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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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Jennifer Hillyer is embraced by her friend, Sgt. 1st Class Misty Mesecher, following her retirement ceremony on January 9.

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Illinois Army National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Michael Servough presents a gift to Maj. Jennifer Hillyer on behalf of the soldiers she served with during her retirement ceremony on Jan. 9.

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Col. Jeff Hicks, the Deputy United States Property and Fiscal Officer Army, presents Maj. Jennifer Hillyer with a framed American Flag during her retirement ceremony on Jan. 9.

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Illinois Army National Guard Maj. Jennifer Hillyer embraces her friend, Sgt. 1st Class Misty Mesecher, after her retirement ceremony on Jan. 9.

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Hugo Costa, executive director for the Portuguese Space Agency, and U.S. Ambassador to Portugal John J. Arrigo pose for a photo.

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Maj. Gen. Rodney Boyd, The Adjutant General of Illinois and Commander of the Illinois National Guard, speaks during a ceremony formalizing the State Partnership Program agreement between the Illinois National Guard and the Portuguese military on Jan. 12.

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U.S. and Portuguese officials pose for a group photo after formalizing a State Partnership Program agreement between the Illinois National Guard and the Portuguese military in Lisbon on Jan. 12.

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General José Fonseca, Chief of Staff of the Portuguese Armed Forces, speaks at the State Partnership Program signing ceremony in Lisbon on Jan. 12. He called the agreement "a clear commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation" between the two nations.

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Maj. Gen. Rodney Boyd, The Adjutant General of Illinois, signs the formal agreement creating a State Partnership Program between the Illinois National Guard and the Portuguese military in Lisbon on Jan. 12.

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