Praises Citizen Soldiers for Service Abroad and at Home; Salutes Families and Employers SPRINGFIELD–(ENEWSPF)–May 9, 2013.  Governor Pat Quinn today honored the 290th birthday of the Illinois National Guard, saluting its members who embody the democratic ideal of the citizen soldier. The governor also thanked the families and employers who[Read More…]

WASHINGTON–(ENEWSPF)–May 9, 2013.  U.S. Senator Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) today questioned Defense Under Secretary and Chief Financial Officer Robert Hale on the expected costs and timing of the Administration’s request to commence another round of base closures within the United States.  During a hearing today, Kirk, the Ranking Member on the[Read More…]

KABUL, Afghanistan–(ENEWSPF)–May 9, 2013 – An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Haqqani attack facilitator and one other insurgent during an operation in Pul-e ‘Alam district, Logar province, today. The facilitator is responsible for procuring and distributing weapons, improvised explosive device components and other military equipment to insurgents in[Read More…]

Calls on Air Force to Defend Decision to Support Base Closures WASHINGTON, D.C.–(ENEWSPF)–May 8, 2013.  U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chairman of the Senate’s Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, spoke today about the critical role Scott Air Force Base has played in ongoing military actions around the globe at a hearing on[Read More…]

KABUL, Afghanistan–(ENEWSPF)–May 8, 2013 – The International Security Assistance Force has initiated an investigation following an internal report of alleged misconduct by ISAF personnel during an engagement that killed four confirmed insurgents April 28 in Zabul Province. Because this is an open investigation, ISAF will not provide further detail at[Read More…]

KABUL, Afghanistan–(ENEWSPF)–May 8, 2013 – An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban leader and three other insurgents during an operation in Panjwa’i district, Kandahar province, today. The leader has a history of coordinating and executing attacks against tribal elders in the region, as well as Afghan and coalition[Read More…]

Washington, DC—(ENEWSPF)—May 7, 2013. SECRETARY OF DEFENSE CHUCK HAGEL:  Good afternoon.  I’m going to make an announcement this afternoon, and after my announcement, I’ll take a couple of questions.  And then I’ll ask General Gary Patton to get into the specifics of the briefing of what I’m going to announce. [Read More…]

Washington, DC—(ENEWSPF)—May 7, 2013. Today, the Department of Defense released the fiscal 2012 Annual Report on Sexual Assault in the Military and announcing a series of actions to prevent and respond to sexual assault in the armed forces.   Annually, as required by the Ike Skelton National Defense Authorization Act for[Read More…]

Washington, DC–(ENEWSPF)–May 7, 2013.  The Department of Defense announced today the selection of nine appointees to the Response Systems to Adult Sexual Assault Crimes Panel.  The panel, established in accordance with section 576 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal 2013, is a federal advisory committee that will conduct[Read More…]

Washington, DC–(ENEWSPF)–May 6, 2013.  The Department of Defense announced today the death of five soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.  They died May 4, in Maiwand, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained when their vehicle was attacked by an enemy improvised explosive device.  The soldiers were assigned to the 1st Battalion,[Read More…]