Springfield, IL  (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Lt. Col. Melinda Weller, a longtime medical officer and veteran of Illinois’ COVID-19 response, assumed command of the Illinois Army National Guard’s Joint Force Medical Detachment on April 4 during a ceremony at Camp Lincoln in Springfield.

Weller, a Springfield native, returns to lead the unit after previously serving in its ranks for many years. She most recently commanded the 108th Multifunctional Medical Battalion based in North Riverside. She is slated for promotion to colonel.

Weller said she is excited to command the Joint Force Medical Detachment after previously serving in the unit for many years.

Commissioned in March 1997, Weller has served in numerous medical officer positions over her career. She played a pivotal role in Illinois’ COVID-19 response, serving on State Active Duty from March to August 2020 as a medical planner, and again from January to August 2021 to support the state’s vaccination efforts.

In her civilian life, Weller is a registered nurse with the State of Illinois.

Col. Jayson Coble of Lincoln, who led the Joint Force Medical Detachment for five years, formally relinquished command and will continue serving as the Illinois Army National Guard’s State Surgeon.

“Without medical readiness, we could not sustain the war fight,” said Col. Paul Metzdorff, Chief of Staff for the Illinois Army National Guard. He said the medical unit has consistently ranked among the top in the nation for readiness.