04-20-05
Please inform your families that I should be called or emailed when they call the Red Cross or are contemplating calling. By informing me, I can greatly assist them in getting that message through and can assist the command in helping the family. I understand how the Red Cross works and the army side of things in receiving a red cross message. Thanks Chad A. McGinnis 2LT, SS, Chaplain Candidate BN Soldier and Family Assistance Officer HQS 2-130 IN REAR Office: 217-328-1491 Fax: 217-761-2935 email: chad.a.mcginnis@us.army.mil

11-03-05
TSA Says OK to Gate Passes for Family Members of Military Passengers - The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) issued a directive that will allow family members of military passengers to receive a pass so they can meet and escort military passengers to and from departure and arrival gates at airports. Security Directive 1544-01-10w is called, "Access to Sterile Concourse for Non-Traveling Individuals." After talking to TSA for clarification the family member can go to the airline on which the military member is flying and receive a pass to go to the gate. The family member will be required to have a pass and a photo ID to get pass the security checkpoint. This is especially a wonderful change for the military personnel who are on leave from Afghanistan or Iraq. It will be a better "Welcome Home" to get off the airplane and see family at the gate and being able to stay with the family longer before having to leave. Always check for a USO at the airport for a comfortable place to wait for your flight.

10-30-05
Illinois Department of Natural Resources Rod R. Blagojevich, Governor One Natural Resources Way C Springfield, Illinois 62702-1271 Joel Brunsvold, Director http://dnr.state.il.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: September 14, 2005 Melaney Arnold: 217/558-0500 Cell: 217/836-6438 Special pass available for Illinois resident armed forces SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is offering an Armed Forces Special Pass to military members who live in Illinois and who have served abroad, including guard or reserve members called to active duty. The special pass provides camping, fishing and hunting fee exemptions for qualified military members, guard and reserve members who can apply within two years of their return from abroad or release from mobilization. Governor Rod R. Blagojevich signed legislation authorizing the IDNR to provide the fee exemptions, acknowledging the contributions of Illinois residents who are returning from service abroad or who were mobilized by the President as an active duty member of the United States Armed Forces, the Illinois National Guard, or the Reserves of the United States Armed Forces. The Armed Forces Special Pass provides qualifying military members, and guard and reserve members who were mobilized, to camp at IDNR campgrounds (camper responsible for utility, rent-a-tent and cabin fees) free of charge. The pass also offers a combined Sportsman's License and Habitat Stamp for hunting and fishing, and an archery or firearm deer permit if requested and available. Military members are eligible for free sport fishing, hunting and camping for one year for each year (and portion of one year) served. To receive an Armed Forces Special Pass from the IDNR, qualifying military members must appear in person at the Illinois Department of Natural Resources headquarters, One Natural Resources Way, Springfield, within two years of their return from abroad or release from mobilization, provide verification of dates of service, and provide a photo ID.

01-21-06
Military Spouses: NMFA Scholarships are for You! The National Military Family Association is now accepting applications for the NMFA Joanne Holbrook Patton Military Spouse Scholarship Program. Any uniformed service spouse-active, retired, National Guard, Reserve or survivor-studying toward professional certification or attending post-secondary or graduate school are encouraged to apply. Scholarships are normally in the amount of $1,000.00, and the number awarded each year varies depending on funding. Scholarship funds may be used for tuition, fees, books, and school room and board. Applications can be found at www.nmfa.org/scholarships2006. Scholarship selection is based on completion of some survey questions that will help NMFA advocate for education changes on your behalf. Applications will only be accepted online and must be submitted by midnight April 15, 2006. American Airlines has extended special offers to active-duty members of the U.S. military through June 1, 2006. These exclusive offers include discounted airfares, relaxed advance purchase requirements and preferred boarding privileges. Active-duty members of the U.S. Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, Navy, National Guard and Reserves who are on leave or furlough (including those who are traveling within seven days of discharge from active service), and their spouse and dependent children, are eligible for the special military fares. The discounted military fares may be purchased up to a week after reservations are made. Travel arrangements can be made at American Airlines ticketing locations or by calling American's reservations number at 1-800-433-7300 (en Espanola 1-800-633-3711) within the United States and Canada. Outside the United States and Canada, call the local reservations number. Military ID must be presented at the time of airport check-in. These military fares are not available via the Internet. Other restrictions, terms and conditions apply. Kelly Rund

08/26/05
Help for Your Family The American Legion's Family Support Network stands ready to assist you and your family as you serve our country. You have enough on your mind. Your thoughts shouldn't include worrying about daily chores and the problems that sometimes arise around the house. With nearly 15,000 American Legion Posts across the nation, chances are there's a local Legion family member willing to lend a hand. What kind of help can be available? Grocery shopping, childcare, lawn care, fixing the family car and countless other challenges to a military spouse. Family members simply call toll-free: 1-800-504-4098. Provide details of the need and then let Legion family volunteers take over. An American Legion post in the vicinity of your family will be called and asked to help. Members will contact your family to determine if and how assistance can be provided. Legionnaires and their families have been in your shoes. We understand the problems and stresses that go with separation of loved ones during war. We stand behind you all the way and are anxious to help when you need itno charge. Just our deepest thanks. Legionnaires strongly believe we shall not fail those with whom we serveno matter what war era. To request assistance, call 1-800-504-4098, complete the electronic request form or e-mail familysupport@legion.org

If you have any comments about the last meeting or stories to share, let's have it. Save yourselves from my ramblings. Contact me through this link: