Help Gary Join the National Guard

Help Gary Join the National Guard

Please excuse the self-promoting picture. But it's a picture of me when I was in the Michigan National Guard. We weren't actually in combat, unless you count the nightly battle with mosquitoes at Camp Grayling!

The reason for the picture is to highlight my cause. Along with loving kids with autism, I love my country. On September 11th, 2001 something changed in me. I was training a child with autism on that day. I did not stop the training - it went on - but I admit I was in a fog for the next few weeks. When we invaded Afghanistan I felt avenged in some way. When we invaded Iraq I was proud of our brave soldiers. But in April 2003 we began to see videos of American soldiers (men and women) being tortured and killed by the Iraqis. At that point I knew I had to do something. I called the Army Reserve to enlist but they said I was too old (50). You probably agree. They suggested I contact the Georgia National Guard, which I did. I began the process of enlisting but then I did not hear anything for a whole year. In April of 2004 I decided to contact them again. This time I also wrote to the President, the Commander of the National Guard Bureau, and my State National Guard Commander. By November 2004 I completed and passed my physical. I applied for a waiver and have not heard anything as of December 2004. Here's a synopsis of why I want to serve:

I love my country and want to defend her. I served in the Army and the Guard for a total of six years. None of that was in combat. I reaped the benefits of my service but felt I never paid the price that other soldiers have. I served in times of peace. I don't seek combat but I will go if called. I only want to do my part. I am now 52 but still in great physical shape (well, I don't look so good but I am healthy!). America is the greatest country in the world and our greatest citizens are fighting and dying for the right of others to live in freedom, as we do. Recently the National Guard missed its recruiting goal - when a person is willing to serve - he or she should not be turned away.

Update: Yay! On January 4, 2005 I returned to work after my Christmas and New Year vacation and the first call I got was from my recruiter, SSG Wilson. He told me that my waiver was approved and it will be only a matter of days for me to be sworn in! So thank you for your prayers and thoughts. SSG Gary J. Heffner, reporting for duty! May God be praised!

Yet Another Update: On January 11, 2005 I was sworn in to the Georgia National Guard as a Sergeant (E-5). The recruiter told me that it was a miracle for a 52 year old to be allowed to join the Guard. I believe him - I give God the glory for this! SGT Gary J. Heffner, Battery B, 1st Batallion, 214th Field Artillery, reporting for duty!

Still Another Update: It's April 4, 2006. At this moment I sit at Ft. Dix, NJ mobilizing for Iraq. Well, it just goes to show you - be careful what you pray for! Blessings!

Yet Another Update: July 22, 2006:

Still Yet Another Update: April 5, 2007:

After a year in Iraq my unit is finally getting ready to come home! It's been quite a year - I'll tell you all about it soon.

~GJH~(12-25-2004)