Machesney Park-based Transportation Company readies to “Fuel the Fight” during deployment to U.S. European Command

"Go show the world you are trained, disciplined, and Soldiers proudly representing the state of Illinois."

With those words from Maj. Gen. Rodney Boyd, The Adjutant General of Illinois, and Commander of the Illinois National Guard, approximately 160 Soldiers from the Illinois Army National Guard's 725th Transportation Company, based in Machesney Park, were mobilized to deploy to the U.S. European Command area of responsibility in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve at a ceremony Oct. 24 at the Harlem High School, Machesney Park.

"You are members of a storied unit that has received numerous prestigious accolades and recognition for logistical support and operational readiness," said Governor JB Pritzker. "Today you continue that legacy as your call to service takes you to Europe to assist U.S. and allied forces in their work to promote stability and security in the region."

Pritzker recognized the Soldiers' families for the sacrifices they make during deployments.

"Families bear a great burden for our Soldiers and our state," he said. "The entire state of Illinois is standing with you. As you count down the days when these brave Soldiers return home, our sacred promise is to keep you safe and comforted."

Pritzker thanked the Soldiers for their commitment to service.

"Soldiers, you have answered a truly extraordinary call," he said. "You are going above and beyond to serve not just our country and our fellow citizens, but our alliances in the global community of nations. In undertaking this important mission, you are making us all safer, freer, and stronger. Thank you for your service. Know that you carry the strength of this state and our people with you."

State Sen. Andrew Chesney, 45th District, said it was a profound honor to attend the ceremony.

"To all of you preparing for this mission, I express my deepest respect and admiration," he said. "Your courage in the face of uncertainty exemplifies the greatest qualities of our Armed Forces."

Chesney said the approximately 160 men and women standing in formation are more than Soldiers.

"You are sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews, and cherished grandchildren," he said. "Each of you carry the love and support of family and friends who endure their own sacrifices while you serve our nation."

Chesney acknowledged the Soldiers' families as well.

"Your families stand behind you. Their unwavering support and resilience are vital to your success," he said. "They are also heroes in this journey. Their strength deserves our recognition and gratitude."

Chesney reminded the Soldiers they are part of a legacy.

"You are part of a legacy that has defended freedom and democracy around the world," he said. "Your commitment to protecting these ideals is not only admirable but essential to ensuring the future where liberty prevails over tyranny. Your willingness to serve our country and our allies inspires us all."

State Rep. John Cabello, 90th District, challenged the 725th Transportation Company to view the deployment as an opportunity to write a new chapter in the state's history.

"Each of you carry the legacy of those who came before you," he said. "You're putting your careers on hold and stepping away from your family responsibilities to venture into the unknown. You do so willingly and that embodies the best traditions of the Illinois National Guard."

He said the men and women in uniform are not only Soldiers, but also ambassadors of freedom and justice.

"The road ahead will be challenging. There will be long days and even longer nights, and moments when your resolve will be tested," he said. "I have no doubt that you will rise to every challenge."

He also acknowledged the families these Soldiers leave behind.

"Your sacrifice is equally significant," he said. "While your loved ones serve abroad you will serve at home. Your strength and support are the foundation upon which our military stands. We honor your commitment and pledge our unwavering support during their deployment."

Chesney said the deployment should remind each person that citizenship comes at a price.

"Citizenship comes with a responsibility," he said. "Freedom requires vigilance, but ordinary people can rise to extraordinary challenges. Soldiers, as you deploy you do not go alone. You carry with you the gratitude of this state and nation, pride of your community, and the love of your family."

Boyd challenged the Soldiers to accomplish three additional things while deployed.

"I ask you to be flexible," he said. "You'll be asked to be certain places at certain times. But then you might be standing around. Be flexible. Read a book during that time. Do pushups to pass the time. Just be flexible."

Boyd also asked the Soldiers to be team players.

"There is no 'I' in team," he said. "This mission is a team effort. As you strive as a team, so you will succeed as a team. Lift your team members up. Have their back. There may come a time when you need them to have your back."

Lastly, Boyd asked the Soldiers to communicate with their families at home.

"They will worry about you every day," Boyd said. "Make sure you take the time to reach out to them."

Boyd thanked the families for their support.

"Because of what you do, we are able to do what we love to do and that is wear this uniform and serve this great state and great nation," he said. "We are here for you. It is our responsibility to be here for you as your warriors go forward. Don't suffer in silence. Pick up the phone and let us know what is going on. As someone who has deployed three times, I know how hard it gets."

Boyd thanked the Soldiers for accepting the mission.

"Thank you for taking on this mission," he said. "Go there, do your job and make us proud. When you come back, we'll welcome you back with open arms."

Capt. Charles A. Smith III, the 725th Transportation Company's commander, said for the past five months the Soldiers have been training and preparing for this short notice mission.

"From our first notice, through intensive training and now final preparation, our Soldiers have proven their readiness to be called to duty," he said. "In August, we transitioned into field training missions, perfecting our mission essential tasks and honing our tactical and operational skills. Now we have completed our final pre-deployment check with every detail precisely managed to ensure a seamless transition to our mission."

Smith said the preparation shows the unit's commitment.

"I stand here today with absolute confidence that we are ready to succeed in our mission," he said. "Soldiers, you put in the work, embraced the training, built a team, and showed the highest level of discipline. As we prepare to deploy, I know each of you will uphold the values and honor of the U.S. Army."

Smith also thanked the families, including his own, for their support.

"Thank you to the families of our Soldiers, especially my wife who supports me during this deployment, even with the likelihood of me missing out on the birth of our second child," he said. "Families, none of this would be possible without your support. Throughout the past five months, you stood by us, understanding the demands placed on your Soldiers while we are focused on the mission. We are always mindful of the sacrifice you make. You are our foundation, and we carry your strength with us."

Lastly, Smith addressed his Soldiers.

"As we go forward let us hold true to our Army values," he said. "These values will guide us through every situation, ensuring we not only accomplish our mission, but return home stronger than ever. We will execute our mission with excellence and when we return, it will be with pride, knowing we represented ourselves, our unit, family, state, and nation with honor."

The 725th Transportation Co., based in Machesney Park, traces back to Alpha Company, 405th Brigade Support Battalion. In 2018, a strategic realignment led to the redesignation of Alpha Company, 405th BSB as the 725th Transportation Co. This specialized the unit's capabilities, focusing on fuel hauling and supply.

From Jan. 26, 2021, through March 31, 2021, the 725th Transportation Company mobilized to support Operation Capital Response II in Washington DC. The unit played a significant role in providing essential security for the entry control point around the Capitol Building as well as the general area. Additionally, the 725th was responsible for cataloging and distributing supplies to all manned areas.

The 725th Transportation Company won first place in the Army Award for Maintenance Excellence (AAME) in the Army National Guard Medium MTOE category in 2024. This award highlighted the unit's commitment to maintaining the highest levels of unit readiness and logistical efficiency. The 725th also participated in the Quartermaster Liquid Logistics Exercise (QLLEX) in 2023. The 725th's successfully executed the accident-free transfer of 56,000 gallons of bulk petroleum over 17,300 collective miles.

The 725th's specialized fuel hauling and supply services will be integral to maintaining the operational effectiveness of U.S. and allied forces, ensuring a continuous supply of necessary resources. The 725th Transportation Company will conduct fuel transportation operations in the U.S. European Command Area of Responsibility in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve.

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