Twenty-two Illinois Army National Guard Soldiers graduated from the Illinois Army National Guard (ILARNG) Officer Candidate School (OCS) course through the 129th Regiment (Regional Training Institute) during a ceremony at Illinois State University's Capen Auditorium at Edwards Hall in Normal Aug. 16.

Eighteen Soldiers took the oath of office as newly-commissioned second lieutenants.

"Congratulations to OCS Class 71-26," said Brig. Gen. Michael Eastridge, Deputy Assistant Adjutant General, Illinois Army National Guard. "Your graduation is an outstanding achievement. Less than one percent of our nation has served and only a fraction becomes officers. You represent that fraction."

Eastridge also thanked the Soldiers' family and friends as well as the OCS cadre.

"This course requires sacrifice," he said. "Thank you to everyone who played a role in getting you to this moment."

Eastridge, who graduated from the Illinois Army national Guard OCS in 2000, told the 18 new second lieutenants they are being entrusted to lead formations and train Soldiers.

"I sat where you are 26 years ago," he said. "I was ready to lead Soldiers. Thirteen months later, the terrorist attacks of September 11 happened. After September 11, our Army had to adapt quickly for the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. One of those adaptations was the transformation to the Infantry Brigade Combat Team."

Eastridge said the Illinois Army National Guard adapted to that transformation.

"We built readiness through realistic, challenging training and developing our Soldiers and leaders," he said. "Today you are entering an Army undergoing another significant transformation. Operating environments are changing rapidly. Technology is changing how we fight. The Army transformation is accelerating how we adapt our formations, or equipment, our capabilities and that environment in how we win our nation's wars."

Eastridge shared a story about a conversation he had as a major with a Soldier. Ten years later, he saw the Soldier again and the Soldier shared how that conversation motivated him.

"As officers you will have that same opportunity to have conversations to influence Soldiers. Sometimes it will be deliberate," he said. "Sometimes it will be a 15-minute conversation you won't remember, but they will. Training matters, technology matters, equipment matters, but people win wars.

"Twenty-six years ago, I sat where you are. We don't know what will happen in the future," he said. "Develop ready Soldiers. Build ready formations. Be ready for whatever falls."

Col. Paul Metzdorff, Commander, 129th Regiment (Regional Training Institute) congratulated the Soldiers on their accomplishment, but reminded them it is only the beginning.

"Today we celebrate not just what you accomplished, but what you are about to build," said Metzdorff. "This marks the powerful first step into the significant legacy you will create as an officer."

"You have conquered one of the most demanding and physical courses the U.S. Army offers," he said. "That speaks volumes about your dedication and your potential. Be proud of that accomplishment but understand it is merely the foundation."

Metzdorff told the Soldiers now the real construction begins.

"As you build your careers, let these principles be your blueprints," he said. "First, build your legacy on servitude. Your rank is not a mark of privilege. It is a symbol of your profound responsibility to the Soldiers you lead. The most enduring legacies are built by leaders who genuinely care for their people and their families. Make them your priority and they will become the bedrock of your success."

Metzdorff remindedthe OCS graduates, actions speak loudly to those they will lead.

"Build your legacy with your actions," he said. "Your character, both on and off duty,is the steel frame of your reputation. Lead by example in everything you do. Be the leader who is willing to do thehard work, who upholds the standard, and whose integrity is never in question. Your Soldiers will see this, and they will build their own standards on yours."

Metzdorff told the newly commissioned officers a legacy is neverbuiltalone. He said it is built with a team.

"You will soon be partnered with noncommissioned officers whopossessa wealth of experience. Build your legacy by empowering them," he said. "Be the humble lieutenant who listens, learns, and trusts their platoon sergeant. A leader's true strength is measured by the strength of the teams they cultivate."

Metzdorffsaid the choices they make will shape the legacy they leave as officers.

"Build your legacy with confidence. Do not fear failure for the worst decision is always indecision," he said. "Trust your training, take calculated risks, and act with a decisiveness that your position demands.

"As you step forward remember this day not as the end of something, but as the launchpad for a legacy built on service, courage, and the unwavering commitment to those you lead," he said. "Go forth and write your legacy."

Class71-26is the71st class to graduate from the 129th's Officer Candidate Program, which transforms enlisted noncommissioned officers and qualified civilians into U.S. Army officers. The future leaders complete more than 610 hours of classroom and field instruction, must meet the commissioning standards of the U.S. Army, and be examined, and approved by a federal recognition board.

The newly commissioned second lieutenants, their branch, and unit of assignment are:

· 2nd Lt. Ashleigh Brown of York, Logistics, 1844th Transportation Company;

· 2nd Lt. Joseph Fisher of Worden, Engineer, 661st Engineer Company;

· 2nd Lt. Michael Foote of Wilmington, Military Police, Headquarters Support Company, 404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade;

· 2nd Lt. Jevorne Francisrichards of Kankakee, Logistics, 3625th Quartermaster Company;

· 2nd Lt. Tianyu Gai of Chicago, Aviation, unit to be determined;

· 2nd Lt. Timothy Gillmore of Lindenhurst, Chemical, 135th Chemical Company;

· 2nd Lt. Angelo Gonzalez of Chicago, Logistics, 725th Transportation Company;

· 2nd Lt. Miguel Gutierrez of Addison, Infantry, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 178th Infantry Regiment;

· 2nd Lt. Kyle Holgorsen of Davenport, Iowa, Logistics, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 44th Chemical Battalion;

· 2nd Lt. Eric Kim of Lockport, Chemical, 444th Chemical Company;

· 2nd Lt. Alexander Knoppe of Carbondale, Military Police, Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 33rd Military Police Battalion;

· 2nd Lt. Hoyt Lindsay of Herrin, Infantry, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry Regiment;

· 2nd Lt. Stephon McClain of Springfield, Engineer, 661st Engineer Company;

· 2nd Lt. Alexis Rodriguez of Plano, Signal, 406th Signal Company;

· 2nd Lt. Alexandra Still of Decatur, Logistics, Detachment 1, 1544th Transportation Company;

· 2nd Lt. Sean Wilhour of Crystal Lake, Infantry, Company D, 1st Battalion, 178th Infantry Regiment;

· 2nd Lt. Christopher Williams of Chicago, Logistics, 725th Transportation Company; and

· 2nd Lt. Lawrence Woods of Sauk Village, Logistics, 126th Quartermaster Company

Four Soldiers chose to "hip-pocket" their commissions and seek federal recognition as Army officers at a later date. They are:

· Sgt. 1st Class Aaron Dunbar of Chicago;

· Sgt. 1st Class Alexander Evans of Springfield;

· Sgt. 1st Class Lauren Locandro of Mahomet; and

· Sgt. 1st Class Coire Reel of Sparta

Class 71-26 awards went to:

2nd Lt. Sean Wilhour of Crystal Lake was awarded the prestigious Maj. Gen. Edgar C. Erickson Trophy as the Distinguished Honor Graduate of Class 71-26. He demonstrated exceptional achievement across every evaluated domain. He was presented with an Army Achievement Medal.

2nd Lt. Eric Kim of Lockport was the 2nd Honor Graduate of the class. Kim earned recognition through consistent excellence in academics, leadership and physical fitness. He was presented with an Army Achievement Medal.

2nd Lt. Joseph Fisher of Worden was the 3rd Honor Graduate of the class for achieving high academic, leadership, peer evaluation and physical fitness scores. He was presented with an Army Achievement Medal.

Sgt. 1st Class Coire Reel of Sparta was awarded the Physical Fitness award for scoring 496 out of 500, a near perfect score, on the Army Fitness Test and setting record paces during tactical foot marches and the four-mile release run. He was presented with an Army Achievement Medal.