Why I Chose Public Affairs in the National Guard

When people hear “National Guard,” they usually picture Soldiers training in the field, responding to natural disasters, or deploying overseas. What they don’t always realize is that behind every mission is someone documenting it, preserving it, and sharing it with the communities we serve. I’m one of those people.

When I joined the Tennessee Army National Guard, I wasn’t looking for a job that fit neatly into a box. I wanted to serve, challenge myself, and become part of something bigger than my own career. What I found in Public Affairs was something I never expected…a role that combined my passion for storytelling with my commitment to service. 

Looking back, I don’t think I chose Public Affairs as much as it chose me. 

I’ve always been drawn to people and their stories. Long before I wore the uniform, I loved writing, asking questions, taking photos, and finding the moments that often go unnoticed. Public Affairs gave me the opportunity to do all of that while serving alongside incredible Soldiers whose stories deserve to be told. 

As a Public Affairs Mass Communication Specialist, I’ve stood behind the camera during military training, interviewed Soldiers from every walk of life, written articles highlighting missions across Tennessee, and documented moments that will become part of our unit’s history. I’ve learned that some of the most meaningful stories aren’t the loudest ones. They’re found in the quiet conversations after a long training day, the teamwork that happens without anyone asking for recognition, and the moments when ordinary people do extraordinary things simply because someone needed them. 

One of the things I appreciate most about serving in Public Affairs is that no two days are ever the same. One assignment might have me covering Soldiers training with new technology. Another might have me telling the story of Guardsmen supporting their communities after severe weather. Every mission looks different, but the purpose remains the same…helping people understand who the National Guard is and why our service matters. That’s a responsibility I don’t take lightly. 

In today’s world, stories travel fast. Authenticity matters. Accuracy matters. Trust matters. Public Affairs sits at the intersection of all three, and I’ve come to appreciate just how important that responsibility is. 

Serving in Public Affairs has also shaped who I am outside the military. The leadership, communication, crisis management, and strategic thinking I’ve developed in uniform have strengthened every civilian role I’ve held. At the same time, my civilian career in strategic communications has made me a stronger military communicator. That’s one of the unique things about serving in the National Guard. You’re constantly bringing lessons from one world into the other, and both careers grow because of it. 

People often ask me how I balance being a Soldier, a communications professional, and a mom. The answer is that there isn’t a perfect balance.  Some seasons are busier than others. Some days require more flexibility than I thought I had, but serving has taught me resilience, adaptability, and confidence in ways I never could have learned anywhere else. It has introduced me to mentors, challenged me to lead, and reminded me that growth almost always happens outside your comfort zone. 

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that every Soldier has a story worth telling. Some stories make headlines. Others never will, but each one represents a person who chose to raise their right hand and serve something greater than themselves.  I consider it a privilege to help preserve those stories.

For me, Public Affairs has never just been about writing articles, taking photographs, or creating videos. It’s about honoring the people behind the mission. It’s about building trust with our communities. It’s about ensuring that years from now, someone can look back and understand not only what the National Guard accomplished, but who accomplished it. 

When I think about why I chose Public Affairs, the answer has become simple.  I chose it because I believe stories matter, and I can’t imagine telling any stories more meaningful than those of the men and women who choose to serve. 

Explore More with My Military Lifestyle and Guard Life!