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U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Patrick Kerr, public affairs superintendent at the 183d Wing, Illinois Air National Guard, poses for a photo during Northern Strike 26-1.

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U.S. Air Force Maj. Stephen Unverzagt, public affairs officer at the 183d Wing, Illinois Air National Guard, poses for a photo during Northern Strike 26-1.

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U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Noah Hardin, a public affairs specialist with the 182nd Airlift Wing, Illinois Air National Guard, poses for a photo during Northern Strike 26-1.

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U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Wynndermere Shaw, a public affairs specialist with the 182nd Airlift Wing, Illinois Air National Guard, poses for a portrait during Northern Strike 26-1.

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Illinois Army National Guard Chief Warrant Officer 4 Melissa Downey takes the oath of office during her promotion ceremony.

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Illinois Army National Guard Chief Warrant Officer 4 Melissa Downey's 16-year-old son, Luke Hiller, 'punches' Warrant Officer 4 rank on his mother's chest during Downey's promotion ceremony.

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Illinois Army National Guard Chief Warrant Officer 4 Melissa Downey presents flowers to her 20-year-old daughter, Leah Hiller, and 16-year-old son, Luke Hiller, during her promotion ceremony.

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Illinois Army National Guard Chief Warrant Officer 4 Melissa Downey hugs her niece, Kaelan Loftus, after her promotion.

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Illinois Army National Guard Chief Warrant Officer 4 Melissa Downey's 16-year-old son, Luke Hiller, 'punches' Warrant Officer 4 rank on his mother's chest during her promotion ceremony.

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Illinois Army National Guard Chief Warrant Officer 4 Melissa Downey is shown with her family after her promotion.

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Illinois Army National Guard Chief Warrant Officer 4 Melissa Downey is shown with her 20-year-old daughter, Leah Hiller, and 16-year-old son, Luke Hiller, after her promotion.

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Command Chief Master Sgt. Christopher Mertz of Troy, Ill., created a "Career Development Roadmap" to help Illinois Air National Guard Airmen progress.

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Command Chief Master Sgt. Christopher Mertz discusses professional development with a fellow Airman.

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Some of the many coins and badges Command Chief Master Sgt. Christopher Mertz has received during his decades of military service.

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Command Chief Master Sgt. Christopher Mertz started as the Illinois Air National Guard’s new State Command Chief Master Sergeant on Oct. 1.

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Col. Jessica McPherson addresses Soldiers and guests after assuming command of the Illinois Army National Guard’s 404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade during a Change of Command ceremony in Normal, Illinois, Jan. 10, 2026.

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Col. David Helfrich gives his outgoing remarks during the 404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade's Change of Command ceremony in Normal, Illinois, on Jan. 10, 2026.

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Brigade leadership from the 404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade conduct a Change of Command ceremony, formally transferring authority from Col. David Helfrich to Col. Jessica McPherson in Normal, Illinois, Jan. 10, 2026.

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Col. Jessica McPherson poses for a photo with a guest at the 404th MEB Brigade Ball in Normal, Illinois, Jan. 10, 2026.

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Brigade leadership stands center stage during the 404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade's Change of Command ceremony, formally transferring authority from Col. David Helfrich to Col. Jessica McPherson in Normal, Illinois, Jan. 10, 2026.

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