Senior Illinois Army National Guard Advisor retires

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SPRINGFIELD, IL (07/29/2014)(readMedia)-- SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Col. David J. Nelson of Chatham, Illinois, will retire in late August after 32 years of service. He served the last two years as the Senior Regular Army Advisor Guard (SRAAG) for the Illinois Army National Guard (ILARNG) while assigned to the First U.S. Army.

"Colonel Nelson was always a professional," said Col. Joe J. Schweickert of Peoria, Illinois, the Chief of Staff with Joint Forces Headquarters in Springfield, Illinois. "(He) had a genuine interest in the Illinois National Guard (ILNG), what we did and also in our people."

The SRAAG serves as the assistant to the Adjutant General and the liaison officer between the First U.S. Army and the Army National Guard (ARNG).

Nelson said one of the more significant roles he filled as the SRAAG was in a position of authority to the Officer Federal Recognition Board. He said this board determines the federal recognition of our states' commissioned and warrant officers for promotions, appointments and branch changes.

Schweickert said Nelson's role as the SRAAG benefited the ILNG. Nelson brought an outside perspective and a fresh look to a lot of the personnel processes, said Schweickert.

"In the long term, his advice and focus on evaluations will help our Soldiers to do better on future boards," said Schweickert.

Nelson said the SRAAG performs a variety of duties that vary from state to state based on the needs and desires of each adjutant general.

"Some of the key tasks include being the states' ARNG advisor with emphasis in areas of training, readiness, sustainment and mobilization of the state's ARNG assets," said Nelson. "The SRAAG provides subject matter expertise between the active Army and the ARNG in order to assist in production of mission-capable ARNG units for mobilization and deployment to combat theaters of operation."

The SRAAG provides teaching, coaching, mentoring and development assistance for all Soldiers in the ILARNG, said Nelson. He said this helped him become an asset for the officers, warrant officers and Soldiers.

Schweickert said Nelson had a positive effect and always wanted to get to know the servicemembers. He said Nelson asked questions and shared any problems he observed so they could be corrected.

image 1-Col. David J. Nelson, of Chatham, Illinois, the Senior Regular Army Advisor Guard will retire in late August after 32 years of service. Nelson spent two years assigned as the senior advisor between the Illinois National Guard and the regular Army. (U.S. Army National Guard photo provided)

image 2-Col. David J. Nelson of Chatham, Illinois, the Senior Regular Army Advisor Guard (SRAAG) for the Illinois Army National Guard (ILARNG), is honored at a luncheon May 6, at Mariah's restaurant in Springfield, Illinois, by Brig. Gen. Richard J. Hayes of Chatham, Illinois, the Assistant Adjutant General-Army for the Illinois National Guard. Nelson received the Illinois Military Distinguished Service Award, the Army Legion of Merit and other awards during the event. He will retire in late August after 32 years of service. (Photo provided by Col. David J. Nelson)

image 3-Maj. Gen. Daniel M. Krumrei of Springfield, Illinois, the Illinois National Guard Adjutant General, congratulates Col. David J. Nelson of Chatham, Illinois, the Senior Regular Army Advisor Guard (SRAAG), during a luncheon in recognition of his distinguished service May 6, at Mariah's restaurant in Springfield, Illinois. Nelson received the Illinois Military Distinguished Service Award, the Army Legion of Merit and other awards during the event. He will retire in late August after 32 years of service. (Photo provided by Col. David J. Nelson)