CAMP JOHNSON, Vt. –
Name: Sgt. Peter A. Shepardson
Military Specialty: 91B Wheeled-Vehicle Mechanic
Years of Service: 3
Unit: Bravo Company, 186th Brigade Support Battalion
Hometown: Essex Junction, Vt.
Current Town: Westford, Vt.
High School/Graduation Year: Essex High School ‘15
Q. Why did you join the Vermont National Guard?
A. I joined the Vermont Army National Guard because I wanted to do more with my life than just a 9 -5 job.
Q. What do you do in the Vermont National Guard?
A. I am a 91B, wheeled-vehicle mechanic. I drill with Bravo Company, 186th Brigade Support Battalion at Camp Johnson in Colchester.
Q. What do you do for civilian work?
A. I don't have a civilian job. I work full time for the Vermont Army National Guard as a diesel technician at Combined Support Maintenance Shop in Camp Johnson.
Q. What do you think is the greatest benefit of being in the National Guard?
A. The greatest benefit of being in the National Guard for me, is the skills you learn as a Soldier and the people you meet. The people I've met in the Vermont Guard are the most interesting and skilled people I've ever met in my life, even more than people I've met while in training.
Q. How has being a National Guard member benefited you in your local community and job?
A. For me, the benefit of being in the Vermont National Guard has been the recognition. Most places I go people usually remember me when they know I'm in the Vermont National Guard, and people are always friendly.
Q. What is your most memorable military moment?
A. My most memorable moment in the Vermont Army National Guard so far was when I became a Sgt. or Non-Commissioned Officer. My father pinned me for the ceremony. Seeing the pride and joy in his eyes at that moment will always stay with me.
Q. How long have you lived in Vermont?
A. I have lived in Vermont since birth and grew up in Essex Junction until I was 19-years-old when I moved to Westford.
Q. What is your favorite aspect of living or working where you do?
A. My favorite thing about living and working in Essex was people remembering me when I worked on their car, made their food, or just taking the time to hold a door for them
Q. What do you do for work?
A. I work full time for the Vermont Army National Guard as a diesel technician at Combined Support Maintenance Shop in Camp Johnson.
Q. What has surprised you about the Vermont National Guard?
A. What surprised me the most was how many people from different branches of the military come to Vermont Army National Guard.
Q. What is your favorite part about serving in the VT National Guard?
A. My favorite thing about the Vermont Army guard would again be the people I meet. The knowledge and diversity of people in the National Guard is amazing.
Q. How many push-ups did you get on your last physical fitness test?
A. 78, I'm aiming for 85 next PT test.
Q. BONUS: Ask a question for the next soldier or airmen
A. Why would you recommend someone join the Vermont National Guard?