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PITTSBURGH, Pa. – U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers often “go to the field” at home and abroad to accomplish their missions, but rarely is that “field” inside a professional football stadium.
Heinz Field, the home of the Pittsburgh Steelers, was recently the performance backdrop for one Soldier as he helped the Steelers kick off the pre-season Open Practice and Family Fest Day on August 19 with his rendition of the National Anthem.
Staff Sgt. Charles G. Stoddard, a native of East Liverpool, Ohio, serenaded Steelers fans just after the players were introduced on the field. A veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom, Stoddard presently serves as a medic and a fulltime Department of the Army civilian with the 316th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) in Coraopolis, Pennsylvania.
Stoddard admitted he never saw himself performing in professional arenas of such stature. As a young crooner, Stoddard said, he initially went into singing because choir seemed like a good place to meet girls. His voice, however, has carried him beyond the dating scene. In recent years, he has shared his vocal talents at several public events to honor his country.
The first major event Stoddard sang at was in 2014 for the Pittsburgh Pirates’ season opener at PNC Park. Stoddard said he only expected it to be a one-time thing, but has since sang the national anthem multiple times for command ceremonies and military balls.
“It’s my opportunity to show my pride in being in the Army and share that with people,” said Stoddard.
But dedication to country does not stop on the stage – Stoddard is also passionate about helping Soldiers with their mental health. That passion led him to his current position as both the suicide prevention program manager and resiliency program manager for the 316th ESC.
Concurrently, Stoddard is completing a bachelor’s degree in psychology at the University of Pittsburgh. His studies and Army experiences are synergistic. His studies are focused on subject areas that will help him support Soldiers throughout his Army career.
“It’s been an opportunity for me to develop a passion that I can excel at,” he said.
It was the Army’s master resiliency program, in fact, that prompted his choice to major in psychology. The program provided him personal insight into his own shortcomings, and showed him the right tools to overcome them. He wants to share that same enlightenment with others.
“Now my passion is trying to help other people figure out how to be the best version of themselves,” Stoddard said.
| Date Taken: | 08.19.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 09.09.2018 14:43 |
| Story ID: | 291970 |
| Location: | PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA, US |
| Web Views: | 59 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
This work, Harmonizing Love for Service and Country, by SPC John Irish, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
