For some of our country’s troops, the military is a life-long commitment. That holds true for this month’s Unsung Hero.

In 1974, Sgt. Maj. James Goss gave his life to the military – giving him 25 years of service under his belt.

"The main reason (I joined) was it was about the only way I could go to college,” Sgt. Maj. Goss said.

At that time, the now 54-year-old – who lives near Alma – spent two years in Germany. He then took a 9 year break in service, before joining the Minnesota National Guard “Red Bull” Infantry Division.

"I missed the camaraderie and I liked doing what I was doing before,” he said.

Originally from Lewiston, Minnesota, Sgt. Maj. Goss says he moved to western Wisconsin in 1990. Since then, he’s done a number of tours overseas – the most recent a 23 month deployment to Iraq.

"We ran convoy security missions,” Sgt. Maj. Goss said. “3 to 4 day missions."

He served as a Company 1st Sgt. – with 137 men in his company.

"I think probably the proudest thing though, was I took all my men over and brought them all back.”

But, during those long months, he also left behind a new bride. Goss and his wife, Kim, were married just 5 weeks before he shipped out.

"I just wanted to make sure she was taken care of if something happened,” he said.

It was an experience he says shaped his idea of who the real heroes are.

"Probably the real unsung heroes in any conflict are the family members that stay back,” Sgt. Maj. Goss said. “I knew everyday and every second what my situation was. My wife didn't."

He is also quick to remember the troops who served before him.

"I want to thank the Korean vets and the Vietnam vets who never got that, for making sure we got that,” he said. “Those guys are my heroes."

Sgt. Maj. Goss says he doesn’t have any immediate plans to retire from the military.

He says he used to own and operate his own business, and could go back into that field once its time to hang up his uniform.