Hometown Military News for July 29, 2016:
Illinois National Guard soldiers recognized as Transportation Corps Officer, Soldier of the Year
By Spc. Jesus Meraz, 108th Sustainment Brigade Public Affairs
CHICAGO – Two Illinois Army National Guard Soldiers were recognized for their expertise and professionalism during the United States Army Transportation Corps 2016 Regimental Honors awards ceremony July 27 at the Army’s Transportation School at Fort Lee, Virginia.
1st Lt. Nathaniel Jungheim of Chicago received the 2015 Transportation Corps Reserve Component Officer of the Year award and Spc. Jessica Gluszek of Rock Falls, Illinois, as the 2015 Transportation Corps Reserve Component Soldier of the Year award.
The awards honor the Soldiers’ distinguished service, significant contributions and performance in support of the Transportation Corps. The Transportation Corps is known as the spearhead of support, moving supplies, personnel and equipment where they are needed.
“It feels good to be recognized for all that work that I put in,” said Jungheim.
Jungheim said he believes the award is a culmination of years of hard work.
Gluszek said she was overwhelmed with excitement when she received the news of her recognition. She said she looks forward to continuing to serve in the transportation corps and the Illinois National Guard.
“I love what I do,” said Gluszek.
Jungheim and Gluszek were nominated while serving in the 1644th Transportation Company in Rock Falls by their former commander, Capt. Linden Allen of Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Allen said it was an honor to be their commander and felt their professionalism and expertise should be recognized.
“Jungheim is an excellent leader … and I’m sure he will continue to do great things,” said Allen.
Allen said Gluszek was one of those Soldiers who got done what you asked of her, without having to ask her more than once, and she got it done above standard.
“She always preformed in an exemplary manner,” said Allen.
Allen said Gluszek stood out to him when she first came to the unit.
“She really took charge and stepped right up into a leadership role,” said Allen.
Allen said he is proud of Jungheim and Gluszek and their recognition in the transportation corps and feels they are both deserving of the title.
“They are both highly deserving of this award. It brings a great deal of credit upon the 1644th Transportation Company, the premier line haul transportation company in the National Guard.”
In recent years the Illinois National Guard has had several officers and Soldiers recognized for their efforts in the transportation corps and other logistics support fields. Illinois National Guard Soldiers continue to perform well in the transportation and logistics field.
Click here to see WJBC’s Hometown Military News archive.
