Pine Plains, NY, native Dan Hoysradt enlisted in the Army National Guard in 2009. He served in the state of New York for four years, and since 2013, has served in the state of Connecticut. 

“At the time that I enlisted, I didn’t really know what I wanted to do,” Dan said. College wasn’t something that he wanted to pursue, but he knew that the military would be a great opportunity to learn a variety of skills. “I had multiple friends from Pine Plains that had already enlisted in the National Guard, but my cousin Louie Cassinelli was the one that helped me make the decision to enlist.”

Dan chose to enlist in the Army National Guard because it allowed him to serve in the military, while staying close to home for the most part. “I love being around my family and friends.”

Acquiring skills for military service and beyond 

During his service, Dan has completed data communication encompassing everything from working at the help desk to satellite communications. Indeed, he uses many of the skills that he learned in the military in his everyday life. 

His first military occupational speciality is 25L, otherwise known as a cable systems installer and maintainer, which means he is responsible for the maintenance and installation of cable and wire communications systems, communication security devices, and other related equipment. 

“I’ve learned everything from fiber-optic installation and splicing to data wiring installation and phone systems,” Dan explained. “This has all helped me immensely with my civilian job, in which I use all of my skills everyday as an alarm technician.” 

Forming unbreakable bonds

What he remembers most from his service, however, is the friends that he made while serving. 

“The friends you make in the military are some of the greatest people you will ever encounter,” he shared. “You might not see these men and women for years, but when you get together, you pick up like you haven’t missed a thing. With social media, we get to keep in touch, but being with these people who ‘embraced the suck’ with you know exactly what you went through. If that makes sense to you, then you’re probably a veteran, too.” 

Dan notes that coming home is always enjoyable, and being able to spend time with family and friends is a blessing. While he doesn’t think it’s particularly difficult to return to civilian life, he did note that the change in routines from military life to civilian lifestyles can take a minute to get used to. 

When asked if there was anything that Dan wishes civilians understood about military service, he said, “Service members are men and women who train to be a part of a team that wants nothing more than to live in peace.” 

To learn more about the Army National Guard, visit its website here.