REXBURG — Being a college student can be busy, stressful and full of long days. For one student, that statement could never ring truer.
Specialist Bryson Carter is an Idaho Army National Guard Soldier, works for the Madison Fire Department and was recently named Idaho’s Soldier of the Year in the Best Warrior Competition — all while being a BYU-Idaho student.
The Best Warrior Competition determines who, out of all the soldiers of the Idaho Army National Guard, is chosen to represent their battalion in the larger competition. From the state level, they advance to the regional level and then to the national level. The competition consists of a series of activities to test a soldier’s ability to shoot, move, communicate and evaluate their basic medical skills.
Carter was chosen to represent his squadron, has now won the state competition and will go on to compete at the regional level.
Having so much on his plate was never part of his plan, Carter said.
“Joining the Army National Guard happened because I drove past the building and had the thought (to join),” Carter said. “Then, I prayed about it. I kept praying, and things just fell into place.”
It was because of that inspiration which he followed, that doors were opened to Carter.
“I actually became an EMT through the National Guard, which allowed me to get the job at the fire station here,” Carter said.
Besides helping him to have job opportunities, the National Guard has helped Carter in numerous aspects of his life.
“The military’s all about state of readiness, always being ready,” Carter said. “I would say that I’ve always been working on my physical readiness.”
For those deciding whether to join the National Guard, Carter shared this advice.
“The thing that I would say is, just go for it,” Carter said. “That’s the main thing. If you’ve got grit or determination to do it, then anything that seems like a roadblock won’t be.”
Above all, it is his reliance and faith in Jesus Christ that has led him to where he is now, Carter said.
“(Faith is) central,” Carter said. “That is core. Having that assurance has helped me. That’s helped me move forward with the faith because I’ve definitely wanted to do what God wants me to do.”
To learn more about the Idaho Army National Guard or the Best Warrior Competition, visit www.imd.idaho.gov.