Local student joins the National Guard

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When Matthew Roach joined the Oklahoma National Guard, he was just a junior, heading into his senior year at Bristow High School. The football player and powerlifter knew he wanted to join and spent much of his 2020 spring completing the process of enlisting before heading off to basic training last July. Now Private Roach is finishing up his senior year while serving his country and the state of Oklahoma. “I am currently enrolled at Bristow High School and finishing out my senior year. I play football and powerlifting. I decided to join the National Guard in July of 2020. I joined the Guard because I wanted to be a part of something bigger than I could’ve ever imagined, and I had friends in the Guard,” said Roach. Having a connection to the military also drove his desire to serve.

During World War II, Roach’s grandfather served in the U.S. Army and continuing that legacy was important to the Private. Roach will serve as a Calvary Scout in the National Guard. As a Calvary Scout, Roach will be the eyes and ears on the field, gathering information about enemy positions, vehicles, weapons, and activity. The job consists of making important calls for reinforcements and other crucial decisions. The battlefield is not the only place Roach will put his skills to the test. He also plans to attend college while serving, utilizing one of many benefits he receives as a member of the National Guard. “The most appealing thing about the National Guard was free college, with the tuition waiver. I plan to attend college while in the Guard,” said Roach. “Honestly, I love being in the Oklahoma National Guard so I could see myself making a career out of the National Guard. Once you get in, you’re hooked if you make the most of it,” said Roach. The senior is looking forward to finishing up his final year of high school and selecting which college he would like to attend. And he’s looking forward to more involvement with the National Guard on a state or federal level.

Private Roach offers this advice to anyone considering military service as a way of paying for college or as the start of a long career in service. “My advice for future Guard members or anyone who wants to serve would be to live in the moment, it may seem tough at times and it will be but it’s one of the best experiences you’ll ever have,” said Roach.

For more information on the Oklahoma National Guard visit www.nationalguard.com or call 1-800-GO-GUARD for more information and a list of recruiters in your area. Congratulations to Private Matthew Roach on becoming a member of the Oklahoma National Guard.