Jackson soldier promoted to second lieutenant

Karen Silas of Jackson was recently promoted to the rank of second lieutenant during a ceremony at the Missouri National Guard Armory in Cape Girardeau. Silas, 30, attended Missouri Officer Candidate School at Fort Leonard Wood from spring 2008 until September 2009. Silas was promoted in April and sworn in by Maj. Scot Ratcliff, the administrative officer for the 1140th Engineer Battalion. Silas began her duties as the 1140th's human resources specialist last week. Her new duties include overseeing appointments, discharges, separations, branch transfers, interstate transfers, retirements, survivor benefits and more. Silas is also the S-1 officer as part of her regular Guard duties, making her responsible for various other personnel issues. Silas is married to Spc. David Silas, who is currently deployed to Afghanistan. They have four children: Jillian, 10; D.J., 8; David, 4; and Mason, 3.