Bringing Army Reserve history to life: Talley dedicates Pentagon hallway, displaying Army Reserve history and influence

Photo By Staff Sgt. Shejal Pulivarti | Retired Spc. Jeremy Church (center), his wife (left), and former Sgt. David Hutchinson (right), pose in front of the Silver Start recipient panel after the United States Army Reserve Corridor Dedication and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony held at the Pentagon, April 21. Church and Hutchinson are two of nine Army Reserve Soldiers to earn the Silver Star. (U.S. Army Photo by Staff Sgt. Shejal Pulivarti/released)  

WASHINGTON, DC, UNITED STATES

04.21.2015

Story by Staff Sgt. Shejal Pulivarti 

Office of the Chief, Army Reserve

WASHINGTON – Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Talley, chief of Army Reserve and commanding general of the Army Reserve Command, recognized the service and sacrifice of America’s citizen Soldiers during the United States Army Reserve Corridor Dedication and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony held at the Pentagon, April 21.

“There was no space documenting the service of the Army Reserve—until today,” said Talley. “This is a place where Pentagon occupants and visitors can learn more about the Army Reserve’s 107 years of history.”

Consisting of 80 panels and six sections, the corridor documents the evolution of the Army Reserve from a small corps of medical professionals into today’s global force. “The corridor, designed like a museum, will be a visual narrative that illustrates the value of the Army Reserve to the nation by displaying the component’s history and the actions of its Soldiers in various wars,” said Jennifer Friend, museum specialist, U.S. Army Reserve Command.

Pulling it all together required the collective efforts of the Center of Military History, Army Reserve History and the Office of the Chief of Army Reserve. “The fact that it will be there forever, there is a true sense of pride to have been a part of it,” said Lt. Col. Antoinette Rainey, secretary general staff, Office of the Chief of Army Reserve. “This will have a lasting impression in a pivotal location.”

The exhibit highlights the capabilities and value of the Army Reserve, and pays homage to Reserve Soldiers who paid the ultimate sacrifice. Throughout the corridor, notable Army Reserve Soldiers are highlighted. Two Silver Star recipients: Spc. (Ret.) Jeremy Church and former Sgt. David Hutchinson attended the ceremony. Also present was Keith Maupin, father of Staff Sgt. Keith “Matt” Maupin who was captured during Operation Iraqi Freedom and whose remains were later recovered.

“I always equate it back to an airborne Soldier—your reserve is what you are always going to use in your time of need. We needed that voice. This [Army Reserve Corridor] gives us that voice and a true audience to share that we are not only your reserve but look at how much we have done,” said Rainey.

For the Soldiers, leaders and civilians who walk the halls of the Pentagon, the corridor will be a visual reminder of the unique role of the Army’s Federal Reserve Force.

“The Pentagon is connected to the rest of America and the Army Reserve Corridor will be a visual and visceral connection to all of the citizen Soldiers, past and present, whose valor and sacrifice, service and fidelity, exemplify our past, guide our present, and light our way into the future,” said Talley.

• Date Taken: 04.21.2015
• Date Posted: 04.22.2015 11:53
• Story ID: 160811
• Location: WASHINGTON, DC, US