Approximately 550 Illinois Army National Guard Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 178th Infantry Regiment and Company B, 766th Brigade Engineer Battalion (BEB), were greeted with cheers, hugs, and tears from friends and families at welcome home ceremonies April 11 in Rockford and April 12 in Peoria.
Approximately 450 Soldiers from 1-178th, headquartered in Chicago and with companies based in Bartonville, Elgin, and Kankakee, and approximately 100 Soldiers from Company B, 766th Company BEB, based at Marseilles, mobilized in June 2024 in support of Operation Spartan Shield, and deployed to 17 locations across seven countries. Most of the Soldiers were based in the partner nations of Jordan and Saudi Arabia.
“I want to thank the families for being here today to welcome back these great warriors,” said Maj. Gen. Rodney Boyd, The Adjutant General of Illinois, and Commander of the Illinois National Guard during the Rockford ceremony. “Without your support they can’t do what we ask of them.”
Boyd told families and friends of the approximately 275 Soldiers arriving in Peoria, he gave the Soldiers tasks to complete while they were deployed.
“I told them to take care of each other. They did that because they all came home,” he said. “I told them to better themselves. They did that as well. 12 Soldiers completed the Air Assault Course, five completed the Pathfinder course, and seven Soldiers completed their basic leadership course. I told them to make us proud. They did that.”
Lt. Col. Andrew Salmo, Commander, 1st Battalion, 178th Infantry, told the Soldiers they did a great job during the deployment.
“You absolutely crushed the deployment,” he said. “I’m extremely proud to be a member of your team.”
He also thanked the families.
“Thank you for keeping the home fires burning. We love and missed you and can’t wait to give you a hug,” he said before dismissing the Soldiers.
The approximately 275 Soldiers who flew into Peoria were greeted by families and friends at the 182nd Airlift Wing.
“We are extremely proud of your service,” said Brig. Gen. Lenny Williams, Assistant Adjutant General – Army, and Commander of the Illinois Army National Guard. “You carried forward the legacy of this incredible organization and every veteran who ever served before you.”
Command Sgt. Maj. Daniel Butte had a message for the Soldiers and families before dismissing the unit.
“Last year you trained to serve across the U.S. Central Command area of operations, accomplishing business time and time again,” he said. “As your Command Sergeant Major, I couldn’t be prouder of the job each of you did. To the families, thank you for all you do. We appreciate it and love you.”
In addition to military courses, 22 Soldiers completed the requirements to be awarded the German Armed Forces Badge of Marksmanship, more than 50 completed the Norwegian Footmarch, three Soldiers graduated from Desert Warfare training in Qatar, and many Soldiers participated in physical and tactical fitness competitions involving coalition partner nations.
Soldiers from the 178th Inf Reg and Co B, 766th BEB received multiple awards, including four Bronze Star Medals, 11 Meritorious Service Medals, 488 Army Commendation Medals, and 72 Army Achievement Medals. In addition, a Meritorious Unit Commendation is pending approval.