NTAG Great Lakes Recruiters Reenlists at Chicago Bears Headquarters

Official Statements

• Navy Talent Acquisition Group Great Lakes, November 9: “Three recruiters assigned to Navy Talent Acquisition Group (NTAG) Great Lakes reaffirmed their commitment to naval service during a special reenlistment ceremony at Halas Hall, headquarters of the Chicago Bears, Oct. 27, 2026.

  Gunner’s Mate 2nd Class Nick Lopas, assigned to Navy Recruiting Station Pulaski; Operations Specialist 2nd Class John Mixon, assigned to Navy Recruiting Station West Addison; and Interior Communications Electrician 1st Class Davonte Ware, assigned to Navy Recruiting Station Round Lake, reenlisted during the ceremony.

  Cmdr. Nicholas O’Neill, commanding officer of NTAG Great Lakes, served as the reenlistment officer and administered the oath to the three Sailors.

  The ceremony provided a unique opportunity to recognize the commitment of the recruiters who serve throughout the command's area of responsibility while bringing together Navy personnel and members of the Chicago Bears organization.

  Following the reenlistment ceremony, O’Neill presented New Accession Training Recruiter of the Quarter and Month awards to Ware and Mixon in recognition of their recruiting efforts.

  The event also included an opportunity for Sailors and leadership to engage with former Chicago Bears players and receive commemorative Chicago Bears helmets. O’Neill, along with commanders from the 1863rd Financial Management Support Detachment and Transaction Service Center Great Lakes, received helmets during the event.

  The Chicago Bears organization also recognized the three reenlistees with Chicago Bears jackets. Following the ceremony, the organization hosted Sailors and guests for a lunch buffet and provided small gift bags as a gesture of appreciation for their service. The gathering offered an opportunity for attendees to connect and celebrate the occasion.

  Command Master Chief Andrew Hochgraver, command master chief of NTAG Great Lakes, and Senior Chief Navy Counselor Michael Ortolaza, enlisted assistant recruiter for NTAG Great Lakes, also attended the ceremony in support of the Sailors.

  The reenlistments highlight the continued dedication of NTAG Great Lakes Sailors who serve as ambassadors for the Navy throughout their communities, connecting qualified candidates with opportunities for service and careers in the fleet.

  NTAG Great Lakes is grateful to the Chicago Bears organization for its outstanding hospitality and generosity in hosting the ceremony and recognizing the Sailors. The command greatly appreciated the opportunity to celebrate this milestone at Halas Hall and thanks the organization for making the occasion memorable.

  Navy Talent Acquisition Group Great Lakes proudly serves more than 30 recruiting stations across Northern Illinois, Northwest Indiana, Eastern Wisconsin and the western Upper Peninsula of Michigan, employing more than 170 military and civilian personnel. Its mission is to recruit, develop, and deliver high-quality talent to meet the Navy’s requirements of today and tomorrow.”