30 Nov 2012

Governor Quinn Launches Annual Holiday Card Drive for Wounded Troops

By Nafia Khan

Encourages Children of Illinois to Support Our Veterans and Servicemembers at Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

CHICAGO - November 30, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today was joined by local schoolchildren to light the state of Illinois' annual Christmas tree and launch the Illinois Heroes holiday card drive. Joined by Gold Star families, Governor Quinn encouraged families throughout Illinois to honor our heroes by making holiday cards for servicemembers at the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center (LRMC) in Germany and in military hospitals across Illinois. Governor Quinn will personally deliver the cards during a visit to troops at LRMC later this year.

"This holiday season, we want to make sure our servicemembers who serve our country away from home receive a warm reminder of how much we love and support them," Governor Quinn said. "While great distances may separate us, they will always be in our hearts and prayers. We can never thank them enough for their sacrifices."

This year will mark the eighth time that Governor Quinn has visited Illinois troops and their families at LRMC. The center is the largest American hospital outside of the United States. For more information on how to participate in the Illinois Heroes holiday card drive, please visit OperationHomefront.org.

Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs (IDVA) Director Erica Borggren and servicemembers from across the state also joined the governor at the tree lighting ceremony.

"Time away from loved ones is just one of the many sacrifices our servicemembers make to protect us," Director Borggren said. "While we want to do everything we can to support them every day, we know it means so much for a servicemember to receive a holiday card and know how much they are appreciated. As we gather with our loved ones to celebrate the holiday season, we encourage the people of Illinois to keep our servicemembers in their thoughts and prayers."

Also in attendance were members of the Gold Star Families, who hung ornaments in memory of their sons and daughters on the tree. The choir from LaSalle II Magnet School performed during the tree lighting ceremony and presented cards to Landstuhl.

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29 Nov 2012

Gov. Branstad orders flags at half-staff to honor Sgt. Joseph A. Richardson

By Office of the Governor of Iowa

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Branstad is ordering all flags in the state to be flown at half-staff from 5 p.m. Friday, November 30, to 8 a.m. on Monday, December 3, to honor Sgt. Joseph A. Richardson, 23, of Algona, who died while on patrol with the U.S. Army in Paktika province, Afghanistan, on November 16, 2012.

Sgt. Richardson's funeral will be held Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Algona. Maj. Gen. Timothy Orr, adjutant general of the Iowa National Guard, will be in attendance to represent the Branstad/Reynolds administration.

The governor's directive applies to all U.S. and state flags under the control of the state. H.R. 692, signed in 2007, requires federal government agencies in the state to comply with the governor's executive order that the U.S. flag be flown at half-staff in the event of the death of a member of the Armed Forces.

Flags will be at half-staff on the state Capitol building and on flag displays in the Capitol complex, and upon all public buildings, grounds, and facilities throughout the state. Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties and other government subdivisions are encouraged to fly the flag at half-staff for the same length of time as a sign of respect.

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12 Nov 2012

A Veteran's Day Message from Debbie Lee, Gold Star Mother

By Move America Forward
It is with great respect, admiration and deep understanding that I write this letter to honor each and every Veteran that has served or is serving our blessed Country! I understand and appreciate all who have given so much for me, so that I could enjoy my daily freedoms.

I was able to sleep well in the safety of my bed last night, because you served.

I was able to pray before my meal this morning in a public place without fearing arrest, because you gave.

I am able to freely speak my mind and voice my opinion without fear of retaliation against me or my family, because you cared.

I am able to stand up for what I believe in and not have a Dictators thoughts and opinions forced down my throat, because you stood up to the call to defend.

I am free to worship the one true God who created me in His image, because you were selfless in your actions.

To each one of you I speak from the bottom of my heart when I say Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!!! You are my Heroes and I want to remember and honor you this Veterans Day. Not a single day goes by that I don't think of the sacrifices you and your families have given!

My son Marc Alan Lee was laid to rest on Aug 2nd 2006.  I also remember him today as I do everyday and the sacrifice he made.

Thank you son!  His headstone says "Loved deeply, Deeply loved." The love doesn't go any deeper than that! He loved deeply!

He loved his brothers he served with, he loved me, he loved his family, he loved this nation, he loved his freedoms, he loved God, and he gave.

He gave it all! "Greater love has no one than this, that he laid down his life for his friends." (John 15:13) That's what a hero does. They are willing to give their lives for others if it's required.

I also think of my son Kris who served in the Marines, my son-in-law Christopher who served in the Army and my brother Jim who is serving in the Air Force! Thank you!

Each one of you have deeply loved this country and were willing to give your life if required for this country. Thank you!

Many of you have given your blood, and been wounded for this country. Thank you!

Many of you have  friends, family and brothers at arms who paid the ultimate sacrifice just like my son Marc! Thank you! We will never forget our fallen heroes or their families.

I have traveled around this country, to Iraq and Gitmo speaking out in support of you, thanking and honoring you "Our defenders of freedom." I have been blessed to meet many of you and your families, and have been so deeply touched by your stories and your sacrificial service to this nation. I don't take for granted our freedom which isn't free, it comes at a cost and you willingly paid that for me. So please remember this Veteran's Day that I am your biggest fan and that you are deeply appreciated and loved.

There isn't anything I wouldn't do for you and your families and I know I'm not alone. There is a grateful nation who also honors and remembers your sacrifice and knows that our country is what it is today because you selflessly gave.

I know the price of freedom and I understand the sacrifices that you have given. You have done that for me, and for this nation. You didn't do that for rewards or medals or recognition.

Please join me today as a grateful nation chooses to collectively remember, thank and celebrate our Vets, who they are and what they have selflessly given. I choose to do that every day because they are my HEROES and I am so grateful!

Happy Veterans Day and God bless each one of you!

Debbie Lee
Gold Star Mother and Proud American
12 Nov 2012

United States Marine Corps Celebrates 237th Birthday

By Move America Forward
Today the 237th birthday of the USMC

The US Marine Corps has been an instrumental part of protecting the safety of American families, our Constitution, and the freedoms we enjoy as citizens of this great nation. From the Revolutionary War, to the wars we are still fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq, Marines are there, fighting in the front lines, willing to make the ultimate sacrifice, in defense of their homeland.

Approximately 20,000 Marines are part of the multinational coalition of over 98,000 troops in Afghanistan. In Iraq, hundreds of Marines remain as part of the 50,000 strong security and advisory force.  Today is their birthday too, and they will not be able to celebrate with their fellow Marines at USMC celebrations and balls held around the country. Let's send them some care packages to show our support, and wish them a happy birthday!

While some Marines can celebrate this birthday, others must continue the fight! Show them your support!


"On November 10, 1775, a Corps of Marines was created by a resolution of Continental Congress. Since that date many thousand men have borne the name "Marine".  In memory of them it is fitting that we who are Marines should commemorate the birthday of our corps by calling to mind the glories of its long and illustrious history."

This is how Marine Corps Birthday Message order No. 47 begins.

During 179 of the 235 years of its existence the Marine Corps has been in action against the nation's enemies.  Millions of hours of sacrifice have been dedicated to our freedom and our peace. You may have the honor of personally knowing one of these brave men or women who have answered the call of duty. More than likely though, your liberties are being protected by an anonymous donor, a Marine.

Faceless and nameless that Marine's sole focus is for you and your children. Today is the Marine Corps' birthday. Today you can put a name and face to that selfless sacrifice. The name is Marine.

Help us honor our Marines and Armed Forces by celebrating this important date. You may not see their faces and you may not know their names, but you can let them know you're thinking about them by sending a care package full of thanks and treats to remind them that we stand behind our troops.


VETERAN'S DAY TOMORROW! SUPPORT OUR TROOPS

The most important day of the year for the millions of Americans who have served their country proudly over the years is almost upon us. Sunday, November 11th is the day we recognize our military veterans, who have fought and sacrificed to oppose our enemies and keep our nation free.

While thousands of troops will be coming home by the end of the year, we still have a responsibility to support them as they wrap up their mission in Iraq. But there are even more thousands still serving in Afghanistan and they'll continue to fill an important role into 2014 and beyond.

SUPPORT OUR TROOPS IN AFGHANISTAN WITH A THOUGHTFUL CARE PACKAGE FROM HOME,
JUST A WAY TO SAY "THANKS" FOR EVERYTHING THEY DO FOR US
12 Nov 2012

Happy Birthday USMC & a Salute to all Veterans This Veterans Day

By Operation Graditude

My best wishes to all our friends in the United States Marine Corps for a very happy USMC birthday!  Tomorrow we will join you in celebrating 237 years of brave and honorable service to our country. Thank you to all who, past and present, bear the name "U.S. Marine."

Sunday is Veterans Day, another special occasion when we have the opportunity to thank, honor and salute all U.S. Military Veterans. We owe you a debt that can and will never be fully repaid. We are grateful to you, and to your families, for the faithful service rendered to our Nation in times of peace and war.

In tribute to both the Marine Corps birthday and Veterans Day, we haveJohn Adams published a new blog post written by our own John Adams, a Marine and combat Veteran who recently left active duty and joined our Operation Gratitude team.

Please read John's moving words here: A Veteran's Salute

Thank you for your generosity in support of deployed Troops, Veterans, Military Families, Wounded Warriors and First Responders. We couldn't do what we do without you!

All best,

Carolyn Blashek, Founder
Operation Gratitude

12 Nov 2012

Braley Pays Tribute to Those Who Have Served

By Amanda Bowman

Washington, D.C. - Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) is paying tribute to all members of the armed services this weekend as the country celebrates Veterans Day.

"Veterans Day is a special time to remember those who have served our country, and honor the men and women who are currently serving our people overseas and here at home. Our continued gratitude for their sacrifice, commitment, strength, and service shall not diminish, and we thank them for helping keep America strong and secure," said Braley.

Braley has been a leader in continued legislation for efforts in helping Veterans when they return home, such as his Andrew Connolly Veterans Housing Act, signed into law earlier this year.

 

# # #

12 Nov 2012

Local Paralyzed Veteran to receive Retro-fitted Vehicle

By Melissa Winters

This Veteran's Day (Nov. 11th) Pennzoil will be presenting retro-fitted Dodge vehicles to three paralyzed veterans as part of the brand's Long Love Cars campaign. To help injured veterans regain their driving independence, Pennzoil donated $150,000 to the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) to support PVA's Mission:ABLE program to retro-fit vehicles for injured veterans.

The three lucky veterans were selected after hundreds of entries were whittled down to six finalists and then almost 10,000 votes were counted in deciding the winners.  The vehicles will be presented during a ceremony at Phoenix International Raceway as a way to recognize the service men and women that help protect our country.

Local Navy Veteran, Lonn Cunningham, is going to be receiving a personally retro-fitted vehicle!

12 Nov 2012

Governor Pat Quinn, IDVA and IDMA to launch Illinois Joining Forces at Union League Club

By Illinois National Guard PAO

CHICAGO, IL (11/08/2012)(readMedia)-- More than 250 non-profit, public and private leaders will gather at the Union League Club of Chicago to launch Illinois Joining Forces (IJF), a new statewide public-private partnership that will improve support for service members, veterans and their families.

Illinois Joining Forces will increase the collaboration and communication among non-profits and public agencies at the local, state and federal level. Through IJF, participating organizations will work together to address gaps in services, to actively refer veterans and service members in need of assistance, and to offer better navigation of available resources and service to the public.

The new collaborative online platform www.IllinoisJoiningForces.org, will help IJF members to share information collaborate on project and facilitate referrals. With the active participation of IJF members, www.IllinoisJoiningForces.org will also provide a user-friendly way for service members, veterans, and their families to find programs resources and events across the state.

12 Nov 2012

Governor Branstad, Lt. Governor Reynolds to Honor Des Moines Officers with Sullivan Brothers' Award of Valor

By Rick Martin

(DES MOINES) - Governor Terry E. Branstad and Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds are pleased to honor six police officers with the 2012 Sullivan Brothers' Award of Valor.  Every day men and women in uniform quietly serve, sacrificing their safety to keep Iowa communities secure.  It is only appropriate the state take time to honor the officers and firefighters who go above and beyond the call of duty.  This year, Governor Branstad will honor professionals who risked their own personal safety to rescue passengers from the burning wreckage of a car crash.

WHAT:                  Sullivan Brothers' Award of Valor Presentation

WHEN:                  Thursday, November 8, 2012

3:00 PM

WHERE:                State Capitol Rotunda

Des Moines, Iowa

WHO:                    Award Recipients: Iowa Peace Officers

Governor Terry E. Branstad

Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds

Commissioner K. Brian London, Department of Public Safety

Established in 1977, the Sullivan Brothers' Award of Valor is awarded to peace officers and firefighters who, while serving in an official capacity, distinguished themselves by the performance of an heroic act in excess of normal demands of service where the person was fully aware of the threat to his/her personal safety.

To learn more about the heroic acts performed by this year's recipients, see below/visit this link: http://www.dps.state.ia.us/commis/pib/Awards/valor.shtml

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On August 28, 2011, Sergeant Michael McTaggart, Officers Colin Boone, Aaron Cawthorne, Jeremy Sprague and Robin Swank; along with Reserve Officer John Carter, responded to a crash at the intersection of Southeast 14th and Hartford streets.

Upon their arrival, officers observed a Ford Explorer had turned on its side and was fully ablaze.  The officers immediately assessed and secured the scene and began to take action to rescue the occupants of the vehicle.

Working in close proximity to the fire and knowing the vehicle could explode at any moment, the officers broke out a back window of the vehicle to rescue one of the victims.  Meanwhile, other officers climbed on top of the vehicle to pull the second victim out a side window.  Still others used fire extinguishers in an attempted to squelch the fire, repeatedly returning to fight the fire after retrieving additional extinguishers from the patrol cars on the scene.

After moving both victims clear of the intense flames, the officers continued to render aid until fire medics arrived on the scene.  Without their brave efforts, the two victims who were rescued could have sustained significant injuries or been fatally injured.  Unfortunately, one young woman perished in this incident.

The driver of the other vehicle involved in the collision was subsequently convicted of Vehicular Homicide and sentenced to 25 years in prison.  In addition, he was convicted of four counts of Serious Injury by a Motor Vehicle and sentenced to five years for each count.

During the intense and dangerous incident, each officer's daring efforts contributed to freeing the victims from the blazing vehicle.  Without regard for their personal safety, each officer put themselves in harm's way and worked with each other as a team.

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12 Nov 2012

In Iowa's Interest: Celebrating Those Who Served

By Sen. Tom Harkin
By Senator Tom Harkin

November 11th is Veterans Day, a time to celebrate and thank those who have served in The United States Armed Forces - some 22.6 million veterans around the country, more than 240,000 of whom are Iowans.   As a veteran and member of American Legion Post 562 in Cumming, I know the profound love a veteran has for this country.  All veterans showed their patriotism by defending this country when their service was needed.  Honoring that sacrifice is something we all have a stake in.

To that end, my office is working to ensure veterans have access to education benefits, health care, and other services to ensure they are successful both on and off the battlefield.

As a member of the Veterans Jobs Caucus, I supported the Veterans' Jobs Bill, which would have provided $1 billion over five years to help veterans find work in their communities.  Passage of this legislation is critical not only to the economic security of our veterans, but also to the communities across Iowa and the country that stand to benefit from their contributions to the economy.

As a recipient of the original GI Bill benefits, I understand how critical this assistance is for returning veterans' success.  For that reason, I am working to protect these benefits against low-quality for-profit colleges that overpromise, overcharge, and under-deliver to our veterans, using slick marketing campaigns to recruit them in order to profit off their education benefits.  In fact, data collected by the Senate HELP Committee shows that these benefits may be aiding some schools that otherwise would struggle to meet federal rules.

Legislation I have introduced will ensure that taxpayers' investment in federal assistance for college students is used to educate and support students, rather than being wasted on advertising, marketing, and recruitment.  The Protecting Financial Aid for Students and Taxpayers Act will maximize federal student aid by prohibiting the use of Pell Grants, federal student loans, the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill, and other federal education funds for such practices, similar to a current law that bans the use of federal higher education dollars for lobbying.  In addition, I have worked on a bipartisan basis on legislation aimed at providing every veteran who receives educational assistance from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) with the counseling services needed to make informed decisions about their education.

I also continue to hear from veterans about service medals that have not been awarded.  My office has helped countless veterans and their families obtain medals.  Please contact any of my offices in Iowa or Washington, D.C. to inquire about this service.  My staff is happy to assist any constituent to receive the recognition they have rightly earned.

We only accomplish our mission by working together.  This lesson is as applicable now as it was during my years of service.  And I join my fellow Americans in honoring the brave men and woman who have served our country and in pledging to do all that I can to ensure their success both on the battlefield, but also in their civilian life.

For more information, please visit http://www.harkin.senate.gov/.

A PDF version of the column is available by clicking here.

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