SGT Michael Crone - Hero On Call

I joined the National Guard in July of 2002 after my first year at Indiana University. I was on a scholarship that covered my first year of school, but after that I had no other avenues of paying for college. The National Guard really worked out for me, because I have always had the desire to join the military. Especially at that time in my life I needed the Guards help more than ever. After contracting, I went to basic at Fort Jackson, SC and then AIT in San Antonio, TX. I had the opportunity to be in TX during the winter, those of you from the north and Midwest will be able to appreciate that.

In my career I have been part of multiple deployments to include: port missions in North and South Carolina, Hurricane Katrina, ADSW working at a MEPS, and medical support in at least 6 other states. I have had the chance to do medical support in both tactical and clinical settings and have enjoyed the experience thoroughly. I am currently waiting on orders for a deployment this summer, but in the meantime I will be working on registering for more schooling.

The National Guard has paid for my entire undergraduate degree and is now helping me start a Masters Degree of Environmental and Disaster Management. Benefits that I have used in the National Guard are loan repayment plans, GI Bill, Dental Insurance, and Tuition Assistance. If you have any questions about any of these programs, please feel free to ask.

Contact your local recruiter for more information.