Hometown Military News for Jan. 15, 2016:
Illinois soldier promoted to Brigadier General
SPRINGFIELD – The former commander of the 65th Troop Command based in Springfield, Michael Glisson of Festus, Missouri, was promoted to brigadier general, Jan. 9, in a joint change of command and promotion ceremony at Camp Lincoln, Springfield.
Glisson was appointed as the Illinois National Guard’s Director of the Joint Staff in mid-October replacing Brig. Gen. Alicia Tate-Nadeau of Chicago, formally of Delavan, Illinois who now serves as the Assistant Adjutant General – Army.
In a statement released by Gov. Rauner’s office he said he was pleased to announce this key appointment within the Illinois National Guard and congratulated Glisson on his promotion. The governor added that The Director of the Illinois National Guard Joint Staff would be working with the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and a multitude of other agencies to ensure the state’s readiness to respond to any of a multitude of emergencies that could occur within Illinois.
Glisson’s graduated from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in metalsmithing and a master’s degree in Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College. Glisson has served in various positions throughout his 25 year career to include commanding the 65th Troop Command Brigade.
“Mike Glisson has extensive experience working in both domestic and international operations and has worked with all other U.S. military services as well as a great many international militaries,” said Maj. Gen. Richard J. Hayes Jr., The Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard. “He has also worked extensively with Illinois community leaders as well as with communities as far away as Poland and Afghanistan. He will do exceptionally well as the Director of the Joint Staff.”
Glisson kept his comments brief but did stress his gratitude to his wife and two sons who were in attendance.
“William Faulkner said that, ‘history is not was, it is’,” said Glisson. “Each of us contribute to the process of making history.”
Glisson said he is looking forward to working with Soldiers to continue shaping the Illinois National Guard’s history in “our” support to the state and nation.
“Being selected as the Director of the Joint Staff and for promotion to brigadier general is a true honor and privilege,” said Glisson. “I’m looking forward to working as a team with leaders both within the Illinois National Guard and outside our ranks. A great number of challenges lie ahead, but I’m confident that by working as a team we can overcome any obstacles, protect our state and defend our nation.”
65th Troop Command Brigade receives new commander
SPRINGFIELD – Col. Rodney A. Thacker of Chatham took command of the 65th Troop Command based in Springfield, Illinois from Brig. Gen. Michael J. Glisson, of Festus, Missouri, during a change of command ceremony, Jan. 9, at Camp Lincoln, Springfield.
“I’m humbled and excited for this opportunity to command the 65th Troop Command Brigade,” said Thacker.
Thacker thanked Glisson for handing off a hardworking brigade that is professional, with high morale and great esprit de corps. Thacker said congratulations to Glisson on his selection to brigadier general and as the next director of the joint staff.
Thacker then addressed the Soldiers of the 65th saying, “ready and deployable units is the key to success for the Army as we continue to take the fight overseas and if we are called out to support the state of Illinois.”
The 65 TC is the second largest brigade in the Illinois Army National Guard with over 2800 Soldiers including Special Forces, public affairs and field artillery.
During the ceremony Glisson acknowledged the many retirees and former servicemembers in attendance.
“Your past efforts allowed us to be where we are today, as individuals and as an organization,” said Glisson.
Among the many honored guest in attendance were, U.S. Senator Mark Kirk, U.S. Representative Rodney Davis, Illinois State Representative Sara Wojcicki Jimenez and civilian aide to the Secretary of the Army-South and Dr. Michael Ayers.
183rd Air Operations Group is activated – Mission well under way
SPRINGFIELD – The 183rd Air Operations Group was honored in a ceremony that recognized the group’s official activation at the 183rd Fighter Wing, Springfield Capital Airport on Jan. 10.
Maj. Gen. Richard J. Hayes, the Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard, presided over the ceremony that included nearly 400 military members, as well as members of the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee and many former members of the 183rd Fighter Wing.
During the ceremony, Col. John E. Patterson, 183rd Fighter Wing commander, thanked many in the audience who were responsible for achieving this milestone. “This unit had a proud history of flying fighter aircraft for over 60 years, and many of you here contributed to that. And now that fighter heritage lives on in these men and women who are forging ahead with a complex, multi-domain command and control mission.”
That mission is the direct responsibility of the Air Operations Group commander, Col. Rick G. Yoder. Yoder unfurled new guidons with each of his commanders, a time-honored military tradition in activating a unit. He’s one of a handful of people who have guided the transition from the beginning in 2008.
“The ceremony signifies the official activation, but we’ve been performing this mission for a very long time,” said Yoder. “A good number of our folks completed certification early on, and we’ve been supporting command and control operations all over the world ever since,” he added.
In 2014, the wing completed construction of two new facilities associated with the mission. Major communications and security upgrades were also completed. The state-of-the-art buildings house the group’s air operations training facility and a separate planning staff. The Air National Guard has only one other unit like this one in the nation.
The ceremony was conducted against the backdrop of the ultramodern Consolidated Repair Facility where military aircraft engines from all over the world are repaired. That facility was completed in 2011.
“We’re extremely pleased with the missions and facilities at the 183rd,” said Hayes. “I’m even more impressed with how well the men and women in this unit have transitioned to their new roles. They dedicated themselves to extensive training and it’s paid off – they’re in demand and highly successful.”
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