Hometown Military News for July 18, 2015:

Freedom Salute for Decatur-based Illinois Army National Guard Airlift Detachment

SPRINGFIELD – Approximately 10 Illinois Army National Guardsmen who served in Africa with Detachment 36, Operational Support Airlift based in Decatur held a Freedom Salute ceremony at Camp Lincoln.

The unit mobilized in July 2014 and deployed to Djibouti, Africa, for approximately nine months.

Detachment 36 flew Beechcraft C-12 Huron aircraft to conduct operational airlift support missions in seven different countries in eastern Africa. Their mission included transporting more than 600 personnel and more than 75,000 pounds of cargo as directed by the commander of Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa.

The unit conducted more than 200 missions, encompassing more than 1,000 hours of aircraft flight time and covering more than 250,000 nautical miles.

“I am very grateful for the families who supported these Soldiers while they were doing great things for the Illinois National Guard,” said Brig. Gen. Richard J. Hayes. “Without their support this unit could not have accomplished everything that they did.”

Detachment 36 previously mobilized in October 2010 and deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Illinois National Guard warrant officers extend invitation to senior enlisted soldiers

SPRINGFIELD – Senior noncommissioned officers from across the state met on July 11 at the Illinois Military Academy on Camp Lincoln, Springfield for the 2015 Warrant Officer Selection Event. The WO Selection Event is an annual recruitment event held in July at Camp Lincoln and in August at the North Riverside Armory in Chicago.

Brig. Gen. Richard J. Hayes Jr., The Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard, visited the event and said after years of partial vacancies, getting Illinois’ warrant officer program up to full strength was a top priority.

“Everyone here has been identified and selected by their leadership for warrant officer consideration,” said Hayes. “Commissioned officers are generalists, but warrants bring highly technical expertise to critical areas, and we are committed to supporting them, their Families, and their employers.”

Although last year’s WO Selection Event had about 50 attendees and generated several leads, this year’s smaller event was targeted towards 30 senior NCOs who already possess the interest and qualifications to begin a warrant officer application. All of the Soldiers that were present in the classroom were screened for eligibility and invited based on recommendations from their commanders. Each attendee came from technical backgrounds where warrant officer positions are hard to fill.

Command Sgt. Maj. Mark W. Bowman, Land Component Command Sergeant Major of the Illinois National Guard, said success in his organization means having the right person in the right slot at the right time. He said he’s glad to see experienced NCOs considering the switch.

“Have you had leadership fail you in the past? Ever thought that you could do better? Now is your chance.” said Bowman.

Warrant Officer Aaron D. Poynter of Pekin, petroleum systems technician for the 108th Sustainment Brigade based in Chicago, came to share his experience with the attendees after being the honor graduate in his Warrant Officer Basic Course that ended in June.

Poynter, an 18 year veteran, was a sergeant first class when he began the warrant officer process. He said he chose warrant officer because it would allow him to do what he loved even longer.

“I would ask anyone interested, if you have the technical knowledge, why not serve your state in the best capacity possible? Why not take the next step to become an expert and advisor?”

Chief Warrant Officer 5 David W. Hammon, Command Chief Warrant Officer of the Illinois National Guard, said the event offers senior Soldiers a great opportunity for career longevity in a way that benefits both the Soldier and the organization.

“Highly specialized and technical career fields aren’t always easy to keep filled, but doing so will increase the strength and status of our state,” said Hammon. “We have all these great, experienced people, and we want to keep them where they are, but at a higher level.”

If you are interested in being a warrant officer contact Chief Warrant Officer 3 Miranda Dawdy at (217) 761-1275 or [email protected].

Land Component Command Sgt. Maj. visits artillery battalion during key annual training

SPARTA, Wisc. – Illinois Army National Guard Land Component Command Sgt. Maj. Mark Bowman, of Plainfield, Illinois, visited with Soldiers from the Illinois Army National Guard’s 2nd Battalion, 122nd Field Artillery at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin July 15 to speak with them about their new equipment and new company.

Recently, the 122nd Field Artillery stood up a new C Battery based in Crestwood, Illinois, during a reorganization in the Illinois Army National Guard. Along with the new personnel, the battalion was designated as a composite field artillery battalion. With the restructure, the 122nd was fielded new M777, 152mm Howitzers, new counter-fire radar, and upgrades to their existing M119A2, 105mm Howitzers.

Maj. Jason Carter of Chicago, commander of the 122nd field artillery battalion, based in Chicago, said the designation doesn’t change the battalion’s mission, but increases their capability and firepower.

“Getting the new M777s, standing up C. Battery, and getting the upgrades on our existing guns provides more firepower for the battalion and expands our fires capabilities,” said Carter. “The digital upgrades to the M119s allow us to set up and fire faster, becoming more efficient, and adding the triple sevens gives us the ability to fire precision guided munitions.”

The upgrades to the M119A2 Howitzers that the battalion had include hardware and software component upgrades, a new Global Positioning System for navigation, a digital gunner’s display, and a digital connection to the Fire Direction Center.

Staff Sgt. Kenneth Vasser of Chicago, a section chief with A Battery, 2nd Battalion 122nd Field Artillery based in Chicago, said that the upgrades were welcome and would take a lot of the stress from Soldiers.

“These upgrades and new systems are great,” said Vasser. “We’ll have the capability to not only verify our position by GPS, but we’ll also be able to receive fire commands digitally, straight to the equipment we’re operating.”

Vasser said that it would greatly improve firing times while mitigating some of the human error that can happen on the gun line.

Along with upgrades to their M119 Howitzers, the battalion also received new Lightweight Counter Mortar Radar systems (LCMRs) to supplement and eventually replace their old counter-mortar radar systems. Carter said the new systems are smaller and more easily deployed and give a 360 degree view of the battlefield.

Bowman said that the new additions to the 122nd field artillery are exciting for the Illinois Army National Guard.

“This is awesome for the 122,” said Bowman. “This equipment almost makes them an entirely new field artillery battalion. It’s not only a huge boost to their capabilities and their overall combat power, but opens up new opportunities within the Illinois Army National Guard for new and seasoned Soldiers.”

Carter echoed Bowman, saying that the 122 is an entirely new battalion.

“The guys that are here during this fielding and training are the pioneer group for the new 122,” said Carter. “Our next challenges will be using our personnel to their full potential and figuring out how best to use our new capabilities in the fight.”

2015 Eager Lion Joint Training Exercise Award Ceremony

SPRINGFIELD – Approximately 25 Illinois Army National Guard Soldiers were recognized in a ceremony at Camp Lincoln in Springfield on July 11 for their support of 2015 Eager Lion Joint Training Exercise.

The multi-national and multi-component exercise was held in Aman, Jordan from October 2014 to May 2015. Service members, civilians, ministries, security agencies, governmental and nongovernmental organizations from different national all working together during the exercise.

The Guardsman chosen for the annual exercise are subject matter experts who operated as a part of a simulated higher command for the task force.

Army Achievements were awarded to Staff Sgt. Paul Golladay of Springfield, Maj. Kory Harms of Springfield and Staff Sgt. Erica Mccrary of Springfield , with Joint Force Headquarters in Springfield,Il. A meritorious service medal was awarded to Lt. Col. Stanley Manes of Springfield with HHC 1-178th INF in Chicago. An Army commendation medal was awarded to CWO2 Thomas Watson of Kincaid with Joint Force Headquarters in Springfield.

Air Force Airman Aaron J. Gedye

Air Force Airman Aaron J. Gedye graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas. The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills. Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

Gedye is the son of Amanda J. and Eric J. Gedye of Washington, Ill. He is a 2014 graduate of Washington Community High School.

Air Force Airman Darrion Pleasant

Air Force Airman Darrion R. Pleasant graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas. The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills. Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

Pleasant is the son of Deanna G. Pleasant of Bloomington, Ill., brother of Courtney L. Pleasant, and the grandson of Judy and David Welch of Greenville, Ill. He is a 2013 graduate of Normal Community West High School.

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