Falls Church's Mark Rhoads participates in launch of USS Illinois with First Lady Michelle Obama

Former Illinois Senator Mark Rhoads greets Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner in Groton, Connecticut, just before the christening ceremony for new submarine U.S.S. Illinois (SSN-786) on Saturday, Oct. 10. First Lady Michelle Obama tried three times to break the bottle of champagne on the hull of the ship and sprayed herself on the third try - but they had a towel ready for her. It was a great ceremony for Illinois in a fine bi-partsan tradition with lawmakers from both parties there to celebrate.