Missouri National Guard's top recruiter advances to regional competition

_{Col. Greg Mason (left) and Maj. Larry Crowder (right) present Sgt. 1st Class Kimberly Komar of the Missouri National Guard Recruiting and Retention Battalion with the 2011 Director's 54 Award. The honor is given annually to the recruiter who enlists the most Soldiers into the Missouri National Guard. (Missouri National Guard Photo)}

By Jennifer Archdekin
ngmo.pao@us.army.mil

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - When someone stumbles upon the greatest thing since sliced bread, it's only natural to want to share the treasure with others. Such is the case for Missouri Army National Guard Recruiter, Sgt. 1st Class Kimberly Komar.

Komar's passion for the National Guard and her desire to share all the benefits that await a future Soldier recently earned her two top recruiting awards for Missouri. Komar garnered the Non-Prior Service Award, having enlisted the most recruits with no military service, and the prestigious Director's 54 Award for having the most enlistments of any other recruiter in the state.

As the recipient of the Director's 54 Award, Komar will travel in November to New Mexico to represent Missouri and compete on a regional level with other top recruiters from Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas before a board.

The board will look at the total Soldier concept, including Komar's community and school involvement, her participation with her area's Recruit Sustainment Program, her interaction with the Soldiers she enlisted, as well as the quantity of Soldiers she recruited in a year's time.

The winner of the eight-state regional board will compete in December against five other regions for the top national honor.

According to Komar, recruiting is more than just getting numbers. There is a sincere concern to meet the needs of an individual who is interested in serving their country.

"I think recruiting has become more personal," said Komar. "Now we get into the total concept of recruiting, retention and attrition. I feel invested in my applicants."

Komar said she focuses on getting to know her perspective applicants and wants to make sure the National Guard is a good.

"Sometimes that means you do have to turn people away and say maybe this isn't the best fit, or go back and review a little bit," said Komar. "I think you get more respect for doing that, which in return means better enlistments."

Even though Komar is in the business of selling the National Guard, she doesn't look at it as a sales job.

"I look at it as the total package," said Komar. "It's sales, marketing, training and counseling. I'm going to take the time to invest in you, get you in the Guard and train you and watch you grow as a Soldier."

Without a doubt these awards are a high point in her military career, but it is not the pinnacle. Komar said she still has a lot of growing and maturing to do as a recruiter. Though excited for the honor, she strives to remain modest and give credit where credit is due.

"One hundred percent, what happened this last year was all divine," said Komar. "Period. End of story. God has actually gone above and beyond. I have to believe it was a change in my attitude and a change in my heart."

In the midst of her prayer life, Komar said her perspective was adjusted, giving her greater satisfaction in her job and transforming how she performed her job, including how she conducted interviews with potential recruits. Komar said it was no longer, "What are you going to do for me?" rather, "What is the Guard going to do for you?"

The bottom line for Komar is that she wholeheartedly believes in what she is promoting to the prospective recruit sitting across from her.

"I believe in the Guard 100 percent, or I wouldn't have four kids serving in the National Guard," said Komar. "Hands down the National Guard has the most opportunity for Soldiers."

Serving in the National Guard along with Komar is her husband, Brian, and four of their six children. The two youngest kids are still not of age to enlist.

Komar has served with the National Guard for 17 years and has been a recruiter for nearly four years in northwest Missouri. She is based out of the Kansas City recruiting office on N. Oak Trafficway.

For more information about the Missouri National Guard, please visit www.moguard.com and our social media sites:
www.facebook.com/Missouri.National.Guard; www.twitter.com/Missouri_NG; www.youtube.com/MoNationalGuard; www.myspace.com/missouri_ng; www.flickr.com/photos/missouriguard; www.moguard.com/blog