This is the Illinois National Guard documentary about the Bilateral Embedded Staff Team A11 fighting side-by-side with our Polish partners in the defense of FOB Ghazni on August 28, 2013 in the team's own words. Today is the anniversary of the battle. Two U.S. Soldiers were awarded the Medal of Honor for their actions in the ensuing fight, Staff Sgt. Michael H. Ollis and Master Sergeant Earl D. Plumlee. Staff Sgt. Ollis, a Soldier with the U.S. Army’s 10th Mountain Division, was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously after he sacrificed his life shielding a Polish officer, 2nd Lt. Karol Cierpica. President Donald Trump presented the Medal of Honor to his parents on March 2, 2026.
Produced by the Illinois National Guard Public...
NORMAL, Ill. – Illinois Army National Guard Maj. Aaron A. Hepner, who oversees operations for the Peoria-based 65th Troop Command, was promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel during a ceremony Friday, Aug. 14, 2026, at Heartland Community College.
NORMAL, Ill. – Illinois Army National Guard Maj. Aaron A. Hepner, who oversees operations for the Peoria-based 65th Troop Command, was promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel during a ceremony Friday, Aug. 14, 2026, at Heartland Community College.
