Illinois National Guard Officer Provides Guidance As Commander, Minister

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SPRINGFIELD, IL (08/03/2011)(readMedia)-- When Moses led his people from Egypt, chances are he wasn't wearing combat boots. Recently another man of God brought his troops home from Egypt decked out proudly in a U.S. Army uniform.

Lt. Col. Maurice Rochelle, 49, of Flossmoor, is the full–time officer-in-charge of the 404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade in Chicago. He is also an associate minister of the Salem Baptist Church in Chicago.

Rochelle also serves as the commander of the 2nd Battalion, 123rd Field Artillery (FA) and led the battalion while it was deployed to Sinai, Egypt from May 2010 to May 2011. This weekend the approximately 500-Soldier unit will celebrate its successful deployment and return with Freedom Salutes in Milan, Macomb and Galesburg.

"From the time I was presented with the command, I knew 2nd Battalion, 123rd FA was a very special and proud unit," said Rochelle. "Egypt was a wonderful mission for the Soldiers, especially for those who have served in Afghanistan and Iraq. It particularly granted an opportunity for junior leaders to develop their skills in a less hostile environment."

During his deployment to the Sinai, Rochelle was a guest speaker for the Task Force Sinai prayer breakfast in March 2011.

"I have done a few military prayer breakfasts," said Rochelle. "I have also taught for several years the 'Whole Armor of God' (Ephesians 6:10-18) from a military viewpoint while dressed in BDU/ACUs for the church's membership development department."

As the battalion commander, his role was to maintain the battalion readiness for the peace keeping mission, homeland security missions, and train on new equipment and maintain rear detachment operations.

"Serving my country and community enhances my interpersonal skills," said Rochelle, a 29-year veteran. "I have the natural ability to coach, counsel, mentor and also have that servant-leader mindset; the attitude of selfless service."

He has been an associate minister for 13 years and is a licensed minister of the gospel at Salem Baptists where he works with his wife. He also attends other churches, conferences, spiritual retreats and religious events with his wife, Marie.

At the church, the couple provides guidance as the directors of the married couple's ministry with approximately 35 couples from the congregation who assist with planning and executing events for more than 3,000 married couples. The Rochelle's provide biblical marital counseling to most of the Chicago community and also teach Sunday school classes to more than 100 adults every Sunday.

Some of his pastoral care duties include: serving communion, visiting the sick, offering prayer, one-on-one spiritual counseling and the occasional opportunity to baptize new converts.

"When I went to Israel with (some) Soldiers of the 123rd FA, it was as if the Bible came alive," said Rochelle. "I thoroughly enjoyed baptizing 15 Soldiers in the Jordan River."

Rochelle hopes to serve another 10 years in the military while continuing to serve his God.

Date Unit Location Time Approx. # of Soldiers

Aug. 6 Battery B Macomb Armory, 135 W. Grant St.; Macomb 10 a.m. 90

Aug. 6 Battery C Galesburg Armory, 362 N. Linwood Road; Galesburg 2 p.m. 90

Aug. 7 Headquarters, Battery A, Forward Support Company Augustana College, 3703 7th Ave.; Rock Island (Centennial Hall) 10 a.m. 250

Submitted photo/ Illinois Army National Guard, Lt. Col. Maurice Rochelle of Flossmoor, commander of the 2nd Battalion, 123rd Field Artillery.

Submitted photo/ Illinois Army National Guard, Lt. Col. Maurice Rochelle of Flossmoor, commander of the 2nd Battalion, 123rd Field Artillery, also serves as an associate minister at the Salem Baptist Church in Chicago.

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For high resolution photos please email ngilstaffpao@ng.army.mil.