Service member spotlight: serve the country, people Published June 13, 2013 By Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- Sgt. 1st Class Michael Haller, 72nd Operations Brigade senior observer and controller trainer, is the joint base's featured service member of the week. Haller hails from Belington, W.Va. Q: Why did you join the military? A: I joined the Army to get out of West Virginia and to see the world. I also wanted the opportunity to serve my country, as my grandfather did. Q: What is your job and what is its impact on the mission? A: As a mobilization assistor, I conduct outreach with National Guard and Army Reserve units after they have attended the Joint Assessment Conference. These are units that have been identified to deploy. I ensure the units conduct the necessary training prior to arriving to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst for mobilization. Q: Do you have any past or current family members in military? A: Yes. My grandfather retired from the Navy. Q: Who most inspires you? A: My grandfather, Nelson Haller, most inspires me. He served his country for 20 years, then moved back home to West Virginia and served the people of my hometown as the chief of police. He is still working at the age of 80. Q: What is one thing you'd like your fellow service members to take away or understand about the military? A: Every change in the military is another adventure and challenge for all service members.