SGT Tawnya Beckering—Hero On Call

I enlisted in the Army National Guard in 2000, when I was 18 years old. I had just graduated from high school and was trying to pay for college on my own. I decided to join the Guard to help pay for my college tuition. I enlisted for three years and decided to be a dental specialist.

Once I completed Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training, I returned home and began going to college to be a dental hygienist. During my time in college, my initial contract was finished, and I decided to enlist for another three years. With this contract I received the Montgomery G.I. Bill (MGIB). This gave me a little over $300 a month while attending college.

I graduated from Indiana University in 2006 with a degree in public health and dental hygiene. I decided to enlist for an additional six years. With this contract, I will receive another MGIB, as well as the MGIB Kicker, when I decide to go to school for another degree.

I am also on the Student Loan Repayment program, so I’m getting my loans repaid. I am now currently working part time as a dental hygienist and part time as an online operator for www.1-800-GO-GUARD.com. I’m preparing to go to Officer Candidate School (OCS), and hope to become a medical service officer in the Army National Guard.

Contact your local recruiter for more information.