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Surrounded by proud family and friends, Lydia Yost took the oath of enlistment into the Army National Guard in a ceremony that was both deeply personal and steeped in tradition. Administering the oath was her cousin, Colonel Martin Yost—making the occasion not just official, but profoundly meaningful. “It was a very humbling experience and an honor,” said Col. Yost. “I’ve had the privilege of swearing in other family members, but Lydia is the first ‘Yost’ I’ve sworn in. She will carry on the legacy of service to our military, and I am proud of her. She’s going to be an outstanding Soldier and future Army Officer.” Colonel Yost has other family members in the military, including his wife Stephanie in the Air National Guard and son Ross, who served in the Air Force and several nephews and stepdaughters. For Lydia’s parents, Matt and Amy Yost of Wagner, the moment was a culmination of years of dedication and dreams. “It was a very proud moment for our family to watch Lydia fulfill her goal of joining the Army National Guard,” they said. “We were surprised and honored that Colonel Martin Yost came to Wagner to give Lydia the oath. His incredible military career has always inspired her.” “It’s really hard to describe the emotions we felt during the ceremony. Our entire family is so incredibly proud of her for choosing to serve her country”, they added. As parents they tried to raise her to follow her dreams, even when they are scary and require a lot of hard work and dedication. “It’s also frightening to think about all the things she may experiences that will be difficult. One thing is for sure, we will all definitely miss her bright smile while she is gone at basic training and AIT”, they added. Lydia’s interest in military service began at a young age. “She’s talked seriously about it since junior high,” her parents shared. “She first planned to go through the Army ROTC program in college, but after meeting with recruiters, she decided that combining ROTC with the National Guard was the best path forward. She’ll begin ROTC at Black Hills State University in January.” Lydia’s parents shared that she has always been a strong leader throughout her experiences in sports and activities. “She is dedicated and focused and always strives to do her best, while helping others to do the same along the way,” they added. “Lydia is very patriotic and representing her country has been a long-term goal for her.” Lydia’s great-grandpa and all his brothers served in the military, as well as her grandpa. She was always very interested in asked a lot of questions. She has also been a junior member of the Legion Auxiliary in Avon and participated in many activities. As she got older she became interested in history and read a lot of books that only solidified her decision to want to join the Army. As Col. Yost administered the oath, his thoughts traveled nearly four decades back to when he took the same oath himself. “I didn’t fully grasp the meaning of those words back then,” he reflected. “Now those words – ‘support and defend our Constitution’, ‘obey the President’, and ‘so help me God’ – represent a deep commitment to our nation. It’s a responsibility not just spoken, but lived.” I understand just how much weight they carry— supporting the Constitution, obeying the President, serving the nation. Less than one percent of Americans raise their hand and take that oath and join our military. He added that swearing in family carries a deeper emotional impact. He witnessed his son being sworn into the Air Force and remembered how proud he was that day to witness his oath. To have family join is special and knowing what they have sworn into and what they have become a part of has a whole new meaning of pride that they are following in the footsteps of others in their family that have served with distinction during peacetime and war. “Seeing Lydia begin her journey adds another special chapter to our family’s service story. Her parents have done an amazing job raising her with values that reflect what the military stands for— loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage.” The Yost family’s military tradition runs deep. Lydia’s great-grandfather and his brothers served, as did her grandfather. She has also been a junior member of the Legion Auxiliary and has long shown interest in military history. After the ceremony, Col. Yost offered Lydia some heartfelt advice. “I talked to her about leadership. I also spoke about how rewarding her service to her country will be. She is now part of the greatest military force ever built. I spoke about leadership. It is easy to be a leader but much harder to be worth of leadership. In life we never stop learning, and it is important to reflect on every situation and prepare for the future. I asked her to take the hard jobs, set the example and practice humility. Recognize her shortcomings, appreciate the strength of others,” he added. “It’s easy to lead, but much harder to be worthy of leadership. Take the hard jobs, lead by example, stay humble. Be the leader others want to follow.” He also plans to be a mentor to Lydia throughout her career. “That’s what’s special about the military—we support each other. The military is a community of incredible people that come together to support each other for common goals. “We’re brothers and sisters in arms,” Col. Yost added. For Matt and Amy Yost, watching their daughter Lydia take this step was a defining moment. “We hope she gains a lasting sense of pride for serving her country and achieves her personal goals, including her military career,” they stated. They also had advice for other parents of prospective service members: “It’s never easy to see your child take a path with risk and sacrifice, but the pride is immeasurable. The military builds strength, discipline, and purpose. Be supportive, ask questions, stay connected. Your encouragement means everything.” Colonel Yost added that the Army National Guard is a strong option for young people. “It allows you to pursue a civilian career while serving your country. There are endless opportunities—education, job training, leadership. Employers value the discipline and teamwork that service members bring.” Yost shared that the military is special, a place where you are rewarded for your hard work. You don’t always have to be the smartest person in your group but if you work hard, take on the hard jobs, be dedicated and treat people right, you will go far. The military has so many options to better your life. The schooling, training, ability to serve with so many outstanding people is such a gift. I would not be the person I am today without the valuable lessons, training, education and opportunities to serve in many places in the US and other countries. The military is the greatest job and the rewards for service are incredible and everlasting. The relationships I have gained are immeasurable. I have friends from all over the world and serving with these outstanding people is such an honor.” Lydia is now part of a closeknit, respected force. “The South Dakota National Guard is made up of people from across our state,” Colonel Yost said. “We serve with our friends, neighbors, and family—working together for something greater than ourselves. There is no better mission.” When Col. Yost was asked what he thinks makes the Army National Guard a good fit for your people like Lydia he stated, “The Army National Guard allows anyone who joins to have separate careers. You’re a Citizen Soldier. You can have your military and civilian career.” When Col. Yost joined, he thought about going into medicine and wanted to be a Soldier, so he joined as a Combat Medic and received his National Certification as an EMT. After military training, while still serving, he completed college and received his degree and started a career as Game Warden. He has held many jobs while in the military and the opportunities are endless depending on what you want in life. Civilian employers love the military because Soldiers are disciplined, taught to be on time and understand the meaning of team making them a great employee. The benefits are also financial, school repayment, free tuition, great pay while training, and outstanding medical benefits. Col. Yost closed stating, “The SD National Guard is made up of people across our state and Nation. Our members are family, you may serve with your father, brother, sister, uncle, cousins and friends. We are members of our community working together to support our state and nation for any mission we are called upon to do. There is no better mission that to work with your neighbors and friends in support of something greater than yourself.” If you are a parent whose child is considering military service the Yost’s shared this message: “We would tell other parents that while it’s never easy to see your child choose a path that involves risk and sacrifice, there’s also immense pride in watching them take on a role that’s bigger than themselves. Military service builds strength, discipline, and character and it opens doors to education, leadership and lifelong purpose. Support them, ask questions, and stay connected. Your encouragement will mean more than you know.”