New Douglas Native Enlists in Illinois Army National Guard

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Spc. James Smith of New Douglas, Illinois, shakes hands with Sgt. 1st Class Thomas Reif, a recruiter with Illinois National Guard at the St. Louis Military Enlistment Processing Station.

SPRINGFIELD, IL (08/30/2017) (readMedia)-- Spc. James Smith, of New Douglas, Illinois, was sworn into the Illinois Army National Guard March 21, at the St. Louis Military Entrance Processing Station.

Smith enlisted as an 11B, Infantryman, and is assigned to Company C, 2nd Battalion 130th Infantry based in Litchfield, Illinois.

Smith is a 2011 graduate of Metro Christian Academy in Sorento, Illinois. Smith served 4 years in the Marine Corps as a mechanic prior to his enlistment in the Illinois National Guard.

Smith said he chose the Illinois National Guard because he wanted to continue to serve close to home.

"I don't feel I have done all I can yet," said Smith. "I feel that the guard will give me that opportunity."

The Recruiting and Retention Battalion and Company M congratulated Smith and welcomed him into the Illinois Army National Guard.