During his sophomore year of high school, Col. Dan Artino, USA, decided he wanted to attend the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. He had spent time there on visits to historical sites and parades with his brother and father, plus he was looking to carry on his family’s military legacy. Both of his grandfathers and one grandmother had served during World War II.

“It was a time when the country needed them most, and I’m proud of their service and sacrifice,” Artino said.

In 2002, he graduated from West Point and was commissioned into the aviation branch. During his more than two decades in the Army, he has completed four combat deployments and served in numerous operational and joint assignments.

Today, he is commander of the Army Garrison at the Presidio of Monterey, the home of the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center.

Artino said his service has taught him many valuable skills, such as decisiveness and confidence.

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“I’ve learned the ability to look at a problem, assess it quickly, trust my gut, and go,” he said. "I’ve also learned the importance of calm and steady leadership. I have led units through chaos and hardship during my career. People seek confidence, competence, and character in their leaders. If you are unpredictable or frantic, you will never build trust with those you lead and serve.”

He credits the Army for providing him experiences he otherwise wouldn’t have had. During his time as a congressional liaison for the U.S. Senate, he found himself in a closed-door session of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly in Brussels.

“They were meeting with a delegation of U.S. senators I was escorting throughout Europe,” he said. “As a middle-of-the-pack, small-town Ohioan, I never could have imagined sitting in that room. … I don’t think most people realize all the opportunity and career paths the military offers. Whatever your talent or skill is, there is a place for you here.”

He is grateful for the opportunities the Army has given him and the people he has met.

“I have traveled the world and had the privilege to command at many levels, but the people I have served with are the very best I have ever known,” Artino said. “I hope my example may inspire others to serve a cause greater than themselves.”