65 Troop Command Brigade

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

Army Fitness Test

On 21MAY26, our dedicated Full-Time Unit Support (FTUS) personnel from HHD-65TCB and the 260 Military Intelligence Company hit the ground running in Peoria for their Army Fitness Test (AFT).

Our full-time staff works hard behind the scenes to keep our units ready, and they lead by example when it comes to physical fitness and combat readiness. Great job to all the Soldiers who came out and gave it their all!

Full Measure!

05/28/2026

🇺🇸 Veterans, your next career opportunity could be waiting!
The Illinois National Guard is proud to partner with Illinois Department of Central Management Services to support those who have served. Join the Veterans Outreach Program Employment Workshop to learn more about building a career with the State of Illinois and explore valuable employment resources available to veterans.
💼 Explore career opportunities
💻 Virtual workshop
📅 First Tuesday of each month
🕐 1:30 – 2 p.m.
Continue your mission of service by taking the next step toward your future.
ServingIllinois

05/24/2026

05/21/2026

From the Secretary of the Army:

05/19/2026

2-123 FAR SHOULDER SLEEVE INSIGINIA CONVERSION CEREMONY

05/19/2026

2-123 FAR SHOULDER SLEEVE INSIGINIA CONVERSION CEREMONY:
The shoulder sleeve insignia is more than mere emblem; it represents the history, honor, and esprit de corps of the soldiers of the unit. on 23APR26 2-123 FAR transitioned insignias to the 45th Field Artillery Brigade, in doing so they ushered in a new chapter of proud history and lineage symbolizing their integration into the field Artillery Brigade. This act symbolizes the foundation of cooperation and unity between two organizations from different state’s national guard.

05/19/2026

https://www.dvidshub.net/image/9682072/illinois-army-national-guard-chaplain-presides-over-military-funeral-honors-repatriated-wwii-veteran
Chaplain Monte Bowers, Brigade Chaplain for the 65th Troop Command Brigade of the Illinois Army National Guard, speaks at the gravesite of U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Paul Allen “Dusty” Gregg on May 11, 2026, in Arcola, Illinois. served with the historic 28th Infantry Division, a Pennsylvania National Guard unit known as the “Keystone Division” and the oldest continuously serving division-sized unit in the U.S. Army. As a member of Company H, 2nd Battalion, 109th Infantry Regiment, he participated in the 1944 invasion of France. Tragically, Staff Sergeant Gregg was reported missing in action on December 18, 1944, in the vicinity of Fouhren, Luxembourg, during the height of the conflict. The long-awaited identification of Staff Sgt. Gregg’s remains was made possible through DNA analysis by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency. Laboratory at Offutt Air Force Base on May 29, 2025. (U.S. Army photo by Cpl. Richard Blackwood, 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, Illinois Army National Guard.)

Chaplain Monte Bowers, Brigade Chaplain for the 65th Troop Command Brigade of the Illinois Army National Guard, speaks at the gravesite of U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Paul Allen “Dusty” Gregg on May 11, 2026, in Arcola, Illinois. served with the historic 28th Infantry Division, a Pennsylvania Natio...