An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : News : Article View
NEWS | March 15, 2018

'Calling:' From immigrant to Soldier, journey was worth it

By MaryTherese Griffin Warrior Care and Transition

FORT BLISS, Texas - Army National Guard Sgt. Manthan Patel has heard all the jokes and does not want to be a cliché. "When I was younger I was in biomedical engineering pre-med and realized that I did not want to continue in that field. Every single Patel is a doctor - it's too mainstream for me," Patel laughed while taking a break at the 2018 Army Trials at Fort Bliss, Texas, where he earned a silver in the men's 800-meter race and a bronze for power lifting in his classification.

Patel grew up in India and moved to the United States when he was 17. He always wanted to serve in the military, but knowing his family was going to immigrate to the U.S., Patel could not make that commitment in India.

Patel and his family moved from India to Indiana, and that's where he heard about the Army National Guard and thought it would work for him since he could have a civilian life and serve in the military at the same time. Because of the balance, Patel decided to join the Indiana National Guard.

Patel became a U.S. citizen before he deployed to Iraq in 2009. "I still remember preparing for the citizenship test, it felt different learning American history so quickly," Patel said of the 100-question test. However, the process of becoming a citizen and deploying was bittersweet because he had to give up his Indian citizenship for security clearance reasons - a price he was willing to pay to serve the new country he loves.

In 2016, on a deployment to Cuba, an injury would change everything for the administration specialist. A bad fall resulted in herniated discs and massive nerve damage to his neck area. However, Patel soldiered on until he demobilized at Fort Bliss. He would then realize that he desperately needed surgery to replace two discs, followed by extensive physical therapy.

"I could not do basic things; no brisk walking, running, and no riding motorcycles, which is my passion. My mobility is limited," Patel said. "I was very active and not being able to do those active things messes with your mind. You never realize how much your neck affects your overall body movement."

During his time recuperating at the Fort Bliss Warrior Transition Battalion, Patel learned about the Warrior Games and Army Trials.

"I've never been athletically inclined until I got to the WTB," said Patel. "Competing with these other athletes who are missing limbs, or have various other conditions and are so positive and strong gives me hope."

Patel credits the Warrior Care and Transition Program for opening his eyes to how the Army cares for Soldiers and helps them find their new normal.

"I did not know the care and the amount of effort the WTB puts forth to make sure Soldiers are taken care of. If you are injured and the opportunity to go to a WTB is presented to you, go and make sure you are taken care of," Patel said. "A lot of people will ignore their injuries and they try to tough it out, then down the road it worsens and they don't have the option of the WTB or even good health care."

As Patel continues to recover and work toward returning to duty, he is also thinking about starting a career in the field he considered to be "mainstream" years ago, the medical field. "If I am able to return to duty I would like to finish my degree and I would love to try the Army Physician Assistant Program to become a physician assistant," Patel said. "That is the huge thing the WTB made me realize; when someone is injured and needs to heal, this intrigued me to really want to help. Now it feels like my calling."

The medal stand at Army Trials has also been calling. After three events, Patel has earned a silver in the men's 800-meter race and a bronze for power lifting in his classification. He will also compete in shooting and rowing later this week.

 

 

Related Articles
Photo of medical training during a Port Subject Matter Expert Exchange at the Port of Laem Chabang, Thailand, August 20, 2025. (Courtesy Photo)
Washington Guard Continues Strengthening Relationship at Thailand’s Port of Laem Chabang
By Joseph Siemandel, | Sept. 30, 2025
CAMP MURRAY, Wash. - Four members of the Washington National Guard partnered recently with more than 170 employees from the Port of Laem Chabang, Thailand, to continue improving the port’s all-hazard response as part of the...

Leaders and attendees from the Hawai‘i National Guard, Guam National Guard and Armed Forces of the Philippines gather for a group photo during the 25th anniversary celebration of the State Partnership Program between the Hawai‘i National Guard and the AFP at Clark Air Base, Philippines, Sept. 25, 2025. The Hawai‘i Guard and AFP launched the Indo-Pacific’s first State Partnership in 2000, marking 25 years of cooperation in training, disaster response and regional security.
25 Years Strong: Hawai‘i Guard and Philippines Celebrate Enduring Partnership
By Master Sgt. Mysti Bicoy, | Sept. 30, 2025
CLARK AIR BASE, Philippines — Cheers, handshakes and shared stories filled the air Sept. 23–25 as the Hawai‘i National Guard and Armed Forces of the Philippines celebrated 25 years of partnership — a bond that has endured...

Oklahoma National Guard leaders and Italian representatives unveil a plaque at the former headquarters of the 45th Infantry Division during WWII in Venafro, Italy, Sept. 8, 2025. A delegation of Oklahoma National Guard members and veterans toured key locations from the 45th Infantry Division’s campaign in Italy against German forces during World War II, continuing the development of the Thunderbird Trail. The initiative is aimed at preserving the Division's role in World War II through a memorial trail tracing its footsteps through Italy, France and Germany, ensuring their sacrifices are never forgotten. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Danielle Rayon)
Thunderbird Trail: Preserving Sacrifice, Strengthening Connection for Oklahoma Guard
By Sgt. Danielle Rayon, | Sept. 29, 2025
ITALY – Standing among rows of white marble headstones at the Sicily-Rome American Cemetery and Memorial, Soldiers of the Oklahoma National Guard bent to place sand from the beaches of Anzio into the carved names of...