Soldiers, Families celebrate National Guard Birthday, holiday

Story by Spc. Christopher A. Garibay, 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs

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U.S. Army photo by Spc. Christopher Garibay, 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs

DANVILLE, IL (12/14/2011)(readMedia)-- More than 100 Soldiers of the 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Headquarters and Headquarters Company (IBCT HHC) based in Urbana, and their families ended the year celebrating the holidays, Soldiers' achievements and commemorating the National Guard's 375th birthday at the Turtle Run Golf Club, Dec. 11.

The holiday party is an annual event that brings Soldiers and their families together for a meal and holiday festivities. This year's party included presents for the children, raffled prizes and a visit from Santa Claus. Also, a cake was cut for the birthday commemoration. The National Guard turned 375 years old on Dec. 13.

Capt. Jesse N. Wright, company commander of the 33rd IBCT HHC, said staff coordinated with the Illinois National Guard's Family Readiness Group (FRG) to provide presents for children in attendance. The FRG also gave an annual briefing on the services offered to servicemembers and their families.

"It's great for families to come together this time of year," said Wright. "It's also important every child gets a gift today, especially for those who are less fortunate."

Sgt. 1st Class Holly J. Carlile of Peoria and Spc. Larry K. Moseley of Tuscola each said it was the first year they brought their children to the party.

"It was a fun event," said Carlile, who brought her daughter Lucy and son Jack to the party. "It was well coordinated and they made it fun for the kids. I'd bring them again next year."

Tina M. Meneely, wife of Staff Sgt. Anthony Meneely, said this was the second year she attended the party and would continue to attend for however long her husband remained in the National Guard. Both spent the day before the event volunteering at the Veteran Affairs Hospital in Danville with their 13-year-old daughter.

The latter portion of the holiday event included an awards presentation to recognize Soldiers in the company who went above and beyond their normal call of duty. Four Soldiers were awarded the Army Achievement Medal and one, Command Sgt. Maj. Philip J. Czajkowski of Monticello, was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal. Czajkowski is retiring after 24 years of service.

Additionally, Col. Paul C. Hastings of St. Charles, brigade commander of the 33rd IBCT took a moment to reiterate the Illinois National Guard's commitment to Illinois and the country. He said that even as the Guard has become a more sophisticated fighting force, it remains committed to the local communities for which it serves.

Photo Captions:

U.S. Army photo by Spc. Christopher Garibay, 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs/ Sgt. 1st Class Holly Carlile with the 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Headquarters and Headquarters Company based in Urbana, smiles at the annual holiday party with her daughter Lucy, and son, Jack, Dec.11. The company's annual party brings together Soldiers and their families for a celebration of holidays and to appreciate the hard work put in throughout the year. The event included a meal, raffle, gifts for the children and a visit from Santa.

U.S. Army photo by Spc. Christopher Garibay, 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs/ Sgt. Bradley Boxleitner of Champaign, with the 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Headquarters and Headquarters Company based in Urbana, is awarded an Army Commendation Medal by Brigade Commander Col. Paul C. Hastings during the company's annual holiday party, Dec. 11. His work helped the unit ensure all financial matters for the 2010 fiscal year were resolved. The event also awarded four others for their hard work and commitment to the unit and the Illinois National Guard.

U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Alisha D. Grezlik, 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs/ Pfc. William J. Wilder from Chenoa and Sgt. Michael Zombro from Maroa, both with the 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Headquarters and Headquarters Company based in Urbana, slice a commemorative cake in celebration of the Army National Guard's 375th birthday, Dec. 11. Wilder, the youngest addition to the company, and Zombro, the oldest, are a symbol of the different generations that have chosen to serve in the Guard and the communities it protects.

For high resolution photos, please contact the Illinois National Guard Public Affairs Office at ngilstaffpao@ng.army.mil

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