183d Wing

183d Wing Hosts Illinois National Guard Joint Public Affairs Conference

SPRINGFIELD, IL – Public affairs personnel from across the Illinois National Guard gathered for a one-day training conference at the 183d Wing in Springfield, IL, focused on strengthening communication strategies in an increasingly fast-paced and complex information environment. The conference brought together Air and Army National Guard members to explore the evolving role of military communicators and the importance of maintaining public trust through accurate and timely storytelling.

Addressing attendees, Brig. Gen. Leonard A. Williams, Illinois Assistant Adjutant General - Army, spoke about the importance of storytelling as a means to help the public better understand the work of the Guard. Throughout his military career Williams has come across stories of resilience, dedication, and commitment that inspires both the military and public to reach for more.

Williams spoke about the opportunities that the National Guard provides, noting they often remain unknown to the public without compelling stories that inspire individuals to serve. He emphasized that public affairs members play a critical role in sharing those stories to inform the public and support recruiting efforts.

Illinois National Guard Public Affairs Director Lt. Col. Bradford Leighton spoke to the group about the unique skills that Guardsmen bring to the communications table. Guardsmen who serve one weekend per month, known as traditional guardsmen, bring skills from their civilian careers into military service, which strengthens public affairs capabilities. Some work in media-related fields, while others come from entirely different professions. This mix of skills creates a diverse range of experience that enhances the effectiveness of military communications.

The conference also included a discussion with National Public Radio reporter Tom Bowman, who shared insights from his experience embedded with U.S. troops in the Middle East during the Global War on Terrorism. Bowman discussed the challenges of conducting interviews in high-pressure environments and the importance of building trust to capture authentic perspectives.

Attendees learned about how emerging trends are shaping the information environment, including the growing influence of artificial intelligence and digital media platforms. Attendees explored how these technologies are changing the way information is created and distributed.

The event underscored the Illinois National Guard’s ongoing efforts to invest in professional development and ensure its communicators remain effective in an ever-changing media landscape. (U.S. Air National Guard story by Staff Sgt. Paul Lauricella)

Illinois National Guard
182nd Airlift Wing
126th Air Refueling Wing
65 Troop Command Brigade