My name is SFC Michael F. Sass. I am from Streater, IL where I currently reside. I joined the Illinois Army National Guard in 1999 as a 31C Radio Telephone Operator. I went to Basic Combat Training in Ft. Jackson, SC. I attended Advanced Individual Traning (AIT) at Ft. Gordon, GA. I was a part-time soldier and full-time student at Illinois State University studying Criminal Justice Sciences. I graduated from ISU in August 2003.

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In September 2003 I was activated to Kirkush Military Training Base near Balad Ruz, Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. During my combat tour, I was assigned to Golf Battery 202ADA, 30th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division. I was a squad leader in 4th Platoon. My platoon was responsible for over 200 combat convoys throughout Iraq.I returned home in January of 2005, where I finished my original six year contract.

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I rejoined the Illinois Army National Guard in 2008, where I obtained a secondary specialty as a 92A Automated Logistical Support Specialist. In 2011, I was again activated in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, where I was deployed to Ghazni City, Afghanistan from September 2012 to May 2013. I was promoted to Sergeant First Class and was assigned to International Securtiy Assistance Force Bilateral Embedded Support Team A10, Task Force White Eagle.

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During the first half of the deployment, we were under the command of the 1st Infantry Division. During the second half, we were assigned to the 101st Airborne Division. My primary job during the deployment was to serve as the Property Book Officer for Task Force White Eagle. Task Force White Eagle was comprised of U.S. and Polish Armed Forces. I was responsible for assigning and keeping track of millions of dollars of U.S. equipment loaned to our Polish partners. I also volunteered for several combat patrols during the 10-month tour. I returned to the United States in June of 2013.

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I am currently a Platoon Sergeant for 1st Platoon at A CO 405 BSB, Streater, IL. Some of my significant awards are:  Polish Bronze Medal, Combat Action Badge, Army Commendation Medal (2), Army Achievement Medal (3), NATO Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal (2), National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Award, NCO Professional Development Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (2) Armed Forces Reserve Medal with M-device.