Sean Quillin was a problematic student when he watched a helicopter touch down during an event to interest youngsters in the military.

"That's when I knew I wanted to fly," he said to a group of high school students last week.

"I have wanted to be a pilot since I was twelve years old."

Last Thursday, the Washington National Guard hosted about 400 students from nine high schools stretching from Everett to Olympia during a daylong insider's view of what the Guard offers in the way of careers.

"This isn't a recruiting trip on the part of the Guard," explained Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Ossman, a Seattle-based Guard recruiter.

"Today is about introducing these young people to what they can make of their lives as they prepare to leave high school and go out into the world."

The Washington National Guard is comprised of more than 8,000 citizen soldiers who are dedicated to the mission of safeguarding lives, property and the economy of Washington state.

"We serve the communities where we live," continued Ossman, "and today's events give these future members of the community an opportunity to see what they may like to do."

He added that the visit also helps potential Guardsmen see the positive in being a member of the military.

"There are over two hundred-plus jobs available in the Guard; there is a positive emphasis on what we do," Ossman said.

During their visit to the Guard flight facilities on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, students saw and handled everything from small arms and night-vision goggles to climbing into and through Strykers and Humvees.

"It's been really interesting," said Kubra Solak, an 11th grader at Ingraham High School in Seattle, as she pulled on a helicopter pilot's helmet.

"I'm not sure what I am going to do when I graduate, but I will keep this in mind."  

This is a sentiment that Quillin understood.

After graduating from high school, he acted on the idea left behind when that helicopter landed.

He joined the Guard.

"I kept learning more about helicopters then, and before I knew it I had qualified to go to flight school," Quillin told the students.

He allowed that had he not made the decision to join the Guard, his life would not be as productive.

"I have the best job in the military," he said.

Issac Juma, an automotive instructor at Mount Tahoma High School in Lakewood was impressed.

"This is giving our kids a very positive look at some of the opportunities they can take advantage of when they graduate."

"This is good for them and the community."

The day's events also helped the Guard promote the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Education Initiative.

"It's possible that some of the students here today are interested in this career path," concluded Ossman.

The Guard is actively seeking scientists, engineers, code breakers and cyber soldiers to serve.  

For more information about the Washington National Guard and the STEM Initiative, visit nationalguard.com/careers/stem.