JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. – Nearly two-dozen Army Reserve ambassadors attended annual training with the Army Reserve’s 99th Regional Support Command June 7-8 at the Mission Training Complex here.
Training topics included the latest updates on facilities and station actions, unit capabilities, the Army memorialization program, social media and information technology.
“We want the information we provide to you to be of value in your duties in your state,” explained Dave Farmer, Army Reserve Ambassador Strategic Outreach coordinator, who provides administrative support to and oversight of Army Reserve ambassadors throughout the 99th RSC’s 13-state region.
The Army Reserve Ambassador Program was established in April 1998 for private citizens to develop awareness and advocacy of the Army Reserve with community leaders, and serve as bridges to communities at the state and local level, all without earning salary, wages or other benefits.
While not all Army Reserve ambassadors have military experience, many are retired officers or senior non-commissioned officers who wish to remain engaged in military affairs.
“Thank you for what you do, thank you for the service that most of you had in uniform, and thank you also for being a voice for our all-volunteer force,” said Maj. Gen. Margaret W. Boor, commanding general of the 99th RSC.
Army Reserve ambassadors educate the public, community leaders and congressional staff offices about the capabilities and value of the Army Reserve and its Soldiers, and establish open lines of communication within these communities to help establish mutually supporting relationships with community leaders and community organizations.
They also promote support for Soldiers and their families during deployments, and play an active role in facilitating community support through “welcome home” ceremonies and the Yellow Ribbon Program.
For more information on the Army Reserve Ambassador Program, visit http://www.usar.army.mil/community/ambassadors/Pages/default.aspx/