It is said that only thirteen percent of the entire world loves going into work. I’ve even experienced having a job that I dreaded going to day in and day out. Fortunately, I am now blessed with a career that I am passionate about. Since joining the Arkansas Army National Guard in 2007, I have experienced training and opportunities that some people only dream of. I have had the opportunity to serve my community and country in many ways, whether it be performing natural disaster relief or responding to a search and rescue operation. The feeling I get every morning when I put on my uniform and lace up my boots is a feeling that will always be my motivator to do my best for my country.

I often receive gratitude from civilians everywhere I go. I always say thank you for your support, but deep down I do not enjoy people treating me any differently because I am a Soldier in uniform. I do it because I could never imagine doing anything else. There are many other careers that deserve a lot more thanks than I do, such as firefighters and police officers who risk their lives every day to protect us, or nurses and doctors who save lives on a daily basis.

I enlisted into the National Guard as an infantryman. Infantryman are the front line combat Soldiers who are trained to conduct operations in combat scenarios. I thoroughly enjoyed the training I received in those 7 years of being in the infantry. Where else can you get paid to stay in shape, shoot weapons, blow stuff up and ride in Blackhawk helicopters? Since 2014 I have been serving on active duty for the National Guard as a Recruiting and Retention Non-Commissioned Officer. Despite all the fun I had during my first several years, it doesn’t come close to comparing with what I do now. Aside from the very long hours of endless paper work, driving numerous hours a day to meet with potential enlistees and having my success rely on the decision of this nation’s young adults, there is no career I’d rather be doing.

I have realized without the National Guard, my life would be nowhere near as great as it is now. That is the very reason I am a recruiter. I don’t promise applicants skittles at the end of a rainbow or magical unicorns, because they simply do not exist. I am one of the most honest recruiters I know, because it’s not about meeting my mission of getting an x number of recruits. It is all about seeing one transition from a civilian to a Soldier. It is the one of the greatest feelings in the world to give someone else the opportunities that were given to me. Never have I had someone return from basic training who did not thank me for helping them through the decision process, and every other step along the way. That, for me, is what a career is all about.

If I haven’t lost you by now you’re probably thinking, “Are there any cons to having a career like this?” Of course there are. I met my wonderful girlfriend, Kayla, a little over a year ago. When things started to get serious I was very worried about our relationship because she had never been exposed to a military lifestyle. Just like any other career field in the military, there are some days I work 16+ hours to meet a deadline or I’m stuck at the office doing a lengthy enlistment application. On average, I am away from home for almost a week out of the month, sometimes more. It was a very hard transition for her, and understanding why I have to do what I do. I’ve also missed a significant number of father’s days away from my daughters. Just like any other career, this one also has its ups and downs.

Fortunately, I have a “What can I do for my country” mentality and I know the sacrifices my family and I make are for the greater good of the United States of America. I wouldn’t be a successful recruiter without saying, “Are you ready to take the challenge?!”

Look for me on Facebook if you’d like more information! If you’re looking for a job, I’ll give you something better: a way of life!