18 May 2012

Loebsack Amendment to Save 132nd Fighter Wing Passes House

By Joe Hand
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.

 

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15 May 2012

Mother's Day half way around the world for Galesburg unit

By Spc. Nicole Burbach, 444th Chemical Company

 

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.

15 May 2012

Coast Guard Vice Commandant change of watch

By U.S. Coast Guard Public Affairs

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

15 May 2012

Schilling Invites Area Heroes to Veterans Forum

By Andie Pivarunas

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.

# # #

14 May 2012

Veterans History Project Hosts Arts, Military + Healing Closing Event, Collects Stories of Veterans Through Performance Workshops

By Library of Congress
The Veterans History Project (VHP) will host the closing event of a weeklong initiative to promote creativity, wellness and resiliency in military communities on Friday, May 18 at 7 p.m. in the Coolidge Auditorium of the Library of Congress Thomas Jefferson Building, located at 10 First St., S.E., Washington, D.C. The program features staged readings of excerpts from author Kate Wenner's play, "Make Sure It's Me," based on her interviews with Iraq war veterans who sustained life-changing traumatic brain injuries. VHP Director Bob Patrick will accept into the Library of Congress collection veterans' stories recorded as part of "The Telling Project" workshops. Togo D. West, Jr., former Secretary of Veterans Affairs and Former Secretary of the Army, will offer remarks.

"The arts have an important role to play in the healing of physical and emotional wounds of our nation's veterans," said Patrick. "The Veterans History Project is proud to be a collaborator in this effort and to have veterans' stories collected through this unique initiative become part of the Library of Congress' permanent collection."

The closing event caps a six-day collaboration titled, "Arts, Military + Healing," occurring in Washington, D.C., May 13-18. Artists, veterans and cultural institutions will unite to raise awareness of the role of the arts in the healing process for veterans and military families. A full schedule of workshops and events may be found at www.artsandmilitary.org.   

The Library of Congress, the nation's oldest federal cultural institution, is the world's preeminent reservoir of knowledge, providing unparalleled collections and integrated resources to Congress and the American people. Many of the Library's rich resources and treasures may also be accessed through the Library's website, www.loc.gov.

Congress created The Veterans History Project in 2000 as a national documentation program of the American Folklife Center (www.loc.gov/folklife/) to record, preserve and make accessible the first-hand remembrances of American wartime veterans from World War I through the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. More than 80,000 individual stories comprise the collection to date. The project relies on volunteers to record veterans' remembrances using guidelines accessible at www.loc.gov/vets. Volunteer interviewers may request information at vohp@loc.gov or the toll-free message line at (888) 371-5848. Subscribe to the VHP RSS to receive periodic updates of VHP news.

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14 May 2012

House Armed Services Committee Approves FY2013 Defense Bill

By Andie Pivarunas

Includes Schilling Efforts to Strengthen RIA, Streamline Small Business Contracting, Improve Health Care for Military Families and Help Bring MIA Warriors Home

Washington, DC - With the support of Congressman Bobby Schilling (IL-17), the House Armed Services Committee early this morning overwhelmingly approved H.R. 4310, the Fiscal Year 2013 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).  The final package reported out by the Committee added several bipartisan provisions authored by Schilling with the support of a number of committee colleagues, including provisions to strengthen the Rock Island Arsenal (RIA), streamline small business contracting, improve health care for military families and help bring MIA warriors home.

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 NDAA is now cleared for consideration by the full House of Representatives next week.  

"I'm honored for the opportunity to serve on the Armed Services Committee and the chance to advance the interests of the Rock Island Arsenal, our nation's warfighters, and their families," Schilling said. "This year's defense bill includes several provisions I'm pleased to have worked on with a number of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle, and I want to sincerely thank them and members of the Committee for their support in moving these initiatives forward.  Providing for our common defense and the well-being of American warfighters and their families should not be a Republican or a Democrat issue, but a red, white, and blue issue."

Schilling worked to ensure a number of 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 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 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.

More information on the FY2013 can be found here on the HASC website.  Having passed HASC early this morning, the NDAA is now cleared for consideration by the full House of Representatives next week.

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14 May 2012

Operation Gratitude launches its "March to a Million" campaign

By Ann Hamilton

Van Nuys, CA--May 9, 2012 -- With hundreds of eager volunteers looking on at the California Army National Guard Armory this past Saturday, May 5, Operation Gratitude founder, Carolyn Blashek, announced the launch of "March to a Million" -- an  historic new campaign highlighting the non-profit organization's journey to a once-deemed-impossible milestone: Sending one million individually-addressed care packages to deployed troops, military children, wounded warriors, veterans and emergency first responders.

"Every aspect of Operation Gratitude's work now and going forward is a step in the march toward sending the millionth package," explained Blashek. "Every volunteer hour, every dollar donated, every letter written, every scarf or survival bracelet made by hand, every item collected is in pursuit of our March to a Million packages," she said, adding, "We need your help to get there!"

As part of the March to a Million (M2M) campaign, Operation Gratitude, with assistance from the digital media firm, Brand Knew, launched a comprehensive web refresh, including the organization's main site, Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest, and Twitter (using the #March2aMill hashtag) sites.

"Social media is an incredibly powerful tool that allows every American, no matter where they live or how busy their schedules are, to be an important part of Operation Gratitude's historic March to a Million campaign," said Brand Knew CEO Zach Suchin.  "The M2M campaign represents the best of the collective human spirit, and all of these social components enable this important initiative to live well beyond the confines of a single armory."

"And we truly are making history!" Blashek added. "No other military support organization has ever delivered as many personalized care packages to the Military Community as Operation Gratitude," she said.

Blashek also spoke about Operation Gratitude's special Milestone Gifts donated by corporate partners over the years.  Exciting plans for the upcoming 
Millionth Care Package are already in the works.  Companies wishing to participate as Sponsors of the campaign or as gift contributors should contact Carolyn Blashek: Carolyn@OperationGratitude.com.

Every person who donates a minimum of $15 to the March to a Million campaign will receive a special commemorative gift.

Blashek expects the Millionth Care Package to be sent by the end of 2013.  Taking the organization several steps closer to that milestone, the Operation Gratitude volunteers assembled and shipped more than 8,000 care packages on Saturday, bringing the overall tally to 786,069 packages sent since 2003. 

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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 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 ~$125 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 785,000 packages to American Military members and their children.

10 May 2012

The beginning of the Illinois National Guard

By Adriana Schroeder, Illinois National Guard Command Historian

SPRINGFIELD, IL (05/09/2012)(readMedia)-- The Illinois National Guard heritage is similar to the state tree, the White Oak. The trunk is stout and strong much like the core of the guard. Branches lead off of one another comparable to the organizational heritage. Units have come and gone throughout the years due to reorganization, similar to limbs that need trimming from time to time. Although visibly removed, units remain forever linked to the trunk or the history. Each leaf is unique, like the Soldiers, Airman and civilians that are a part of the Illinois Guard. Leaves bud, bloom, change color, and shed much like the ebb and flow of enlistments, career changes, and retirements. Acorns are unique to the white oak, just like the deployments that occupy some of the leaves or Soldiers. But what about the part that remains buried and forgotten, yet is the element that nourishes the rest of the tree?

The history of the roots of the Illinois National Guard began with the French. On January 1, 1718, Businessman John Law obtained a charter from the French King that granted him monopoly of French trade in the area known as the Illinois Country. Royal orders dictated that a provision for civil government be arranged for the new province of Illinois. During the summer of 1718, the green officials set out from Louisiana and journeyed to their new home. Among other governing associates, the party included Pierre Duque, Sieur de Boisebriant, Commandant; Captain Diron, Dartaguiette; two Second Lieutenants and a company of 100 Soldiers.

Among the tall grasses of the Illinois prairie, rose the first resemblance of an organized militia, under the French regime. This small unit of French Soldiers had the responsibility of: investigating the number of men capable of bearing arms in each village, determining the amount of powder and lead available, forming companies of militia and arranging a signal system from settlement to settlement. By 1721, Fort De Chartes became the first military structure dedicated to the protection of the community.

As the population of settlements grew, militia companies began popping up among each community, under the tutelage of the French. Looking back on his time in Illinois, the inspector of Troops, Dartaguiette wrote in his diary, "I called together all the inhabitants of this village [Kaskaskia] to whom I said that I had an order from the King to form a company of militia for the purpose of putting them in a position to defend themselves with greater facility against the incursions which the Indians, our enemies, might attempt, so I formed a company, after having selected four of the most worthy among them to put at the head. This company being under arms, I passed it in review the same day." Under the shade of the White Oak, the militia rested, having completed the first drill on May 9, 1723. The first of many hundreds of thousands of drills, the Illinois National Guard will be 289 years old this May, not quite as old as the 500-year life span of the White Oak.
09 May 2012

UPDATED: Loebsack to Offer Amendment to Save the 132nd Fighter Wing

By Joe Hand

Loebsack Amendment to Save the 132nd Fighter Wing Passes Committee on Bipartisan Vote

Language prevents retirement of F-16s in Des Moines

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement after his amendment to prevent the retirements or transfer of Air National Guard aircraft, including the 132nd Fighter Wing in Des Moines, passed early this morning.  As the only Member of Congress from Iowa on the House Armed Services Committee, Loebsack offered this amendment to the FY 2013 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).  The Loebsack amendment was cosponsored by Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-CA) and was passed with strong bipartisan support.

"This is great news for the men and women of the 132nd Fighter Wing in Des Moines and Air National Guard units across the country. The Air Force's original proposal made no sense for our national security, our ability to respond to emergencies here at home, or for the taxpayers. I am pleased that the Armed Services Committee agreed on a bipartisan basis and joined me in ensuring that our dedicated Airmen did not see their positions eliminated."

Rep. Adam Smith (D-WA), the Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, applauded Loebsack's efforts to ensure this amendment was passed.

"The hard work and dedication of Dave Loebsack helped save the jobs of over 370 Iowa National Guard Airmen and the Iowa National Guard fighters. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, he immediately went to work to prevent the Air Force's proposed cuts from moving forward.  His hard work paid off and his commitment to the men and women of the National Guard and the Iowa Air Guard could not have been stronger," said Smith.

For specific information about the amendment, click here.

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.

Loebsack also strongly supported a provision to reauthorize National Guard Counterdrug Schools like that the Iowa Guard runs at Camp Dodge (the Midwest Counterdrug Training Center).

###

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack will offer an amendment today that would prevent the retirements or transfer of Air National Guard aircraft, including the 132nd Fighter Wing in Des Moines.  As the only Member of Congress from Iowa on the House Armed Services Committee, Loebsack offered this amendment to the 2013 National Defense Authorization Act.  The Loebsack Amendment has bipartisan support from members of Committee, including the Ranking Member, and is expected to be voted on and accepted later today.

"I am very proud to offer this amendment.  The men and women of the 132nd Fighter Wing have proven time and again they are some of the hardest working and most experienced in the National Guard.  Their performance is second to none.  The proposal to move the F-16s out of Des Moines was short-sighted and wasn't a good deal for taxpayers or our national security. I am pleased the other members of the House Armed Services Committee agree and I strongly encourage the passage of this amendment," said Loebsack.

Earlier this week the House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee voted to include funding for keeping the 132nd in Des Moines, but without this amendment, the program would still have been retired or transferred.

 

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09 May 2012

CONNECTING FAMILIES OF THE FALLEN

By National Guard PAO Illinois

More than 100 family members of fallen servicemembers gather in Springfield May 5 to celebrate the life of their hero; By Spc. Jason Dorsey, 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

SPRINGFIELD, IL (05/07/2012)(readMedia)-- Two Soldiers carefully and quietly placed a wreath between the American and Illinois state flags during a moment of silence, while families of fallen servicemembers reflected on memories of their loved ones.

"We are not here for a solemn remembrance, however, today is celebration of life," said Maj. Gen. William Enyart of Belleville, the Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard.

The Illinois Connections for Families of the Fallen (ICFF), hosted the third annual "Connections in the Capital City: Bringing Together Families of the Fallen," on the campus of Lincoln Land Community College May 5. ICFF encompasses numerous organizations, including the Survivor Outreach Services (SOS) program.

"ICFF is a collaborative effort of representatives of over 25 different local and national agencies, dedicated to helping Illinois families of fallen servicemembers," said Bob Gillmore of Petersburg, the SOS support coordinator.

The conference was open to all family and friends of fallen Illinois servicemembers. Participants were given the opportunity to remember their loved ones and meet and bond with others who have experienced the same tragedy.

Group workshops, creative arts and a family fair called "Celebrating their Lives," comprised a bulk of the day.

"These events were carefully chosen to aide in the process of finding their new normal," said Gillmore.

During the groups and workshops, families discussed the wavelengths of emotion they experience and what they do to cope with hardship.

"It's very hard for me sometimes, but the hardest part is being strong for my kids and showing them that everything is going to be okay," said Helen Durbin of Chatham, who attended on behalf of her late brother, Pfc. Adam E. Dobereiner of Moline.

Counselors were readily available throughout the day for anyone who sought services through discussion and on-site consultations.

"The counseling sessions were very insightful, in that I learned better ways to grieve," said Erin Hotchkins, who attended on behalf of her late husband, Spc. Gunnar Hotchkins of Hinsdale.

During the resources portion of the day, they worked on moving forward and remembering significant benchmarks as well as choosing a counselor and therapist that best meets their needs.

Later, families reminisced about their loved ones on camera.

"The testimonials were very meaningful to me, and ideas on how to commemorate our loved ones were very helpful," said Ruth Christine Hotchkins of Downers Grove, who also attended on behalf of her grandson Spc. Gunnar Hotchkins

As an additional extension of counseling services, families were provided with a list of the Mourner's Bill of Rights, to help them remember a healthier, more constructive way to grieve.

Mourners Bill of Rights

1. You have the right to experience you own unique grief.

2. You have the right to talk about your grief.

3. You have the right to feel a multitude of emotions.

4. You have the right to be tolerant of your physical and emotional limits.

5. You have the right to experience the "grief burst."

6. You have the right to make use of ritual.

7. You have the right to embrace your spirituality.

8. You have the right to search for meaning.

9. You have a right to treasure your memories.

10. You have the right to move toward your grief and heal.

During the creative arts portion, adults and children alike were allowed to channel their emotions through creativity.

"The art class was a lot of fun and it made me happy to work with other kids who were feeling the same way I felt," said Anna Borders of Springfield, a family member with Cpl. Chad Young of Rochester.

The day concluded with the family fair simply named, "Celebrating Their Lives."

One activity was the rock climbing wall, where participants both received inspiration and remembered their fallen servicemember.

After scaling a rock climbing wall, children placed a written memory of their loved one's courage and strength as high on the wall as they could.

"I like to climb things all the time and I had a lot of fun doing this event," said Ethan Hotchkins of Montgomery, who attended on behalf of his father Pfc. Gunnar Hotchkins.

At the conclusion of the day's events, family members wrote the names of their fallen loved ones and a personal message on a piece of paper and attached it to a balloon. After a small countdown, the balloons were released as a symbol of remembrance.

"We remember," said Enyart. "We will always remember, because we are a service of tradition."

A total of 247 servicemembers from Illinois have made the ultimate sacrifice since 9-11. Of those servicemembers killed, 34 were part of the Illinois National Guard.

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