Maj. Gen. Rodney Faulk, commanding general of the U.S. Army Reserve’s 99th Readiness Division, has confirmed the appointment by Lt. Gen. Jody J. Daniels, Chief of Army Reserve and Commanding General, U.S. Army Reserve Command, of Sonja Brewer as a United States Army Reserve Ambassador for Virginia.

Brewer retired from her civilian position with the Department of the Army with over 30 years of service in various positions including information systems analyst and training analyst. She also retired from the U.S. Army Reserve as a command sergeant major after 36 years of service. As a command sergeant major, her duties included personnel advisor on matters affecting the enlisted force; she devoted much of her time traveling throughout the Army Reserve Command observing training and interacting with Soldiers and their families.

Brewer also served with the Training and Doctrine Command supporting Army Reserve training systems and coordinating publication of regulatory guidance. During her career, she deployed in support of both Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

Brewer currently volunteers with various organizations in her community to include Disabled American Veterans, United Services Organization, National Defense Industrial Association, National Association of Professional Women, Lupus Foundation of America, and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

The Army Reserve Ambassador Program was established in 1998 to promote awareness of the Army Reserve, its goals and objectives, and to serve as a vital bridge in our states/communities to further educate and garner support for the Army Reserve. Army Regulation 140.1, Chapter 9 outlines the role, function and operational level of the USAR Ambassador. Ambassadors are a powerful means of message delivery to the American people.

The function of the Ambassador is similar to that of Civilian Aides to the Secretary of the Army, and carries a protocol status equivalent of a Major General that is a key means by which Ambassadors are able to effectively execute their responsibilities.  Ambassadors are Special Government Employees who represent the Chief of the Army Reserve without salary, wages or related benefits.

Ambassadors provides Community Outreach assistance to Army Reserve members/families, other military personnel/families as needed, and provide feedback on plans, programs and needs to the Commander of the Army Reserve, the Regional Support Commander and to local USAR Commanders.

Additionally, Ambassadors build relationships and strive to improve the understanding and knowledge of the Army Reserve within the business and social sectors of communities across America. They help to educate the public, community leaders, and congressional staff offices about the capabilities and values of the Army Reserve and the Soldiers who live and work in their communities. They establish open lines of communication with the local communities; and they work to support recruiting efforts by assisting community and business leaders in recognizing that the Army Reserve strengthens the Soldiers, the community, and the Nation.
 
While not all ARAs have military experience, many are retired officers or senior non commissioned officers who wish to remain engaged in military affairs. Each state and territory has at least one ARA.

For more information, visit http://www.usar.army.mil/Featured/Ambassador-Program/