Homewood Soldier Assumes Responsibility as Illinois National Guard Senior Enlisted Leader

On September 8, in a ceremony steeped in military tradition, Command Sgt. Maj. Dena Ballowe of Carlinville relinquished responsibility as the Illinois National Guard Command Senior Enlisted Leader (CSEL) to Command Sgt. Maj. Kehinde Salami of Homewood, at the Illinois Military Academy, Camp Lincoln, Springfield.

“This transition of responsibility is really significant,” said Maj. Gen. Rich Neely, the Adjutant General of Illinois and Commander of the Illinois National Guard. “The Command Senior Enlisted Leader position is extremely unique and has only been used in the past four years when Command Sergeant Major Ballowe has been in the position in Illinois.”