Army Reserve Ambassadors Build Bridges Between Soldiers, Communities, and the Nation

Army Reserve Ambassadors build key ties between military units, employers, and lawmakers to support Reserve Soldiers, families, and recruiting efforts. MARYSVILLE, Wash. — For Army Reserve Soldiers, service exists at the intersection of two worlds. They wear the uniform during drill weekends, exercises and mobilizations, while spending the rest of their time working civilian jobs, raising families, attending civilian schools and contributing to communities across the country. Maintaining the connection between those worlds takes more than the support from their assigned units. It requires people who not only understand the Army Reserve and local community, but also how to connect the two. Recently, two Army Reserve Ambassadors serving Washington state, retired Army Reserve Brig.

Gen. Kurt Hardin and Johnathan Pan, visited the 364th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) in Marysville, Washington, to engage with command leadership, learn more about the organization and discuss ways they could support Soldiers, families and the Army Reserve mission. Their visit offered a closer look at a program that often operates outside the spotlight but plays an important role in connecting Army Reserve organizations with legislators, businesses, schools, civic organizations, military families and communities. Army Reserve Ambassadors, or ARAs, are appointed by the Chief of the Army Reserve and serve as Special Government Employees. Approximately 100 to 110 positions are authorized nationwide, with ambassadors appointed across the