Litchfield Soldier promoted to colonel

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SPRINGFIELD, IL (02/09/2016)(readMedia)-- Craig A. Holan of Litchfield, Illinois, was promoted to colonel during a ceremony at the Illinois Military Academy on Camp Lincoln in Springfield, Illinois, Feb. 5.

Holan is the full-time Construction and Facilities Management Officer for the Illinois Army National Guard and is responsible for all construction and maintenance of ILARNG real property as well as physical security and environmental protection.

During the ceremony, Holan thanked his family and his friends and mentors who helped guide his career and teach him along the way.

"I've learned a lot in my military career," said Holan. "The one thing that remains the same after 30 years is that the military is about people and the connections you make with those people."

Holan reenlisted with the Illinois National Guard after a break in service in 2005 with the 766th Engineer Battalion where he served in every position from staff office to battalion commander. Holan deployed to Afghanistan as the commander of the 766th Explosive Hazards Coordination Cell in 2008.

Holan enlisted in 1983 with the 82nd Airborne Division and has served on active duty as well as in the Army Reserves and the National Guard. He attended the Reserve Officer Training Course at the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee and received his commission in 1989.

Holan resides in Litchfield, Illinois, with his wife of 30 years, Sharon; they have two daughters, Katerina and Elizabeth.

Cutline 1: Sharon Holan of Litchfield, Illinois, places colonel rank on her husband, Craig A. Holan, during a promotion ceremony Feb. 5 at Camp Lincoln in Springfield, Illinois. Holan was promoted to the rank of colonel after more than 30 years of service and will continue as the full-time Construction and Facilities Management Officer for the Illinois Army National Guard. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Bryan Spreitzer, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs Office)

Cutline 2: Col. Craig A. Holan recounts his time in uniform and those that helped him along in his more than 30 year career during a promotion ceremony at Camp Lincoln in Springfield, Illinois, Feb. 5. Holan has served at nearly every level of leadership in his career and is currently the full-time Construction and Facilities Management Officer for the Illinois Army National Guard. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Bryan Spreitzer, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs Office)