Already a Coach, Artist, and ‘Brady Bunch’ Dad – Army Officer is Now a Major
Photo By Sgt. David Ervin |
Maj. A.J. Peskuski, Commander of the 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, recites......read moreread more
Photo By Sgt. David Ervin | Maj. A.J. Peskuski, Commander of the 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, recites the oath of office during his promotion ceremony at General Jones Armory in Chicago, July 19, 2026. Promotion to the rank of major marks the transition from company-grade to field-grade officer, carrying increased leadership and organizational responsibilities.
U.S. Army photo by Sgt. David Ervin, 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment) see less
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Already a Coach, Artist, and ‘Brady Bunch’ Dad – Army Officer is Now a Major
A.J. Peskuski has many roles in his busy life – father, husband, coach, artist, and businessman. Now he has another - U.S. Army field-grade officer.
The Illinois Army National Guard promoted A.J. Peskuski of Wheaton, Ill., to major on Sunday at the General Richard L. Jones Armory on Chicago’s South Side.
Maj. Peskuski is the commander of the 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment (MPAD) based at the General Jones Armory. Soldiers of the unit were joined by Peskuski’s wife, Linda, and Illinois National Guard Director of Public Affairs Lt. Col. Brad Leighton to celebrate this important milestone in Peskuski’s career.
A promotion from captain to major marks a significant step in an Army officer’s professional development. The rank of major typically signals an officer’s transition from direct, tactical leadership to broader organizational responsibilities, including mission planning, staff coordination and mentorship of junior leaders. The promotion is also a formal acknowledgment of the Army’s confidence in Peskuski’s ability to manage complex operations and contribute to long‑term readiness.
Peskuski said that the promotion reflects years of preparation and leadership experience. “I completed multiple commands as a captain and a company commander, and with the increased rank, I’m able to take on increased responsibility,” Peskuski said. “This gives me a chance to lead in another organization.”
The ceremony included the traditional pinning of Peskuski’s new rank. Linda Peskuski, and Leighton, pinned Peskuski. “A.J. has shown his dedication to the MPAD, and he takes pride in the work he does,” Linda said. “When someone needs information from him, he will give his all to his job and the responsibilities that come with it.”
Following the ceremony, Soldiers of the 139th MPAD and Leighton congratulated Peskuski on his promotion.
“For me, it’s an absolute honor to be able to pin him. He’s entering a community that is very small.” said Leighton. “The Soldiers are unique and intelligent…creative…and think for themselves. He’s going to have a great time with this unit.”
As a civilian, Peskuski has worked for Allstate Insurance for the past 15 years. He also has coached in the American Youth Soccer Organization’s Everyone Plays In our Community (EPIC) program for several years. The program is designed to provide children and adults with physical or developmental disabilities with the opportunity to enjoy soccer.
He and Linda have five adult children and two grandchildren between them. They refer to as their blended family as their own “Brady Bunch.” When he isn’t working, spending time with family, coaching soccer, or leading Soldiers; he’s painting. He is a talented artist, working mainly with acrylics on canvas.
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