Chatham Soldier promoted to major

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SPRINGFIELD, IL (01/09/2015)(readMedia)-- SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Elizabeth A. Bickett of Chatham, Illinois, assigned to Illinois Army National Guard's (ILARNG) 766th Brigade Engineer Battalion (BEB) in Decatur, Illinois, was promoted to the rank of major during a ceremony at the Illinois State Military Museum in Springfield, Illinois, Jan. 8.

Bickett was born in Chamberlain, South Dakota, and grew up in Crystal Lake, Illinois, before she enlisted in the ILARNG Jan. 8, 1993 as an automated logistical specialist. She received her direct commission in February 2006. Bickett celebrated her 22nd anniversary of military service the same day she was promoted to major.

Bickett deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2006 to 2007 as a platoon leader for Company A, 634th Brigade Support Battalion in Mattoon, Illinois. She was also the first female from Illinois to receive the nationally-recognized General Douglas MacArthur Leadership Award. She received the award in 2010.

In December 2013, Bickett accepted an assignment as the full-time battalion officer in charge of the 766th BEB.

Bickett is married to Maj. Wyatt Bickett and has two step-children; Leioni, 11 years old and Hatcher, 9 years old.

Elizabeth A. Bickett of Chatham, Illinois, assigned to Illinois Army National Guard's (ILARNG) 766th Brigade Engineer Battalion (BEB) in Decatur, Illinois, shakes Brig. Gen. Michael Zerbonia's hand during a promotion ceremony at the Illinois State Military Museum in Springfield, Illinois, Jan. 8. Bickett celebrated her 22nd anniversary of military service the same day she was promoted to major. She stands with her father, Donald Roxworthy (left) and mother Jo Ellen Roxworthy (right) during the promotion ceremony. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Aleah M. Castrejon, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs Office)

Elizabeth A. Bickett of Chatham, Illinois, assigned to Illinois Army National Guard's (ILARNG) 766th Brigade Engineer Battalion (BEB) in Decatur, Illinois, is promoted to the rank of major by her mother, Jo Ellen Roxworthy, during a ceremony at the Illinois State Military Museum in Springfield, Illinois, Jan. 8. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Aleah M. Castrejon, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs Office)