Photo By Zachary Mott | Army Reserve Ambassador Timothy Irish, representing Nebraska, speaks with Brig. Gen....... read more read more
FORT McCOY, Wis. – Working as one of the implements in the Chief of the Army Reserve’s kit, U.S. Army Reserve Ambassadors are a vital link between private citizens and the Soldiers who serve for them.
Six of the newest Army Reserve Ambassadors for the 88th Readiness Division attended a one-day orientation to their duties as an ambassador at the Division’s Fort McCoy, Wisconsin headquarters April 23.
During the day, the newly appointed ambassadors were briefed by 88th RD Deputy Commanding General Brig. Gen. Tony L. Wright and 88th RD Chief of Staff Charles C. Hudson about operations across the 19-state region and ways in which the Ambassadors can help achieve the mission goals of the 88th RD.
“I think the attributes that you bring to the table for the Army Reserve Ambassador program is exactly why you are here,” Wright said when he addressed the Ambassadors. “Those contacts and that experience that you have allows that connection with the business and legislative members so that we can promote the Army Reserve in those arenas.”
The new ambassadors then went to Fort McCoy’s Range 26 to observe a live-fire gunnery as part of Operation Cold Steel II and to celebrate the Army Reserve’s 110th birthday. While there, they observed LTG Charles Luckey, commanding general of U.S. Army Reserve Command and chief of Army Reserve, along with the oldest Soldier in attendance, Sgt. Maj. Thomas Blohowiak, and the youngest Soldier in attendance, Pfc. Andrew Calvert, ceremoniously sliced the birthday cake in honor of the founding of the U.S. Army Reserve.
Interacting with Soldiers that these ambassadors will represent is a chance for them to understand the mission and how they can support Soldiers.
“Our newly appointed ambassadors appreciate the chance for small group collaboration and instruction from key staff members as our mission, strategy and community outreach goals change as well as their role supporting Soldiers and family members within our 19-state footprint,” said Dr. Katherine Bissonette, the Army Reserve Ambassador coordinator for the 88th RD.
The newly appointed ambassadors who attended the orientation are: Robert A. Fitton, a retired Army colonel representing Wyoming; Timothy Irish, a retired Army sergeant major representing Nebraska; Steven P. Kenyon, a retired lieutenant colonel representing Michigan; Arthur J. Leak, a retired Army command sergeant major representing Indiana; Randy G. Masten, a retired Army lieutenant colonel representing Kansas; John S. Thodos, a former mayor representing Illinois; and Ralph E. Veppert, a retired Army command sergeant major representing Ohio.
| Date Taken: | 04.24.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 04.24.2018 15:59 |
| Story ID: | 274307 |
| Location: | FORT MCCOY, WISCONSIN, US |
| Web Views: | 312 |
| Downloads: | 2 |
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