02 Apr 2013

108th Sustainment Brigade Recognizes Soldiers, Civilians at All Saints Ball

By Sgt. Michael Camacho, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs Office

LOMBARD, IL (04/01/2013)(readMedia)-- Twenty-one Soldiers were awarded Saint Orders, six Soldiers and two civilians were awarded individual awards and one Soldier was promoted during the 108th Sustainment Brigade's All Saints Recognition Ceremony and Ball at the Westin Lombard in Lombard March 23.

"The All Saints Ball recognizes the hard work and dedication of outstanding Soldiers and families of the 108th," said Col. Drew Dukett of Roodhouse, the Commander of the 108th. "This event brings us to together to honor those who make the 108th Sustainment Brigade so successful."

Within the military there are individual awards for personal achievements, for units there are campaign awards and finally there are professional awards known as regimental awards.

"The United States Army created regiment (awards) to build esprit de corps, maintain customs and traditions and increase combat effectiveness," said Lt. Col. Tracy Collins of Naperville, the deputy commanding officer for the 108th Sust. Bde. "These awards show the significant contribution the Soldiers have done for the specific regiment or association."

The Signal Corps Regimental Association established the Bronze Order of Mercury for individuals who stand above their peers in their contributions to the Signal Corps and the Signal Corps Regimental Association.

Inducted into the Bronze Order of Mercury were:

• 1st Sgt. Alberto Colon of Mundelein with the 433rd Signal Company in Crestwood

• Sgt. 1st Class Kyara Cowan of Calumet Park with the 433rd Signal Company in Crestwood

The Distinguished Order of St. Martin was awarded for significant contribution to the Quartermaster Corps and those who have embodied the spirit, dignity and sense of sacrifice and commitment emphasized by St. Martin.

Inducted into the Distinguished Order of St. Martin were:

• Lt. Col. Matthew Voyles of Woodstock with Headquarters and Headquarters, 108th Sustainment Brigade in Chicago

• Sgt. Maj. Steven Pearson of Chicago with Headquarters and Headquarters, 108th Sustainment Brigade in Chicago

The Honorable Order of St. Martin is awarded to those who demonstrate the highest standards of integrity and moral character and having displayed an outstanding degree of professional competence while serving in the Quartermaster Corps.

Inducted into the Honorable Order of St. Martin was:

• Capt. Edgardo Prats-Reyes of Chicago with Headquarters and Headquarters, 108th Sustainment Brigade in Chicago

• Retired Chief Warrant Officer 2 Angela Lantau of Quincy last assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters, 108th Sustainment Brigade in Chicago

• Staff Sgt. Pedro Feliciano-Nieves of Montgomery with Headquarters and Headquarters, 108th Sustainment Brigade in Chicago

• Spc. Hector Loporte of Chicago with Headquarters and Headquarters, 108th Sustainment Brigade in Chicago

The Ordnance Order of Samuel Sharpe is awarded to those individuals who have served the United States Army Ordnance Corps, demonstrating integrity, moral character and professional competence over a sustained period. Those selfless contributions to the corps stand out in the eyes of their seniors, peers and subordinates.

• Maj. Richard Munyer of Springfield with Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 232nd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion in Springfield

• Chief Warrant Officer 3 Jeffery Garrett of Rochester with the 3637th Maintenance Company in Springfield

• Sgt. 1st Class Rodney Thompson of Okawville with the 1344th Transportation Company in East St. Louis

• Sgt. 1st Class Sebastian Gawron of Addison with Headquarters and Headquarters, 108th Sustainment Brigade in Chicago

• Capt. Bernadette Bland of Farmington with Headquarters and Headquarters, 108th Sustainment Brigade in Chicago

Following her induction Bland was promoted to the rank of major.

The Ancient Order of St. Christopher was awarded to those with a career that embodied outstanding achievements and accomplishments in the spirit, dignity and sense of sacrifice and commitment epitomized by St. Christopher the patron saint of the Transportation Corps Regiment.

Inducted into the Ancient Order of St. Christopher were:

• Lt. Col. Tracy Collins of Naperville with Headquarters and Headquarters, 108th Sustainment Brigade in Chicago

• Master Sgt. Michael Gersh of Johnsburg with the 1644th Transportation Company in Rock Falls

The Honorable Order of St. Christopher was awarded for demonstrating the highest standards of integrity and moral character and having displayed an outstanding degree of professional competence while serving in the Transportation Corps.

Inducted into the Honorable Order of St. Christopher were:

• Capt. Elaine Nussbaum of Bloomington with the Bilateral Embedded Staff Team A12 in Springfield

• Sgt. 1st Class Kyle Hacker of Rock Falls with the 1644th Transportation Company in Rock Falls

• Sgt. 1st Class Tyler Heleine of Charleston with the 1544th Transportation Company in Paris

• Sgt. 1st Class Jose Sanchez of Romeoville with the 1244th Transportation Company in North Riverside

• Staff Sgt. Donald Wort of Marseilles with the 1744th Transportation Company in Crestwood

• Staff Sgt. Shelly Johns of Chicago with the 1244th Transportation Company in North Riverside

Awarded the Army Commendation Medal for their service and achievements in the 108th Sustainment Brigade and the Illinois National Guard were:

• Lt. Col. Stephen Cooper of Rockford, acting state command chaplain with Joint Forces Headquarters in Springfield

• Maj. James Dodd of Chicago with Headquarters and Headquarters, 108th Sustainment Brigade in Chicago

• Capt. Michael Raschen of Edwardsville with 1844th Transportation Company in Quincy

• Spc. Andrew Adkins of Chicago Headquarters and Headquarters, 108th Sustainment Brigade in Chicago

Awarded the Meritorious Service Medal were:

• Retired Chief Warrant Officer 2 Angela Lantau of Quincy last assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 108th Sustainment Brigade in Chicago

• Master Sgt. Raymond Butler of Waverly with Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 232nd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion in Springfield

Carol May was inducted into the Honorable Order of Elizabeth Armstrong, for Dedicated Support to the Illinois National Guard Family Program. She was selected by a committee of her peers to join the Sisterhood based on her diligent efforts to improve the quality of life for Guardsmen and their Families.

Shannon Dunn received The Military Medal of Merit for Exceptionally meritorious service as a family Readiness support assistant.

For additional information and photos of the Soldiers and civilians honored please contact the Illinois National Guard Office at 217-761-3569 or email ng.il.ilarng.list.staff-pao@mail.mil

25 Mar 2013

Lyme Disease Awareness: Check Yourself and Your Buddies for Ticks

By Sgt. Michael Camacho, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs Office

SPRINGFIELD, IL (03/22/2013)(readMedia)-- With spring weather around the corner and more outside training, Illinois Guardsmen should be aware of the dangers of tick bites, which can lead to Lyme disease.

Sgt. Megan Crist of Niantic, Ill. with Company A, 634th Brigade Support Battalion in Mattoon knows these dangers all too well.

"I'm just a small town girl who no one knows," said Crist. "I however have a story that I would like the public to hear so that awareness and hopefully someday help and relief can be brought to all those that suffer from this awful, miserable and debilitating disease known as Lyme disease."

Last summer doctors told 26-year-old Crist she needed a pacemaker to live.

Devastated at this news, Crist was hopeful the chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, weakness and fatigue was related to her pregnancy. During the exam, her cardiologist asked her if she ever experienced a tick bite. Confused how this related to her heart condition she said no, but the question stayed with her.

The next day Crist had her pacemaker implanted. Her cardiologist asked about tick bites again.

"It hit me like a ton of bricks that five years ago, back in fall of 2007, while I was in basic training, I had a big rash," she recalled. "The rash was on my left quad and kept expanding."

At basic training, Crist received antibiotics and treatment for a spider bite. Weeks later, she experienced dizzy spells, fatigue and occasional migraines. Yet after seeking further medical attention, doctors told her she was okay.

Crist now knows she was exhibiting symptoms of chronic Lyme disease.

Lyme disease is the human immune system's response to infection caused by the bacteria Borrelia Burgdorferi carried by deer ticks, said Maj. Jayson Coble of Springfield, the state safety and occupational health officer for the Illinois National Guard.

First recognized in the United States in the 1970s, Lyme disease is the leading vector-borne disease in the country with approximately 20,000 cases annually according the Centers for Disease Control, he said.

"Ninety percent of cases are in the summer and peak in June to July," said Coble.

Coble said there are three stages of Lyme disease; while the stages one and two are curable, the third and final stages are life-long. It is non-fatal, but can have a major negative effect on a person's overall wellbeing and lead to other complications.

Early symptoms include headaches, rashes, low-grade fever, chills and fatigue. Symptoms may fade after three to four weeks, but without treatment it will progress to stage two.

Coble said it is important for Soldiers in field environments to check themselves, their clothing and help fellow Soldiers check themselves for ticks. If a tick is found, it should be removed within 24 hours. Soldiers should report to a medic or medical facility and pay attention to symptoms.

"If you're unsure or concerned at all, because Lyme disease can present in some different ways, it is important to seek out medical attention," said Coble

Since Crist's diagnosis, she has changed nearly every aspect of her lifestyle, diet and exercise regimens to improve her health. She has also made it a priority to bring awareness to tick bites and dangers of Lyme Disease.

"I hate that I had no clue about Lyme disease until I was diagnosed and had a lot of weird, unexpected, and extreme symptoms," she said. "I would absolutely hate for anyone else to have to endure any of this mess, let alone the disease itself, so awareness is key."

In order to bring awareness to the disease and help with Crist's medical bills, there will be a benefit in her honor March 23 at the Lovington American Legion at 4 p.m. in Lovington, Ill.

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