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Senior Enlisted Leader - Illinois National Guard

Command Sergeant Major Kehinde Salami was selected as the Senior Enlisted Leader, Illinois National Guard on August 3, 2023. As the Senior Enlisted Leader, CSM Salami serves as the senior enlisted advisor to the Adjutant General, advising on the training, management, and well-being of the Illinois National Guard’s 13,000 Soldiers and Airmen.

Command Sergeant Major Kehinde Salami last served as the 108th Sustainment Brigade Command Sergeant Major. In that role, he served as the Chief principal military advisor on all enlisted matters affecting training, utilization, health of the force, and enlisted professional development.

CSM Kehinde Salami was born in Lagos, Nigeria. He enlisted in the United States Army in September of 1993. CSM Salami attended Basic Training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri and Advanced Individual Training as a Medical Laboratory Technician at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. Following his graduation from AIT, CSM Salami was assigned to the 801st Combat Support Hospital, a Reserve Unit located at Fort Sheridan, Illinois. CSM Salami served with the 801st Combat Support Hospital until joining the Illinois Army National Guard in 2008.

CSM Salami’s assignments include serving in enlisted medical positions while assigned to the 801st Combat Support Hospital and 108th MMB. Other key assignments included; Command Sergeant Major, 108th MMB; Detachment Sergeant, 108th MMB; Battalion 68W Coordinator, 108th MMB; First Sergeant, 708th Medical Company Ground Ambulance (deployed – Multinational Force and Observer, Egypt); First Sergeant, 709th Medical Company Area Support; Operations Sergeant Major, 108th MMB – Force Health Protection 108th MMB; Command Sergeant Major, 108th MMB.

CSM Salami deployed to Egypt from 2012 to 2013 in support of the Multinational Force and Observer mission. CSM Salami served as the First Sergeant for the 708th Ground Ambulance Medical Company during the deployment. This deployment was during a time of political unrest resulting in multiple mass casualty events. The force Commander awarded the unit a certificate of appreciation and CSM Salami was awarded a Meritorious Service Medal for his service.

CSM Salami’s military training includes Command and General Staff (NIMS100, 200, 700 and 800).  Additionally, CSM Salami has completed all levels of Non-Commissioned Officer Education to include the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy, Senior Enlisted Joint Professional Military Education, and the First Sergeant Course. CSM Salami's civilian education includes Licensed Practical Nurse at Moraine Park Technical College and a Bachelor of Health Science from Trident University International.

CSM Salami’s awards includes the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Achievement Medal (2nd Award), Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal (3rd Award), National Defense Service Medal W/ Bronze Service Star, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal (M Device and 10  Years Bronze hourglass), Non-Commissioned  Officer Professional Development Ribbon (3rd Award), Army Service Ribbon, Army Overseas Service Ribbon, Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon, Multinational Force and Observers Medal and Illinois National Guard Military Attendance Ribbon.

CSM Salami’s started his employment as a Youth Supervisor with the Illinois Department of Corrections in May of 1996 and retired as the Northern Region Deputy Commander of Investigations on December 31, 2021.  CSM Salami is married with one adult son and two grandchildren.

(current as of 26 October 2023)