Serving in the military is one of the many opportunities a student may choose to pursue after high school, and there are many young men and women across the country, including BHS alumnus Ryan Todd.

Todd has served in the Kansas Army National Guard for three years.

“My passion to serve our state and our great country is a significant reason why I joined the National Guard,” Todd said, “as well as my desire to carry on the family tradition. My grandfather also served in the Kansas National Guard.”

Although there are many diverse opportunities in the military, for Todd, the National Guard was the right choice.

“The National Guard is unique in the fact that you make a direct impact on your community, and when disaster strikes our state looks to us for aid,” he said. “We also stand ready at a moment’s notice in defense of our country.”

Although serving in the National Guard has its difficulties, for Todd, they are a necessary, fulfilling part of the experience.

“Like any job,” he said, “it has its challenges, but challenges give you an opportunity to strengthen your character.”

Recently, Todd was called to duty to guard the presidential inauguration of President Joe Biden in Washington, D.C.

“Roughly 300 Kansas guardsmen including myself were activated to assist local police, Secret Service and 25,000 other National Guard soldiers from around the country,” Todd said, “in response to the storming of Capitol Hill, to ensure a peaceful transfer of power on inauguration day.”

Todd’s team was assigned to guard the Library of Congress and the Supreme Court Building. They were on duty 24 hours a day, on rotating shifts.

“We slept when we could, and we ate when food was offered,” Todd said.

While in D.C., Todd also had the opportunity to meet some of his state representatives from Kansas, including Reps. Sharice Davids, Ron Estes and Tracey Mann. He returned home on Jan. 25.

“It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” Todd said, “and an event that will certainly go down in the history books. I’m thankful that our mission was easy and all remained quiet in D.C. This mission affirmed the reason why I serve.”

“To any of you Bulldogs who want to enlist in the military, no matter what branch or job, resilience and patience are virtues you should practice,” Todd said. “These traits are what set you aside from the rest and will help you succeed.”