16 Sep 2013

Illinois National Guard Soldier dies during training

By Illinois National Guard PAO

SPRINGFIELD, IL (09/14/2013)(readMedia)-- Illinois Army National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Jerome W. Baker, 29, died Sept. 13 while conducting physical fitness training during a military education course at Fort Custer in Augusta, Mich.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the Baker family and especially Jerome's mother Denise and his four young daughters," said Brig. Gen. Daniel M. Krumrei the Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard. "Jerome served with the Illinois National Guard for 11 years building a reputation as an intelligent noncommissioned officer and mentor. He was well-respected and admired by his fellow Soldiers, subordinates and leaders."

Baker, of Riverdale, Ill., was the noncommissioned officer in charge of readiness for Company G, 634th Brigade Support Battalion, 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team. He was at Fort Custer completing the Senior Leaders Course.

Funeral arrangements are pending at this time. Media queries should be addressed to the Illinois National Guard Public Affairs Office at 217-761-3075 or ng.il.ilarng.list.staff-pao@mail.mil.
10 Sep 2013

U of I memorial dedicated to fallen Illinois National Guard Soldier

By Sgt. 1st Class Kassidy L. Snyder, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs

URBANA-CHAMPAIGN, IL (09/09/2013)(readMedia)-- A permanent memorial was dedicated in memory of Sgt. Shawna Morrison, a fallen Illinois National Guardsman, at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Sept. 8.

Morrison enlisted in the Illinois Army National Guard in 1996 at age 17 and was a member of the 1544th Transportation Company (TC) in Paris, Ill, and was a member of the University's Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC). While deployed with the 1544th to Iraq she was killed Sept. 5, 2004 by a mortar attack.

Hundreds of friends, family and fellow servicemembers gathered for the ceremony to include her company commander Maj. Brandon Tackett, the former 1544th TC commander. Tackett is with the Ohio Army National Guard and flew from Kuwait to be part of the ceremony. The entire 1544th along with the 144th Army Band and the University's ROTC program marched from the University of Illinois Armory to Lincoln Hall where the dedication was held.

"She had an infectious personality and energy to match her work ethic," said Tackett. "She was a special person, a person willing to leave the safe confines of the University and fight for other people's freedom in a far and distant dangerous land."

Morrison was the first female from the Illinois National Guard killed while serving in Iraq. She was also the first Illinois student actively enrolled in college to die in combat operations.

"She was a member of the Illinois family," said Phyllis M. Wise, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign chancellor. "Her service and commitment will touch all those who are at Illinois now and forever in the future. With this memorial marker, she will always have a place...in the heart of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign."

Morrison was enrolled at the University of Illinois as a psychology major and intended to commission as an Army officer after graduation to continue a career in the military.

"As students, teachers and parents walk past Shawna's memorial in this place of continuing pride, continuing purpose and continuing mission, someone will ask 'Who was Sergeant Shawna Morrison?' and someone will know and someone will remember," said Brig. Gen. Daniel M. Krumrei, the Illinois National Guard Adjutant General. "Someone will tell them she was a part of latest greatest generation. Shawna Morrison was a citizen. Shawna Morrison was a Soldier."

In addition to the memorial, Sept. 8, 2013 is now known as Sgt. Shawna Morrison Day in Illinois "in honor and observance of this heroic Soldier whose service and sacrifice is an inspiration to citizens of the land of Lincoln," stated the proclamation signed by Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn.

06 Sep 2013

Three Illinois National Guard Soldiers complete Illinois Emergency Management accreditation

By Illinois National Guard PAO

SPRINGFIELD, IL (09/05/2013)(readMedia)-- Three Illinois Army National Guard Soldiers were among 80 people recognized by the Illinois Emergency Services Management Association and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) during a ceremony at the 17th Annual IEMA conference Sept. 4 in Springfield, Ill.

Maj. Wyatt Bickett of Glenarm, Ill., Maj. Lenny Williams of and Capt. Michael Raschen of Edwardsville, Ill., all with the Illinois National Guard's Joint Dyer, Ind., Staff received accreditation for completing the Illinois Professional Emergency Manager (IPEM) course and Illinois Professional Development Series (IPDS).

The IPEM was established to provide an education and training standard for those involved in the emergency management field. The IPEM will also assist county and municipal administrators by providing a framework to use in evaluating individuals applying for positions in their emergency management program.

The Illinois National Guard has had six members within its ranks who have received this accreditation since 2002.

U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Michael Camacho, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs/ Maj. Wyatt Bickett of Glenarm, Ill., Maj. Lenny Williams of Dyer, Ind., and Capt. Michael Raschen of Edwardsville, Ill., all with the Illinois National Guard's Joint Staff, stand with Jon Monken of Chatham, Ill., director of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) and a captain in the Illinois Army National Guard, after receiving their accreditation for completing the Illinois Professional Emergency Manager (IPEM) course and Illinois Professional Development Series (IPDS) at the 17th Annual IEMA conference Sept. 4 in Springfield, Ill.

06 Sep 2013

I Corps bids farewell to CSM Troxell

By Carlos Cruz
JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. - Command Sgt. Maj. John W. Troxell relinquished responsibility as I Corps command sergeant major to Command Sgt. Maj. James P. Norman III in a ceremony at the Carey Theater Sept. 3.

The change of responsibility, originally planned to be outdoors but relocated due to rain, was conducted in a traditional manner with the passing of the Corps colors, representing the loyalty of the unit's soldiers, from Command Sgt. Maj. Troxell to I Corps commander Lt. Gen. Robert Brown.

Brown then passed the colors to Command Sgt. Maj. Norman, signaling to the soldiers of I Corps that their loyalty now belongs to the new command sergeant major.

"We surveyed 100 soldiers on the post to describe Sgt. Maj. Troxell in one word," Brown said during his remarks. "The most frequent word used was 'inspirational.' The second was 'charismatic.'"

Troxell, a native of Davenport, Iowa, and a 31-year veteran in the Army, accomplished many things during his time at I Corps, including the issuance of a new book of standards, (commonly referred to as the "Blue Book") the administration of the Ready and Resilient program, and the institution of the Mangudai Warrior Challenge.

"My fondest memory of my time here at I Corps is the whole time here," Troxell said.

Troxell and his wife, Sandra, will travel to South Korea this fall when Troxell assumes duties as the senior enlisted adviser of U.S. Forces-Korea, headquartered in Yongsan Barracks in Seoul, South Korea.

The soldiers of I Corps welcome their new command sergeant major, but must also bid farewell to their former command sergeant major.

"We really lose a great team with Sgt. Maj. Troxell leaving," Brown said. "But we gain a great team in return."

Norman, a native of Compton, Calif., and a 32-year veteran in the Army, comes to I Corps from Fort Hood, Texas, where he recently served as the senior enlisted adviser to the commander of 1st Cavalry Division and also as the Fort Hood rear detachment command sergeant major.

"My wife, Jay, and I looked forward to moving back to the Pacific Northwest and we look forward to becoming part of the community," Norman said.
04 Sep 2013

U of I memorial for fallen Illinois National Guard Soldier

By Illinois National Guard PAO

CHAMPAIGN, IL (09/04/2013)(readMedia)--

WHO:

• Sgt. Shawna Morrison was killed in Iraq on Sept. 5, 2004. She was a member of the Illinois Army National Guard's 1544th Transportation Company based in Paris, Ill.

WHAT:

• The University of Illinois in Champaign, Ill. will recognize Morrison and dedicate a permanent memorial in the north courtyard of Lincoln Hall in her memory.

WHEN:

• September 8, 2013 at 3:00 p.m.

WHERE:

• University of Illinois campus, Lincoln Hall Theater, 702 S. Wright St in Urbana, Ill.

WHY:

• Shawna Morrison was a student at the University of Illinois and was the first female from the Illinois National Guard killed while serving in Iraq. She was also the first Illinois student actively enrolled in college to die in combat operations.

MORE:

• Brig. Gen. Daniel Krumrei, the Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard, will join Lt. Gen. Patricia Horoho, Army Surgeon General and Thomas Lamont, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Manpower and Reserve Affairs at the event.

The event is open to the public. RSVPs are requested, but not required at http://www.go.illinois.edu/morrison

For more information, contact the Illinois National Guard Public Affairs Office at 217-761-3569 or Email: ng.il.ilarng.list.staff-pao@mail.mil

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03 Sep 2013

Clergy and Community Friends Training

By Illinois National Guard PAO

SPRINGFIELD, IL (09/03/2013)(readMedia)--

WHO:

• Illinois National Guard Chaplains

WHAT:

• Illinois National Guard Chaplains are hosting upcoming seminars to serve local faith-based organizations throughout Illinois.

• The training is designed to raise awareness among community religious leaders about the challenges faced by servicemembers and their families, with a focus on deployment-related issues such as anger management, suicide prevention, military marriages, and church and community support for the military.

• The training is open to clergy and laity interested in understanding and learning how to support servicemembers, veterans and their families.

WHEN/WHERE:

Sept. 20 Capt. James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center, 3001 Green Bay Road Building 4; N. Chicago (9 a.m.-3 p.m.)

Sept. 21 Faith Family Church, 704 N. Green Mount Road, Belleville, Ill. (9 a.m.-1 p.m.)

Oct. 2 General Jones Armory, 5200 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago (9 a.m.-1 p.m.)

Oct. 9 Joliet Armory, 2900 W. Jefferson St., Joliet (9 a.m.-1 p.m.)

Oct. 16 Illinois Military Academy, Camp Lincoln, 1301 N. MacArthur Blvd.; Springfield (9 a.m.-1 p.m.)

03 Sep 2013

Specialized Illinois National Guard unit to mobilize for Afghanistan

By Illinois National Guard PAO

Nearly 20 Soldiers mobilize Sept. 10 as part of an embedded training team

BLOOMINGTON, IL (09/03/2013)(readMedia)-- A deployment ceremony is scheduled for approximately 20 Soldiers who will deploy to Afghanistan as part of an embedded training team. The ceremony for the Bilateral Embedded Staff Team (BEST) A12 will be Sept. 10 at 9 a.m. at the Bloomington Armory, 1616 S. Main St. in Bloomington, Ill..

The BEST Soldiers will spend approximately two months training at Joint Base McGuire Dix Lakehurst, N.J. and in Poland before deploying with the Polish Land Forces. The unique mission allows Illinois Army National Guard Soldiers to train and deploy side-by-side with their Polish counterparts. Following the training, the Soldiers will deploy to Afghanistan for a six-month mobilization. The Soldiers are from various parts of Illinois and were selected for the mission based on their training and skills.

"Our 20-year partnership with Poland is the strongest National Guard State Partnership in the nation," said Brig. Gen. Daniel Krumrei of Springfield, Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard. "Illinois Soldiers and Airmen are instrumental in developing secure international relationships, while broadening their own experiences and developing their own military skills."

30 Aug 2013

Honor Flight #24

By Cathie Rochau

Honor Flight of the Quad Cities 24th trip to Washington D.C took place on August 29. There was a combination of WWII and Korean era veterans on this trip. A special nod is being given to the guardians for this particular voyage, they are all 100% Vietnam era veterans- but they are traveling specifically as guardians to the WWII and Korean era vets who are aboard.

(Note:  we have had some issues with public folks thinking that since we took, for this flight only, Vietnam era veterans as GUARDIANS, that this means that HFQC is accepting them for the flights, as VETERANS. This is not the case. Right now, we continue to operate as WWII vets as #1 priority, as well as any terminally ill veteran from any war or conflict, then Korean Era veterans.  I just wanted you all to be aware of this because folks "read into" things, and perhaps there is some very careful way to make this differentiation about the guardians on this flight.)

The reason that HFQC has extended this Vietnam era guardian opportunity for this particular flight, is because over the many months & years we have seen an outpouring of Vietnam era support at the airport in many forms. We thought this would be a way to recognize the Vietnam Era vets from the local & regional era by allowing them to have the honor of escorting a WWII and/or Korean Era veteran for the day.

A special "thank you Vietnam Era Veterans, for being guardians" banner will be hanging at the airport to recognize their support tomorrow. The banner also says "Welcome Home", which is I am told, a phrase that has been adopted for Vietnam veterans. If you want to know more about the origin of that phrase, Dave Woods at the Scott County Vets affairs would be a good one to talk to, or any VVA chapter.

The usual welcome home ceremonies occured around the 10 p.m. hour.
29 Aug 2013

The Most Difficult Battle Lies Ahead

By Wounded Warrior Project
The most difficult experience for an injured warrior is often the rehabilitation needed after war.

American servicemen and women put their lives on the line every day to protect our freedom. You can be the driving force of hope for wounded veterans as they return home from the battlefield. Through the many programs Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) offers, you help aid the rehabilitation for these warriors wherever possible.

"Both my legs from the knee down were shattered to little pieces. My left hand, thumb, and wrist were shredded up and broken. I received four compression fractures in my lower back." ? Chad Brumpton

Injured service members like Chad have put themselves in harm's way for our freedom. They continue to cope with amputated arms and legs, disfiguring burns, paralysis, and invisible wounds such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injuries (TBI).

Rebuild their lives and show your support for their courage and commitment by giving a grateful gift of $15, $18, $21 or more. None is more deserving.

With thanks on behalf of our injured warriors,

Steven Nardizzi
Executive Director
Wounded Warrior Project
28 Aug 2013

Illinois Army National Guard officer candidates commission, become second lieutenants

By Illinois National Guard PAO

SPRINGFIELD, IL (08/26/2013)(readMedia)-- The Illinois Army National Guard's 129th Regional Training Institute Officer Candidate School (OCS) at Camp Lincoln in Springfield commissioned 34 Soldiers as second lieutenants during the OCS graduation ceremony at Springfield High School, Aug. 25.

To meet the commissioning requirements, an officer candidate must complete more than 658 hours of classroom and field instruction. Candidates are evaluated on leadership abilities along with academics. They must also complete many physical and mental tasks, such as road marches and tactical exercises.

The 129th has commissioned 2,289 officers from the program.

The six newly commissioned accelerated program officers are:

• 2nd Lt. Dustin Anderson of Preemption, Ill., with Troop C, 2nd Battalion, 106th Cavalry Regiment in Aurora, Ill.

• 2nd Lt. Robert Boney of St. Louis, with Company B, 33rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion in Bloomington, Ill.

• 2nd Lt. Amanda Bruni of Troy, Ill., with Company C, 634th Brigade Support Battalion in Springfield, Ill.

• 2nd Lt. Jonathan Logemann of Lancaster, Wisc., with Detachment 1,1st Battalion, 178th Infantry Regiment in Joliet, Ill.

• 2nd Lt. Jonathan Miller of Macedonia, Ohio, with the 135th Chemical Company in Machesney Park, Ill.

• 2nd Lt. Garrett Nevious of Marion, Ill., with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry Regiment in Marion, Ill.

The 28 newly commissioned traditional program officers are:

• 2nd Lt. Matthew Bisesto of Aurora, Ill., with Company G, 634th Brigade Support Battalion in Crestwood, Ill.

• 2nd Lt. Tom Boas of Philo, Ill., with Detachment 1, 1544th Transportation Company in Danville, Ill.

• 2nd Lt. Logan Burke of Nashville, Ill., with Company A, 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry Regiment in West Frankfort, Ill.

• 2nd Lt. Jose Corona of Aurora, Ill., with the 135th Chemical Company in Machesney Park, Ill.

• 2nd Lt. Amanda Day of Peoria, Ill., with the 233rd Military Police Company in Springfield, Ill.

• 2nd Lt. Landon Foy of Park Forest, Ill., with the 1244th Transportation Company in North Riverside, Ill.

• 2nd Lt. Trevor Garner of Hull, Ill., with the 661st Engineer Company in Sparta, Ill.

• 2nd Lt. Jason Harrison of Lisle, Ill., with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 178th Infantry Regiment in Chicago

• 2nd Lt. Wade Joiner of Edwardsville, Ill., with the 445th Chemical Company in Shiloh, Ill.

• 2nd Lt. Dallin Jones of Paxton, Ill., with Company B, 634th Brigade Support Battalion in Champaign, Ill.

• 2nd Lt. Benjamin Klingberg of La Grange Park, Ill., with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 178th Infantry Regiment in Chicago

• 2nd Lt. Adam Kowalski of Darien, Ill., with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 106th Aviation Regiment in Peoria, Ill.

• 2nd Lt. Brock Kowske of Chicago, with Company B, 1st Battalion, 178th Infantry Regiment in Elgin, Ill.

• 2nd Lt. Simon Lee of Chicago, with the 1744th Transportation Company in Crestwood, Ill.

• 2nd Lt. Justin Lipes of Roseville, Ill., with Company A, 1st Battalion, 178th Infantry Regiment in Bartonville, Ill.

• 2nd Lt. Kirby McKee of Huntley, Ill., with Company D, 1st Battalion, 178th Infantry Regiment in Woodstock, Ill.

• 2nd Lt. Doreen Misiorek of Springfield, Ill., with the 766th Engineer Company in Decatur, Ill.

• 2nd Lt. Brandon Nicol of Leroy, Ill., with Company E, 1st Battalion, 106th Aviation Regiment in Peoria, Ill.

• 2nd Lt. Monica Perez of Mount Prospect, Ill., with the 933rd Military Police Company in Fort Sheridan, Ill.

• 2nd Lt. Peter Pogwizd of Chicago, with Troop B, 2nd Battalion, 106th Cavalry Regiment in Dixon, Ill.

• 2nd Lt. Robert Reif of Wauconda, Ill., with Company A, 405th Brigade Support Battalion in Streator, Ill.

• 2nd Lt. Antonio Reyes of Chicago, with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 178th Infantry Regiment in Chicago

• 2nd Lt. Greg Romanek of Franklin Park, Ill., with Company B, 341st Military Intelligence Battalion 33rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion in Bloomington, Ill.

• 2nd Lt. John Schaaf of Moline, Ill., with Company A, 1st Battalion, 178th Infantry Regiment in Bartonville, Ill.

• 2nd Lt. Erin Speck of LaGrange, Ill., with the 333rd Military Police Company in Freeport, Ill.

• 2nd Lt. Keith Stewart of Ursa, Ill., with the 661st Engineer Company in Sparta, Ill.

• 2nd Lt. Jessica Sucic of Moline, Ill., with 2nd Battalion, 123rd Forward Support Company in Milan, Ill.

• 2nd Lt. David Wachtveitl of Springfield, Ill., with Company C, 341st Military Intelligence Battalion, 33rd Brigade Support Battalion in Carbondale, Ill.

Outstanding OCS graduates were awarded the following:

• The Leadership Award was awarded to 2nd Lt. Monica Perez of Mount Prospect, Ill., for the highest overall leadership evaluation score over the entire OCS program

• The Physical Fitness Award was awarded to 2nd Lt. Jessica Sucic of Moline, Ill., for the highest average score on the OCS Army Physical Fitness Test

• The Academic Award was awarded to 2nd Lt. Matthew Bisesto of Aurora, Ill., for holding the highest academic average in the class.

• Three Soldiers received honors. The honor award is a calculation of peer evaluations, leadership evaluations, academic evaluations and physical fitness, determining the top three overall officer candidates.

• The third honor was awarded to 2nd Lt. John Schaaf of Moline, Ill., for maintaining the third highest course average

• The second honor was awarded to 2nd Lt. Monica Perez of Mount Prospect, Ill., for maintaining the second highest course average

• The Erickson Trophy was awarded to 2nd Lt. Jessica Sucic of Moline, Ill., for holding the highest academic average in the class and she is also the class distinguished honor graduate.

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