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by Jennifer Archdekin
Phillip Green, of Cameron, an officer at the Daviess-DeKalb Regional Jail in Pattonsburg, was recently recognized for his 20 years of service with the Missouri National Guard in front of his former unit, Battery A, 1-129th Field Artillery in Albany.
The retired sergeant took the opportunity to look back at his service and reflect on the beginning of his career when he made the decision to be a citizen-soldier. He was at a crossroads in his life and knew he had to make a choice.
"It was something I needed to do to get my life straight," said Green. "It made me a better person and a stronger person."
Green admits that though it was the right decision to join the National Guard, it wasn’t the easiest decision to follow through with.
"There was a time I was at basic training I called home and said I wanted out of here," said Green. "I don’t know what I’m doing here."
After talking to his dad and getting encouragement from his first sergeant, Green summoned the courage and strength to carry on.
"I knew I could do it, I just had to get myself to do it," said Green.
Being away from home for so long was difficult in addition the strenuous training he went through.
"I’d never been away from home for more than a week—for basketball camp," said Green. "This was a whole new experience."
At the end of his training, Green’s family proudly attended his graduation. He recalled that his dad pulled him aside and asked him if he had to do it over again would he.
"Without batting an eye," said Green.
That sentiment still holds true to this day.
"This has been a worthwhile experience," said Green. "I’ve seen a lot of different places I’d never got to see just being a civilian."
After two decades of the military, Green offered advice for those just starting their careers.
"Be strong and be flexible," said Green. "There is a lot of up and down time, even more than when I first got in. Enjoy the camaraderie, fellowship and brotherhood with your fellow soldiers. You might not always get along, but they got your back and you got their back."
Green spent the majority of his career with the Albany unit, though he served in other units in Missouri.
In 1993 Green was called up for flood duty and was later activated for Homeland Security as part of Operation Noble Eagle in 2004. He was mobilized for the Hurricane Katrina relief efforts in 2005 and finally deployed to Kosovo in 2008 for a year-long mission.
"It was tough being away from home," said Green of his deployments. "It made me a stronger person. It made me want to be home with my family more and know that my kids can grow up in a country that is free."
Green is supported by his wife, Lisa, and four children.