By JENNA RHUDE
Moapa Valley Progress
U.S. National Guard Staff Sergeant Charlie Belcher recently visited the junior and senior classes at Moapa Valley High School in Logandale. He traveled to Moapa Valley from Las Vegas to share with the students the advantages available to them in joining the National Guard.
As a 2001 graduate of MVHS himself, Belcher still considers Moapa Valley his home. Beginning the presentation he joked that most of the students present were born the year that he graduated from the school.
Belcher stressed to the students that the presentation was strictly information sharing. “I’m not going to call you,” he said. “You have my number, call or text me. I am not here to pressure anyone.”
The staff sergeant expressed that every branch of military service is looking for amazing people. Belcher asked the students if they had ever heard of their age group being referred to the “snowflake generation”. When confusion spread across the room, classroom teacher Jeff Jensen explained it was because snowflakes fall apart under pressure. Belcher told the group that he takes offense on their behalf to this reference.
“I have met so many amazing youth with great potential,” Belcher said.
He then explained what he considered the difference between a job and a career.
“A job is something you do to pay the bills” he said. “You may not like it, but you do it. A career is something you love so much you would do it for free. So, why not get paid for it?”
Belcher told the students how he first joined the National Guard to pay for his education and to have medical coverage for his family.
“I have always considered myself patriotic, but there is something about putting on ‘the uniform’ that makes you truly feel increased love of country,” he said.
Belcher told the students that the National Guard was the first organized military service in the United States. It was originally known as the Minute Men, he said. The National Guard was formed in 1636.
As the U.S. Constitution prohibits the other branches of the military from operating on US soil, the National Guard is called to help when there is a problem in the United States. The Guard helps during natural disasters, such as flooding, tornadoes, earthquakes and fires. They are also put in service when there is a riot or major gathering that may get turbulent. Belcher recalled how the National Guard was called to assist the police during the October 1 shooting in Las Vegas.
“We are citizen soldiers,” he said. “We hold daily jobs. We are required to report one weekend a month and two weeks a year.”
Belcher also talked about special clearances you can earn while in the Guard and the career training the Guard provides.
“The training you gain from the Guard is a lifelong skill that will allow you to find a career you love,” Belcher said.
One of the main reasons that Belcher did not “time out” of the Guard after his initial contract is simple, yet powerful.
“I want to make sure I make a difference,” he said.
For questions or interest in the National Guard, please contact Staff Sergeant Stephen Charles Belcher at (702) 378-7583.
