Here's how you know
 **Official websites use .mil** .mil
 **Secure .mil websites use HTTPS** lock () https://


Skip to main content (Press Enter).
 Toggle navigation
            
            
            
            
            National Guard
                        Always Ready Always There
                    National Guard
            
            Search National Guard:
                        Search
                    Search
                        Search National Guard:
                            Search
    Home

    News
    
        Guard News

    Overseas Operations

    State Partnership Program

    News Features

    RSS Feeds

    Press Releases

    Transcripts

    Features
    
        Features by Year

    Posture Statement

    State Partnership Program

    Special Features

    About the Guard
    
        How We Began

    Air National Guard

    Army National Guard    
    
        DEERS Soldier Journey

    Leader Development Program

    History and Heritage

    I am the Guard

    NGB Official March

    Leadership
    
        CNGB

    VCNGB

    SEA

    DANG

    DARNG

    Joint Staff    
    
        J-1

    J-2

    J-3

    J-4

    J-5

    J-6

    J-7

    J-8

    Personal Staff    
    
        Inspector General

    General Counsel    
    
        Special Victims Counsel

    Public Affairs

    Executive Support Services

    Legislative Liaison

    Special Staff    
    
        Office of the Provost Marshal

    Office of the Joint Surgeon

    Director of Acquisitions

    Small Business Programs

    Chaplain

    Senior Leader Management Office

    Diversity Equity Inclusion

    Comptroller

    Resources    
        National Defense Strategy Implementation Guidance

    Community Engagement

    FOIA

    Fact Sheets

    Helpful Links

    Image Gallery
    
        News Images

    Graphics

    Historical Paintings

    Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

    Legislative Liaison

    Small Business Programs

    Social Media

    State Websites

    Videos    
    
        Featured Videos

    On Every Front

    2019 Videos

    2020 Videos

    2021 Videos

    Suicide Prevention

    Family Programs

    Environmental

    Trial Defense Service

    Holistic Wellness Challenge

    Contact Us  Home
  News
  News Features
 
 Download
 Details
 Share
 NEWS
 African-American New Jersey Airman motivated to serve By  Senior Airman Julia Santiago
                108th Wing, New Jersey Air National Guard
 JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. – "I was motivated to join the military to serve my country," said Staff Sgt. Vince Stokes, a boom operator from the 141st Air Refueling Squadron. "I wanted to be an effective part of supporting a mission bigger than myself. I was also motivated to join the military for the camaraderie aspect." Stokes has now served in the 108th Wing, New Jersey Air National Guard, for seven years. "As a boom operator, I enjoy traveling and seeing different areas of the world," said Stokes, "I enjoy meeting new people and learning about the different cultures that I encounter. I enjoy the support I provide to inter-theater and intra-theater operations. There is nothing better than seeing how my work directly impacts the mission. I am proud of my multiple deployments and volunteerism around the globe." As an African-American in the military, Stokes follows in a long line of African American service members. "Continuing the legacy of African-Americans who served in the military is another reason why I continue to serve," Stokes said, "I feel like it is my duty to serve. The Tuskegee Airmen and other lesser-known African-Americans who served in the military provided the foundation for us to serve today. I enjoy serving and creating my own legacy for the generation of African- Americans that will follow in my footsteps someday." Stokes hopes to commission as an officer and become a pilot. "A quote that drives me to continue to serve is, 'The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy,' said by Martin Luther King Jr.," Stokes said.
 SHARE
 PRINT
 North Carolina Guard Welcomes New Zambian State Partnership State Partnership Program • yesterday
 Vermont Army Guard Soldiers Attend Brazilian Mountain School Overseas Operations • yesterday
 Idaho Air Guard Conducts Panther Shadow Exercise Guard News • yesterday
 Guard Leaders Stress NCOs Role in State Partnership Program State Partnership Program • 2 days ago
 Massachusetts Guard Helps Host Crisis Leadership Seminar Guard News • 2 days ago
 2024 (33)  2023 (107)  2022 (121)  2021 (119)  2020 (203)  2019 (208)  2018 (165)  2017 (164)  2016 (109)  2015 (52)
 Home
 Site Map
 Privacy & Security Policy
 Link Disclaimer
 Web Policy
 DOD Information Quality
 DOD Open GovernmentFOIA
 No FEAR Act
 Accessibility/Section 508
 Contact Us
 Army Guard Careers
 Air Guard Careers
 USA.gov
                    
Staying Connected
    XYouTubeFlickrFacebookInstagram
                 
                
                

Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil