Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack today joined the USO for a care package stuffing event to honor and thank members of our military on this National Day of Service.  Operation USO Care Package was initiated by the USO in 2001 as a response to 9/11 to provide our troops deployed overseas with much needed toiletries and entertainment items and international calling cards so they can stay in touch with loved ones here at home.

"I am honored to join the USO to give back to our troops who are protecting our freedom overseas, especially on this day as we participate in service activities to remember the victims of the 9/11 attack and honor the men and women who are serving our nation,"  said Loebsack.  "Our servicemembers devote themselves to our country each and every day with honor and distinction. Providing them with a care package is a simple but meaningful way we can thank them for their service and lift their spirits."

Measure will block deceptive targeting of vets and increase transparency

Dubuque, IA - Today, the US House passed HR 4057, the Improving Transparency of Education Opportunities for Veterans Act, which includes Rep. Braley's provision to target deceptive marketing practices by some educational institutions by providing veterans with standard information about available higher education options.

"Veterans deserve honest and accessible information about their educational opportunities so they can make informed choices on how to pursue the education they have earned," Braley said. "This is a positive consumer protection for America's returning veterans.  I'm encouraged that this proposal attracted such strong bipartisan support.  It shows what's possible when we put aside party labels and work together to do good for men and women who have sacrificed so much for us."

Rep. Braley offered his provision as an amendment to HR 4057 in June when the legislation was considered and passed out of the House Veterans Affairs Committee of which Braley is a member.

HR 4057 is part of a package of bipartisan bills authored by Rep. Braley (IA-01), dubbed the "Blueprint for Veterans' Opportunity", that was approved by the US House Committee on Veterans' Affairs in June. Braley's "Blueprint" will help improve economic opportunities and job protections for America's military veterans. More information on Rep. Braley's "Blueprint" can be found here: http://go.usa.gov/rf2z

With the war in Afghanistan set to end in 2014, and the Iraq war having ended two years ago, charities that help veterans and their families may be busier than ever - but without the public awareness generated by an ongoing conflict.

Support for the war effort in Afghanistan is on par with the unpopular Vietnam War during the early 1970s, according to a recent Associated Press-GfK poll; only 27 percent of Americans support the effort in Afghanistan. A fundamental difference between then and now, however, is Americans' nearly unanimous support of U.S. troops, says J. L. Narmi, author of SEAL Team 6, bin Laden and Beyond (www.narminovels.com).

"The vitriol expressed toward our Vietnam veterans by many was disgusting, but I think we learned from that injustice, and most Americans think the troops deserve much more support than they're getting," says Narmi, who comes from a military family. All proceeds from his book sales will go to support veterans' charities.

"The problem is that funding, whether it's through government or private charities, doesn't match the expressed support," he says. "And I worry that will only get worse as these soldiers move out of the public eye and try to take up peace-time lives."

Narmi cites some good resources for Americans looking for quality charities that support the troops:

• The Wounded Warrior Project (www.woundedwarriorproject.org): With advances in protective gear and life-saving medical technology, fewer troops are coming home in coffins than in previous wars, but more are coming back with lifelong injury. This charity seeks to foster a generation of well-adjusted wounded service members, and to raise public awareness about their needs and how fellow military men and women can help each other.

• The Navy SEAL Foundation (www.navysealfoundation.org): As detailed in Narmi's novel, SEALs are among the most physically and mentally talented individuals in the world. But they, along with their families, endure enormous stressors, many of which are never discussed due to the nature of their duties. This charity supports these elite warriors and their families.

• Charity Navigator (www.charitynavigator.org): Whether or not you think you know about the legitimacy of a charitable organization, it doesn't hurt to take a few minutes to verify an organization's status. This site is widely recognized by investigative reporters to be a reliable resource in reporting a nonprofit's activity. The above two groups, in which Narmi has donated money, have been verified via Charity Navigator.

• Still not sure? ... Skepticism is understandable. It seems the more we hear or read about charities, the more we learn that we shouldn't simply take their word for how donations will be spent. Media coverage spotlights those outlier groups that are clearly fraudulent; however, most charitable organizations are absolutely streamlined, with workers donating their time or receiving a minimal wage. It has never been easier to verify a charity's reputation. Additionally, for those with the time and willingness, individuals may create their own nonprofit. Narmi is working to set up his own, called Hire the Vets!

"If everyone who said they support the troops gave just a modest amount to help a veteran that has risked his or her life for our freedom, we would come across far fewer tragedies on the news about vet-related joblessness, homelessness and suicide," he says.

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.

Ceremony Highlights Heroism and Bravery of Illinois Servicemembers

TROY - September 8, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today joined Gold Star families and local leaders at a ceremony honoring Senior Airman Bradley Smith with the Silver Star, the third-highest military decoration that can be awarded to any branch of the United States Military. The posthumous award is in recognition of Smith's heroic acts to protect other airmen following an attack in the Kandahar Province of Afghanistan on January 3, 2010.

"Airman Smith made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country and the debt we owe him can never be repaid," Governor Quinn said. "This award is a testament to his bravery and his loyalty to his unit and his nation. His memory shall live on in our hearts and in every measure of support we can give to those who have borne the battle."

According to the Air Force, Smith was on patrol in a village in the Kandahar Province of Afghanistan when his unit came under attack. When another part of his team triggered an IED (improvised explosive device), Smith led the wounded airmen to safety. After rejoining the fight, Smith volunteered to recover the body of one of the fallen soldiers, which he did successfully with the assistance of Army Medic Brian Bowman. After they reached the casualty collection point, a second IED exploded, killing both Smith and Bowman.

Today's ceremony will be held at the beginning of the third annual Bradley Smith Memorial/Scholarship 5k run established in his memory by the Smith family, which has attracted more than 800 participants and provided more than $20,000 in scholarships to students of Triad High School in Troy and to the children of active duty and retired servicemembers. The Silver Star Medal is being delivered to Smith's family by members of the 10th Air Support Operations Squadron, who also fought bravely alongside Smith that day. The airmen, some of whom were gravely injured in the attack, made a week-long march on foot from Fort Riley, Kansas to Troy.

Governor Quinn is encouraging Illinois residents to honor the servicemen and servicewomen who have lost their lives fighting for democracy by supporting programs that benefit Gold Star Families, including the Illinois Military Family Relief Fund, Operation Hero Miles, and Operation Support Our Troops. For more information about programs for our Veterans, visit www.operationhomefront.org or call the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs at 217-782-6641 or 312-814-2460.