A significant portion of every State Defense Force across the nation is made up of prior service veterans—individuals who spent years in uniform serving in the U.S. Military. In some states, nearly half of the entire force is filled with these experienced service members. Their reasons for joining vary: some want to continue serving their state and country; others are drawn by the camaraderie they miss after military retirement; many seek a renewed sense of purpose and the opportunity to make a difference once again. For many, it is all of those reasons combined that bring them back into service.
That desire to keep serving is what brought Sergeant Major Kristapor Boodaghian into the California State Guard. After a distinguished career that spanned the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Army, and U.S. Army National Guard, Sgt. Maj. Boodaghian retired from the California National Guard with more than 27 years of service. Yet retirement did not signal an end to his dedication. On August 23, 2025, at the Azusa Armory, he raised his hand once again, this time to swear into the California State Guard (State Defense Force). Wearing a green polo shirt, he was officially welcomed into the ranks, with the ceremony captured by Public Affairs NCO Staff Sgt. Patrick Botz-Forbes.
For Sgt. Maj. Boodaghian, this new chapter represents the continuation of a lifetime of service. His journey embodies the commitment many prior service members feel—the call to remain engaged, to lead, and to serve alongside their communities. The California State Guard provides the platform for that mission, offering veterans a way to apply their hard-earned knowledge and experience directly in support of state and national defense.
Serving in the State Defense Force is not only a continuation of military service for veterans but also an opportunity for those who may not otherwise qualify for federal service. State Defense Force troops often work side by side with the U.S. Army National Guard, Air National Guard, The U.S. Coast Guard, and many other military branches, supporting missions ranging from disaster relief to homeland security. While more than 70% of applicants wishing to serve in the U.S. Military are unable to qualify at Military Entrance Processing Stations (MEPS)—often due to educational qualifications, preexisting medical conditions, or other factors—the State Defense Forces offer another path. With waivers available in many cases, individuals who cannot serve federally still have the chance to wear the uniform, protect their communities, and contribute meaningfully to their state and nation.
The story of Sgt. Maj. Kristapor Boodaghian is a powerful reminder that the call to serve never truly ends—it simply finds new outlets. For veterans and non-veterans alike, the California State Guard stands as a proud place to answer that call.
After retiring from the California National Guard with over 27 years of service (including US Army and US Marines) Sgt. Maj. Kristapor Boodaghian (wearing green polo shirt) is sworn into California State Guard at Azusa Armory on August 23, 2025. Photo by Staff Sgt. Patrick Botz-Forbes, Public Affairs NCO.
Source: California State Guard
