Editor's Note: On this Veteran's Day I thought what could be more positive than learning at least one local soldier's "why". Gratitude for those who serve comes in big gulps on days like today when we are reminded that our freedom is costly. Thank you to this serviceman for sharing his story with me and allowing me to share it with you.

Why I Joined the National Guard – and Why I’m Still Here 15 Years Later

My journey to the National Guard began out of necessity and survival. At 17, I lost my mother, and without a father around, my younger brother and I were left on our own. We couldn’t legally work without parental approval, so we struggled just to eat. When I turned 18, I found work at a warehouse and started studying for my GED, but it barely paid the bills. Desperate for stability, I reached out to several military branches, but they all required me to have my GED first, which I couldn’t afford to complete.

Then a conversation with a friend who was in the Tennessee Army National Guard changed my path. She told me about their GED Plus Program, which could help me complete my education and provide a steady income. I immediately called a recruiter, joined in 2008, and went from severely underweight and malnourished to finally having structure, support, and purpose. Once I finished basic training, I volunteered for deployment, viewing it as a way to survive and make a fresh start.

After my deployment to Iraq, I felt more committed to my career and enrolled in college with military funding. Tragically, my younger brother passed away in a car accident soon after my return. I struggled for several years, but the military gave me direction and structure to stay on course. By 2014, I was feeling the strain of my responsibilities and considered leaving. However, my soldiers, whom I was leading as an E5 acting as an E6, asked me to stay, saying my departure would affect their decision to reenlist. Their trust gave me a renewed sense of purpose, and I signed on for another six years, motivated to be there for the soldiers who looked to me for guidance.

Not long after, I was called to help with disaster relief in South Carolina after Hurricane Florence. Helping American citizens during the crisis, saving lives, and restoring some normalcy reinforced my commitment to serve—not just my country but my community as well.

A few years later, I deployed to Guantanamo Bay, where I mentored younger soldiers through personal and professional challenges. Over time, I realized my passion was in leading others and helping them succeed. In this role, I found a new sense of fulfillment.

Now, at the end of my 15th year, my motivations have shifted again. I’m close to retirement and want to ensure my family’s future is secure, but I also feel a deep commitment to protect the country in a time that feels uncertain. My service has evolved from self-preservation to a dedication to others and my community.

Through every challenge, the National Guard has been more than just a career. It’s been my foundation and a path to making a difference for those around me and the country I call home. While my reasons for staying have changed, my commitment to my mission, family, and fellow soldiers has only deepened.