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@
