Sergeant Devin Riede started his career with the Oklahoma National Guard while he was still in college. 

“I joined at 19 years old while attending Connors State College,” said Riede. “I went to high school and graduated from Hilldale High School here in Muskogee in 2013.” 

Recruiting wasn’t his first choice. Riede worked as a 25Q or Multichannel Systems Operator and Maintainer. 

“My first six years in the OKARNG I was a 25Q,” said Riede. “I worked with satellites, network systems, radios, and antennas.” 

Since entering the recruiting field, Riede said there are many things he enjoys about the job of recruiting. 

“Besides the networking with community and comradery with other peers I have worked with, I enjoy the job itself. Being able to be the face of the National Guard for my hometown has been awesome. I have lived here all my life and I enjoy being able to be in my own community making a difference for the better,” said Riede. “The OKARNG has given me so many opportunities for growth for not only me, but my family as well. It is a place that fully supports and motivates me to be better every day. You won’t find another job out there that values you as a person like the OKARNG does.” 

His official title is Recruiting and Retention NCO while serving the Muskogee and Sallisaw areas. Riede has worked in recruiting since 2019 but serving in the National Guard has afforded him the opportunity to train and work in other places. 

“I haven’t been on any trips or deployments besides annual training each year to Kansas, Michigan, Louisiana, and Arkansas,” said Riede. 

Today’s recruits receive great benefits for enlisting into the National Guard. 

“The opportunity to serve this community first and foremost is a great benefit. Also, the education benefits that pay for tuition and fees is huge. Federal certifications have helped a lot of my warriors get great jobs in my community as well,” said Riede. 

The new recruits have a lot of questions, which Riede loves to answer, but the most common question center around one thing. 

“The most asked question is, what is basic training like?” Riede said. 

Away from the office and traveling to schools, Riede said he enjoys spending time with his family. 

“I have a four-year old girl and a two-year old boy and a beautiful wife. In my spare time I love spending time with them. I love hunting, fishing, hiking, and spending time with friends and family,” said Riede. 

For more information about the National Guard or to speak with SGT Riede, email him at [email protected]