Staff Sgt. Andrew Cuthrell | Overcoming Fear
Ground Recon Team Member, North Carolina Army National Guard
Of the nearly 190 Military Occupational Specialties an enlistee can choose from, Cuthrell selected those most likely to involve jumping or rappelling from aircraft. Throughout his childhood and young adulthood, he struggled with a fear of heights. So when it came time to enlist, he decided that facing this fear head on by jumping out of a perfectly good airplane would help him gain control over it. He continued to confront his fears and turn them into achievements. Soon, he completed the U.S. Army Air Assault School, earned his Rappel Master qualification, and trained as a Cavalry Scout. Over the years, he advanced in his career and has served for the last 10 years with the NCNG's Counterdrug Task Force. "He always has a 'can do' attitude, and hiss military bearing is evident the moment you meet him," said Army Command Sgt. Maj. Richard S. Huff, assigned to the NCNG Camp Butner Training Center.
Pfc. Sampson Kerns | Personal Transformation
Combat Engineer, 236th Brigade Engineer Battalion, North Carolina Army National Guard
Kerns is proof that hard work and discipline can transform a person both physically and mentally. After a string of dead-end jobs and weighing 400 pounds, he wasn't what most would envision as a future Soldier. Yet, two people recognized his potential: NCNG Recruiter Staff Sgt. Navarro, and most importantly, Kerns himself. "I saw an Army recruiter at the school where I worked," Kerns recalled. "It felt providential. I thought maybe the Army could help me turn my life around." That moment marked the start of a life-changing journey. With Navarro's guidance and leadership, paired with newfound self-discipline and confidence, Kerns lost 85 pounds in just 10 weeks. Though still far from his goal of 230 pounds, this was only the beginning. In the following months, he continued improving his physical fitness and scored high enough on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery to qualify for enlistment in the NCNG. What began in February 2023 culminated in October 2024, when Kerns graduated from advanced individual training as a Combat Engineer. Today, he's not only the embodiment of a successful Soldiers but also a charismatic social media influencer, inspiring others to join the NCNG through his engaging videos.
Sgt. Sincere King | Triumph
Surface Maintenance Technician, North Carolina Army National Guard
Born into a home marked by addiction and violence, with his father in prison and his mother later convicted of a violent crime, King was raised by his grandmother under tough economic conditions. Struggling with trauma, he acted out in school until ninth grade, when mentorship, therapy, and anger management began to turn things around. He became a state champion wrestler and, though wrestling didn’t lead to college, the discipline he gained helped him succeed—with support from the North Carolina National Guard (NCNG). Through the NCNG and its Tuition Assistance Program, King became a full-time surface maintenance technician. “The Army National Guard changed my life and helped me provide for my son in ways I never imagined,” he said.
Staff Sgt. Joseph S. Matthews | Direction
Combat Medic, 139th Regiment, North Carolina Army National Guard
Matthews, the oldest of seven in a split household, grew up with little direction but a strong desire for more. Though school was difficult, joining his high school’s JROTC gave him structure and a sense of belonging, helping him become the first in his family to attend college. While majoring in biology and participating in ROTC, he felt disconnected and took a break to enlist in the North Carolina National Guard. That decision led to eight years as a Combat Medic, promotions to Staff Sergeant, and roles like instructor at the NCNG 139th Regional Training Institute. “I’ve always sought challenges to grow,” said Matthews, who now aims to attend medical school through Army programs. “The Army makes this dream possible.”
Staff Sgt. Travis Murray | A Greater Purpose
Combat Engineer, Officer Candidate School Cadet, North Carolina Army National Guard
Murray grew up facing hardship, with a single mother struggling to provide. After barely graduating high school, his life changed one summer day when he helped save a jet skier's life, sparking a desire to serve. With his mother’s support, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps and served honorably, but faced deep personal loss—his mother passed away while he was deployed, and later, he found his roommate deceased. After leaving the Marines, Murray built a stable life and career but still felt called to serve. He joined the North Carolina Army National Guard as a Combat Engineer, supporting missions like Hurricane Florence relief and the 2021 Presidential Inauguration. With the help of military education benefits, he earned degrees in Counter-Terrorism and Homeland Security. Now enrolled in Officer Candidate School, Murray is determined to lead and continue serving. “This program has tested me in every way,” he said.
Staff Sgt. Nicholas Parker | Those Who Can Do Teach
Combat Medic, 139th Regiment, North Carolina Army National Guard
From a young age, Parker knew he wanted to serve. Inspired by his father’s legacy in the Marine Corps, law enforcement, and Army Special Forces, he trained in martial arts, studied military history, and joined JROTC. Before graduating high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. There, he developed as a leader and discovered a passion for medicine through working alongside corpsmen. After earning his EMT certification, he volunteered with a local rescue squad, then became a paramedic—graduating at the top of his class. Still drawn to serve, Parker joined the North Carolina National Guard as a Combat Medic. He now teaches at the NCNG Regional Training Institute and Fayetteville Community College, sharing his expertise and passion for emergency medicine.
Staff Sgt. Iman Rashidah Payne | Desire
630th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, North Carolina Army National Guard
Just five days after high school graduation, Payne began her military journey, driven by a desire to find purpose and serve something greater than himself. Over 16 years, she gained experience in four military specialties, completed leadership training, and deployed—all while growing personally and professionally. “The military made me reliable, empathetic, and personable,” said Payne. Guided early on by strong mentors, she faced challenges but never gave up. “There were times I questioned my decision, but I learned lessons I wouldn’t have gained anywhere else.” Now a leader himself, Payne finds purpose in mentoring others. “I know when I retire, I’ll have no regrets—I became part of something bigger than myself.”
Spc. Mikela Taylor | Commitment
Logistical Specialist, 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team, North Carolina Army National Guard
Before finishing high school, Taylor was helping raise her four younger siblings, contributing to the family income, and had already enlisted in the NC National Guard. “Serving has always been a passion—whether in my family, community, or country,” she said. Despite facing family crises, financial struggles, and juggling multiple jobs, she stayed committed to becoming the best Soldier she could be. Taylor earned her diploma, started a career with the State of North Carolina, and began raising a family. “The military gives you growth, purpose, and discipline you won’t find anywhere else,” she said. “Take the leap and create your own path.”
Staff Sgt. Faith Weidner | Finding A Path
Supply Specialist, 230th Brigade Support Battalion, North Carolina Army National Guard
Faith Weidner, a nationally ranked motocross racer from Archer Lodge, NC, learned strength and determination early. After her motocross career ended, she chose a new path—joining the NC National Guard in 2017 while still in high school. Her drive quickly translated into military success: promoted during basic training, deployed to Kuwait, and steadily rose through the ranks to Staff Sergeant. In 2023, she earned a full-time active-duty position with the 230th Brigade Support Battalion. “The Guard has taught me so much and brought great friendships,” said Weidner. “But I probably shouldn’t have called my recruiter during history class.”
Staff Sgt. Lucas Wilson | A Fork In The Road
Combat Engineer, 505th Engineers Forward Support Company, North Carolina Army National Guard
For Wilson, joining the North Carolina National Guard was one of the best decisions he made. Inspired by war movies and friends in JROTC, he initially went to community college but later enlisted after hearing about the NCNG from a friend. “Training with explosives and tactics sounded brutal yet awesome,” he said. Enlistment offered him purpose and the means to finish school. Volunteering for every mission, Wilson found direction and reignited his goal of earning a degree. He became the first in his family to serve and graduate college, earning a Bachelor's in Exercise Science. “Looking back, it’s been a long journey,” said Wilson. “I never imagined I’d become a Soldier and serve my community.”