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AMBASSADOR PROGRAM

U.S. Army Reserve

 

 

WHAT IS THE AMBASSADOR PROGRAM?

The Army Reserve Ambassador (ARA) Program is one of the Army Reserve's key outreach and engagement programs. ARA’s are appointed by the Chief of Army Reserve (CAR) to a 3-year term to serve as special government employees who voluntarily represent the CAR without salary, wage, or benefits. All ARA's hold a Department of Army Protocol Precedence List (VIP Code 5) a major general (two star) equivalent. The primary role of an Ambassador is to develop awareness and advocacy for the Army Reserve by building bridges of communication to communities across the Nation. 

ARA | Jon Pan
Army Reserve Ambassador Jon Pan shares why he joined the program to continue serving the community in Washington State. While he found success in his civilian career after being in the Army, he missed the sense of service, and sought out volunteer opportunities to satisfy that gap. With his unique background in tech, he leverages his connections as a liaison between companies and the Army Reserve, and found a way to satisfy his desire to serve. Director: Tim Yao Camera Operator: Nolan Thermos
ARA | JULIE JOHNSON
Illinois Army Reserve Ambassador Julie Johnson shares her story about how you can still serve your country as an Ambassador, even without prior military service history. Her grandfather was a great motivator for her, and she talks about how being an ARA is her way of honoring him since his passing. As a chiropractor, she shares how her passion for helping others goes hand in hand with her role as an ambassador, and encourages other like-minded individuals to consider this path. Directed By: Tim Yao Camera: Colton Huston
ARA | Johnnie Ross
Army Reserve Ambassador Johnnie Ross talks about why he chose to become an Army Reserve Ambassador, and how that allows him to help the Reserve Soldiers of today. Army Reserve Ambassadors like Johnnie Ross can speak to employers which allows them to understand from a new point of view what their Reserve Soldiers do while away for training. For more information, visit: https://www.usar.army.mil/AmbassadorProgram
ARA | JIM BERNET
Army Reserve Ambassador Jim Bernet talks about the Minuteman Scholarship, and how he takes great joy in helping young adults pave the way for their future. The Army Reserve Minuteman Scholarship pays for your college education, while simultaneously trains you to be a future leader in the U.S. Army Reserve. For more information, visit: https://www.usar.army.mil/MinutemanCampaign/ Video By Colton Huston
ARA Highlight: What Army Reserve Ambassadors Do
Army Reserve Ambassador Jim Bernet tells us what being an Army Reserve Ambassador entails.
ARA Highlight: How Involvement Can Start
Army Reserve Ambassador Bob Pleczkowski tells us how he got involved with the ARA Program.
SERVICE ABROAD | PASSION DRIVEN
Nick Reynoso first enlisted in the Arizona National Guard as an infantryman. When he finished his obligation, he missed being in the military, but didn't necessarily miss his old job. Now in the Army Reserve, Nick is fulfilling his passion for service, doing his dream job as a religious affairs specialist, and also now the executive pastor at his church. The Army Reserve also sent Nick to Mongolia for his 2 week annual training, and he was thankful for the unforeseen opportunity to share and learn from Soldiers around the world. U.S. Army Reserve Video Directed by 1LT Tim Yao Music licensed from Envato Elements.
HOW THEY SERVE

Ambassadors have the advantage of strategic timing, long-term relationships, and continued dialogue with key community stakeholders and centers of influence within their respective area of operations.  ARAs proactively support the Army Reserve initiatives and actively pursue opportunities within our communities to build relationships with those key audiences. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SHAPING TOMORROW

Ambassadors serve as the initial approval authority for Minuteman Scholarships. ARA’s often partner with local universities, high schools and ROTC programs to inform and educate potential recruits on the benefits of joining the Army Reserve.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Ambassadors are a powerful means of message delivery to the American people, attending events and public speaking engagements building bridges and forging enduring relationships between Reserve units and local communities.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SOLDIER AND FAMILY SUPPORT

Ambassadors builds links between local commanders, Soldiers, Veteran Service Organizations and their families during deployments and rotation and ensure the voice of the military family and servicemember is heard.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS

ARAs are relied upon to seek support from elected officials and engage related to military programs and initiatives; engaging stakeholders at the local and state levels to support policies and actions that affect Soldiers and their families.

 

 

 

Featured News
The U.S. Army Reserve’s 99th Readiness Division hosted a Yellow Ribbon event Sept. 12-14 at the Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown. Rev. Dr. Paul V. McCullough III, Army Reserve Ambassador for Pennsylvania, served as keynote speaker for the event. Yellow Ribbon events span the deployment cycle - pre-deployment prep, mid-tour virtual check-ins and post-deployment reintegration - to connect families with vital resources, all backed by the program’s emphasis on family well-being. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Deziree Lau, 99th RD Public Affairs)
Army Reserve hosts resource event for Soldiers, families in Northeast region
By Sgt. 1st Class Deziree Lau | Sept. 16, 2025
"My purpose in life is to serve others, and as an Army Reserve Ambassador, I open doors so you can walk through them," said Rev. Dr. Paul V. McCullough III, keynote speaker at the Yellow Ribbon event hosted by the U.S. Army...
U.S. Army Reserve Ambassador Jeffrey Morton of Maine receives the Patriotic Public Service Award July 17 during an annual training workshop held at 99th Readiness Division headquarters on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey. The award was presented by Maj. Gen. Kris A. Belanger, former 99th RD commanding general. (U.S. Army photo by Mr. Sal Ottaviano, 99th RD Public Affairs)
Army Reserve ambassador for Maine receives public service decoration
By Staff Sgt. Shawn Morris | Aug. 20, 2025
Army Reserve ambassador for Maine receives public service decoration...
Army Reserve ambassador for central Pennsylvania receives public service decoration
Army Reserve ambassador for central Pennsylvania receives public service decoration
By Staff Sgt. Shawn Morris | Aug. 20, 2025
Army Reserve ambassador for central Pennsylvania receives public service decoration...
Army Reserve ambassador for Rhode Island receives public service decoration
Army Reserve ambassador for Rhode Island receives public service decoration
By Sgt. Salvatore Ottaviano | Aug. 20, 2025
Army Reserve ambassador for Rhode Island receives public service decoration...
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