Here's how you know
 **Official websites use .mil** .mil
 **Secure .mil websites use HTTPS** lock () https://


Skip to main content (Press Enter).
 Toggle navigation
            
            
            
            
            National Guard
                        Always Ready Always There
                    National Guard
            
            Search National Guard:
                        Search
                    Search
                        Search National Guard:
                            Search
    Home

    News
    
        Guard News

    Overseas Operations

    State Partnership Program

    News Features

    RSS Feeds

    Press Releases

    Transcripts

    Features
    
        Features by Year

    Posture Statement

    State Partnership Program

    Special Features

    About the Guard
    
        How We Began

    Air National Guard

    Army National Guard    
    
        DEERS Soldier Journey

    Leader Development Program

    History and Heritage

    I am the Guard

    NGB Official March

    Leadership
    
        CNGB

    VCNGB

    SEA

    DANG

    DARNG

    Joint Staff    
    
        J-1

    J-2

    J-3

    J-4

    J-5

    J-6

    J-7

    J-8

    Personal Staff    
    
        Inspector General

    General Counsel

    Public Affairs

    Executive Support Services

    Legislative Liaison

    Special Staff    
    
        National Guard Office of Special Victims' Counsel

    Office of the Provost Marshal

    Office of the Joint Surgeon

    Director of Acquisitions

    Small Business Programs

    Chaplain

    Senior Leader Management Office

    Diversity Equity Inclusion

    Comptroller

    Resources    
        National Defense Strategy Implementation Guidance

    Community Engagement

    FOIA

    Fact Sheets

    Helpful Links

    Image Gallery
    
        News Images

    Graphics

    Historical Paintings

    Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

    Legislative Liaison

    Small Business Programs

    Social Media

    State Websites

    Videos    
    
        Featured Videos

    On Every Front

    2019 Videos

    2020 Videos

    2021 Videos

    Suicide Prevention

    Family Programs

    Environmental

    Trial Defense Service

    Holistic Wellness Challenge

    Contact Us  Home
  News
  Article View
 
 Download
 Details
 Share
 NEWS
 Illinois Soldiers Follow 'Da Bears' to Big Game in Miami By Staff Sgt. Glenn Chrisman
                Special to American Forces Press Service
 LOGISTICS SUPPORT AREA ANACONDA, Iraq - Many soldiers from the 1744th Transportation Company weren't alive the last time the Chicago Bears won the Super Bowl, in 1986. But about half of the unit's nearly 170 Illinois Army National Guard soldiers still follow the Bears from year to year in hopes of seeing another Super Bowl title come to the Windy City. The unit, based near Chicago in Streator, supports logistics missions for the 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) near Balad. For one soldier, the annual big game brings a lifetime of memories. One could say Spc. Kyle Hollingsworth, of Marseilles, Ill., was destined to be a Bears fan from birth. Hollingsworth was born Jan. 26, 1986, just hours before the kick-off of Super Bowl XX. "I guess you could say it was the first game I ever watched," Hollingsworth said with a smile. "I have always liked the Bears. It might be because my family are Bears' fans, or maybe it was because I was born on Super Bowl Sunday." Hollingsworth said he has been looking forward to seeing the Bears going back to the Super Bowl, but never thought it would happen while he was deployed to Iraq. "I always envisioned a great 21st birthday present, but never thought it would be the Bears headed back to the Super Bowl for the first time since I was born," he said. Many soldiers in the unit stayed up late Jan. 21 to watch the conference championship game, which didn't start until 11 p.m. here. "It was bittersweet," Hollingsworth said. "I only got about two hours of sleep before having to get up for the day." Although he wasn't watching the game in the comfort of his own home, Hollingsworth said he was just glad to get to see the National Football Conference championship game. "I wish I was at home with my family and friends, but I feel fortunate that we have access to TVs and were able to see the game," he said. "It's a big morale booster, that's for sure." While the Bears go into Super Bowl Sunday as the underdogs, the burning question remains whether quarterback Rex Grossman will help led Chicago to its first championship in 21 years or help Indianapolis and Peyton Manning to get the monkey off their back. "I'm glad Chicago stuck with Grossman," Hollingsworth said. "He's a young quarterback and just needs some fine-tuning to take him to the next level." Hollingsworth was optimistic of the outcome. "They're both good teams, but I like Chicago's chances to come out on top," he said. The 1744th Transportation Company mobilized in June for Operation Iraqi Freedom. The unit includes soldiers from all parts of Illinois, including many from the Chicago area. The soldiers are expected to be home sometime early this fall. *(Army Staff Sgt. Glenn Chrisman is assigned to 1744th Transportation Company.)*
 SHARE
 PRINT
 Multinational Corps Iraq
 
 Pennsylvania Army Guardsmen Complete Combat Lifesaver Course
 By Sgt. 1st Class Shane Smith,
  38th Infantry Division Soldiers Conduct Warfighter Exercise
 By Master Sgt. Jeff Lowry,
  Puerto Rico Air National Guard Trains at Red Flag-Alaska
 By 156th Wing
  More
 Pennsylvania Army Guardsmen Complete Combat Lifesaver Course Guard News • 5 hours ago
 38th Infantry Division Soldiers Conduct Warfighter Exercise Guard News • 13 hours ago
 Puerto Rico Air National Guard Trains at Red Flag-Alaska Guard News • 13 hours ago
 Air National Guard Conducts Sentry Savannah Exercise Guard News • yesterday
 Hawaii Air National Guard Hosts Sentry Aloha Joint Exercise Guard News • yesterday
 2024 (196)  2023 (427)  2022 (526)  2021 (697)  2020 (936)  2019 (387)  2018 (323)  2017 (346)  2016 (245)  2015 (356)  2014 (399)  2013 (469)  2012 (556)  2011 (533)  2010 (1071)  2009 (357)  2008 (638)  2007 (295)  2006 (188)
 Home
 Site Map
 Privacy & Security Policy
 Link Disclaimer
 Web Policy
 DOD Information Quality
 DOD Open GovernmentFOIA
 No FEAR Act
 Accessibility/Section 508
 Contact Us
 Army Guard Careers
 Air Guard Careers
 USA.gov
                    
Staying Connected
    XYouTubeFlickrFacebookInstagram
                 
                
                

Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil