The Hamilton native enlisted in December 2018, in the middle of his senior year at Princeton High School. He wanted “to be able to do something that was bigger than myself and serve my country in the best way I could.” He became a 91B, a wheeled-vehicle mechanic, but his dream was to be a nurse. But his choice to enlist is one he’d make every time again.
Credit: Michael Pitman
Credit: Michael Pitman
“It has honestly shaped me to be the person I am today: determined, hardworking, respectful,” he said. “It also helped me get through school and achieve my dream career.”
Around 250 people ― about a third being a member of either Delta Company 237th BSB or HHT 2nd 107th Calvary Squadron at the armory on Symmes Road ― celebrated the holidays at the event that was made possible by donations and community support, most notably by the Ohio VFW and the Fairfield VFW.
“It brings the family together,” said Capt. Levi Wick, Delta Company commander. “The National Guard units are a family of families, so it’s a chance to bring everyone, all the soldiers to bring in their kids, husbands, wives, whoever, to celebrate.”
Credit: Michael Pitman
Credit: Michael Pitman
Being a member of the Army National Guard member can have a disconnect between military and family life. Soldiers come in on assigned drill weekends, do their jobs and go home. Their families may not know exactly what they do, but Wick said “it’s not something mysterious; it’s people showing up to do their jobs.” And family celebrations just “opens the doors” because it’s important to find ways to bring families into the armory to show support for their soldiers.
They could be deployed at anytime, whether it’s an overseas assignment ― Delta Company returned in August 2023 after a year-long deployment in support of Operation Inherent Resolve ― or they may be called upon for a stateside duty for something like hurricane relief, which they need to be ready to roll in a matter of hours. Wick said it was akin to firehouse living: always training to be ready to respond.
The community will be invited to attend an open house this summer at the Armory, Wick said, which he expects it to be in June.
Sunday’s celebration was organized by Leonhardt’s mother, Delta Company’s Soldier Family Readiness Group leader, Angela Leonhardt. Each company has a SFRG leader.
She was scared when her son enlisted and had wanted to organize an event like Sunday’s celebration.
“I see how hard they work, and the sacrifices they and their families make, and I just wanted to give back,” she said. “It’s enjoyable for me. It’s a passion of mine and I just wanted to give back to them, give them a couple hours of fun and enjoyment.”
Angela said she’ll stay on as the SFRG leader for Delta Company even with her son moving on to his civilian career.
“If these soldiers can look at me like a mom, it would make my heart happy,” she said.
Credit: Michael Pitman
Credit: Michael Pitman
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