Soldier stories
Ever wonder what it’s really like to serve in the Army National Guard? These soldiers did—and it changed their lives. Explore their stories to see where service can take you.
SPC Isabella Tan, at only 20, employs her advanced math and computer skills as a 13J in the California Army National Guard. In her 9-to-5, she serves as their full-time Social Media Marketing Manager. Learn more about what a 13J does in the Army National Guard.
MAJ Rachel Irwin is a 65D and Blackhawk surgeon certified in the Nebraska Army National Guard. She translated her Guard experience into a full-time position as a Physician Assistant in Neurosurgery for the VA. Learn more about Medical careers in the Army National Guard.
SPC Isaac Alberto is a 68W in the Kansas Army National Guard, and in his civilian life, he serves his community as an EMT. The knowledge and capabilities he gains as a 68W give him a major head start in his civilian career. Learn more about what a 68W does in the Army National Guard.
PFC Chelsey Hernandez is an 88M Motor Transport Operator in the Kansas Army National Guard. The logistics and teamwork skills she picked up in the Guard are put to good use in her civilian life, when she serves her community as a Corrections Officer. Learn more about what an 88M does in the Army National Guard.
SSG Yulia Benson studied the piano until age 14 in her home country of Russia. She immigrated to America later on to advance her education. She got that opportunity with the Vermont Army National Guard. Not only did she utilize the great education benefits, she was also able to put her background in music to work as a 42R Army Band Musician. Learn more about what a 42R does in the Army National Guard.
SPC Matthew Rodriguez-Nelson is an 11B Infantryman in the Tennessee Army National Guard. Taking advantage of the part-time service, he's able to be a full-time student at the University of Mississippi. Learn more about what an 11B does in the Army National Guard.
SPC Ronald Miller serves the Nebraska Army National Guard as a 68G Patient Administrator Specialist. In his civilian life, he uses his talent for organization and logistics as a Manufacturing Freight Loader. Learn more about what a 68G does in the Army National Guard.
SPC Adrian Alvarez is an 11B Infantryman in the Indiana Army National Guard. In his civilian life, he continues to serve his community as a Police Officer for the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department. Learn more about what an 11B does in the Army National Guard.
CW2 Rebecca Snavely, a 153M Lakota Pilot in the Indiana Army National Guard, fell in love with flying as a child and joined the Army as a senior in high school. Learn more about Aviation careers in the Army National Guard.
2LT Jeffrey Gilliam is an 11A Infantry Officer in the Indiana Army National Guard. He puts the leadership skills, discipline and ability to make decisions under pressure that he gained in the Guard to work in his civilian job as a Police Officer for the Columbus Police Department in Columbus, Indiana. Learn more about what an Infantry Officer does in the Army National Guard.
SGT Eric Pugh, a 15T Helicopter Repairer in the Indiana Army National Guard, capitalized on the skills he gained as a U.S. Air mechanic and later a Police Officer when he enlisted in the Guard at age 29. Learn more about what a 15T does in the Army National Guard.
SSG Whitney Perez, a 68W Combat Medic in the Indiana Army National Guard, took advantage of the medical opportunities the Guard offered her and works full-time as an Active Guard Reserve (AGR) Medical Readiness NCO. Learn more about what a 68W does in the Army National Guard.
SSG Gino Zappia of the Indiana Army National Guard is an 11B who most recently served the Guard full-time as a Training Room NCO. His leadership, expertise and dedication are preparing future generations of Soldiers. Learn more about what an 11B does in the Army National Guard.
SPC Isabella Tan is proving to her sisters that anything is possible
CW2 Snavely knew she wanted to be a pilot in junior high.
PFC Chelsey Hernandez is serving her country for her kids
SSG Yulia Benson carries an M4A1 and a glockenspiel
SPC Matthew Rodriguez-Nelson knew he was meant for more
MAJ Rachel Irwin found her path to achieve her dream
SPC Ronald Miller had more to offer the world than just his day job
SPC Isaac Alberto saves lives both in and out of uniform
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