* 8 January 2012 Jones Armory
* 5 Feb 2012 Jones Armory
* 18 Mar 2012 Jones Armory
* 22 Apr 2012 Jones Armory
* 13 May 2012 Giles Post 5745 S State
* 10 June 2012 Jones Armory
* 15 Jul 2012 Giles Post 5745 S State
* 11 Aug Bud Billikan Parade, Picnic and Scholarship Awards
* 16 Sep Jones Armory

These meetings are currently planned to take place in Memorial Hall at the General Richard L. Jones Armory 5200 South Cottage Grove Avenue from 2:00 – 4:00 PM. These dates and location are subject to change.

Who
The 8th Infantry Illinois National Guard Association, is a 501(c)(19) non-profit organization, and the regimental association for the 178th Infantry Regiment Illinois National Guard.

What
Conducts an Open House event to recognize African American History Month and the unique contribution of the 8th Infantry Regiment Illinois National Guard, the 178th Infantry Regiment and all its descendant and related military organizations.

When
The Open House will be held on 5 February 2011 from 10:00 – 13:00 hours.

Where
The Open House will be conducted at the General Richard L. Jones Armory, 5200 South Cottage Grove Avenue, Chicago Illinois. It will employ the Armory Drill floor, Memorial Hall and other selected areas of the armory.

How
Members of the 8th Infantry Illinois National Guard Association along with members of Headquarters Company 1st Battalion 178th Infantry Regiment Illinois National Guard will conduct tours, demonstrations and answer questions during the Open House event.

Why
The 8th Infantry Regiment was originally formed as an all African American staffed organization. This unique regiment of Illinois citizen soldiers and its descendant organizations has served with distinction through civil disturbances, natural disasters, two world wars and most recently in Iraq and Afghanistan. We celebrate this tradition of service to community and country. We seek to preserve this history of service and sacrifice of the soldiers of the Illinois National Guard.

The annual Bud Billiken Parade and Picnic was held on 9 August 2008. The 8th Infantry Association again participated in the Parade and had its own Picnic. Our own 1st Battalion 178th Infantry Regiment again provided the Association with military vehicles for our members to ride in the parade. For more pictures of past parades and picnics , please click here.