Chief Warrant Officer 2 Peter E. Warren, Jr., of Springfield, a Force Integration Readiness Officer in the Illinois Army National Guard’s Plans, Training, and Operations directorate, retired from the Illinois Army National Guard after 24 years of service Dec. 8 at Camp Lincoln, Springfield, Illinois.
Warren enlisted in July 1999 as an electronics repairer and light wheel mechanic, serving in the 3637th Maintenance Company in Springfield. In 2003, he transferred to Joint Force Headquarters where he served as a military pay specialist as a technician. In June 2004, Warren entered the Active Guard and Reserve program in the Department of Information Management, serving as a telecommunications specialist, reaching the rank of sergeant first class.
Warren transferred to the Military Personnel directorate in 2013 as a Human Resources sergeant in the Automation and Automated Record Branch.
He deployed to Afghanistan in 2013 as part of the Bilateral Embedded Support Team A-17. In 2018, Warrant was promoted to master sergeant with the 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, and later that year commissioned as a warrant officer with the Recruiting and Retention Command.
Warren became the Force Integration Readiness Officer in September 2020.
Col. Lenny Williams, Illinois Army National Guard Chief of Staff, told Warren he has a far reach in the organization.
“There is a lot of people here which is a testament to who you are,” Williams said. “Your reach in this organization goes beyond who is here today.”
Williams thanked Warren’s family, including wife, Ashley and children, Adelyn, Ryker and Tinsley, for their support throughout his career.
“We can’t do this without family,” Williams said. “This job is hard. We can’t do it without family or without a support network.”
Williams said there are several things that come to mind when someone talks about Warren.
“Strategic thinker, respect and credibility, and servant leadership are all words which can be used to describe Pete,” Williams said. “You have the respect and credibility of senior leaders across the whole organization. You made all of us think more and you made all of us better leaders. Your legacy in the Illinois Army National Guard will last a generation.”
Warren thanked those he served with who helped shape him as a Soldier throughout his career.
“I believe God placed the right people with me throughout my career to help me along the way,” he said. “These people made me who I am today.”
Warren said he was fortunate to be surrounded by the best leaders, peers, subordinates and family throughout his career.
“As hard as it may be to retire, it makes the choice to want to stay with the organization that much easier,” he said. “Looking back at all my assignments, I would not change anything. I’ve been fortunate to have served with some of the finest leaders in this organization. I’m a better person for it.”
Warren thanked his family for their support throughout his career.
“They are why and how we are able to do this, even though there are times it may not seem like it to the family,” he said. “None of this happens or means anything without the support of friends and family.”
He shared a special message with his children and wife.
“Kids, I’m proud of the three of you and I look forward to seeing the young adults you are growing into. Find your passion and give it your all,” he said. “Ashley, you have made it so easy for me to pursue my passion in serving. This would not be possible without your support.”
Warren was presented the Meritorious Service Medal for his work as the Force Integration Readiness Officer and the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal for his volunteer work in his community.