DEMOPOLIS &8212; The March opening of the Army Career Center brought a new face and new opportunities to the City of the People. Army recruiter Staff Sgt. Donnie Bridges mans the career center on a daily basis, relocating from his previous station in Livingston to fill the role. Prior to arriving in the Black Belt, Bridges served as a recruiter in Chicago.

A native of Columbus, Ga., he joined the Army in 1993 in search of a more structured, driven life.

The move was not entirely a foreign one for Bridges whose father was in the Army.

Now, 15 years and seven countries later, Bridges relishes the opportunity to offer others the same rewards the Army has granted him.

One of the major obstacles Bridges and other recruiters face is the common misconception about what the Army is.

Aside from incentive packages like the G.I. Bill, Bridges explained the Army has a number of career paths available to enlisted recruits.

Since his arrival in Demopolis, Bridges reports the reception from the community has been positive.