How Service Shapes Strength: Honoring Ben Camera This Veterans Day
the men and women who have dedicated years of their lives to something larger than themselves. At Montana Registration Services, we’re proud to have veterans on our team whose experiences have not only shaped their personal lives but continue to influence their professional journeys.
One of those team members is Ben Camera, a U.S. Army veteran whose story reflects resilience, service, and the values that Veterans Day is meant to celebrate.
A Family Legacy of Service
For Ben, military service wasn’t just a career choice—it was part of his family’s story. Inspired by generations before him, Ben followed a path walked by both his father and his great-grandfather.
“I was inspired to join because of my family history,” Ben shared. “My dad and great-grandfather were both Army veterans, with my great-grandfather fighting in World War II and my dad in Operation Iraqi Freedom. One of my younger sisters also served, though she chose the Navy instead of the Army.”
That legacy of service took on new life when Ben enlisted in the Army in 2012. Just out of high school, he stepped into a role that would challenge him, grow him, and ultimately change the trajectory of his life.
Life as an Intelligence Analyst
During his nearly seven years of service, Ben worked as an All Source Military Intelligence Analyst (MOS 35F). It was a role that required precision, adaptability, and a steady mindset under pressure.
“The biggest takeaway I think I have in my life is learning how to stay professional and collected, even in high-stress and chaotic environments,” Ben said.
The Army was more than just a job for Ben—it was a crash course in adulthood. “Joining the military forces you to grow up quickly,” he explained. “It teaches you many of the skills that are useful as you transition from being a high school kid to being independent in your life.”
From multitasking under pressure to learning the value of separating personal and professional challenges, the lessons he absorbed as a soldier have stayed with him long after his time in uniform.
Veterans Day: A Time of Gratitude
When asked what Veterans Day means to him, Ben’s answer was both heartfelt and reflective.
“Veterans Day to me is a day to stop and recognize the people who sacrificed years of their life, and oftentimes their physical and mental health, to serve a cause larger than themselves,” he said.
For Ben, the holiday carries a spirit of gratitude and recognition. Unlike Memorial Day, which honors the fallen with solemn remembrance, Veterans Day is an opportunity to celebrate those who returned home—and to thank them for the years and sacrifices they gave.
Lessons That Last a Lifetime
Out of all the skills Ben carried with him from the Army, one lesson stands out most: do it right the first time.
“It’s better to do things the hard and right way the first time than to rush and do it poorly multiple times,” he explained. It’s a principle that has guided him not just in his career but in life.
That commitment to excellence is something he brings into his role every day at Montana Registration Services, where each unique vehicle registration is like a puzzle to be solved.
“What I enjoy most about working at MRS are the unique daily problems,” Ben shared. “Every vehicle registration is unique, every person has their own situation, and solving the puzzle of how to best help that person keeps my brain active and healthy.”
Service Beyond the Uniform
Ben’s passion for service didn’t end when he left the Army. Today, he continues to support causes close to his heart—particularly those that serve wounded warriors, both physically and mentally.
“The only charities I give to in my personal life are those that help animals, because they can’t help themselves, and to veterans, who put their lives and bodies on the line serving something other than themselves,” he said.
It’s this perspective that makes his contribution at MRS so impactful—his work is rooted in a mission bigger than himself, and his drive to help others remains at the center of what he does.
Life Outside of Work
When he’s not problem-solving at MRS, Ben enjoys a full and active life with his girlfriend and their three dogs. Together, they dive into canine sports like dock diving and barn hunts, a hobby that brings them joy and connection as a family.
A self-proclaimed “super nerd,” Ben also finds fulfillment in sports (he’s a die-hard Ducks and Packers fan), video games, fantasy, and sci-fi. His balance of family, hobbies, and passions speaks to the importance of having an identity that extends beyond work—and even beyond military service.
A Message to Fellow Veterans
Perhaps the most powerful part of Ben’s story is the advice he offers to others who have worn the uniform: you are not alone.
“Don’t fall into the stigma of being afraid to reach out to friends or professionals for help if you’re suffering,” he urged. “Too many veterans fight through their struggles alone because it may not seem ‘macho’ to admit you need help, but don’t let that be you. There are resources available.”
It’s a reminder that while Veterans Day is a time of recognition and celebration, it’s also an opportunity to continue conversations about the ongoing challenges many veterans face—and the importance of community, connection, and support.
Honoring Our Veterans
This Veterans Day, we are proud to celebrate Ben and the countless others who have served. Their sacrifices and values continue to shape not only our communities but also the very fabric of organizations like MRS.
Ben’s story is one of legacy, resilience, and service—proof that the lessons learned in uniform continue to ripple outward, touching lives far beyond the military.
From all of us at Montana Registration Services: thank you to our veterans.