PAXTON, IL – April 21, 2026 — Classroom lessons came to life last week with the rumble of tactical vehicles as Paxton-Buckley-Loda CUSD 10 hosted a special visit from the military. On Friday, April 17th, students across the district participated in the Illinois Army National Guard Community Relations Event, a day dedicated to hands-on learning and community connection.
The event offered students a unique, firsthand opportunity to trade their traditional desks for the driver's seats of various military vehicles. Throughout the day, students interacted directly with military personnel, asking questions about their service, the equipment they use, and the technical skills required to maintain such a specialized fleet.
From the Classroom to the Company
The day was made possible through a collaborative effort with First Lieutenant Michael Callahan. While students know him as a dedicated 8th grade social studies teacher and junior high track coach, 1LT Callahan also serves as a proud member of Bravo Company, 634th Brigade Support Battalion (BSB).
By bridging his roles as an educator and a Soldier, 1LT Callahan helped facilitate an environment where students could explore the "Citizen-Soldier" model—witnessing how community members can serve their country while maintaining a civilian career right here at home.
A Day of Discovery
The morning kicked off at Clara Peterson Elementary School at 9:00am. Our youngest Panthers were filled with excitement as they explored the vehicles up close and learned how the National Guard assists during local emergencies and state missions.
In the afternoon, the convoy moved to the PBL High School and Junior High campus at 1:00pm. For the older students, the experience shifted toward career exploration, providing a tangible look at the diverse roles available within the Guard, from logistics and mechanics to leadership and more.
Names of the Four Illinois Army National Guard Visitors were:
Cadet Gelera, Private First Class Quinones, Specialist Godar, First Lieutenant Callahan
We extend our sincerest gratitude to the four Guard members who spent their day inspiring our students, sharing their expertise, and representing the Illinois Army National Guard with pride.
View the Highlights
The energy of the event was captured in a series of photos showing our students engaged and learning in the field. You can view the full gallery of the day’s highlights at the link below:
Link to Photo Album: IL National Guard Visit - April 17, 2026
Supporting Our Community
Events like these highlight the strong partnership between PBL Schools and the local community. We were thrilled to facilitate this hands-on experience and appreciate the efforts of everyone involved in making it a successful and memorable day for our students.
Thank you to the Illinois Army National Guard and Bravo Company, 634th BSB for your service and your commitment to our schools!