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 Keith A. Baranow as a United States Army Reserve Ambassador for Vermont.

Baranow retired from the U.S. Army after 30 years of service. After receiving his commission through Officer Candidate School in 2001, he served in a myriad of command and staff positions with several notable units including: the 1st Infantry Division, Criminal Investigation Division, 15th Military Police Brigade and HQ, Department of the Army. He served twice as a Company Commander, Battalion Commander, Deputy Brigade Commander and on the Army Staff.

Baranow deployed three times in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, serving as a company commander, International Security Assistance - Afghanistan Force provost marshal and Detention Facility commander. He is currently the Associate Vice President of Military Partnerships and Business Development at Norwich University. In his spare time, he is active is assisting Vermont Veterans obtain access to needed assistance through active support of the VFW and Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. Baranow was recently appointed to serve on the Governor of Vermont’s Veteran Advisory Board.

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/