Army
7-year-old becomes honorary National Guard 1st sergeant for bravery in fight against cancer
Stars and Stripes
June 11, 2024
Jamir Gibbs, 7, of Marion, Ill., “smokes” a formation of soldiers with 1st Sgt. Beau Detrick of November Company, Recruit Sustainment Program, Illinois Army National Guard Recruiting and Retention Command. Jamir was promoted to “Honorary First Sergeant” of November Company during a ceremony June 8 at the Illinois Army National Guard’s Marion Readiness Center in honor of his fight against cancer. (Bradford Leighton/U.S. Army National Guard)
Jamir Gibbs, age 7, became the youngest Illinois Army National Guard honorary 1st Sergeant on Saturday, recognized for bravery in his battle against cancer.
Gibbs suffers from bacterial meningitis from leukemia, which he has been battling for over a year. First Sgt. Beau Detrick found out about Gibbs’ story from his friend, a teacher at Gibbs’ school, according to a service news release. He learned that Gibbs was suffering from cancer and that he needed support.
Detrick wanted to help Gibbs stay strong. He sent a video inviting Gibbs to lead soldiers in Army exercises as an “Honorary First Sergeant” in the National Guard.
Jamir Gibbs of Marion, Ill., poses with 1st Sgt. Beau Detrick after Jamir’s “promotion” ceremony. (Bradford Leighton/U.S. Army National Guard)
Gibbs’ mother, Amanda Miller, spoke on what the video meant to her son: “Sgt. Beau sending that video, it was something so positive in something so negative.”
The 49-second clip seemed to encourage Gibbs. “Jamir has watched it a few times. It was really uplifting to him,” Miller said.
In the ceremony, Gibbs wore an Army uniform. First responders from the Marion, Ill., area also attended to show their support for Gibbs and allow him to try out their gear.
Local firefighters allowed Gibbs to see the inside of a fire engine and operate the firehose. He tried on tactical gear from the state SWAT team and even played fetch with a police dog.
“To have made these memories with him, to see him smiling like that. We’ve had some dark times this year. These moments are beautiful,” Miller said.
Jamir Gibbs, 7, of Marion, Ill., uses a Marion Fire Department “Jaws of Life” to crush a water bottle after his “promotion” ceremony. J (Bradford Leighton/U.S. Army National Guard)