Ill. guardsman dies in training

SPRINGFIELD, ILL. — An Illinois Army National Guard soldier has died during physical fitness training at a military education course in Michigan.

Sgt. 1st Class Jerome Baker, 29, of Riverdale, Ill., died Friday at Fort Custer in Augusta, Mich. A statement gave no details on the exact cause of death.

Baker served with the Illinois National Guard for 11 years.

Guard commander Brig. Gen. Daniel Krumrei said Baker established “a reputation as an intelligent noncommissioned officer and mentor.”

He offered condolences to Baker’s family.

Baker served with Company G, 634th Brigade Support Battalion, 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team. He was at Fort Custer to take part in a senior leadership course.