14 Aug 2012

Military Support Charity Expands Mission, Delivers Care Packages to Veterans

By Operation Gratitude

Van Nuys, CA -- In its on-going mission to express the appreciation of the American people for the sacrifices of our Military, troop support organization Operation Gratitude has expanded its efforts by delivering thousands of care packages to Military Veterans around the country.

A "Welcome Home Heroes" celebration sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), a weekly gathering of mostly World War II veterans and a Vietnam Veterans picnic are just a few of the venues at which many of the "Veterans Care Packages" were recently distributed...and emotionally received.

Upon receiving his care package, one Vietnam Veteran remarked, "No one ever said 'thank you' to me before. All that happened when I returned home was I got cursed at and spat on."

At the gathering of World War II veterans, package recipients nostalgically looked through the items in their care packages and commented how nice or useful it would have been to receive the enclosed snacks and hygiene products when they were at war. The veteran warriors were especially moved by the personal letters of thanks written by children.

Operation Gratitude founder, Carolyn Blashek wants Veterans from all eras to know their service is not forgotten. "It's never too late to say 'Thank You' to these heroic men and women," she says.


Steve PolitisBlashek cherishes the words of 92-year-old World War II veteran, Steve Politis (pictured left) who said upon receiving an Operation Gratitude Care Package from her: "You are the first person in history to give a care package to someone who served in a war before you were even born."

Many more care package distribution events are planned in the coming months, leading up to a big outreach for Veterans Day in November. Operation Gratitude volunteers are spending August and September assembling these special gifts, which contain many of the same items sent to those currently serving in harm's way.   Vet care package

Blashek hopes to get the word out nationwide, noting, "We will send care packages to VA hospitals, Veterans nursing homes, Veterans groups, and other Veteran support organizations all across the country." She added: "Just as with our care packages to deployed troops, we want to put a smile on the face of every Veteran who courageously served our nation."


Program/Activity Directors and Representatives from Veterans groups should contact Operation Gratitude at opgrat@OperationGratitude.com to request Veterans Care Packages.

Every Veterans Care Package contains donated products and costs the organization $15 to assemble and ship. Financial Donations to support this program can be made online here: Send a Veterans Care Package

Businesses wishing to donate should contact Dana Chotiner at Dana@OperationGratitude.com for more information about corporate sponsorships.

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About Operation Gratitude: Operation Gratitude annually sends 100,000+ care packages filled with snacks, entertainment items and personal letters of appreciation addressed to individually named U.S. Service Members deployed in harm's way, to their children left behind, to Veterans, to Military families and Veterans in financial distress due to unemployment, to Emergency First Responders and to Wounded Warriors recuperating in transition units. The organization's mission is to lift morale, bring a smile to a service member's face and express to our Armed Forces the appreciation and support of the American people. Each package contains donated product valued at $75-100 and costs the organization $15 to assemble and ship. For safety and security, assembling of packages occurs at the Army National Guard armory in Van Nuys, California. Since its inception in 2003, Operation Gratitude volunteers have shipped more than 815,000 packages to American Military members and their children.
13 Aug 2012

Governor Quinn Signs Laws to Honor Vets and Fallen Heroes

By Nafia Khan

SPRINGFIELD - August 12, 2012. To celebrate "Veterans Day at the State Fair", Governor Pat Quinn today signed a package of new laws designed to honor our veterans and fallen heroes, including a measure to hire more veterans as Conservation Police. Today's action is the latest by Governor Quinn to improve services for veterans in Illinois.

"Supporting Illinois veterans is our sacred mission," Governor Quinn said. "These new laws enable us to hire more veterans, provide veterans with better medical and mental health treatment, and better honor the families of fallen heroes with special license plates."

Under House Bill 4983 - sponsored by Rep. Edward Acevedo (D-Chicago) and Sen. Tony Muñoz (D-Chicago) - the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) would be able to hire more veterans as Conservation Police through a waiver of their college degree requirement. Currently, applicants must have a four-year college degree or a two-year degree plus three years in a police force. Under this new law, any service member who was honorably discharged may have that requirement waived.

The IDNR Conservation Police enforce fishing and wildlife laws, patrol Illinois waterways and state parks, and hunt down violators of the state's poaching and endangered species laws. The starting salary is $43,956. While the college requirement is waived under this new law, which goes into effect immediately, applicants must still meet other requirements, such as a 300-yard swimming test. There are currently 136 Conservation Police officers and the IDNR hopes to hire more in coming months. All 15 cadets currently in training are veterans.

"Our Conservation Police face poachers, intoxicated boaters and criminals every day. They need to be tough and smart," said IDNR Director Marc Miller. "Anyone who has been honorably discharged after serving in a hot spot such as Iraq is exactly the kind of person we need on the front-lines here."

Governor Quinn also signed House Bill 5006 - sponsored by Rep. Derrick Smith (D-Chicago) and Sen. Mike Jacobs (D-Moline) - to double the number of days allotted for military service-related hospital visits by certain state employees from two days annually to four days, and ensures that these days won't count as sick days. Proposed by Secretary of State Jesse White and backed by the VFW, the bill passed both chambers unanimously and takes effect immediately.

Governor Quinn also signed House Bill 4926, sponsored by Rep. Michael Connelly (R-Naperville) and Sen. Kirk Dillard (R-Hinsdale), to help veterans who incur post-traumatic stress disorder or other mental health challenges. The new law - effective immediately - improves the functioning of the courts by increasing access to treatment records of veterans in the criminal justice system, and bolstering the role of caseworkers and "peer recovery coaches." An initiative of Mental Health America of Illinois (MHAI), the new law identifies veterans who have been charged with crimes and may have substance abuse or mental health problems, and makes sure their treatment is part of any adjudication

"We greatly appreciate the support of Governor Quinn for this legislation," said Carol Gall, MHAI Executive Director. "This will reduce recidivism and save taxpayers money." For a century, MHAI has been advocating for persons with mental and emotional disorders.

Also signed today was House Bill 4982 - sponsored by Rep. Patrick Verschoore (D-Rock Island) and Sen. Martin Sandoval (D-Cicero) - to honor such fallen heroes as firefighters and police officers who die in the line of duty by expanding the number of family members eligible for special license plates. Currently, only surviving spouses are entitled to the plates. The new law - proposed by Secretary of State White - allows parents and other relatives of the fallen hero to display the special plates. The bill takes effect on Jan. 1, 2013.

Improving life for veterans has long been a priority for Governor Quinn, who has called for the hiring of 100,000 veterans by 2020. Veterans and their families have free admission to the State Fair and other activities today. Earlier this week, the governor announced the Illinois Hiring Heroes Consortium designed to help veterans find employment. In 2011, Governor Quinn launched the Welcome Home Heroes program to promote homeownership for Illinois Veterans, active military personnel, reservists and Illinois National Guard members. As Lieutenant Governor, Quinn championed the Illinois Military Family Relief Fund Act, which established a fund to provide grants helping 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.

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10 Aug 2012

Governor Quinn Signs Law to Honor Veterans with Special License Plates

By Erin Wilson

JOLIET, Ill.- August 10, 2012. In addition to several other laws, Governor Pat Quinn today signed a new law at a VFW post in Joliet to honor partially disabled veterans with special vehicle license plates. House Bill 1151 allows veterans who may not qualify for disabled license plates to still be honored for their sacrifice with a special license plate. Today's action is the latest by Governor Quinn to support veterans across Illinois.

"Our veterans who have sacrificed so much for the good of this country deserve honor and thanks," Governor Quinn said. "This new license plate will remind us of our modern-day heroes each time we see them on the road."

Sponsored by Rep. Lawrence Walsh, Jr. (D-Joliet) and Sen. Martin Sandoval (D-Cicero), House Bill 1151 provides that the new license plate will be issued at no cost to eligible veterans, similar to the Illinois Disabled Veteran License Plate but without the international symbol of access. The new license plate honors veterans whose disability - such as neurological disorders, hearing loss or post-traumatic stress disorder - may not entitle them to disabled parking privileges. An initiative of Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White, the bill is supported by the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

"We cannot thank our veterans enough," Rep. Walsh said. "The next time I see a car with a Disabled Veteran license plate, I plan to give a thumbs-up to the driver to show my appreciation."

Governor Quinn is a long-time champion of veterans' affairs. As State Treasurer, he launched Operation Homefront to inform National Guard members and reservists of their rights under the Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act. As Lieutenant Governor, his Illinois Military Family Relief Act to aid the spouses and children of those called to active duty became a model for other states. As Governor, Quinn has visited Illinois troops in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait and Germany, and has called for the hiring of 100,000 veterans in Illinois by 2020.

The law is effective Jan. 1.

While at the VFW Post, the Governor also signed four bills sponsored by area lawmaker Rep. Emily McAsey (D-Lockport): House Bill 4636, House Bill 4662, House Bill 4663 and House Bill 5650.

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10 Aug 2012

Recruiting and Retention Command Holds Award Ceremony

By Illinois National Guard PAO

SPRINGFIELD, IL (08/09/2012)(readMedia)-- Illinois Army National Guard recruiters from across the state with the Recruiting and Retention Command in Springfield gathered at the Illinois Military Academy at Camp Lincoln in Springfield for an awards ceremony Aug. 8.

"I wish I could give an award to everyone," said Lt. Col. Mark Alessia of Sherman, Recruiting and Retention Commander. "I appreciate everything you guys are doing."

Among the awards were the top Recruiter of the Year, which went to Staff Sgt. Daniel Neville of Plainfield with 41 enlistments for 2012 and the Rookie of the Year, which went to Sgt. 1st Class Craig Watkins of Sciota with 30 enlistments for 2012.

Other awards include :

U Can, I Did Club, which was awarded to:

• Neville

• Watkins

• Sgt. Mark Maroon of Aurora

Paul McDade Award, which was awarded to:

• Watkins

• Maroon

• Sgt. 1st Class Matthew Cerminn of Columbia

• Sgt. 1st Class Nicholas Rose of Oquawka

• Staff Sgt. Lawrence Orsborn of Loves Park

• Sgt. 1st Class Levi Miller of Gays

• Sgt. 1st Class Anthony Krajefska of Salem

• Sgt. 1st Class Chad McDannald of Warrenville

• Sgt. 1st Class Carl Langs of Highland Park

• Staff Sgt. Justin Gullion of Northbrook

Commanders Top 10, which was awarded to:

• Rose with 20 enlistments

• Sgt. David Klotz of Blandinsville with 20 enlistments

• Cerminn with 21 enlistments

• Sgt. Jason Lichauer of Bloomington with 21 enlistments

• Sgt. Giuseppe Ferrioli of Belvidere with 22 enlistments

• Staff Sgt. Joseph Dixon of McLean with 22 enlistments

• Sgt. 1st Class Samer Elguindy of Elgin with 23 enlistments

• Watkins with 30 enlistments

• Maroon with 34 enlistments

• Neville with 41 enlistments

10 Aug 2012

Botswana Defense Force and Illinois National Guard Combine Efforts on Road Improvement and Pond Recovery

By Story by Sgt. James D. Sims, 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

MKANKAKE VILLAGE, THE REPUBLIC OF BOTSWANA (08/09/2012)(readMedia)-- The Illinois Army National Guard's 631st Engineer Support Company from Lawrenceville, Ill., is assisting the Botswana Defense Force (BDF) engineers with a road improvement and pond restoration project near Mkankake Village in the Republic of Botswana, as part of Southern Accord 2012 (SA 12).

SA 12 is an annual combined, joint exercise which brings together U.S. military personnel with counterparts from the BDF to conduct humanitarian assistance/disaster relief operations, peacekeeping operations and aeromedical evacuation to enhance military capabilities and interoperability.

"This is a five and a half mile stretch of road that leads to Mkankake Range," said 1st Lt. Jera Muder of Riverton, Ill., the platoon leader for the road improvement project with the 631st. "Currently it is unserviceable and our goal is to complete as much of this project as we can before we have to go back to Illinois."

The road is a natural conduit for rainwater as it flows from high ground and washes out sections of road, rendering it impassable.

"The part of the road we are currently working on has too much sand, so we are removing enough of it to get to a more solid surface," said Muder. "We will then bring in water trucks to wet the surface, rip it up, grade the surface and flatten it out. This will create a hard surface we can then lay gravel on."

The 631st will help to complete as much of the road as they can during their time in Botswana. After the engineers leave, the BDF will conclude the project.

"It has been very good working with the Americans," said Sgt. Lebuse Kobe, a roads technician with the BDF engineers. "We have learned as much from them as we have given them information on how we do our roads. The locals are happy because this is also a road that leads to their village and gives them a better road for travelling."

Concurrent to the road project is a pond restoration near the village, which is used to water livestock and other small agricultural needs.

"This is a small pond that would essentially dry up halfway through the dry season and the livestock depend on it for water," said Sgt. 1st Class John Jones, from Bloomington, Ind., with the 631st. "The elders of the village asked the BDF to expand and deepen the pond so it would last longer."

"We will widen the front of the pond by 20 to 25 meters and increase the depth on the back side by 10 to 15 feet," said Sgt. Galen Dellinger, a heavy equipment operator with the 631st, from Lawrenceville, Ill., "tripling the size of the existing pond."

As the road improvement team passes the pond restoration site, both teams will connect the drainage ditches from the road to the pond so there is more supply to keep the pond from drying up too early.

Although the team from Illinois will have to leave prior to the completion of the project, they are confident the BDF will see it through to completion, said Muder.

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Photo 2: Photo by Sgt. James Sims, 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment/ Staff Sgt. David Abell of Sumner, Ill. with the 631st Engineer Support Company from Lawrenceville, Ill., conducts a bridge reconnaissance and classification class for the Botswana Defense Force (BDF) and U.S. Army engineers. The class came during a break from the road and pond reconstruction projects the engineers have been working on near Mkankake Range, as part of Southern Accord 2012. SA 12 is an annual combined, joint exercise which brings together U.S. military personnel with their counterparts from the BDF, to conduct humanitarian assistance/disaster relief operations, peacekeeping operations and aeromedical evacuation to enhance military capabilities and interoperability.

10 Aug 2012

Illinois National Guard Funeral and Honors Team Close to Record Year

By 1st Lt. Dutch Grove

SPRINGFIELD, IL (08/09/2012)(readMedia)-- The Illinois National Guard Funeral and Honors team is training and certifying 13 new team members at Camp Lincoln in Springfield Aug. 4 to 10.

During fiscal year 2012, which ends Sept. 30, the funerals and honors team has supported 3,078 funerals, just 224 funerals shy of the most ever.

The six funeral and honors offices in Illinois have 63 Soldiers and Airmen assigned and have supported an average of 288 funerals per month over the last two fiscal years.

Staff Sgt. Brandon Page of Marion, with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry in Marion and a funerals and honors instructor said the teams work between 60 and 70 hours per week. The majority of that time is spent preparing their uniforms, practicing flag folding and other drill and ceremony tasks.

"We're the last group of Soldiers the family of a fallen servicemember may see for the rest of their life and we have to leave a positive, lasting impression," said Page.

Page volunteered for the funerals and honors team nearly three years ago. He previously served in the active Army when he witnessed his platoon sergeant die from an improvised explosive device during a deployment to Iraq.

"When you go to war and see people killed, you also see the devastating effect on the family. We have to work hard and put in the hours to ensure every move is perfect during the service," said Page.

The state trainers must complete an 80-hour course at the Professional Education Center at Camp Robinson, Little Rock, Ark. The course has a 91 percent pass rate, but Illinois National Guard servicemembers have a 100 percent pass rate.

Pfc. Keith Robinson of Chicago with Headquarters, Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 178th Infantry in Chicago will be certified at the end of the course and said his motivation is simple, "to give respect to the fallen."

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PHOTO 1: U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Dutch Grove Illinois National Guard Public Affairs/ Sgt. Ryan Melvin, of Carthage, assigned to Battery B, 2nd Battalion, 123rd Field Artillery in Macomb and Pfc. Keith Robinson of Chicago with Headquarters, Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion 178th Infantry in Chicago rehearse rendering military honors during the funeral and honors certification course at Camp Lincoln in Springfield Aug. 8. The Illinois National Guard Funeral and Honors team expects to support more funerals this fiscal year than it ever has in its existence.

10 Aug 2012

East St. Louis Unit Supports 20 Deployments, but Has Yet to Get Battle Streamer

By Illinois National Guard PAO

EAST ST.LOUIS, IL (08/09/2012)(readMedia)-- Ask a Soldier with the 1344th Transportation Company in East St. Louis if he/she has deployed and the answer will likely be "yes." Some may even say they have been deployed two or three times in their career. However, in the nearly 11 years since the military has deployed servicemembers in support of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom, the 1344th has never been mobilized for an overseas mission.

"I have been with this unit for 19 years," said 1st Sgt. Cory L. Harbison of Mulkeytown. "Our flag has never flown overseas...but we still have a motivated group."

While the 1344th has never deployed, most of the Soldiers in the unit have been mobilized. In fact, Soldiers in the 1344th have supported more than 20 Illinois Army National Guard units that have mobilized since Sept. 11, 2001.

Many of the Soldiers are mentally prepared for a long-term deployment. Many are excited about the experience a deployment would bring the unit and for the opportunity to lead other Soldiers.

Capt. Matthew P. Wood of Springfield, 1344th company commander, said a majority of the Soldiers have been negatively impacted by the tough economic area of East St. Louis and are either working part-time or unemployed.

The Soldiers of the 1344th remain committed to being prepared for whatever comes their way.

"We are flexible to do whatever it takes," said Harbison. "We can meet any mission. We have no problems accomplishing any mission given in the past so I have no reason to believe we wouldn't continue that same success."

Some upcoming missions include homeland defense operations.

"We have our homeland security mission so we are always working on preparing ourselves," said Wood. "If the opportunity for a deployment arises we are going to be ready and we are going to be chomping at the bit, but that's a decision for echelons above me."

Regardless of the 1344th's future operations, there is one thing these Soldiers will always be committed to.

"We're just going to continue to drive like hell," said Wood.

Wood's goal, which happens to be the company motto, is something they are determined to succeed at regardless of where or what its mission is.

08 Aug 2012

Internet Scam Targets Illinois National Guard

By Illinois National Guard PAO

SPRINGFIELD, IL (08/08/2012)(readMedia)-- The Illinois National Guard is the target of a recent e-mail scam intended to reach spouses of deployed servicemembers and defraud them out of more than $1,000.

"These criminals are attempting to play upon the desire of our military spouses to see their servicemembers home on leave," said Maj. Gen. Dennis Celletti of Springfield, Illinois National Guard Acting Adjutant General. "It is our priority to protect our families and deployed heroes from these despicable criminals and the financial and emotional harm they would cause."

The fraudulent e-mail is sent directly to military spouses from someone claiming to be Celletti. It refers to a deployed servicemember by name and references a cost of luggage required from the beneficiary before the servicemember can travel for approved temporary leave.

"This is certainly a scam, like ones we have seen in the past," said Chief Warrant Officer (2) John Chepulis of Chatham with the Illinois National Guard's Provost Marshall's Office. "The expertise and authority to investigate matters like this are referred to our civilian law enforcement partners who have been made aware of this situation."

If anyone feels they have been affected by this scam, please report the issue to the FBI Cyber Crime website at www.fbi.gov/scams-safety/fraud/internet_fraud/.

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08 Aug 2012

Army Wife Smashes Rifle Shooting Record!

By Move America Forward
ARMY WIFE TAKES GOLD IN WOMEN'S 3 POSITION RIFLE
SETS NEW OLYMPIC RECORD, THE BEST SCORE IN HISTORY


With the whole world watching the Olympic games in London, this is a perfect opportunity to recognize some amazing military athletes who not only serve in the Armed Forces, but are now competing to be the best in the world at the Olympics.

DON'T FORGET ABOUT OUR HEROES COMPETING
ON THE BATTLEFIELD IN AFGHANISTAN

As we celebrate our Military Olympians, who can do such amazing things in their events, let us not forget the amazing things our troops overseas do every day in Afghanistan.

Our troops continue fighting the Taliban and Al-Qaeda despite the 110+ degree heat and diminishing media coverage about their efforts. They fight to make sure that Afghanistan never again becomes a safe haven and training ground for terrorist to plot attacks to kill American civilians - which is their aim! 

Our fighting military will not receive media attention or acclaim for their heroic acts, but we will thank them with a care packages of support from home.
JAMIE GRAY, WIFE OF ARMY SSG. HANK GRAY WINS OLYMPIC GOLD
BEST SCORE IN HISTORY SHOOTING PRONE, STANDING & KNEELING

Keep reading every day from now through the end of the Olympics as we bring you the stories of our Military Olympians and their impressive achievements. Today we are extremeley proud to bring you the story of Army Wife Jamie Gray. In addition to winning gold and setting a new record for her near-perfect score in the last round, she also made 2012 the first year since World War II that the United States won 3 gold-medals in shooting events! 

Jamie Gray, wife of U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit shooter Staff Sgt. Hank Gray, won an Olympic gold medal in the women's 50-meter rifle 3-positions event Aug. 4 at the Royal Artillery Barracks here.

U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program rifle coach Maj. Dave Johnson, who leads Team USA's rifle shooters in London, coached Gray to the victory.

Gray established Olympic records in the qualification (592) and final (691.9) portions of the event, which includes shooting from prone, standing and kneeling positions.

On the next-to-last shot of the final round, Gray recorded her worst score (8.9) of the day, but she closed with her best shot (10.8) of the finale to seal the victory with a flourish.

"It was almost a little bit of relief, honestly," said Gray, 28, of Phenix City, Ala. "I've dreaded that last shot for four years, and it's amazing to have it come through and be a good shot.

"It looked good and it felt good, so it was awesome," she added. "After shooting an 8.9 on the next-to-last shot, you want to come back from that one, and that's what I did."

Serbia's Ivana Maksimovic (687.5) claimed the silver medal, and Czech Republic's Adela Sykorova (683) took the bronze.

Gray said she realized she could secure the gold after shooting 198 in standing. She opened with a 198 in prone, and finished with a 196 kneeling.

"After I shot a 198 standing, I was like, 'OK, here we go. This is a good one,'" she said. "The kneeling was probably the hardest thing I've ever shot -- 20 shots kneeling -- and I got through it great. I can't ask for a better kneeling today. It was windy, and I had one bad shot that just got away from me in the wind.

"Other than that," Gray continued, "I took just great shots. Every shot was a good shot. After that, I knew that's a big one and I have a chance at this."r
08 Aug 2012

Illinois Soldiers Experience Botswanan Culture While Training in Africa

By Sgt. Adam Fischman, 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

BOTSWANA, AFRICA (08/08/2012)(readMedia)-- Three Illinois National Guard units, among the more than 1,200 military personnel from the United States who are participating in Southern Accord 2012, gathered for a cultural day Aug. 5 at Thebephatshwa Air Base, The Republic of Botswana, Africa.

Southern Accord 12 is a joint exercise bringing together U.S. Army personnel with counterparts from the Botswana Defense Force to conduct humanitarian assistance, disaster relief operations, peacekeeping operations, aeromedical evacuation and enhance military capabilities and interoperability.

The 405th Brigade Support Battalion in North Riverside and Streator, the 766th Engineer Battalion in Decatur and the 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment in Springfield are supporting Southern Accord 2012 Aug. 1 to 17.

During cultural day Soldiers experienced a dance performance from local Botswana Defense Forces (BDF) personnel in ethnic attire as well as local music and food.

Approximately 35 vendors from across Africa also set up booths to sell collectables, souvenirs and clothing. The day also gave members from the various forces a chance to socialize and network with each another.

Sgt. Whitney Clever of Island Lake, Ill., with Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 405th Brigade Support Battalion in North Riverside said she loved cultural day for the interaction with the BDF and local civilians. She said she learned a lot about Botswana culture from the items she found at the bazaar.

"During an exercise like this, it's amazing to see so many different counterparts come together," said Clever. "Not only by country, but also the Army, Marines, Air Force, and Navy coming together with the BDF and their local community for a shared experience. It was really a great exercise."

Having an opportunity to interact with people not from her country was African-native Charlene Mubita's favorite part of the day. Mubita sold clothing, self-designed home goods, and served local foods at her booth.

"It was a great opportunity to meet so many different people from various places, all of whom were friendly," said Mubita.

Video of the cultural day and interviews with Illinois National Guard Soldiers can be found here http://www.dvidshub.net/search?q=botswana+cultural+day.

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