09 Jul 2012

Illinois National Guard Soldiers begin intense training in Minnesota

By Maj. Nathan A. Westby, 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team

CAMP RIPLEY, MINN. (07/09/2012)(readMedia)-- Soldiers with the Illinois National Guard began arriving at Camp Ripley, Minn., July 6 to support and train the 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) through the Army National Guard's premier training program for brigade combat teams.

Units from all major commands in the Illinois National Guard are involved in the training event that includes the 33rd IBCT in Urbana, the 108th Sustainment Brigade in Chicago, the 65th Troop Command Brigade in Springfield, the 404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade in Chicago, and the Joint Forces Headquarters in Springfield. At the peak of operations there will be more than 3,200 Soldiers from Illinois at Camp Ripley.

Brig. Gen. Johnny Miller, Assistant Adjutant General for the Illinois Army National Guard, and the Task Force Illini commander for the exercise, said this is an opportunity to highlight the quality of the Illinois Army National Guard and its Soldiers.

"This exercise will demonstrate the high caliber of our organization to key decision makers at the national level and the community leaders where our armories are located," said Miller.

The 33rd IBCT is the primary training audience during the 21-day exercise, which will certify the brigade's companies and platoons on the ability to perform mission specific tasks. Completing the three-week training exercise ensures the 33rd IBCT will be ready for potential future deployments in 2014 when the brigade will be in the available force pool.

Col. Paul C. Hastings, the 33rd IBCT commander said the exercise will be intense and challenging for all units in the 33rd IBCT.

"Over the next three weeks we will train to be the most lethal and survivable IBCT in the National Guard. Our execution of this exercise will be the most aggressive and complicated ever contemplated by an IBCT in this program," said Hastings.

The 33rd IBCT last completed the same Army National Guard program in 2008 before the unit deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

The Army National Guard program, the eXportable Combat Training Capability (XCTC), was created in 2005 to reduce training overhead for National Guard brigades without sacrificing quality, standards, or outcomes. It is designed to build upon fundamental doctrine while integrating tough, realistic training. The XCTC program provides a cost-effective and readily available alternative to the Army's Combat Training Centers.

05 Jul 2012

Governor Quinn Celebrates Independence Day by Enacting Laws for Veterans

By Nafia Khan

New Laws Will Help Illinois Veterans Better Access, Jobs, Healthcare

DES PLAINES - July 4, 2012. Governor Quinn today celebrated our nation's 236th birthday and the more than 800,000 Illinois Veterans by signing new laws to improve the quality of life for Veterans. Building on his longstanding commitment to Veterans and military families, Governor Pat Quinn signed three new laws that will improve access to jobs, benefits and state programs for servicemembers.

"Today on the Fourth of July, we honor our founding fathers by improving the lives of the men and women who serve this nation," Governor Quinn said. "Supporting our Veterans, who sacrifice to ensure the freedoms we enjoy, is one of my top priorities. These new laws will make sure our heroes receive the services they need here at home."

In order to further improve Veterans' access to state services, Governor Quinn signed Senate Bill 2837, sponsored by Sen. Pamela Althoff (R-Crystal Lake) and Rep. Mike Fortner (R-West Chicago). Under the new law, Veterans will receive a unique distinction on their driver's licenses and identification cards. This will enable the IDVA and other state agencies to more efficiently identify Veterans for services and benefits, such as healthcare, education assistance, and job placement. The Secretary of State will implement the change by Jan. 1, 2015.

"It is more important than ever to care for our Veterans and to make it easier for them to access benefits and programs, said Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs (IDVA) Director Erica Borggren. "These laws do just that, while also helping us chip away at the Veteran unemployment problem."

As part of Governor Quinn's ongoing efforts to make sure Veterans do not have to fight for jobs at home, he signed House Bill 4586, sponsored by Rep. Will Davis (D-Chicago) and Sen. William Haine (D-Alton). Under the new law, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources will partner with the IDVA, the Illinois Departments of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), and Employment Security (IDES), as well as the Illinois State Job Coordinating Council to add the Illinois Veteran Conservation Corps and Illinois Veteran Recreation Corps to the Illinois Conservation Corps. Under the new law, unemployed Illinois Veterans and members of the Illinois National Guard between the ages of 15 and 25 are eligible for year-round conservation and environmental employment in the corps. The new law goes into effect immediately.

Governor Quinn also signed Senate Bill 3689, sponsored by Sen. John Sullivan (D-Rushville) and Rep. Carol Sente (D-Vernon Hills) to help address unemployment among Veterans. The new law makes employment and job training organizations eligible to receive grants through the Veterans Assistance Fund. More than $10 million from the fund, made up of proceeds from the Veterans Cash lottery ticket program, has been awarded to nonprofit organizations across the state. Recipients provide health care and post-traumatic stress disorder treatment, housing assistance, disability benefits and other services to Illinois Veterans. The law goes into effect immediately.

For more information about programs and benefits for our Veterans, visit Veterans.Illinois.Gov or call the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs at 217-782-6641 or 312-814-2460.

 

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03 Jul 2012

Veteran, Military Employment Fair Set for Peoria Civic Center July 12

By National Guard Lt. Col. Tim Franklin

Approximately 60 Central Illinois Employers on Hand Looking for Talented, Qualified Job Candidates

PEORIA , IL (07/03/2012)(readMedia)-- Approximately 60 central Illinois employers will be on hand at the Peoria Civic Center, 201 S.W. Jefferson Ave., July 12 for an employment fair aimed at veterans and military service members looking for a job. The Illinois Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Committee, in conjunction with Hero2Hired, Illinois Department of Employment Security, U.S. Chamber of Commerce/ Hiring Our Heroes, and other sponsors and organizations have combined their efforts to bring employers with open positions together with veterans, National Guard, Reserve and spouses in Peoria and surrounding areas.

"We are very happy to be able to work with organizations and programs like Hero2Hired, Hiring Our Heroes, and IDES to offer this unique and much-needed employment fair opportunity to our veterans and service members here in central Illinois," said Dr. Michael Ayers, Ph.D., State Committee Chair for Illinois ESGR. "We recognize that unemployment among this important segment of our population is a growing concern not just here in Illinois but across the country."

The free Peoria employment fair will be 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Veteran and military job seekers should go to the Hiring Our Heroes Web site at https://HOH.Greatjob.net by July 5 to sign up online. For more information or registration questions, contact Hiring Our Heroes at: hiringourheroes@uschamber.com.

"The unemployment rate among our veterans, Guardsmen and Reservists is a concern," said Lt. Col. Tim Franklin, Illinois ESGR Program Director. "According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the overall unemployment rate in 2011 for veterans who served on active duty in since September 2001 was 12.1 percent. For those who were current or past members of the Reserve or National Guard the rate was 9.1 percent. We have a responsibility help these men and women who raise their hand and volunteer to put on the uniform to do our nation's bidding here at home and around the world."

The Peoria employment fair offers veterans, Guard and Reserve members and their spouses an opportunity to connect with central Illinois Employers with positions available. In addition to employers, veteran service organizations and providers will be at the fair. Walk-in veterans and spouses can attend the day of the event with proper identification, but pre-registration is encouraged through Hiring Our Heroes.

03 Jul 2012

Braley to Visit Iowa Veterans Home to Discuss Iwo Jima Visit

By Jeff Giertz

Washington, DC - Today, on the eve of Independence Day, Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) will visit the Iowa Veterans' Home in Marshalltown to make a presentation about his trip to Iwo Jima earlier this year.  Braley traveled to Iwo Jima in March 2012 with David Greene, a World War II veteran from Waterloo.  For more information on the trip, visit: http://go.usa.gov/w1A

TODAY, Tuesday July 3rd, 2012

10:30am:  Presentation on Trip to Iwo Jima with IVH Veterans

Iowa Veterans' Home

1301 Summit St.

Marshalltown, Iowa

 

# # #
02 Jul 2012

Complexity, realism and technology enhances C-IED training (Rock Island, IL)

By Carlos Cruz

Army Sgt. John McSorley, counter IED trainer mentor with 1st Battalion, 307th Infantry Regiment prepares a simulated pressure plate IED for use on the Dismounted IED Visual Indicator Lane.

By Ian Lumley, Matthew Brady and William Fisher
174th Infantry Brigade Counter-Improvised Explosive Device Integration Cell

JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- A major part of training service members for combat revolves around countering the insurgent's use of improvised explosive devices. IEDs remain the weapon of choice for terrorists, insurgents and criminal networks worldwide.

Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., serves as a mobilization training center for First Army Division East with the mission of preparing joint forces for military operations in Afghanistan, the Horn of Africa and other active conflict areas around the world. A great deal of time and effort is devoted to training service members how to operate effectively in an IED environment.

"Before they go to an active area of operations, they need to know what to look for," said Army Sgt. John McSorley, 174th Infantry Brigade Counter-IED trainer mentor. "The DIVIL is a great way to expose troops to multiple scenarios and increase IED awareness overall."

The latest joint base training enabler, the DIVIL, or Dismounted IED Visual Indicator Lane, encompasses 15 independent IED training stations. Each station provides information concerning a specific type of IED and provides multiple examples of the IED as it may appear in an active IED environment. The intent is to expose service members to as many devices as possible to increase potential survivability, according to McSorley.

He went on to explained that training lanes have progressed from being a simple walk in the woods where an opposing force sets off training devices and simulates gunfire. During the last 10 years training enablers have increased in complexity and changed how service members train for deployment. Training enhancements such as the Virtual Battle Space Simulator is an example of how training has evolved to assist service members preparing for missions in an IED environment. The increased realism and reduced cost from less wear and tear on traditional field equipment has proved an effective enhancement at the joint base.

"Building the lane is an ongoing project," said McSorley. "Our goal is to continuously update the exhibits and tailor the site towards multiple areas of operations and keep current with the latest tactics being used by the enemy."

The DIVIL is a joint project between the 174th and installation entities. Soldiers assigned to the 174th used their skills and experience to build realistic representations of IEDs and 174th maintains project oversight. The Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security provided and maintains the terrain, while the Training Management Division assists with work orders.
In keeping with the Army Training Model 2015, which stresses the importance of hands on training, instructors take students out of the classroom and onto automated with fully-operational simulated IEDs active lanes. Students encounter hidden IEDs along the lane, which reinforces the training they receive.

Instead of a blast, the IEDs are connected to a siren or horn to simulate a blast.

"The DIVIL affords us a more productive learning environment, and constant lane improvements will keep training relevant," said McSorley. "We are working on putting together a marine-time station to demonstrate threats Coast Guard and Navy personnel may encounter."

The 174th IN Bde., trains service members from all branches of the military in preparation for deployments around the world. This newly redesigned lane allows them to train any unit for any area of conflict.

02 Jul 2012

Veterans: Quality of life

By John Bury
What is Quality of life for our veterans?  The meaning for most upon
returning home is security.  Jobs that offer equitable pay with benefits,
home ownership, education opportunity.

Many veterans returning home bring with them acquired skills. Skills they
did not have prior to entering the military.  These personnel are the
support groups who maintain and operate equipment.  They are apart from
those whose primary duty is combat.  For the most part, they are well
trained in job skills.  They are mechanics, builders, electronics
technicians, equipment operators, medical technicians, cooks, bakers,
administrative personnel; just to name a few skills they bring home.  Most
have attended schools in the military.

Those personnel who do require education, it is available to them through
government programs.  Programs that offer a variety of productive skills.
Veterans Affairs (VA) have counselors to help in their decision making
process.  Many of these counselors maintain offices in nearly all schools
of higher education.

Employers can be eligible for tax break incentives for hiring veterans.
Some might say,why give preferential treatment to veterans?  Military
personnel of all branches can and often are placed in harms way.  Their
main obligation is to maintain our Country's posterity, freedom from
oppression as a sovereign nation.  They have earned the hard way a right
to better quality of life.

Many returning veterans are not without problems, medical and mental.
Here again, one other purpose of our VA is to afford its veterans
undeniable medical and mental care.  All the veteran should need to verify
service is their DD-214 proof of military service and discharge under
honorable conditions.  In the event of being in combat, proof of medals in
a combat campaign.  For any service connected disability, whether it be
combat or non-combat, proof of that disability.  Military personnel at
discharge should make copies of their DD-214, record of awards, record of
duty stations, medical records that could be significant for possible
disability medical issues in the future.  If and or when a time lends
itself, these records become valuable in making a VA claim.  Congress and
Senate introduces legislation for VA disability to help veterans.  How
many of these Bills are stuck in committee?  Our best support is the
American people to write Congress and Senate, ask them to support our
veterans in need for medical care and compensation.

If a veteran needs advice in dealing with the VA, there is help.  The VA
has veterans liaison coordinators.  Other good sources of help is the VFW
1-816-756-3390,  American Legion 1-202-861-2700, Disabled American
Veterans 1-877-426-2838, Vietnam Veterans of America 1-800-vva-1316,
American Veterans 1-877-726-8387.  These organizations are recognized by
the VA and Federal Government.  There is no charge for their services.
Upon discharge from military service, it is advised to register with the
VA to be in the system.
By: John J. Bury, US Navy/retired, Vietnam War veteran, Media, Pa. (for
immediate release)
02 Jul 2012

Loebsack, Schilling Honor Rock Island Arsenal's 150 Years of Service to Nation

By Rick Martin

Congressmen introduce Resolution recognizing 150th Anniversary of Rock Island Arsenal

Washington, D.C. - Congressmen Dave Loebsack (IA-02) and Bobby Schilling (IL-17) today introduced a bipartisan Resolution in the House of Representatives to recognize the 150th Anniversary of the Rock Island Arsenal and its ongoing contributions to our nation's security and the Quad Cities economy.  On July 11, 1862, President Lincoln signed into law legislation that established the Arsenal.  Over the years, the workforce of the Rock Island Arsenal has equipped our men and women in uniform, and the Arsenal has long played a key role in job creation and economic development throughout the Quad Cities.

"The men and women who have worked at the Arsenal over the past 150 years have one thing in common- dedication to our nation's defense and providing for those who wear our nation's uniform," said Loebsack.  "Since it was first established, Rock Island Arsenal has played a critical role in our nation's defense and in job creation and economic development in the Quad Cities.  As we mark this historic occasion, I will continue to work with the Quad Cities community and the bipartisan, bicameral congressional delegation to ensure that Rock Island Arsenal continues its 150 year tradition of playing a central role for the Army, in equipping our troops, and in the Quad Cities."

"The Rock Island Arsenal and its hard working employees have made remarkable, vital contributions to our national security and our area's economy in the 150 years since its establishment," said Schilling. "As I've said before, the Arsenal is truly a national treasure that should be preserved and protected.  It's an honor to represent the Arsenal and the men and women it employs, and I will continue to be a strong advocate along with the folks from the Quad Cities area so that the Arsenal can be around for another 150 years."

A copy of the resolution can be found here.

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29 Jun 2012

Military Museum Flag Project Continues with 8th Illinois Cavalry Guidon

By Illinois Guard PAO

Private-Public Partnership Conserves Flag of First Union Unit to Fire at Battle of Gettysburg

SPRINGFIELD, IL (06/28/2012)(readMedia)-- The three-foot long, red, white and blue flag carried by Soldiers of the 8th Regiment of the Illinois Volunteer Cavalry in the Civil War hangs proudly at the DuPage County Historical Museum in Wheaton, thanks to a private-public partnership program with the Illinois State Military Museum.

"The 8th Illinois Cavalry guidon ranks as the 13th flag from the Military Museum collection to be conserved and loaned for display," said Bill Lear of Springfield, curator of the Illinois State Military Museum in Springfield. "This joint effort conserves flags without any cost to the state while giving more opportunities for the public to see historic flags from the collection."

A guidon is a small flag that has colors and shapes to identify a unit. The Military Museum has nearly 1,100 guidons and regimental and national flags that were carried by militia and Illinois National Guard units from as early as the 1846 Mexican War to the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Private donors raise the money to pay for the conservation of the flags, which remain the property of Illinois. Upon completion of the conservation process, the Military Museum loans the flag to donors for display. However, the flag must be displayed in a building that meets strict standards for physical security and for environmental controls of temperature and lighting.

The 8th Illinois Cavalry conservation project took 12 months and cost $20,000, which the DuPage County Historical Museum Foundation raised. The foundation also assisted in raising money to conserve the 36th Illinois Volunteer Infantry national colors. That flag has been on display at the DuPage County Historical Museum since 2010.

Recruited in northern Illinois in 1861, the 8th Regiment Illinois Volunteer Cavalry played a key role in Civil War history at the battle of Gettysburg. Lt. Marcellus E. Jones of Company E is credited as the Union Soldier who fired the first shot July 1, 1863. Jones of Danby, which is now Glen Ellyn, borrowed a carbine from Sgt. Levi Shafer of Naperville and fired at a Confederate Soldier. Besides its service at Gettysburg, the unit also aided in the hunt for John Wilkes Booth, President Abraham Lincoln's assassin, and served as Lincoln's honor guard while he lay under the U.S. Capitol Rotunda in Washington, D.C.

For more information, contact the Illinois State Military Museum, 1301 North MacArthur Blvd., Springfield, Ill., or call (217) 761-3384.

-30-

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 Blvd. and North Grand Ave. in Springfield, Ill., the museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 1-4:30 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/.

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www.facebook.com/illinoisnationalguard

28 Jun 2012

Hometown Military 4th of July Greetings

By Carlos Cruz

Below are the playlists and date/times for the individual states that we have July 4th greetings for. They will play out of DVIDS Channel 2.

C-BAND

Galaxy 17 Service

Located @ 91 degrees west

Transponder: C21

Downlink Frequency: 4133.6150 Horizontal

Carrier type: MPEG-4, DVB-S2

Modulation: 8PSK

Symbol Rate: 6.960

FEC: 5/6

Pilot: On

Network ID: 620

SD2 is service channel #2

 

DVIDS 24/7 Technical Operations Center 678-421-6690

 

 

Thursday June 28 at 11:00am ET (Re-feed Friday, June 28 at 9:00am ET)

july4_connecticut TRT- 00:00:30

july4_newyork TRT- 00:02:36

july4_newjerseyTRT- 00:01:06

july4_pennsylvania TRT- 00:00:16

july4_delaware TRT- 00:00:27

july4_maryland TRT- 00:00:59

july4_virginia TRT- 00:03:13

 

Thursday June 28 at 11:15am ET (Re-feed Friday, June 28 at 9:15am ET)

july4_northcarolina TRT- 00:11:17

july4_southcarolina TRT- 00:01:36

july4_tennessee TRT- 00:01:16

july4_georgia TRT- 00:06:18

july4_florida TRT- 00:02:56

july4_alabama TRT- 01:00

july4_mississippi TRT- 00:00:26

 

Thursday June 28 at 2:00pm ET (Re-feed Friday, June 28 at 11:00am ET)

july4_kentucky TRT- 00:01:10

july4_ohio TRT- 00:02:13

july4_indiana TRT- 00:01:01

july4_michigan TRT- 00:01:13

july4_wisconsin TRT- 00:00:32

july4_iowa TRT- 00:00:35

july4_illinois TRT- 00:00:56

july4_missouri TRT- 00:00:42

 

Thursday June 28 at 2:15pm ET (Re-feed Friday, June 28 at 11:15am ET)

july4_northdakota TRT- 00:00:16

july4_oklahoma TRT- 00:01:16

july4_arkansas TRT- 00:01:36

july4_louisiana TRT- 00:00:11

july4_texas TRT- 00:06:14

 

Thursday June 28 at 2:30pm ET (Re-feed Friday, June 28 at 12:15pm ET)

july4_colorado TRT- 00:02:26

july4_utah TRT- 00:00:19

july4_arizona TRT- 00:44

july4_nevada TRT- 00:00:32

july4_idaho TRT- 00:02:12

july4_washington TRT- 00:00:36

july4_oregon TRT- 00:00:13

july4_california TRT- 00:01:49

july4_alaska TRT- 00:28

 

Thursday June 28 at 2:45pm ET (Re-feed Friday, June 28 at 1:00pm ET)

july4_puertorico TRT- 00:01:48

july4_virginislands TRT- 00:00:13

 

Since I have sent this out after the fact, please contact me directly if you would like to use the greetings for your state and need me to do another play-out.

28 Jun 2012

Iowa All-Academy Ball: Honoring Military Academy Alumni in Iowa

By Andrew Gillman

DES MOINES, IOWA (June 28, 2012) - Planning has begun for The Sixth Annual Iowa All-Academy Military Ball; an event recognizing Iowans currently enrolled in any of the United States Military Academies, as well as honoring Iowa-based graduates of the academies, who have gone on to serve our country.

The Iowa All-Academy Ball will be held on Saturday, December 29, 2012 at the Sheraton Hotel in West Des Moines, and is open to all current students and graduates of any of the five United States Service Academies; The United States Military Academy (West Point, NY), The United States Naval Academy (Annapolis, MD), The United States Coast Guard Academy (New London, CT), The United States Air Force Academy (Colorado Springs, CO), and The United States Merchant Marine Academy (Kings Point, NY).

The Iowa All-Academy Ball will begin at 6:00 p.m. and will include a full program, incorporating a cocktail reception, keynote speakers, dinner, and live entertainment.

The secondary goal of the Iowa All-Academy Ball is to raise funds for three Iowa-based charitable organizations. A silent auction will also be held during the event.

. You can also follow the Iowa All-Academy Ball on Twitter (@iowaallacademyball), or stay informed by following the Iowa All-Academy Ball Facebook page.

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