VI National Guard

To the Soldiers & Airmen of the @USNationalGuard: Every one of you helps us keep our promise to America—a promise to be Always Ready, Always There. This holiday season—and every day—we are thankful to serve with you. We wish you & your families a safe & happy holiday!

How many of us wear this uniform because of a veteran? For us, there is likely one person who stands out among the rest when we hear the phrase “Happy Veterans Day.” Who inspired you?

Staff Sgt. Pascal has already re-enlisted since. Twice. How does she feel now about her decision to serve? "That's one of the best decisions," she said. (3/3)

"As a civilian technician, it helped me a lot when I went to the Military Police investigator school," @USArmy Staff Sgt. Pascal told me. Joining the @NationalGuard was something she'd always wanted to do, & she finally headed to Basic Combat Training at 31. (2/3)

As a civilian, Linda Pascal has been a crime scene technician for the @VirginIslandsPD for 15 years. She brought her civilian-acquired skills with her when she enlisted in the @VIGUARD, where I found her teaching fellow Soldiers at a mock crime scene. (1/3)

For newly promoted @USArmy Staff Sgt. Bonell Andrew, working with machines & teaching others are passions. He's a water purification specialist with the @VIGUARD, & his full-time vocation is maintaining military vehicles. (1/3)

When he's sharing knowledge, Staff Sgt. Andrew told me, "I feel that I can give something back." When he showed me equipment to desalinate & purify seawater to provide drinking water in austere military environments or respond to a natural disaster, he did what the best do: (2/3)