Why Reservists Serve

Reservists, like everyone, have busy lives. Between a full-time job, spouse and children, and all the other obligations that keep life so busy, many wonder how anyone could have extra time to commit to the National Guard.

So why do it? Why commit valuable time amidst so many demands? The reserve is supposed to only take one weekend each month, but reservists know it's a lot more. And the responsibilities, and potential consequences, are massive.

Reservists reflect on this question. As they leave their families for a weekend drill, or as they sit in a processing station staring at cinder block walls, or as they head out on an international flight to serve as 'boots on the ground.' The stresses are massive, particularly post 9/11, when the call to face extreme forces comes more often.

The reason? To work with people who are up to the Herculean task. The commitment, the motivation, the dedication, the valor - it is humbling. People who volunteer for the reserve gives us hope for the country. It's a reminder of what is really important when we get sucked into the trivialities and tribulations of civilian life.

In a time when culture can seem obsessed with cynicism and self-aggrandizement, so many are committing themselves to helping their fellow citizens. Those people are the reason so many serve, seeing the opportunity to carry this burden as a privilege.