Photo By Spc. Aliyah Vivier | U.S. Army Sgt. Rafael Juarez, a motor transport operator assigned to the 121st Transportation Company, 228th Motor Transport Battalion, 213th Regional Support Group, Pennsylvania Army National Guard, completes his annual Periodic Health Assessment at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, Nov. 15, 2025. PHAs are a critical component of Soldier readiness, ensuring service members are physically fit to meet both federal and state mission requirements. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Aliyah Vivier) see less
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U.S. Army Sgt. Raquel Juarez, a motor transport operator assigned to the 121st Transportation Company, 228th Motor Transport Battalion, 213th Regional Support Group, Pennsylvania Army National Guard, completes his annual Periodic Health Assessment at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, Nov. 15, 2025. PHAs are critical component of Soldier readiness, ensuring service members are physically fit to meet both federal and state mission requirements.
"Keeping your health at its peak is important. A lot of people neglect going to the doctor," said Juarez. "So keeping on top of things at these PHAs instills readiness and peak health in Soldiers."
Juarez, who serves as a corrections officer in his civilian career, said he joined the military seeking change and personal growth. Initially interested in air defense artillery, he is confident that choosing to be a motor transport operator was the right choice for him. Reflecting on his journey, Juarez even said he wishes he would have joined the military sooner.
"I think everyone should join the military," he said. "Looking back, I ask myself why I didn't join earlier. After going through the training and meeting so many people, I truly believe everyone should join to gain that experience and level of camaraderie, the sisterhood and brotherhood. To have that honor."
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