Testimonials
The people who join the National Guard are average people just like you. People join for all types of reasons: training, education, adventure, money, service and more. Below are a few soldiers and their reasons. Maybe their stories can inspire you to find your purpose.
Those who believe they can do something and those who believe they can't are both right. -Henry Ford
SPC Solis 92Y Supply Specialist I had just moved to NYC to pursue my criminology career when I met SGT Wu at John Jay. I was in NYC by myself, and wanted to take on every adventure because I knew it would be a great way to start my journey here, plus it paid for school. I plan on working for a Federal Agency in the future. The National Guard opened doors to many great internships and connections. |
SPC Cabrera 31B Military police I joined because I felt lost and I wanted a purpose in life. I wanted to be someone my children can look up to as well as to be able to give them as much as possible. I am currently in the NYPD and I plan on becoming a detective in the future. I came out of basic training wanting to strive and succeed. I gained courage, self-confidence, and financial stability. I didn't ever imagine being in the Army let alone the National Guard, but it's a decision I would redo over and over again. |
PFC LEUNG 68W COMBAT MEDIC I play a lot of basketball with SGT in Brooklyn. I joined as a Combat Medic to further my experience in the medical field and I want to help save lives and make a difference. I plan on using the 100% tuition assistance to go to Hunter College and finish my Bachelors there. My near term goal is to use the EMT license that I get through the National Guard to work full-time. |
SPC COOK 13B Cannoncrew member I joined the National Guard to better my family. In the National Guard I got to travel, experience new things, all while being able to be with and support my family, most of the time. I got to go to Washington, Missouri, Texas, Oklahoma, Virginia, California, which made me want to travel on my own time. If you're looking for some sense of direction or family environment or a sense of excitement, the Guard can give that to you. |
SGT Hussein 12B Combat engineer I joined the National Guard to build a more dynamic resume with an ambition of becoming a police officer. My short term goal is to join the Special Forces. I was on the Counter Terrorism Task Force in NY and I went on a humanitarian mission to Puerto Rico to help support and rebuild their city from the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. |
SPC DAVIS 36B Financial managment specialist I joined the National Guard to give myself more opportunities. My plans for the future is to be as successful as I can and be very well off since I didn't have much growing up. The National Guard has helped me to be more discipline and focused. The training I received helped me land a corporate security analyst position. One of the most rewarding and tough missions I've been on is definitely the Covid-19 mission. |
SPC BROADNAX 68W COMBAT MEDIC I wasn't sure of what I wanted to do in college so I took time off to go to army basic training and medical job training. I wanted to grow physically fit and grow tougher skin. Because of the National Guard, I found my passion for medicine and now I'm working on as a RN and working on advanced level degrees. I learned to suture on pigs feet and flew in a black hawk. |
SPC SLOWLEY 25B INFORMATION TECHONOLGY SPECIALIST I joined the New York Army National Guard for the college money. Prior to enlisting, I thought that I wanted to pursue a degree in biology but I would later realize that my real passion is for Information Technology due to the training and experience I received as a 25B. The Guard helped me avoid wasting valuable time and money pursuing a career that I had no real desire for by giving me an opportunity to explore my career options free of charge. I am currently on the COVID-19 task force and enrolled in online courses at my school. |
SPC BRAMLETTE 92Y Supply Specialist I Joined the NY Army National Guard because they had more education benefits than the other reserve branches and job experience. But above all else I wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself. I wanted to do things that can make a difference. I deployed to Afghanistan and other States and Country. Everything a new experience. Working on this Covid-19 mission taught me that we all need to work together to make society better as a whole. |
SGT VAZQUEZ 31B Military police I joined the National Guard because I thought the uniform was cute and I like the idea of being a solider part-time and being able to pursue my civilian career full-time. The National Guard has helped me pay for college and get into the NYPD. I was able to use the VA home loan to purchase my first home. I was able to enjoy 11 months in Guantanamo Bay and fly in a Black Hawk helicopter. I've never imagined myself in the military. I was a girly girl who was supposed to be a nurse. But I joined straight out of High school and life has fallen into place since. |
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Never believe that a few caring people can't change the world. For, indeed, that's all who ever have. -Margaret Mead