Photo By Sgt. Crystal Bennett | Brig. Gen. Randy Lau, Land Component Commander of the Nevada Army National Guard,...... read more read more
BRIDGEPORT, Calif — When an opportunity arises, you have to take it. Spc. Javen Childers, a 12B Combat Engineer, assigned to the 609th Combat Engineers Company-Infantry, chose to continue his military career and reenlists. Brig. Gen. Randy Lau, Land Component Commander of the Nevada Army National Guard, offered the 609th CEC-I an opportunity to reenlist after speaking with the Soldiers before they began their rappel training. Childers jumped at the opportunity. “I was on the fence about reenlisting because I wanted to go to another MOS or join the Air Force, but when the General stepped out there, it solidified it for me. I want to continue for another three years with the engineers.”
Motivated by his grandfather, a Marine Corps veteran of the Vietnam War, he wanted to follow in his footsteps. Becoming the second in his family to serve in the military, said Childers. “It was an honorable thing to do; to serve your country. I wanted to connect closer with him by being in the military.”
Childers said that there are many reasons why he’s staying with the Nevada Army National Guard. From the friends and connections, he has made in the 609th CEC-I, the opportunities to go to Army schools like Air Assault, Ranger, or Sniper schools, and the possibility of commissioning to become an Army Officer. “There are a lot of things that motivate me, but my friends definitely motivate me to get better as an engineer and soldier. I am also working towards commissioning as an officer.”
When asked what advice he would give to people thinking of enlisting, Childers emphasized the importance of maintaining a balance between military service, personal goals, and relationships with people. “Balance is an interesting construct. Of course, going into the National Guard is part-time, but you don’t realize how much your schedule fills up. Prioritizing drill, having a job or going to school, and keeping your relationships or friendships close. It’s easy to let those slip away.”
Childers is looking forward to excelling with the 609th CEC-I for three more years, striving to achieve his goals, pushing toward excellence, and making the most of his time in the NVARNG.
| Date Taken: | 06.13.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 06.15.2026 12:01 |
| Story ID: | 567750 |
| Location: | BRIDGEPORT, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 11 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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