LEADERSHIP

MAJ Dean Argiris

Commander

MAJ Argiris started as an Army cadet in Western Illinois University (Leatherneck Battalion) before moving over to Loyola University Chicago "Rambler Battalion" where he continued his Military Science studies as his BOLC A program.

His BOLC B was in Public Affairs and began serving as a Public Affairs Officer.

Commander Argiris holds a degree in Political Science / Constitutional Law, has worked for a U.S. President, and currently works for the Governor of Illinois as a legislative liaison with a state agency.

He was also a news content developer for the Orthodox Christian Network, a faith-based, international medial outlet and his work on domestic and geo-politics has been featured in multiple international news media.

Commander Argiris comes from a longline of veterans. His great-grandfather was in the Wisconsin 4th Engineers in World War I, His grandfather was among the first Navy Seabees created after Pearl Harbor, while his great-uncles served on a carrier at the Battle of Midway and a rifleman in K Co., 3rd BN, 317th INF, 80th ID.

Deployments include the EF3 Tornado strike in Sullivan, Indiana and Hurricane Helene.

CPT Tom Jackson

Executive Officer

CPT Jackson started his service in the Indiana Guard Reserve (Title 32 - State Defense Force) and held the rank of SGT before deciding to go through OCS and become an officer. CPT Jackson formally commanded the 1st Indiana Battalion of the U.S. Veteran Reserve Corps before joining the U.S. Volunteers as the Executive Officer for the 51st BCT.

He has deployed to several disasters, included the EF3 Tornado strike in Sullivan, Indiana and Clarksville, TN, as well as Hurricane Helene.

CPT Jackson is a business owner in the Indianapolis area, a family man, and is involved with volunteer organizations such as KIWANIS and the Boy Scouts.

As the 51st BCT's XO, he is the second in command and handles the day-to-day administrative operations of the BCT.

CSM Knute Weick

CSM Knute Weick entered the service through the Iowa National Guard in 1975. Transitioning later to the Regular Army as a Telecommunications / Crypto Operator with 5th Group Special Forces. He eventually went to Infantry school and served in the 47th a 34th Infantry Division (Iowa National Guard) and as the interim Division CSM for the 86th TNG DIV.

He holds three MOS qualifications, 11Z, 12X, and 25E. In addition he was the Honor Student for BNCOC Phase II (Infantry), ANCOC Phase II (Infantry),

In his professional career, CSM Weick was an IT Cyber Security Manager and a member of the FBI's InfraGard Cyber Security Task Force.

CSM Weick is active with many volunteer organizations that cater to Veteran causes. He is on the Board of Directors for Rolling Thunder Chapter 1, which is dedicated to to POW/MIA awareness, a Board Member of the 416th ENCOM Association, and Friends of Fisher.

Over his distinguished 40 years of service in the Army, CSM Weick has earned a plethora of awards and commendations, including a Bronze Star, Army Meritorious Service Medal (6th Award), NCO Professional Development Ribbon with "5" device, German Army Sports Award (Bronze), German Army Shooting Cord (Bronze), National Infantry Association Order of St. Maurice (Bronze), and the Engineer Regiment "de Fleury" (Bronze).

MSG Lopez began his military career in the U.S Air Force and eventually went on to serve in the Indiana Guard Reserve.

In his personal life, he served with the Lake County (Indiana) Sheriff's Office as part of their Search and Rescue team. He specialized in aerial search and rescue and water rescue.

MSG Lopez has been the Training NCO for 51st BCT and is responsible for ensuring the proper order of the unit.