Sunshine.
It might be the cornball way to describe her, but that’s OK because she says things like, “Ahhhhh,” and “that’s so sweet.”
And mind you, that’s not a reference to a single ray of sunshine. Nope. Not just one. One, in fact, would be disparaging, and that’s because, when it comes to Andrea Gump, we’re in need of the entire circumstance of that interstellar ball of blaze.
Oh, and when we’re talking fire – ya know, 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 – that describes this lady’s passion not just for her job with the Army National Guard or for giving children full-size candy bars on Halloween, but way-far beyond those A, B, Cs and 1-2-3s of life, too. Oh no, her zeal, her intensity – Gump’s fervor – is for life itself, and if you know her, you’re aware there’s absolutely and positively nothing “cornball” about how she goes about her hour-to-hour-and-day-to-day to-do lists.
That’s why, in the very near future, Gump will compete for Regional Rookie Recruiter of the Year against folks from the nation’s capital, and from Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. Her record will speak for itself, and she’ll be asked about her mode of operations as well as military regulations.
Pfft. Piece of cake.
You’ve heard her on the radio, seen her on local TV stations, and you’ve read about her success in the local newspapers, and Sergeant Gump’s (yes, you have heard that before!) work to reach as many young people as possible on social media has been nothing but impressive.
Why? God’s errands.
Did your fellow soldiers make fun of you during boot camp because of your last name?
To be honest, none of the soldiers I went to Basic Training with bothered me about my last name. Most of us were so terrified to speak because we didn’t want to be noticed by the drill sergeants that everyone kept to themselves about that kind of stuff.
The drill sergeants, on the other hand, they had a field day with my last name.
Unfortunately for me, running the area is what I struggled with the most so there was no way I could hide. I immediately became the center of every joke, but I was prepared for that so it didn’t bother me. Some of my drill sergeants — still to this day — joke about my last name on Facebook, and it always brings a smile to my face.
It’s all in good fun. I still get jokes to this day from random strangers, but luckily, I look young enough to throw people for a loop and tell them I have no idea what Forrest Gump is. That’s a great icebreaker.
I will say, I am just incredibly grateful my mom did not name me Jenny.
How do you prepare your recruits for their Basic Training?
I am 100% honest with my recruits, not just regarding basic training, but throughout the entire experience from start to finish. Most recruiters have a negative reputation due to the lies they tell. I am Andrea Gump, and I am a National Guardsman. That being said, I work and serve in the community that made me who I am, and I plan to stay here forever, so I care about my reputation.
Lying to recruits about anything – no matter how “big or small” – is WRONG. That being said, I pride myself on my honesty because I don’t want anyone to have a negative experience because of me.
As far as Basic Training, I always preface it by saying that it is not a summer camp. It is a training camp for the United States Army, and it is not always going to be fun. Additionally, the Army National Guard is unique in many ways and one way is that in order to prepare our warriors for Basic Training, they attend what’s called the Recruit Sustainment Program (RSP). My recruits attend RSP with me one weekend a month (and get paid for it!) in order to prepare for basic training. These weekends are an introduction to BCT and will get my recruits started and keep them on track mentally, physically, emotionally and administratively while they prepare for their career in the Guard.
RSP drills give my recruits an opportunity to start getting comfortable with the terminology and protocols that are part of Guard service—and they will be getting paid for the time they spend at RSP. We describe RSP as an opportunity to learn the basics of Basic Training so when they get there it isn’t a complete culture shock.
There are five phases to RSP, but the three main phases are:
- RED PHASE – Your first weekend at RSP is Red Phase. In this intensive training, you will learn basics you need to know right away, like RSP Introduction, Army Structure, Chain of Command, Rank and Insignia, Customs and Courtesies, General Orders, Reporting Procedures, Drill and Ceremony, Physical Fitness, AKO, and MyPay Setup.
- WHITE PHASE – Depending on the number of months between when you enlisted and when you ship to BCT, the length of your White Phase in the RSP will vary. During this phase, you will learn more about the Guard and more of what you will need to know to succeed at BCT. In addition to physical training, instruction in this phase will include: Proper Wear of the Military Uniform; Army Values, Soldier’s Creed and Warrior Ethos; Employ Camouflage, Cover and Concealment; Tactics, Weapons Familiarization
- During the White Phase, you will continue to focus on physical training and cover Soldier skills that will further prepare you for BCT. You can also compete for a promotion to PV2 under the Stripes for Skills program.
- BLUE PHASE – At your final drill before shipping to BCT, in addition to physical preparation, you will cover all the final details that have to be taken care of before you leave. But you can get a jump-start on these items by learning what to expect before, during and after BCT, such as: Inspections, What Every Trainee Wants to Know About BCT, and Final Preparations for BCT.
Aside from RSP, I just talk with them and share my experiences. I let them know what to pack, what not to pack, and literally everything in between.
Are you really popular in your neighborhood because you’re the “full-sized-candy-bar-lady” on Halloween?
I’m not sure how popular I am in our neighborhood due to the full-sized candy bars situation, but seeing the smiles on both the kids and the adults faces makes me so happy. Adulting can be hard, so finding little things in life like that can make all the difference in your day!
Oh, and my favorite full-sized candy bar is a frozen Kit Kat or a Take Five (not frozen).
What lights that fire within you?
What lights the fire in me?
God. I feel like my life’s purpose is to make a positive impact on as many people as I possibly can. I would pray all the time and ask God to show me my purpose in life. I feel like he answered those prayers when I took this job.
It is terribly challenging at times, but it is incredibly rewarding. One of my applicant’s mother recently told me she believes I am on God’s errand, and it was one of the most special comments anyone has ever said to me. I am passionate about what I do and want to help others realize their potential. This job provides me with the space to do that.
What cartoon character is your favorite?
I’m not much of a cartoon gal.
My mom always encouraged outdoor activities more than anything, but I do remember the Powerpuff Girls! I loved how they were always true to themselves while being female defenders who embraced femininity rather than combat it!
