AFRICAN-AMERICAN HERITAGE

 

 

 

 

 

African-Americans in World War IITHROUGHOUT AMERICA'S HISTORY, from the Battle of Lexington to the Battle for Fallujah, Black Soldiers have honorably answered the call to duty, serving with great valor and distinction in America’s armed forces. Since the birth of our nation, African-American Soldiers have demonstrated the Army's core values. For generations, these proud heroes have played an integral role in protecting and shaping this nation.

During February, the Army celebrates and pays tribute to Black Soldiers and recognizes the important contributions they have made in past wars and are continuing to make today in overseas operations.

 
Pictured right: "Cpl. Carlton Chapman...is a machine-gunner in an M-4 tank, attached to a Motor Transport unit near Nancy, France." (Photo Courtesy of the National Archives, 761st Mt. Bn. November 5, 1944.)
U.S. Army Reserve Sgt. 1st Class Chantell Black, public affairs noncommissioned officer, 76th Operational Response Command, shares how she is pursuing her passion as an actor, comedienne, and Active Guard Reserve Soldier. Black is performing in her hometown of Brooklyn, N.Y., and reflects on how being in the Army Reserve allows her to serve her country, community, and still do the things she’s passionate about. (U.S. Army Reserve video by Sgt. Maria Casneiro)
U.S. Army Reserve Staff Sgt. Justin Hillary from 660th Ordnance Co. grew up in Guyana with the mindset that it takes a village to raise a child. Service, community and art have always been a part of who he is and when Hillary moved to Pocatello, ID with the U.S. Army Reserve, he wanted to make a difference by coordinating an Art Battle in his community. Art has the ability to influence and change lives and bringing this to Pocatello, an already artistic city, it has helped connect and uplift the community in ways that only art can convey.
Brig. Gen. Andrew Harewood, deputy chief of chaplains, U.S. Army Reserve, shares how he continues to be an inspiration to the military and civilian community. From humble beginnings as an enlisted Soldier and civilian pastor to becoming a senior military leader, he's always finding ways to motivate those around him. Video directed By Tim Yao; camera by Colton Huston
Col. June Copeland, division chief, IPPS-A, USAR, and her daughters 1st Lt. June Copeland, Cadets Jeilyn and Jasmyn Haynes share the unique experience of attending and graduating from the United States Military Academy West Point. Unknowingly, Col. Copeland started the path for her three children to follow in her footsteps. Without pressure or coercion, her children decided to be a part of this distinct pool of graduates that truly sets their family apart.
Remembering and celebrating Black History Month, and the impact leaders like Capt. Ward are having across the US Army Reserve.
The Army Reserve is a people-first organization, and as an Army Reserve command, we will continue to tackle the issues of diversity and equality. To do this, it has to start with a conversation. Capt. Randall Zeno and Capt. Damein Montgomery of the 311th Expeditionary Sustainment Command share their legacy of service.
Pursuing excellence has always been the goal of Capt. Benjamin Spencer, an appellate attorney for the U.S. Army Reserve. Through his pursuit, he has become the first African-American dean for William & Mary Law School in Williamsburg, Virginia. Throughout his life, he has striven to do his best in whatever he does, from raising his children and loving his wife to serving his country in the U.S. Army Reserve. Spencer tells his story of how this pursuit has shaped his life.
U.S. Army Reserve Chief Warrant Officer 5 Phillip Brashear is a helicopter pilot with combat experience and the son of Carl Brashear, the first African-American master diver in U.S. Navy’s history who lost his leg during a tragic accident on a diver mission off the coast of Spain in 1966. Carl Brashear’s life story was featured in the Hollywood film “Men of Honor” starring Cuba Gooding Jr. and Robert De Niro.
Lt. Col. Frederick Moss runs multiple military races each year — including the Army Ten Miler in Washington, D.C. — while carrying a binder holding the names of the fallen Vietnam War service members. Moss decided to print the binder and run with it in honor of his father, Terry Leon Williams, who is a Vietnam veteran who survived the war, but who lost comrades in combat.
Part 4 of 4 on our series featuring Miss USA 2016, Capt. Deshauna Barber, Commander 988th Quartermaster Detachment. In this episode, CPT Barber talks about serving in the Army Reserve, competing in pageants, and breaking stereotypes.
U.S. Army Reserve Lt. Gen. A.C. Roper currently serves as deputy commander, U.S. Northern Command; and vice commander, U.S. Element, North American Aerospace Defense Command, Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado. In this 2016 video, the then-commanding general for the 80th Training Command (TASS) and chief of police for the Birmingham Police Department (AL) Major Crimes, discusses the importance of goals and how the Army Reserve has taught him leadership skills to be successful in both his military and civilian career.
Staff Sgt. Zedrik Pitts from the 663rd Eng. Co. transferred to the Warrior Transition Battalion after discovering he had a debilitating disease. It was there that he took up cycling as a way to cope with his illness. The support of the WTB and his unit, and his resilience and persistance, have enabled Staff Sgt. Pitts to become a champion-level competitor and an Olympic hopeful.
“All rise,” is a sound that is all too familiar to everyone, whether by television or actually being in a courtroom for any number of reasons. It’s a sound that has become almost second nature for many courtroom officials and for Brig. Gen. Ural Glanville, Chief Judge of United States Army Court of Criminal Appeals, one that sounds like much responsibility that he gladly accepts.
IN THE NEWS
Army Reserve Ambassador highlights female Army trailblazers

Army Reserve Ambassador highlights female Army t...

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Mar. 26, 2024

The U.S. Army Reserve’s 99th Readiness Division hosted a Women’s History Month “Lunch & Learn” event March 19...
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Command Sergeant Major Gregory Betty

Gregory Betty selected as 15th Command Sergeant ...

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Mar. 20, 2024

Lt. Gen. Jody J. Daniels, Commanding General, U.S. Army Reserve Command, announces the selection of Command...
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Learning from past, striving for CHANGE

Learning from past, striving for CHANGE

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Mar. 08, 2024

Shylon Green, like a phoenix rising from the ashes, shares his journey from being the only black kid in the...
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Army Reserve officer makes history as first African American elected to city council in Berkley, Michigan

Army Reserve officer makes history as first Afri...

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Mar. 01, 2024

“We all win when there is diversity because diversity makes us all better,” said U.S. Army Maj. Clarence...
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Army Reserve Soldier reflects on mentorship during Black History Month

Army Reserve Soldier reflects on mentorship duri...

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Feb. 29, 2024

He’s on the field, on the court, and out on the water angling for some bass – he enjoys it all, but even more...
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A.C. Roper, first African American lieutenant general in the U.S. Army Reserve, shares his passion and purpose

A.C. Roper, first African American lieutenant ge...

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Feb. 21, 2024

Lt. Gen. A.C. Roper, has made numerous accomplishments representing both the civilian sector and the Army...
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CSM Collin L. Younger

Retired Army Reserve command sergeant major inte...

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Aug. 31, 2023

Retired Command Sgt. Maj. Collin L. Younger, who passed away Dec. 8, 2021, at 81, was recently interred at...
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A Soldier's family heritage: Generations of service

A Soldier's family heritage: Generations of service

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Jul. 21, 2022

Today’s Army and Army Reserve is a diversified force representative of centuries of hard-fought battles on and...
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Army Reserve CW5 Phillip Brashear, son of Navy MCPO Carl Brashear, guest speaks at USAICoE

Army Reserve CW5 Phillip Brashear, son of Navy M...

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Jul. 11, 2022

Chief Warrant Officer 5 Phillip M. Brashear, 80th Training Command (TASS), Command Chief Warrant Officer, was...
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