Ukrainian native Roman Tymczyszyn came to Philadelphia as a toddler, became a U.S. citizen as a teen, and settled in Lansdale as he navigated a 53-year career in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard. Brad Rhen profiled him on the Defense Visual Information Distribution Services website.

Tymczyszyn’s military intro wasn’t immediately welcoming.

“The armories were neighborhood fixtures to hang at with your military buddies outside of drill dates,” he explained.

“They were mostly composed of neighborhood guys.

“I was an outsider.”

But over time, he connected.

That ability to form bonds aided his eventual role as a recruiter.

From 1984–2005, he supervised over 80 recruiters who enlisted over 5,200 soldiers into National Guard service.

He commented on change: “The recruits of yesteryear seemed to have more of a sense of patriotism … especially if some family members had joined the various services, and they were inclined to continue,” he said.

“Today’s recruits are drawn more by the benefits like college tuition and bonuses. Fewer care about the patriotism aspect.”

Still, he remembers his service kindly.

“It’s safe to say that after 35 years in uniform … the Pennsylvania National Guard and I are a comfortable fit.”

More on the career of Roman Tymczyszyn is on the website of Defense Visual Information Distribution Services.

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A look at support services for Pennsylvania National Guard veterans.