Illinois Guardsmen receive reserve component transportation corps recognition

Story by Staff Sgt. Aleah M. Castrejon, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs Office

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SPRINGFIELD, IL (08/01/2014)(readMedia)-- SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Two members of the Illinois National Guard's 1244th Transportation Company received recognition as the Reserve Component Transportation Corps Regimental Noncommissioned Officer (NCO) and Officer of the Year for 2013. Transportation Corps Soldiers and civilians, gathered at the annual Army Transportation Ball held at the Richmond Marriott in Richmond, Virginia, to honor the accomplishments of the award recipients, July 25.

Sgt. 1st Class Jose R. Sanchez of Romeoville, Illinois, 1244th Transportation Company (TC) platoon sergeant, in North Riverside, Illinois, was selected as the Reserve Component Transportation Corps Regimental Noncommissioned Officer (NCO) of the Year for 2013.

"Sanchez compiled a record that established him as a pacesetter in our battalion," said Lt. Col. Jose B. Jaques of DeKalb, Illinois, 1144th Transportation Battalion commander in Delavan, Illinois. "His mentorship and example provided a solid foundation for the future of his Soldiers, while also providing outstanding operational results."

Sanchez was nominated for the award by his company commander and received endorsement from Jaques, as well as each level of command up to National Guard Bureau.

"His contributions will surely continue to benefit many and I firmly believe the prestige of this award will be bolstered by his addition to the roles of recipients," said Jaques.

Capt. David Tanner of Williamsport, Indiana, commander of the 1244th TC in North Riverside, Illinois, said Sanchez is an expert in his field.

"Sanchez sets the example as a highly dedicated and professional noncommissioned officer," said Tanner. "He is a key member of the 1244th TC who utilizes his experience from two previous combat deployments and vast occupational knowledge to make his Soldiers and the 1244th TC as a whole, more ready, more resilient and more adaptable."

The Transportation Corps National Guard Officer of the Year for 2013, was Lt. Linden Allen of Chicago, former executive officer with the 1244th TC and recently named commander of the 1644th TC in Rock Falls, Illinois.

"Allen's leadership, coupled with his emphasis on safe execution and the development of Soldiers, improves individual and unit capabilities," said Col. Michael Glisson of Festus, Missouri, 65th Troop Command Brigade commander. "In turn, the Illinois National Guard and United States Army become stronger."

Allen learned many lessons from his deployment to Iraq in the harsh and hazardous environment of the desert, said Jaques.

"Allen consistently demonstrated his knowledge of transportation operations, planning, execution and development," said Tanner. "He epitomizes the selfless service all commissioned officers strive toward in supporting and serving their Soldiers."

Allen and Sanchez are strong examples of what it means to be a Citizen Soldier, said Tanner.

"One of the strengths of the National Guard is our connection to 'Main Street,'" said Tanner. "These awards recognize the value the winners provide in their contributions to those communities, not just their performance within their unit. The 1244th TC is extraordinarily proud of this recognition for two of our own."

These awards, established decades ago by the U.S. Army Chief of Transportation are to recognize outstanding performers in the transportation corps. They are evaluated on nominees' contributions both in and out of uniform. Illinois Army National Guard Soldiers compete against the U.S. Army Reserve for the awards.

"Two Soldiers from the same state, honored in the same year is an outstanding accomplishment," said Tanner. "Both also being from the same unit is remarkable."

Sgt. 1st Class Jose R. Sanchez of Romeoville, Illinois, 1244th Transportation Company platoon sergeant, in North Riverside, Illinois, received recognition as the Reserve Component Transportation Corps Regimental Noncommissioned Officer of the Year for 2013. Transportation Corps Soldiers and civilians, gathered at the annual Army Transportation Ball held at the Richmond Marriott in Richmond, Virginia, to honor the accomplishments of the award recipients, July 25. (Courtesy photo)

Lt. Linden Allen of Chicago, former executive officer with the 1244th Transportation Company and recently named commander of the 1644th Transportation Company in Rock Falls, Illinois, received recognition as the Reserve Component Transportation Corps Regimental Officer of the Year for 2013. Transportation Corps Soldiers and civilians, gathered at the annual Army Transportation Ball held at the Richmond Marriott in Richmond, Virginia, to honor the accomplishments of the award recipients, July 25. (Courtesy photo)