Staff Sergeant David Noteboom has served in the Oklahoma Army National Guard for 16 years and has worked as a recruiter for four and half years in the McAlester and surrounding areas.

“I’m the Recruiting and Retention Noncommissioned Officer and Career Counselor in this area (McAlester),” said SSG Noteboom. “I joined my senior year in high school. I went to and graduated from McAlester High School.”

Being close to home was just one of the reasons SSG Noteboom joined the National Guard. Now having the opportunity to recruit students from his alma-mater and the surrounding area is something he loves doing.

“I enjoy giving young men and women a path to pursue their dreams. Giving them the same opportunity that the National Guard has given me,” said SSG Noteboom. “It’s a way serve your community and state while still focusing on pursuing your goals and dreams.”

During his time in the National Guard, SSG Noteboom has deployed twice to Iraq. He also participated in a training mission in Ukraine. Over his 16-year career, SSG Noteboom has worked in several career fields.

“I have held three MOS (Military Occupational Specialties). 12H or construction engineering supervisor, 25U or signal support specialist, and 11B Infantrymen,” said SSG Noteboom.

There are many reasons SSG Noteboom encourages potential recruits to join the National Guard.

“The discipline. The discipline and structure they get from the military. The National Guard education benefits are by far the best around. It makes it easy to go to school full time and still serve in the military,” said SSG Noteboom. “You can start your journey today while still enjoying your high school life.”

Away from his military service, SSG Noteboom said he enjoys spending time with his kids and watching their extracurricular activities. He also spends a lot of time in the gym.