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    Magic City Classic celebrates community and opportunity for Army reservists

    Magic City Classic celebrates community and opportunity for Army reservists

    Photo By Lt. Col. Cynthia (Bachus) Donna | The State Farm Magic City Classic presented by Coca-Cola returned to Birmingham, Ala,...... read more read more

    BIRMINGHAM, AL, UNITED STATES

    10.27.2014

    Courtesy Story

    Army Reserve Sustainment Command

    BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The State Farm Magic City Classic presented by Coca-Cola returned to Birmingham, Ala., for the 73rd renewal of the rivalry between the Alabama State University Hornets and the Alabama A&M University Bulldogs. With pep rallies and parades, celebrity ambassadors and, of course, the battle of the bands, the Classic is a celebration of two distinguished schools and their faithful fans and alumni.

    The game itself and the events that lead up to it are by far the best attended and arguably the most exciting of any of the "classic" football clashes among the nations Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). It is estimated that the 2014 Classic welcomed over 60,000 fans to Birmingham providing economic impact of over $20 million.

    Army Reserve Maj. Gen. A.C. Roper was an honored guest at several events as well as a featured speaker. In his civilian capacity, Roper is the Chief of Police for the city of Birmingham.

    "I'm ordinarily asked to attend these events as the Police Chief," said Roper, "But this year I've also been invited to say a word on behalf of the Army Reserve."

    His message was warm and well received. At an alumni pep rally, he saluted both universities, saying that, "the Army and our historically Black colleges and universities have a long history of partnership in strengthening and providing opportunities for the Black community. This bond has allowed numerous young men and women to become leaders and influencers, not only in their communities but around the globe."

    He went on to emphasize the role of HBCUs in the security and prosperity of the nation.

    "The Army believes in the creative minds of African-American youth. We hope to work together to create the future scientists, engineers, and mathematicians of our country."

    Roper also took a moment to reflect on his own experience.

    "My service in the Army Reserve has given me the opportunity to lead and grow both personally and professionally. I serve two days a month and two weeks a year but I use the skills I've gained everyday as I lead the largest police force in the state."

    In addition to his speaking engagements, Roper also hosted two leaders from the community who are regarded as "centers of influence" for their advocacy of the Army Reserve: Dwayne Grey and Maegan Nielsen. Centers of influence are people who have access to key audiences that can benefit from a connection with the Army Reserve.

    Dwayne Grey is the president of the local chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity. Grey's organization hosted a tailgate tent at the Magic City Classic where Kappa Alpha Psi alumni from both schools gathered. His chapter was recently recognized with an NAACP Community Service Award for their mentoring programs.

    "We have three programs: Kappa Kids for elementary school ages, Kappa Knights for middle school boys and Kappa League for young men in High School," Grey said. "Our biggest challenge is putting a positive influence in their lives in the limited time that we have to spend with them."

    He added that having Army Reservists involved in Kappa Alpha Psi helps young men to see and appreciate the opportunities for education and service that the military affords. "Many of our students come from the poorest communities in the city. They need to know that those opportunities are available to them."

    Maegan Nielsen is also a center of influence as a corporate recruiter who sees the value that Reservists bring to the workplace. Nielsen is the human resources manager at the Birmingham office of Walden Security, one of the nation’s largest privately-held security companies. With over 3,000 employees in its Southeastern footprint, Walden Security provides security officers for office buildings, gated communities, and even military installations.

    Walden Security has a longstanding partnership with the Army Reserve's Employer Partnership Office, now known as the Private Public Partnership Initiative (P3i). Nielsen was recognized for her work with P3i to identify and hire qualified reservists for a variety of positions in the security field. Roper called P3i "one of the greatest legacies of our current Chief of the Army Reserve, Lt. Gen. Talley," applauding employers who participate in it.

    "Walden Security has always been a veteran-friendly company," Nielsen said, "But more than that, we recognize that Army Reservists have the discipline, high standards, and professionalism that we want and that our clients deserve."

    Part of the excitement of the Magic City Classic is the sense of community that it stirs and the Army Reserve is an integral part of that community. From educators to employers, the connection to Reservists is vital and beneficial to all.

    "It's important that we tell the Army Reserve story," says Roper. "Within our ranks there is a reservoir of talented men and women with the skills to succeed and the background that employers can trust. I should know, I am a Soldier but I'm also an employer."

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 10.27.2014
    Date Posted: 12.02.2014 15:24
    Story ID: 149189
    Location: BIRMINGHAM, AL, US

    Web Views: 418
    Downloads: 0

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