Published: October 31, 2009 01:29 am      

T-town native takes Deputy Commanding General position

Col. Scott Thoele was toying with the idea of retiring from the Illinois Army National Guard after returning from Afghanistan earlier this year.

But then he received an opportunity to continue serving — and be promoted to brigadier general.

Thoele, a 1976 Teutopolis High School graduate, will be Deputy Commanding General of the Army National Guard-Combined Arms Center at Fort Leavenworth, Kan. As a result, he will delay his retirement three more years. He originally joined the Army in December 1980 — not long after his graduation from Quincy University. After several years as an active duty officer, he switched over to the Illinois Army National Guard while developing a banking career.

Since much of the U.S. Army’s doctrine — or operating procedure — is written at Fort Leavenworth, Thoele hopes he can use his position to ensure the Guard’s interests are taken into account.

“I want to make sure the Guard’s voice is heard when this doctrine is written,” he said.

Thoele also will represent the base at various military conferences and symposiums. He expects to be promoted to brigadier general soon after beginning his new position Dec. 5.

Thoele said his new Army assignment will still enable him to continue his banking career as the compliance and loan review officer at First Bankers Trust in Quincy.

Thoele has been involved in several military campaigns and operations. Most recently, he commanded the 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat team in Afghanistan. While the team’s primary mission was to train and mentor Afghan soldiers and police officers, more than 3,500 soldiers on the team did much more from their 226 bases in Afghanistan, including eradicating opium poppy fields, assisting with road projects, digging wells and building schools, among many other things.

Thoele said the Illinois team received high marks from its regular Army supervisors.

“Our commander was very pleased,” he said. “We left a positive impression on our active duty counterparts.”

Thoele said he still derives pleasure from working with younger soldiers, though he admits the War on Terror has been stressful at times.

“It’s been very difficult at times,” Thoele said. “Nevertheless, I’m proud of my role in the War on Terror.”

Bill Grimes can be reached at 217-347-7151 ext. 132 or bill.grimes@

effinghamdailynews.com.