By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post
Members of the Kansas National Guard were at Hays High School on Wednesday for a recruiting visit.
They invited Hays community members, Hays USD 489 staff, and Pratt, Salina and Great Bend community member and school staff, to ride in two of the Guard's Blackhawk helicopters.
The tours flew from Hays High around the city and back.
Lt. Commander Adam Pawlosky of the Kansas National Guard Recruiting and Retention Battalion discussed with the participants some of the benefits of joining the Kansas National Guard.
The Guard enlists Kansans ages 18 to 42. They serve two days per month, which are paid.
Other benefits include:
ā¢ Health care benefits for the self and family
ā¢ 401K retirement plan
ā¢ College paid for yourself or children
ā¢ Many other training opportunities
Pawlosky reminded the community that the Kansas National Guard is building a new $19.3 million armory in Hays, which will include a full-time maintenance shop. It is scheduled to be completed next year
Pawlosky said everyone has made decisions that put them on a path.
He said the National Guard allows you to open three doors, military service, opportunity for paid education and a career and life in the private sector.
"I don't care where you are at on your pathway. We offer anyone the opportunity to do something different ..." Pawlosky said, "to get your college degree while serving your state and country part-time, wearing a uniform and getting developed to set yourself up for a professional career."
He added, "You can leverage your leadership training to whatever you want to do on the civilian side."
He said the National Guard is looking for the best of the best to serve something a little bit bigger.
The National Guard's primary mission to provide domestic support in times of need.
Some of these mission have included meal packaging and delivering COVID tests during the pandemic. They also are regularly called to assist with ground and air support during wildfires. They also assist travelers on Interstate 70 who become stranded during snow storms, as well as assisting with warming stations, Pawlosky said.
The National Guard also serves as the combat reserve of the active Army.
Pawlosky also shared a prerecorded video from Second Lt. Dawson McNeal who is student teaching at Hays High School. He will soon earn his degree in music education at Fort Hays State University and plans to transfer to Wichita State University for his master's degree.
He explained how his schooling was paid for through National Guard programs.
