Regina Johnson, an Army Reservist veteran, who spent six years serving in the reserves, and 16 months with the Army, served her nation proudly and now takes the opportunity to speak with students around Lamar County as she shares her memories of having served this great nation.
“College money was what drew me in to talk with recruiters while I was in high school. But once I got to basic and AIT, it was seeing all these girls who were all complete strangers when we met come together as a unit in eight short weeks,” she said of how she came to enlist.
Johnson retired as an SPC/E4 ranking soldier who is defined as a Specialist. In the United States military, it is one of the four junior enlisted ranks in the U.S. Army, above private first class and equivalent in pay grade to corporal. Unlike corporals, specialists are not considered junior non-commissioned officers (NCOs). Specialist E-4 is the most common rank held by U.S. Army soldiers.
Through the grueling eight weeks of basic training, Johnson had fond memories of her unit.
“We were a team and had a common goal as well as each other’s backs. It gave me a sense of teamwork and being a part of something,” she explained.
Although Johnson wasn’t deployed, she did experience life on several different bases while in the service. She was stationed at Ft Dix NJ-89, for basic, AIT-Ft Sam Houston TX- medical supply specialist, two reserve units Texarkana TX 89-91, Durant OK 91-93, Active duty-Army-93, and AIT-Ft Jackson SC administration specialist.
“I didn’t deploy or travel much. I worked mostly behind the scenes as a medical supply and administrative specialist. I did, however, get my military driver’s license and was the driver for the LTC and COL of my unit,” she said.
When it comes to inspiration from those you serve with, Johnson said that it was her commanding officers that continued to support and encourage her to achieve her personal best.
“Now the SGM, MAJ, LTC, and eventually, the COL I worked under while on active duty all supported me and pushed me to be better each day. They were all men. My immediate supervisor NCOIC was a female, and she belittled me from the time she came to our unit until the time I left. She was one of the reasons I did take the opportunity to be medically discharged, but my service was completed. Much to the great disappointment of the male supervisors above her,” she explained of life as a soldier.
Finding a positive female role model isn’t always easy for female soldiers. However, Johnson made it clear that though there are a few bad apples, overall, her experience from serving was a great achievement and very fulfilling.
Memories of her time serving Johnson said that there wasn’t a specific moment that stood out as far as the job was concerned. Instead, it was when she completed basic training where she said it had a feeling of family, a sense of belonging, and knowing that was where she belonged.
When it came to acknowledging her most significant accomplishment while serving, she said, “it would have to be the teamwork and comradery that was instilled in me of my time in the service. Working together to accomplish one goal. That’s what I missed most when I got out of the service.”
Support, family, and life long friendships is what the service gave back to Johnson. And when it comes to inspiring more young women to join the military as a career option, she says, “I would tell young women not to ever give up on your dreams. That you can do anything you set your mind to and don’t let anyone discourage you or tell you that you are not good enough or capable enough because you are female. The military gave me a sense of pride for my country but also sisters and brothers who shared my values.”
Never let someone else dampen your sparkle or worth; the harder you work, the more accomplished you will feel, serving your country can give you more than just a sense of belonging.
Johnson was honorably discharged first for medical reasons before she was able to complete her tour.
“What I missed most about the military is the comradery, teamwork, and a sense of belonging. I have found that again with my fellow volunteer firefighter and first responders as well as with my fellow correctional officers,” said Johnson.
