Illinois Army National Guard Chief Warrant Officer Keith Shasteen, commander of the 144th Army Band, conducts the band during the playing of each military service song at the Illinois State Fair's Veterans and Gold Star Families Day ceremony in Springfield on Aug. 10, 2025. The band performs at dozens of community and military events throughout the year assisting the Illinois Army National Guard's recruiting and retention efforts and telling the National Guard story to hundreds of people.

Illinois Army National Guard Noncommissioned Officers from Recruiting and Retention Battalion's Kilo Company, Recruit Sustainment Program, served as judges for the JROTC drill competition providing feedback to help develop the JROTC cadets' leadership and discipline skills at Veterans and Gold Star Families Day at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield on Aug. 10, 2025.

Retired Illinois Army National Guard Lt. Col. Loren Easter was the keynote speaker at the Illinois State Fair's Veterans and Gold Star Families Day ceremony in Springfield on Aug. 10, 2025.. Easter, who now serves as the Director of Military and Veteran Student Services at the University of Illinois Springfield, spoke about the importance of community in supporting our military members and veterans.

Illinois Army National Guard Noncommissioned Officers from Recruiting and Retention Battalion's Kilo Company, Recruit Sustainment Program, served as judges for the JROTC drill competition providing feedback to help develop the JROTC cadets' leadership and discipline skills at Veterans and Gold Star Families Day at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield on Aug. 10, 2025.

Major Gen. Daniel McDonough, the Assistant Adjutant General - Air of the Illinois National Guard and the Commander of the Illinois Air National Guard thanks the audience for their continuous support and dedication to the country and each other at the Illinois State Fair's Veterans and Gold Star Families Day ceremony on Aug.10, 2025 in Springfield.

Illinois Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Jeremy Weaver of the 144th Army Band starts the Illinois State Fair's Veterans and Gold Star Families Day ceremony by singing the National Anthem in Springfield on August 10, 2025.