Photo By Staff Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh | U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Sophanna Kong, a chemical, biological, radiological, and...... read more read more
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When a recruiter from the Minnesota National Guard first contacted her, Sgt. 1st Class Sophanna Terrinoraline Kong thought he had the wrong person.
She was married and had two children, after all. Kong felt like she had missed the chance to serve. However, a conversation that began with doubts eventually led her to a new chapter in life, driven by determination.
Once Kong learned that many National Guard members balance family and civilian careers, serving just one weekend a month and two weeks annually, she sought advice from her family and friends. Despite lingering doubts and mixed reactions, she ultimately decided to join, influenced by her brother’s military experiences and her own desire to take the challenge.
In 2009, Kong enlisted as a chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear specialist. Looking back, after years of serving, she says she has found unexpected rewards throughout her career.
“I have had some good mentors along the way that somehow convinced me that I could make some kind of positive impact on Soldiers,” added Kong.
Hearing from former Soldiers about how she helped them during tough times reinforced her decision to continue serving in the U.S. Army and Minnesota National Guard time and time again.
“Every time I hear good news from my military family, it makes me realize that I made the right decision,” she said.
The friendships and connections she formed are another cherished aspect of her service. Meeting service members from diverse backgrounds, with varied military careers and experiences, enriched her own journey.
For Kong, as an Asian female minority, a mother, and an immigrant who became a U.S. citizen, serving has deepened her appreciation for the freedoms and opportunities available in her adopted country.
“I have always been proud to serve since the moment I raised my right hand and swore an oath to serve this country,” she shared.
Her pride in service is further impacted by the support of her family, including her children, parents, brothers, and extended family, as well as her employer, friends, church, dance community, and military family. Their collective support reinforces her commitment to serve for a greater cause.
Looking ahead, she plans to continue her military career as long as possible.
“There’s still a lot of growing that I need to do, and I find that I’m constantly learning,” she said.
Her story is deeply rooted in her family’s history. Born in a Thai refugee camp to Cambodian parents who fled the Khmer Rouge regime, she immigrated to the United States as a young child. Kong grew up in Eldon, Missouri, and later moved to Long Beach, California, where she discovered a large Cambodian community that helped her connect with her cultural heritage. Visits to significant historical sites, such as the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng in Cambodia, have strengthened her resolve to preserve and pass on her family’s history to her children.
As she continues to serve, her story is a powerful reminder of the diverse and compelling journeys that lead individuals to the military and the profound impact they can have on their communities and beyond.
| Date Taken: | 06.20.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 06.20.2024 09:36 |
| Story ID: | 474370 |
| Location: | (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION) |
| Web Views: | 27 |
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This work, Why I Serve: Sgt. First Class Sophanna Kong, by SSG Mahsima Alkamooneh, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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