Illinois National Guard

06/01/2026

June 1, 1957: The Illinois Army National Guard’s Officer Candidate School is established on Camp Lincoln in Springfield.

05/30/2026

Meet TOP: 1SG Justin Grob, HHD-65 TCB

1. Hometown: Thomasboro, IL

2. Military Career: 16 Years of Service:
–> Unit Supply Specialist, Unit Armorer, Human Resources Sergeant, Squadron S1 NCOIC, Automated and Automations Record Branch NCOIC, Enlisted Personnel Management Branch NCOIC.
–> Two Overseas Deployment Training Missions (Operation ROKA-AT, Korea and Operation Bright Star, Egypt).

3. Education:
-> Civilian: Urbana Highschool, General Studies Diploma.
-> Military: Master Leader Course.

4. I initially joined the military at the age of 25 to challenge myself and develop skills and experiences to set myself apart from my peers. Within the first year and a half of my Traditional M-Day career, I transitioned into the Active Guard Reserve Program and have tremendously enjoyed teaching, coaching, and mentoring Soldiers to become future leaders of the Illinois Army National Guard.

5. Leadership philosophy: Mission First, Soldiers Always. I truly believe that mission accomplishment depends entirely on the welfare, training, and motivation of the Soldiers within our ranks. In everything I do, I try and bridge the gap between policy and ex*****on while prioritizing mission readiness and fiercely advocating for the health and welfare of my Soldiers.

6. Hobbies and interests outside of the Army: Outside of the Army, I enjoy spending time with my two beautiful children, Lincoln and Liberty. I am also an avid Indianapolis Colts fan and thoroughly enjoyed watching them beat the Chicago Bears in Super Bowl XLI!

1SG Grob, welcome to the 65 Troop Command Brigade.

05/30/2026

Meet the Commander: CPT Katharina Gerdt, HHD-65 TCB

1. Hometown: San Antonio, TX

2. Military Career: 11years of service, prior active-duty with the 10th Mountain Division and the 1-10th Special Forces Group (A).

3. Education:
-> Civilian: Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts from Texas State University.
-> Military: Adjutant General Captains Career Course.

4. I decided to join the military in my sophomore year of high school to continue my family’s legacy of military service as well as a deep desire to serve, protect, and give back to my country.

5. Leadership philosophy: Provide Bottom Line Up Front insights to enable rapid, decisive action in high-tempo environments and serve as a dependable force multiplier.

6. Hobbies and interests outside of the Army: Outside of daily family life, I find balance through volunteering at New Kingdom Trailriders, where I get to enjoy horseback riding while supporting kids with disabilities. I also enjoy gardening and spending quality time with my husband and three children.

CPT Gerdt, Welcome to the 65 Troop Command Brigade.

05/30/2026

Congratulations to Illinois Army National Guard Sgt. Raul Avalos-Mora, who was honored at the May 19 Chicago Wolves game. Sgt. Avalos-Mora is a Radiology NCO with the 709th Medical Co. and an Honor Guard Team Leader with the Illinois Army National Guard's Funeral and Honors Program. He deployed in 2020 with the 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry Regiment as a CBRN Specialist. Sgt. Avalos-Mora is shown with Wolves anthem singer Wayne Messmer. ILARNG Sgt. Adrian Guachichullca will be honored at the Wolves' June 3 Western Conference Finals game.

05/30/2026

Congratulations to Illinois Army National Guard Sgt. Maj. Thomas Bezik, the operations sergeant major for the 2nd Squadron, 106th Cavalry Regiment, for graduating from the Army's Sergeants Major Academy, May 23, at Fort Bliss, Texas. A highlight from Sgt. Maj, Bezik's class was a leadership development section taught by Sergeant Major of the Army Michael Weimer.

05/30/2026

05/30/2026

05/29/2026

Decatur Soldier Promoted to Lieutenant Colonel

The hard work and dedication of newly promoted Lt. Col. Russell Hayes was celebrated during a promotion ceremony at the Illinois National Guard Armory in Urbana May 29.

Hayes, of Decatur, joined the Illinois Army National Guard Aug. 11, 2011, serving in Company B, 634th Brigade Support Battalion. In March 2012, he graduated from federal Officer Candidate School and was commissioned a second lieutenant.

“This is a significant milestone in the career of a truly outstanding officer,” said Col. Paul Metzdorff, the Illinois Army National Guard Chief of Staff. “He has taken on every critical role we have asked of you.”

Metzdorff said throughout those roles, Hayes has demonstrated exceptional leadership and unwavering dedication leading to the promotion.

“Of 1,023 officers in the Illinois Army National Guard, only 72 are lieutenant colonels,” Metzdorff said. “Of the 101 commissioned officers in the Active Guard and Reserve program, only 16 are lieutenant colonels. This is a tremendous accomplishment to stand here today as you are promoted.”

Hayes, the executive officer of the 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, has served in a variety of leadership and staff positions, including previously serving as the executive officer to the ILARNG Chief of Staff.

“In the Army, no one reaches the rank of lieutenant colonel alone,” said Hayes. “I have been incredibly fortunate to serve alongside some of the greatest officers, noncommissioned officers, and warrant officers in the Illinois National Guard.”

Metzdorff thanked Hayes’ family, including wife, Katelynn, and two sons, Briggs and Crew.

“A successful military career is not accomplished alone. It is a team effort,” Metzdorff said. “A special thanks to his family, especially Kate and their two sons, for their incredible support.”

Metzdorff also thanked Hayes’ parents.

“Thank you for raising a son who has so honorably dedicated himself to a life of service,” Metzdorff said. “This promotion is thoroughly deserved. It is a recognition of past achievements, but also a testament to the immense confidence we as senior leaders have in you.”

Hayes also thanked his parents for their support.

“Today would not have been possible without you,” he said. “You have been at every game, every school event, military ceremony, and you continue that tradition with my boys. That commitment to our lives cannot be overstated. You gave me true values, resiliency, unconditional support and love that has allowed me to reach this milestone today.”

Hayes had a special message for his sons.

“No matter where the military takes me, it is the greatest honor of my life to be your father,” he said. “You will always be my motivation to be a better person, father, husband, and Soldier.”

Lastly, Hayes thanked his wife, Katelynn.

“Supporting a military member is an extremely difficult task,” he said. “I’ve missed too many milestones in our marriage, and you have continued to support me. Thank you for your encouragement and for keeping me grounded.”

05/29/2026

The Illinois Army National Guard was proud to host ESGR at Marseilles Training Areas. Our crews from the 1st Battalion, 106th Aviation Regiment were happy to orient these supportive employers to our UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters and give them an experience few outside the military ever get.