Why I Serve January

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Francis Akwokem

Aviation Classification Repair Activity Depot, Connecticut Army National Guard

Akwokem joined the National Guard in 2012 "to contribute to something bigger than myself while gaining skills that would allow me to grow both personally and professionally. Serving has given me a sense of purpose, discipline and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact." He deployed to Iraq and Kuwait in 2022 and is preparing to become a commissioned officer. He enjoys mentoring others, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. "I am proud to be part of a force that supports both our local communities and global missions."

Chaplain (1st Lt.) P.J. Brandimarti

147th Regiment Regional Training Institute, Ohio Army National Guard

Brandimarti joined the Guard in August. "I have always wanted to serve our nation in the military. Being able to fulfill that dream by serving as a chaplain to those who serve our nation is a phenomenal honor. I love being able to bring God and His presence to my parish as a priest and to our Soldiers and their families as a chaplain." He is looking forward to deploying overseas. "I am honored every day to be able to serve both my state and our nation in the National Guard. Being ready to assist in securing our freedom and safety, both at home and overseas, is an honor and a privilege, and I love being a Soldier."

Staff Sgt. Trey Davidson

121st Security Forces Squadron, Ohio Air National Guard

Davidson, a security forces defender, joined the Guard in 2020 and deployed to the Middle East in 2022-2023. "I decided to join to take advantage of the many benefits the National Guard had, as well as doing my part and serving my state and country. My favorite part about serving is being able to travel the world and experience new cultures and being comfortable in uncomfortable situations."

2nd Lt. Diane Erickson

E Company, 141st Brigade Support Battalion, 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Oregon Army National Guard

Erickson, a quartermaster officer, joined in 2019 and is deployed to Kosovo. "I decided to join because I wanted to try something new that would get me out of my comfort zone and help me grow as a person. I’m proud to be an Oregonian and an American, so it’s an honor to serve my state and my nation simultaneously. I will serve as long as I can."

Sgt. 1st Class Katie Grandori

139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, Illinois National Guard

Grandori has served since 2011. She is pursuing a law degree and has deployed to Guatemala and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. "I joined the National Guard right out of high school because I wanted to be able to get out of Arkansas and see more of the world. ... I especially enjoy getting to serve in the National Guard during natural disasters and other emergencies in my home state. Getting to serve in my community is so meaningful to me."

Maj. Timothy J. Gribble

Joint Force Headquarters, Ohio Air National Guard

Gribble joined the Guard in 2006 and has served in Europe and the Middle East. A civilian firefighter, he wanted to join the military for as long as he can remember. "My grandfather was my childhood hero, and he served in the Korean War. Having the opportunity to serve gave me a stronger connection to him. 9/11 made me choose the Guard because I wanted the opportunity to serve at home and abroad."

Sgt. 1st Class Heather Heelan

333rd Military Police Company, Illinois Army National Guard

Heelan, a Guardsman since 2008, has deployed to Afghanistan and Puerto Rico and participated in the presidential inauguration mission in 2021. "I wanted to do something that was not only thrilling but would be meaningful and a way to give back to my community. The Guard was perfect because I could still be home and have a civilian career."

Pvt. Donald Hudson

Delta Company, 223rd Military Intelligence Battalion, District of Columbia Army National Guard

Hudson has served for more than two years. “The National Guard was a change professionally, personally and culturally. It provided me with not only a change of career but a brighter future as well. I’ve been able to set an example for my kids, my family and my peers. ... Our mission and vision aligns with our motto: ‘We live here. We work here. We serve here.’”

Sgt. Victoria Huynh

863rd Military Police Company, West Virginia Army National Guard

Huynh, a Guardsman since 2019, jonied "to become a role model for young females. It has always been a dream of mine to serve and try to make a difference in people's lives." Now deployed to Kosovo, she enjoys serving close to home and overseas. "I love seeing the smiles on peoples faces when the Guard shows up!

Sgt. Cheryl Madolev

153rd Public Affairs Detachment, West Virginia Army National Guard

Madolev, now on a mission in Kosovo, joined the Guard in 2017. She has also deployed to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. "I wanted to join because I take pride in my country and I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it. My favorite part of serving is having the pleasure to meet people I have and building lasting friendships. Those friendships include fellow Soldiers and our allies and partners."

1st Lt. Anna McCarley

Headquarters, Headquarters Company 41st IBCT, Oregon Army National Guard

McCarley joined in 2016 and is deployed to Kosovo. A highlight of her service was serving as a platoon leader at an Exportable Combat Training Capability at Camp Roberts in California. She is proud "seeing the positive impacts that we can have in our communities back home and the communities that we help while on deployment. I’ve always loved giving back to my community, even when I was in middle school and high school, and being in the Guard, I am able to do that now as an adult."

Sgt. Maj. Sean McCollum

NCO Leadership Center of Excellence, Virginia National Guard

McCollum followed his mother, father and grandfather into the military, joining the Guard in 2000. He deployed to the Middle East for Operation Spartan Shield in 2017 and serves as National Guard liaison. "The National Guard is such a unique organization. The flexibility of the National Guard — from fighting our nation’s wars, responding to emergencies in our homeland, and strengthening international partnerships — ensures that every day brings a new challenge. Those challenges grow my leadership skills and make me more capable to respond to an uncertain world when my country requires."

Sgt. 1st Class Pierce Miller

863rd Military Police Company, West Virginia Army National Guard

Miller joined in 2010 and has deployed to Kosovo, Qatar and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. "I am proud to serve in the National Guard because I am able to help the people of the state of West Virginia when life or mother nature deals a crippling blow. Also, being able to be a positive light for a Soldier that might need help."

Capt. Caleb Mischung

161st Air Refueling Wing, Arizona Air National Guard

Mischung has served since 2010. "My favorite part of serving is knowing that I am supporting and giving back to my community, state and nation. This has become even more important to me as a father to be able to help show my daughters the sacrifice that we as a family and all military members undertake to protect our nation."

Staff Sgt. Benjamin Morehouse

E Company, 141 Brigade Support Battalion, 41st IBCT, Oregon Army National Guard

Morehouse has served since 2008, including deployments to Afghanistan, the United Arab Emirates and, currently, Kosovo. "My favorite moment or part of serving has been the opportunity to travel around the world for the National Guard, whether it is for military schools or actual deployments. Through the traveling and training, I have met and continue to make long-term friends through the organization."

Spc. Madison Petry

863rd Military Police Company, West Virginia Army National Guard

Petry joined the Guard in 2021 "because my great grandpa (Poppaw Bruce) was in WW2 and my other great grandpa (Poppaw Harold) served in the National Guard for a few years. They taught me so much and I’ve always looked up to them, and I know they’d be proud." Petry is deployed to Kosovo.

Tech. Sgt. Wayne E. Phillips

201st Airlift Squadron, District of Columbia Air National Guard

Phillips joined the Air Force in 2010 and the Air National Guard in 2013. He has served in 82 countries, including recent temporary duty in Paris, Luxembourg and Rome. “I entered the military wanting to be part of an organization that I was proud of — the military gave me that and so much more. ... Not a day goes by that I don’t learn something. And as I make rank, I definitely want to mentor the troops behind me."

Capt. Brady Plunkett

Headquarters, 96th Troop Command, Washington National Guard

Plunkett joined the National Guard in 2010 "to break the cycle of poverty and invest in my future." He says the highlight so far was serving as a company commander. "What amazes me about the National Guard is how quickly we task organize, establish a team, and execute a mission. I have immense pride that we are able to accomplish complex and dynamic mission sets, despite only having our Soldiers for 30 to 45 days a year."

2nd Lt. Tamera Pratt

333d Military Police Company, Illinois Army National Guard

Pratt, a Guardsman since 2019, enlisted "for adventure, physical challenges and the chance to push myself in new and exciting ways." Highlights include the training experiences — especially in law enforcement tactics, self-defense and firearms. "As a National Guard member, I play a vital role in supporting local communities, especially during natural disasters or emergencies. Being able to help people in times of need, whether through disaster relief or community service, brings a deep sense of fulfillment and pride."

Staff Sgt. Jeremy Roup

Alpha Company 2-162, Oregon Army National Guard

Roup joined the Guard in 2021 and has served in Kosovo and South Korea. "My favorite part of serving is meeting new friends and all the love and camaraderie you get to experience. As an NCO, I love teaching and training Soldiers!"

2nd Lt. Ethan A. Steury

233rd Military Police Company, Illinois Army National Guard

Steury has served since 2008, including a 2021 deployment to Kuwait. "I joined at the end of my senior year of high school. A friend joined before me and convinced me to join. I didn’t have any direction or purpose after high school. Joining the military gave me a purpose after graduating high school. And since getting married and having kids, that has motivated me to stay in the military."

Master Sgt. Natasha Tavares

143d Aircraft Maintenance Squadron (Maintenance Group), Rhode Island Air National Guard

Tavares has served in the Guard since 2011, first in cybersecurity and now as a first sergeant for maintenance. A highlight was representing Rhode Island in the National Guard Marathon Trials in Nebraska two years ago. "Being part of a team that is ready to support and protect both our country and local communities is something I take great pride in. It’s the opportunity to make a real difference while balancing my civilian life and knowing that, no matter what, I’m part of a legacy of service that has always been there when the country needs it most."

Sgt. 1st Class Stephen J. Vigo

6TH Recruiting and Retention Battalion, Connecticut National Guard

Vigo has served since 2011, including a deployment to Afghanistan in 2012 for Operation Enduring Freedom. "I joined because I knew from a young age that I had a desire to serve others. I wanted to have a positive impact on those around me and one day be the best role model I can be for my children."

Sgt. Grace Wajler

153rd Public Affairs Detachment, West Virginia National Guard

Wajler, a Guardsman since 2018, "initially chose the Army because I have always held Soldiers in the highest regard. My older brother joined the Army National Guard right out of high school, and watching him become a Soldier was an inspiration. When I turned 18, I wanted to challenge myself and prove that I could embody the qualities that I’ve always admired." She is on a mission in Kosovo and has also deployed to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

Staff Sgt. Ronnie Webber

Alpha Company 2/162 IN Infantry Battalion, 41st IBCT, Oregon Army National Guard

Webber joined the Idaho National Guard in 2008 and the Oregon Guard in 2017. He is in Kosovo and has also deployed to Iraq and Poland. Why did he enlist? "Honestly just being part of something bigger than myself, having the opportunity to make a difference, wearing the greatest flag in the world on my shoulder every day, having the opportunity to represent the United States Army and the United States of America to the best of my ability every day. The challenges that come with service and the opportunity to push yourself build character and better yourself every day."

Sgt. Logan Weikle

863rd Military Police Company, West Virginia Army National Guard

Weikle joined the Guard in 2019 and deployed to Kosovo. " I joined the National Guard to better myself for not only myself, but my family. My favorite part of serving is seeing the man I have always wanted to be in my kids and wife’s eyes."

Spc. Sophia White

2-162 Infantry Battalion, Ape Company, 41st IBCT, Oregon National Guard

White, a combat medic, joined the Guard in 2020 "to create a better life for myself and go on adventures." Highlights include helocasting into a lake for her first annual training, a field training exercise at Camp Bullis and going to Morocco for annual training. She deployed to Kosovo last year. "I’m proud to serve in the National Guard because of the humanitarian efforts and people/community-based efforts and missions that are supported with the Guard."

Staff Sgt. Gavin Woken

121st Security Forces Squadron, Ohio Air National Guard

Woken joined the Guard in 2020 for the college benefits and to follow his grandfather, an Air Force veteran. "I am unbelievably thankful for the tools that the military has equipped me with that will be with me for life: discipline, respect, morals, always striving for excellence, as well as communication and problem-solving skills. I feel ready for anything that life throws at me based on the experiences that I have lived, learning from each bump in the road and learning how to handle conflict and roadblocks in life."