Behind the Uniform: Pvt. Anthony James

Photo By Sgt. James Nowell-Coleman | Pvt. Anthony James, a 92F, petroleum supply specialist, with the Maryland National Guard’s 1229th Transportation Company, out of Baltimore, Maryland, is called for his first mission in his first year in the National Guard. When a new recruit raises their right hand and swears into the military, there are many feelings. This momentous occasion signifies the start of a new chapter in the life of that recruit. During the state’s response to the COVID-19 virus, Soldiers like James will be tasked to distribute meals and schoolwork, deliver medical supplies and equipment, and set up testing sites. Being called up to serve can be stressful, but for James, he relishes the opportunity. He said he enjoys day-to-day interactions with people and the ability to do the job the army trained him to do. James has kept a positive outlook during the activation and looks to maintain that outlook throughout his military career. He’s just getting started.  

MD, UNITED STATES

06.26.2020

Story by Sgt. James Nowell-Coleman 

29th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Pvt. Anthony James, a 92F, petroleum supply specialist, with the Maryland National Guard’s 1229th Transportation Company, out of Baltimore, Maryland, is called for his first mission in his first year in the National Guard. When a new recruit raises their right hand and swears into the military, there are many feelings. This momentous occasion signifies the start of a new chapter in the life of that recruit. During the state’s response to the COVID-19 virus, Soldiers like James will be tasked to distribute meals and schoolwork, deliver medical supplies and equipment, and set up testing sites. Being called up to serve can be stressful, but for James, he relishes the opportunity. He said he enjoys day-to-day interactions with people and the ability to do the job the army trained him to do. James has kept a positive outlook during the activation and looks to maintain that outlook throughout his military career. He’s just getting started.

Q: Time in Service

A: 11 months

Q: Why did you join the MDNG?

A: I always wanted to be in the military. I was 30 when I enlisted.

I picked this job to do something different. I was working in the medical field on the outside.

Q: How does it feel to work in your community?

A: It feels good to help. I grew up in some of these communities, so I know what it’s like to need help.

Q: What part of your training has prepared you most for this activation?

A: For a pandemic no, but everything else yes. We are trained to adapt and overcome all obstacles. A pandemic is different but if we put everything together that we have learned we’re ready.

Q: What is your favorite part of being on activated?

A: Interacting with people and getting to actually do the job full time. If I could go back, I would have gone active duty. I love being in the military, I love putting the uniform on, and I feel like I’m a part of something.

Q: Do you think people in the National Guard are the same or different than civilians?

A: I would say both. We are civilians, but we do have an obligation to the United States as a military force, so we do have to hold ourselves to a higher standard. We are the same because we work with civilians and live next door. But when duty calls, we got to put on the uniform and get to work.

• Date Taken: 06.26.2020
• Date Posted: 07.22.2020 08:08
• Story ID: 372908
• Location: MD, US