Photo by RR Best
Illinois National Guard from around the state gathered for logistics training with 550 gathering for exercises at the Sulllivan Middle School and Civic Center on August 15.

•August 26, 2015•

By Nick Fiala

Reporting from Sullivan

For the first time since before 2007, a special training session hosted 550 members of the Illinois National Guard battalion at the Sullivan Middle School and Civic Center Saturday, August 15.

“We’re a logistics battalion,” explained Captain April Hawes. “So we’re supporting other units with fuel and water and food...and medical support…It’s usually just one unit drilling together.”

Over the years, the battalion has not narrowed down such an inclusive schedule. But the opportunity finally came this year, with a date set for last Saturday.

The special training day is a unique opportunity to further develop a wide variety of skills and relationships within the battalion that can prepare them for whatever field experience is in their future.

“Everything that we’re doing today has a direct tie to our actual logistical mission in supporting somebody else,” said Lieutenant Joel Jessup.

“But it’s been built into a competitive game-style environment. It’s an opportunity for everybody to come together who haven’t been together for seven to eight years.  They get to know people they may not interact with everyday and build professional relationships. Now they can go talk directly to their counterparts, whom they didn’t know last night.”     Login or Subscribe to read the rest of this story.