LYNCHBURG, Va. –
Virginia Army National Guard recruiters participated in Lynchburg’s 3rd Annual Heroes Day, a joint recruiting and awareness event for first responders held September 11, 2021, at River Ridge Mall in Lynchburg, Virginia. The event included personnel from Lynchburg, Amherst, Bedford and Campbell Counties, as well as Virginia State Police.
Displayed at this year’s event were the Virginia State Police emergency response helicopter, ambulances and firetrucks from the participating localities, and a Humvee courtesy the Virginia Army National Guard. VSP also set up a driving course to highlight the dangers of distracted driving.
Staff Sgt. Justin Hayward was one of the Virginia Army National Guard recruiters who worked the event, and said recruiting is his passion.
“I want to help people in my generation and in this generation find some direction,” Hayward said. During the event, he talked to local citizens about what the National Guard does, about the role it plays in the local community, across the state and for the nation. He said his favorite part of Heroes Day and events like is the opportunity to meet with local community members and build relationships with law enforcement partners.
“Being, a recruiter has the benefit of being everyone’s squad leader, I think it is the best job in the Army, hands down,” Hayward said. The best part, he said, is seeing the transformation in a Soldier between when they join and when they return from training.”