SPRINGFIELD (WSIL) — Illinois Army National Guard 1st Sgt. Ryan Crews, of Mt. Vernon, retired after 34 years of military service.
Crews enlisted in the Guard in September 1988. After completing basic training and advanced individual training, he earned his qualification as a Tactical Microwave and Satellite Repairer.
He has served in a variety of command and staff positions including Platoon Sergeant, Brigade Communications NCO (S-6), Signals Support Systems Specialist Instructor (25U), First Sergeant of the 406th Signal Company, First Sergeant of C Co., 766th Brigade Engineer Battalion, and finally as Senior NCO in Charge of State Tactical Communications.
With more than three decades of service and seven different military occupational specialties, Crews said he continued to serve in the military because he enjoyed it.
“I will miss being with the troops the most,” Crews said. “I derived the most professional satisfaction from spending time with young soldiers and seizing opportunities when they presented themselves to train, mentor and guide young troops.”
Crews was called up for active duty several times during his career. It was activated in 1993 to assist with recovery efforts during the “Great Flood” of the Mississippi River. It mobilized in 2003 and again in 2005 to support Operation Iraqi Freedom. In 2020, he deployed with Task Force Illini to Ukraine in support of the European Deterrence Initiative.
“This life is not for everyone and if you really wanted to make the most of it, use it as a means to succeed through this stage of your life. You have to take control of your career. sit and wait, things will pass you by and you will lose opportunities,” Crews said.
Crews retired in May 2022 from the Mount Vernon Police Department as a Captain. He served with the Mount Vernon Police Department for over 25 years. He will continue to reside in the town of Mount Vernon with his wife.
Crews thanked his family and friends for their support during his career.
“Make sure you have a strong family support system,” Crews said. “I wouldn’t be able to do this without my family and my wife in particular. My family is the only motivation behind everything.
After retiring, Crews looks forward to spending time with his wife and family.
“I’ll never have to check the exercise program and say, ‘Sorry, I have exercises,'” Crews laughed. “I got my weekends back!”
