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Minnesota National Guard

Why I Serve-Experiences of a Lifetime

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Bridget Johnson, medic, 133rd Medical Group (MDG), joined the Air National Guard in 2021 for education benefits to pursue her civilian career as a nurse.

Johnson enlisted during her senior year of high school, departing shortly after graduation for basic military training and tech school.

“Going somewhere far away for training forced me out of my comfort zone,” said Johnson. “By overcoming new obstacles, I learned a lot about myself and have become stronger.”

The experience gained through her training is unlike any experience college alone could offer.

“I’ve had so much experience and opportunity to grow as a medic, which in turn correlates to me applying those skills and background knowledge to my education in nursing school,” said Johnson.

Johnson continues to develop her skills with temporary duty assignments. Leadership from Medical Group noticed her performance and dedication as a medic and selected her for the 51st annual Norwegian Reciprocal Troop Exchange (NOREX) program.

“In a short amount of time, Senior Airman Johnson established herself as a tremendous asset to the MDG,” said U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Ryan Hoffman, senior enlisted leader, 133rd MDG. “She is one of the hardest working Airman we have, both in and out of uniform.”

Johnson served as one of the nine medics selected for the unique joint opportunity, traveling with fellow Minnesota National Guard members to Norway for two weeks to train alongside Norwegian Home Guard counterparts.

“It was the most amazing time ever,” said Johnson. “Beyond learning how to survive in the cold, we could see the history and heritage of the Norwegian culture.”

Johnson has made lifelong connections and friendships through training and traveling with the military.

“I found a new support system unlike anything I’ve experienced before,” said Johnson. “When I first enlisted, I just wanted to finish school. Now that I’ve experienced so many opportunities, and with more on the horizon, I can’t imagine not staying.”

Story by Airman Cailey Aandal
Minnesota National Guard

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Bridget Johnson draws blood from her classmate in Fort Sam Houston, Texas, April 19, 2022. Johnson was drawing blood to complete the skill-set requirements for her five-month-long technical school to become a medic in the Air Force. (courtesy asset from U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Bridget Johnson)
U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Bridget Johnson receives her medical patch at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., July 1, 2022. Johnson graduated from her second phase of technical school and officially became a medic in the Air Force. (courtesy asset from U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Bridget Johnson)
U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Bridget Johnson, right, gets her blood drawn by Airman 1st Class Claire Monroe, left, at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, April 19, 2022. Johnson and Monroe were drawing blood to complete skill-set requirements for their five-month-long technical school to become a medic in the Air Force. (courtesy asset from U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Bridget Johnson)
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Skylar Gunderson, left, Airman 1st Class Bridget Johnson, center, and U.S. Army Spc. Jadyn Byers, right, poses for a photo at their base camp two set up in the mountains of Norway Feb. 6, 2024. Gunderson, Johnson, and Byer were taking part in the Norwegian Reciprocal Troop Exchange, an opportunity to learn valuable skills and share knowledge with members of the Norwegian Troops. (courtesy asset from U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Bridget Johnson)
U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Bridget Johnson, left, U.S. Army Spc. Jadyn Byers, center, and U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Skylar Gunderson, right, poses for a photo at the Norwegian Reciprocal Troop Exchange (NOREX) 51 farewell banquet at Værnes Garrison, Norway, Feb. 12, 2024. Johnson, Byers, and Gunderson all took part in NOREX. (courtesy asset from U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Bridget Johnson)
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