BLACK AMERICANS

IN THE U.S. ARMY

 

 

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.

 
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.
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.