Nearly two-dozen U.S. Army Reserve ambassadors attended the 99th Readiness Division’s annual Ambassador Workshop Nov. 4-5 at division headquarters here.

The workshop was designed to give the ambassadors the tools they need to support Soldier and unit readiness by developing awareness of, and advocacy for, the Army Reserve while serving as bridges to communities at the state and local level.

Highlights of the workshop included briefings on many Army Reserve topics, to include strategic communications, legislative affairs, ethics, recruiting, military retirement, training facilities, the Private Public Partnership Program and Family Programs, as well as a virtual visit from Lt. Gen. Jody Daniels, Chief of Army Reserve and commanding general, U.S. Army Reserve Command.

The Army Reserve Ambassador Program was established in April 1998. While not all Army Reserve ambassadors have military experience, many are retired officers or senior non-commissioned officers who wish to remain engaged in military affairs without earning salary, wages or other benefits.

“You’re volunteers, and it’s because you care about Soldiers and because you care about America and America’s Army Reserve that you do what you do to help us be more successful,” said Maj. Gen. Rodney Faulk, 99th RD commanding general. “It’s my hope these next two days will be valuable for you; anything that you need from us to make you more successful – if we have it, we’re going to give it to you.”

Army Reserve ambassadors educate the public, community leaders and congressional staff offices about the capabilities and value of the Army Reserve and its Soldiers, and establish open lines of communication within these communities to help establish mutually supporting relationships with community leaders and community organizations.

They also promote support for Soldiers and their families during deployments, and play an active role in facilitating community support through "welcome home" ceremonies and the Yellow Ribbon Program.

For more information on the Army Reserve Ambassador Program, visit https://www.usar.army.mil/AmbassadorProgram/