December 20th, 2022 – Warner High School senior Colton Anderson is a member of the football and track teams and works with the video and media production club. Last year, Anderson decided he wanted to embark on a path that would not only teach him a new skill but would allow him to attend college tuition free. “I decided to join the military and the National Guard around the end of my junior year of high school,” said Anderson. “My grandpa was in the National Guard, so it was a pretty easy choice of what branch I wanted to join.”

Once Anderson made the decision to join, the recruiting process started and was over before he knew it. “The recruiting process for me was fairly simple. I met a recruiter when he was giving a presentation at my school,” said Anderson. Once the recruiting process was complete, Anderson spent a few weeks last summer at basic combat training where he learned the basics of being a soldier.

Once his senior year is complete, Anderson will attend AIT (Advanced Individual Training) school where he will learn specific details and duties about his MOS (Military Occupational Specialties) in the National Guard. “Basic training was fairly easy for me. I just found the right people to be around and listened to what the drill sergeants said,” explained Anderson. “My job is 12b or a Combat Engineer.”

Anderson plans on using his educational benefits to attend college next fall. “I will be using the education benefits to attend Connors State University and maybe Northeastern State University,” said Anderson.

Anderson said being stationed in his home state was an important factor for him. “What I love most about serving my state is the fact that I get to serve my home state,” said Anderson. “The advice that I would give someone who is interested in learning more about the Guard is to go for it. It could be the best decision you’ve ever made.” Away from school, Anderson said he enjoys hunting and playing video games. One day Colton Anderson he plans on going into law enforcement.