East Peoria Soldier awarded Legion of Merit

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Wilfinger1 Legion of Merit

SPRINGFIELD, IL (03/01/2016)(readMedia)-- Vernon Wilfinger, of East Peoria, Illinois, a retired sergeant major with the Illinois Army National Guard, was awarded the Legion of Merit during a ceremony at Camp Lincoln in Springfield, Illinois, Feb. 27. The award was presented by Maj. Gen. Richard Hayes Jr., The Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard, during the Senior Leaders Conference Feb. 26-28 at the Illinois Military Academy.

Wilfinger enlisted in the Illinois Army National Guard in 1982 as an infantry Soldier with Company B, 1st Battalion, 123rd Infantry Regiment, then located in Delavan, Illinois. He went on to serve more than 32 years, including 30 as an Active Guard Reserve (AGR) Soldier, until his retirement in February 2015. Wilfinger's last assignment was as the operations sergeant major for the Springfield-based 65th Troop Command Brigade.

Wilfinger's award citation stated he "distinguished himself by exceptional duty performance, powerful leadership, creative problem solving and demonstrating extraordinary talents" and "his performance immeasurably helped improve the Illinois National Guard."

Wilfinger's previous awards include the Bronze Star Medal and the Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters.

Created in 1942, the Legion of Merit is the fourth highest honor for members of the U.S. Armed Forces and it recognizes exceptional meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements.

Cutline 1: Maj. Gen. Richard Hayes Jr., The Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard, pins the Legion of Merit medal on the lapel of Sgt. Maj. (Ret.) Vernon Wilfinger, of East Peoria, Illinois, during a ceremony at Camp Lincoln, Springfield, Illinois Feb. 27. Wilfinger was honored for his more than 32 years of service to the Illinois Army National Guard. (U.S. Army photo by Lt. Col. Bradford Leighton, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs Office)

Cutline 2: Maj. Gen. Richard Hayes Jr. (right), The Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard, shakes hands and presents the Legion of Merit citation to Sgt. Maj. (Ret.) Vernon Wilfinger, of East Peoria, Illinois, during a ceremony at Camp Lincoln, Springfield, Illinois Feb. 27. Wilfinger was honored for his more than 32 years of service to the Illinois Army National Guard. (U.S. Army photo by Lt. Col. Bradford Leighton, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs Office)