Photo By Sgt. James Nowell-Coleman | Sgt. Russel Donivan, 68W healthcare specialist, and others with the 224th Medical...... read more read more
Sgt. Russel Donivan, 68W healthcare specialist, and others with the 224th Medical Company Area out of Gaithersburg, Maryland answered the call to assist the nursing home staff of Pleasant View, in Mt. Airy, Maryland, following an outbreak of the COVID-19 virus. The state understood that many more nursing homes may be vulnerable to a similar outcome. The Maryland National Guard put together teams to visit other nursing homes to survey the conditions and supplies of each location. Donivan, a resident of Hagerstown, Maryland, and decorated service member, has shown dedication with his life of service to the United States and to the state of Maryland. He is a husband and the father of three. Donivan will be returning to his job at a Target Distribution when his orders for state active duty end.
Q:Time in Service
A:15 years
Q:Why did you join the MDNG?
A:I joined after serving on active duty. For a short period, I re-evaluated if the military was something I really wanted for my life. I decided I wanted more balance between military life and being a civilian. I decided that a balance to the military and civilian question was the National Guard. I joined as a medic and have always served as a medic. I have always felt that having the opportunity to fight for my country, but have a focus on helping others in situations most others cannot imagine themselves seemed like a noble challenge.
Q:How does it feel to work in your community?
A:It feels great to be of service and be there for local folks. Coming together for the common good is very gratifying.
Q:What part of your training has prepared you most for this activation?
A:Being in a medical unit, we are constantly training to stay sharp. There is nothing like experience and training mixed together along with a well-versed unit with a wide variety of skill levels and credentials.
Q:What is your favorite part of being a soldier?
A:Overall my favorite part is being able to make a difference in people’s lives for the better while serving my country.
Q:How can civilians help make your job easier?
A:I think people need to rely on each other for information and to obtain resources they may need during this time. Everyone will get through this differently. As the Dali Lama said once, “If you can, help others; if you cannot do that, at least do not harm them.”
Q:Do you think people in the National Guard are the same or different than civilians?
A:National Guard folks are definitely different than most other civilians simply because of the sacrifices they are willing to make to support the community, state, and country. A National Guard Soldier has a strong link to, and bond with the civilian community because we are both. National Guard Soldiers lead a predominantly civilian life when drilling. If needed, we do a full swing into soldier mode if and when the governor of the state or commander in chief calls us forward for deployments domestically or abroad.
| Date Taken: | 06.26.2020 |
| Date Posted: | 07.22.2020 08:08 |
| Story ID: | 372904 |
| Location: | MD, US |
| Web Views: | 15 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Behind the Uniform: Sgt. Russel Donivan, by SGT James Nowell-Coleman, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
LEAVE A COMMENT