21 Dec 2012

Loebsack Statement on the 2013 Defense Policy Bill

By Joe Hand

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement after the 2013 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) was voted on by the House of Representatives.  Loebsack authored a bipartisan amendment that blocked retirement of the Iowa National Guard's 132nd Fighter Wing in the House-passed version of the bill and fought against allowing the proposed cuts to move forward in the final bill. For the first time, Loebsack did not sign the conference report and opposed passage of the bill. Click here to view Loebsack's floor speech.

"The men and women of the 132nd have fought for our nation time and again and are one of the most experienced and cost-effective units in the country.  When the Pentagon initially announced their short-sighted plan to retire the F-16s, I spearheaded the bipartisan effort to stop it because they could not demonstrate why it was a good deal for taxpayers or our national security. They still have not provided that justification.  I strongly opposed this decision and therefore could not support the bill.

"I am also strongly opposed to a provision that would affect the Pentagon's civilian workforce, possibly including positions such as those at Rock Island Arsenal.  The men and women at Rock Island Arsenal work every day in support of our troops and make essential and cost-effective contributions to our national security.  While savings and efficiencies can be found in the defense budget, arbitrary reductions without strategy or analysis, like what this proposal calls for, undermines national security efforts like those at Rock Island Arsenal and hurts good jobs and the local economy in the Quad Cities.

"While I cannot support the underlying bill because of these misguided proposals, I am proud to have worked to include many provisions that will support our military families, National Guard and Reserve, and the Rock Island Arsenal."

Specific Loebsack initiatives in the bill include :

Stops BRAC

  • Congressman Loebsack fought against the approval of new BRAC rounds since the proposal was first announced.  The final bill prevents DOD from carrying out new BRAC rounds.

Rock Island Arsenal Workload

  • Congressmen Loebsack worked to include language that directs DOD to identify the critical manufacturing capabilities provided by arsenals and determine the amount of work that is required to maintain them in peacetime which will be incorporated into a national security strategy for our industrial base.  It also requires the creation of a strategic workload plan to maintain arsenals' critical capabilities.

Housing Benefits Fix for National Guard

  • Also included in the NDAA, was Loebsack's legislation that prohibits reductions in the rate of Basic Allowance for Housing for members of the National Guard who transition from full time National Guard duty to active duty or from active duty to full time National Guard duty. Under current policy, some National Guardsmen who make this transition see their benefits reduced at a time when they and their families can least afford it because of a policy that changes how their benefits are calculated.  This issue was raised with Loebsack by the Iowa National Guard Officers and Enlisted Associations and he acted to fix it.

National Guard Counterdrug Schools

  • The legislation reauthorizes the National Guard Counterdrug Schools like the Iowa Guard runs at Camp Dodge (the Midwest Counterdrug Training Center). The Center provides critical training to local law enforcement from across Iowa and the country to help keep drugs off of our streets.

Travel Benefits for National Guard and Reserve Retirees

  • The legislation includes a provision similar to bipartisan legislation Loebsack co-introduced to allow expansion of full Space Available travel benefits on military aircraft to "gray area" retirees (National Guard members or Reservists who are eligible for retirement but under the age of 60) and surviving spouses. This issue was also raised with Loebsack by the Iowa National Guard Officers and Enlisted Associations, and Loebsack has worked on a bipartisan basis to provide these benefits.

Pay Raise for troops

  • As a member of the Military Personnel Subcommittee, Loebsack worked to provide a 1.7 percent pay increase in pay for our troops.

 ###

20 Dec 2012

Galesburg Army National Guard Unit Returns from Deployment

By Illinois National Guard PAO

GALESBURG, IL (12/20/2012)(readMedia)-- Christmas is coming early for approximately 115 Illinois Army National Guard Soldiers who served in Kuwait and will return to Illinois this weekend. The homecoming ceremony for the 444th Chemical Company will be Dec. 22 at 11 a.m. at the Galesburg National Guard Armory, 362 N. Linwood Road in Galesburg.

The Soldiers were mobilized in February and trained for a brief time at Camp Shelby, Miss., before deploying in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Stationed at Camp Virginia, Kuwait, the unit operated as a base command cell supporting units stationed at the base and operations in the region.

The command cell implemented base improvements that saved more than $500,000 in government contracts and increased the billeting capability of Camp Virginia by more than 4,000 Soldiers. The 444th was instrumental in transitioning Camp Virginia from a short-term stop for Soldiers heading into theater into a long-term billeting area.

The 444th also conducted more than 3,000 patrols and secured 71 unexploded ordnances without loss of life or equipment.

Become our Facebook Fan!

www.facebook.com/illinoisnationalguard

-30-

20 Dec 2012

Limbaugh steps up to help support the troops

By Danny Gonzalez
If you went to check right now at rushlimbaugh.com you would see "From Melanie Morgan at Move America Forward" at the top of the page. Rush Limbaugh has noticed our plight after care packages intended for the troops were stolen just days ago.

Rush has always been a big supporter of the troops, and of Move America Forward as one of the premiere organizations out there providing support for the men and women on the front lines. He's also been a huge supporter of other troop-support groups such as the Marine Corps - Law Enforcement Foundation. Rush has helped us every year by appearing on our Troopathon event which we broadcast every summer.

Having support from Rush to help us recover from this unfortunate crime is an amazing benefit for MAF as well as our troops in Afghanistan. Thank you Rush!


If you haven't already heard, Grinches tried to ruin Christmas for some of our brave troops in Afghanistan, stealing already packed and ready to deliver care packages in the dark of the night. But thanks to public outcry and the overwhelming generosity of everyday Americans like you, we are making up for the stolen care packages and working on another shipment as we speak.

There are only 6 days left until Christmas. Our brave men and women in Afghanistan need your support.

19 Dec 2012

Lt. Governor Simon: The holidays are a reminder to honor our veterans

By Kara Beach

ANNA - Lt. Governor Sheila Simon and Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs Director Erica Borggren will highlight the importance of veterans' facilities that provide needed care to the men and women who have served our country by visiting the Anna Veterans Home on Thursday to celebrate the holidays with its residents.

"Our veterans deserve the thanks and appreciation of a grateful state and country, and I am proud to celebrate the holidays with residents in Anna," said Simon, chair of the state's military base retention and reuse committee. "Despite our state's fiscal climate, it is important that we make sure veterans continue to receive the care they have earned."

There are four veteran homes throughout Illinois, located in Anna, LaSalle, Manteno and Quincy. Each home provides residents with a sense of community, as well as medical care and support. Given the state's serious fiscal climate, veterans homes have not been immune to annual budget cuts. During fiscal year 2013, the homes housed 44 fewer veterans, and 36 staff positions were cut.

DATE: Thursday, December 20

TIME: 2:30 p.m.

PLACE: Anna Veterans Home, 792 N. Main St., Anna

###
18 Dec 2012

Super Stealth Replacing 'Shock and Awe'

By Rick Martin
More Will Be Asked of Special Forces & Their Families,
Says SEAL Team 6 Author

A memorable quote from the presidential debates came from President Obama regarding the military: "... we have fewer ships than we had in 1916. Well Governor, we also have also fewer horses and bayonets. Because the nature of the military has changed ... The question is not a game of Battleship or counting ships, it's, 'What are our capabilities?' "

For the next four years, Obama is expected to continue to reshape the military by allocating more resources to the U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM).

Military expert J.L. Narmi, author of "SEAL Team 6, bin Laden and Beyond," (www.narminovels.com), says the military's evolution will inevitably add stress to the already difficult lives of Special Forces members.

"Instead of relying on huge shows of American might - the 'shock and awe' bombings -- SEALs and Delta Force operatives will be the ones primarily defending our country and U.S. interests abroad," Narmi says. "The American public does not have the appetite for another massive war campaign; drone strikes and targeted operations with specialists is the future of combat.

"Special Forces members are some of the most impressive people on Earth, but they're not robots. They have the most intellectually and physically demanding jobs, and everything's top secret. That's an incredibly stressful way to live."

Since Sept. 11, 2001, the U.S. Special Operations Command's budget has quadrupled. Whereas there was once an estimated 40,000 Special Forces members in the military, there are now about 66,000. The goal through the next four years is to increase that number to 100,000.

"The specialized units of the U.S. military have very, very broad shoulders, but my concern is that too few Americans have skin in the game when it comes to war," Narmi says. "As it is now, about 1 percent of the country is directly affected by our wars, and I'm reminded of Churchill's quote regarding the Royal Air Force in World War II: 'Never was so much owed by so many to so few.' "

He cites a few potential hot spots that could spread Special Forces thin:

• Iran/Israel: Iranian officials recently claimed to have successfully tested a new air defense system called Mersad, or ambush, which is modeled after a U.S. system. It's just the latest news to up the ante of anxiety in the region.

• Asia: For most Americans, Asia has fallen off the radar of potential threats necessitating military action. But Islamic extremist groups, which have been problematic for U.S. interests in the past, remain a very real threat. North Korea, too, could turn aggressive at any time.

• Pakistan: Pakistanis' animosity toward the U.S. has been simmering for years, especially since SEALs flew into the nation's sovereign airspace to kill Osama bin Laden. The U.S. military is, to say the least, fed up with the leadership of Pakistan, which cooperates with Al Qaeda militias.

• Afghanistan and Iraq: While America managed to pull out of Iraq without looking like a complete failure, the state continues to struggle, and extremist elements could take over at any time. Afghanistan continues to be America's longest war -- 11 years running. If there's any progress, it's very slow, with Afghan soldiers and police in training perpetrating deadly attacks on U.S. troops.

About J. L. Narmi

J. L. Narmi comes from family with deep roots in the military; his brother, retired Rear Admiral Ronald E. Narmi, worked closely with SEAL teams throughout his career. Narmi's fascination with the Navy SEALs resulted in "SEAL Team 6, bin Laden and Beyond," which was completed just eight days before the real-life mission that resulted in bin Laden's death. He is a graduate of the University of Iowa and earned his MBA from Creighton University. Narmi is a graduate of the Securities Industry Institute of the Wharton School - University of Pennsylvania.
17 Dec 2012

Governor Quinn Honors Veterans During Chicago Welcome Home the Heroes Weekend

By Ryan C. Woods

Events Celebrate 2.4 Million Returning Veterans Since 9/11, Boost Efforts to Support Servicemembers Transitioning to Civilian Life

CHICAGO - December 14, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today joined with Erica Borggren, director of the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs, and Illinois servicemembers to celebrate Chicago Welcome Home the Heroes Weekend, which will mark the one-year anniversary of the end of combat operations in Iraq. The two-day event will honor the 2.4 million Veterans who have served in the military since September 11th, 2001 and raise awareness of programs designed to help them successfully transition to civilian life. Governor Quinn has fought to improve life for Illinois Veterans throughout his career with a variety of initiatives.

"These brave men and women have sacrificed greatly to preserve our freedom," Governor Quinn said. "Now that they're back on American soil after honorably serving our country, it's our duty to give them the support they need to successfully transition into civilian life."

The two days of events begin with the Reading of the Fallen Ceremony at 9:11 a.m. in the plaza outside the James R. Thompson Center in Chicago, where volunteers read the names of the more than 6,600 servicemen and women who lost their lives protecting our country in Iraq and Afghanistan. This ceremony is dedicated to Gold Star families who have lost their sons or daughters in combat.

On Saturday, the Chicago Welcomes Home the Heroes parade will honor the entire military community and will be followed by a Veterans Resources Reception at the Chicago Cultural Center.

"This weekend's homecoming celebration and recognition of our fallen is an important thanks to those who have served since 9/11," Director Borggren said. "It is also a reminder and part of Illinois' much broader, everyday commitment to serving those who have served as they transition home and encounter challenges related to Post Traumatic Stress, employment, housing, and education."

As part of this special weekend, Governor Quinn is also reminding Illinois Veterans that a new statewide, public-private partnership has been launched to improve support for servicemembers, Veterans and their families. Illinois Joining Forces seeks to increase collaboration and communication among not-for-profit organizations and public agencies serving Veterans at the local, state and federal levels.

Through IJF, participating organizations work together to address gaps in services in job training and placement, healthcare, education and housing, actively refer Veterans and service members in need of assistance, and offer better navigation of available resources and service to the public. For more information, visit www.IllinoisJoiningForces.org.

Governor Quinn has long made commitment to Veterans' affairs, servicemembers and their families one of his top priorities throughout his career in public service. He has led programs including the Illinois Warrior Assistance Program and the Veterans Cash lottery ticket, which has awarded more than $10 million to non-profit organizations across the state that provide health care and post-traumatic stress disorder treatment, housing assistance, disability benefits and other services to Illinois Veterans.

As Lieutenant Governor, Governor Quinn championed and helped enact the Illinois Military Family Relief Fund Act, which established a fund to provide grants to families of Illinois National Guard members and Illinois residents serving in the U.S. Armed Forces Reserve components who were called to active duty as a result of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. These grants help service members and their families with the costs of food, housing, utilities, medical services and other expenses they struggle to afford because a wage-earner has temporarily left civilian employment to be placed on active military duty.

To learn more about Chicago Welcome Home Heroes and other ways you can support our Veterans, visit www.chicagowelcomeshometheheroes.org and www.OperationHomefront.org.

17 Dec 2012

Loebsack Again Named as Conferee on Defense Policy Bill

By Joe Hand

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack announced today that he has again been named to serve on the conference committee that will negotiate the final details of the FY2013 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).  The committee will assemble the final legislation from the bills that were previously passed by the House and Senate.  The final product will then be voted on by Congress, before going to the President.

"I am pleased to once again be named to the conference committee.  I look forward to producing a bill that will provide the support necessary for our National Guard troops, military families, and the Rock Island Arsenal," said Loebsack.  "I will continue to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to produce a strong bill that will ensure our nation is secure and our troops have the resources and support they need and deserve."

 ###

13 Dec 2012

Release Army General Awarded for Civilian Education

By Don Bracken

Lt.  General   Clarence McKnight,  U.S. Army (ret)  was inducted into the  Distinguished Alum Society at the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania on Tuesday, December 11. The award rendered to graduates of the War College for their work following military service, was for his work in civilian education centering on the use of computer technology in the classroom. General McKnight became a prominent leader in digitalization during his military service and carried that knowledge into education. His military career spanning the Korean Conflict to Desert Storm is chronicled in his forthcoming book From Pigeons to Tweets.

A graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, and the University of Michign Graduate School of Engineering, Gen. McKnight is also a Distinguished Graduate of West Point who rose to command the Army's Signal Corps  and  introduced computer directed warfare during Desert Storm. He concluded his career as Director of Command, Control and Communications Systems for the Joint Chiefs of Staff  in Washington D.C.

He has been hailed for utilizing his highly developed military communication skills and channeling that information technology into improving the nation's learning process in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM..)

General McKnight is a native of Memphis, Tennessee and currently resides in the Capital District. His book From Pigeons to Tweets will be published by the History Publishing Company on January 14, 1213..

Contact: Don Bracken, History Publishing Company LLC, djb@historypublishingco.com,

### .

13 Dec 2012

Cause for Celebration: Troop Deaths Sharply Down

By Danny Gonzalez

Our fine troops overseas deserve a big congratulations on the great work they are doing for our sake. U.S. Troops in Afghanistan continue to fight the Taliban while training and working with Afghanistan's emerging Army and police forces to eventually take over security responsibilities for their own neighborhoods.

By Jim Michaels - USA Today
Monday Dec 10, 2012

"The number of U.S. deaths in Afghanistan is on track to decline sharply this year, reflecting the drawdown in U.S. forces and an expanded Afghan army that is playing a larger role in fighting the Taliban.

This year, 301 Americans have died in Afghanistan, down from a peak of 500 American deaths in 2010, a USA Today database shows. It is the second consecutive yearly drop.

"A year ago we were taking larger amounts of casualties than they were," said Marine Maj. Gen. Charles "Mark" Gurganus, referring to Afghan security forces in the former Taliban stronghold of Helmand region in southern Afghanistan. "It is absolutely 180 (degrees) out now," said Gurganus, head of Regional Command Southwest."

For just a small donation, you can send our troops in Afghanistan a box filled to the brim with goodies and supplies they can USE to help make their deployment a little easier. Sponsor a Christmas and Holiday Care Package today! 

We're always getting letters back from the troops thanking our donors for the generous packages. Some letters we get back are almost sad in a way, as some troops reveal that the packages they receive through Move America Forward donors are the only mail they receive all year long. 

Can you imagine spending 9-12 months deployed in a foreign land and never once receiving anything so much as a letter from home to see how you're doing? Imagine how great, then, it would feel to know that some stranger back home, who has never even met you, took the time and care to think about you and send a care package full of goodies your way!

Send our Troops a Care Package to Show your Thanks and Support!  They Really Make and Impact and Can Change a Troop's Entire Deployment Experience!  Click Here to Send Support Now!

10 Dec 2012

Illinois Army National Guard General Retires After 33 Years

By 1st Lt April Hawes

SPRINGFIELD, IL (12/10/2012)(readMedia)-- The son of a World War II veteran, Brig. Gen. Steven P. Huber of Byron enlisted in the Illinois Army National Guard (ILARNG) as a 25-year-old private first class. After 33 years of service, Huber is retiring.

"It's bittersweet to bid Brigadier General Huber farewell," said Maj. Gen. Dennis Celletti of Springfield, Acting Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard. "He has contributed so much to the Illinois National Guard and the entire U.S. Army with his service stateside and overseas. I'm sad to see him go but I'm honored to have served beside him."

Soon after Huber graduated from basic training, his battalion commander told him he should be an officer.

"Before I knew it, I was attending Officer Candidate School (OCS) in Springfield," he said.

Huber graduated OCS in 1981 and admitted, as a new lieutenant, he did not know much and earning the rank of brigadier general never crossed his mind. However after a lot of hard work and being in the right place at the right time, Huber said he is blessed and grateful for the rank he has earned.

Huber's most recent position is a dual-role, as the Illinois National Guard land component commander and the deputy commanding general for operations for First Army Division East. With First Army, Huber is responsible for the training and preparation of deploying units.

"It is my way of giving back and helping others as they deploy," he said.

In addition to his most recent positions, Huber has held various positions within the ILARNG, such as commander of the 108th Maintenance Battalion in North Riverside, deputy commander of the 404th Chemical Brigade in Chicago, commander of the 108th Sustainment Brigade in Chicago and director of the Joint Staff for Joint Force Headquarters in Springfield.

Retired Master Sgt. Kim Broome of Chatham worked with Huber at the 108th Support Battalion in Chicago. She said she thinks his biggest contribution to the ILARNG was his devotion to his country, its men and women and the success of his unit.

"It is an honor knowing and having worked with Brigadier General Huber," she said. "Simply put, he is a true leader who always puts the mission and his subordinates first. He always led by example and showed true compassion for those under his charge."

Huber has also deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan.

In 2004, Huber was part of the second (ILARNG) team to co-deploy with the Polish Land Forces. He was the deputy chief of staff, Multi-National Division, Central South in Iraq.

Then in 2008 he led the historic deployment of the 33rd Infantry Brigade Team (IBCT) in Urbana to Afghanistan.

As the Commanding General of Combined Joint Task Force Phoenix, he commanded a total of 7,500 servicemembers, contractors and interpreters, which included 3,000 Illinois Soldiers with the 33rd IBCT.

Command Sgt. Maj. Mark Bowman of Plainfield, land forces command sergeant major, served beside Huber in Afghanistan as his sergeant major.

"The most important rules of leadership we both agreed on. Take care of your people, get the mission done, and never send them into a situation that you would not do yourself," said Bowman. "It has been an honor to serve as his command sergeant major. I would go back into the fight with him anytime and anywhere. It is an honor to call him my friend."

While in Afghanistan, Task Force Phoenix suffered 43 casualties; 18 belonged to the 33rd IBCT.

"You go in hoping to avoid (casualties), but then reality strikes," Huber said. "We trained hard and were well equipped. I never said 'I wish I did more to prepare.' I take peace in that."

As he prepares for retirement, Huber said he will miss training in the field with Soldiers, since that is where most of his career was spent. However, he said he plans to stay connected and continue to help and train the organization for the future.

Huber also plans to travel with his wife, Rhonda, and spend time with his daughters, Carla, 24, and Caleigh, 13.

Huber celebrated his retirement Dec. 8 with friends and family at Veterans Memorial Hall in Rockford.

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.