2LT David Bryant—Hero On Call:  Currently Deployed

I woke up on the morning of 9/11 at a friend's house. His wife was making breakfast for their children and watching the news. I saw the second plane crash into the towers and said to her, "It's a little early for a horror movie, don't you think?" She said we were under attack.

I called a friend who was a recruiter, and joined the Army National Guard immediately. I didn't enlist for the college money—I had a large scholarship. I simply wanted to do my part.

I graduated from Indiana University and went through the ROTC program to receive my commission. During this time, I was contracted as an SMP (Simultaneous Membership Program) Cadet. This means I was in the guard and also was a cadet. This experience was excellent, and I recommend going that route to anyone that wishes to become an officer. Having an enlisted background is invaluable to a new officer.

I have served as a platoon leader, 1st Platoon, A Company 1/152nd Infantry Battalion. My specific job in the National Guard is to do everything that I can to make a good plan that will keep my men safe, and bring them all home. I was called to active duty at Fort Lewis, Washington, but never went overseas.

I look back at my career in the Army, and I could not have made a better move. I wasn't the greatest student before, and my priorities weren't straight either. After coming home from Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training, I started school again, and my GPA rose tremendously.

I truly believe this experience has shaped who I am, and also has given me the leadership tools to move forward in life. The Army National Guard is set up to help those who need it.

Contact your local recruiter for more information.