Serving in the Guard proves to be a family affair

By Jennifer Archdekin
Ngmo.pao@US.ARMY.MIL

GLADSTONE - The decision to go into the family business can be a big step for anyone-especially when it involves risking your own life to serve others. For Pfc. Bradley Komar, of Clay Center, Kan., the decision to join the Missouri Army National Guard wasn't entered into lightly, but it was a natural move for his career path.

"I look at the National Guard as not only a way to get money for college, but as a challenge," said Pfc. Komar.

Komar is the son of Angie Komar, of Clay Center, and Maj. Brian and Staff Sgt. Kimberly Komar of Gladstone.

Pfc. Komar is the newest Soldier in his family of six children to join the National Guard. His recruiter? Well, his stepmother Staff Sgt. Komar out of the Gladstone recruiting office.

As if serving in the National Guard isn't tradition enough, Pfc. Komar enlisted as a combat medic like the rest of his family. His father, stepmother, brother and stepsister all started their military careers as combat medics.

"Their medical training is something they can use their entire life even if they don't use it in their military career," said Maj. Komar, assistant deputy state surgeon for the Kansas National Guard. "They will always have a job."

"I tell them it is like any other occupation," said Staff Sgt. Komar. "You might not love it every day, but the positive impact outweighs any negative day."

So far, each family member has graduated from the same unit for their medical training-Company E, 232nd Medical Battalion at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. The family hopes Pfc. Komar will be allowed to carry on the legacy and be with the same unit for his advanced individual training as a combat medic.

As parents and Soldiers, the Komars still struggled with their children's decision to follow in their footsteps.

"I seriously thought twice about my sons joining the National Guard after I served in Afghanistan," said Maj. Komar. "Can my heart tolerate them being in the firefights that I was in? I worry about my kids being in uparmoured vehicles and having RPGs blowing up, but the benefits outweigh the risks."

But having personally experienced what the National Guard has to offer, the Komars wholeheartedly supported their children's decisions.

"I wouldn't put my kids in if I didn't love it," said Maj. Komar. "Frankly it shocked me when he said he wanted to go in. He made his own decision."

As a recruiter, Staff Sgt. Komar knows first-hand what new recruits stand to gain with a career in the military.

"The National Guard is a no brainer for young adults getting ready to graduate high school or in college," said Staff Sgt. Komar. "All three of my kids that are in the military are getting a top education mostly funded by the National Guard. They got excellent training to excel them in their civilian lives and they have learned responsibility and leadership through their training."

Collectively, there is almost 35 years of military service, and counting, under one roof.

"We live the Guard life in our home daily," said Staff Sgt. Komar. "We are advocates for the Guard everywhere we go. I don't just look at what I do as recruiting. I look at it as developing and mentoring a future."

There are three other children not in the National Guard. B.J. Komar just graduated from Clay Center High School in2010 and is attending Cloud College. Eden Viles, nine, and Jordan Viles, seven, still have some time to decided their career paths.

"The girls are a little too young to recruit," said Staff Sgt. Komar jokingly. "They are however recruiters."

Staff Sgt. Komar said that her girls will approach others and ask what they do for work. They always tell them that their mom can put them in the National Guard.

Even though he was immersed in the National Guard at home, Pfc. Komar made the decision on his own for his own reasons.

"It was more of a choice," said Pfc. Komar. "I never had any pressure to be in the Guard."

"To see my kids in uniform makes me super proud," said Maj. Komar. "They are not just good kids, but good Soldiers."

Pfc. Komar will graduate from Clay Center High School in May 2011. In June 2011, he will report to Fort Sill, Okla. for his Basic Combat Training. He will later receive training to become a combat medic at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. Pfc. Komar will serve with Headquarters, Headquarters Co., 1-138th Infantry Regiment in Kansas City.

Upon enlistment, Pfc. Komar earns over $500 a month in GI Bill benefits plus 100 percent college tuition assistance.

For more information about the Missouri National Guard, please call 1-800-GoGuard or visit www.moguard.com.