Hometown Military News for Nov. 4, 2016:
Mahomet soldier retires after 35 years of service
By Sgt. Christopher Garibay, 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
MAHOMET – A moment of soul searching and the need to make a car payment prompted a young man to serve more than three decades in the Illinois Army National Guard.
Command Sgt. Maj. Joseph R. Briggs of Mahomet, with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 634th Brigade Support Battalion in Sullivan, retired Oct. 28 after 35 years of service.
Briggs said he envisioned a six-year career when he enlisted Feb. 10, 1981. However, his wife had other plans for his one weekend a month with the Illinois Army National Guard.
“My wife talked me into staying because it made our car payment,” said Briggs.
Not long after his second enlistment, Briggs earned a full-time position with the Guard. “After I got the full-time job in 1989, it changed my outlook and motivation.”
Those who know Briggs can attest to his commitment to soldiers in his unit. One example took place early in his career when Briggs ensured a young Soldier remained in the Guard after feeling disillusioned.
“He helped me through some very difficult times when I was a young Illinois National Guard Soldier,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Bryan J. Crowder of Jacksonville, battalion command sergeant major of the 232nd Combat Service Support Battalion in Springfield.
“I was initially promised a bonus based on a three-year reenlistment, went to take the physical, only to find out I wasn’t eligible. I was ready to say ‘forget this,’ but Briggs talked me off the bridge.”
Crowder said he thanks Briggs for convincing him to stay in the Guard. Crowder said that moment was pivotal in his life and he has since established a successful career in the Guard.
“He has always been there for soldiers and he has cared a great deal about them,” said Crowder. “He’s been a great friend and mentor for the past 20 years of my career.”
Doug Hanner of Oakwood, a retired sergeant first class who worked with Briggs for 13 years, echoed Crowder’s thoughts, noticing a difference in Briggs when he went full-time.
“When he went from a traditional Soldier to a full-timer his entire demeanor changed,” said Hanner. “He knew he would retire a Soldier so he was always conscientious of what he did and how he did it. He was a top-notch Soldier the whole time.”
Hanner said Briggs was a role model to many of the Soldiers he interacted with in the unit.
Over the course of his career, Briggs deployed to Germany, Italy, Louisiana and Afghanistan. He assisted in flood relief efforts during hurricane Katrina and deployed as a company first sergeant to Afghanistan to support Operation Enduring Freedom in 2008-2009.
“My crown jewel is returning with all 87 of my soldiers when I was downrange [in Afghanistan],” said Briggs. “That, followed by time as the readiness (noncommissioned officer) and the family we built in Bravo Company, 634th Brigade Support Battalion.”
During the past three decades, Briggs said he has seen many changes in the way the Army operates.
“Back in the 80s, we never worried about being deployed, the equipment was very old, but we tactically trained every time we went to the field,” he said.
Briggs said today’s soldiers should always be ready and seize opportunities to train and care for fellow Soldiers.
During Briggs’ retirement, he intends to work on his motorcycles, play with his grandchildren and spend time with his wife.
“I will be celebrating 30 years (of marriage) with my wife in a couple weeks and I think it’s time for us to enjoy our retirement.”
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