08/15/2026
Illinois Army National Guard Officer and ‘True Selfless Servant’ Promoted to Lieutenant Colonel
NORMAL, Ill. – Illinois Army National Guard Maj. Aaron A. Hepner, who oversees operations for the Peoria-based 65th Troop Command, was promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel during a ceremony Friday, Aug. 14, 2026, at Heartland Community College.
Col. Jason Carter, commander of the 65th Troop Command, presided over the ceremony, praising Hepner’s dedication and leadership. Hepner's wife, Jennifer, and their sons, Arlo and Theo, pinned the new lieutenant colonel insignia onto his uniform.
Hepner, a resident of Downs, Illinois, has served in the military for 16 1/2 years, including 14 years of commissioned service. He serves as the S3 (operations officer) for the 65th Troop Command in Peoria, Illinois. Hepner oversees operations for a complex brigade that includes an aviation battalion, a field artillery battalion, the 5th Civil Support Team, the 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, and the 144th Army Band among other elements. The brigade has subordinate units throughout Illinois.
During his remarks, Carter highlighted Hepner's dedication to Soldiers and his ability to take on challenging roles throughout his career.
"You go above and beyond to take care of Soldiers," Carter said. "You are a true selfless servant."
Carter also emphasized the significance of Hepner's promotion, noting the increased responsibility that comes with serving as a lieutenant colonel and the competitive nature of reaching the rank.
"That is a huge testament to what the organization thinks about your leadership, to be able to select you above your peers to get to that mark as lieutenant colonel," Carter said.
During his remarks, Hepner expressed gratitude to his family, fellow service members and mentors who supported and influenced him throughout his career. He also reflected on the importance of relationships and trust in his approach to leadership.
"Mission success follows relationships, not the other way around," Hepner said. "Social capital must be built before a crisis. You cannot create trust on demand."
Hepner commissioned in 2011 through the Accelerated Officer Candidate School at Fort McClellan, Alabama, after starting his military journey with basic combat training at Fort Benning, Georgia, in 2010. As a career chemical officer, his previous leadership and staff assignments include:
- Decontamination platoon leader for the 445th Chemical Company in Shiloh, Illinois.
- Commander of the 135th Chemical Company in Machesney Park, Illinois.
- Logistics officer (S4) and executive officer for the 44th Chemical Battalion in Bloomington, Illinois.
- Chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) operations officer and staff officer with the 404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade in Normal, Illinois.
In 2019, Hepner deployed to Bagram, Afghanistan, where he was awarded the Afghanistan Campaign Medal and the NATO Non-Article 5 Medal. Following his deployment, he served with the COVID-19 Joint Task Force in Springfield, Illinois, tracking critical personnel and logistics metrics.
Hepner credited the Soldiers, noncommissioned officers, warrant officers, peers and leaders he served alongside with helping shape him throughout his career.
"I've tried to learn something from every single one of you in every assignment that I've had, and I look forward to continuing to build that trust and relationship as we move forward together," Hepner said.
In his civilian career, Hepner works as a regional maintenance manager and Title 32 military technician. Hepner graduated from Lexington High School in 2003. He holds an associate degree from Heartland Community College in Normal and earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice sciences from Illinois State University in Bloomington in 2008. He is a lifetime member of the National Guard Association of Illinois.
His military decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, two Army Commendation Medals, four Army Achievement Medals, three Reserve Components Achievement Medals, and the Humanitarian Service Medal.
The ceremony's invocation and benediction were delivered by Hepner's brother, Father Tim Hepner, a Catholic priest in the Catholic Diocese of Peoria. The event concluded with the playing of the Army Song and a reception for family, friends, and colleagues at White Oak Brewing.
Photos by Spc. Davanh B. Sanamixay, Illinois National Guard, JFHQ Public Affairs
