Illinois Army National Guard - Brigades

10/28/2026

The Illinois Army National Guard’s 34th Division Support Brigade recently pushed its finest Soldiers to the absolute limit at the annual Best Warrior Competition, held this August at the Marseilles Training Center, Illinois.
Over several grueling days, competitors battled intense physical and mental challenges, including:
Ruck marching 🥾

Marksmanship events 🎯

Land navigation 🗺️

Rigorous physical fitness tests 💪

These dedicated citizen-Soldiers put their tactical expertise, stamina, and resilience on full display, embodying the ultimate spirit of readiness and excellence.
Congratulations to all the warriors who stepped up to represent the Brigade!
(U.S. Army photos by Staff Sgt. Brianne Maze, 34th Division Support Brigade, Illinois Army National Guard)

10/28/2026

Congratulations, CW2 Ethan R. Connor!

10/26/2026

10/21/2026

Capt. Grace Kovarik relinquished command of the Machesney Park based 135th Chemical Company to 1st Lt. Carlos Romero at Marseilles Training Center, Marseilles, Illinois, October 17, 2026.
Kovarik reflected on more than three years of leadership, recognizing the Soldiers’ dedication, resilience, and accomplishments, including their recent work at the
Joint Readiness Training Center, in which the unit took part in a simulation of a realistic, large-scale combat operation.
Romero spoke of his commitment to building a culture of trust, maintaining readiness, and serving the company with trust and dedication.
Before the conclusion of the ceremony, Kovarik was awarded the Army Commendation medal for her outstanding service as commander, and Romero was promoted to the rank of captain.
The ceremony marked the conclusion of Kovarik’s command and the beginning of a new chapter for the 135th Chemical Company. (U.S. Army photos by Spc. Charlie Michaels, 404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, Illinois Army National Guard)

10/21/2026

Capt. Matthew Selvaggio, outgoing commander of the 404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade Headquarters Support Company, relinquished command to 1st Lt. Jacob Beckman during a change of command ceremony at Marseilles Training Center in Marseilles, Illinois, October 17, 2026.
During the ceremony, 1st Sgt. Michelle Siddles, first sergeant of the 404th MEB HSC, passed the unit’s guidon to Selvaggio, who then passed it to Lt. Col. Kyle Scifert, deputy commander of the 404th MEB. This symbolic transfer represented Selvaggio’s relinquishment of command and responsibility for the Soldiers of the HSC.
Scifert then passed the guidon to Beckman, signifying the transfer of command authority and responsibility to the incoming commander. Beckman subsequently returned the guidon to Siddles, who serves as his senior enlisted adviser and the keeper of the guidon.
The ceremony concluded with remarks from Scifert, Selvaggio and Beckman.
Scifert expressed his gratitude for Selvaggio’s service as commander and wished him well in his future endeavors. He also expressed enthusiasm for Beckman as he assumed his new leadership role.
Selvaggio thanked the Soldiers of the 404th MEB HSC for their service and expressed confidence that they would continue to uphold the standards established during his command.
Beckman closed by thanking brigade leadership for entrusting him with the position and expressing his enthusiasm for the opportunity to lead the company.

10/15/2026

Congratulations to Nellie Sharp, who is retiring after 32 years of helping Soldiers!

10/12/2026

On Oct. 12 2005, Spc. James Grijalva, 26, of Burbank, Illinois died from a non-combat related injury in Baghdad, Iraq. Grijalva was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry Regiment based in Urbana, Illinois. Our thoughts are with his family and friends as they remember him today.

10/09/2026

Interoperability in action! The 5th WMD CST participated in a comprehensive joint exercise alongside federal, state, and local partner agencies on October 7, 2026 in Springfield. The training focused on evaluating joint command and control as well as operational ex*****on in response to a simulated high-level threat environment. Interoperability training prepares all agencies for a seamless, coordinated response to keep our communities safe.
🤝🇺🇸

10/01/2026

The 65th Troop Command Brigade's very own 144th Army Band performed at the Polish Embassy in our nation's capital on Sept. 23.

09/30/2026

Congratulations to Maj. Patrick Brambert, the chief medical officer for the Bartonville-based 709th Area Support Medical Co., 34th Division Support Brigade. Brambert finished his third successful Norwegian Foot March, completing the 18.6-mile march with 25 pounds in his ruck in under 4 hours and 30 minutes at Fort McCoy, Wis. on Sept 17.