLERY UNIT RAINS DOWN ROUNDS IN WISCONSIN

By Sgt. Charlie Helmholt, 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

FORT MCCOY, WIS. (07/22/2013)(readMedia)-- Soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, 123rd Field Artillery Regiment, with units based in Milan, Macomb and Galesburg headed north for several weeks in July to conduct their annual training at Fort McCoy and to field the M777 Howitzer, a new weapon for Illinois National Guard Soldiers.

The M777 replaced the M198. It's smaller than its predecessor and weighs much less, mainly due to the use of titanium, and takes nearly a third less time to set up.

"The only comparison is they are both 155mm and they're both pulled by a truck. This one (M777) is half the weight and is all digitial," said Sgt. 1st Class John D. Feehan, of Kirkwood, Ill., a platoon sergeant with Battery C, 2nd Battalion (Bn.), 123rd Field Artillery (FA) in Galesburg.

The effective range on the M777 is approximately 15 miles. However, this weapon system can also be combined with Excalibur GPS-guided rounds which then increase the effective range to nearly 25 miles.

"The great thing about this system is not only can you fire it off the computer, you can fire it manually as well," said Sgt. Brandon T. Hornung, of Utica, Ill., a gunner with Battery C, 2nd Bn., 123rd FA. Hornung was originally a cavalry scout from Dixon, Ill. who volunteered for mobilization and was deployed with Battery C. "I think it's one of the most valuable pieces of equipment the Army's got because we can attack from such a distance."

The training gives the unit ample time and space to work on the new system and become proficient with it, allowing for multiple fire missions over the course of the two-week exercise.

"Its great because it gives all the Soldiers a chance to work on their specific jobs and then rotate so guys can become proficient in other areas. Simulations just don't afford us the training that this does," said said 2nd Lt. Chandler Wescott, of Springfield, Ill., a platoon leader with Battery C, 2nd Bn., 123rd FA.

With National Guard and Reserve units being relied on heavily for deployments over the past decade, it is fitting that their units receive equipment of this caliber in such a timely fasion.

"The guys really enjoy using this weapon. It's a privilege to have it because not many National Guard units do. It's outstanding. Especially as this is what we'll use in theater," said Wescott.

23 Jul 2013

Illinois Aviation trains disaster relief in 'Patriot' exercise

By Sgt. Charlie Helmholt, 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

FORT MCCOY, WIS. (07/22/2013)(readMedia)-- Members of the Illinois Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 106th Aviation Regiment (1-106th) out of Decatur, Ill., travelled to Wisconsin with their UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters to conduct training, and participate in the annual joint service and multi-national disaster response exercise dubbed 'Patriot', taking place July 13-27.

The Patriot exercise simulates the occurrence of natural disasters. The exercise is comprised of three separate tornadoes and several terrorists attack scenarios. This combination of conditions is designed to overwhelm the first responder teams prompting a National Guard emergency response.

"What is great for us is the designers allow us to custom design the specific training that we would like to focus on, and they then build the scenario and work in that type of training," said Maj. Dennis Huffman from Heyworth, Ill., the executive officer of the 106th.

Huffman said although the unit helped design some elements of the training, the unit will not know exactly what and when it will take place.

"One of our biggest training values comes from not knowing the mission, being able as a unit to plan the route and then fly over unknown terrain and into unknown landing zones," said Chief Warrant Officer 3 Adam D. Kellerman of Pinckneyville, Ill., a pilot with Company A, 1-106th.

Kellerman said there is a lot the unit can do at Fort McCoy that they cannot do in Illinois.

"We can get in the corridors they have up here and fly the terrain, right on the tops of trees through the valleys, and that is something that the crews don't get to experience every day," said Kellerman.

While at Fort McCoy the unit will use its time training new pilots and crew as well as conducting missions to support other units outside of Patriot.

"We are here as an aviation support element, supporting the Air Force and the Wisconsin National Guard to facilitate these operations," said Huffman. "We are then also able to jump over and support other Illinois units training here."

Blackhawk aircraft and crews are a resource to Illinois and its neighboring states if an emergency should arise.

"In addition to being able to move a large amount of personnel and or equipment, aviation can provide critical reconnaissance and surveillance of sites, in case of fire, flooding or hazardous material conditions that may prevent ground access," said Capt. Chris Lempke of Bloomington, Ill., commander of Company A.

Sgt. Charles L. Venegoni a firefighter and former Marine from Arnold, Mo., is now a crew chief with Company A, and is using this training to get familiar with the Blackhawk.

Crew chiefs act as a peripheral sight for the pilots and are also responsible for what is in the back of the aircraft, be it passengers or equipment, said Venegoni.

"I was a crew chief with the Marines also, on the CH-53, but it's nice to have this kind of training so that I can get adapted to the Blackhawk," said Venegoni.

From the pilots and crew of the aircraft, to unit planning and support, this training allows the unit to accomplish multiple tasks during a single exercise.

"We are out here for a great training opportunity, an opportunity that will allow us to get to and maintain readiness level one, which means that we are fully mission capable," said Kellerman.

17 Jul 2013

Illinois National Guard Soldiers first to receive Polish 25th Air Cavalry Brigade insignia

By Illinois National Guard PAO

SPRINGFIELD, IL (07/16/2013)(readMedia)-- By Staff Sgt. Bryan Spreitzer, Task Force White Eagle Public Affairs Liaison and Sgt. Robert R. Adams, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs

GHAZNI PROVINCE, Afghanistan - Sixteen Illinois National Guard Soldiers were presented unit insignia from the Polish 25th Air Cavalry Brigade (ACB) June 22 in Afghanistan.

The unit insignia of the 25th ACB was awarded to the Bilateral Embedded Staff Team A11 (BEST A11) Soldiers. This unit insignia has never been awarded to a non-Polish servicemember. The BEST mission is liaison support with the staff of Polish Task Force White Eagle in Ghazni. The Illinois Soldiers are partnered with the 25th Air Cavalry Brigade of Tomaszow Mazowiecki, commanded by Brig. Gen. Marek Sokolowski.

Sokolowski said the 25th is a close knit, uniquely ran brigade. The decision to bestow such an honor on the embedded Soldiers was an easy one to make, he said.

"We are all family here in Ghazni," said Sokolowski. "My Illinois Soldiers display the pride and honor of a fellow 25th Soldier."

Col. Christopher Lawson of Chatham, Ill., Deputy U.S. Commander of Task Force White Eagle and BEST A11 Commander, has worked with the Polish since 1994.

"The Polish Armed Forces have a proud tradition of service and sacrifice," said Lawson. "The 25th Air Calvary Brigade is an elite air mobile infantry unit that has high standards and expectations of its members. To be recognized as one of its members is the highest honor and I am humbled by this recognition," said Lawson.

Maj. Darren Horton of Springfield, Ill., U.S. Contracting and Personnel Officer for Task Force White Eagle is in the process of getting the insignia authorized for wear as a combat badge.

"I am working with Human Resources Command in Alexandria, Virginia to request approval for our team to wear the 25th Air Cavalry Brigade's insignia as a combat badge on our dress uniforms," said Horton. "Working for a Polish Brigade has been a unique and incredible experience and it would be an honor to be authorized to wear the combat badge of the Polish 25th ACB, which has performed so remarkably."

Horton said it will most likely be a lengthy process and a challenge to get approved, but the great experience of serving with the 25th ACB is well worth it.

With the award of the 25th's unit insignia, the 16-man team from Illinois will forever be a part of the Polish 25th Air Cavalry Brigade and the Polish Land Forces. The team says its deployment experience has been very unique, and an once-in-a-lifetime moment the men of the BEST A11 will cherish for the rest of their lives. The BEST A11 is expected to be back in Illinois around Christmas.

16 Jul 2013

Three Illinois National Guardsmen graduate Sergeants Major Academy

By Illinois National Guard PAO

Two Soldiers recognized as honor graduates

SPRINGFIELD, IL (07/16/2013)(readMedia)-- Story by Sgt. Kassidy L. Snyder, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs

Three Illinois Guardsmen graduated from the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy (USASMA) June 21 at the 127th Aviation Support Battalion Hangar on East Fort Bliss, Texas.

Master Sgt. Mary Dixon of Chapin, Ill., with the 129th Regiment (Regional Training Institute) in Springfield, Ill., Master Sgt. Anthony Mollusky Jr. of Kincaid, Ill., with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 108th Sustainment Brigade in Chicago and Master Sgt. Christopher Tipton of Springfield, Ill., with Joint Force Headquarters in Springfield, Ill., were among the 648 graduates.

Only 20 graduates were National Guardsmen, while most were active duty Army. Mollusky and Dixon were in the top 20 percent of the class and recognized as honor graduates.

"There was a great sense of accomplishment in exceeding the course standards," said Dixon. "Few National Guardsmen have an opportunity to attend the resident Sergeants Major Academy, and I am grateful for the chance to prove that National Guardsmen are an integral part of the fighting force."

The USASMA residence course is a 10-month-long class that provides tools to develop critical reasoning, creative thinking and decision-making skills. Soldiers are provided an education that teaches them to enhance their character, self-expression and strengthen teamwork abilities. The USASMA is also offered as a nonresident course which culminates with two weeks of resident instruction at the academy.

"I highly recommend the resident course," said Dixon. "It is a fantastic opportunity to develop long-term relationships with senior leaders from across the Army, as well as our sister services and international partners."

Mollusky also noted it was a great opportunity to concentrate on the curriculum on a full-time basis rather than spending nights and weekends doing homework.

The course prepares master sergeants and sergeants major to elevate from a tactical level of thinking to an operational and strategic perspective.

"It was very demanding with many writing assignments, tests and oral presentations," said Mollusky. "We heard presentations from every major combatant command and major agency in the Army."

Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Raymond Odierno was the guest speaker for graduating class 63 and reminded the graduates to "Never forget what our most important aspect of the Army is, our Soldiers."

More than 120,000 Soldiers have graduated from USASMA since it was founded in July 1972.

"Commit yourself to the philosophy of lifelong learning," said Tipton. "If you've been thinking about that next military school, then get after it. The more you open yourself up to various avenues and environments of learning, the better it helps you become a critical thinker and problem solver."

09 Jul 2013

On Fourth of July Governor Quinn Signs New Laws Helping Servicemembers Find Employment

By Brooke Anderson

New Laws Honor Veterans and Servicemembers by Easing Process of Becoming Police Officers, State Troopers, EMTs and Commercial Vehicle Drivers; Recognizing Military Skills and Experience

 

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS - Governor Pat Quinn today celebrated the Fourth of July by signing a package of bills helping more members of the United States Armed Forces, Reserves and Illinois National Guard find employment as police officers, Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and commercial vehicle drivers. Today's action is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to support our Veterans and servicemembers. The new laws will utilize the experience, teamwork and discipline servicemembers gain on the front lines to help serve the public on the home front.

"Our servicemembers and Veterans are some of the best-trained men and women in the world and are perfectly suited for a number of important jobs," Governor Quinn said. "Anyone who has driven a military vehicle in Iraq should be qualified to drive a commercial vehicle in Illinois. Anyone who has treated shrapnel wounds from an IED in Afghanistan should be able to treat an accident victim here."

"Our Illinois National Guard Soldiers and Airmen go through exceptional training with the highest standards to earn the titles of military police officers or medics or truck drivers," said Brig. Gen. Daniel M. Krumrei, Illinois National Guard Adjutant General. "As citizen-Soldiers, this is a great opportunity for them to apply those military-acquired skills in the civilian sector."

"Thanks to Governor Quinn's leadership and the efforts by the sponsors of these bills, our Illinois Veterans will have additional access to jobs and opportunities," Erica Borggren, director of the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs said. "Illinois Veterans appreciate these important acts to ease the transition into the civilian workforce."

House Bill 2563 allows members of the U.S. Armed Forces, Reserves and Illinois National Guard who have at least two years experience operating a military motor vehicle to bypass the state skills test in applying for a Commercial Drivers License (CDL). Sponsored by State Rep. Robert Pritchard (R-Sycamore) and State Sen. Tony Muñoz (D-Chicago), the new law will help address a shortage of CDL drivers across the nation and provide an additional career path for servicemembers.

"This concept came up in discussions with my district Veteran's Advisory Council as a way to help military personnel transition quickly back into the private sector," State Rep. Pritchard said. "This legislation gives Veterans credit for skills learned while serving in the military as they apply for civilian licenses and jobs."

"Veterans who have extensive experience in driving commercial vehicles should not have to pay to take a test," State Sen. Muñoz said. "This will allow our Veterans coming home from active duty to attain their CDL more quickly and find employment."

Sponsored by State Rep. Don Moffitt (R-Galesburg) and State Sen. Mike Frerichs (D-Champaign), House Bill 3186 recognizes members of the armed forces, Reserves and Illinois National Guard's military training and clinical experience when applying to be an EMT. The bill also waives the application fee for all Illinois State Troopers or members of the Illinois National Guard who volunteer as an EMT in a municipality with a population of 5,000 or fewer. Supported by the State's Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council, the new law will help create more EMTs in underserved areas and throughout Illinois.

"By signing HB 3186 into law, Governor Quinn is doing two very important things," State Rep. Moffitt said. "First, it allows communities across the state to benefit from the valuable and extensive training and skills in EMS that many of our Veterans bring back to civilian life and can be used to make our communities even safer places. Second, it is a way to express our appreciation to our Veterans for their service by opening more job opportunities for them using some skills gained in the military. It's a win-win."

"There is an increasing need for EMTs in rural communities throughout Illinois, however, it has been difficult to recruit candidates to fill these positions," State Sen. Frerichs said. "I am proud we found a way to not only recruit qualified EMTs but to make it easier for former members of the military to bring the skills they learned in the field back to our communities."

Senate Bill 204 - sponsored by State Sen. Muñoz and Rep. Jay Hoffman (D-Belleville) - makes college degree requirement exemptions for certain members of the U.S. Armed Forces and the Illinois National Guard looking to become Illinois State Police officers. Current law permitting the exemption already exists, but only lists two medals as requirements to qualify for exemption. The new law will expand the list of medals required, helping more servicemembers find employment.

"This legislation will create more opportunities for Veterans to become Illinois State Police officers, and I am pleased that the governor signed it into law," State Rep. Hoffman said. "The skills our servicemen and women acquire in the armed forces make them a valuable asset in the law enforcement field."

HB 2563, HB 3186 and SB 204 are all effective Jan.1.

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09 Jul 2013

July 4 marks many anniversaries for Illinois Soldiers

By Illinois National Guard

SPRINGFIELD, IL (07/02/2013)(readMedia)-- In addition to marking the independence of the United States, the Illinois National Guard is also marking the 150th anniversary of the Siege of Vicksburg and the Battle of Gettysburg during the Civil War and the 95th anniversary of the Battle of Hamel during World War I (WWI).

Three Illinois units participated in the Battle of Gettysburg, the 8th Illinois Cavalry, four companies of the 12th Illinois Cavalry, and the 82nd Illinois Infantry.

"At 7:30 a.m. on July 1, 1863 Lt. Marcellus Jones with the 8th Cavalry fired the first shot of the Battle of Gettysburg and the first Union Soldier to die in the battle were from the 12th Illinois Cavalry," said Adriana Schroeder of Springfield, Ill., the Illinois National Guard command historian.

Two days later, the 82nd Illinois Infantry participated in the Union defense of the infamous Pickett's Charge.

Hundreds of miles and several states away, Maj. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant laid siege to Vicksburg, Miss., with nearly one-third of his entire force consisting of Illinois Soldiers.

"The turning point in the Civil War came July 4, 1863 when Confederate fighters surrendered at both Gettysburg and Vicksburg," said Schroeder. "Gettysburg marked the last push into Union territory for the Confederates. After Vicksburg, the Union Army controlled the Mississippi River and cut the Confederacy in two."

Fifty-five years later, in July 1918, Soldiers from the 131st and 132nd Illinois Infantry Regiments were attached to Australian brigades in France during WWI.

"These Illinois Soldiers were the first of the 33rd Division to fight in the war and possibly the first Americans to fight under the command of another country." said Schroeder. "On July 4, 1918, they successfully took out German trenches in the Hamel Woods, which had previously dominated Australian forces."

On Aug. 12, 1918, George V, the King of England, arrived at 33rd Division Headquarters and awarded 19 officers and enlisted men with the Distinguished Service Cross, the Military Cross and the Military Medal for acts of bravery.

Cpl. Thomas A. Pope, a Norwood Park, Ill., native, served with company E of the 131st Infantry Regiment and received the Medal of Honor at Hamel. His citation reads, "At Hamel, July 4, 1918...Corporal Pope's company was advancing behind the tanks when it was halted by hostile machine gun fire. Going forward alone, he rushed a machine gun nest, killed several of the crew with his bayonet, and, standing astride his gun, held off the others until re-enforcements arrived and captured them."

The Illinois State Military Museum has artifacts and displays that tell the story of the Illinois units and Soldiers who served in these key battles. The displays include battle flags, weapons, war trophies and a WWI trench scene depicting the battle of Hamel.

The Illinois State Military Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. It is located adjacent to Camp Lincoln at 1301 N. MacArthur Blvd. in Springfield. Admission and parking are free.

02 Jul 2013

Loebsack to Host Veterans Roundtables Across the District

By Joe Hand

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack announced that he will host a series of Veterans Roundtables across the Second District next week.  These forums will give veterans and their families an opportunity to speak with Loebsack.  Staff will also be on hand for veterans to seek assistance if they are having issues with the Veterans Administration, or any Federal agency.  Roundtables will be held in Oskaloosa, Ottumwa, Albia, Knoxville, Newton, Davenport and Clinton.  Veterans and media are invited to attend.

"As a military parent, I believe that we have no greater responsibility as a nation than to care for our veterans with the same dignity and honor with which they have served our country," said Loebsack.  "I look forward to this opportunity to speak directly with veterans and their families about issues that are important to them."

Veterans Roundtable Schedule

 

Monday, July 1

Oskaloosa

1:30pm

American Legion

302 High Ave. E.

 

Ottumwa

3:00pm

Hotel Ottumwa

Keokuk Room

107 East Second Street

 

Tuesday, July 2

Albia

9:30am

Monroe County Veterans Affairs Office Conference Room

1801 South B Street

 

Knoxville

11:15am

Knoxville VFW John Myers Post

413 S. Lincoln St.

 

Newton

3:30pm

American Legion

1101 W. 4th St., Newton

 

Wednesday, July 3

Davenport

10:00am

American Legion Post 26

702 W. 35th St.

 

Clinton

1:00pm

Clinton County Admin. Bldg.

Board Room

1900 N. 3rd St.

 

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