Today in National Guard History

1865

Washington, DC — President Abraham Lincoln is assassinated just five days after Lee's surrender effectively ends the Civil War. Lincoln had served as a volunteer in the Illinois militia during the Black Hawk War in 1832, though the war ended before he saw any combat. He was quickly elected captain by his men, a moment of pride he spoke of often in later life.

2001

Camp Robinson, AR — Senior Airman Jennifer Donaldson becomes the first female graduate from the Air Guard's Counter-Sniper School. She was a member of the Air Security Detachment of Illinois' 183rd Fighter Wing.