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NEWS | Oct. 5, 2021

Illinois Army Guard Units One Step Closer to Army's Top Maintenance Award

Two Illinois Army National Guard (ILARNG) units are a step closer to being named the Army’s top National Guard small unit category winner for the Army Award for Maintenance Excellence (AAME).

Battery B, 2nd Battalion, 123rd Field Artillery Regiment, based in Springfield, Illinois, was selected as the ILARNG’s small unit AAME winner while the 445th Chemical Company, based in Shiloh, Illinois, was selected as a runner-up in the same category. Both nominations were forwarded to the regional competition.

“Battery B’s dedication to maintenance excellence is primarily due to the creation of a maintenance team which has been tremendously effective in the success of our logistical and maintenance operations,” said Capt. Silas Greening, Commander, Battery B.

At the regional competition, the 445th placed second and Battery B placed third. The top three National Guard units in the regional competition were forwarded to the National Guard Bureau AAME board competition, which will be held in late September.

 “The 445th Chemical Soldiers work effectively together in a way that truly reflects the teamwork to which all units aspire,” said Capt. Samantha Stollard, Commander, 445th Chemical Company. “They deserve recognition of their work.”

The AAME was established in 1982 by the Department of the Army to recognize exceptional accomplishment in maintenance. The competition in each component is divided into three categories – small, medium and large, based on the number of authorized Soldiers.