My name is Daniel Bard, I’m 22 years old from Chevy Chase Maryland. I was on Aardvark Israel in 2016-2017 and am now serving as a combat medic in the 101st IDF paratroopers brigade. After I returned to the United States from Aardvark, I didn’t really feel at home in America and I had already began to think about making Aliyah and drafting. So after spending the summer in America and applying to Garin Tzabar, a program for lone soldiers, I made Aliyah in December 2017 and then drafted to the Paratroopers Brigade in March 2018. After having the best 9 months on Aardvark , drafting to the army was a big change . I’ve learned many things including discipline,professionalism, and perseverance. Having experienced 8 months of combat training and guarding on the Gaza border for 4 months,the most meaningful thing I have learned is that no challenge is to great for those who never give up.
