Illinois ESGR

06/01/2026

Chicago, Illinois:
On May 29, in the Brighton Park neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve(ESGR)volunteer Bob Nachman presented an ESGR Patriot Award to Marlon Henriquez, the principal of the Frank W. Gunsaulus Scholastic Academy. He was nominated by Captain Alejandro Villafuerte of the US Army National Guard, who in civilian life is a teacher at Gunsaulus Academy. The award was presented at a morning assembly at the school, and attended by 100 6th, 7th, and 8th graders, who were treated to a little history lesson about the draft, the Viet Nam war, and the founding of ESGR along the way. Shown left to right: Nachman, Principal Henriquez, and Captain Villafuerte.

05/29/2026

Marseilles, Illinois:
As part of yesterday’s full day, Illinois Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve(ESGR)welcomed employers to Marseilles Training Center for a bosslift on Blackhawk helicopters.

05/25/2026

05/25/2026

05/25/2026

Today, we remember and honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our nation. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten.

This Memorial Day, the Illinois National Guard reflects on the courage, dedication, and selflessness of those who answered the call to serve. We also recognize the families who carry their legacy forward every day.

May we continue to honor the fallen not only in remembrance, but through our commitment to the freedoms they fought to protect. 🇺🇸

05/24/2026

05/23/2026

🇺🇸 With Memorial Day approaching, we are reminded that each fold of a flag holds meaning. The final fold however, the one right before the flag is cradled and handed to a grieving family, says what words cannot. We pause in silence for the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. We honor their memory, their families, and the weight of every fold that tells their story. We will never forget.

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Please note that Team Scott will have modified hours this weekend:
🇺🇸 Friday, May 22: Many customer service areas / offices are closed on base. Please call ahead if seeking assistance.
🇺🇸 FSS hours of operation: https://375fss.com/holiday-hours/

Additionally in the area:
🇺🇸 Belleville Memorial Day Parade, May 25, 10 a.m., Starts on North 3rd & West A Street, and travels on Mascoutah Avenue to Walnut Hill Cemetery. A Memorial Day Ceremony will then take place at 11 a.m. there.
🇺🇸 O'Fallon Memorial Day Ceremony, May 25, 11:30 a.m. at the Veterans Monument located on 737 Wesley Drive. Major. Gen. Charles D. Bolton, 18th Air Force commander, is the guest speaker. In the case of inclement weather, the ceremony will be moved to the First Baptist Church, located at 1111 East Highway 50 in O’Fallon.
🇺🇸Mascoutah Memorial Day weekend events:
▶️ Veteran’s Ball Park Dedication Ceremony, May 22, 5:30 p.m., at the Mascoutah High School Ball Fields
▶️ Flag Placement at Mascoutah City Cemetery, May 23, 10 AM
▶️ Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony, May 25, Noon, American Legion Post 292

*More events may be added as they are known*

05/19/2026

Quincy, Illinois:
The City of Quincy and its police department earned recognition for its efforts to support citizen soldiers who balance duty to their country with their careers.
At a recent Quincy City Council meeting, Illinois ESGR announced the city's nomination for the annual Secretary of War Freedom Award.
The award highlights employers who greatly exceed legal requirements for their military employees.
Loren Easter, representing Illinois Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve(ESGR), told attendees that only nine are awarded annually and that "to be nominated is an outstanding achievement. Your commitment to supporting military service demonstrates your patriotism. You are a part of our national defense.”
QPD officer Brandon Epley nominated the city and department for recognition. ESGR was established in 1972 and is part of the U.S. Department of War.