Dixon Soldier Promoted to Lieutenant Colonel

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DIXON, IL (08/24/2018) (readMedia)-- Maj. Sean Welker of Dixon, Illinois, was promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel during a ceremony at the Illinois Military Academy in Springfield, Illinois, August 22.

Welker, with more than 20 years of service, has held numerous positions in the Illinois Army National Guard and deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from October 2004 to September 2005.

Welker's children, Konnor, Taylor, Sophia, Reagan and his wife, Maj. Jennifer Welker, helped make the promotion ceremony memorable by "pinning" on his new rank. Following the pinning, Maj. Gen. Michael Zerbonia of Chatham, Illinois, Assistant Adjutant General, Army, Illinois National Guard, spoke about Welker and his commitment to the ILARNG.

"Thank you for everything you have done taking your Chief of Staff position to new heights," said Zerbonia. "We expect you to take things to the next level as the new deputy G4 (Logistics)."

Zerbonia congratulated Welker and thanked his family for their continued support.

"I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for Maj. Gen. Zerbonia," said Welker. "Brig. Gen. Eric Little is someone else I would like to thank today."

Welker said while working for Little he was pushed further than he thought possible.

"I also would like to thank my wife for putting my career ahead of her own to allow me to pursue my aspirations," said Welker.

Photo 1 cutline: Maj. Sean Welker's daughter Sophia takes the rank off her father's uniform during a promotion ceremony August 22 at Camp Lincoln, Springfield, Illinois. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Robert R. Adams, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs)

Photo 2 cutline: Maj. Sean Welker's daughter Taylor pins the rank of lieutenant colonel on her father's uniform during a promotion ceremony August 22 at Camp Lincoln, Springfield, Illinois. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Robert R. Adams, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs)