“Determination, Trust, and the Will to Serve”: A Soldier’s Story of Courage and Commitment

United States Army Veteran Glen A. Bootay

By Claudette Renee Lyons

Service is often spoken about in broad terms, sacrifice, bravery, honor, but its true meaning lives within the lived experiences of those who answered the call. Glen A. Bootay is one of those individuals. His story is not only a reflection of military service, but a testament to resilience, trust, and devotion to something greater than oneself.

Bootay enlisted in the United States Army on September 12, 2001, the day after the attacks on America. Having already graduated from college, he made a deliberate choice to serve, believing it was his generation’s responsibility to step forward and defend the nation.

He served with the 3rd Infantry Division during the initial invasion of Iraq, positioned at what is often referred to as the “tip of the spear.”

Guiding Values That Never Leave

When asked what values from his military service continue to guide his life today, Bootay is clear and concise:

 “The one value that I carry with me today is determination and dedication.”

These principles were not situational, they became permanent companions.

Witnessing Evil and Humanity Side by Side

One of the most defining moments of Bootay’s service occurred during his deployment to Iraq, when he first encountered Iraqi civilians:

“I saw the suffering they endured under Saddam Hussein and realized that pure evil does exist.”

Yet alongside that realization came something equally powerful:

“It was also heartwarming to see the gratitude that the Iraqi people showed in freeing them from this evil.”

This contrast, between suffering and gratitude deeply shaped how he views the world.

Resilience Through Ongoing Hardship

Bootay continues to experience hardship due to chemical exposure in Iraq, a reality that still affects his health today. Yet his understanding of resilience remains rooted in perspective and perseverance:

“The military taught me that things could always be worse and that I just need to keep fighting through this hardship or any hardship I face.”

Most importantly, he emphasizes:

“You can overcome anything as long as you put your mind to it.”

Trust, Teamwork, and Equality

Serving alongside others reshaped Bootay’s understanding of trust and leadership in profound ways:

 “Trust is the biggest foundation in my mind because you have to put total trust in someone to save your life and vice versa.”

He credits both enlisted leaders and officers who embodied true leadership, those who put people in positions to succeed. Without teamwork, he says, missions fail.

One lesson he believes civilians often overlook is deeply human:

“We all bleed red so everyone is equal and the same.”

Misconceptions That Deserve Correction

One of the most persistent misconceptions Bootay wishes civilians understood is the belief that military skills do not translate to civilian life:

“Military skills are what civilians need more of, especially teamwork and leadership.”

He also challenges common assumptions about PTSD:

“That is actually not a hindrance but an advantage for Veterans.”

Service Beyond the Uniform

Military service taught Bootay that life is bigger than any one individual:

“You should always put others first, especially those in need.”

That lesson continues to guide how he approaches community, family, and service today.

Strengths Discovered Along the Way

One of the more surprising strengths Bootay uncovered was overcoming a childhood fear:

“I had a fear of heights growing up but ended up going Airborne in the Army.”

This experience reinforced a core lesson:

“Your mind can help you overcome any obstacle that you face.”

Discipline in Daily Life

In civilian life, Bootay carries forward the discipline instilled during service through:

“Time management and dedication to the tasks in front of you.”

These habits remain daily practices.

Advice to the Next Generation

Coming from a family with military service dating back to the Revolutionary War, a niece currently serving in the U.S. Navy, and his Nephew enlisted in the Army today, Bootay offers grounded and honest advice:

 “Service to this Nation is the most rewarding thing that one can possibly do.”

But he also speaks plainly about the gravity of the decision:

 “They are not signing up to serve this Country; they are signing up to die for it.”

For those who choose a different path, he adds:

 “That is ok; there are other ways to serve this Nation.”

A Final Message

If there is one lesson Bootay hopes readers take away, it is this:

“Veterans make the best employees and leaders within organizations. All they need is a chance.”

A Commitment Without Regret

After Iraq, Bootay worked for several years as an Intelligence Analyst, once his health temporarily stabilized. Unfortunately, his condition later worsened, and he is currently unable to work. Despite everything, ongoing medical treatment, lasting health effects, and personal sacrifice, his conviction remains unwavering:

 “Even going through all this, I would do it again in a heartbeat.”

The bonds formed in service endure:

 “The people that I served with are my family, and I remain in contact with them all these years later.”

And his final declaration is simple and resolute:

“This Country is worth fighting for.”

V/R,

Glen A. Bootay