The 7-year-old becomes an honorary sergeant. National Guard. for courage in the fight against cancer

Jamir Gibbs, 7, of Marion, Illinois, “burns” a group of soldiers with 1st Sgt. Beau Detrick of November Company, Recruiting Retention Program, Illinois Army National Guard Recruiting and Retention Command. Jamir was promoted to the rank of “Honorary First Sergeant” of the November Company in a ceremony June 8 at the Illinois Army National Guard’s Marion Readiness Center in honor of his courage in his battle with cancer. (Bradford Leighton/U.S. Army National Guard)

Jamir Gibbs, 7, became the youngest honorary first sergeant in the Illinois National Guard on Saturday, according to a press release. Gibbs is being recognized for his bravery in the fight against cancer.

Gibbs suffers from bacterial meningitis caused by leukemia, which he has been battling for over a year. 1st Sgt. Beau Detrick learned about Gibbs’ story from his friend, a teacher at Gibbs’ school. He heard that Gibbs had cancer and needed support.

Detrick decided to help Gibbs stay strong in his fight against the disease. He sent Gibbs a video encouraging him to stay strong and inviting him to lead soldiers in military exercises as an honorary 1st Sgt. in the National Guard

He also praised Gibbs’ courage in his fight against cancer, comparing his courage to that of soldiers.

Gibbs’ mother, Amanda Miller, spoke about the importance of the film to her son: “Sgt. Beau sent this video. There was something very positive about something so negative.

The 49-second clip seemed to encourage Gibbs. “Jamir watched it several times. It was really uplifting for him,” Miller said.

During a ceremony titled “First Sergeant One Day” on June 8, Gibbs, dressed in his military fatigues, officially became honorary Sgt. Lifeguards from the Marion area also came to show their support for Gibbs and let him try out their equipment.

Local firefighters allowed Gibbs to look inside the fire truck and spray it with a hose. He tried on tactical gear for the state SWAT team and even played fetch with a police dog.

“Making these memories with him, seeing him smile like that. We’ve had some dark moments this year. These moments are beautiful,” Miller said.