Specialist Dale Abbott, U.S. Army – Serving in the National Guard: From Illinois to Desert Storm
Because National Guard units serve both the state and federal governments, members are often the face of the military most familiar to many Americans. When disaster strikes in a state, the governor calls upon the National Guard to respond. If our nation goes to war, the Guard’s citizen soldiers are expected to answer the call. Specialist Dale Abbott understands these state and federal roles all too well. He joined the Illinois Army National Guard and soon found himself driving a truck in Operation Desert Storm. After he returned, he helped people in flood-ravaged areas of southern Illinois. Both efforts were a far cry from his humble beginnings.