URBANA-CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — After nearly a year deployed to the Middle East, Illinois National Guard Soldier Spc. Joe Braunagel is back on the wrestling mat at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, balancing college life, athletics, and military service.
Military Service Before Mat Return
Braunagel, a combat engineer with Kankakee-based Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 178th Infantry Regiment, spent the past year helping protect U.S. forces and training alongside allies in the Middle East. He returned in April and quickly rejoined both his studies and the university’s Division I wrestling team.
“This is a University of Illinois athlete who put his education and athletic career on hold to serve in a volatile region,” said Brig. Gen. Lenny Williams, commander of the Illinois Army National Guard. “He’s an impressive young man with outstanding values.”
A Discipline Built Through Service
Now back with the Marseilles-based A Co., 766th Brigade Engineer Battalion, Braunagel continues to juggle weekend drills, coursework, and wrestling practices. He says he joined the Guard to support his education and serve his country.
“I didn’t want my parents to pay for college. The Guard Grant and GI Bill just made sense,” said Braunagel, who enlisted in February 2020.
His experience in the Guard has shaped his mindset, bringing grit, responsibility, and time management into every area of life.
A Family Rooted in Service and Sports
Service runs deep in the Braunagel family. Joe’s brothers have all pursued military or athletic paths — his oldest brother is a Marine, while others, including Zac and Danny, have wrestled at UIUC.
“We grew up in a military family,” said Zac Braunagel. “Our dad served in the Navy, our grandfather in the Air Force. Joe brings discipline and morale to the team.”
Assistant coach Austin O’Conner echoed those thoughts, describing Joe as a standout leader among the team’s 40 wrestlers.
Balancing Multiple Commitments
Despite monthly training and college demands, Braunagel says professors and coaches at UIUC have supported him every step of the way.
“I stay ahead on schoolwork and communicate when I need time off,” he explained.
As highlighted in a feature from the Illinois National Guard, Braunagel is seen as a model student-soldier. Sgt. 1st Class Elisha Capili noted that he embodies how young athletes can use military service to support their education and goals.
Looking Ahead
Braunagel is pursuing a degree in Recreation, Sport and Tourism, and sees both military service and higher education as key to building a successful future.
“The Guard and UIUC have opened up opportunities. I’ve met great people and built strong networks,” he said.
While plans for after graduation are still forming, one thing is certain: Braunagel remains committed to both of his teams.
“In the Guard, we are a family. On the wrestling team, we are a family. I’m proud to give my best to both.”
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