is a group of retired veterans who still want to serve. As a not for profit (501) (c) (19) organization we provide leadership, guidance, and mentorship within our community. Since 1974 we have gathered to share experiences, knowledge, and good times while preserving the principles of group solidarity, camaraderie, military excellence, and integrity as exemplified by the Old Eighth Illinois.

Through these pages and our museum you will learn about the 8th Infantry and its proud history. 

The 8th Infantry was an all black outfit formed in 1895. It lives on today as the 178th Infantry Battalion.

Click on the Museum links to begin your tour.   If you are interested in the current affairs of the association or you are an association member, click on the Association links.

We are very interested in your comments and feedback.  To let us know about your thoughts, click on the Contact Us link.

If you served in any of the following organizations, which are all descendants of the 8th Infantry , you may be eligible to join our association.

8th Infantry Illinois National Guard

184th Field Artillery Regiment - Fort Custer, Michigan

930th Field Artillery Battalion - Camp Butner, North Carolina

931st Field Artillery Battalion - Camp Forest, Tennessee

1699th (C) Engineer Battalion, ETP 1st Army

1698th (C) Engineer Battalion, ETP 1st Army

795th TD (Tank Destroyer) Battalion, ETO 3RD Army

92nd Infantry Division, (ETO) 5th ARMY

93rd Infantry Division (Pacific)

178th Battle Group, Illinois National Guard

178th Regimental Combat Team - Illinois National Guard

178th Infantry Battalion, Illinois National Guard

184th Field Artillery Battalion, Illinois National Guard