Courtesy Photo | Sgt. First Class Karin Kasupski, Recruiting and Retention Battalion, Vermont Army...... read more read more
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Name: Sgt. First Class Karin Kasupski
Military Specialty: (25B) Information Technology Specialist and (42A) Human Resources Specialist
Years of Service: 37
Unit: Recruiting and Retention Battalion
Hometown: Brandon, VT
Current Town: Milton, VT
Please answer the following questions with a minimum of two sentences. The more information you provide, the better the highlight!
Q. Why did you join the National Guard?
A. I joined the National Guard for two reasons; 1) To serve my country as my Father and Grandfather had done before me. 2) I had enrolled at the University of Vermont and by joining the National Guard I was eligible to apply for an Army ROTC scholarship.
Q. What do you do in the Vermont National Guard?
A. Currently I am a Recruiter focusing specifically on the Military Sports programs that are available to Soldiers. I have served in public affairs, human relations, information technology, logistics, operations, and Recruit sustainment positions previously. For additional duties I am a Unit Victim Advocate, LNO, State biathlon team coordinator and Unit Public Affairs representative.
Q. What do you think is the greatest benefit of being in the National Guard?
A. The greatest benefit of the National Guard in my mind is the friendships and extended family you gain through working towards a common goal/mission. The camaraderie and team work are second to none when you are part of the bigger plan of defending our state and Nation. You will always have someone you can rely on. The education and health benefits are key as well. There are opportunities to learn new skills and expand your knowledge for future endeavors including life after retirement. I’ve had the honor of traveling to other countries to enhance relationships and further ‘Friendship through Sport.’ Additionally, I’ve had the opportunity to promote victim advocacy as partner nations established policy and integrated females into their Armed Forces.
Q. How has being a National Guard member benefited you in your local community and job?
A. If you are National Guard, rather than Active Duty, you can choose to stay in your home state and establish yourself as a member of the town you reside in. It’s important to get to know your community members and have a sense of pride in where you are living. I did this through helping to coach the sports my children were involved in. Ultimately through developing relationships with other caregivers and community members I was able to make the transition to other schools for my kids a little easier when I deployed. Having friends in the area stay in touch with the boys kept them a part of their friends lives for that time period. Not to mention the neighbors that helped maintain my house and property and then further the support during my reintegration. I would like to think I have been a positive role model for the students I have helped to coach. Some have since joined the National Guard. In my current role as a recruiter, I continue my efforts to educate them on the benefits the VTNG has to offer after High School and/or college.
Q. What is your most memorable military moment?
A. I have a lot of good memories but to choose one I would pick my mission to Senegal. I was part of a team focused on providing guidance and training regarding integrating females into the Senegalese Armed Forces. Given that I joined the Army in 1981 while it was still in the early stages of female integration I felt that I had some experiences to share from my personal journey and the training I have received throughout the years.
Q. How long have you lived in Vermont?
A. My family moved to West Addison, Vermont in 1974 where I started 6th grade at Addison Central School. I have lived in other towns since but have remained in Vermont for the last 44 years.
Q. What is your favorite aspect of living or working where you do?
A. I like living and working in a state that other people see as a vacation destination. Being able to walk, drive or ride a short distance to hike, bike, ski or paddle in such a beautiful place is beneficial to both my physical and mental wellbeing. I can see the mountains and various wildlife out of my office window and don’t have to deal with pollution or excessive traffic.
Q. What has surprised you about the Vermont National Guard?
A. I can’t think of any times I have been surprised.
Q. What is your favorite part about serving in the VT National Guard?
A. My favorite part about the VTNG is the family, friends and connections I have developed through my years of service. I can call just about anyone in the VTNG and know that they would help me if need be. I would do the same for them
| Date Taken: | 11.06.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 11.06.2018 17:14 |
| Story ID: | 299038 |
| Location: | VERMONT, US |
| Web Views: | 90 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Meet Your Guard: SFC Karin Kasupski, by Nathan Rivard, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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