Celeste N. Latham 2026-2027 Department Commander
Celeste Latham was elected Commander for the Department of Illinois on July 11, 2026. Celeste Latham is a U.S. Air Force veteran and a highly respected leader in veteran advocacy, leadership development, and public service. She has served with distinction in The American Legion across multiple levels—post, district, division, and department. In her role as Department Senior Vice Commander for the State of Illinois, she championed initiatives that strengthen local posts, cultivate emerging leaders, and advance the professional development of veteran leaders throughout the state.
Latham is deeply committed to empowering the next generation of veterans. She serves as an advisor to Student Veterans of America at Northern Illinois University, where she actively supports student success, leadership growth, and community engagement. Professionally, she holds the position of Associate Vice President at Northern Illinois University, where her work reflects a sustained dedication to service, institutional leadership, and student advancement.
In recognition of her exceptional contributions, Latham was named one of the 25 Women Veteran Leaders of 2026, a distinguished honor presented by the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) and the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center. This statewide initiative celebrates women who exemplify outstanding leadership, mentorship, and advocacy, highlighting their enduring impact on veterans and communities across Illinois.
Joshua M Thielen, Department of Illinois Adjutant
Josh was Born in Hibbing, Mn in 1984 to Jan and John Thielen. He lived there until 1992 when his family decided to move to Clinton, Il where he graduated high school in 2003.
Josh immediately went into the Army as a 92G Food Service Specialist. After Basic and AIT, he went to his first permanent duty station in the Great White North, Fort Drum, New York. Assigned to the 4th Battalion 31st Infantry Regiment 2nd Brigade Combat Team he deployed twice to Iraq (June 2004-June 2005, Aug. 2006 – Nov. 2007). After the second tour he reenlisted and went to Fort Leonard Wood, Mo where he was assigned to the 463rd MP Company. During this time, he served as the driver for the 14th MP Brigade Command Sergeant Major and cooked in the NCOA Dining Facility. After his time there he returned to Fort Drum this time assigned to 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team. He deployed one time to Afghanistan (Apr. 2011 – Apr. 2012). In Sept. 2013 Josh was medically discharged and returned home to Clinton, Il.
Josh and his wife Christina have been married since May 2006. They have one daughter Jeanette, who is Josh’s mini me. One brother, Jeff, who also served in the Army from 2004 – 2009 and deployed twice to Iraq. Josh’s parents and mother-in-law also live with him. Josh and Jeff are both members of Crang-Bennett American Legion Post 103 in Clinton. His wife, mom, and daughter are all members of the Crang-Bennett American Legion Auxiliary Unit 103, Josh and his dad are both members of the Sons of The American Legion Squadron 55 in Farmer City. Josh is also a member of Darvin Volker AmVets Post 14 in Clinton, VFW Post 5346 in Monticello, and the Clinton Lake Ducks Unlimited.
Josh is a past post 103 and 19th District Commander, past post Sgt. At Arms, post and district finance officer, and post Service Officer. Josh has also served as the 19th district chairman for Children and Youth, Technology, and Americanism.