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Tag: Rising Thunder 2019

Illinois National Guardsmen break barriers as team sport at Rising Thunder
September 5, 2019 — Soldiers from the Illinois Army National Guard's 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team engaged day two of Rising Thunder 19 with room-clearing drills at the Yakima Training Center shoothouse, Sept. 1... MORE

A Soldier from the 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry Regiment, 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Illinois Army National Guard, posts guard at the entrance of a training building while the rest of his team completes room clearances during Rising Thunder 19 at the Yakima Training Center in Yakima, Washington, Sept. 1, 2019.

Discipline Exemplified: Japan's 25th Infantry Regiment Joins Rising Thunder 2019
September 5, 2019 — Now in its 21st year, Rising Thunder brings together the finest Soldiers the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force has to offer for the opportunity to train alongside their U.S. Army counterparts at Yakima Training Center, Yakima, Washington, Aug. 27 through Sept. 13. This year is no different, as the 25th Infantry Regiment, part of Camp Asahikawa's 2nd Division, sends 123 of their fittest infantrymen to showcase what happens when allies serve together... MORE

A Japanese infantryman gives a directional hand signal to his driver, Sept. 2, while on Range 15 at Yakima Training Center, during exercise Rising Thunder 19.

Newly promoted Illinois Army National Guard Lt. Col. Zachary DeGroot, of Chatham, the Illinois Army National Guard’s state training officer, and Commander, 1st Battalion, 106th Assault Helicopter Regiment, thanks friends and family for their support throughout his more than 18 years of military service during a promotion ceremony July 16 at the Illinois Military Academy, Camp Lincoln, Springfield.

Chatham Soldier Pins on Lieutenant Colonel Oak Leaves

Illinois Army National Guard Maj. Zachary DeGroot, of Chatham, the Illinois Army National Guard’s state training officer and commander of 1st Battalion, 106th Assault Helicopter Regiment, was promoted to lieutenant colonel in a ceremony July 16 at the Illinois Military Academy, Camp Lincoln, Springfield.

Kim Southworth talks about her son's love of the community during a dedication ceremony on July 6 as a section of State Highway 133 through Oakland, Illinois, was named the 1st Lt. Jared W. Southworth Highway.

Highway dedicated to Illinois Army National Guard 1st Lt Jared Southworth

Highway 133 through Oakland, Illinois, is now the 1st Lt. Jared W. Southworth Memorial Highway after a dedication ceremony, July 6, in the small downstate town with his family and friends, including more than a dozen of those who served with Jared in the Illinois Army National Guard's 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry Regiment, 33d Infantry Brigade Combat Team.

Illinois Army National Guard Soldiers who served in the 1544th Transportation Company’s 2004 deployment to Iraq unveil the road sign designating Highway 40 through Casey as the Army Specialist Charles Lamb Memorial Highway at a ceremony June 26 at Casey Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5762 in Casey. Lamb, who grew up in Casey, was killed Sept. 5, 2004 during a mortar attack in Baghdad, Iraq.

Highway 40 Through Casey Honors Fallen Illinois National Guard Soldier, Hometown Hero

U.S. Highway 40 through Casey, Illinois, is now the “Army Spc. Charles Lamb Memorial Highway” after a ceremony on June 26 at the Casey Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5762 nearly 20 years after the Illinois Army National Guard Soldier was killed during a mortar attack on a logistical base southwest of Baghdad, Iraq.

Gold Star daughter Nyzia Wilson pins colonel rank on Beth Roxworthy during her promotion ceremony.

Gold Star Family Pins Rank on National Guard Colonel and Friend

Col. Beth Roxworthy learned lessons throughout her life and military career.

Seven-Year-Old Jamir Gibbs of Marion, Illinois, stands in front of the formation with 1st Sgt. Beau Detrick of November Company, Recruit Sustainment Program, Illinois Army National Guard Recruiting and Retention Command. Jamir was promoted to "Honorary First Sergeant" of November Company during a ceremony on June 8 at the Illinois Army National Guard's Marion Readiness Center in honor of his courageous fight against cancer.

Seven-Year-Old Made Honorary First Sergeant in Illinois Army National Guard for Courage Against Cancer

Several months ago, 7-year-old Jamir Gibbs was suffering from bacterial meningitis related to his struggle with leukemia. It was hard, and painful, and her son was tired and getting discouraged, said Jamir's mother, Amanda Miller. "He's a child and having to fight through this illness... a child has no choice but to fight through it." And then Jamir received a 49-second video clip from Illinois Army National Guard 1st Sgt. Beau Detrick, then a sergeant first class. He asked Jamir to "stay in the fight" and said his courage, perseverance, and bravery are just what they look for in Soldiers.

Soldiers with Company A, 1st Battalion, 178th Infantry Regiment, Illinois Army National Guard, huddle around Sgt. 1st Class Paul Minder, platoon sergeant, Company A, before a mobilization ceremony in Peoria, Illinois, June 4, 2024.

Approximately 550 Illinois National Guard Soldiers Activated for Overseas Mission

Approximately 550 Illinois Army National Guard Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 178th Infantry Regiment and Company B, 766th Engineer Brigade, based in Marseilles, were joined by family and friends at mobilization ceremonies in various locations June 3-6 as they prepare to deploy for an overseas mission in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

Newly promoted First Sgt. Beau Detrick, of Marion, the senior enlisted leader for Company N, Recruiting and Retention Battalion, Illinois Army National Guard, thanks friends and family for their support during a promotion ceremony May 24 at the Illinois State Military Museum, Camp Lincoln, Springfield, Illinois.

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.”

Newly promoted Maj. Tarah McClain, Executive Officer, Recruiting and Retention Battalion, Illinois Army National Guard, thanks her family, friends, and fellow Soldiers for their support throughout her career during a promotion ceremony May 31 at the Illinois Military Academy, Camp Lincoln, Springfield.

Springfield Soldier Promoted to Major

Tarah McClain of Springfield, the Executive Officer for the Illinois Army National Guard’s Recruiting and Retention Battalion was promoted to major during a ceremony May 31 at the Illinois Military Academy, Camp Lincoln, Springfield. “I didn’t do this alone,” McClain said. “There’s a lot of people in this room who helped me along the way.”

ESGR State Chair Laurie Silvey presents Jennifer Brumbick of East St. Louis School District 189 - James Avant Elementary School (#eaststlouis) with the Pro Patria Award, one of the highest level Illinois ESGR awards.

Illinois ESGR Awards Banquet Honors Employers who Support Their National Guard, Reserve Employees

Brig. Gen. Dan McDonough, the Assistant Adjutant General - Air of the Illinois National Guard and Commander of the Illinois Air National Guard, was the keynote speaker for the Illinois Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Awards Banquet, May 17, at the Marriott in Normal, Illinois.

Col. Shawn Strahle of Chatham has been selected as the Commander of the Illinois Air National Guard’s 183rd Wing based in Springfield. Strahle, who has served as the wing’s deputy commander since September 2023, will assume command of the wing on June 1 from Col. Robert Gellner of Sherman.

Colonel Shawn Strahle of Chatham to Command Springfield's 183rd Wing

Col. Shawn Strahle of Chatham has been selected as the Commander of the Illinois Air National Guard’s 183rd Wing based in Springfield.

Vietnam Veteran Bill Waters talks about the attack on Chu Lai on the second day the 126th Supply and Services Co. was in Vietnam.

Veterans of only Illinois Army National Guard unit to deploy to Vietnam present plaque to Illinois State Military Museum

The Illinois State Military Museum's Armed Forces Day Military Vehicle Show on May 18 included a special presentation by veterans of the Quincy, Illinois-based 126th Supply and Services Co. at the museum in Springfield, Illinois.

Master Sgt. David Berry speaks during his retirement ceremony.

Cuba, Illinois, Soldier who taught lessons learned from Iraq and Afghanistan, retires with 20 years of service

Master Sgt. David Berry of Cuba, Illinois, who enlisted in the Illinois Army National Guard in 2004 - a dozen years after graduating from Rushville High School in 1992 - retired from the Army after 20 years of service on May 18.

Maj. Gen. Rodney Boyd, the 41st Adjutant General of Illinois, assumes command of the Illinois National Guard from Governor JB Pritzker during a change of command ceremony May 4 at Glenwood High School in Chatham, Illinois.

Boyd Assumes Leadership of Illinois National Guard During Change of Command Ceremony

In a ceremony steeped in military tradition, Maj. Gen. Rich Neely, of Springfield, relinquished command of the Illinois National Guard to Maj. Gen. Rodney Boyd, of Naperville, during a change of command May 4 at Glenwood High School in Chatham. Following the change of command ceremony, Neely retired after 40 years of service in the Illinois National Guard.

Winnebago County presented Illinois Army National Guard Spc. Michael Gambino, a military policeman with the Freeport-based 333rd Military Police Company, with two awards for valor on April 25.

Illinois National Guard Soldier Recognized for Valor in Stopping Multiple Murder Suspect

Winnebago County presented Illinois Army National Guard Spc. Michael Gambino, a military policeman with the Freeport-based 333rd Military Police Company, with two awards for valor on April 25. Gambino, a Winnebago County deputy sheriff, apprehended a man accused of killing four people and wounding several others. He was among the first law enforcement officers on the scene of the March 27 multiple murders and his quick actions are credited with putting an end to a violent rampage.

Retiree Appreciation Day
Friday, 10 May 2024, 1000-1200
Registration beings at 0930

Retiree Appreciation Day

Join us for our very first Retiree Appreciation Day on Friday, 10 May 2024, 1000-1200 at Camp Lincoln!

Illinois Army National Guard Pfc. Harry Jerele, 26, of Berkeley, Illinois. The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced April 18 Jerele’s remains were identified Dec. 20 and will be returned to Illinois for burial at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery Oct. 4.

DPAA Identifies Remains of Illinois National Guard Soldier from World War II

Rosemary Dillon, of Chicago, was about five years old when her Uncle Harry, who was serving in the Illinois Army National Guard’s Company B, 192nd Tank Battalion, was activated for federal service, arriving in the Philippines just days before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, and the next day, the Philippines. On Oct. 4, nearly 83 years after the start of World War II, Dillon’s Uncle Harry, Pfc. Harry Jerele, will be buried with full military honors at the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood.

Official phot of Capt. James Horn

Capt. James Horn Named 2024 USO National Guardsman of the Year

Capt. James Horn has been named the 2024 USO National Guardsmen of the Year. Capt. Horn is a medical planner in the Air Operations Group at the 183d Wing, Springfield, IL.

Sgt. Terry Lair of Pekin, Illinois, was named the Illinois Army National Guard's "Noncommissioned Officer of the Year" at the Illinois Army National Guard's Best Warrior Competition from April 12-14 at the Sparta Training Area in Sparta, Illinois.

College Student from Arlington Heights and Pekin Police Officer Take Top Honors in Illinois National Guard's Best Warrior Competition

Pfc. Nathan Johnson of Arlington Heights was named the Illinois Army National Guard’s “Soldier of the Year” and Sgt. Terry Lair of Pekin was named the “Noncommissioned Officer of the Year” after a grueling 3-day competition at Sparta Training Area in Sparta, Illinois, that pitted the top placers from each of the Illinois Army National Guard’s major subordinate commands against each other.

Lt. Col. Jason Celletti, second from right, Commander, 1st Battalion, 106th Aviation Regiment, and Command Sgt. Maj. Anthony Stickelmaier, right, the Command Sergeant Major for 1/106th Aviation, present Maj. Gen. Rich Neely, left, The Adjutant General of Illinois, and Commander of the Illinois National Guard, and Command Sgt. Maj. Kehinde Salami, Senior Enlisted Leader, Illinois National Guard, with the Illinois state flag which was carried on the unit’s deployment to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

Peoria-based aviation battalion completes year-long overseas mission

Approximately 195 Illinois Army National Guard Soldiers serving with 1st Battalion, 106th Aviation Regiment, based in Peoria, and Company B, 935th Aviation Support Battalion, based in Kankakee, were welcomed home during a ceremony in Bloomington, April 13. The 106th returned home in February, following a year-long deployment to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

Newly promoted U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Michael Eastridge, of Plymouth, Michigan, Deputy Assistant Adjutant General, Illinois Army National Guard, thanks family and friends for their support throughout his 35-year career during a promotion ceremony April 6 at the Illinois Military Academy, Camp Lincoln, Springfield, Illinois.

From Private to General - Eastridge Promoted to Brigadier General

Joined by family, friends, and fellow Soldiers, Michael Eastridge, of Plymouth, Michigan, Deputy Assistant Adjutant General – Army, was promoted to brigadier general during a ceremony April 8 at the Illinois Military Academy, Camp Lincoln, in Springfield.

Illinois Air National Guard Lt. Col. Kira Tierney of Middletown, the commander of the 183rd Force Support Squadron based in Springfield, and retired Illinois Army National Guard Chief Warrant Officer 4 Rachelle McKay of Hartselle, Alabama have run six marathons, roughly 160 miles.

Illinois National Guard Friends Complete Marathon Challenge

Pheidippides, the original marathon runner, was a Soldier in the Greek Army who ran roughly 26 miles to Athens to give news of the Greek victory at Marathon. Then he died. Illinois Air National Guard Lt. Col. Kira Tierney of Middletown, the commander of the 183rd Force Support Squadron based in Springfield, and retired Illinois Army National Guard Chief Warrant Officer 4 Rachelle McKay of Hartselle, Alabama have run six marathons, roughly 160 miles.  Both are still alive!

Lt. Col. Wyatt Bickett, of Smithton, officer-in-charge of the 129th Regiment (Regional Training Institute), thanks family, friends, and fellow Soldiers for their support throughout his 23 years of military service.

Smithton Soldier retires after 23 years of service

Lt. Col. Wyatt Bickett’s 23 years of military service was honored during a retirement ceremony March 27 at the Illinois Military Academy on Camp Lincoln in Springfield.

Sgt. 1st Class Michael Caceres, of Petersburg, thanks friends, family, and fellow Soldiers, for their support during his 30 years of service in the military during a joint retirement ceremony March 23 at the Illinois Military Academy, Camp Lincoln, Springfield.

Two Petersburg Soldiers retire from Illinois National Guard

Two military careers spanning a total of 56 years were celebrated at the Illinois Military Academy, March 23, as Sgt. 1st Class Richard Knowles and Sgt. 1st Class Michael Caceres, both of Petersburg, retired. “I could stand up here and talk about these two Soldiers all day long,” said Lt. Col. Wyatt Bickett, of Smithton, officer-in-charge, 129th Regiment (Regional Training Institute). “I’ve enjoyed serving with you both. I’m sad to see you go but you deserve all you get.”

Newly promoted Illinois Army National Guard Capt. Mikaya Thomas, of Champaign, commander of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 129th Regiment (Regional Training Institute) thanks family, friends, and fellow Soldiers for their support during her nine years of service during a promotion ceremony March 23 at the Illinois Military Academy, Camp Lincoln, Springfield.

Champaign Soldier promoted to Captain in Illinois Army National Guard

Nearly nine years after joining the U.S. Army, Mikaya Thomas, of Champaign, was promoted to the rank of captain in the Illinois Army National Guard during a ceremony March 23 at the Illinois Military Academy, Camp Lincoln, in Springfield. Thomas, the commander of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 129th Regiment (Regional Training Institute), told family, friends, and fellow Soldiers that her career has come full circle as she celebrates nine years of service March 24.

Brigadier General Michael Eastridge

Eastridge Named Deputy Assistant Adjutant General – Army of the Illinois National Guard

Col. Michael Eastridge, the Illinois National Guard Chief of the Joint Staff and former Commander of the 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, has been named as the Illinois National Guard’s next Deputy Assistant Adjutant General – Army and received his federal recognition as a brigadier general this week. His promotion ceremony will be held in April.

Major General Rodney Boyd selected as Adjutant General for Illinois, making history as the first Black officer to command the Illinois National Guard

Gov. Pritzker Announces Retirement of Major General Rich Neely

Gov. Pritzker Announces Retirement of Major General Rich Neely Major General Rodney Boyd selected as Adjutant General for Illinois, making history as the first Black officer to command the Illinois National Guard Governor JB Pritzker announced today that Major General Rich Neely, The Adjutant General for Illinois, Commander of the Illinois National Guard, and Director of the Illinois Department of Military Affairs will retire from the military in May after 40 years of service. Governor Pritzker has selected Major General Rodney Boyd, the Assistant Adjutant General – Army and Commander of the Illinois Army National Guard, as the 41st Adjutant General for Illinois and the next Commander of the Illinois National Guard and Director of Military Affairs. General Boyd will be the first Black officer and person of color to command the Illinois National Guard.

Illinois Army National Guard Spc. Christina Fiorentino, of Chicago, was selected as the Soldier Leader of the Cycle while attending Basic Military Training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina.

Illinois National Guard Soldier Selected as Soldier Leader of the Cycle during Basic Military Training

One of the Illinois Army National Guard’s newest Soldiers not only completed Basic Military Training (BMT) at 39, but also earned the Soldier Leader of the Cycle award for their training company in the process.

Leaders from the Illinois Army National Guard, the 933rd Military Company and their families stand during the playing on the National Anthem on March 9th during a welcome home ceremony at the College of Lake County, in Grayslake, Illinois.

933rd Military Police Company Welcomed Home from Deployment

On March 9 the Illinois National Guard held a welcome home ceremony for the 933rd Military Police Company and their family members at the College of Lake County, in Grayslake, Illinois. The 933rd Military Police company deployed to U.S. Southern Command Area of Responsibility from January 2023 to November 2023.

Chief Master Sgt. Amanda G. Stewart, of Nokomis, Illinois, stands with her family after her retirement ceremony at the 126th Air Refueling Wing Hangar, Scott AFB, Illinois, March 3.

Nokomis chief master sergeant retires with 34 years of service

Chief Master Sgt. Amanda G. Stewart, of Nokomis, Illinois, was honored for 34 years of military service during a retirement ceremony at the 126th Air Refueling Wing (ARW) Hangar, Scott AFB, Illinois, March 3. The 126th ARW Logistics Readiness Squadron (LRS) Commander Lt. Col. Brad Kahrhoff, of Trenton, Illinois, presented Stewart with a Meritorious Service Medal for outstanding service during a distinguished career in the United States Air Force.

Illinois Army National Guard Maj. Christine Hurley, of Springfield, the collective training branch chief of the Illinois Army National Guard, thanks family, friends and fellow Soldiers for their support during her nearly 30 years of military service during a ceremony March 1 at Camp Lincoln, Springfield.

Springfield Soldier celebrates 30-year-career

Illinois Army National Guard Maj. Christine Hurley, of Springfield, used the backdrop of Women’s History Month to retire following 30 years of military service during a ceremony March 1 at the Illinois Military Academy on Camp Lincoln in Springfield.

Following the presentation of various gifts, Master Sgt. Kenneth Ray, Branch Chief, 1st Battalion, 129th Regiment (Regional Training Institute), thanks family and friends for many years of support during his 20 years of military service during a retirement ceremony Feb. 25 at the Illinois Military Academy, Camp Lincoln, Springfield, Illinois.

Macomb Soldier Retires After 20-Year Career

Illinois Army National Guard Master Sgt. Kenneth Ray, of Macomb, retired following a 20-year military career Feb. 25 at the Illinois Military Academy on Camp Lincoln, Springfield.

Col. Shawn Nokes, Commander, 129th Regiment (Regional Training Institute) presents Sgt. Maj. Kevin Driscoll, 129th RTI’s operations sergeant major, with a Certificate of Service from the National Guard Bureau during Driscoll’s retirement ceremony Feb. 24 at the Illinois Military Academy, Camp Lincoln in Springfield, Illinois.

Oswego Soldier Retires after 26-Year Career

Sgt. Maj. Kevin Driscoll, of Oswego, Illinois, retired from the Illinois Army National Guard Feb. 24 after a 26-year military career, including 22 years in the Illinois National Guard.

Illinois Army National Guard Maj. Gen. Henry Dixon, the Deputy Commanding General of U.S. Army Central Command, will be inducted into the University of Illinois at Urbana/Champaign Army ROTC Hall of Fame in May.

Maj. Gen. Henry Dixon of Dixon and Col. Clayton Kuetemeyer of Champaign to be honored

The University of Illinois at Urbana/Champaign’s Army ROTC program will induct two Illinois National Guard officers into its Hall of Fame in May: Maj. Gen. Henry Dixon of Dixon, Illinois, and Col. (retired) Clayton Kuetemeyer of Champaign, Illinois.

Brig. Gen. Mark Alessia renders a salute after placing a wreath at the tomb of President Abraham Lincoln on behalf of the President of the United States Feb. 12, as part of the 90th annual American Legion Pilgrimage to Lincoln’s Tomb at Oak Ridge Cemetery, Springfield, Illinois.

Illinois National Guard Honors Former Guardsman, President Abraham Lincoln

The Illinois National Guard recognized its most notable militiaman and 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, during a ceremony at his tomb in Oak Ridge Cemetery, Springfield, Illinois, Feb. 12, marking the 215th anniversary of his birth.

Lt. Col. Beth Roxworthy (left), Commander of the 34th Division Sustainment Brigade, and Chief Warrant Officer 5 Thomas Black (right), State Command Chief Warrant Officer for the Illinois Army National Guard, present Capt. Simon Lee (center), Logistics Advisor Team 6612 Team Leader, with the Illinois flag that will accompany them on their deployment.

Specialized team deploys to INDOPACOM area of responsibility

Friends and family gathered at Rock Island Arsenal’s Heritage Hall Feb. 4, for a mobilization ceremony for Logistics Advisory Team 6612 of the Illinois National Guard’s 6th Battalion, 54th Security Forces Assistance Brigade. The team of about half a dozen Soldiers will deploy to the Philippines to replace a team slated to come back in February. LAT 6612 will take over training and integrating with Filipino armed forces to bolster their medical and logistical operations.

Col. Jason Carter is pinned with his new rank by his daughter, Cenea, during a promotion ceremony held at the Illinois National Guard’s Military Academy in Springfield, Illinois.

Bloomington Soldier Promoted to Colonel

Jason Carter of Bloomington, Illinois, was promoted to the rank of colonel during a ceremony at the Illinois Military Academy in Springfield Feb. 2, 2024. Carter was pinned with his new rank by his wife, Celena, son, Jalen and his daughters Cenea and Ciere. Maj. Gen. Rodney Boyd, Assistant Adjutant General – Army, and Commander of the Illinois Army National Guard, officiated the ceremony and thanked those in attendance, specifically, Carter’s family.

U.S. Air Force 2nd Lt. Ben Reed, a base civil engineer with the 182nd Civil Engineer Squadron, Illinois Air National Guard, poses for a portrait after an interview at the 182nd Airlift Wing, Peoria, Illinois, Feb. 2, 2024.

Top Enlisted Leader Soars Higher

After 22 years, Chief Master Sgt. Ben Reed finally reached the top of the mountain. Ascending through the Air Force enlisted ranks was a grueling climb, with more responsibilities and commitments the higher up he went. Chief Master Sgt. Reed overcame every challenge to achieve what so few could.

Some 300 Soldiers from the 34th Division Sustainment Brigade and the 433rd Signal Company based in Chicago’s northwest side were mobilized for a year-long mission in the Middle East on Saturday, Jan. 27, during a ceremony at the Wintrust Arena in Chicago.

About 300 Chicago-Based Soldiers Mobilize for Middle East Mission

Some 300 Soldiers from the 34th Division Sustainment Brigade and the 433rd Signal Company based in Chicago’s northwest side were mobilized for a year-long mission in the Middle East on Saturday, Jan. 27, during a ceremony at the Wintrust Arena in Chicago. About 1,200 family and friends of the Soldiers were joined by Governor JB Pritzker, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth, U.S Representative Delia Ramirez, and Maj. Gen. Rodney Boyd, the Assistant Adjutant General - Army of the Illinois National Guard and Commander of the Illinois Army National Guard.

Illinois National Guard Maj. Monica Perez of Mount Prospect, Ill., shakes hands with Col. David Helfrich, the commander of the 404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade after Perez's promotion ceremony at the brigade headquarters on the Heartland Community College campus in Normal, Ill., on Nov. 18. Perez serves as the plans officer (S5) of the brigade.

Mount Prospect Resident Promoted to Major in the Illinois Army National Guard

Illinois Army National Guard Maj. Monica Perez, the 404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade plans officer (S5), was promoted to major on Nov. 18 at the brigade headquarters on the Heartland Community College campus in Normal, Illinois. Perez has served as platoon leader and executive officer in the 933rd Military Police Company. In 2017 she deployed to Afghanistan as the Force Protection officer with the Bilateral Embedded Support Team (BEST-A19).

Newly promoted Chief Warrant Officer 5 Brandon Defenbaugh, of Athens, Illinois, the safety officer for the Illinois Army National Guard, thanks family and friends for their support during his more than 30 years of service during a promotion ceremony Jan. 11 at Camp Lincoln, Springfield, Illinois.

Athens Soldier Promoted to Chief Warrant Officer Five

Brandon Defenbaugh, of Athens, Illinois, the Illinois Army National Guard’s safety officer, became one of nine chief warrant officers five in the Illinois Army National Guard during a promotion ceremony Jan. 11 at the Illinois Military Academy, Camp Lincoln in Springfield, Illinois.

Maj. Gen. Rodney Boyd, the Assistant Adjutant General - Army for the Illinois National Guard and the Commander of the Illinois Army National Guard, presents Air Force Col. Shawn Strahle, the Deputy Commander of the Illinois Air National Guard's 183rd Wing, with the Illinois Army National Guard Staff Eagle.

Deputy Wing Commander Receives Meritorious Service Medal

Air Force Col. Shawn Strahle, the Deputy Commander of the Illinois Air National Guard's 183rd Wing, received the Meritorious Service Medal for more than four years of service as the Director of Information Management, part of the Illinois Army National Guard's staff.

Illinois Army National Guard Col. Eric Smith, the Commander of the 34th Division Sustainment Brigade, was presented with the "Staff Eagle" for serving as the Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics (G4) in the Illinois National Guard's Joint Force Headquarters from July 2022 to September 2023.

Smith presented with Illinois Army National Guard "Staff Eagle"

Illinois Army National Guard Col. Eric Smith, the Commander of the 34th Division Sustainment Brigade, was presented with the "Staff Eagle" for serving as the Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics (G4) in the Illinois National Guard's Joint Force Headquarters from July 2022 to September 2023. Smith will deploy with his brigade's headquarters later this month. Maj. Gen. Rodney Boyd, the Assistant Adjutant General - Army for the Illinois National Guard and the Commander of the Illinois Army National Guard, presented the Eagle to Smith at the Illinois Army National Guard Commander's Update Brief on January 9 at the Guard's headquarters on Camp Lincoln in Springfield, Illinois.

Maj. Vern Meissner, the commander of the Illinois Army National Guard’s headquarters company for Joint Force Headquarters – Illinois, addressed the crowd during his promotion ceremony at the Illinois Military Academy on Camp Lincoln in Springfield Jan. 6.

Stafford, Michigan Native Promoted to Major in the Illinois National Guard

The Illinois Army National Guard’s Vern Meissner, whose father, Arnold J. Meissner, participated in the “D-Day” invasion of Europe during World War II, was promoted to major Jan. 6 at the Illinois Military Academy on Camp Lincoln in Springfield.

The Illinois Army National Guard’s Andrew Sanchez of Chicago was promoted to major during a ceremony at Camp Lincoln in Springfield on Jan. 6.

Chicago South Suburbs Native Promoted to Major

The Illinois Army National Guard’s Andrew Sanchez of Chicago was promoted to major during a ceremony at Camp Lincoln in Springfield on Jan. 6.

The Illinois Army National Guard’s staff officer in the Illinois Army National Guard Headquarters’ Plans, Operations, and Training Directorate (G3), Nicholas Krzensinki, was promoted to lieutenant colonel during a ceremony at the Illinois Military Academy on Camp Lincoln in Springfield on Jan. 4.

From ROTC Cadet to Lieutenant Colonel, an Illinois National Guard Soldier from Chatham Gets Promoted

The Illinois Army National Guard’s Nicholas Krzensinki of Chatham was promoted to lieutenant colonel during a ceremony at the Illinois Military Academy on Camp Lincoln in Springfield on Jan. 4.

Sgt. Dejuan Patterson, a native of Chicago’s South Side and former active-duty Marine canine handler, was promoted to sergeant in the Illinois Army National Guard at the Northwest Armory in Chicago Jan. 5 during a deployment ceremony for the 1863rd Financial Management Support Detachment.

Chicago South Side Native Promoted to Sergeant in the Illinois National Guard, Deploying to Europe

Sgt. Dejuan Patterson, a native of Chicago’s South Side and former active-duty Marine canine handler, was promoted to sergeant in the Illinois Army National Guard at the Northwest Armory in Chicago Jan. 5 during a deployment ceremony for the 1863rd Financial Management Support Detachment.

Soldiers in the 1863rd Finance Management Support Detachment, based in Chicago, salute during the mobilization ceremony Jan. 5 at the Northwest Armory in Chicago.

Chicago-based Finance Unit Mobilizes for Overseas Mission

Approximately 25 Soldiers from the 1863rd Financial Management Support Detachment, based in Chicago, are preparing to head overseas in support of Operation European Assure, Deter, and Reinforce following a mobilization ceremony at the Northwest Armory in Chicago Jan. 5.

Illinois National Guard Continued to Achieve in its 300th Year

May 9, 2023 marked the Illinois National Guard’s 300th Birthday and while the National Guard reflected throughout the year on important dates in the organization’s past, the Illinois National Guard’s modern service members continued to make history. “Your Illinois National Guard Soldiers and Airmen continue to do great things,” said Maj. Gen. Rich Neely, the Adjutant General of Illinois and Commander of the Illinois National Guard. “The reach and scope of Illinois National Guard operations is amazing especially considering that more than 80 percent of our Soldiers and Airmen are part-time traditional Guard members.”

Chief Warrant Officer 4 Ryan Little thanks family and friends for their support throughout his 26 years of service in the Illinois Army National Guard during a retirement ceremony Dec. 21 at Camp Lincoln, Springfield, Illinois. Little will retire from the Illinois Army National Guard Dec. 31.

Pleasant Plains Soldier Retires after 26 Year Career

Chief Warrant Officer 4 Ryan Little, of Pleasant Plains, Illinois, retired from the Illinois Army National Guard after 26 years of service, Dec. 21, at Camp Lincoln, Springfield, Illinois.

Thirteen Soldiers from the Illinois Army National Guard graduated from the Military Funeral Honors State Certification course at Camp Lincoln, Springfield, Illinois, Dec. 16.

13 Soldiers Graduate from Illinois Army National Guard Military Honors State Certification Course

Thirteen Illinois Army National Guard Soldiers graduated from the Illinois Army National Guard’s Military Funeral Honors (MFH) State Certification course Dec. 16 at Camp Lincoln, Springfield, Illinois.

The 180 names of the Soldiers who served in Vietnam with the Illinois Army National Guard's 126th Supply and Services Co. of Quincy, Illinois, are inscribed on a plaque that was presented by the Vietnam Veterans of that unit to the modern 126th Quartermaster Co. on Dec. 17 as part of the unit's family holiday party.

Vietnam Veterans of Quincy, Illinois, Army National Guard Unit Present Memorial Plaque to Modern Unit

Vietnam Veterans from the Illinois Army National Guard's 126th Supply and Services Co., presented the modern 126th Quartermaster Co. with a plaque with the 180 names of the Soldiers who served in Vietnam with the Illinois Army National Guard's 126th Supply and Services Co. of Quincy, Illinois, as part of the unit's family holiday party on Dec. 17.

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Peter E. Warren, Jr., of Springfield, Illinois, a Force Integration Readiness Officer in the Illinois Army National Guard, thanks family, friends, and fellow Soldiers, for their support during a retirement ceremony Dec. 8 at Camp Lincoln, Springfield, Illinois.

Springfield Soldier Retires from Illinois Army National Guard

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Peter E. Warren, Jr., of Springfield, a Force Integration Readiness Officer in the Illinois Army National Guard’s Plans, Training, and Operations directorate, retired from the Illinois Army National Guard after 24 years of service Dec. 8 at Camp Lincoln, Springfield, Illinois.

Maj. Gen. Rodney Boyd, Assistant Adjutant General – Army, Illinois National Guard, thanks the family of Col. Gregory Settle, of Effingham, Illinois, during Settle’s promotion ceremony.

Effingham Soldier promoted to Colonel

Friends, family and colleagues gathered at the Illinois Military Academy to celebrate the promotion of Gregory Settle to the rank of colonel. Maj. Gen. Rodney Boyd, Assistant Adjutant General – Army, officiated the ceremony. Boyd congratulated Settle on his promotion and thanked Settle’s family for their support.

Brig. Gen. Mark Alessia, of Sherman, Illinois, Director of the Illinois National Guard Joint Staff, presents 1st Lt. Benton Winscott, of Chillicothe, Illinois, Strategic Plans and Policy Officer for the Illinois National Guard Joint Staff, with the Illinois Military Medal of Merit at a ceremony Dec. 5 at Joint Force Headquarters, Camp Lincoln, Springfield, Illinois.

Chillicothe Soldier Receives Illinois Military Medal of Merit

Illinois Army National Guard 1st Lt. Benton Winscott, of Chillicothe, Illinois, was presented the Illinois Military Medal of Merit Dec. 5 at Joint Force Headquarters, Camp Lincoln, Springfield, Illinois.

Brig. Gen. Mark Alessia, of Sherman, Illinois, Director of the Illinois National Guard Joint Staff, presents Capt. Crystal Rodrigues, of Pawnee, Illinois, Director of the Illinois National Guard State Partnership Program, with the Illinois Military Medal of Merit at a ceremony Dec. 5 at Joint Force Headquarters, Camp Lincoln, Springfield, Illinois.

Pawnee Soldier Receives Illinois Military Medal of Merit

Illinois Army National Guard Capt. Crystal Rodrigues, of Pawnee, Illinois, was presented the Illinois Military Medal of Merit Dec. 5 at Joint Force Headquarters, Camp Lincoln, Springfield, Illinois.

Maj. Alan Davis presents Illinois Army National Guard Chief Warrant Officer 3 Joseph Cook of Lincoln, Illinois, with his retirement certificate and an American Flag at Cook's retirement ceremony.

Illinois Army National Guard's 'Top Cook' Retires After More Than 27 Years of Service

Illinois Army National Guard Chief Warrant Officer 3 Joseph Cook of Lincoln, Illinois, retired with more than 27 years of service on Dec. 3 at the Illinois National Guard's headquarters on Camp Lincoln in Springfield.

Staff Sgt. LeAnne Withrow, a platoon sergeant in the Chicago-based 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, medically retired on Sunday, Dec. 3, on Camp Lincoln in Springfield after 13 years of service.

Illinois National Guard Soldier Honored for More Than a Decade of Service

Staff Sgt. LeAnne Withrow, a platoon sergeant in the Chicago-based 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, medically retired on Sunday, Dec. 3, on Camp Lincoln in Springfield after 13 years of service.

U.S. Army National Guard Col. Jason Osberg present Col. Max Casteleyn with the Meritorious Service Medal during the change of command ceremony August 27th, 2023 in Peoria, Illinois.

Illinois National Guard Colonel from Mundelein Awarded the Meritorious Service Medal

Illinois Army National Guard Colonel Max Casteleyn of Mundelein, Illinois, was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for his work as commander of the Chicago-based 244th Digital Liaison Detachment from January 2022 to August 2023.

Illinois Army National Guard Command Sgt. Maj. Greg Jones of Port Byron, Illinois, was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for his work as the senior noncommissioned officer of the Peoria-based 65th Troop Command Brigade.

Illinois National Guard Noncommissioned Officer from Port Byron Awarded the Meritorious Service Medal

Illinois Army National Guard Command Sgt. Major Greg Jones of Port Byron, Illinois, was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for his work as senior noncommissioned officer of the Peoria-based 65th Troop Command Brigade.

Command Sgt. Maj. Dena Ballowe, the outgoing Illinois National Guard Command Senior Enlisted Leader, thanks family, friends, and fellow Illinois National Guard members, for their support during her time as the ILNG CSEL. Ballowe relinquished responsibility and authority as the CSEL to Command Sgt. Maj. Kehinde Salami, Sept. 8 at the Illinois Military Academy, Camp Lincoln, Springfield, Illinois. Ballowe retired Oct. 31 after 32 years of service in the Illinois Army National Guard.

Soldier Inspired to Service by Operation Desert Storm Ends Military Career as Illinois National Guard's Command Senior Enlisted Leader

The year was 1990 and a future Illinois National Guard member watched Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm unfold on national television and was inspired to “do something that means something.” “I had graduated high school and knew I wanted to go to college but didn’t know how I was going to pay for it because my parents couldn’t afford it,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Dena Ballowe of Carlinville, who retired as the Illinois National Guard’s top enlisted service member on Oct. 31 after 32 years of service in the Illinois Army National Guard. “I had moved to Indiana to live with my grandmother to see what Indiana had to offer.”

Major Gen. Rodney Boyd, the Assistant Adjutant General – Army of the Illinois National Guard and the Commander of the Illinois Army National Guard, presents Col. Jason Osberg with the Legion of Merit at the Army Aviation Support Facility in Peoria, Illinois.

Retired Illinois National Guard Colonel From Champaign Awarded Legion of Merit

Retired Illinois National Guard Colonel From Champaign Awarded Legion of Merit Illinois Army National Guard Col. Jason Osberg of Champaign has been awarded the Legion of Merit. Osberg, a civilian airline pilot, retired from the Army in August after more than 33 years of service including as an aviation lift company commander in Iraq and as an operations officer in Kosovo . His last assignment was as Commander of the Peoria-based 65th Troop Command Brigade. The 65th oversees an artillery battalion, aviation battalion and other aviation companies, a civil support team, a digital liaison detachment, a public affairs detachment, a cyber defense team, military intelligence units, and an Army band. These units are spread throughout Illinois.

Illinois Army National Guard 1st Lt. Anton Hopkins graduated from Ranger School in October.

Chicago Business Consultant and Illinois National Guard Soldier Graduates from Ranger School

While Anton Hopkins walks in the Chicago Loop to his civilian job at L.E.K. Consulting, many don’t see the “rough” man who stands ready “to do violence” on behalf of the United States so others can “sleep peacefully in their beds” - as the famous quote goes. But Illinois Army National Guard 1st Lt. Anton Hopkins is a U.S. Army Ranger-qualified infantryman with the military and leadership skills to support and defend the U.S. Constitution and our democracy. Hopkins completed the intense 62-day, three-phase Army Ranger School on Oct. 13 after first attending the National Guard’s Ranger Training and Assessment Course in June.

Col. Kevin Jacobs

Col. Kevin Jacobs to Become the Chief of Staff, First Black General in the Illinois Air National Guard

The Illinois Air National Guard announced the appointment of Col. Kevin Jacobs as the Chief of Staff and will pin on his star as a new brigadier general on Saturday, Dec. 2, making him the first Black general officer in the history of the organization.

Operation Rising Spirit Encourages Letters of Support to Illinois Veterans During the Holiday Season

Operation Rising Spirit Encourages Letters of Support to Illinois Veterans During the Holiday Season The Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs launches letter-writing campaign to show support to veterans in their care at its five residential homes.

Photo of American and Polish Air Force members discussion.

State Partnership On Display

The 183d Wing recently hosted seven members of the Polish Air Force from the Air Operations Center -

Col Lawrence Yazzie official photo

The United States Air Force, Comanche Warrior Culture, and Native American History Month

Years ago, a child growing up on a Navajo reservation in Tuba City, Arizona, noticed something

Colonel Nicolas Henschel assumed command of the 126th Air Refueling Wing Nov. 4.

Henschel takes unique route to command 126th Air Refueling Wing

Colonel Nicolas Henschel took a unique route to arrive as the new commander of the 126th Air Refueling Wing. Most of Henschel’s youth was enjoyed in Dillon, Montana, a small town with a population of about 1,000 situated just north of Idaho Falls near the border.

Maj. Gen. Mark C. Jackson of Frankfort, Illinois, then a brigadier general, thanks the many people that aided his career during a promotion ceremony at Camp Lincoln in Springfield, Illinois, Aug. 5, 2017. Jackson retired after more than 38 years of service this year. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Bryan Spreitzer)

Combat Leader, Relationship Builder, and Master of Movie Lines: Major General Mark Jackson has Retired After 38 Years

Command Sgt. Maj. Phillip Barber, then a squad leader, took a position on a rooftop in the Abu Graib neighborhood of Baghdad in 2005 so he could get a better vantage point on the enemy’s attack on his Soldiers. “Black Hawk Six is in enroute” he heard over his radio. Maj. Gen. Mark Jackson of Frankfort, Illinois, then a lieutenant colonel and his battalion commander, had decided to see the situation firsthand.

Lincoln’s ChalleNGe Academy Puts Wayward Teen on a Path to Becoming Top Illinois Army National Guard Logistics Sergeant Major, Cicero Police Sergeant

Lincoln’s ChalleNGe Academy Puts Wayward Teen on a Path to Becoming Top Illinois Army National Guard Logistics Sergeant Major, Cicero Police Sergeant

In the early 1990s, Jose Sanchez was a teen hanging with a crowd that had him headed to jail, or worse. And then he got in trouble with police as a juvenile. “I was terrified. I didn’t know how to tell my parents,” Sanchez said. He was only 15.

34th Division Sustainment Brigade shoulder sleeve insignia. The 108th Sustainment Brigade, headquartered in Chicago, underwent a name change, becoming the 34th Division Sustainment Brigade Sept. 2.

Chicago-based Brigade Undergoes Name Change

The Illinois Army National Guard’s 108th Sustainment Brigade, headquartered in Chicago, has a new name, but the mission will remain the same. On Sept. 2, the 108th Sustainment Brigade became the 34th Division Sustainment Brigade (DSB), following a force design update by the Army National Guard to convert eight National Guard Sustainment Brigades to Division Sustainment Brigades, including the 108th Sustainment Brigade.

Command Sgt. Maj. Kehinde Salami, of Homewood, Illinois, the newly appointed Illinois National Guard Command Senior Enlisted Leader, thanks family, friends, and fellow Illinois National Guard members, for their support during the change of responsibility ceremony Sept. 8 at the Illinois Military Academy, Camp Lincoln, Springfield, Illinois.

Homewood Soldier Assumes Responsibility As Illinois National Guard Senior Enlisted Leader

In a ceremony steeped in military tradition, Command Sgt. Maj. Dena Ballowe of Carlinville relinquished responsibility as the Illinois National Guard Command Senior Enlisted Leader (CSEL) to Command Sgt. Maj. Kehinde Salami of Homewood, Sept. 8, at the Illinois Military Academy, Camp Lincoln, Springfield.

Newly promoted Illinois Army National Guard Col. Paul Metzdorff is administered the oath of office by Maj. Gen. Rodney Boyd, Assistant Adjutant General – Army and Commander of the Illinois Army National Guard, Sept. 8 during a promotion ceremony at the Astroth Community Education Center, Heartland Community College, Normal, Illinois.

Bloomington Soldier Pins on Colonel Eagles

Nearly 22 years after graduating from the Illinois Army National Guard Officer Candidate School, Illinois Army National Guard Soldier Paul Metzdorff, of Bloomington, was promoted to colonel in a ceremony at the Astroth Community Education Center, Heartland Community College, Normal, Illinois, Sept. 8.

Maj. Gen. Rodney Boyd, Assistant General Adjutant General - Army and Commander of the Illinois Army National Guard, Brig. Gen. Justin Osberg, deputy assistant Adjutant General - Army, and Col. Jason Osberg, 65th Troop Command commander take a group photo during the change of command ceremony Aug. 27, 2023 at the Army Aviation Support Facility in Peoria, Illinois.

65th Troop Command Conducts Change of Command

Col. Jason Osberg of Champaign, Illinois, relinquished command of the 65th Troop Command to Col. Max Casteleyn of Mundelein, Illinois, in a ceremony Aug. 27 at the Army Aviation Support Facility in Peoria.

Five-year-old George Steven rips the major rank from his mother's uniform during Lt. Col. Jaime Marlock's promotion ceremony. His father and her spouse, George Marlock, looks on.

Illinois National Guard Cyber Expert Rises to Lieutenant Colonel

Jaime Marlock is on the rise in both her careers.

Illinois Army National Guard Chief Warrant Officer 4 Josh Perrott walks through a water cannon salute following the completion of his final flight as an Army aviator Aug. 3. Perrott, who retires Nov. 1, has served 31 years in the Illinois Army National Guard.

Illinois Army National Guard Aviator Completes 31-Year Career with Final Flight

For Chief Warrant Officer 4 Joshua Perrott, of Bethany, Illinois, military service began as a way for him to earn benefits for school and became something he really loved to do.

Illinois Air National Guard Senior Master Sgt. David Schreffler (center) poses with some of the Polish riders who participated in the Gold Star Mission’s Gold Star 500 bicycle ride last September in Illinois.

Illinois National Guard NCO to Join Polish Bicycle Rally to honor Fallen Allies

When Senior Master Sgt. David Schreffler started riding with Gold Star Mission it was a great way to combine two of his greatest passions, bicycle riding and a desire to honor and remember fallen U.S. service members.

Gold Star Father Tony Vazquez (left) hugs fellow Gold Star Father Ralph Grieco after the Chicago Fire Boat Architectural Tour on Lake Michigan and the Chicago River.

Illinois National Guard Gold Star Families Enjoy Fire Boat Tour, Each Other

There it was – a glint of silver on the deck of the Fred A. Busse Fireboat. Linda Grieco reached down and picked it up and showed it to her husband, Ralph, with a big smile. Another dime from Kevin.

Col. Kevin Little, of Franklin, Illinois, outgoing Commander of the 404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, is presented with the Legion of Merit by Maj. Gen. Rodney Boyd, of Naperville, Illinois, Assistant Adjutant General – Army and Commander of the Illinois Army National Guard, during the change of command ceremony July 14 at the brigade’s headquarters on the campus of Heartland Community College in Normal, Illinois

Helfrich assumes command of Normal-based 404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade

In a ceremony steeped in rich military tradition, Illinois Army National Guard Col. David Helfrich, of Smithton, Illinois, assumed command of the Normal-based 404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade (MEB) from Col. Kevin Little, of Franklin, Illinois, in a change of command ceremony July 14 at the brigade’s headquarters on the grounds of the Heartland Community College.

Lt. Col. Matthew Garrison, operations officer for the Illinois National Guard Joint Staff, talks about the shared history of the Illinois National Guard, the City of Wheaton, and DuPage County, during the First Shot at Gettysburg commemoration July 1 at the DuPage County Historical Museum.

Ceremony Marks 160th Anniversary of Illinois Militiaman Firing First Shot at Gettysburg

It was the shot which ignited the Battle of Gettysburg, a key turning point for Union forces during the Civil War. On July 1, the Illinois National Guard, the City of Wheaton, and the DuPage County Historical Museum, commemorated the actions of 1st Lt. Marcellus Jones and the 8th Illinois Volunteer Cavalry, 160 years after Jones borrowed a carbine from Cpl. Levi Shafer, of Naperville, Illinois, aimed it with the assistance of a fence rail and fired a shot at a Confederate officer, igniting the three-day battle in and around the town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

Lt. Gen. Patrick Frank, U.S. Army Central commanding general, promotes Maj. Gen. Henry S. Dixon, U.S. Army Central's Deputy Commanding General, at a ceremony at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., July 07, 2023. Maj. Gen. Dixon’s spouse, MaryPat, watches as her husband receives his second star. Dixon was promoted to the rank of major general during the ceremony.

Native of Dixon Promoted to Major General with Army Central Command

Lieutenant General Patrick Frank, U.S. Army Central Commanding General, promoted Brigadier General Henry Dixon, a native of Dixon, Illinois, to the rank of Major General as he assumed the role of the Deputy Commanding General at Patton Hall on July 7, 2023.

Newly promoted Illinois Army National Guard Sgt. Maj. James Ressel of St. Joseph, Illinois, thanks family, friends, and colleagues for their support throughout his 27-year career, at a promotion ceremony July 7 at the Illinois Military Academy, Camp Lincoln, Springfield, Illinois.

St. Joseph Soldier Promoted to Sergeant Major

Illinois Army National Guard Soldier James Ressel, of St. Joseph, Illinois, was promoted to sergeant major at the Illinois Military Academy, Camp Lincoln, Springfield on July 7.

Lt. Col. Mark Williams, supervisory contract specialist, U.S. Property and Fiscal Office for Illinois, presents a brief overview of the basic requirements for a business to participate in government contracting programs during the Camp Lincoln 117th anniversary commemoration July 6.

ILNG Headquarters turns 117, Local Business Leaders Learn How to Participate in Government Contracting Programs

The Illinois National Guard Headquarters at Camp Lincoln in Springfield celebrated its 117th birthday July 6 and officials invited local businesses and government officials to learn how to do business with the federal government.

Illinois Air National Guard Chief of Staff Brig. Gen. James Silvasy.

Determined, Resilient and Smart: High-Flying General Retires After 38 Years of Service

When Illinois Air National Guard Chief of Staff Brig. Gen. James Silvasy of Gurnee was an Army lieutenant in the late 1980s, he and his friend and fellow lieutenant, Jeff Caster, would look up into the sky from the woods during field training exercises at jet liners flying overhead.

Illinois Army National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Mary Joan Patten, a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Specialist with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 766th Brigade Engineer Battalion, based in Decatur, during training with the Illinois Army National Guard. On July 18, Patten will report to Fort Sill, Oklahoma, to compete in the All-Army Women’s Softball training camp as the only National Guard member. (Photo courtesy of Sgt. 1st Class Mary Joan Patten)

Illinois Army National Guard Soldier Selected for All-Army Women's Softball Team

Illinois Army National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Mary Joan “MJ” Patten’s love of softball began when she was five years old, playing T-ball for the Rockford, Illinois, Park District. Patten, now of Caledonia, Wisconsin, continued playing softball throughout middle school, high school, and college. On July 18, Patten will don another softball uniform – as the only National Guard member competing in the 2023 All-Army Women’s Softball training camp and the Armed Forces Women’s Softball Championship.

Brig. Gen. Marty Green

Illinois National Guard Officer Promoted to Brigadier General, Selected as Assistant to General Counsel-Air for National Guard Bureau

Illinois Air National Guard officer Marty Green of Springfield, a native of Canton, was promoted to brigadier general on June 4 during a ceremony at the Illinois National Guard’s headquarters on Camp Lincoln.

photo of a uniformed U.S. Air National Guard Airman sitting at table filled with computers while a civilian is standing talking to her

AF hosts humanitarian aid disaster relief training exercise for AOCs, historic first FAA participation

505th Combat Training Squadron Airmen executed a Regional Air Movement Coordination Center exercise to test the capabilities of air operations centers and train two air component specialty teams to respond to a humanitarian aid/disaster relief, or HA/DR, operations at Hurlburt Field, Florida, May 15 – 19.

Lincoln's ChalleNGe Academy Valedictorian Taiwo Sowemimo speaks during Saturday's graduation ceremony.

In its 30th Year, the Illinois National Guard’s Lincoln’s ChalleNGe Academy is Making Positive Change in Youth

The Illinois National Guard's Lincoln's ChalleNGe Class 59-23 had a long list of accomplishments when its more than 90 cadets graduated on June 10 at the Bank of Springfield Center in Springfield, Illinois.

Illinois Army National Guard Col. Shawn Nokes accepts the 129th Regiment guidon from Maj. Gen. Rodney Boyd, the Commander of the Illinois Army National Guard. Nokes of Springfield assumed command of the 129th Regiment (Regional Training Institute) at the unit's headquarters in the Illinois Military Academy on Camp Lincoln in Springfield on June 10.

Springfield Officer Takes Command of Illinois Army National Guard’s Training Brigade

Illinois Army National Guard Col. Shawn Nokes of Springfield assumed command of the 129th Regiment (Regional Training Institute) at the unit's headquarters in the Illinois Military Academy on Camp Lincoln in Springfield on June 10.

Command Sgt. Maj. Johnny O’Brien thanks friends and family for their support during his 28 years of service in the Illinois Army National Guard (ILARNG) during a retirement ceremony June 9 at the ILARNG armory in Dixon, Illinois.

Sherman Soldier Retires from Illinois Army National Guard

Command Sgt. Maj. Johnny O’Brien, of Sherman, Illinois, who most recently served as the Illinois Army National Guard (ILARNG) Recruiting and Retention Battalion’s senior enlisted leader, retired from the ILARNG after a 28-year career in a ceremony June 9 at the armory in Dixon, Illinois.

Lt. Col. Jason Carter congratulates Master Sgt. Erin Connelly on her promotion during a ceremony at the Illinois Military Academy in Springfield, Illinois, June 6.

Teutopolis Soldier Promoted to Master Sergeant

Friends, family and colleagues gathered at the Illinois Military Academy in Springfield, Illinois, June 6, to celebrate the promotion of Erin Connelly to the rank of master sergeant.

Lt. Gen. Michael Loh, Director of the Air National Guard, talks about how he first met then Col. Donald “DK” Carpenter, during Carpenter’s promotion ceremony June 1, 2023.

Illinois Airman Promoted to Major General, Selected to Lead Logistics and Sustainment for F-35 Lightening Program

Brig. Gen. Donald “DK” Carpenter was joined by family, friends and colleagues June 1, 2023, in the main hangar at the 182nd Airlift Wing in Peoria, Illinois, to celebrate his promotion to major general and selection as the Director of Logistics and Sustainment for the F-35 Lightening program at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio.

Col. Clayton Kuetemeyer

Officer who led the Illinois National Guard's Ukraine Training Mission Retires After 35 Years of Service

Col. Clayton Kuetemeyer of Champaign, who led the Illinois Army National Guard’s 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team’s training mission to Ukraine from 2020 to 2021 and then went on to play a key role in the planning of the National Guard Bureau’s future operations, has retired from the military after three and a half decades of service.

A rendering of the $13.4 million 24,000-square-foot Base Civil Engineer Complex at the 183rd Wing on Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport. When complete, the two-building complex will allow the 183rd Wing’s approximately 70 Airmen in its Civil Engineer Squadron to train together in a modern facility equipped to house modern equipment.

Illinois National Guard's 183rd Wing Breaks Ground on $13.4 Million Base Civil Engineer Complex

U.S. Senator Dick Durbin and the Illinois National Guard broke ground Tuesday on a $13.4 million 24,000-square-foot Base Civil Engineer Complex at the 183rd Wing on Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport.

Illinois Army National Guard Officer Candidate School Class 68-23 and cadre pause in front of the Mother of Illinois monument dedicated to the Illinois Militia who fought during the Battle of Shiloh as part of the staff ride to the Shiloh National Military Park near Pittsburg Landing, Tennessee, May 20.

Illinois Army National Guard Officer Candidates Travel Back in Time to Battle of Shiloh for Staff Ride

Gen. Ulysses S. Grant called the Battle of Shiloh, fought April 6-7, 1862 at Pittsburg Landing, Tennessee, “the severest battle fought in the West during the War.”

Tech. Sgt. Harold Kretzer

World War II Airman Returns Home to Illinois After 80 Years

Eighty years ago American service members were engrossed in a great conflict pitting the United States and its Allies against Nazi-controlled Germany and the Axis powers.

Newly-promoted Sgt. Maxwell Ehrlich, assigned to Charlie Battery, 2-218th Field Artillery Battalion based in Portland Oregon, stands with his family and friends at the conclusion of the promotion ceremony May 6, 2023 at North Riverside Armory, Chicago Illinois.

Soldier Battling Cancer Promoted to Sergeant, Receives Order of Saint Barbara Medal

Spc. Maxwell Ehrlich of Chicago, Illinois, assigned to the Oregon National Guard’s Charlie Battery, 2-218th Field Artillery Battalion based in Portland, Oregon, was promoted to the rank of sergeant May 6, 2023, at the North Riverside Armory in Chicago.

Uniformed US and Royal Australian Air Force members along with civilians test new Kingfish gameboard for Air Operations Center Initial Qualification Training Course

AOC FTU reopens for initial qualification training

Undertaking the largest modernization of Air Operations Center initial qualification training in the history of the unit, the 505th Training Squadron has reopened its doors for students to attend training.

Maj. Gen. (ret.) William Enyart, 37th Adjutant General of Illinois and a former Congressman for District 12, and Brig. Gen. Mark Alessia, Director of the Illinois National Guard Joint Staff, are joined by Pvt. Mason Patterson, the newest member of the Illinois National Guard, in attendance at the Illinois National Guard’s 300th birthday event in Kaskaskia, Illinois, May 9.

Illinois National Guard Returns to its Roots in Kaskaskia to Celebrate 300th Birthday

The Illinois National Guard returned to its roots to celebrate its 300th birthday May 9. “This is sacred ground, or as near to it as we’re going to get,” Adriana Schroeder, Illinois National Guard Command Historian told about 75 people gathered in Kaskaskia, Illinois, near the location of Illinois Militia’s first muster under the French on May 9, 1723. “History tells us society must have two things to survive, some sort of government and a military. Today, we are standing very near the location of the beginning of both for Illinois, the territorial legislature, and the birthplace of the Illinois National Guard by way of the Illinois militia.”

Maj. Gen. Rodney Boyd, Assistant Adjutant General – Army and Commander of the Illinois Army National Guard, and Col. Michael Eastridge, former commander of the 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, present Patrick Van Nevel, Honorary Consul of the Kingdom of Belgium, with a plaque commemorating the shared history between the Illinois National Guard and Belgium.

Illinois National Guard Commemorates World War II Rescue of Belgium King

The Illinois National Guard commemorated the 78th anniversary of the rescue of Belgium King Leopold III during World War II with Honorary Consul Patrick Van Nevel of the Kingdom of Belgium as part of events commemorating the Illinois National Guard’s 300th birthday in Springfield May 6.

Maj. Gen. Rodney Boyd, Assistant Adjutant General – Army and Commander of the Illinois Army National Guard, and Col. Michael Eastridge, former commander of the 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, present Chris Elstoft, Consul General of Australia in Chicago, with a plaque honoring the shared history between the Illinois National Guard and Australia.

Illinois National Guard Commemorates Battle of Hamel as Part of Shared History with Australia

The Illinois National Guard and Consul General of Australia Chris Elstoft commemorated the first time U.S. forces fought side-by-side with the Australians as part of the series of events celebrating the Illinois National Guard’s 300th birthday in Springfield on May 6.

Retired U.S. Army Gen. Frank Grass, the 27th chief of the National Guard Bureau, speaks during the Illinois National Guard's 300th anniversary gala at in the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield, Illinois, May 6, 2023.

Illinois National Guard Celebrates 300th Birthday with Springfield Events

It was a birthday 300 years in the making. The Illinois National Guard celebrated the milestone anniversary during a full day of events in Springfield, May 6, with international partners from Australia, Belgium, and Poland, as well as other invited guests.

Melissa Mahoney, wife of newly-retired Lt. Col. Brian Maloney, receives a Certificate of Appreciation during a retirement ceremony May 5 at Camp Lincoln, Springfield, Illinois.

Champaign Soldier Retires from Illinois Army National Guard

Illinois Army National Guard Lt. Col. Brian Maloney of Champaign, the U.S. Property and Fiscal Office Comptroller, retired after 28 years of military service including 16 years as a member of the Illinois Army National Guard.

Maj. Gen. Rodney Boyd, Assistant Adjutant General – Army and Commander of the Illinois Army National Guard, administers the oath of commissioned officers to newly promoted Illinois Army National Guard Col. Andrew Adamczyk, of Springfield, during a promotion ceremony April 28 at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield.

Springfield Soldier Promoted to Colonel in Illinois Army National Guard

Illinois Army National Guard Soldier Andrew Adamczyk, of Springfield, Illinois, was promoted to the rank of colonel in a ceremony at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum April 28.

Illinois National Guard to Commemorate 300 years of service with full day of events in Springfield

The Illinois National Guard will commemorate its 300th birthday in the state capital May 6. The Illinois National Guard turns 300 years old on May 9 and we are celebrating with our communities by commemorating significant dates in our shared history. We are celebrating our 300th year with a day full of events in the State's Capital and home of the Illinois National Guard headquarters.

Illinois Army National Guard Maj. Matt Larson, 6th Battalion, 54th Security Forces Assistance Brigade, talks about his recent year-long deployment to the Philippines as part of Logistics Advisory Team 6611, during the Liberation of Baguio commemoration event at the Urbana Armory April 26.

Illinois National Guard Celebrates 78th Anniversary of Baguio Liberation with Philippine Student Association in Urbana

The Illinois National Guard celebrated the 78th anniversary of the Liberation of Baguio in the Philippines during World War II at the Illinois National Guard’s 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team’s headquarters in Urbana on April 26. The Illinois National Guard is celebrating significant dates in the history it shares with communities throughout 2023 to celebrate its 300th year. It celebrated the liberation of Baguio with the University of Illinois’ Philippine Student Association, which began in 1915.

Command Sgt. Maj. Jonathan Genisio, of Orion, Illinois, receives the 129th Regiment (Regional Training Institute) regimental colors during the change of responsibility ceremony April 23 at the Illinois Military Academy, Camp Lincoln, Springfield, Illinois.

Moline-area Soldier Assumes Responsibility as 129th Regiment Senior Enlisted Advisor, Commandant of Regional Training Institute

Command Sgt. Maj. Jonathan Genisio, of Orion, Illinois, became the senior enlisted leader of the 129th Regiment (Regional Training Institute) and Commandant of the RTI in a ceremony April 23 at Camp Lincoln, Springfield, Illinois.

Illinois Army National Guard Command Sgt. Maj. Brandon Golden, Commandant of the 129th Regiment (Regional Training Institute), receives the Certificate of Retirement presented by Lt. Col. Wyatt Bickett, deputy Commander, 129th Regiment, during a retirement ceremony at the Illinois Military Academy, Camp Lincoln, Springfield, Illinois, April 23.

Easton Soldier Retires from Illinois Army National Guard After 25 Year Career

Command Sgt. Maj. Brandon Golden, of Easton, Illinois, the 129th Regiment (Regional Training Institute) senior enlisted advisor and Commandant of the Regional Training Institute, retired from the Illinois Army National Guard after 25 years of service in a ceremony on April 23 at the Illinois Military Academy, Camp Lincoln, Springfield, Illinois.

Col. Lenny Williams, Chief of Staff, Illinois Army National Guard, presents a framed letter from Maj. Gen. Rich Neely, the Adjutant General of Illinois, and Commander of the Illinois National Guard, to Cerro Gordo Village President Pro-Tem Jeff Power, and the Village of Cerro Gordo Board of Trustees, during a presentation April 17.

Illinois National Guard Commemorates 1847 Battle of Cerro Gordo During Cerro Gordo Village Board Meeting

The Illinois National Guard marked the 176th anniversary of the Battle of Cerro Gordo during the Mexican American War in 1847 with presentations at the Cerro Gordo, Illinois, Village Board meeting April 17. The presentations were part of the year-long 300th birthday celebration of the Illinois National Guard and its shared history with communities around the state.

Newly promoted Illinois Army National Guard Maj. Anthony McClain, of Springfield, thanks family and friends for their support throughout his 27-year military career, during a promotion ceremony March 17 at the Illinois Military Academy at Camp Lincoln, Springfield, Illinois.

Springfield Soldier Earns "Major" Promotion in Illinois National Guard

Illinois Army National Guard Soldier Anthony McClain, of Springfield, took a “major” step forward in his 27-year military career when he was promoted to major in a ceremony March 17 at the Illinois Military Academy on Camp Lincoln in Springfield.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Marlon Burton, a group superintendent with the 182nd Mission Support Group, Illinois Air National Guard, poses for a portrait in Peoria, Illinois, June 5, 2022. Burton has 23 years of service. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by 182nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs)

U.S. DOL’s STATE VETS DIRECTOR CHOSEN AS ILANG’s TOP ENLISTED LEADER

Chief Master Sergeant Marlon Burton of Park Forest, the senior enlisted leader of the 182nd Mission Support Group based in Peoria and the U.S. Department of Labor’s Illinois State Director of the Veterans’ Employment Training Service (VETS), has been selected as the next Illinois Air National Guard State Command Chief Master Sergeant. Burton replaces State Command Chief Master Sergeant Jennifer Aurora of Bloomington, who retired March 1 from the U.S. Air Force after more than 34 years of service. Aurora had been the Illinois Air National Guard’s senior enlisted leader since July 2020.

Col. Lenny Williams, Chief of Staff for the Illinois Army National Guard, speaks during the retirement ceremony of Chief Warrant Officer 4, Lindsay Glynn March 4, 2023.

Niantic Soldier Retires After 22 Years of Service

Friends, family and colleagues gathered March 4, at the Illinois Military Academy in Springfield, Illinois, to recognize Chief Warrant Officer 4 Lindsay Glynn on her retirement. Glynn, a native of Niantic, Illinois, began her military career in 2001 as personnel services specialist for the 623rd Personnel Services Detachment and from early on knew she wanted to be a warrant officer.

Col. Ron Bonesz, the Illinois Army National Guard's Director of Personnel (G-1) congratulates Col. Justin Towell, Commander of the 404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, after presenting him with the Military Police Regimental Association’s Order of the Marechaussee.

Edwardsville Colonel Receives Prestigious Award From Military Police Association

Illinois Army National Guard Col. Justin Towell of Edwardsville, Illinois, was awarded the prestigious Military Police Regimental Association’s Order of the Marechaussee "to recognize exceptional dedication, competence, and contribution to the Military Police Corps Regiment over an extended period of time" during the 404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade’s welcome home ceremony on March 12 at the Parke Regency Hotel and Conference Center in Bloomington.

Col. Justin Towell, Commander of the 404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, and Command Sgt. Maj. Richard Carroll, the brigade's command sergeant major, were both awarded the Military Police Regimental Association’s Order of the Marechaussee.

Mattoon Soldier Receives Prestigious Award From Military Police Association

Illinois Army National Guard Command Sgt. Maj. Richard Carroll of Mattoon, Illinois, was awarded the prestigious Military Police Regimental Association’s Order of the Marechaussee "to recognize exceptional dedication, competence, and contribution to the Military Police Corps Regiment over an extended period of time" during the 404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade’s welcome home ceremony on March 12 at the Parke Regency Hotel and Conference Center in Bloomington.

U.S. Army Illinois National Guard Chief Warrant Officer Cory Richardson, with the 176th Cyber Protection Team, speaks at the Cyber Awareness Course during exercise Justified Accord 23 (JA23) in Nairobi, Kenya, Feb. 21, 2023.

Bloomington-based Illinois National Guard Cyber Protection Team Share Defensive Cyber Skills with African Partners

Illinois Army National Guard Soldiers with the Bloomington-based 176th Cyber Protection Team used their expertise to help African partner nations bolster their cyber defenses during Africa Command’s Justified Accord 23 exercise.

Norah and Liam Dodsworth, the children of newly promoted Lt. Col. Matthew Dodsworth, affixes new rank on his uniform during a promotion ceremony March 3 at the Illinois Military Academy on Camp Lincoln, Springfield, Illinois.

Sherman Resident Promoted to Lieutenant Colonel

Matthew Dodsworth of Sherman, Illinois, was promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel during a ceremony at Camp Lincoln in Springfield March 3. Dodsworth grew up in Jacksonville, Illinois, and is a 1999 graduate of Jacksonville Routt Catholic High School. He joined the Illinois Army National Guard as an infantryman on Jan. 20, 1998 and completed basic training in between his junior and senior years of high school.

A veteran lays a rose in honor of the 18 service members from the state of Illinois who passed away while serving in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. The ceremony took place Feb. 28 at the Illinois State Military Museum in Springfield. February 28, 2023, marks the 32nd anniversary of the cease fire announcement of the Persian Gulf War. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Trenton Fouche, Joint Force Headquarters - Illinois National Guard)

IDVA CEREMONY AT ILLINOIS NATIONAL GUARD HEADQUARTERS HONORS THOSE WHO SERVED IN THE PERSIAN GULF WAR

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois – Several Illinois veterans came to the Illinois Department of Veteran Affairs’ Desert Storm Remembrance Ceremony to remember the service of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the Persian Gulf War and to commemorate a conflict that reshaped the U.S. military. The ceremony was held at the Illinois State Military Museum on Camp Lincoln, the Illinois National Guard’s headquarters in Springfield on Feb. 28. The date marked the 32nd anniversary of the cease fire announcement of the Persian Gulf War.

Maj. Gen. Rich Neely, second from right, the Adjutant General of Illinois and Commander of the Illinois National Guard, joins other 2023 Illinois State University College of Business Hall of Fame inductees in a group photo with Aondover Tarhule, interim ISU president, left, and Ajay Samant, Dean, ISU College of Business, during the induction ceremony Feb. 23 at the ISU campus in Normal.

Illinois National Guard Commander Inducted into Illinois State University College of Business Hall of Fame

Maj. Gen. Rich Neely, the Adjutant General of Illinois and Commander of the Illinois National Guard, can add another achievement to a long list of achievements. Neely, a 1989 graduate of Illinois State University in Normal, was among five inductees into the College of Business’ 2023 Hall of Fame at Illinois State University, Feb. 23.

U.S. Army soldiers from the 106th Aviation Regiment take part in a mobilization ceremony at the 182nd Airlift Wing in Peoria, Illinois, February 7, 2023. The 106th Aviation Regiment is part of the Assault Helicopter Battalion and is deploying to the Middle East.

Approximately 190 Illinois Army National Guard Soldiers mobilize for overseas mission

Approximately 190 Soldiers from the Illinois Army National Guard’s 1st Assault Helicopter Battalion, 106th Aviation Regiment, based in Peoria, and Company B, 935th Aviation Support Battalion, based in Kankakee, mobilized for an overseas mission to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in a ceremony Feb. 7 at the 182nd Airlift Wing, in Peoria. During the deployment the unit will provide aviation support to U.S. forces in the Middle East.

Newly promoted Col. Eric Smith, Director of Logistics for the Illinois Army National Guard, thanks family and friends for their support throughout his 34 years of service during a promotion ceremony Jan. 13 at Camp Lincoln, Springfield.

Springfield Soldier Continues to Build on Illinois National Guard Career

Springfield resident and Illinois Army National Guard Soldier Eric Smith laid the initial foundation to his military career when he enlisted in January 1989 as a carpenter/mason serving in the 744th Engineer Company. On Jan. 13, Smith, the Director of Logistics for the Illinois Army National Guard, continued to build on his 34 years of service when he was promoted to colonel in a ceremony at the Illinois Military Academy on Camp Lincoln in Springfield.

The Illinois National Guard’s 2nd Infantry Regiment enters the gates of Camp Lincoln, Springfield, in the late 1800s. Vendors used to gather at the gate of Camp Lincoln to sell to the thousands of Soldiers that trained at the facility. The Illinois National Guard will celebrate its 300th year in 2023 with communities across the state.

THE ILLINOIS NATIONAL GUARD TO CELEBRATE 300TH YEAR IN 2023

On May 9, 1723 in the small village of Kaskaskia, Diron d’ Artaguiette, the Inspector of Troops for the French Commandant, drilled the first militia in the Illinois Country. What is today known as the Illinois National Guard arose from this humble beginning. Then, as now, the Illinois National Guard was part of the community and drew its strength from the community. The National Guard is the oldest component of the U.S. military and the only military component with both state and federal missions. The Illinois National Guard will celebrate its 300th year by commemorating significant dates in its history with communities across the state that share that history.

Capt. Anthony McClain, the Illinois National Guard Director of Diversity and

Inclusion, smiles for a portrait in front of the Illinois National Guard Joint Force Headquarters on Camp Lincoln in Springfield, Ill Dec. 29, 2022. McClain leads the Illinois National Guard’s Diversity, Inclusion, and Access program and strives to help the Guard achieve a more inclusive organizational culture.

“We have an obligation to develop, mentor and retain top talent reflective of the communities we serve,” McClain said. “Some of my responsibilities include striving to improve the representation of underrepresented groups to ensure each individual in the Illinois National Guard has the opportunity, guidance and information necessary to reach their maximum potential.” (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Trenton Fouche, Joint Force Headquarters - Illinois National Guard)

Eye Opening Experience Helps Diversity Leader Foster Inclusive Culture

Fort Jackson in South Carolina was a long way from the southside of Chicago where Army Capt. Anthony McClain grew up. The intensity of basic combat training and drill sergeants yelling in his face didn’t prepare him for an interaction with another Soldier one afternoon in the barracks. McClain’s bunkmate, a white Soldier from a small town in West Virginia, asked McClain if he could touch his skin. The Soldier had never seen a black person in real life. He had only seen black people on television. The two trainees would go on to become good friends throughout their training, but this experience expanded McClain’s cultural awareness and his understanding of diversity. Twenty-seven-years later, McClain now serves as the Illinois National Guard Director of Diversity and Inclusion.

During the 404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade’s deployment to Djibouti, military forces from the United States, along with Spanish, and Republic of Korea militaries were able to interact with each other. Nearly 200 Illinois Army National Guard Soldiers serving on the deployment arrived home just before the Thanksgiving holiday.

Normal-based Unit Arrives Home from Deployment to Djibouti

The last of approximately 200 Soldiers from the Illinois Army National Guard’s 404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, based in Normal, Illinois, arrived home just in time to spend Thanksgiving and Christmas with friends and family following a successful deployment to Djibouti in Africa.

Matt Palmisano, the new integrative prevention officer for the Illinois National Guard, helps guide his teammate during a resiliency exercise Dec. 1 on Camp Lincoln in Springfield, Ill. During the exercise Illinois National Guard servicemembers were put in teams and asked to help guide each other through obstacles while blindfolded. The exercise assisted groups with building trust while working together in a team environment. Instructors from NATAL, the Israel Trauma and Resiliency Center, brought resiliency training to the Illinois National Guard as a U.S. pilot course called Operational Stress Management and Resiliency Care for First Responders. The course ran from Nov. 29 to Dec. 2 at Camp Lincoln, Springfield, followed by another week of teleconference training.

INTEGRATIVE PREVENTION OFFICER: WE NEED ‘NEW AND FRESH’ SOLUTIONS TO HARMFUL BEHAVIORS

Matt Palmisano gets it. The new Illinois National Guard Integrative Prevention Officer was an active-duty Army officer who served in the Infantry and then as a Behavioral Science Officer with a combat deployment to Iraq. He understands that training time is precious, especially for Illinois National Guard units that only have one weekend a month and 15-days of annual training each year.

Illinois Army National Guard trucks line up prior to June's parade.

The temperature was 23-degrees Fahrenheit, but it was a warm June Day in Auburn, Illinois, Dec. 17 as the Illinois National Guard joined hundreds of first responders and community groups from across the region to give 3-year-old June Peden-Stade a parade. The Make A Wish Foundation reached out to the City of Auburn with June's wish this week and supporters flocked in from all over Central Illinois to make the parade a reality, including 10 trucks and about 20 Soldiers from the Illinois Army National Guard's 232nd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion; Charlie Company of the 634th Brigade Support Battalion; Battery B of the 2nd Battalion, 123rd Field Artillery; and the 3637th Maintenance Company - all based in Springfield.

Illinois National Guard Helps Make 3-Year-Old June Peden-Stade's Wish for a Parade a Reality

The temperature was 23-degrees Fahrenheit, but it was a warm June Day in Auburn, Illinois, on Dec. 17 as the Illinois National Guard joined hundreds of first responders, schools, and community groups from across the region to give 3-year-old June Peden-Stade a parade. "It means the world to June and us to have June's wish granted in such a big and heart-warming way," said Adam Stade, June's father. June is bravely fighting neuroblastoma, a rare form of cancer. The parade included more than 200 vehicles and floats as well as two high school marching bands, multiple cheerleading squads, school sports teams, and colorful characters from the Paw Patrol to Santa and Mrs. Claus themselves. The Illinois Army National Guard contributed 10 trucks and about 20 Soldiers from the 232nd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion; Charlie Company of the 634th Brigade Support Battalion; Battery B of the 2nd Battalion, 123rd Field Artillery; and the 3637th Maintenance Company - all based in Springfield, Ill., about 30 minutes from Auburn. The parade lasted more than two hours, with many pausing in front of June's Washington Street home to perform or to give a gift to June. The Illinois National Guard Soldiers presented June with flowers and a big Teddy Bear and saluted her bravery. With the weather outside being a little too frightful for June's health, she watched the parade through her front door window. The Make A Wish Foundation reached out to the City of Auburn with June's wish just four days before the parade and supporters flocked in from all over Central Illinois to make the parade a reality. Town, city, and county police and sheriff took part, including the Illinois State Police and the Illinois Secretary of State Police. Fire departments from all over, including the Illinois Fire Marshal's Office, were there in force. The Christian County Shrine Club sped around in miniature cars and "CJ and Joey" the mascots for HSHS Children's Hospital - where June receives treatment - waved to June from the back of a pick-up truck. Lt. Col. Mike Barton, the Commander of the 232nd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, said that his unit's noncommissioned officers jumped on the opportunity to support June's parade as soon as the public affairs office sent the request. "The National Guard is part of the community and this was the community pulling together for June. We were truly honored to be part of her special day."

Itai Biran, the Consul for Political and Commercial Affairs at the Consulate General of Israel to the Midwest in Chicago, welcomes members of the Illinois National Guard to the course at Camp Lincoln, Springfield. Biran talked about the importance of destigmatizing mental health issues.

Illinois National Guard Receives Resiliency Training from Israel

Israeli first responders and service members have responded to hundreds of attacks against Israel’s citizens over many years. On Monday, Dec. 5, Shin Bet (the Israel Security Agency) reported 196 attacks in November, 401 in October, 254 in September and 209 in August. The Israelis have gained a lot of experience dealing with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and have worked on ways to become more resilient in their efforts to cope with that stress and trauma. Now the Illinois National Guard is benefitting from the Israel’s experience in building resilience.

Sgt. Jason Swick, of Quincy, assigned to the Effingham-based Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry Regiment, 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Illinois Army National Guard takes part in basic rappelling training hosted by members of the Colombian Army Air Assault School during Exercise Southern Vanguard 23 on Nov. 6, 2022 at Tolemaida Military Base, Colombia.

Illinois National Guard, Colombian Military Partners Build Professional, Personal Relationships

Bilateral exercises are an important part of building relationships between nations and enhancing the abilities of partner nation armies to work together through various missions and problem sets. Exercise Southern Vanguard 23 (ExSV23), currently taking place at Tolemaida Military Base in Colombia, is U.S. Army South’s premier training exercise designed to accomplish these goals.

Soldiers from the Illinois Army National Guard stand in formation during the opening ceremony of Exercise Southern Vanguard 23 at Tolemaida Military Base, Colombia, Nov. 8, 2022.

Illinois National Guard, Colombia Military Kick Off Combined Military Training Exercise

More than 300 U.S. and Colombian soldiers stood tall in formation on the parade field of Tolemaida Military Base, Colombia, during the opening ceremony of Exercise Southern Vanguard 23 (ExSV23). Exercise Southern Vanguard is U.S. Army South's premier annual training exercise taking place at the operational and tactical levels intended to increase interoperability between the United States and Western Hemisphere forces.

Photo of members during Exercise HYDRA COIL

183d Wing Exercise Bolsters Global Readiness

183d WING, SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The 183d Wing, Illinois Air National Guard, held an on-base exercise,

Maj. Elaine Nussbaum and Col. Kevin Little present a certificate of appreciation to Nussbaum’s mother, Therese, during Nussbaum’s Nov. 4 retirement ceremony at Illinois National Guard headquarters on Camp Lincoln, Springfield. Nussbaum, was a key leader in the famed Paris, Ill.-based 1544th Transportation Company and took care of her Soldiers for 22 years. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Justin Malone, Illinois National Guard)

‘MAMA BEAR’ COMBAT LEADER RETIRES FROM THE ILLINOIS NATIONAL GUARD AFTER MORE THAN TWO DECADES OF SERVICE

Maj. Elaine Nussbaum of Bloomington has a sing-song voice, infectious laughter, and a smile that stretches across her face and never seems to go away – even after working a 20-hour day. She is a 4-H Club alum, has competed in multiple scholastic bowl tournaments, performed with Illinois State University’s Gamma Phi Circus, sings in her church choir, and played parts in Bloomington-Normal community theatre – although she has never been cast as a tough, determined, and combat-tested Army leader. And that is exactly who she was for more than two decades in the Illinois Army National Guard. Nussbaum officially retired after 22 years of service on Friday, Nov. 4, during a ceremony at the Illinois National Guard’s headquarters on Camp Lincoln in Springfield, Ill. During the ceremony she said that she does not “look or run or even sound like a Soldier.”

The family of fallen Illinois Army National Guard Spc. Jeremy Ridlen, mother, Cheryl, sister, Amanda and twin brother, Jason, are joined by U.S. Congressman Rodney Davis, Brig. Gen. Rodney Boyd, Assistant Adjutant General – Army and Commander of the Illinois Army National Guard, and Sgt. 1st Class Phillip Tuttle, during the unveiling of the plaque, dedicating the Maroa, Illinois, post office in honor of Ridlen, during a ceremony Oct. 25 at the Maroa Fire Department.

Post Office Dedication Memorializes Fallen Maroa Soldier

On May 23, 2004 Illinois Army National Guard Spc. Jeremy Ridlen, of Maroa, Illinois, was killed in action while serving with the 1544th Transportation Company deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. On Oct. 25, Ridlen’s sacrifice was memorialized as the Maroa, Illinois, post office was renamed the Spc. Jeremy Ridlen Post Office.

Staff Sgt. Brittany Klein and Pvt. 1st Class Connor Rijkse of the 933rd Military Police Company participate in a trust-building activity during Discrimination Prevention training at the North Central Army Reserve Intelligence Support Center, Fort Sheridan, Illinois, September 24, 2022.

Illinois Army National Guard Puts Harmful Behaviors in Crosshairs

The Illinois Army National Guard supports the Secretary of the Army’s objective of maintaining positive command climates and reducing harmful behaviors within the organization. In February of 2022, Task Force Restore Trust was formed to tackle four predominant negative behaviors that can affect the morale and cohesion of Soldiers: counterproductive leadership, discrimination, suicide, and sexual harassment/assault (also referred to as the 3+1). The program aims to mitigate these behaviors by developing effective training that gives leaders the tools to implement positive and proactive solutions. The end goal is to set a foundation for organizational trust, safety, and respect while shifting from reactive to proactive responses to harmful behaviors.

Sgt. Maj. Jason S. Coffey, of Galion, Ohio, chief operations noncommissioned officer, 244th Digital Liaison Detachment, based in Chicago, presents a certificate of appreciation to his wife, Kristine, during a retirement ceremony Oct. 15 at the Northwest Armory in Chicago.

Illinois Army National Guard Sergeant Major Retires After 31 Years of Service

Sgt. Maj. Jason S. Coffey with the Illinois National Guard’s 244th Digital Liaison Detachment, retired Oct. 15 after 31 years of service during a ceremony at the Illinois National Guard’s Northwest Armory in Chicago.

Sgt. 1st Class Charles Chinski, of Bourbonnais, Illinois, 244th Digital Liaison Detachment, based in Chicago, presents his wife, Elizabeth, a certificate of appreciation during a retirement ceremony Oct. 16 at the Northwest Armory in Chicago.

Illinois Army National Guard Infantryman Retires After 29 Years of Military Service

Illinois Army National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Charles Chinski of Bourbonnais, Illinois, retired after 29 years of military service during an Oct. 16 ceremony at the Illinois National Guard’s Northwest Armory in Chicago.

Lt. Col. Joseph Harris, the Recruiting and Retention Battalion commander, presents a Meritorious Service Medal to Sgt. 1st Class David Keefer, of Charleston, Illinois, during his retirement ceremony at Camp Lincoln in Springfield, Illinois, October 13.

Charleston Soldier Retires with more than 30 Years of Service

Sgt. 1st Class David Keefer, of Charleston, Illinois, was honored for more than 30 years of military service during a retirement ceremony at Camp Lincoln in Springfield, Illinois, October 13.

Lt. Col. Joseph Harris, the Recruiting and Retention Battalion commander, presents a Meritorious Service Medal to Sgt. 1st Class Justin Wolfe, of Sycamore, Illinois, during his retirement ceremony at Camp Lincoln in Springfield, Illinois, October 13.

Sycamore Soldier Retires from the Military

Sgt. 1st Class Justin Wolfe, of Sycamore, Illinois, was honored for his military service during a retirement ceremony at Camp Lincoln in Springfield, Illinois, October 13.

Lt. Col. Joseph Harris, the Recruiting and Retention Battalion commander, presents a wooden flag to Sgt. 1st Class Robert Gasen, of Girard Illinois, during his retirement ceremony at Camp Lincoln in Springfield, Illinois, October 13.

Girard Soldier Retires from Illinois National Guard

Sgt. First Class Robert Gasen, of Girard, Illinois, was honored for his military service during a retirement ceremony at Camp Lincoln in Springfield, Illinois, October 13.

Lt. Col. Joseph Harris, the Recruiting and Retention Battalion commander, presents a wooden flag to Sgt. First Class Timothy Allsteadt, of Bourbonnais, Illinois, during his retirement ceremony at Camp Lincoln in Springfield, Illinois, October 13.

Bourbonnais Soldier Honored for Military Service

Sgt. First Class Timothy Allsteadt, of Bourbonnais, Illinois, was honored for his military service during a retirement ceremony at Camp Lincoln in Springfield, Illinois, October 13.

Col. Eric Davis, of Mount Pulaski, Plans Operations and Training Officer (G-3) for the Illinois Army National Guard, will retire Sept. 30 after 35 years of military service.

Mount Pulaski Officer With 'a Beautiful Mind' Retires After More Than 35 Years

When Colonel Eric Davis of Mount Pulaski called his team into his office, his Soldiers knew his thoughts would flow feverishly as every space on his white boards filled with dry-erase marker. Now it will be up to those he mentored to fill those white boards with thoughts, ideas and connections as the combat veteran hands over his dry-erase markers and retires after more than 35 years of dedicated service to the U.S. Army and Illinois Army National Guard.

Family, friends and colleagues gathered at the Illinois Military Academy's auditorium Sept. 17, to celebrate the career of Col. Daniel Reichen and wish him well in future endeavors.

Illinois Army National Guard Colonel Retires After 34 Years of Military Service

Those who worked with Col. Dan Reichen of Springfield over his three and a half decades in uniform said he always had a smile on his face, was great at building teams, never pretentious, and was often both good hearted and sustaining.

Illinois Army National Guard Command Sgt. Maj. Mary Dixon, of Chapin, Illinois, speaks to those in attendance during a retirement ceremony Sept. 18 at the Illinois Military Academy on Camp Lincoln, Springfield, Illinois. Dixon will retire Sept. 30 after more than 28 years of service in the Illinois Army National Guard

Chapin Soldier Retires After 28 Years in Illinois Army National Guard

Twenty-eight years after she found her place in the Illinois Army National Guard, Command Sgt. Maj. Mary Dixon, of Chapin, Illinois, will retire Sept. 30.

Lt. Col. Loren Easter, of Chatham, Illinois, a 1998 graduate of the Illinois Army National Guard 129th Regiment (Regional Training Institute) Officer Candidate School, was inducted into the ILARNG OCS Hall of Fame during a ceremony Aug. 21 at the Crowne Plaza hotel in Springfield.

Two Inducted into Illinois Army National Guard OCS Hall of Fame

Two lieutenant colonels who graduated from the Illinois Army National Guard Officer Candidate School were inducted as members of the Illinois National Guard’s OCS Hall of Fame Class of 2022, Aug. 21, at the Crowne Plaza hotel in Springfield, Illinois.

Polish President Andrzej Duda awarded Maj. Gen. Rich Neely, the Adjutant General of Illinois and Commander of the Illinois National Guard, with the “Commander’s Cross with Star of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland” during a Polish Armed Forces Day celebration in Warsaw, Poland, on Aug. 15.

Polish President Awards Illinois National Guard Commander with Medal for Building Cooperation and Partnership

Polish President Andrzej Duda awarded Maj. Gen. Rich Neely, the Adjutant General of Illinois and Commander of the Illinois National Guard, with the “Commander’s Cross with Star of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland” during a Polish Armed Forces Day celebration in Warsaw, Poland, on Aug. 15.

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker awards Maj. Gen. Rich Neely, the Adjutant General of Illinois and the Commander of the Illinois National Guard, with the Illinois Distinguished Service Medal for his "leadership and poise" during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Governor JB Pritzker Awards Illinois Distinguished Service Medal to National Guard Leader

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker awarded Maj. Gen. Rich Neely, the Adjutant General of Illinois and Commander of the Illinois National Guard, with the Illinois Distinguished Service Medal for the general’s “leadership and poise” during the state’s COVID-19 vaccination efforts. The Governor, who is the Illinois National Guard’s Commander-in-Chief, awarded the medal to General Neely during the Guard’s quarterly Senior Leader Engagement on Aug. 19 at Manufacturing times Digital (MxD) in Chicago.

Amy Jones, spouse of Sgt. 1st Class Terry Jones II, and retired Sgt. 1st Class Terry Jones, Sr., Jones’ father, join with other 2022 Transportation Corps Hall of Fame inductees July 29 at Fort Lee, Virginia. Jones was among 22 Transportation Corps Soldiers and Civilians inducted into the Hall of Fame, and one of two inducted posthumously.

Illinois Army National Guard Soldier Posthumously Inducted into Army's Transportation Corps Hall of Fame

Illinois Army National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Terry Jones II was posthumously inducted into the U.S. Army Transportation Corps Hall of Fame (HOF) at Fort Lee, Virginia, July 29. Jones, who died June 13, 2021 as a result of injuries sustained when he was struck by a driver who swerved into his motorcycle’s path, was among 21 Soldiers inducted as part of the 2022 Hall of Fame class.

Newly promoted Col. Randy Edwards, of Decatur, Illinois, hands son, Gable Edwards, new rank as the promotion order is read during the ceremony Aug. 18 at the Illinois Military Academy, Camp Lincoln, in Springfield, Illinois.

Decatur Soldier Promoted to Colonel in Illinois Army National Guard

Illinois Army National Guard Soldier Randy Edwards, of Decatur, Illinois, was promoted to colonel in a ceremony Aug. 18 at the Illinois Military Academy on Camp Lincoln in Springfield, Illinois.

Chief Warrant Officer (4) Peggy Bates hugs friends after her retirement ceremony at the Illinois Military Academy on Camp Lincoln in Springfield, Il Aug 7. Bates retired after 38 years of military service. She enlisted in the ILARNG in August of 1984 as a Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic with 3637th Maintenance Company in Springfield, IL. CW4 Bates spent the next 22 years as an enlisted Soldier serving in numerous positions to include Parts Clerk, Technical Inspector, Maintenance Control NCO, Operations NCO, and First Sergeant for 3637th Maintenance Company and the 65th Troop Command. She began her Warrant Officer career in 2006 as an Engineer Equipment Maintenance Warrant Officer for B 634th Brigade Support Battalion and converted to a Property Accounting Warrant Officer in 2008. She has served as a Federal Technician for over 37 years. Bates’ dedication to the ILARNG and the technician program enhanced the logistics community within the entire state. (U.S. Army photo by Illinois Army National Guard Sgt. Trenton Fouche)

Chief Warrant Officer (4) Peggy Bates Retires After 38-Year Career

The year -1984. The original Apple Macintosh personal computer was released. Michael Jordan, NBA draft’s number 3 pick, was Rookie of the Year and a young Bull; but Magic and Bird still ruled the hardwood. Prince’s “Purple Rain” would flow out of the boom box and everyone got “Footloose” in movie theaters. And an Illinois Army National Guard recruiter snatched a young Peggy Bates of Glenarm from an Air National Guard recruiter beginning a 38-year journey. That journey ended Sunday, Aug. 7, in front of family, friends, and colleagues at the Illinois Military Academy on Camp Lincoln with her retirement from the Army as a chief warrant officer 4.

1st Sgt. Ryan Crews gave his farewell speech during his retirement ceremony Aug. 7, at the Illinois Military Academy, Camp Lincoln, Springfield.

Illinois Army National Guard Senior Leader, Former Mount Vernon Police Captain, Retires After 34 Years of Military Service

Illinois Army National Guard 1st Sgt. Ryan Crews of Mount Vernon retired after 34 years of military service during an Aug. 7 ceremony at Illinois National Guard headquarters on Camp Lincoln, Springfield.

The 709th Medical Company Area Support stand at attention during the mobilization ceremony Aug. 6 at Monroe Elementary School in Peoria. Approximately 55 Soldiers from the unit will deploy in support of Operation Inherent Resolve to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

Bartonville-based Medical Company Deploys for Overseas Mission

The Illinois Army National Guard’s 709th Medical Company Area Support (MCAS), based in Bartonville, received a rousing farewell at a deployment ceremony Aug. 6 at the Monroe Elementary School in Peoria, as approximately 55 Soldiers prepare to head to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. Hundreds of families and friends were joined by state and local leaders and leaders from the Illinois National Guard for the beginning of another chapter in the history of the 709th MCAS.

183d Force Support Squadron Assumption Of Command

Lt. Col. Joseph Crispen Assumes Command of 183d Force Support Squadron

Lt. Col. Joseph Crispen assumes command of the 183d Force Support Squadron (FSS), during an

Newly promoted Chief Warrant Officer 4 Tim Milligan, of Illiopolis, Illinois, Warrant Officer Strength Manager, Recruiting and Retention Battalion, Illinois Army National Guard, thanks family, friends, and colleagues for their support throughout his military service, during a promotion ceremony Aug. 3 at the Illinois State Military Museum, Springfield, Illinois.

Illiopolis Soldier Promoted to Chief Warrant Officer Four

Illinois Army National Guard Soldier Tim Milligan, of Illiopolis, Illinois, was promoted to chief warrant officer four Aug. 3 in a ceremony at the Illinois State Military Museum, Springfield, Illinois. During the ceremony, Milligan was also presented with the Meritorious Service Medal for “exceptional meritorious service as the personnel actions and officer personnel management branch chief” from 2018 to 2022.

Illinois Army National Guard Col. Sarah D. Smith, of Edwardsville was selected as one of four nationwide recipients of the 2022 Federally Employed Women (FEW) Military Meritorious Award. Smith also serves as a Circuit Judge in the Third Judicial Circuit, Madison County, Illinois.

ILARNG Colonel, Madison County Circuit Judge Receives FEW's 2022 Military Meritorious Service Award

Col. Sarah Smith of Edwardsville, the State Judge Advocate of the Illinois Army National Guard, has been selected as one of four nationwide recipients of the 2022 Federally Employed Women (FEW) Military Meritorious Award.

Newly promoted Illinois Army National Guard Col. Shawn Nokes, of Springfield, Deputy Logistics Management Officer for the Illinois National Guard, thanks family, friends and fellow Soldiers for their support throughout his career during a promotion ceremony Aug. 1 at the Illinois Military Academy, Camp Lincoln, in Springfield, Illinois.

Springfield Soldier Promoted to Colonel

Illinois Army National Guard Soldier Shawn Nokes, of Springfield, Illinois, was promoted to colonel during a promotion ceremony Aug. 1 at the Illinois Military Academy, Camp Lincoln, Springfield, Illinois.

The Illinois Army National Guard offers an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to all Federal Title 32 and Title 5 employees.

The Illinois Army National Guard offers an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to all Federal Title 32 and Title 5 employees. By accessing its information, resources and referrals you can find support in all facets of your life. Services are free, confidential and available to you and your family. Enclosed you will find the employee access information and services that are available to you. In addition, our EAP (All One Health) offers Live Webinar’s that you are invited to participate in as well. The Webinars vary in topic and are free of charge. Please see the schedule of offered events from July-Sept attached.

Sgt. Maj. David Merritt, the Operations and Planning Sergeant Major for the Illinois Army National Guard, gives remarks during his retirement ceremony at the Illinois Military Academy on Camp Lincoln in Springfield, Illinois July 22.

Illinois National Guard Sergeant Major from East Peoria Retires After More Than 30 Years of Service

Sgt. Maj. David Merritt of East Peoria retired from the Illinois National Guard on Friday, July 22, with more than 30 years of Army service, but he’s not done serving. His next assignment, as a retiree, will be to teach Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) cadets within Pekin Community High School District #303. “Now he will pass on 30 years of Army knowledge to our youth,” said Illinois Army National Guard Chief of Staff Col. Lenny Williams.

Maj. Gen. Peter Nezamis is presented with a certificate of retirement by Maj. Gen. Rich Neely, the Adjutant General of Illinois and Commander of the Illinois National Guard, during a retirement ceremony June 17 at the 126th Air Refueling Wing, based at Scott Air Base, Belleville, Illinois.

Belleville Resident to Retire from National Guard after 37-Year Career

After more than 37 years of service spanning the Michigan Air National Guard and the Illinois Air National Guard, Maj. Gen. Peter Nezamis, of Belleville, Illinois, Assistant Adjutant General – Air and Commander of the Illinois Air National Guard, will retire from the Illinois Air National Guard.

Spc. Jeremy Ridlen, of Maroa, Illinois.

President Signs Legislation to Rename Maroa Post Office After Fallen Illinois Guardsman

The Maroa, Illinois, post office will bear the name of a fallen Illinois National Guardsman who was killed in action while serving in Iraq in 2004. Illinois Army National Guard Spc. Jeremy Ridlen, of Maroa, Illinois, was among approximately 170 Soldiers who deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in December 2003 with the 1544th Transportation Company, based in Paris.

Brig. Gen. Rodney Boyd, of Naperville, Illinois, Assistant Adjutant General – Army and Commander of the Illinois Army National Guard, talks with former Illinois Army National Guard Soldier Randall Romines, brother of Sgt. Brian Romines, following the Sgt. Brian Romines Memorial Highway dedication ceremony, June 6, in Anna, Illinois.

Highway 146 From Anna to Vienna Honors Fallen Illinois National Guard Soldier from Southern Illinois

A ceremony renaming a 15 mile stretch of Highway 146 from Anna to Vienna, Illinois, the Sgt. Brian Romines Memorial Highway was held June 6, in Anna, 17 years after the Illinois Army National Guard Soldier from Simpson, Illinois, was killed in action when an improvised explosive device detonated near the vehicle he was travelling in near Baghdad, Iraq.

U.S. Air Force Col. Daniel McDonough, the commander of the 182nd Airlift Wing, Illinois Air National Guard, was selected to lead the Illinois Air National Guard. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Lealan Buehrer)

McDonough Selected as Commander of Illinois Air National Guard

Maj. Gen. Rich Neely, the Adjutant General of Illinois and Commander of the Illinois National Guard, has selected Colonel Dan McDonough, the Commander of Peoria’s 182nd Airlift Wing, as the next Assistant Adjutant General – Air and Commander of the Illinois Air National Guard.

Erin Nilles, second from left, of Venedy, Illinois, a 2022 graduate of Okawville High School, Okawville, Illinois, was selected as a scholarship recipient in the amount of $2,500 at the annual National Guard Association of Illinois banquet and awards ceremony in Springfield, Illinois, May 20.

Duckworth Named Legislator of Year by National Guard Association

The National Guard Association of Illinois honored U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth as the NGAI Legislator of the Year during its annual banquet and awards ceremony at the Wyndham Springfield City Centre, Springfield, Illinois, May 20.

Illinois Army National Guard Col. Nick Johnson of Evanston.

Evanston Colonel Retires After 32 Years of Service

A dream that began with playing with toy Army men as a child and continued as the Hyde Park Academy Junior ROTC battalion commander ended this month after more than three decades in the Illinois Army National Guard including a brigade command and a combat tour in Afghanistan.

Illinois Army National Guard Col. Craig Holan of Litchfield

Litchfield Colonel Retires After Nearly 40 Years of Service

A journey that began when he was still in high school ended this month when Illinois Army National Guard Col. Craig Holan of Litchfield retired from the military after 37 years of service during a ceremony May 14 at Camp Lincoln in Springfield.

Illinois Army National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Anthony Gorup, the Noncommissioned Officer-Charge of the Illinois National Guard's Joint Operations Center, retired with almost 26 years of service on Sunday, May 15, during a ceremony on Camp Lincoln in Springfield.

Raymond Soldier Retires After Nearly 26 Years, 4 Deployments

Illinois Army National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Anthony Gorup of Raymond retired from the military after nearly 26 years of service during a ceremony May 15 at Camp Lincoln in Springfield.

Chief Warrant Officer (2) Aendri Decker, Chief Warrant Officer (2) George Frimpong and Sgt. Jonathan Blair (left to right), all representing 1st Battalion, 106th Aviation Regiment as the Illinois Army National Guard’s first African-American flight crew pose for a photograph March 31, 2022 in Kankakee, Illinois. The three hope to inform other African-Americans of the opportunities to fly aircrafts in the military. (photo courtesy of Chief Warrant Officer (2) George Frimpong)

African-American Flight Crew Reaches New Heights, Hope to Inspire Others

The Chicago skyline came into view as the three aviators approached the city. The roaring beat of the propellers played like music from an orchestra. Different paths had led them to this moment, but they were now all together in one place. Representing 1st Battalion, 106th Aviation Regiment, Illinois Army National Guard, their esprit de corps had propelled them to new heights and they were hopeful this moment could show other African-Americans their dreams could also come true.

Photo of Senator Dick Durbin and Maj Gen Richard Neely shaking hands

Durbin Announces $10.2 Million Earmark For New Illinois National Guard Complex

Sen Dick Durbin visited the 183d Wing to announce funding for a new Base Civil Engineer complex

Alex Miller, son of newly promoted Chief Warrant Officer 4 David Miller, Jr., of Springfield, officer in charge of the automated and automation records branch, secures his new rank during a promotion ceremony at the Illinois State Military Museum in Springfield.

Springfield Soldier dons new chief warrant officer four rank

Illinois National Guard Soldier David Miller, Jr., of Springfield, donned new chief warrant officer four rank during a promotion ceremony April 7 at the Illinois State Military Museum in Springfield, Illinois.

Sgt. Maj. David Owsley, of Forsyth, Illinois, second from right, stands at attention during the reading of the retirement order during the retirement ceremony April 1 at the Illinois Military Academy in Springfield, Illinois.

Forsyth Soldier Retires After Nearly 33 Years of Military Service

Sgt. Maj. David Owsley of Forsyth, Illinois, retired from the Illinois Army National Guard after nearly 33 years of military service during a ceremony, April 1, at the Illinois Military Academy on Camp Lincoln in Springfield.

Command Sgt. Maj. Anthony Mollusky Jr., Command Sergeant Major of the 108th Special Troops Battalion in Chicago makes his remarks during his retirement ceremony at Camp Lincoln in Springfield, IL April 3, 2022. Mollusky is a native of Kincaid, Illinois. He entered the U.S. Army in 1990, before eventually transitioning to the Illinois Army National Guard in 1998. (U.S. Army photo by Illinois Army National Guard Sgt. Trenton Fouche)

Kincaid Man Retires From Army After 32 Years and Rising to Highest Enlisted Rank

Growing up in the small town of Kincaid, Illinois, Anthony Mollusky Jr. didn’t have a lot of options. With only about 1,500 people, the former mining town had hit rough times. Jobs were drying up and the young man was uncertain about his future. So, he joined the Army. It was the beginning of a 32-year journey that would take him across the world and then back to Kincaid. On Sunday, April 3, during a ceremony at the Illinois Military Academy on Camp Lincoln in Springfield, he retired with the highest rank an enlisted Soldier can achieve, command sergeant major.

Command Sgt. Maj. Johnny J. O’Brien, of Sherman, Illinois, passes the Company D guidon to 1st Sgt. Dennis Medina of Chicago, Illinois, during a change of responsibility ceremony at the National Guard Armory in Aurora, Illinois, March 26.

Chicago Soldier Promoted to First Sergeant, Selected to Lead Aurora Recruiting Team

Dennis Medina of Chicago, Illinois, was promoted to first sergeant during a promotion ceremony at the National Guard Armory in Aurora, Illinois, March 25. Medina was born in Brooklyn, New York and lived there until age nine. He initially joined the Marine Corps in 2000, years later finding his way to the Minnesota Army National Guard on June 20, 2010 where he enlisted as an infantryman assigned to Company B, 1st Combined Arms Battalion, 194th Armor in East St. Paul, Minnesota. Shortly after enlisting in the National Guard, Medina began recruiting in Bloomington, Minnesota.

Chief Warrant Officer (5) David Hammon, of Sherman, Illinois, Command Chief Warrant Officer of the Illinois National Guard, poses for a photo prior his final flight as a Black Hawk pilot on March 15 at the Decatur, Illinois Aviation Facility. Hammon retires from the Illinois Army National Guard April 30 after a 42 year career.

Sherman Aviator Taxis Into Retirement After 42 Year Career

The year is 1980. The U.S. boycotts the 1980 Summer Olympics, President Jimmy Carter signs Proclamation 4771, requiring 18- to 25-year-old men to register for a peacetime military draft and Ronald Reagan is elected 40th President of the United States. Meanwhile in the small Illinois town of Winchester, 17-year-old David Hammon is enlisting in the Illinois Army National Guard, the first steps on a path to a 42-year military career.

Newly promoted CW4 Lindsay Glynn, of Springfield, Joint Force Headquarters officer in charge, Illinois Army National Guard, thanks family, friends and fellow Soldiers for their support throughout her career during a promotion ceremony March 25 at the Illinois State Military Museum in Springfield, Illinois.

Springfield Soldier Promoted to Chief Warrant Officer 4

Illinois Army National Guard Soldier Lindsay Glynn, of Springfield, Illinois, was promoted to chief warrant officer four during a promotion ceremony March 25 at the Illinois State Military Museum, Springfield.

2nd Lt. Gabrielle Cole, of Chicago, talks about why she is serving in the military after completing U.S. Army Flight School at Fort Rucker, Alabama, March 24, 2022.

Princeton University Rower Earns Army Aviation Wings

Gabrielle L. Cole, of Chicago, Princeton University athlete and alum, now a second lieutenant with the Illinois National Guard, celebrated the milestone of graduating flight school at Fort Rucker as a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter pilot at the U.S. Army Aviation Museum March 24, 2022.

Command Sgt. Maj. Paul Kindred, of Jacksonville, Illinois, Human Resources Office Sergeant Major, Illinois National Guard, thanks family and friends for their support during his more than two-decade military career, during a retirement ceremony March 18 at the Illinois Military Academy, Camp Lincoln, Springfield, Illinois.

Jacksonville Soldier Retires after 23 Year Military Career

From the Halls of Montezuma…to the Illinois Army National Guard? Thirty-two years after earning the Eagle Globe and Anchor during boot camp at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego in 1990, Illinois Army National Guard Command Sgt. Maj. Paul Kindred, of Jacksonville, Illinois, celebrated more than two decades of combined military service during a retirement ceremony March 18 at the Illinois Military Academy, Camp Lincoln, Springfield, Illinois.

Staff Sgt. Nathan Hooker, of Homer Glen, Illinois, a military policeman with the 233rd Military Police Company, based in Springfield, is credited with saving the life of an elderly woman who collapsed at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, Illinois. Hooker is a cemetery representative at the national cemetery.

Illinois National Guard Soldier Springs Into Quick Action to Save Life

The quick actions of an Illinois Army National Guard Soldier saved an elderly woman’s life at the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, Illinois, July 21, 2021. Arguably the longest few minutes of his day, Staff Sgt. Nathan Hooker, of Homer Glenn, Illinois, responded to a Code Red, a call of a person in distress, at the cemetery where he has worked fulltime as a cemetery representative since November 2020.

Members of the 404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade listen to Maj. Gen. William Zana, commanding general of Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa

Illinois National Guard Soldiers Experience 'Life-Changing' Milestone

Members of the 404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, headquartered in Normal, Illinois, celebrated a milestone in their military careers as they received their combat patch, for military members serving in hostile conditions, March 17, 2022.

Chief Warrant Officer (5) Herb Stevens, the Illinois National Guard’s Army Aviation Support Facility #2 Commander gives Soldiers a tour of the UH-60V Black Hawk helicopter while on display at the Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport in Springfield, Illinois Jan. 20. The purpose of the tour was to share the many features and benefits of the UH-60V. The Illinois Army National Guard was the first to receive the “V” model, allowing for enhanced situational awareness using a digital environment. (U.S. Army photo by Illinois Army National Guard Sgt. Trenton Fouche)

Illinois Army National Guard Receives UH-60V Black Hawks

The Illinois Army National Guard has received new UH-60V Black Hawk helicopters, the latest rotary-wing aircraft in the Army’s inventory. The helicopters are assigned to the 106th Aviation Regiment, stationed in Kankakee and Decatur.

Mr. Chuck Melton inspects an aircraft part created by the additive manufacturing process.

183d Maintenance Squadron Seeks Expanded Capabilities

183d Maintenance Squadron Seeks Expanded Capabilities through additive manufacturing process.

Illinois Army National Guard Sgt. 1st Class David Allen Stone of Robinson, Illinois, an intel sergeant with the 123rd Engineer Battalion in Murphysboro, Illinois.

Illinois National Guardsman Helps Fellow Veterans Battle Suicide Through Music

As a kid, David Allen Stone of Robinson, Illinois always wanted to be in the military and serve his country. Enlisting in a post-9/11 era, Stone knew he would be deployed overseas. However, he never envisioned the internal struggles he would endure during his military service.

Month of the Military Child - April 2022 - "Military Kids: Embracing the Journey"

Throughout the nation, a variety of communities will take time in April to recognize the contributions of children whose parents serve in the military. Frequent moves, family separations through deployments, and reintegration following deployments can make school, home, and community-life challenging for military children. Yet, even in such circumstances, these military kids continually demonstrate resilience and courage.

U.S. Army Col. Justin Towell, incoming chief of staff of Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa, provides remarks during a transfer of authority ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Feb. 26, 2022.

404th MEB Assumes Responsibility of CJTG-Horn of Africa Mission

Soldiers from the Illinois Army National Guard’s 404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade (MEB), headquartered in Normal, Illinois, assumed responsibility of the Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) mission from the Nebraska Army National Guard’s 67th MEB, Feb. 26.

Jessica Sawyer, of Anna, Illinois, accepts a Certificate of Appreciation from husband, Staff Sgt. Phillip Sawyer, 2nd Battalion, 129th Regiment (Regional Training Institute), during his retirement ceremony Feb. 12 at Camp Lincoln, Springfield, Illinois.

Anna Soldier Retires After 22 Year Military Career

Staff Sgt. Phillip Sawyer, of Anna, Illinois, an instructor with 2nd Battalion, 129th Regiment (Regional Training Institute) at Camp Lincoln, Springfield, Illinois, retired from the Illinois Army National Guard Feb. 12 with more than 22 years of military service.

Private 1st Class Brandon Victor, of Monee, Troop A, 2nd Battalion, 106th Cavalry Regiment, directs traffic while Illinois State Police assist motorists Feb. 3.

ILNG Completes Winter Weather Response Operations

The Illinois National Guard ended its winter weather response operations Feb. 4.

Col. Seth Hible, Chief of the Illinois National Guard Joint Staff.

High School Teacher Appointed Illinois National Guard's Chief of Joint Staff

A high school teacher at Lake Park High School in Roselle has been selected as the Illinois National Guard’s next Chief of the Joint Staff. Col. Seth Hible of Winfield serves as a traditional National Guard Soldier and will continue teaching full-time. In his military duties, he now plays a key leadership role planning and coordinating Illinois National Guard support for domestic operations, international cooperation, and interagency and intergovernmental coordination. Hible began his duties as Illinois National Guard Chief of the Joint Staff earlier this month.

Cutting-Edge Army Unit Brings Nearly 200 High-Tech Positions and Multi-Million Dollar Investment to Illinois

SPRINGFIELD – Governor JB Pritzker announced today that the Illinois Army National Guard is one of only eight states selected for an Intelligence and Electronic Warfare & Sensors (IEWS) Battalion as part of the U.S. Army's future investment plans. The unit will include nearly 200 highly skilled technology positions in Illinois and the U.S. Army will invest multi-millions of dollars in the unit’s high-tech infrastructure, equipment and training. The unit is slated for activation in 2027, with the Illinois Army National Guard beginning to start filling in positions in 2025.

Spc. Jeremy Ridlen

Maroa Post Office named to honor fallen Illinois Guardsman

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois – Illinois Army National Guard Spc. Jeremy Ridlen, of Paris, Illinois, was among approximately 170 Soldiers who deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in December 2003 with the 1544th Transportation Company, based in Paris. He was just 23 years old when he died from small arms fire May 23, 2004, after a dump truck on the side of the road was detonated as his military convoy passed by in East Fallujah, Iraq.

183rd Verne Orr Award

183rd Air Component Operations Squadron Named 2022 Verne Orr Award Winner

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois – The 183rd Air Component Operations Squadron (ACOS), 183rd Wing, based in Springfield has been selected as the Air Force Association’s Verne Orr Award recipient for 2022 at the Air National Guard level. The award, established by the Air Force Association in honor of former Secretary of the Air Force Verne Orr, recognizes an Air Force unit that makes the most effective use of its human resources.

Illinois National Guard’s Cyber Range will train Service Members and Civilians in Cyber Defense

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois – During drill weekends, Illinois National Guard Soldiers and Airmen often go to the range for training. A typical day at the range might include training in tasks from physical fitness, to land navigation, to weapons qualification. This year a new range, the Illinois National Guard’s Joint Cyber Range, will offer service members and their civilian partners an exciting training tool in the cyber domain. The Illinois Air National Guard’s 183rd Air Wing, based in Springfield, hosts the cyber range. Physically, the range consists of approximately 10 servers, networking equipment, computer terminals, and other information technology infrastructure that can be configured to create a variety of training scenarios. An official ribbon-cutting and tour of the range is being planned for March. The Joint Cyber Range will bring challenging, but safe, training to the Illinois National Guard’s cyber service members and their Illinois partners.

Spc. Jared Reyes, third from the left, is shown with other Soldiers honored at the Army-Navy game Dec. 11.

Illinois National Guard Soldier's Quick Actions Saves Lives During Shooting

The quick actions of a Soldier in the Illinois Army National Guard is credited with saving many lives during a shooting at the Somers House Tavern in Kenosha, Wisconsin, April 18. Spc. Jared Reyes, of Harvard, Illinois, Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 33rd Military Police Battalion, based in Machesney Park, was off duty with friends at the tavern in Kenosha when the shooting occurred. Two of Reyes’ friends were wounded by the gunfire. Reyes assisted his friends before he began ushering others to safety.

Chief Warrant Officer (5) Thomas Black of Springfield, Illinois, was the sixth Command Chief Warrant Officer of the Illinois National Guard.

Springfield Soldier Appointed Command Chief Warrant Officer of Illinois Army National Guard

Chief Warrant Officer (5) Thomas Black of Springfield was selected to serve as the sixth Command Chief Warrant Officer of the Illinois National Guard. Black, who enlisted in 1987, previously served as the Deputy of Supply and Logistics Management for the Supply and Services division of the U.S. Property and Fiscal Office. He spent his enlisted career as a flight medic and automated logistics specialist before attending Warrant Officer Candidate School at Fort Rucker, Alabama, in 2005.

Lt. Col. Michael Mihalik

Mike Mihalik, Commander of the 126th Civil Engineer Squadron, will be promoted to colonel

Lt. Col. Michael Mihalik of O’Fallon, the Commander of the 126th Civil Engineer Squadron, 126th Air Refueling Wing, has been selected as the next Illinois Air National Guard Director of Staff and will be promoted to colonel.

Resources Available for Guard Members Facing Difficulties

Deployments. Financial emergencies. The loss of a loved one. Many things can cause stress for members of the Illinois National Guard and their families. There are resources available to assist members of the Illinois National Guard to help ease the stress caused by these life changing events.

A C-130H Hercules aircraft assigned to the 182nd Airlift Wing, Illinois Air National Guard, delivers 250 medical isolation pods to Chicago Midway International Airport, Chicago, Ill., April 8, 2020. Two 182nd Airlift Wing C-130 aircraft and aircrews flew the pods cross-country and overnight in a homeland defense mission for use at the McCormick Place COVID-19 alternate care facility. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Senior Airman Jay Grabiec)

Illinois Air National Guard Headquarter Earns Excellence Award

Lt. Gen. Michael A. Loh, Director of the Air National Guard, recently announced Headquarters, Illinois Air National Guard (ILANG) is among six Air National Guard units that will receive the 2020 Air Force Organizational Excellence Award (AFOEA). “Our Airmen in the Illinois Air National Guard execute the mission, day in and day out, with precision and excellence,” said Maj. Gen. Rich Neely, the Adjutant General of Illinois and Commander of the Illinois National Guard. “We’re extremely proud to receive this award, which is a reflection of the selfless service of the men and women of the Illinois Air National Guard.”

2nd Lt. Fahim Masoud, of Stafford, Virginia, Company D, 766th Brigade Engineer Battalion, based in Bloomington, Illinois, was among members of the Illinois National Guard activated to assist local health departments at mass vaccination sites. Masoud serves as the Officer-in-Charge of the mass vaccination site in Matteson, Illinois.

National Guard Plays Key Role in Getting Soldier's Family Out of Afghanistan

In Stafford, Virginia, more than 7,000 miles from the Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan, an Illinois Army National Guard Soldier anxiously awaited reports on the status of his family as they made their way from Herat, Afghanistan to Kabul in August.

Col. Melissa Beauman, of Glenarm, Illinois, is presented the Legion of Merit by Maj. Gen. Eric Little, National Guard Bureau Manpower and Personnel Directorate, during Beauman’s retirement ceremony Oct. 1 at the Illinois Military Academy, Camp Lincoln, Springfield, Illinois.

Beauman to Retire After Three Decade Military Career

More than 30 years after enlisting in the U.S. Army as a way to earn college benefits, Illinois Army National Guard (ILARNG) Col. Melissa Beauman, of Glenarm, Illinois, the U.S. Property and Fiscal Officer for Illinois, will retire Dec. 31.

Colonel Brian Creech, of Petersburg, has been selected by the Chief of the National Guard Bureau, Gen. Daniel Hokanson, to succeed Colonel Melissa Beauman as the next U.S. Property and Fiscal Officer for Illinois. Creech will assume his new duties as the USPFO on Oct. 1 when Beauman retires after more than 30 years of military service in the U.S. Army and Illinois Army National Guard.

Iraq Combat Veteran Named U.S. Property and Fiscal Officer for Illinois

The Chief of the National Guard Bureau, Gen. Daniel Hokanson, has named an Illinois Army National Guard officer who fought in Iraq and has more than 30 years’ experience in finance, logistics and human resources as the United States Property and Fiscal Officer for Illinois.

Illinois Army Guard Units One Step Closer to Army's Top Maintenance Award

Two Illinois Army National Guard (ILARNG) units are a step closer to being named the Army’s top National Guard small unit category winner for the Army Award for Maintenance Excellence (AAME).

Springfield-based ILARNG Unit Selected Army Level Deployment Excellence Award Runner-Up

Springfield-based Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 232nd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, was recently named a runner-up in the Chief of Staff Army Deployment Excellence Award, large deploying unit category.

Illinois National Guard Soldiers Graduate from Officer Candidate School, Become Army Lieutenants

Thirty Illinois Army National Guard Soldiers graduated from the 129th Regiment (Regional Training Institute) Officer Candidate School on Aug. 22, fulfilling the leadership and military education requirements to be commissioned as U.S. Army officers. Of these Soldiers, 26 were commissioned as Second Lieutenants in the Illinois Army National Guard and U.S. Army. Four graduates of the program decided to “hip-pocket” their commissions and seek federal recognition as officers at a later date.

Lt. Col. Roger “Mike” Landon, right, of Petersburg, Illinois, receives a Meritorious Service Medal, from Col. Brian Creech, of Petersburg, Illinois, U.S. Property and Fiscal Officer for Illinois, during his retirement ceremony Sept. 30 at Joint Force Headquarters, Camp Lincoln, Springfield, Illinois.

Petersburg Soldier Retires after Three Decades of Service in Illinois Army National Guard

After more than 34 years of service in the Illinois Army National Guard, Lt. Col. Roger M. “Mike” Landon, of Petersburg, Illinois, retired in a ceremony at Camp Lincoln, in Springfield, Illinois, Sept. 30.

Illinois National Guard Ends COVID-19 Vaccine Mission

Nearly eight months after being activated by Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, the Illinois National Guard ended its COVID-19 vaccination mission Sept. 10.

Newly-promoted Illinois Army National Guard Sgt. Maj. Nicholaus Fordham, of Sherman, Illinois, thanks friends and family during his promotion ceremony at the Joint Force Headquarters, Camp Lincoln, Springfield, Illinois, Sept. 16.

Fordham Promoted to Sergeant Major in Illinois Army National Guard

Nicholaus Fordham, of Sherman, Illinois, was promoted to sergeant major in the Illinois Army National Guard, Sept. 16 at Joint Force Headquarters, Camp Lincoln, Springfield, Illinois.