Missouri Guard retiree stays connected to military Family

By Sgt. Sarah E. Lupescu
ngmo.pao@us.army.mil

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - After 22 years of service, John Lewis retired from the Missouri Army National Guard this summer.

Retired Sgt. 1st Class Lewis, a Sedalia native and Jefferson City resident, started his military career in the United States Marine Corps and ended in the Missouri National Guard Active Guard Reserve as an administrative noncommissioned officer. Lewis was a member of Joint Force Headquarters in Jefferson City.

"My favorite part of serving in the military was taking care of the Soldiers," Lewis said.

Lewis held several different leadership positions throughout his career. He was the state health records custodian; the state retirement points accounting management NCO; the battalion personnel staff NCO for the 935th Aviation Support Battalion in Springfield; and the state casualty noncommissioned officer in charge.

Even though he doesn't wear the Army uniform any more, Lewis has been able to continue working for the Missouri National Guard at the Ike Skelton Training Site in Jefferson City.

"I work as the switchboard operator at ISTS," Lewis said.

Along with working full-time, Lewis is an ordained deacon at the First Baptist Church of Elston. His Family is also involved in foster care and adoption with the Missouri Baptist Children's Home. Lewis' church received a flyer from the Children's Home that piqued their interest in becoming foster parents.

"My wife, Debi, and I started working with the Missouri Baptist Children's Home in February, 2011," Lewis said. "In May we received our first foster child. He stayed with us through the summer."

At the end of August the Lewis Family received another foster child.

"We have a beautiful baby boy that we are currently fostering," Lewis said. "I am thankful for everything that God has done for me, for watching over me, and for continuing to watch over me. No matter what status I'm in, Soldier or retiree, God is always there."

Lewis offers a piece of advice to young Soldiers serving in the Missouri Army National Guard.

"People do not stay in one place for long in the military," Lewis said. "Just as you're getting used to the way someone does things, they are gone or you are gone because of promotions, unit reorganizations, or individual transfers. It is your responsibility to take care of your career and the path that it goes down."

Having a support system in place is also a key to success, he adds.

"My loving spouse of 12 years is my supporter," Lewis said. "She took care of the home front any time I was away and supported everything that I did."