Behind the Uniform: Spc. Hayley Hoopes

Spc. Hayley Hoopes, a health care specialist in the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 29th Combat Aviation Brigade, who has served about three years in the military.

Why did you join the Maryland National Guard?
“I joined the Guard because I wanted to be able to go to school, use my college benefits, and work at the same time. I also wanted to be able to help people as much as I could.“

How does it feel to work in the community during this time?
“I enjoy it, I have worked in health care since I was 18. So I’ve been doing it for a little over five years now. I’m used to working with the community and being able to do outreach and go to different places I never would have been. It has been nice, I enjoy it.“

What part of your training has prepared you most for this activation?
“We all go through advanced individual training. I would say that this is probably a little different. So prior to being put on orders for the COVID activation I worked at the flight surgeon’s office. So I got a lot of clinic side health care experience, giving injections, talking to people, and administration/paperwork. So that definitely helped me a lot and then just my civilian training as well as I do this on the civilian side.“

What is your favorite part about being a service member?
“My favorite part is meeting people from all over with all types of backgrounds. I’ve really enjoyed it, getting to know them and their life experiences, networking and being able to find people who are from different walks of life has helped me a lot.“

What are you doing to deal with stress?
“I just enjoy myself on my days off and just decompress. But I feel like my team are all kind of there for each other a lot. So speaking to each other has been really great. So that’s definitely helped through the stressful times that we’ve been through.” 

What is the next thing for you after this mission is over?
“So I have a year left of school until I get my bachelor’s done. So that’s next and then I’ll also return to my civilian job where I work as a medical assistant.“