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Illinois Army National Guard

@illinoisarmyguard

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Welcome to the OFFICIAL Illinois Army National Guard Instagram page.

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Meet SSG Francisco Orozco, a former 68W Combat Medic who recently transitioned to 79T — and now holds the title of #1 recruiter in the entire United States. 🇺🇸

He joined the Illinois Army National Guard at 24, working two jobs and feeling like something was missing. When he found out he was going to be a father, everything changed.

“I grew up without a dad, and I made a promise to myself to break that cycle. I didn’t want to just get by — I wanted to become someone my kid could look up to.”

The Guard gave him structure, purpose, and a career that’s supported his family in ways he never imagined. What started as a plan to go into healthcare turned into a passion for mentoring and changing lives through recruiting.

“Watching someone go from unsure and lost to confident and thriving never gets old. That’s what I love most about this job.”

Raised in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, SSG Orozco moved 19 times growing up. Today, he’s planted roots not only for his family but for the future of the Guard.

Outside of uniform, he’s an avid hiker, coffee lover, former metal band guitarist, and on a mission to visit every state in the U.S. (19 to go!).

“I never imagined myself in the military, but I’m so grateful I took that leap. It’s taken me further than I ever thought possible.”

SSG Francisco Orozco, your story is proof that the Guard doesn’t just change lives — it builds leaders. Thank you for showing what it means to serve with purpose. by @illinoisarmyguard

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a year ago

Message us to get connected with your local recruiter today 👀 by @illinoisarmyguard

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5 days ago

Wildcats Take on Disasterville! 🚨

ABC7 Chicago stopped by Wheeling High School to see the Wildcats take on realistic emergency response scenarios alongside the Army National Guard.

Proud to bring experiences like this to our schools! 🇺🇸

#ServeWithSgtCab #Disasterville #WheelingWildcats #ArmyNationalGuard taken in Wheeling High School by @illinoisarmyguard

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19 days ago

Today, we remember. 🇺🇸

On September 11, 2001, our nation was forever changed. We honor the nearly 3,000 lives lost, the first responders who ran toward danger, the families who carried unimaginable loss, and the service members who answered our nation’s call in the years that followed.

Twenty-five years later, their courage, sacrifice, and memory remain with us.

We will never forget. by @illinoisarmyguard

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a month ago

wheeling 🫱🏼‍🫲🏽 national guard

📸 @dompflicks taken in Wheeling High School by @illinoisarmyguard

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a month ago

How to lead. How to perform under pressure. How to stay disciplined and push yourself further.
ROTC gives you more than military training; it builds the confidence, leadership, and life skills to succeed in the classroom, your career, and whatever comes next.

🎓 Lead. Learn. Grow. Take the next step with ROTC and the Illinois Army National Guard. by @illinoisarmyguard

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2 months ago

🏆SSG Davidson🔓

This drill I had the awesome opportunity to get promoted to Staff Sergeant!

Who thought in 5.5 Years I would be in this position? But I cannot take full credit upon this because I have to give so much thanks and credit to my family, my UAS unit and my team in recruiting! They have been my rock, my mentor, and the people that have dealt with me at my highest and lowest! I am so thankful for the trust that India Company has provided into me to hold this position and I cannot wait to see what the future holds for me! The grind doesn’t stop and I am excited to continue to grow as an individual, a soldier, a NonCommissioned Officer, and a leader!

Hooah! Thank you everyone 🎉 by @illinoisarmyguard

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2 months ago

THE RESULTS ARE IN……

Did you ACTUALLY study before taking the ASVAB??🫣 taken in Aurora, Illinois by @illinoisarmyguard

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3 months ago

Your mom said you need a career. We agree. by @illinoisarmyguard

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4 months ago

Part time service full time swagger 😎

Our India Company RSP soldiers said “GO GUARD!” this weekend while learning tactical movements and OP4!

Send us a message to see if you qualify!

#goguard #armynationalguard #trending #illinoisguard #nationalguard by @illinoisarmyguard

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4 months ago

Staying mission ready is all about making sure your skills are elite. If you’re ready to be the best, take the next step at the link in bio. by @illinoisarmyguard

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4 months ago

Its simple. Do you have what it takes?

Prove it by visiting nationalguard.com/nj

🎨 @sgt.cohen taken in Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst by @illinoisarmyguard

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5 months ago