News

Rising Thunder is a 'Run' Away Hit
September 13, 2019 — The rumbling of diesel engines marked the start of the event. The cool faces of the soldiers showed their confidence in training from the previous week. Their will, their might, and everything they learned, came together as the combined arms live-fire exercise began at Rising Thunder 19, at the Yakima Training Center, Yakima, Washington.... MORE

Illinois Guardsman extends Short line of service
September 13, 2019 — Spc. James Tyler Short, a combat medic with the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry Regiment, Illinois Army National Guard, comes from a long and strong lineage of family service to the United States Military.... MORE

Infantryman Finds Brotherhood in Illinois National Guard
September 13, 2019 — Brotherhood can be a powerful thing. Many people have friends, even close friends. But for those who are part of a brotherhood, it can be life-changing. Especially for a young 18-year-old high school graduate seeking to change his life.... MORE

Illinois National Guard Transporters Deliver Success at Rising Thunder
September 11, 2019 — A common saying in the Army is that every Soldier is Infantry, no matter their primary duty position. The truck drivers and maintenance personnel of the 1844th Transportation Company, based in East St. Louis, Illinois, take that to heart. While their primary duty is to ensure the prompt transport of troops and supplies, these Illinois Guardsmen have shown that they aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty to protect their convoys and fellow Soldiers.... MORE

Illinois, Japanese Snipers Hone Skills Together
September 11, 2019 — As a crackle echoes through the sun-drenched valley, a strong male voice can be heard. “Hit.” Another crack. “Miss.” Another three rounds land, a voice with a strong Japanese accent asks, “how many targets did we hit?” ... MORE

Orchestra of Artillery: Illinois Guard Drops the Hits at Rising Thunder
September 11, 2019 — Indirect fire infantrymen collaborate with forward observers to pound the battlefield. The impact of that teamwork is as solid as the thump to a bass drum. At Rising Thunder 19 at the Yakima Training Center, Yakima, Washington, teamwork is that bass line that keeps the band together.... MORE

178th Infantry Regiment Walks Into Training at Rising Thunder
September 11, 2019 — The 178th Infantry Regiment walks into training at Rising Thunder... MORE

Women's Veterans Center Dedicated to Fallen Illinois National Guard Soldier
September 9, 2019 — The National Women Veterans United opened the Sgt. Simone A. Robinson Military Women Veteran’s Center, Sept. 7, in Chicago, Illinois. ... MORE

Illinois National Guard Soldier Promoted to Sergeant First Class
September 6, 2019 — Springfield resident and Illinois National Guard Soldier Erin Connelly was promoted to Sergeant First Class in a ceremony Sept. 4 at the Illinois Military Academy, Camp Lincoln, Springfield, Illinois.... MORE

Illinois National Guardsmen Blow Away Rising Thunder 2019
September 6, 2019 — “Fire mission!” resonates throughout the small encampment of U.S. Soldiers. The quick-reacting crewmembers at the mortar position respond in unison, “Fire mission!” A small team of three scramble like a well-orchestrated NASCAR pit crew. ... MORE

Capt. Jordan Legris, commander, Company D, 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry Regiment, briefs members of the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force prior to the kick-off of the live fire exercise during Rising Thunder 19.

Rising Thunder is a 'Run' Away Hit

The rumbling of diesel engines marked the start of the event. The cool faces of the soldiers showed their confidence in training from the previous week. Their will, their might, and everything they learned, came together as the combined arms live-fire exercise began at Rising Thunder 19, at the Yakima Training Center, Yakima, Washington.

Spc. James Tyler Short, a combat medic with the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry Regiment, Illinois Army National Guard, surveys the digital multipurpose range complex during Rising Thunder 19 at Yakima Training Center, Yakima, Washington

Illinois Guardsman extends Short line of service

Spc. James Tyler Short, a combat medic with the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry Regiment, Illinois Army National Guard, comes from a long and strong lineage of family service to the United States Military.

Pfc. Kyle Brennan poses with a member of the Japanese Ground Self-Defense during Rising Thunder 19.

Infantryman Finds Brotherhood in Illinois National Guard

Brotherhood can be a powerful thing. Many people have friends, even close friends. But for those who are part of a brotherhood, it can be life-changing. Especially for a young 18-year-old high school graduate seeking to change his life.

Aircraft with the 16th Combat Aviation Brigade provide support to the Illinois Army National Guard during Rising Thunder 19 in Yakima, Wash., Sept. 7, 2019.

Illinois National Guard Transporters Deliver Success at Rising Thunder

A common saying in the Army is that every Soldier is Infantry, no matter their primary duty position. The truck drivers and maintenance personnel of the 1844th Transportation Company, based in East St. Louis, Illinois, take that to heart. While their primary duty is to ensure the prompt transport of troops and supplies, these Illinois Guardsmen have shown that they aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty to protect their convoys and fellow Soldiers.

Soldiers from the 25th Infantry Regiment sniper teams receives some pointers from a member of the sniper team from the Illinois National Guard’s 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry Regiment during Rising Thunder 19.

Illinois, Japanese Snipers Hone Skills Together

As a crackle echoes through the sun-drenched valley, a strong male voice can be heard. “Hit.” Another crack. “Miss.” Another three rounds land, a voice with a strong Japanese accent asks, “how many targets did we hit?”

Staff Sgt. Buddy Seibert, of Vergennes, Illinois, a forward observer with the 2nd Battalion, 122nd Field Artillery Regiment, attached to 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry Regiment, Illinois Army National Guard, surveys the artillery assault course during Rising Thunder 19 at Yakima Training Center, Yakima, Washington, Sept. 3.

Orchestra of Artillery: Illinois Guard Drops the Hits at Rising Thunder

Indirect fire infantrymen collaborate with forward observers to pound the battlefield. The impact of that teamwork is as solid as the thump to a bass drum. At Rising Thunder 19 at the Yakima Training Center, Yakima, Washington, teamwork is that bass line that keeps the band together.

2nd Lt. Andrew Shinsako, platoon leader for Alpha Company, 1st Platoon, 1st Battalion, 178th Infantry Regiment provides feedback to his troops after a blank fire interation during Rising Thunder 19.

178th Infantry Regiment Walks Into Training at Rising Thunder

The 178th Infantry Regiment walks into training at Rising Thunder

Jeannie Adams, National Women Veterans United Treasurer, presents gifts to Sgt. Simone A. Robinson’s mother and daughter during the dedication ceremony of the Sgt. Simone A. Robinson Women Veteran’s Center on Sept. 7

Women's Veterans Center Dedicated to Fallen Illinois National Guard Soldier

The National Women Veterans United opened the Sgt. Simone A. Robinson Military Women Veteran’s Center, Sept. 7, in Chicago, Illinois.

Sgt. 1st Class Erin Connelly, joined by sister, Candy Jansen, and brother-in-law, Larry Jansen, was promoted to her current rank Sept. 4 at the Illinois Military Academy, Camp Lincoln, Springfield, Illinois.

Illinois National Guard Soldier Promoted to Sergeant First Class

Springfield resident and Illinois National Guard Soldier Erin Connelly was promoted to Sergeant First Class in a ceremony Sept. 4 at the Illinois Military Academy, Camp Lincoln, Springfield, Illinois.

A forward observer with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry Regiment, 33rd IBCT views the impact of a 120mm mortar round during Rising Thunder 19.

Illinois National Guardsmen Blow Away Rising Thunder 2019

“Fire mission!” resonates throughout the small encampment of U.S. Soldiers. The quick-reacting crewmembers at the mortar position respond in unison, “Fire mission!” A small team of three scramble like a well-orchestrated NASCAR pit crew.

Soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry Regiment, Illinois Army National Guard, participate in Combat Life Saver drills during Rising Thunder 19, Sept. 3, 2019 at the Yakima training Center in Yakima, Washington.

Illinois Infantryman Trains to Save Lives at Home, Abroad

Joining the Army National Guard is a big decision. Currently the Army offers 190 different jobs or military occupational specialties and making that choice at 18 can be daunting. Two years ago, Tyler Reed of Sumner, Illinois, made that very decision. When the day came, he chose the Infantry.

Soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry Regiment, Illinois Army National Guard, participate in Combat Life Saver drills during Rising Thunder 19, Sept. 3, 2019 at the Yakima Training Center in Yakima, Washington.

Illinois Guardsmen Conduct Combat Lifesaver Training in Washington

In the Army, Soldiers take courses for career development, promotion points, and additional duty assignments. When training for combat, though, no duty training may be as important or useful as the Combat Lifesaver Course. At the Yakima Training Center, Yakima, Washington, for Rising Thunder 2019, Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry Regiment, Illinois Army National Guard conduct this training as part of their pre-mobilization process.

A Soldier from the 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry Regiment, 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Illinois Army National Guard, posts guard at the entrance of a training building while the rest of his team completes room clearances during Rising Thunder 19 at the Yakima Training Center in Yakima, Washington, Sept. 1, 2019.

Illinois National Guardsmen break barriers as team sport at Rising Thunder

Soldiers from the Illinois Army National Guard's 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team engaged day two of Rising Thunder 19 with room-clearing drills at the Yakima Training Center shoothouse, Sept. 1.

A Japanese infantryman gives a directional hand signal to his driver, Sept. 2, while on Range 15 at Yakima Training Center, during exercise Rising Thunder 19.

Discipline Exemplified: Japan's 25th Infantry Regiment Joins Rising Thunder 2019

Now in its 21st year, Rising Thunder brings together the finest Soldiers the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force has to offer for the opportunity to train alongside their U.S. Army counterparts at Yakima Training Center, Yakima, Washington, Aug. 27 through Sept. 13. This year is no different, as the 25th Infantry Regiment, part of Camp Asahikawa's 2nd Division, sends 123 of their fittest infantrymen to showcase what happens when allies serve together.

A soldier from the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force opens fire on his target in a live fire exercise during Rising Thunder, Sep. 1, at the Yakima Training Center in Yakima, Washington.

Illinois National Guard supports Japanese allies at Rising Thunder

Wind sways heavy brush in the dry fields of the Yakima Training Center, while Illinois Army National Guardsmen from the 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team watch over Japan Ground Self-Defense Force troops conducting a live fire exercise during Rising Thunder, Sept. 1.

U.S and Japanese soldiers attend the opening ceremony of Rising Thunder 2019 hosted by the 7th Infantry Division at Yakima Training Center in Yakima, Washington, August 30, 2019.

Illinois National Guardsmen Prepare for International Partnership at Rising Thunder

As the temperature rose, so did the anticipation and spirits of the U.S. Army and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force troops for the commencement of the 21st annual Rising Thunder exercise at the Yakima Training Center, Yakima, Wash., Aug. 30.

Cpl. Victoria Burgess of the 1844th Transportation Company, Illinois Army National Guard, conducts IED lane training as part of Rising Thunder 2019 at Yakima Training Center in Yakima, Washington, August 30, 2019.

A Steep Change: Illinois National Guardsmen Face New Terrain at Rising Thunder

The Illinois Army National Guard’s 1844th Transportation Company, based in East St. Louis, Illinois, traveled more than 2,000 miles to attend Rising Thunder 2019 to support the Illinois Army National Guard’s 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry Regiment, 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, headquartered in Marion, Illinois, at the Yakima Training Center, Yakima, Wash.

Col. Rodney Thacker thanks his friends and family who attended his retirement ceremony Aug. 23.

Chatham Soldier Retires from Illinois National Guard

After a 37 year career in the Illinois Army National Guard, Col. Rodney Thacker, of Chatham, Illinois, has retired from military service.

Newly promoted Maj. Shawn Robertson’s wife, Sarah, places his new rank on his uniform during a promotion ceremony Aug. 23.

Illinois Army National Guard Soldier Promoted to Major

Illinois National Guard Soldier Shawn Robertson of Lincoln, Illinois, was promoted to Major in a ceremony Aug. 23 at Camp Lincoln, Springfield, Illinois.

Brig. Gen. Michael J. Glisson, Director, Illinois National Guard Joint Staff, presents Col. (Ret.) Renato “Ron” Bacci, of Wood Dale, Illinois, with the Illinois National Guard Outstanding Service Award for 20 years of volunteer service with the Employers Support of the Guard and Reserve program.

Bacci Honored for Volunteerism with ESGR

Col. (Ret.) Renato “Ron” Bacci, of Wood Dale, Illinois, whose career in the U.S. Army Reserve spanned 30 years was honored Aug. 21 with the Illinois National Guard Outstanding Service Award for 20 years of volunteer service with the Employers Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR).

Lt. Col. Loren Easter recites the oath of office following his promotion.

Illinois Army National Guard Soldier Promoted to Lieutenant Colonel

Springfield resident and Illinois Army National Guard Soldier Loren J. Easter was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel on Aug. 21 at Camp Lincoln, Springfield, Illinois.

Col. Donald K. Carpenter

Carpenter Chosen as New 183rd Wing Commander

Colonel Donald K. Carpenter of Tremont, Illinois, a veteran with multiple overseas tours, a certified expert in process improvement and someone with national level military experience, has been named the next Commander of the 183rd Wing based at Springfield's Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport where he will oversee about 900 Airmen with multiple varied missions and an approximately $26 million operating budget.

Illinois National Guard Completes Flood Operations

Members of the Illinois National Guard have been released from State Active Duty after more than two months of flood operations in communities along the Mississippi and Illinois rivers.

Lt. Col. Michael Hough thanks his friends and family who attended his retirement ceremony.

Petersburg Soldier Retires from Illinois Army National Guard

Lt. Col. Michael Hough of Petersburg, Illinois is retiring from the Illinois Army National Guard, after more than 32 years of military service.

That Lael was promoted to Sgt. 1st Class in a July 30 ceremony.

Chatham Soldier Promoted to Sergeant First Class

SFC Thad Lael was promoted to his current rank July 30 ceremony.

333rd inspecting the troops

Freeport-based 333rd Military Police Company Deploys to Cuba

A mobilization ceremony was held at the Freeport, Illinois Masonic Temple July 20 for approximately 120 Soldiers from the 333rd Military Police Company based in Freeport, who will deploy to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

Newly promoted Master Sgt. Erivan Rodriguez’s wife, Norma Molina, and son, Yerevan, place his new rank on his uniform during a promotion ceremony.

Chatham Soldier Promoted to Master Sergeant

Illinois Army National Guard Soldier and Chatham resident Erivan Rodriguez was promoted to Master Sergeant in a ceremony July 22, 2019 at the Illinois Military Academy, Camp Lincoln, Springfield, Illinois.

Lt. Col. (ret.) Jennifer Pritzker, founder of the Pritzker Military Museum and Library in Chicago, salutes the color guard

Chicago community, Guardsmen Rededicate WWI Monument

The Illinois National Guard, the Pritzker Military Museum and Library, the 8th Infantry Association, the Chicago Military Academy at Bronzeville, the World War I Centennial Commission, Friends of the Victory Monument Memorial and several dignitaries took part in the rededication of the Victory Monument in Chicago on July 5 honoring the World War I service of the Illinois National Guard’s storied all African-American 8th Infantry Regiment.

Joseph Mulvaney

Mysterious bones in Military Footlocker positively identified as Illinois National Guard Soldier five decades after murder

Twenty-five years after human remains found in military footlocker, and five decades after disappearance, mysterious bones are positively identified as Illinois National Guard veteran.

Sgt. Patrick Wells of West Union, Illinois graduates from the Culinary Specialist Reclassification Course.

Soldiers graduate from National Guard Culinary Specialist Reclassification Course

Two Illinois National Guard Soldiers were among the 15 Army Reserve and National Guard Soldiers representing 10 states to graduate from the Culinary Specialist Reclassification Course June 18.

Illinois National Guard Soldiers moving sandbags to build a levee

Illinois National Guard Soldiers on Flood Duty in East Cape Girardeau, Illinois

Illinois National Guard Soldiers are on flood duty in East Cape Girardeau, Illinois.

Soldiers of Battery B, 2nd Battalion, 123rd Field Artillery conduct sandbag operations in Grafton, Illinois.

Illinois National Guard Soldiers conduct Sandbag Operations in Grafton

Illinois National Guard Soldiers from Battery B, 2nd Battalion, 123rd Field Artillery Regiment conduct Sandbag operations in Grafton, Illinois - reinforcing barriers with sandbags.

Maj. Michael Hart and some of the World War II artifacts from his personal collection.

Military Museum opens D-Day Anniversary Exhibit

The Illinois State Military Museum in Springfield, Illinois has opened a D-Day Anniversary exhibit featuring many World War II artifacts from Maj. Michael Hart, the guest curator for the exhibit. The exhibit opens June 6 and will continue through Dec. 31, 2019. During the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of D-Day, it is important to share the rich history of World War II service of the Illinois National Guard.

Spec. Jacqueline Herrera, of Cicero, Illinois, and Sgt. Andrew Gray, of Warren, Illinois. Herrera and Gray are among the 10 Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 123rd Field Artillery Regiment working flood duty in the East Carondelet, Illinois area.

Illinois National Guard Soldiers Provide Security Along St. Clair County Levees

Soldiers from 2123 Forward Support Company, 2nd Battalion, 123rd Field Artillery Regiment, are providing security along approximately 20 miles of levees in St. Clair County.

2nd Battalion, 123rd Field Artillery Regiment Soldiers construct sandbag structure along Winchester levee system

Illinois National Guard Soldiers Sandbag Along Winchester Levees

Illinois National Guard Soldiers are in Winchester, Illinois constructing a sandbag structure along the estimated 20 miles of levee system.

Maj. Gen. Michael Zerbonia, Assistant Adjutant General – Army and Commander, Illinois Army National Guard, presents Sgt. Maj. Sharon Hultquist, of Delavan, Illinois, with the Legion of Merit and the Illinois Distinguished Service Medal during her retirement ceremony May 17 at the Illinois Military Academy, Camp Lincoln, Springfield, Illinois. Hultquist retires May 31 after more than 30 years serving in the military. (U.S. Army photo by Barbara Wilson, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs Office)

Hultquist honored for distinguished service

Delavan resident and Illinois National Guard Soldier Sgt. Maj. Sharon Hultquist was honored for her 30 year military career during a retirement ceremony May 17 at the Illinois Military Academy, Camp Lincoln, Springfield, Illinois.

Soldiers from Detachment 5, Company A, 2nd Battalion, 245th Aviation Regiment, stand to be recognized during the mobilization ceremony May 22 at Camp Lincoln, Springfield, Illinois. The unit will deploy to the Horn of Africa. (U.S. Army photo by Barbara Wilson, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs Office.)

AVIATION TEAM DEPLOYS TO HORN OF AFRICA

A mobilization ceremony was held at the Illinois Military Academy on Camp Lincoln in Springfield, Illinois May 22 for seven Soldiers who will deploy to the Horn of Africa as part of an Aviation team.

Command Sgt. Maj. Dena Ballowe of Litchfield, Illinois has been named to serve in the most senior enlisted position in the Illinois National Guard as the Senior Enlisted Leader effective July 1, the first woman to serve in the position. Illinois Adjutant General Brig. Gen. Richard Neely appointed Ballowe to the three year position. (Department of the Army photo)

Ballowe becomes first female to serve in position

Illinois Adjutant General Brig. Gen. Richard Neely has named Command Sgt. Maj. Dena Ballowe of Litchfield, Illinois to serve in the most senior enlisted position in the Illinois National Guard as the Senior Enlisted Leader effective July 1, the first woman to serve in the position.

IL Best Warrior Competition Winners

Mapleton Airmen, Tunnel Hill Soldier win Illinois National Guard Best Warrior

The Illinois Army National Guard hosted competitors from the Army and Air National Guards as well as Soldiers of the Polish Armed Forces during its Best Warrior Competition at the Marseilles Training Center, Marseilles, Illinois, April 4-7, 2019.

Senator Duckworth with 108th

United States Senator Visits the 108th Sustainment Brigade in Iraq

U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth returned to Iraq in April to visit Soldiers from the Illinois Army National Guard’s 108th Sustainment Brigade deployed there and to show her support for their service and mission in the region.

ILLINOIS ARMY NATIONAL GUARD UNIT NOTIFIED OF NORTHERN COMMAND MISSION

The Illinois Army National Guard received notification that approximately 90 Soldiers and equipment from the 1st Battalion, 106th Aviation Regiment are slated to be activated for federal service in the spring of 2020.

Specialized Illinois National Guard Unit Mobilizes for Afghanistan

Specialized Illinois National Guard Unit Mobilizes for Afghanistan

A mobilization ceremony was held in Springfield Nov. 7 for six Soldiers who will deploy to

Illinois Ready: Prairie Assurance Exercise 2018

Illinois Ready: Prairie Assurance Exercise 2018

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Imagine sleeping peacefully in bed, you’re awakened by a subtle shaking. Not

Bloomington hosts evaluation for unique homeland defense unit

Bloomington hosts evaluation for unique homeland defense unit

As dawn broke the Illinois National Guard’s 5th Civil Support Team (CST) responded to a simulated

Jacksonville-born Soldier retires after more than 33 years of service

After a 33-year military career spanning enlisted and officer service as well as both active duty

Illinois Promotes Top Chaplain [Image 2 of 2]

Illinois National Guard Promotes Top Chaplain

Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Steve Foster of Riverton, Illinois, was promoted to the rank of Colonel in a

Army’s Newest Cooks Graduate at Camp Lincoln [Image 3 of 3]

Army’s Newest Cooks Graduate at Camp Lincoln

After weeks of training, the Army’s newest cooks graduated from the Culinary Specialist

Specialized Team Deploys to Africa [Image 2 of 2]

Specialized Team Deploys to Africa

The 1965th Contingency Contracting Team held its deployment ceremony in the Illinois Military

Algonquin, Normal Soldiers claim Best Warrior titles [Image 3 of 4]

Algonquin, Normal Soldiers claim Best Warrior titles

Nine Soldiers and noncommissioned officers from across the state converged on Marseilles Training

On Target: Illinois Guard Human Resource Officer Was Air Force’s First Female Sniper [Image 2 of 2]

On Target: Illinois Guard Human Resource Officer Was Air Force’s First Female Sniper

Illinois Air National Guard 1st Lt. Jennifer Weitekamp seems like a mild-mannered, polite and

ILLINOIS NATIONAL GUARD SOLDIERS RECOGNIZED AS REGION’S BEST RECRUITERS

ILLINOIS NATIONAL GUARD SOLDIERS RECOGNIZED AS REGION’S BEST RECRUITERS

1st Sgt. Chad McDannald, a Jacksonville, Illinois, native, and Sgt. 1st Class Beau Detrick, of