Call to Service: Spc. Jonathan Cardona finds purpose in Army service

Photo By Spc. Casey Brumbach | Spc. Jonathan Cardona serves as a Signal Support Systems Specialist assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, XVIII Airborne Corps based out of Fort Bragg, N.C. The Columbia, S.C. native plays a vital role in setting up and maintaining radio-based communications and provides communications-based assistance to commanders in order to help America's Contingency Corps relay information across various operational environments.  

WIESBADEN, GERMANY

07.31.2022

Story by Spc. Casey Brumbach 

XVIII Airborne Corps Public Affairs

WIESBADEN, Germany - When Spc. Jonathan Cardona, a Signal Support Systems Specialist, found out that his journey would be taking him to Europe, he was initially in disbelief.

“I was always watching military movies when I was a kid, so I was always inspired to join," Cardona said. "When I found out I would be going to Germany to support the XVIII Airborne Corps, it was something I was excited to do in order to better myself and allow me to do things that I know that I can accomplish.”

Joining the United State military can be a daunting task, full of uncertainties. However, for Cardona, it was a positive, life-changing experience leading to an incredible career with near-endless opportunity that Hollywood just can't write.

“I would say, that is not what you see in the movies and your experience depends on the unit and its mission," Cardona said. "Everybody in the Army has a purpose. You get a different experience and learn different skills while getting the chance to visit different places."

Cardona, who hails from Columbia, South Carolina, has been on numerous missions ranging from retransmission of radio frequencies during operations, to taking part Allied nation airborne operations and V.I.P missions.

“My job usually depends on who I am assigned to support within the XVIII Airborne Corps: a company commander, a battalion commander or even a platoon leader," Cardona said. "Typically I am assigned to set up communications, and make sure that the different mission elements are able to talk to one another. The end goal is always finding a way to keep America’s Contingency Corps globally connected."

When he's not working on missions, Cardona likes to spend his off-duty time studying and preparing to take the next step in his military career. His next step include entering into a program the Army offers called Green-to-Gold, where Soldiers can get their undergraduate degree on the Army's dime and then commission upon graduation.

“I’m working on my Green-to-Gold transition right now, and I want to finish my degree in Information Technology and become an Army officer," Cardona said.

Cardona wasn’t always interested in information technology, but his Army experience, and his experience within the XVIII Airborne Corps has fostered a love for computers and electronic communication.

“I didn't know that I would find my calling in the Army and at first I approached it like any other job," Cardona said. "As I joined, I realized that in the Army, and in life, a lot revolves around computers and technology. The Army allowed me to get my education in IT and provided me with a step up amongst my peers and a way to better myself and the Corps at the same time.”

Cardona is grateful for everything the Army has provided him and plans on a full career in the uniform. It really afforded him the chance to learn new traits about himself, Cardona said.

"In the Army, you can really explore your talents and interests, and do anything you want to do,” Cardona said. "I am truly proud to serve!"

• Date Taken: 07.31.2022
• Date Posted: 08.01.2022 19:37
• Story ID: 426207
• Location: WIESBADEN, DE