AF Guardsman joins the Denver Broncos

Are you a Denver Broncos fan? This Guardsman sure is — enough to be a part of the team.

Benjamin Garland, Denver Broncos offensive guard, kneeling, listens to head coach John Fox before a Broncos training camp practice July 29, 2013, at the Broncos training facility, Englewood, Colo. (Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Christopher Gross/Released)

Benjamin Garland, first lieutenant for the 140th Wing, Colorado Air National Guard, is now the Denver Broncos offensive guard.

“[It’s] extremely challenging; its way more difficult than it looks,” Garland said in a release. “[It’s] so much a mental game where you have to understand the whole dynamic of the defense and how just a small move from a defensive player changes the play completely.”

After a long offseason and spending last year on the practice squad, he’s now in the process of transitioning from defensive tackle to offensive guard, wearing number 63 for the Broncos.

“Serving his country” is a passion that comes as a close second, he said.

Garland served his annual commitment in the Guard during the early part of 2013, according to the release.

Garland said his time with the Guard was valuable and he learned quite a bit. He was sent on a TDY to Jordan as part of the State Partnership Program public affairs exchange. During the visit, his team demonstrated U.S. Air Force public affairs operations, for which Garland did a presentation on media facilitation.

“It was a cool opportunity, I loved it,” Garland said. “There’s nothing like going over there. [I’m] just glad I got the opportunity to experience that.”

Although it can be challenging and tasking at times to pursue both of his dreams, he said it’s well worth it.

“I get to put on the two best uniforms in the entire world. I’m more proud to wear each one, every day,” Garland said.