One soldier wanted to take advantage of the educational benefits of serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. Another wanted a challenge. A third wanted to “do cool stuff.”
Several members of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, stationed at Fort Indiantown Gap, posed for portraits taken March 1 by photographer Sgt. Du-Marc Mills and, in a brief caption with each, explained why they joined the service.
The gallery of seven photos can be found online. The first portrait shows four members of the 121st Transportation Company, 213th Regional Support Group, although the soldiers themselves aren’t named. The other six portraits are of individuals from two companies of the 213th Regional Support Group, and each comes with a story.
“I joined for CDL training and education benefits. I value the career opportunities the military provides,” U.S. Army Sgt. Zachary Minnis, assigned to the 121st Transportation Company, explained in his caption.
“I joined to do cool stuff. I enjoy the unique experiences and challenges that come with military service,” said U.S. Army Spc. Sydni Sossong, assigned to the same company.
A third member of the company, U.S. Army Spc. Abby Sheredy, said, “I value the opportunity to travel and receive school benefits. I appreciate the balance between service and personal growth.”
Three members of the 1067th Transportation Company, 228th Motor Transport Battalion, also shared their remarks.
“I sought to challenge myself and be part of something greater than myself. I’m embracing the discipline and teamwork that comes with the role,” said U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Cheick Fall.
“I joined the National Guard to serve my community and test my limits. I take pride in making a difference through my service,” added U.S. Army Sgt. Gabriel Cuff.
U.S. Army Sgt. David Cuadrado concluded the series, explaining, “I joined to honor a friend who served and to create new opportunities. My service is a tribute to those who have made sacrifices.”
The 213th Regional Support Group, reorganized in 2011, traces its history back to the Lehigh Fencibles, organized in August 1849 in Allentown. The unit was reorganized less than a year later as the Allen Rifles, who later responded to President Abraham Lincoln’s call for troops to defend the National Capital in Washington, D.C., at the outbreak of the Civil War.
The Allen Rifles along with four other Pennsylvania companies were the first to arrive and established defense in and around the Capitol building itself. As a result of their early arrival, the unit has been given the traditional designation of first defenders. After the Civil War, elements of the 213th participated in eight more major conflicts: the War with Spain, World War I, World War II, Korea, Gulf War, Kosovo, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation New Dawn and Operation Enduring Freedom.
The 213th has also responded to many civil emergencies, natural disasters, and domestic operations at the call of the governor, including Hurricane Katrina, the 2009 presidential inauguration, the G-20 Summit, Hurricane Irene, Tropical Storm Lee, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Members of the Pennsylvania National Guard were among approximately 8,000 National Guard service members from 40 states, territories and the District of Columbia that served as part of Joint Task Force-District of Columbia leading up to the 60th presidential inauguration on Jan. 20, 2025.
The 213th Regional Support Group consists of more than 20 specialized units located throughout the commonwealth. The units that represent the 213th Regional Support Group include finance, maintenance, personnel, sustainment, transportation, contracting, and public affairs. The support group is commanded by Col. Jeremy Coleman.
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