“I joined the Guard because I wanted to serve the country who gave me a better life.”
Spc. Khup Lun, 169th Combat Sustainment (KSARNG) , was born and raised in Burma.
“Our country is so famous because of the military government,” said Lun.
Lun, who is a Baptist, left Burma with her husband due to religious persecution by the government. “Honestly, I can say I’m a refugee from Burma,” she said.
Lun and her husband spent several years in refugee camps before he came to the U.S. in 2009. Lun followed him in 2011 and joined the Kansas Army National Guard in 2019.
“My son wants to join the Army,” she said, “so I wanted to be a role model.”
Lun said the Guard’s education benefits are a great help as she works toward her goals.
“I am going to Johnson County Community College, and I am studying accounting because I want to become an accountant,” said Lun. “The tuition benefits cover everything so I don’t have a student loan or anything at all… so I can focus more on my education.”
In addition to financial benefits, Lun said the Guard is teaching her leadership skills and the value of teamwork, qualities she says will help her in her future career.
“The Guard helps you learn to work with all types of personalities,” she explained. “You know when to follow and support. This is a critical skill that keeps business running smoothly.
“The military teaches leadership skills that are highly desired in many civilian fields,” Lun said. “Every field benefits from a leader who is confident, leads by example and motivates the team to bring a job to completion.”
“I am so proud to be wearing this uniform. It’s made me feel like it’s saved my life.”