Sherman Resident Takes Reins as Battalion's Top NCO

Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Behary has more than 21 years in the U.S. Army

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SPRINGFIELD, IL (10/10/2018) (readMedia)-- Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Behary of Sherman, Illinois, took responsibility as the top noncommissioned officer of the Illinois Army National Guard's 198th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion based in North Riverside, Ill.

"I am honored to become the command sergeant major of the 198th CSSB. I also recognize the great responsibility and the privilege it is to lead these professional men and women," Behary said.

As the battalion's top noncommissioned officer, Behary will oversee hundreds of enlisted Soldiers in the battalion's seven companies and will serve as senior enlisted advisor to the battalion commander, Lt. Col. Timothy Barnhardt. Behary will be responsible for the health, well-being, readiness and individual training of the Soldiers in the multi-faceted logistics battalion that includes transportation, quartermaster and maintenance companies.

Behary took over as the battalion's command sergeant major last month in a "Change of Responsibility" ceremony during the battalion's military ball in Elgin, Ill. He replaced Command Sgt. Maj. Anthony Mollusky of Kincaid, Illinois, who became the sergeant major of the Illinois Army National Guard's Logistics Directorate.

Behary has more than 21 years in the U.S. Army, including nine years on active duty where he was supply specialist with the 2nd Armored Division at Fort Hood, Texas, served a tour in Taegu, South Korea, with a logistics team and served as the supply sergeant with the Western Illinois University ROTC program. In 2003 he transferred to the Illinois Army National Guard where he has served in artillery, chemical and logistics units including as the operations sergeant major for the 108th Sustainment Brigade. In 2011, Behary deployed to Afghanistan with the 1-14th Agricultural Development Team.

Behary graduated from Kiski Area High School in Vandergrift, Pennsylvania, in 1991. He is also a graduate of the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy and he will receive his bachelor's degree from Western Illinois University in December. Behary is an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan.