Oak Park Soldier commissions as an officer in the Illinois Army National Guard

Story by Staff Sgt. Aleah M. Castrejon, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs Office

Related Media

140125-Z-IK722-003web.jpg

SPRINGFIELD, IL (01/16/2015)(readMedia)-- SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Logan Greeley of Oak Park, Illinois, with the 108th Multifunctional Medical Battalion, direct commissioned to first lieutenant on Jan. 16, during a ceremony at Camp Lincoln, Springfield, Illinois.

Eleven years ago, Greeley joined the military for college benefits; he did not anticipate remaining in the Guard.

Greeley enlisted in 2004 as a radio operator and changed his career path to preventative medicine six years ago. His civilian experience as an industrial hygienist with OSHA correlates directly to his military job description as a 68S, preventative medicine specialist.

"I wanted to commission for many reasons. I want to more effectively bring change to the organization," said Greeley.

Greeley's job experience and bachelor's degree allowed him to be promoted to first lieutenant, surpassing second lieutenant. He holds a bachelor's degree in biology with a minor in geography.

"The extent of his knowledge from deploying his skills made him that lone individual who exceeded the standard of hands-on experience and academic achievement to enter the officer corps as a first lieutenant," said Capt. Donnell B. Young of Yorkville, Illinois, 708th Medical Company commander.

Greeley said his civilian job and military job work hand in hand.

"On the civilian side, I protect the American people and on the military side, I work with my Soldiers to protect the American people," said Greeley.

Greeley resides in Oak Park with his wife, Veronica and their two children, 7-year-old Heidi and 3-year-old Edwin.

"He is a Soldier's Soldier, meaning he does that which he desires his soldiers to do," said Young. "It's been a pleasure to serve with him. He is very intelligent and driven in both pursuits, military and academic career. Given his experience, outgoing personality and his motivation to succeed; he will be an inspiration to other Soldiers who want to pursue a similar path from enlisted to officer."

Staff Sgt. Logan Greeley of Oak Park, Illinois, with the 108th Multifunctional Medical Battalion, recites the oath of office during a commissioning ceremony at Camp Lincoln, Springfield, Illinois, on Jan. 16. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Aleah M. Castrejon, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs Office)

1st Lt. Logan Greeley of Oak Park, Illinois, with the 108th Multifunctional Medical Battalion, shakes hands with Capt. Donnell B. Young of Yorkville, Illinois, 708th Medical Company commander, after he recited the oath of office during a commissioning ceremony at Camp Lincoln, Springfield, Illinois, on Jan. 16. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Aleah M. Castrejon, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs Office)

1st Lt. Logan Greeley of Oak Park, Illinois, with the 108th Multifunctional Medical Battalion, signs his contract after he recites the oath of office during a commissioning ceremony at Camp Lincoln, Springfield, Illinois, on Jan. 16. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Aleah M. Castrejon, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs Office)