Chatham Soldier takes command of Chicago-based unit

Related Media

photo cutline

CHICAGO, IL (06/15/2015)(readMedia)-- Col. Rodney Thacker of Chatham, Illinois, took command of the 244th Digital Liaison Team in Chicago, in a change of command ceremony June 13 at the Northwest Armory in Chicago.

Thacker takes the reins from Col. Byron Lloyd of Springfield, who served as the 244th DLT commander since March 2014. Lloyd will go onto to serve as the commander of the 404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade in Bloomington, Illinois.

Thacker enlisted in 1982 as an infantryman into the Illinois Army National Guard. In 1990 he commissioned as a second lieutenant after completing the Illinois Army National Guard's Officer Candidate School in Springfield, Illinois.

Thacker has served in many different leadership and staff positions in his more than 32 years of service. In 2008 to 2009 he deployed to Afghanistan in support in Operation Enduring Freedom with the 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team in Urbana, Illinois.

Cutline: Col. Michael Glisson, brigade commander of the 65th Troop Command Brigade in Springfield, Illinois, passes the 244th Digital Liaison Team's unit guidon to Col. Rodney Thacker of Chatham, Illinois, during a change of command ceremony June 14 at the Northwest Armory in Chicago. Thacker takes the reins from Col. Byron Lloyd of Springfield, Illinois who served as the 244th DLT commander since March 2014. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Michael Camacho/released)