Photo By Spc. William Rogers | U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to 4th Infantry Division, walk to receive their...... read more read more
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FORT CARSON, Colo. - In a world filled with individual pursuits, 1st Lt. Kimberly Blair, assigned to 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division (Iron Brigade), stands out as a beacon of selflessness and dedication. As a 91A ordnance officer in the U.S. Army, her journey from humble beginnings to a role that exemplifies service and connection is nothing short of inspiring.
"I joined the Army because growing up, my family didn't have a lot of money,” said Blair. “So we relied very heavily on government assistance. And after so many years of getting so much from our country, I decided that it was time for someone to give back, so I decided to join the Army."
As a 91A ordnance officer, Blair's day-to-day responsibilities revolve around maintaining the Battalion's fleet and recovery assets.
"If a vehicle were to break down, we could go retrieve that vehicle, tow it back and repair it," Blair said.
Blair's journey took an unexpected turn when she discovered the role of a Unit Public Affairs Representative (UPAR).
"I learned about UPAR while we were on our last rotation to Europe," said Blair.
The position piqued her interest with its unique blend of photography, storytelling and community engagement.
"I get to spend time taking pictures of people, meeting new people and experiencing some pretty great things," Blair said.
Transitioning from an ordnance officer to a UPAR brought about a significant shift in Blair's daily tasks.
"Now my day-to-day really entails working with the Division command, [Public Affairs Officer] team, and then my Brigade command team to ensure that messaging is being set up properly and in accordance with the big Army’s policies," Blair said.
The challenge lies in capturing the multitude of remarkable activities happening within her Brigade, the Iron Brigade, where each of the seven battalions consistently achieves extraordinary feats.
"The biggest challenge being the UPAR is simply that there are so many great things going on at one time," Blair said.
In a unit as dynamic as hers, distilling the multitude of accomplishments into a comprehensive narrative can be overwhelming. She tackles this challenge with unwavering determination, ensuring that the contributions of her fellow Soldiers are recognized and celebrated.
Amidst the challenges and responsibilities, Blair's favorite aspect of her role shines through. "Every day when I come to work and I pull up my camera, I know that I'm just going to have every single person smiling at me,” said Blair.
It's the power of those smiles that keeps her going, a daily reminder of the impact her work has on the lives of those around her.
Blair's story is a testament to the profound impact that individuals can make when driven by a sense of purpose and a desire to give back. Through her lens and her words, she continues to capture the essence of camaraderie, resilience and dedication that define the spirit of the U.S. Army.
| Date Taken: | 08.24.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 08.31.2023 13:46 |
| Story ID: | 452105 |
| Location: | FORT CARSON , CO, US |
| Web Views: | 50 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Capturing Smiles and Stories: First Lt. Kimberly Blair's Journey in Service, by SPC Maliyah Williams, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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