Chatham Soldier promoted to colonel

SPRINGFIELD, IL (01/30/2015)(readMedia)-- SRINGFIELD, Ill. – Rodney Thacker of Chatham, Illinois, was promoted to the rank of colonel Jan. 30 at Camp Lincoln in Springfield, Illinois.

Thacker serves as the full-time plans, operations and training officer for the Illinois Army National Guard. He is responsible for all plans, training, operations and readiness for more than 10,000 Illinois Army National Guardsmen.

"I am proud and extremely humbled in Major General Krumrei's confidence in me to be the Director of Plans, Training and Operations for the Illinois Army National Guard," Thacker said. "It has been challenging at times, but always rewarding to see Soldiers and leaders get opportunities they wouldn't normally get while being a member of the National Guard."

Thacker deployed to Afghanistan with the Illinois Army National Guard's 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team based in Urbana, Illinois, from 2008 to 2009 as an Embedded Training Team mentor in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Thacker enlisted as an infantry Soldier in 1982 before he commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1990. He has more than 32 years of military service with the Illinois Army National Guard (ILARNG), which includes 20 years full-time with the organization.

Thacker has held many positions throughout his career including multiple commands such as Service Battery and Battery C, 3rd Battalion, 123rd Field Artillery and 2nd Squadron, 106th Cavalry Regiment. He also served as the ILANG J3 for homeland security and emergency management.

Thacker resides in Chatham, Illinois, with his wife April and his two youngest sons, Brayden and Dylan. His oldest son, Josh, resides in Collinsville with his daughter, Lilly.

Cutline 1:Rodney Thacker of Springfield, Illinois, the full-time plans, operations and training officer for the Illinois Army National Guard recites the oath of office from Daniel Krumrei, the Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard. Thacker was promoted to the rank of colonel during a ceremony at Camp Lincoln in Springfield, Illinois, Jan. 30. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Robert R. Adams, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs Office)

Cutline 2: Rodney Thacker of Springfield, Illinois, the full time plans, operations and training officer for the Illinois Army National Guard poses for a photo with his wife April, his three sons Josh, Brayden and Dylan along with his granddaughter Lily on Jan. 30 at Camp Lincoln, Springfield, Illinois. Thacker was promoted to the rank of colonel and has served in the Illinois Army National Guard for more than 32 years. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Robert R. Adams, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs Office)