As a senior at Marlow High School in 2002, Sergeant First Class Kasey R. Bickerstaff joined the Oklahoma National Guard and has enjoyed a storied career. Now a Recruiting and Retention/Career Counselor, SFC Bickerstaff is in his element helping the younger generation become members of the Oklahoma National Guard.
“I joined as a 13M (HIMARS) High Mobility Artillery Rocket System Crew Member with B Btry 1-158 FA but throughout my career I’ve also served as a 13F Forward Observer, JFO Joint Fires Observer, 11B Infantryman, Recruit Sustainment Program Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO), Admin NCO, Training NCO, Readiness NCO, and now I am fulfilling my duties as a Recruiter,” said SFC Bickerstaff.
Having worked in several different career fields gives SFC Bickerstaff a unique perspective when discuss career opportunities with recruits.
“I’m truly excited to be able to offer such a fulfilling career to anyone and everyone who is interested and qualified. I love being involved with the communities and the schools I’m assigned. I take pride in building and maintaining those friendships and bonds and giving back any chance I get. I also enjoy being able to offer the amazing benefits the OKARNG (Oklahoma Army National Guard) has to offer its members, one’s that have changed my life dramatically for the better. The benefits truly can’t be beat for part-time service,” said SFC Bickerstaff.
Most of the new recruits are curious about the education benefits, which SFC Bickerstaff is happy to explain.
“My answer is always that we have by far the best education benefits offered for part-time service. Through our State Tuition Waiver, GI Bill, Federal Tuition Assistance, and if interested in ROTC our Minuteman Scholarships we make it possible to graduate debt free which is difficult nowadays without the help,” said AFC Bickerstaff.
During his career, SFC Bickerstaff has had the pleasure of traveling to places like Germany, Afghanistan twice, worked the Hurricane Harvey mission which struck the Gulf of Mexico and has traveled to other places stateside including Texas, Nebraska, Utah, Arkansas, and Florida. His current area of coverage as a recruiter covers the Lawton area and he is assigned to MacArthur, Cache, Indiahoma, Snyder and Chattanooga High Schools.
High school students can begin the recruiting process and even join while they are juniors in high school if they meet the age requirement of 17. And, if you have a GED, you can speak to a recruiter about joining the National Guard. If you would like to speak to SFC Bickerstaff, he welcomes your call.
“I am a true fan of phone calls. I feel there is always a better connection made this way versus a text message or email. My personal contact information is my cell at (580) 251-1082 (preferred), or my office (580) 595-4459, email @ [email protected], and messaging Team_Bick through Facebook and Instagram. If they want to do some research on their own, they can always visit the Oklahoma Army National Guard website at www.goguardok.com, download the OKGuard App or search the different social media platforms that we all use now such as Facebook and Instagram.”
