Photo By Barbara Wilson | Col. Randy Edwards, former Chief of Staff, Illinois Army National Guard, thanks...... read more read more
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Col. Randy Edwards, of Decatur, former Chief of Staff, Illinois Army National Guard, retired March 11 during a ceremony at the Illinois Military Academy, Camp Lincoln, Springfield.
“We’ve known each other for 20 years, but this last half of our careers has intersected closely,” said Brig. Gen. Lenny Williams, Assistant Adjutant General – Army, and Commander of the Illinois Army National Guard. “I respect you immensely and I have been the benefactor of some of your hard work. I’m a better officer for having served with you and I know a lot of officers in this room can say that.”
Williams said Edwards’ success wasn’t just his alone. It was also due to the support of Edwards’ family.
“Heather, you and your entire family have a lot to be proud of based on the career and accomplishments of one of the finest officers I’ve ever served with,” Williams said. “He couldn’t have accomplished all he did without that support structure.”
Edwards enlisted in the Illinois Army National Guard in 1993 as a Petroleum Supply Specialist with Company A, 634th Forward Support Battalion. He received a direct commission as a Quartermaster Officer in 2002. In 2009, he changed his primary branch to engineer and in 2011 was awarded the Logistics branch.
He served in a variety of assignments throughout his 32 years of military service, including Deputy Director of Construction and Facilities Management Office, Force Integration and Readiness Officer, Future Plans and Readiness Division Chief, Deputy Director of Operations, Plans, and Training directorate, Director of Operations, Plans, and Training directorate, Commander of the 766th Brigade Engineer Battalion, Commander, Company A, 634th Brigade Support Battalion, and most recently Chief of Staff, Illinois Army National Guard.
“When I describe Randy, I think of three things,” Williams said. “First, he has an unwavering work ethic and dedication. He never told anyone he was working hard. He just did it at every step in his career. Second, he has unrelenting candor. If you don’t want to know his opinion about something, don’t ask him. You will get his opinion in his own descriptive way. Lastly, he has a genuine care for the betterment of the organization. Everything he did throughout his career was making us better as an organization.”
Edwards thanked the noncommissioned officers, commissioned officers, and warrant officers who became his mentors.
“Thank you for taking me under your wing to mentor me and give me a chance,” he said. “I would not be here today without you. I will miss each of you, but I’m excited for the future.”
Edwards said he is leaving with no regrets.
“I left everything on the field,” he said. “I made sure with every job I had, every position I held, I did everything I was supposed to do to the best of my ability.”
Edwards thanked his family, wife Heather, and children, Gable and Cora, for their support throughout his career.
“Heather, you did an amazing job of keeping our home in order and raising our children when I’ve been traveling, away training, or just working late,” he said. “You are my biggest supporter, biggest fan, and best friend. I’m super excited for our next chapter together. Gable and Cora, I’m super proud of you both as I watch you grow into the young adults you are. I’ve missed a lot over the years but am excited to be able to spend more time with each of you.”
Edwards said his parents instilled a sense of hard work, drive, competitiveness, a no quit attitude, and resiliency in him at a young age.
“When I was young, and wanted to quit football, my mother told me we don’t quit anything. She told me finish your commitment, and then you can decide what you want to do,” he said.
Edwards offered advice for his fellow Soldiers with some humor mixed in.
“Stay late at work because you’re trying to accomplish something, not because you think someone is watching,” he said. “Complete your tasks to the best of your ability. Don’t be innovative just because you don’t want to do the work. Don’t be afraid of hard work. As you move up, your assignments and tasks will get harder. Don’t ask your boss if they need anything at the end of the duty day with your bag in hand. If you run through the woods without your tactical gear on, no one will stop you. Lastly, spraying a soda can with a fire extinguisher will not cool them off.”
Edwards said he couldn’t believe it has been 32 years since he joined the Illinois Army National Guard.
“The first 10 years kind of drag on because you don’t have a great deal of responsibility,” he said. “The last 22 years just flew by. It is a blessing to be here and to have served with each of you.”
| Date Taken: | 03.11.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 03.15.2025 11:59 |
| Story ID: | 492717 |
| Location: | ILLINOIS, US |
| Web Views: | 32 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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