In an amazing story showing his faithfulness and dedication to the troops, actor and 4-time Troopathon participant Gary Sinise is making news again from his astounding level of dedication to our American troops.

Cpl. Joshua Benjamin "J.B." Kerns (USMC)..., lost both his legs below the knee as well as his right arm below the elbow during combat operations in Afghanistan while the then 21-year-old Marine was serving his third combat tour of duty in "The 'Stan" as that nation is referred to by Marines.

In an Associated Press article via Fox News, Sinise promised J.B. that a benefit concert scheduled on March 31st by Sinise's "Lt. Dan Band" would help raise money to construct a "smart home" for the wounded warrior.

Unfortunately, Sinise had to postpone the gig due to an automobile accident he was recently involved in.

True to his word, the concert is back on for this upcoming Thursday.

Sinise, who has raised millions of dollars to aid wounded military vets and first responders, was quoted by the AP:

"These are young guys that have ...given a lot for their country and they're going to have to go for the rest of their lives with a real challenge.

We're trying to do as much as we can for as many of them as possible."

GARY SINISE IS KEEPING HIS PROMISE TO A MARINE. LET'S MAKE GOOD ON OUR PROMISES TO SUPPORT OUR TROOPS!

These brave troops are deployed in some of the most dangerous provinces in Afghan war zone, including Sangin and Helmand Province.

Updating our progress towards reaching our goal, it looks like we have raised enough funds to support 411 of our 800 Marines. That means we're more than half-way to our goal! 

This is an amazing outpouring of support! But we have to keep the momentum going and get all the way to our goal! 

We have already collected enough to help over half of our Marines, however there are still  389 Marines out there who need YOU to sponsor a care package for THEM! Please Help today!

Braley will honor retired Army Reserve Sgt. Major Michael Matson 

Washington, DC - On Thursday, Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) will travel to Davenport's Central High School to present the Legion of Merit award to retired Army Reserve Sgt. Major Michael Matson of Davenport.

Matson is being presented with the Legion of Merit award for exceptionally meritorious service and outstanding leadership throughout his 21-year career in the military.  The Legion of Merit is among the most distinguished US military decorations, and is one of only two US military decorations to be worn on the neck (the other is the Medal of Honor).  Braley worked with the Army to help push through the Legion of Merit honor for Matson.

Thursday May 24, 2012

2:30pm                 Medal Award Ceremony for Michael Matson

Davenport Central High School

1120 Main St.

Davenport, Iowa

# # #
CHICAGO, IL (05/21/2012)(readMedia)-- Three Illinois National Guard Soldiers with Company A, 2nd Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne) in Chicago were recognized on the field during Armed Forces Day at Wrigley Field, May 19. Staff Sgt. Ryan Meister of Urbana, Staff Sgt. Scott Blindt and Staff Sgt. Dan Schwarz were recognized along with five other servicemembers before the game. Gen. John R. Allen, commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan threw out the first pitch.

Silver Star medal.png

Ceremony Highlights Heroism and Bravery of Illinois Servicemembers

CHICAGO - May 19, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today joined Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Illinois National Guard Maj. General William Enyart to honor Illinois National Guardsmen Sgt. First Class Ryan Ahern of Glen Ellyn and Capt. Tom Bozzay of Wheaton with Silver Stars for valor. Gen. Dempsey presented the awards to Ahern and Bozzay for their heroic actions in Afghanistan in December 2009 while protecting a French military unit. 

"As we honor our military heroes on Armed Services Day, we must never forget their sacrifices," Governor Quinn said. "Sgt. First Class Ahern and Capt. Bozzay are genuine heroes and a shining example of Illinois' best."

Ahern and Bozzay are both assigned to Company A, 2nd Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group in Chicago. While deployed to Afghanistan in 2009 and while under attack from a large enemy force, Bozzay moved under fire to provide medical care to five unit members who were seriously injured. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, Bozzay repeatedly used his body to shield wounded comrades from incoming fire.

Ahern was unconscious when the unit received fire, which wounded him and four others. After regaining consciousness from the blast, Ahern identified and fired at the enemy long enough to allow other members of the unit to reinforce their positions.

"The actions of Capt. Bozzay and Sgt. 1st Class Ahern prove they are not only heroes, but they are true protectors of this country," said Enyart. "They were selfless and fearless without hesitating to simply do their job. They are an inspiration to me and our fellow Illinois National Guardsmen."

The Silver Star is the third-highest military decoration that can be awarded to any branch of the United States Military. Today's ceremony on United States Armed Services Day at the Pritzker Military Library comes as the Illinois National Guard is playing a key role in this weekend's historic NATO summit in Chicago. On Sunday, Governor Quinn will join Polish President Bronis?aw Komorowski for a ceremony honoring continued military cooperation between Poland and the Illinois National Guard.

As Memorial Day approaches, 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.

 

###

Legislation incorporates several Braley proposals to strengthen sexual assault protections, protect vets from home foreclosure; bill stops changes at Des Moines Air Guard facility

Washington, D.C. - The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that passed the US House of Representatives today included provisions authored by Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) to reduce sexual assault and domestic violence in the military and provide additional protections for veterans against foreclosure.  The legislation would also block a proposed Air Force recommendation to eliminate over 700 jobs at the Des Moines-based 132nd Iowa Air National Guard Fighter Wing.

"These provisions make important changes that would reduce the incidence of sexual assault in the military, protect more veterans and their families from home foreclosure, and protect the Des Moines Air National Guard Fighter Wing from cuts," Braley said.  "This is important to many Iowans in uniform and to many veterans, and I'm encouraged that they moved a step closer to implementation today.  We've worked hard to get this done for our men and women in uniform and those who have served, and we'll keep working until the job's done."

 

In April 2011, Braley introduced the Holley Lynn James Act, a bill that would force the Department of Defense to make changes to reduce the incidence of sexual assault and domestic violence in the military.  Several of the bill's provisions were included in a Defense bill that passed the House in December; this April, the Pentagon announced it was implementing several provisions from the Holley Lynn James Act.  Today's bill includes a provision from the Holley Lynn James Act that ensures senior officers -- higher up the chain of command -- review any accusation of sexual assault.

Also included in the Defense bill passed today was an amendment introduced by Braley to expand veterans' mortgage foreclosure protections to spouses of veterans who were killed in action, and disabled veterans.  In October, the House passed Braley's Protecting Veterans Homes Act to expand foreclosure protections for returning veterans.

Finally, the Defense bill also included language that would block the US Air Force from following through on their threat to eliminate over 700 jobs at the 132nd Iowa National Guard Fighter wing based at the Des Moines airport.  For months, Braley has pressed Congressional leaders and the Pentagon to abandon their plans to downsize the fighter wing.

# # #

Legislation to support our troops clears the House of Representatives with bipartisan support

Washington, DC - Congressman Bobby Schilling (IL-17) released the following statement after the House of Representatives approved H.R. 4310, its version of the Fiscal Year 2013 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA):

"Ensuring our organic industrial base and our men and women in combat are prepared for whatever threats tomorrow may bring is of the utmost importance to me," Schilling said. "It's an honor to represent the interests of warfighters, veterans, the Rock Island Arsenal, and our region's manufacturing capabilities on the House Armed Services Committee, and I'm pleased so many colleagues on both sides of the aisle supported today's defense bill.  I will work to ensure that the bill approved by the Senate and sent to the President meets the high standards those in our defense and intelligence communities deserve."   

The NDAA is annual comprehensive legislation that specifies the budget authority of the United States Department of Defense (DOD) and additional national security programs under the Department of Energy (DOE).  The Act supports common defense and provides for the needs of our troops, ensuring that they have access to the best possible tools, equipment, and training necessary to complete their mission.  The FY2013 NDAA authorizes $544 billion for national defense and $88.5 billion for Overseas Contingencies Operations.  This is nearly $4 billion more than the President's budget request, but less than last year's request.  It is, however, consistent with the budget resolution the House passed last month.  The Senate Armed Services Committee is scheduled to begin considering its version of the defense authorization on May 22.  

Schilling worked with several of his colleagues to ensure a number of bipartisan provisions were included in this year's NDAA, the 51st annual defense authorization bill.  Schilling's provisions include :

  • Language authored with Congressman Dave Loebsack (IA-02), also a member of HASC, to ensure DOD recognizes the critical manufacturing work done at facilities like the RIA in our overarching national security strategy, and reviews how to maintain those skills and therefore the people who do the work.  Schilling and Loebsack are building on their historic, bipartisan work to strengthen the arsenal in last year's NDAA.
  • Language authored with Congressman Steve Stivers (OH-15) to better shape the policies and practices of TRICARE to efficiently and effectively account for the specific health care needs of children.  TRICARE is the military health care system covering 9.6 million, including military retirees, the children and families of active duty soldiers, and National Guard and Reservists.  As the program's reimbursement structure is based on Medicare, TRICARE often adopts policies and practices from Medicare that do not account for pediatric health care delivery and settings.  This Schilling and Stivers language will convene a working group to review and make recommendations for improving TRICARE policies and practices to account for children's needs, and work jointly with specialty providers of children's health care.
  • Language authored with Congressman Dan Lipinski (IL-03) to encourage cooperation between the DOD and universities to uncover the remains of American troops who died in action overseas. This bipartisan provision will help provide closure for families with lost loved ones, and will honor those who gave so much for our country.  Universities such as the University of Illinois are already working to reduce the backlog of cases that have been reported but not investigated or for which remains have been located but not recovered, but there is bureaucratic red tape that complicates coordinating efforts with the DOD.  This provision will help DOD be more cost effective and increase the speed at which we can bring our warfighters home from more friendly countries, allowing the DOD to focus on its recovery efforts in more dangerous areas of the world.
  • Language authored with Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-32), who serves with Schilling on the Small Business Committee, to reform small business contracting and make it easier for small contractors wishing to do business with the federal government.  Small businesses have proven that they can perform a service or produce goods for the government at a lower cost and often at a faster pace than their larger counterparts, but many challenges remain for businesspeople seeking to break through the bureaucracy.  This bipartisan provision allows the Small Business Administration to oversee civilian mentor-protégé programs (programs intended to partner small businesses with established mentors  to improve the small business' ability to win contracts and subcontracts), facilitating inter-agency agreements, guaranteeing that programs benefit small businesses, and encouraging equal treatment among all small businesses, including those owned by women and minorities.

The legislation includes a number of broader provisions as well, including:

  • Provisions providing for the warfighter and military families: The NDAA seeks to provide our warfighters and their families with the care and support they need, deserve, and have earned.  It ensures that our military is robust, flexible, and capable.  The NDAA rejects Administration proposals to increase some TRICARE fees and establish new TRICARE fees; authorizes a 1.7 percent pay increase; and extends bonuses and special pay for our servicemen and women.  It also reflects a bipartisan effort actively supported by Schilling to provide new regulations and procedures to combat and prosecute sexual assault within the military.
  • Provisions to maintain and rebuild our military:  The NDAA does not authorize additional rounds of Base Closure and Realignment Commission (BRAC) in either FY2013 or FY2015, as had been called for by the Department of Defense.  Schilling strongly opposed efforts to authorize a BRAC.  The bill includes and restores vital systems, platforms, and authorities to maintain America's combat power after a decade of war.
  • Provisions pertaining to detainees:  The FY2012 NDAA reaffirmed U.S. authority to pursue terrorists who are part of or substantially support al Qaeda, the Taliban, or associated forces.  The FY2013 NDAA, though the incorporation of the Right to Habeas Corpus Act, makes clear beyond a shadow of a doubt that every American will have his day in court.  It also prohibits the transfer of Guantanamo Bay detainees to the United States.

# # #

egislation also includes initiative to boost to Rock Island Arsenal; Housing fix for the Guard; Pay raise for Troops

 

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack today applauded House passage of critical provisions in the FY 2013 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).  Included in the legislation was an amendment authored by Loebsack that would prevent personnel and aircraft from the 132nd Fighter Wing based in Des Moines from being retired or cut. As the only Member of Congress from Iowa on the House Armed Services Committee, Loebsack also included a provision that directs the Department of Defense to identify the critical manufacturing capabilities provided by arsenals, including Rock Island Arsenal, and determine the amount of work that is required to maintain them in peacetime.

 

"The men and women who serve our nation deserve the best support, resources and care available.  While I do not support every provision in this bill, I am proud to have addressed many Iowa priorities in this bill and to have addressed critical national security challenges.  I am pleased the House voted in a bipartisan fashion to save the 132nd fighter wing, provide a boost for the Rock Island Arsenal and provide a deserved pay increase for the troops.  The quality of work being performed, especially by the Iowa Air Guard and the highly-skilled men and women at the Arsenal, is vital to our national security and second to none."

 

Below are additional details about Loebsack initiatives included in the legislation.

 

Amendment to save the 132nd Fighter Wing

  • The bill includes language authored by Loebsack to prevent personnel cuts and retirements or transfer of Air National Guard aircraft, including the 132nd Fighter Wing in Des Moines.  The bipartisan amendment was offered in Committee and was cosponsored by Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-CA).

 

Boost for Rock Island Arsenal; Stops BRAC rounds

  • · Congressmen Loebsack and Bobby Schilling (IL-17) worked together to include language that directs the DOD to identify the critical manufacturing capabilities provided by arsenals and determine the amount of work that is required to maintain them in peacetime.  The two also joined in fighting to ensure no there will be no BRAC rounds in either FY 2013 or FY 2015.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

###

 

Sgt. 1st Class Jennifer Dorsey of Moline, Ill., holds her flowers after the Mother's Day 5K May 13 at Camp Virginia, Kuwait. Dorsey was surprised with flowers from her family back home after the run.

CAMP VIRGINIA, KUWAIT (05/14/2012)(readMedia)-- Holidays spent apart from your family and loved ones can be difficult. Mothers spending Mother's Day away from their children is particularly tough for some Soldiers deployed with the Illinois Army National Guard's 444th Chemical Company based in Galesburg, Ill.

"My mom has made an impact by being there for me through every downfall and she has taught me to be strong," said Sgt. Ashley Lasiowski of West Chicago, Ill.

Mother's Day was a reminder for the mothers with the 444th Chemical Company based in Galesburg, Ill., of how far they have come and how far they have left to go.

"I can't wait to go to all of their (her kids) sporting events when I get home," said Sgt. 1st Class Jennifer Dorsey of Moline, Ill. "They are all great athletes. I get compliments by different people all the time on how much my kids are loved and admired and it makes me so proud."

Dorsey was presented with flowers shortly after running the Mother's Day 5K at Camp Virginia. It was a surprise set up by her family back home.

"I feel so blessed to be a mother and was so happy to see such a beautiful arrangement of flowers from my family, especially when you don't get to see colors and blossoms like that here," said the mother of four.

Mothers deployed to Camp Virginia were not the only ones missing their children on Mother's Day. Rose Owen-Guthrie of Roseville, Ill., was thinking of her two deployed sons as any mother would.

"My sons left a handprint on my heart that will never fade and a love that will never die out... a mother's love," wrote Owen-Guthrie, mother of Sgt. Evan Guthrie of Macomb, Ill., and Spc. Jordan Guthrie of Roseville, Ill. Both Soldiers are deployed with the 444th Chemical Company.

For the Guthrie brothers, their mother has a message for them "I miss and think of you daily. Just the little things sometimes reminds me of you. Know that I am looking forward to this time passing as quickly as it can so you can return home to all of us who love you so dearly. I love you boys."

The Galesburg based unit deployed in February and is expected to return February 2013.

WASHINGTON – Vice Adm. Sally Brice-O'Hara will be relieved by Vice Adm. John P. Currier as vice commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard during a military change of watch ceremony at Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C., 10 a.m. Friday.  Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Robert J. Papp, Jr., will preside over the event.

WHO: The Honorable Jane Holl Lute, deputy secretary, U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Adm. Robert J. Papp, Jr., commandant, U.S. Coast Guard

Vice Adm. Sally Brice-O'Hara, vice commandant, U.S. Coast Guard

Vice Adm. John P. Currier, prospective vice commandant, U.S. Coast Guard

WHAT: A change of watch ceremony. The event formally restates the continuity and authority of the vice commandant's responsibilities. It involves the total transfer of accountability from one individual to another.

WHEN: 10 a.m. Friday, May 18, 2012. Media should plan to arrive no later than 9:15 a.m.

WHERE: Fort Lesley J. McNair, 2nd Street, SW, Washington, D.C., 20593

To Ensure They are Getting the Care and Attention They Deserve from the Department of Veterans Affairs

Washington, DC – Congressman Bobby Schilling (IL-17) will be hosting a forum specifically for veterans tomorrow, May 12, featuring Mr. Duane Honeycutt, Director of the Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office in Chicago (VARO) and Ms. Dawn Oxley, Acting Director of the Iowa City VA Health Care System.  Director Honeycutt and Ms. Oxley have graciously agreed to meet with area veterans to gather input from them about their needs and provide them with information about veterans benefits and processes.  

The forum is intended to be educational and will address issues pertaining to the operation of the VARO, such as how to properly file a claim, the claim and appeal process, what documents are necessary to file a claim, the length of time to review a claim, and more.  The forum is open to veterans, their spouses, VSOs, and other individuals who may have concerns related to the specific nature of the forum.

"Our veterans and their families have sacrificed so much for our country, and it is our responsibility to provide them with the care they deserve," Schilling said.  "This forum will give our area's heroes the opportunity to speak directly with VA officials to share their ideas about what can be done both in Illinois and in Washington to improve their access to care."

  • WHO: Mr. Duane Honeycutt, Director of the Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office in Chicago (VARO), Ms. Dawn Oxley, Acting Director of the Iowa City VA Health Care System
  • WHAT: Veterans Forum, to gather input on veterans' needs and provide information about veterans benefits and processes
  • WHEN: TOMORROW - Saturday, May 12 from 10:00am CST - 12:00pm CST
  • WHERE: American Legion, 571 E. North St., Galesburg, Illinois
  • WHY: In an effort to ensure our area's heroes are getting the care and attention they deserve from the Department of Veterans Affairs

Those interested in attending the forum can contact Schilling's office in Moline by calling (309) 757-7630.  Due to the sensitive nature of casework the forum itself is closed to the press, though Rep. Schilling will be available afterward the forum for any interested media.  Media should check in with Ken Moffett upon arriving for further information.

# # #

Pages