Rochester Soldier promoted to sergeant major

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SPRINGFIELD, IL (07/15/2016)(readMedia)-- 1st Sgt. James Probst of Rochester, Illinois, first sergeant for Joint Forces Headquarters based in Springfield, Illinois, was promoted to sergeant major during a ceremony at the Illinois Military Museum on Camp Lincoln July 14.

Family, friends and colleagues gathered to congratulate him. Probst thanked the many people who had helped him along in his career and told those in attendance that he looked forward to keeping the same "soldiers first" approach.

"I was told when I reached sergeant major it would be a different ball game where I would be at the top and not get to be as 'hands-on' in my approach to Soldiers," said Probst. "Regardless of the position, I want all of my Soldiers to know that I'm still going to be here to talk to you and mentor you."

Cutline 1: Tracy Probst of Rochester, Illinois, wife of Sgt. Major James Probst, pins her husband during a promotion ceremony held at the Illinois Military Museum on Camp Lincoln in Springfield, Illinois, July 7. Probst will continue to serve as a sergeant major within Joint Forces Headquarters based in Springfield, Illinois.