Chicago Police Officer Retires from Illinois Army National Guard

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CHICAGO, IL (02/18/2012)(readMedia)-- 2011 marked the end of another chapter in the life of an Illinois Army National Guard Soldier and Chicago Police Officer. Sgt. 1st Class Nichelle Harris of Chicago is retiring from the Illinois Army National Guard.

Harris has spent the last 25 years in the military, with more than 15 of those years spent with the Illinois Army National Guard.

Harris enlisted after graduating high school in the fall 1986. Her original motivation was one that many Soldiers share.

"I originally joined the reserves after hearing a recruiter at my high school mention free education," Harris said.

After basic training Harris said she fell in love with the military and went active duty Army in May 1988. She served overseas in Germany and Fort Campbell, Ky. Upon leaving active duty she joined the Illinois Army National Guard with Company C,133rd Signal in North Riverside.

The first of her three deployments came in January 2003 when she deployed to Kuwait with the 633rd Personnel Services Battalion in Robbins. After her deployment, she joined the Chicago Police Department.

"I figured if I could protect the country, I could protect the city," Harris said.

Harris stayed with the 633rd until 2006 when she deployed to Iraq with 1744th Transportation Company in Streator. Two years later Harris was mobilized again, this time for a mission to Afghanistan with 634th Brigade Support Battalion in Joliet.

"She wore more than the uniform of a cop and a Soldier," said Valerie Young of East St. Louis, who deployed with Harris in 2006. "She has a mother-like role. Even though she never bore any physical children, she has the personality to just care. She is very determined, not only to see herself succeed, but to see others succeed."

Harris said her time in the military was a great experience.

"The time went by so fast and I can say it did because I was doing something that I loved," Harris said. "I had all the support in the world from my family, friends and Soldiers."

Harris said the military has taught her a lot about life.

"I wouldn't be the person I am if it wasn't for the military. They taught me how to be a leader, how to communicate with others, how to be patient and understanding, and how to support others," Harris said. "I just hope I helped others in becoming the leaders that some of them are today."

Harris carries on her tradition of service as an officer in the Chicago Police Department, where she has worked for nine years.

"The military isn't for everyone; but if it's for you then go for it," Harris said. "I wouldn't trade my 25 years in the military for anything in the world. I got to travel all over the world and I have been to places only people dream about."

Photo 1: Sgt. 1st Class Nichelle Harris of Chicago

Photo 2: Photo courtesy of Sgt. 1st Class Nichelle Harris/ After 25 years of service, Sgt. 1st Class Nichelle Harris of Chicago is retiring from the Illinois Army National Guard. Harris deployed three times during her career. As a Soldier with the 1744th Transportation Company in Streator, Harris deployed to Balad, Iraq in 2006-2007 where she served as a team leader, training sergeant, operations sergeant and platoon sergeant.

Photo 3: Photo courtesy of Sgt. 1st Class Nichelle Harris/ Sgt. 1st Class Nichelle Harris of Chicago enlisted with the Army Reserves in 1986. After wearing a U.S. Army uniform for 25 years, Harris is retiring from the Illinois Army National Guard.

For high resolution photos, please contact the Illinois National Guard Public Affairs Office at ngilstaffpao@ng.army.mil

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