Army Reserve Ambassador program

Joe Thomas is police chief in Southfield, Mich. Coy Short is an executive assistant to Georgia's governor. Kay Austin Schwendiman is a retired newspaper executive. All three are movers and shakers. All three are U.S. Army Reserve ambassadors.

The Ambassador Program, created in April 1998, now includes 59 emissaries representing 34 states and Puerto Rico. "Ambassadors are my local eyes, ears and voice," says Maj. Gen. Thomas J. Plewes, Chief, Army Reserve (CAR). "They serve as an adviser and consultant on the current and future direction of the Army Reserve."

The CAR wants at least two ambassadors in every state and territory, preferably by the end of FY 00. Ambassadors are appointed by the CAR based on nominations from general officer commanders. Initial appointments are three years; the CAR must approve extensions. Ambassadors receive administrative support and mission guidance from local commands, and strategic direction from the CAR via his Public Affairs and Liaison Directorate (PALD).

Office of the Chief, Army Reserve (OCAR) conducts an annual ambassador's conference in Washington, D.C. The FY 00 conference is scheduled for spring. Commanders are expected to attend the conference with their ambassadors.

Duties for ambassadors run the gamut, depending on the individual's time and comfort zone. At a minimum, ambassadors are expected regularly to brief civic organizations and leaders at the local and state levels on USAR missions and capabilities. Units should invite ambassadors to major military events, such as holiday balls, changes of command, open houses, etc.

Some examples of recent ambassador activities:

Charles Beach Jr. gave a presentation to the Kentuckians for Better Transportation board of directors. M. Tyrone Rowell, a university administrator in North Carolina, spoke to academic officials about the need to educate journalism students on the military's role. He also attended the 81st RSC commander's conference and met with Wilmington, N.C., Army recruiters.

Coy Short is actively supporting an initiative to have distinctive license plates for Army Reservists in Georgia. Pasha Baker in Hawaii worked a collection booth during a school supplies drive for the needy, a program supported by local Army Reservists.

Ambassadors are selected based on influence and stature within the community and ability to work closely with senior USAR leaders. Military experience is not a requirement. Ambassador Jeff Woods, a member of the West Virginia State College ROTC hall of fame, served one tour as an Army attorney. Eber Phelps, a member of the Kansas state legislature, has never worn a military uniform. Mary Miller of Washington is a retired sergeant major.

There is one restriction - nominees cannot be Reservists.

Nomination packets are available from the local command's public affairs officer or community outreach coordinator.

Point of contact for the Ambassador Program at OCAR is Ms. Maureen Nolet, (703) 601-0869.