In Their Own Words

Every member of the National Guard has a story. Many have common threads — pride in service to country and community, personal enrichment from military obligations and the enduring bonds among comrades in arms. But each story is uniquely personal. The NGAUS Oral History Project has collected hundreds of stories from association members. Many will be included in a hard-bound book available next year. A few are in the pages that follow.

Harrowing Incident Over Syria
Capt. Abby Yox
Pennsylvania Army National Guard

As an Army National Guard pilot, I’ve had the privilege of serving my country in a variety of capacities. One experience that stands out was the Broken Wing Award I received in 2021 after a harrowing incident in Syria.

My co-pilot and I were able to safely land the aircraft despite significant complications, and it was an honor to be recognized for our actions. The Broken Wing Award is a unique military distinction, and being awarded it has brought my co-pilot and I closer together. It’s the kind of recognition that you don’t often find in other settings, and it speaks to the camaraderie and support within the military community.

More recently, I’ve become involved with NGAUS. Attending the national conference in Detroit was a really eye-opening experience for me. It was amazing to see how NGAUS works to advocate for Guardsmen and affect positive change within the National Guard. The networking opportunities and events were invaluable, and I’m grateful to continue being a part of this organization.

Service to my country is a deep source of pride for me. Coming home safely from deployment and seeing the support of those around me was incredibly humbling. The work NGAUS does to support Guardsmen and their families is so important, and I’m honored to contribute in whatever way I can.

Walking in the Footsteps of History
Col. Bruce A. Postma
Texas Army National Guard

As a chaplain, I had the privilege of leading fellow soldiers on a unique cultural and historical journey during our deployment to Kosovo. One of the most remarkable experiences was taking a group of around 50 soldiers on a four-day pass to the beautiful southern coast of Greece, near the town of Kavalla. We had the opportunity to explore the ancient ruins of Philippi and Olis, where the Apostle Paul had walked centuries ago.

Standing in those hallowed places, my soldiers gained a profound geographical and spiritual perspective on the early days of Christianity. Many expressed that this was the highlight of the entire deployment, marveling at the chance to literally walk in the footsteps of history. Sharing that experience with my fellow chaplains was incredibly rewarding. Seeing the awe and wonder on the faces of our soldiers as they immersed themselves in the ancient world was truly special. It was a reminder of the power of storytelling and the transformative impact of connecting with our shared past.

Tragically, our deployment was also marked by the sudden loss of my dear friend and colleague, Chaplain Ogles. His passing just days before our return was a devastating blow. Yet, even in that dark moment, I took solace in the knowledge that he had found peace and that our soldiers had the opportunity to honor his memory and legacy.

Through the highs and lows of my military service, I remain profoundly grateful for the chance to serve our country, to witness the resilience of the human spirit and to play a role in the lives of the brave men and women who defend our freedoms. These experiences have forever shaped my perspective and my commitment to the sacred calling of military chaplaincy.

A Rewarding and Fulfilling Journey
Chief Warrant Officer 4 David Dickerson (Ret.)
Mississippi Army National Guard

I began my journey in headquarters troop of an armored cavalry squadron, starting as a medic and later transitioning to roles as a supply sergeant, career counselor, scout section leader and cavalry platoon sergeant.

After several years, I applied for and was accepted as a warrant officer in 1980. For two decades, I remained within the squadron, serving as a supply technician and property book officer. In 1988, I moved to Camp McCain Training Center, serving there for 21 years as the supply readiness officer and property book officer. During this time, I had the opportunity to oversee the construction of crucial infrastructure, including a ration-breakdown facility, an ammunition supply point and an automated fuel point.

I took great pride in ensuring that everything from toilet paper to tractors was properly procured and issued. One of my greatest joys was mentoring the young supply sergeants in the units that we supported. I actively encouraged them to pursue their own professional development, writing recommendations for them to attend warrant officer school.

It was immensely gratifying to see several of them succeed, with one individual I had mentored even rising to the rank of chief warrant officer 5. Witnessing their growth and achievements was a testament to the power of leadership and the importance of investing in the next generation. As I reflect on my time in the service, I am filled with a sense of pride and accomplishment.

The camaraderie, the challenges and the opportunity to make a difference — these are the hallmarks of a life well-lived in service to one’s country. It has been a truly rewarding and fulfilling journey, and I am grateful for the chance to have played a role in shaping the careers of those who followed in my footsteps.

The Structure I Needed to Succeed
Capt. Benjamin R. Kimball
Colorado Air National Guard

I come from a military family. My grandad served in the Navy during World War II, my grandpa served in the Army Air Corps and my dad served in the Air Force Reserve, so I knew from a young age the importance of serving one’s country.

When it came time for me to decide my own path after high school, the choice was clear — I would join the Air Force. My parents didn’t have the means to send me to college, and I knew I lacked the discipline to see it through on my own. The Air Force offered me a chance to earn money for my education while also instilling the structure I needed to succeed. It was the perfect solution.

One of the most impactful experiences of my service came during my deployment to Qatar in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom in 2004. As part of the intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance cell, I was able to directly support our troops on the ground, providing them with crucial battlefield information and real-time aerial reconnaissance. Knowing that my work helped keep our soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines safe was incredibly rewarding.

Along the way, I had the privilege of serving alongside many inspiring individuals. But one person stands out as a true mentor — my friend Josh. He encouraged me to pursue my bachelor’s degree while on our first assignment, something I was hesitant to do. Thanks to his persistence and guidance, I was able to earn that degree, laying the groundwork for my future success. In fact, when I earned my commission in 2019, he was my first salute.

Ultimately, what I’m most proud of is the opportunity to have served alongside such a diverse and dedicated group of men and women, all united in our love for this great country. It was an honor to be part of that brotherhood and to contribute to the defense of our freedoms.

Something Bigger Than Myself
Col. Anita E. Walker Deason (Ret.)
Arkansas Army National Guard

After graduating high school, my first job was working for the Arkansas National Guard as a state employee. I was 17 years old, and as I worked at the state headquarters, I was surrounded by National Guard members in their uniforms. They spoke of drill, annual training and the camaraderie they shared was something I didn’t quite feel as an outsider. So, I joined primarily because my friends were in the Guard, and I wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself.

My military service shaped me in countless ways. It instilled in me the importance of selfless service and taking care of others, whether my family, my state or my country. I learned the value of self-discipline and leadership qualities that have served me well, both during and after my time in the military.

Some of my proudest moments include accomplishing milestones like the basic and advanced NCO courses, as well as attending officer candidate school. But the most poignant moment was the day after 9/11, when my son and I were asked to raise the flag at his daycare center as a solemn act of respect. To see other parents and even people driving by on the street, stop and pay tribute was a deeply moving experience that I’ll never forget.

After retiring from the military, I had the honor of working for U.S. Sen. John Boozman, as his military and veteran liaison. This allowed me to utilize the skills and values I gained in the Guard to further assist veterans and their families, whether it was navigating the VA system, supporting homeless veterans or empowering veteran farmers and entrepreneurs. It was an incredibly rewarding chapter.

My advice to young people considering military service is simple: You can’t go wrong. The discipline, leadership and selfless service you’ll learn will benefit you for the rest of your life, no matter your career path. The military is an opportunity to be a part of something greater than yourself, and the positive impact it can have on your future is immeasurable.

Served in Vietnam with My Father
Maj. Gen. John R. D’Araujo Jr. (Ret.)
Hawaii Army National Guard

It’s hard to believe, but my father and I both served in Vietnam at the same time. I was an infantry officer, while he was stationed at the MACV [Military Assistance Command, Vietnam] headquarters in Saigon. We didn’t see much of each other, but the fact that we were both there, serving our country, is something I’ll never forget.

It must have been incredibly difficult for my mother, having her husband and son both deployed. I can’t even imagine what she went through, trying to hold our family together while we were overseas. She was the rock that kept us all going. When I finally made it home, about a month before my father, the reunion was emotional, to say the least. Just in time for Thanksgiving, we were able to be together again as a family. I’ll never take that for granted.

Looking back on my military service, the highlight was definitely commanding the 29th Infantry Brigade in Hawaii. That was a childhood dream come true. And the relationships I formed, especially with leaders like Lt. Gen. Herb Temple [Army National Guard Director from 1982 to 1986 and National Guard Bureau chief from 1986 to 1990]. He had a profound impact on me.

Temple was a visionary who fought to transform the National Guard into the capable, operational force it is today. I was honored to be part of his team, even when his ideas faced resistance. Seeing that vision become a reality is something I’m deeply grateful for.

The military taught me so much about leadership and the value of having great NCOs to keep me on the right track. It’s hard to pinpoint one specific lesson, as the cumulative experience of serving alongside such remarkable individuals shaped my outlook immeasurably. To anyone considering joining the Guard or military, I can’t recommend it highly enough. The educational benefits, the lifelong connections, the sense of purpose — it’s all so invaluable. And I’m thankful every day that I got to be a part of it.

Right Place at a Critical Time
Maj. Gen. Roger P. Lempke (Ret.)
Nebraska Air National Guard

As president of the Adjutants General Association of the United States, I found myself at the center of a pivotal moment in 2006. It began when the Army announced plans to reduce the end strength of the Army National Guard by 25,000 troops, causing significant restructuring and unit reorganizations across the states. In January 2006, all 54 adjutants general were summoned to National Guard Headquarters just outside D.C. There, we met with the secretary of the Army and the Army chief of staff, who laid out their intentions.

As the AGAUS president, I knew I had to respond on behalf of my fellow Guardsmen. I stood up, calmly walked to the front and faced the Army leadership. In a professional tone, I conveyed our unanimous opposition to their plan. The Guard could not accept these cuts, I explained, and we would take this fight back to our governors, senators and congressional delegations. As I turned to return to my seat, all the adjutants general rose and cheered.

The Army’s stunned reaction was palpable. The Army chief of staff later approached me, and when we parted ways, the Guard’s position was firmly stated. Word quickly spread, and Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld directed the Army to “fix it.” The Army ultimately backed away from their proposed reductions, a testament to the National Guard’s vital role and the AGAUS’s principled stand. This “Lempke Moment,” as it came to be known, underscored the National Guard’s unwavering advocacy. As I retired in 2007, I reflected on how I happened to be in the right place at the critical time, fighting to preserve the strength and capabilities of the National Guard.

Thankful for the Personal Growth
Capt. Sha-raya Bates
Georgia Army National Guard

When I graduated with my bachelor’s degree, I was afraid of not finding a job. Many of my friends were struggling to secure employment, so that inspired me to join the military. It wasn’t an easy decision, but I come from a family with a long history of military service — my dad and both of my grandparents were in the Air Force.

Joining the military has been a great decision for me. It’s helped me grow both mentally and physically over the past 13 years. I never thought I’d be in the military this long, but around the 10-year mark, I realized how quickly the time had flown by. Now, I’m proud to continue the family tradition of serving our country.

As a member of the National Guard, I’ve had the opportunity to be involved in some important community efforts, especially when it comes to hurricane response in Georgia. It’s incredibly rewarding to be able to provide assistance to remote locations that might not otherwise receive support. Seeing the relief on people’s faces when the military arrives is truly amazing.

Looking back, I’m most thankful for the personal growth I’ve experienced during my time in the military. It’s challenged me in ways I never imagined, but I’ve come out stronger for it. I’m proud to be part of an organization that makes such a meaningful difference, both for my community and for our country as a whole.

Service Led to Development of Doppler Radar
Col. Samuel P. Williamson (Ret.)
District of Columbia Air National Guard

I’ll never forget the moment I decided to join the military. Growing up in the segregated South, my dreams of becoming an atmospheric scientist seemed hopelessly out of reach. But the ROTC program at my HBCU [Historically Black College and University], Tennessee State University, opened up a path forward. When I discovered the Air Force’s weather service, I knew that was my calling.

The journey wasn’t easy — I was the only African American in my meteorology program at North Carolina State University. But with the mentorship of professors like Allen Weber, I excelled. My weather forecasting skills even won me a contest against my peers. After graduating, the Air Force sent me to Charleston [South Carolina], where I faced a rapidly changing officer corps. But through it all, the commander took me under his wing, ensuring I mastered every aspect of running a weather unit. Soon, I was given my own command as a junior captain — a true testament to my abilities.

This was all part of a divine plan, I believe. From a young age, I’d been called to design technology that could better warn people of dangerous storms. The Air Force provided the route to fulfilling that purpose, first as a weather officer, then transitioning to the National Weather Service. There, I led the development of the NEXRAD weather radar system [more commonly known as Doppler radar], something used in weather reports nationwide to this day.

It’s humbling to think my work has had such a widespread impact, all stemming from that initial leap of faith to join the military. The path was not always easy, with roadblocks and setbacks along the way. But looking back, I see how every step — from segregation to the Guard to my mandatory retirement — was part of a bigger plan. I’m grateful the Air Force gave me the opportunity to answer my true calling, impacting lives across the country.

From Black Hawks to Tankers
Maj. William R. Peters
Wisconsin Air National Guard

I’ve always felt the call to serve. Even as a young boy, the idea of donning a uniform and defending my country stirred something deep within me. So, in 1997, when I was old enough, I eagerly enlisted in the Army, driven by a lifelong dream to fly helicopters.

My family has a rich history of military service. My father briefly served in the Army during the Vietnam era, while my grandfather on my father’s side flew B-25s, affectionately known as PBJs, for the Marine Corps in World War II. On my mother’s side, my grandfather and great-grandfather both served in the artillery in that same conflict, with my great-grandfather even fighting for the German army in World War I. This legacy of service inspired me to follow in their footsteps.

After basic training, I attended warrant officer candidate school at Fort Rucker, Alabama, where I began my pilot training on the TH-67 and UH-1 helicopters. Upon graduation, I was assigned to fly the mighty Black Hawk, serving first as a medevac pilot and then as a special-missions pilot with the 101st Airborne Division.

The years that followed were a whirlwind of experiences. I became an instructor pilot, then a flight examiner, even flying missions for President [George W.] Bush. I transitioned to the Illinois Army National Guard, deploying to the Balkans and assisting with hurricane relief efforts. Finally, I joined the Wisconsin Air National Guard, where I now fly the KC-135 aerial refueling tanker, conducting missions around the globe.

Through it all, the military has shaped me into the man I am today. The discipline, leadership, and technical expertise I’ve gained have been invaluable, both in uniform and in my civilian life. While I’ve had the privilege of serving at many remarkable duty stations, the Wisconsin Air Guard holds a special place in my heart. But it’s the entire journey, from my initial enlistment to now, that has truly made me who I am.

NGAUS members who have not yet contributed a story but would like to should contact the association’s contract partner in the project, Publishing Concepts Inc., by Feb. 21, 2025, at (888) 839-3703.

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TOP PHOTO: Capt. Benjamin Kimball