NEWLY PROMOTED COLONEL CELEBRATES MILESTONE AT CANTIGNY PARK IN WHEATON

Illinois Army National Guard Col. Justin Kramer, the Illinois National Guard Human Resources Policy Officer, was promoted to the rank of colonel Oct. 18 at the 1st Infantry Division Pavilion, 1st Infantry Division Museum, Cantigny Park in Wheaton.
In his civilian life, he is a program analyst for member services for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Health Administration.
Kramer enlisted in the Army National Guard as a cannon crewmember in 2002. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 2005 through the accelerated Officer Candidate School program.
He then served in "nearly every officer leadership position" in the Guard's 2nd Battalion, 122nd Field Artillery Regiment culminating as the battalion's commander.
He deployed as a platoon leader with the battalion to Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan, from 2008 to 2009. He has also participated in multiple joint training exercises including two to the Illinois National Guard's State Partnership Program partner, Poland, and others to Italy, Estonia, and Turkey.
Kramer has also served in various staff positions under 1st Army, the 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, the 404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, and the 244th Digital Liaison Detachment under the 65th Troop Command Brigade.
His military education includes all Field Artillery Officer career progression courses, the Command and General Staff Officer Course, the Advanced Operations Course, the Observer Controller Trainer Course, and the U.S. Air Force War College.
His awards include three Meritorious Service Medals, four Army Commendation Medals, and the Army Achievement Medal.
He holds a bachelor's degree in International Relations from Northern Illinois University and a master's degree in Strategic Studies from the Air War College.
He lives in Glenwood City, Wisconsin, with his wife of 18 years, Jessica, and four "amazing" children.