Real Hero Report |
rank and order from whoever their superior is, whether male or
female. These are things we hold traditionally as a military.”
Since joining the United States Army National Guard, Barnette
has ascended the ranks of Private, Private 1st Class, Specialist,
Sergeant and then to Staff Sergeant, which is the position he holds
him. “I have a well-trained Infantry unit that is dedicated to going
out and achieving our mission,” said Barnette. He says his days
start with his unit in mind. “I get up knowing that in the military,
I went through all the ranks to get where I am; therefore, I am
acquainted with where these guys are below me, and the same is
my duty to give those who have been entrusted to me the training
and tools they need to do a job or mission and show them how to
I’m responsible
for taking up
unit, protecting
them and being
an umbrella for
them, giving
correction when
needed, and
shouldering
them from
everything
else.”
During the
nine years
Barnette has
served in the
Army, he
completed a
Combat Tour
in Afghanistan,
which he says
was eye opening. “When you get to see what the third world is, it
changes you,” Barnette stated. “We grow up in the United States,
and don’t fully understand what life is like in other countries,
what conditions people are born in, and it’s really sad to see,”
said Barnette. “My wife Kelly has had the amazing opportunity of
working with Doctors Without Borders, and traveled with a group
to Africa, where she saw some of the same conditions I witnessed
in Afghanistan. However, we both would agree that the silver
lining is being a blessing from God to be able to go out and help
others.”
Barnette credits his wife. “It’s really hard, but it’s because I have
a strong, loving and understanding wife. If it wasn’t for her, I
don’t believe I could do it. It’s hard because we have a two-yearold
now, and my wife is a full-time student seeking credentials
to become a Doctor of Chiropractic medicine. So she’s trying to
become a doctor and start her business. So, when I’m not here,
she’s taking charge of everything; that’s why I say if it wasn’t for
her, I don’t know if I would be able to do it.”
in handling the demands of his calls to duty by something his dad
had taught him. “He said we may all have our differences in this
country, but the military gives the people in this country the right
to disagree. Whereas, in other countries if you disagree with the
government you can face harsh repercussions,” stated Barnette.
the American citizens that right to disagree with the government
and others. I think it’s great that I’m part of the United States
military and that we’re able to give the people of the United
States that voice, or a chance to voice their opinion. That remains
as well at the forefront of my thoughts.”
When asked what he would like to be remembered for and
to the Family’s Wall of Fame. “One of the greatest rewards is
that I’m following in my family’s footsteps,” Barnette stated.
“The thoughts I had as a child when I surveyed that wall in
my grandmother’s home adorned with pictures of my great
grandparents, uncles and aunts, all in uniform, and thinking I’d
like my picture to also be there one day, well today it is,” Barnette
said with a smile. “Now when I go to my grandmother’s house,
I take my daughter to see that same wall with all our relatives
who’ve served, and now she also sees my picture up there. That’s
truly something I’m proud of, and the greatest recognition I could
ask for.”