To succeed in wrestling, an individual must be passionate and motivated. With an intense amount of dedication, consistent work ethic and an enormous competitive drive, it makes sense that former wrestlers have the potential to become highly successful leaders. The 2019 Illinois Chapter's Outstanding American Award goes to a highly decorated, lifetime U.S. military leader. Colonel Donald K. Carpenter is the Vice Commander of the 183d Wing, Illinois Air National Guard, Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport, located in Springfield, Illinois. His responsibilities include assisting the wing commander and staff in developing and coordinating long-range plans, unit goals, all policies and programs to include an approximate $26 million budget affecting more than 890 wing members. Colonel Carpenter was an Eagle Scout and a four-year wrestler for National Hall of Fame Coach Mike Manahan at Olympia High School in Stanford, Illinois from 1979 - 1983. He began his military career immediately following graduation as an aircraft engine mechanic in the U.S. Navy and was a 1990 graduate of SIU-Edwardsville. In 1991, he transferred to the 182d Airlift Wing, Illinois Air National Guard. Colonel Carpenter served in a variety of enlisted potions obtaining the rank of MSgt. Colonel Carpenter received his commission in 1997 from the Academy of Military Science, McGhee-Tyson Air National Guard Base, Tennessee, as a distinguished graduate. He has held leadership positions at the squadron and group levels of command. He deployed to Europe and Southwest Asia multiple times in support of contingency operations, and he served as the senior military officer in charge of C-130 maintenance training for the Polish Air Force. Colonel Carpenter is a graduate of the United States Army Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt Course. Certified as a CPI Lean Six Sigma MBB, Colonel Carpenter contributes countless hours to innovation, process improvement and leadership development in both the Air and Army National Guard. Prior to assuming his current position, the colonel was the Mission Support Group Commander, Mission Support Group, 183d Wing, Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport, Springfield, Illinois. Colonel Carpenter currently lives in Tremont, IL with his wife Dana. Together, they have six children, Kylie, Courtney, Kami, Kameron, Catie and Chloe. When not working, Colonel Carpenter can be found doing cross fit (w/ CrossFit Nation.)