Photo By Alun Thomas | Command Sgt. Maj. Sean Stoddard (left), command sergeant major, 4/361st Infantry...... read more read more
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Under the unforgiving sun of California’s central coast region, 9,000 Soldiers converge on Fort Hunter Liggett for Operation Mojave Falcon, an intensive training exercise designed to prepare Army Reserve units for future conflicts. Amid the tactical drills and long days in the field, something unexpected arrived for the troops: pallets of electrolyte drinks, snacks and the kind of care that goes beyond typical Army resupply.
This act of compassion and coordination was the result of a grassroots initiative powered by a handful of Phoenix-based soldiers and a nonprofit organization known as The Archangels. The organization was founded by Command Sgt. Maj. Sean Stoddard, whose vision was shaped by years of experience on the battlefield and a deep commitment to servant leadership.
The inspiration for The Archangels didn’t begin in a boardroom, it started in the dust and complexity of multiple deployments, where Stoddard, currently assigned to 4/361st Infantry Battalion (OC/T), 1st Brigade, 91st Training Division, served during the Army’s counterinsurgency era. During that period the missions extended beyond combat into humanitarian work.
The Archangels, a non-profit group of volunteers working together to help and service those who need it, specifically to assist veterans, first responders, law enforcement, and anyone else living with the effects of Post Traumatic Stress and other mental health challenges.
“The mission of The Archangels is to help those who’re struggling, and at the time rather than trying to kill our way to victory we tried to make the people see the United States is a beautiful country,” Stoddard said. “As we tried to do that, we reached out to non-profits who sent soccer balls. We’d hand them out, despite being attacked daily with IED’s (improvised explosive devices) and mortars.”
Despite the hostility, Stoddard found success with the local population and their families, enlarging their efforts to bring water and food, and utilizing engineers to improve living conditions for the locals. This was the inspiration for The Archangels.
When he returned home, that mindset didn’t switch off. Stoddard noticed how citizen soldiers at home often battled invisible wounds and lacked access to small but meaningful morale boosters and just like he did overseas, he started connecting dots.
“I came back home, and again my battle buddies were struggling but I realized if I wanted to up the game, I needed to become an official nonprofit,” he said. “We called ourselves The Archangels after our group in Iraq and used the same unit logo.”
At the core of this effort is the Army’s Noncommission Officer corps rich history and heritage. NCOs are the standard-bearer, instilled with the Army Values and Leadership through service, and for Stoddard, that means more than just ensuring training schedules are met.
Army Reserve Soldiers at Mojave Falcon 25 are the latest recipients of The Archangels efforts to assist those in uniform. To pull off this massive morale boosting operation, Stoddard leaned on what he calls a “coalition of the willing.” Partnering with several nonprofit and private organizations, including the Military Support Foundation (MSF) and PepsiCo, the Archangels organized a brilliant logistical feat.
“One of the organizations I know is the MSF. The way I connected to them was trying to find different ways I could help Soldiers,” Stoddard said. “The foundation helps Soldiers by providing meals. This is an enormous resource for service members in the Phoenix area.”
As units began establishing their operational areas across the vast Ft. Hunter Liggett footprint, word spread quickly. Before long, the donated items were making their way to the most remote sectors for the troops preparing for the days ahead.
“We were chatting about the exercise, and they said they’d love to support it, what can we do?” he said. “We had some discussions, and they were able to reach out to some of their folks, like Pepsi, and get pallets of products moved out here.”
Through the MSF, a “relay mission” was arranged by driving a truck load of these MWR style snacks and beverages from the Phoenix area all the way to Fort Hunter Liggett and PepsiCo stepped in to provide pallets of critical hydration support.
This was no small task. It took more than just planning but execution and that is where Sgt. 1st Class Latasha Mimms, senior supply sergeant, 4/361st Inf. Bn., 1st Bde., 91st TD, with a reputation for precision and tenacity, took the initiative to plan delivery before the bulk of the main party arrived, here.
Mimms played a pivotal role as the logistical engine behind the effort. She went above and beyond in a number of ways such as coordinating arrival times and securing temporary storage, to also mobilizing the soldiers who volunteered their time.
“There was no formal tasking,” said Mimms. “It was spread by word of mouth. Soldiers saw what was happening and wanted to take part.”
As units began establishing their operational areas across the vast Fort Hunter Liggett footprint, word spread quickly. Before long, the donated items were making their way to the most remote sectors to the troops preparing for the days ahead.
Mimms said the reaction from Soldiers at the exercise to receiving the products made the work worthwhile, the looks of joy and relief on their faces evident, as they realized someone was looking out for them, noncommissioned officers who care.
“It was a true blessing in my opinion how the community came together and said we’re not just going to give you what you want, but also what you need,” Mimms said. “It makes a difference, and the Soldiers were happy.”
This kind of logistics demonstrates the resilience and fortitude of our Army Reserve Soldiers and how the next generation is upholding the Army values. Stoddard praised Mimms for her dedication to ensuring the products made it to the Soldiers.
“She, like me, believes in the H2F (Holistic Health and Fitness) approach. She’s consistently trying to navigate the minefields and pitfalls out there,” he added. “She’s remarkable, not just with this mission, but many others.”
The Army often says its greatest asset is its people. At Mojave Falcon, that principle was on full display and not just in the formations or patrol bases, but in the humanitarian support systems that emerged organically from servant leadership.
“I’ve found in life in general there’s joy in service. If you put the shovel in the ground, you can do amazing things. There are opportunities to learn, work, and grow together,” Stoddard said.
By empowering Soldiers and connecting communities, the Army’s strengthens its Soldiers, and by extension, our nation’s ability to face any adversity.
“We’re a coalition of the willing – people who want to serve and defend. None of us are perfect, we’re all striving to be better,” Stoddard said.
He won’t give up that fight until the work is complete.
| Date Taken: | 06.05.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 06.05.2025 16:28 |
| Story ID: | 499777 |
| Location: | FORT HUNTER LIGGETT, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 210 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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