Illinois Army National Guard Soldiers and siblings, Sgt. Maj. Mary Groy and Sgt. 1st Class Larry Groy, were promoted to their respective ranks in a ceremony Jan. 31 at the Illinois State Military Museum, Springfield, Illinois.
The younger Groy, Larry, of Loves Park, Illinois, is the Readiness Non-Commissioned Officer for the 725th Transportation Company, based in Machesney Park, Illinois. He previously served as the Training Non-Commissioned Officer for the 631st Engineer Company, based in Sparta, Illinois.
“I know the 725th is excited to have you come aboard as the Readiness NCO,” said Lt. Col. Kevin Little, Director of Logistics, G-4, Illinois National Guard. “I know you bring great leadership to the position.”
“My sister was my recruiter,” Groy, who has 17 years of military service, said. “She has always been a great sister, leader and role model.”
Little said that Mary, who has served in the Illinois National Guard for 24 years, has a long history of “knocking it out of the park.”
“From your days as the Supply Sergeant with the Air Defense Artillery in Kewanee to the S-4 shop with the 108th Sustainment Brigade, you have achieved great things,” he said. “You will continue to do great things as the G-4 Sergeant Major because you bring a wealth of knowledge from the field.”
“I am happy Lieutenant Colonel Little gave me the opportunity to serve in this position,” Groy said. “I have had a lot of great mentors throughout my career, who taught me to work hard. I was also fortunate to have Soldiers who would stay late with me to get the job done.”