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NEWS | June 4, 2024

Marion Soldier Promoted to First Sergeant

Beau Detrick of Marion, team leader for the Illinois Army National Guard’s Company N, Recruiting and Retention Battalion (RRB), was promoted to the rank of first sergeant in a ceremony at the Illinois State Military Museum, May 24.

“Everyone in this room has, in some capacity, influenced me, inspired me, and motivated me, and I’m here as a result of that,” Detrick said. “This promotion is a culmination of a lifetime of relationships.”

Detrick enlisted in the Illinois Army National Guard in July 2005, serving in Company C, 33rd Brigade Support Battalion, based in Carbondale. Soon after, Detrick was selected as a recruiting assistant for Company N, RRB, and in July 2007, as a recruiter. Detrick was selected team leader for Company N in 2018 and now will become the company’s first sergeant.

“This promotion is a really big deal,” said Lt. Col. Joseph Harris, Commander, RRB. “This is significant because as the first sergeant, he is the senior enlisted leader in Company N.”

Harris thanked Detrick’s family for their support.

“We appreciate all you have done to prop him up in his career,” Harris said. “With this promotion, he has a lot of responsibility ahead of him.”

Harris said Detrick is up to the task before him.

“He’s going to make every Soldier and noncommissioned officer under him and every applicant walking through the door, the very best version of himself,” Harris said. “That’s huge because he’s taking development to a whole new level. This promotion is very deserving. He’s been doing the job for a long time, now it’s time to get you the rank you deserve.”

Detrick thanked his family for their support.

“I’m here today as a direct result of my relationship with my wife, Sarah,” Detrick said. “Every day I talk with her, and I bounce ideas off her. This job is anything but ordinary, and I couldn’t do it without my support team.”

He also thanked his fellow Soldiers for their support.

“I couldn’t be prouder of the group of Soldiers I represent because they are one of the most energetic, passionate group of people I’ve ever worked with,” Detrick said.