FORT RILEY, Kan. — I am a U.S. Army IT specialist assigned to the 1st Infantry Division, currently serving full time with the Big Red One Public Affairs Office. This assignment has presented both challenges and opportunities that have significantly shaped my Army career and professional development.
When I enlisted as an IT specialist, I expected my career to focus on networks, systems and troubleshooting. I did not anticipate that my path would pivot toward communication, storytelling and division-level representation. My ongoing assignment with the public affairs has transformed both my skill set and my perspective as a soldier.
My introduction to PAO came unexpectedly. My noncommissioned officer in charge at the time, Staff Sgt. Demtrius White, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, informed me that our unit was tasked to send someone to interview for a PAO position.
“The shop had a vote, and they all said Chatman is always on social media, so she’s perfect,” said White.
The opportunity came without warning, but it quickly became a turning point in my career. I walked into the interview ready to learn and work, not knowing that it would completely change how I see myself as a soldier.
Since joining PAO full time, I have taken on responsibilities that include strategic communication, digital media production, event coverage and coordination of messaging across the division. I regularly engage with soldiers, document mission-essential events and produce weekly short-form videos highlighting underutilized resources, programs and stories across Fort Riley. This work strengthens engagement, particularly among younger audiences who rely on fast, relevant digital content.
Public affairs has taught me to slow down, pay attention and think before I communicate. When representing the division, every word and every detail matters.
As the pace of work increased, challenges emerged that tested both my creativity and resilience. Managing deadlines, navigating public scrutiny and filtering negative commentary directed at division social media platforms became mentally demanding. Over time, the pressure led to creative fatigue, making it difficult to generate new ideas while maintaining consistent output.
That strain intensified when I received news while at work that my grandfather had transitioned to glory. The mission did not stop, and I continued pushing through, meeting expectations and completing my responsibilities. Despite the emotional weight of losing my personal hero, I eventually returned home, spent time with my family and properly grieved. The experience highlighted the reality of serving in a high-tempo environment where personal hardship and professional duty often overlap.
When I returned, my confidence and creative rhythm gradually returned. With time, reflection and faith, I regained clarity and renewed purpose. That period became a turning point, strengthening my emotional resilience and reinforcing the importance of balance, discipline and perseverance. Rather than slowing my professional growth, the experience deepened my commitment to the mission and sharpened my ability to operate under pressure.
Public Affairs staff trust my adaptability and professionalism during periods of increased operational demand. Staff Sgt. Hunter Tate, a Public Affairs NCO with the 1st Infantry Division, credits my reliability, noting that any mission assigned is completed efficiently, on time and with the highest quality.
“I never have to worry about Chatman, I know if I give her a mission, it will be completed efficient and timely with the utmost quality,” said Tate.
Serving full time with the Division Public Affairs Office has reshaped how I view my Army career and my potential as a soldier. This assignment has reinforced how communication supports the Army’s mission and how information shapes readiness, morale and trust across the force. The lessons I have learned through this opportunity will follow me throughout my career, regardless of future assignments. This experience did not change my career path, it strengthened how I walk it.
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