A service member is often born with a strong desire to help others. Whether it’s coaching a child’s baseball or soccer team, cleaning up their neighborhood or giving a hand-up during the holidays, public service is frequently a common trait of those serving in the military.
For Sgt. 1st Class Nick Van Kirk, a logistics and decontamination non-commissioned officer with the 10th Civil Support Team, he wanted to give back to his community in a different way.
Growing up in the South Bay community of Olympia, Van Kirk lived down the road from the South Bay Fire Department on Shincke Road. He would see it on his way to South Bay Elementary School.
“I had wanted to be a volunteer firefighter for a while, giving back to the community I grew up in,” said Van Kirk. “Being a full-time active Guard member with the 10th Civil Support Team, I wasn’t sure if I would have that chance.”