SPRINGFIELD, IL (10/23/2014)(readMedia)-- SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - After 28 years of service, Col. Alexander D. Lawson of Springfield, Illinois, will retire from the Illinois Army National Guard as the director of information management.
Lawson, a native of Hamilton, Illinois, said his decision to join the military was fueled by the desire to provide for his family.
"There were seven of us kids and only my mom to support us," said Lawson. "We were on welfare the majority of my life and I wanted something better for my family and me."
"He enlisted in the Illinois Army National Guard as a forward observer and attended Monmouth College in Monmouth, Illinois in 1986. He then enrolled into the Reserve Officer Training Corps and graduated with a degree in computer science and commissioned as an officer in May 1989."
Lawson first served with Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 2nd Battalion, 123rd Field Artillery in Milan, Illinois, in 1989, and continued serving with various elements of the 123rd until he transitioned to Joint Force Headquarters (JFHQ) in Springfield, Illinois, in 2000. Lawson remained with JFHQ until his deployment to Afghanistan in 2008-2009 with the 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, returning to JFHQ in 2009 and staying through 2013, until his retirement as the director of information management Sept. 8, 2014.
The directorate of information management is responsible for all information technology within the Illinois Army National Guard. This includes network operations, telecommunications, cyber, service support, administrative support, tactical, plans and policies.
Lawson said he has seen many changes over his nearly three decades of service and he hopes to see continued excellence in the future, as well as the maintaining of old customs.
"In regards to information management, we have come a long way from floppy drives to state of the art systems," said Lawson. "Illinois remains a top 10 state in information technology and I hope my predecessor can continue this metric. From an artillery perspective, don't forget the old days. Artillery is both an art and science. I truly believe manual gunnery is a proven method for young Soldiers to visually see the battlefield."
Lawson said there are many aspects of being a Soldier he will miss.
"I will miss my friends and colleagues, their selfless service and dedication to duty and the uniform," said Lawson. "The National Guard is a family, my family and I will always treasure that."
Lawson said he plans to begin his retirement by taking off to enjoy life for a while with his wife, Susan, before potentially returning to work in the civilian information technology sector.
Lawson also has two brothers who have become officers in the military. His brother, Col. Chris Lawson serves with the Joint Chiefs of Staff, National Guard Bureau, and his brother John Lawson is a retired lieutenant colonel.
