Photo By Spc. Bethany Cravalho | Sgt. 1st Class Ryan K. Baqui is an 11B Infantry Instructor and S3 at the 298th...... read more read more
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Sgt. 1st Class Ryan K. Baqui is an 11B Infantry Instructor and S3 at the 298th Multi-Functional Training Regiment Hawaii Army National Guard (HIARNG) located in Waimanalo, Hawaii. His hometown is Waimanalo and he graduated from Kalaheo High School in 1999. After high school, he decided to join the HIARNG. Baqui has held several different positions within the HIARNG over the span of his 23-year career. Before his current assignment, Baqui was assigned to the 93rd Civil Support Team as a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, high yield Explosives, Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO).
"The key to having a long-lasting career is to never forget your 'why,'"said Baqui. "Everybody has their motivation behind why they'd be ready to join the military. Whether it be your family, the benefits, patriotism, family tradition, or whatever it may be, remembering your ‘why’ will always give you the strength to continue. The fact of the matter, is that you're going to go through a roller coaster during the course of your military career. There will be highs and a lot of lows that will often have you thinking about throwing in the towel, and giving up, “said Baqui. “But remembering your ‘why’ will always keep you in the fight and keep you moving forward.”
"My ‘why’ is my family. I was blessed to have children at an early age, which guided me to change my ways to be a productive citizen in our local community and flourish in the Hawaii Army National Guard. I've been deployed numerous times throughout my career, from combat zones to Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA) operations. My children and wife have always been 'why' I push through and continue to serve my country," said Baqui.
Baqui married his wife Heather in 2012. They have been together since 2007. Heather is an Administrative Executive for Entertainment at Aulani Resort. The Baqui family consists of four children; three girls and one boy. Chasstiny is 23 years old and serves as an Active Duty soldier in the Army. Chasstiny is currently stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Leila is 18 years old and she attends Grand Canyon University. Chance is 16 years old and he attends Damien High School. Rhyan is nine years old and she attends Holomua Elementary School.
Baqui deployed several times in his military career: 2002/2004 - Operation Iraqi Freedom 4 with Delta Company, 2nd Battalion, 299th Infantry Regiment (now the 299th Cavalry Regiment) as a squad leader, 2007/2008 Operation Iraqi Freedom 8 with 29th Brigade Special Troops Battalion (now 227 Brigade Engineer Battalion) as an assistant S3 Operations Sergeant and many DSCA operations with local agencies such as law enforcement, fire department, Federal Emergency Management Agency, HIARNG, and many other agencies nationwide with the 93rd Weapons of Mass Destruction-Civil Support Team as the Reconnaissance NCO.
“You must establish a solid ‘why' in order to have a long successful career and maintain the drive to accomplish everything you set out to do. Keep the 'why' grounded in your head daily,” said Baqui.
Baqui had a moment of clarity while preparing to return home from his first deployment in Iraq. He was standing in the line at the local post office, waiting to ship boxes home. Baqui looked around and saw a poem written on the wall. He doesn’t recall the whole poem, but one sentence stood out to him, "bring me the pain today, so my children can live free tomorrow." Baqui never really understood his purpose in the military until he read those words.
“From that day on, I've lived by that motto,” said Baqui. He understood his "why" and his purpose. “Life isn't always all sunshine and rainbows, but as long as you have your 'why' you can get through any obstacle,” said Baqui.
Baqui has found fulfillment throughout his military career. His family is a source of constant motivation to him and his future success. He strongly recommends joining the military regardless of branch of service. "The military provides structure, great benefits and a career path for the future," said Baqui.
"Always have the thought process and demeanor of what can you, as a soldier, offer the Army National Guard versus having the attitude of what can the Army National Guard offer to you. In that way, you will be very successful," said Baqui. “Last but not least, if you can remember your 'why' I believe you can prosper in anything you set out to do. "
| Date Taken: | 06.27.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 06.27.2023 16:47 |
| Story ID: | 448090 |
| Location: | WAIMANALO, HAWAII, US |
| Hometown: | WAIMANALO, HAWAII, US |
| Web Views: | 215 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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