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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. 

Chief of Army Reserve at Opry's Salute the Troops event
Lt. Gen. Jody Daniels, chief of Army Reserve and commanding general, U.S. Army Reserve Command, receives a poster commemorating the Salute the Troops show at the Grand Ole Opry, Nashville, Tenn., May 21, 2024. Daniels visited Middle Tennessee State University and the Opry at the invitation of Andrew Oppmann, MTSU’s vice president for marketing and communications, who serves as one of Tennessee’s four civilian Army Reserve Ambassadors. Joining Oppmann to welcome the general was Ambassador Emeritus John Dyess of Franklin and Ambassador Douglas Gilbert of Nashville. Click the link below to read more.
https://mtsunews.com/army-reserve-general-daniels-opry/
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.
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
New York, N.Y. – Maj. Gen. Kris A. Belanger, commander of the 99th Readiness Division (left), and Ronald “Ron” Shindel, a Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army (NY South), present a U.S. Army Minuteman Scholarship to Zachary Seepersaud, during a 249th U.S. Army Birthday event here on June 14, 2024. The event was hosted by the U.S. Army New York City Recruiting Battalion to celebrate the contributions of Soldiers who’ve served the nation and strengthen relationships with community partners. (U.S. Army Photo By: Sgt 1st Gregory Williams/Released)
Army Reserve Launches Minuteman Campaign, Offering Scholarships for Future Leaders
By Lt. Col. Jeku Arce | March 19, 2025
Army Reserve Launches Minuteman Campaign, Offering Scholarships for Future Leaders...
United States Army Reserve Ambassador Arthur Leak has dedicated a lifetime to serving the nation. After an extensive and honorable military career, he now continues his commitment as an Army Reserve Ambassador (ARA) for Indiana. In this role, he works to advocate for Army Reserve Soldiers, veterans, and their families in his community.
Indiana Army Reserve Ambassador Continues His Service to Country
By Sgt. Nataja Ford | Nov. 18, 2024
Indiana Army Reserve Ambassador Continues His Service to Country...
Douglas M. Reed, New Jersey Ambassador
New Army Reserve Ambassador Appointed to 13-State Region
By Staff Sgt. Shawn Morris | Nov. 13, 2024
New Army Reserve Ambassador Appointed to 13-State Region...
COL Michael T. Hauser, USAR (Retired)
From Enlisted Soldier to Army Reserve Ambassador: Michael T. Hauser's Four Decades of Service
By Courtesy Story | Nov. 12, 2024
From Enlisted Soldier to Army Reserve Ambassador: Michael T. Hauser's Four Decades of Service...
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