Scott's View: National Guard Birthday is Monday, December 13

Its history dates back nearly four centuries, to before our nation was born. The origins of our National Guard date to December 13, 1636, when the first colony-wide militia was formed in Massachusetts. Over a storied history, the National Guard remains a bedrock of our military forces.

Consisting of Army and Air Force components, it serves both state and national interests. Most recently, the Guard has been critical to our strength in Iraq and Afghanistan, serving alongside active-duty personnel for two decades. And today, the Guard continues to serve and protect at the state level whenever a natural disaster or local disruption hits any state in our country. In fact, our Army and Air National Guard are true first responders!

Veterans Advantage has always honored our Guard and their families as serving honorably, no matter where or when they served. And for that, this Monday, we honor the National Guard on its 385th Birthday. Happy Birthday to all the men and women of the National Guard and their families!