SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Sgt. Maj. Diane S. Rogers, of Girard, Illinois, did not envision of serving for 41 years in the Illinois Army National Guard when she enlisted as a senior in high school.
"I had no intentions of staying past my original enlistment of four years," said Rogers."Now, I always encourage Soldiers to stay for 20 years."
In the four decades she served the Guard, Rogers held many positions, starting her career at the 232nd Supply and Service Battalion and then moving to the 3637th Maintenance Company. Rogers also spent time at the Illinois Military Academy, the 633rd Theater Gateway Team and Joint Force Headquarters. Rogers also deployed to Afghanistan and Kuwait.
Her full-time career started with Illinois' Recruiting and Retention Battalion where she recruited medical professionals into the Illinois National Guard. Rogers was appointed as the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator in 2011 and was recognized by the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault in 2015 for her work in preventing sexual assaults in the Illinois National Guard.
Many are glad she stayed, including her husband.
Rogers met her husband, Sgt. Major (ret.) Jay Rogers, also of Girard, while working together at the Illinois Military Academy. They married at Camp Lincoln in November 1984.
Rogers credits her husband with encouraging her to complete her greatest personal military achievement, graduating from the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy.
Illinois' state command sergeant major, Command Sgt. Maj. Mark W. Bowman of Plainfield, Illinois, commended Rogers for her leadership and dedication.
"As an NCO, she has always led by example. Always staying focused on the mission and took care of her Soldiers and everybody else if she saw the need," said Bowman."She did this no matter what position she held."
Lisa White, a retired sergeant first class and long-time friend and colleague, said Rogers left an impression on her career.
"She is one of the most hard-working, caring, passionate people I know," said White."She will be missed."
Many see Rogers as more than a Soldier. Lt. Col. Maurice E. Rochelle of Chatham, Illinois, said he thought of her as family.
"She is one of the most dedicated people I have worked with," said Rochelle."She is so passionate about helping others, not only professionally but also personally. She deserves this retirement and I wish her the very best."
Bowman also said Rogers' career was not only about how long she served, but also about the lasting impression she left on the organization.
"As the state Sexual Assault Response Coordinator she cared for all of our Soldiers, Airmen and their family members," said Bowman."She will be missed because she has made this organization better. It's not about the time spent in uniform, it's how she has shaped the Illinois Guard and our Soldiers and Airmen to be successful as we move into the future."
Rogers said that she wouldn't change the path she took and will remember her time in the Guard fondly.
"There is no other job that I know of where anyone can get the benefits the military has to offer. It has been a pleasure to serve my country. I love the National Guard, it has been good to me," said Rogers.
Rogers is looking forward to spending time with her family, traveling, and working part-time as an ambulance driver during retirement.