During the years I ’ve been a part of the “Facebook” family, I have seen it used in a number of ways. In 2002, while I was an undergraduate student, Facebook was gossip central. You could login at anytime of the day and find some information about  who’s dating who, who broke up 10 minutes ago and where the party was on Friday.

Between 2007-2009, while I was working towards my Master’s Degree in addition to working as a Summer Hire in the Online and Social Media Division for the U.S. Army, I realized it was a place to inform and engage Soldiers (retired, active, and recently enlisted), families and supporters on U.S. Army involvement around the world.

Yet, it was only a few minutes ago that I realized that Facebook can serve as an outlet for Soldiers to reach out to each other through and after the most traumatic times in their lives; even years after the initial conflict.

Below is a blog post written by SGT Karolyn Smith of the 382nd MP Detachment, San Diego, CA. She talk about how “eSprit de Corps” became the heart and soul of who she is as a Soldier on September 7, 2004.

My unit, the 127th MP company out of Germany were on a mission in Baghdad, Iraq on an early, warm day in Iraq. It was suppose to be a typical day. Were a Combat MP unit, so typical is running missions with the Iraqi Police in our AO. Our team decided to break and head to Camp Victory. Who ever knew how life would change in so short a time. It was around noon, my team/truck was going down MSR Huskies/Force when we came upon an Army vehicle in flames. LT Tim Price , our team leader stepped out of the truck…he was killed Instantly by a sniper.

Five years later, Soldiers from the unit made a Facebook page. At the time of LT’s death, I felt very alone, no one would talk to me, I thought they blamed me , somehow, as I was the Driver that day. What I found out years later threw a simple Facebook page is that no one really knew what to say to me. One Soldier even said “saying I’m sorry for your loss, didn’t seem like the words to say”. I have found the true meaning of “eSprit de Corps,” threw the love and support of those soldiers who showed up on that MSR that day to help get LT back to his parents. I have not seen more love than I have threw all those 127th Soldiers, those Soldiers who have kept me and that team in their thoughts and Prayers all these years….that’s “eSprit de Corps.”

ashmccall Army Family, Army News, Soldier Stories, Uncategorized esprit de corps, SGT Karolyn Smith, social media, U.S Army

Today, we have a blog post from Maj. Chris Auclair is the 1^st Advise and Assist Brigade, 3^rdInfantry Division Fires and Effects coordinator who is currently serving in Baghdad, Iraq. This week Maj. Auclair and 3 1-3 AAB Soldiers conducted a video teleconference through Skype with over 40-50 students and teachers from a middle school in Atlanta, Ga. Read below an excerpt from Maj. Auclair’s blog post as he talks more about his interview:

Two weeks ago, three 1-3 AAB soldiers and I conducted a video teleconference with 40-50 seventh graders and roughly 10 teachers from a school in Atlanta, Ga. The only reference the students and teachers in this school, in most cases, had of our military was what they saw on television or through a grandfather, who served in Korea or Vietnam.  We were really the first “line” soldiers these students had ever seen or met firsthand. This video teleconference was truly a rewarding experience, but it completely reinforced the concept DoDLive originally requested, which was to explain what it is like over here in Baghdad.

As our Public Affairs shop prepared the four of us for the class with the seventh graders, we rehearsed all the anticipated questions such as, “have you ever been shot?” Of course we were asked this question, as well as questions regarding how close combat was to the video game Medal of Honor, but these students surprised us with other questions that you’d expect to hear from an adult with some knowledge of why we are here in Iraq.

One student asked a question based on information he read in the newspaper about how American Marines and soldiers were involved in teaching Iraqis how to form a professional army and one that was capable of defending the Iraqi borders. 

His question was: “Aren’t you afraid that the Iraqi army will turn their guns on you as you start reducing your forces down?”  What a great and insightful question, as there are many who ponder those exact sentiments.  This was a seventh grader asking this question!

To read Maj. Auclair’s response to the question above, check out the entire blog entry at http://bit.ly/drK42H.

If you had the opportunity like the seven grade students in Georgia did, what question would you ask a Soldier currently deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan? Share with us in the comments section.

ashmccall Army News, Uncategorized, social media 1st Advise and Assist Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division Fires and Effects, Baghdad, Iraq, Major Chris Auclair, U.S Army

Army Chief of Staff Gen. George W. Casey, Jr., reenlists 20 Soldiers during a cake-cutting ceremony in honor of the Army’s 235th birthday, June 14, 2010, at the Pentagon.  The Soldiers hale from numerous units throughout the Military District of Washington.  U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Matthew Clifton.

Today in the Pentagon Courtyard, I watched as a group of 20 Soldiers raised their right hands and repeated those memorable words they once said years ago as a young private.

“I (name), do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States…..”

As the Army celebrated its 235th birthday today, not only was there a band and a cake the size of Texas , there was also a group of dedicated Soldiers who shared this historical day by taking their Army Oath of Re-enlistment.

These Soldiers – many who have experienced multiple deployments – chose to give another four years of service to the world’s greatest Army.

 “This day is something I can tell my kids about – that I got to re-enlist at the Pentagon on the Army’s 235th birthday,” said Sgt. 1st Class Rodney T. Rieger, 1st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, 88^th Brigade Support Battalion of Fort Polk, La. “It’s history – it’s a truly memorable event.”

And not only were Soldiers re-enlisting at the Pentagon on this Army Birthday, but they were enlisting everywhere throughout the nation. In fact, a group of 350 new enlistees took their oaths in front of the Statue of Liberty this morning during a swearing-in ceremony.

So while new Soldiers swore in, older Soldiers swore to stay – Soldiers like Rieger, who gave 13 years to the Army. A few minutes before Rieger took his oath today, he reflected on what it was like as a brand new Soldier taking his first oath. I asked him what he would tell the new enlistees today.

 “I’d tell them it’s the best job you can have,” he said. “It’s got ups and downs, but when you wake up every morning and put on that uniform, and you look at the American flag on your shoulder, it’s an honor. It’s not for the money or the glory – you do it for the American people, to defend our country at any price.”

So all of you Soldiers out there who have re-enlisted or are thinking about re-enlisting – and even all our new privates who just swore in – tell us, why did you do it? As we reflect on the Army’s Birthday – 235 years of defending the nation – tell us why you chose to serve and continue serving. Please share your comments below.

To view more photos from today’s Pentagon Cake Cutting and Re-enlistment Ceremony, visit http://bit.ly/d9JKmN.

Tracy Robillard, Public Affairs Specialist, Online and Social Media

ashmccall Army Family, Army News, Army Photos, Gen. George W. Casey, Soldier Stories, U.S. Army Birthday, social media

Two hundred and thirty-five years ago, the United States Army was established to defend our Nation. From the Revolutionary War to the current operations taking place around the world, our Soldiers remain Army Strong with a deep commitment to our core values and beliefs. This 235th birthday commemorates America’s Army – Soldiers, Families and Civilians – who are achieving a level of excellence that is truly Army Strong. Being Army Strong goes beyond physical endurance and mental preparedness. It encompasses an indomitable spirit, and high ethical and moral values. These are not only desirable traits in a person, but in a Nation that wishes to live up to the ideals and vision of its founders. We are “America’s Army: The Strength of the Nation.”

Check out Army Chief of Staff, General George Casey’s Birthday message below:

To view more Army Birthday messages from Senior Leaders and ones submitted by Army fans, visit the official 235th Army Birthday site.

As always, we want to hear from you! Help us celebrate the Army’s 235th Birthday by sending us your photos, videos and blog submissions telling us “What the Army Birthday Means to You.” You can leave a link in the comments section or email us at ocpa.osmd@us.army.mil

ashmccall Army Family, Army News, Gen. George W. Casey, Soldier videos, U.S. Army Birthday, social media 235th Army Birthday, General George Casey, U.S Army

With much attention shifting to Afghanistan, our blog entry today comes from COL John Ferrari, NATO Training Mission Afghanistan/Combined Security Assistance Command Afghanistan. In his entry, COL Ferrari talks about building capacity and changing the Afghan society for the better. He compares what the Marshall Plan did to change Europe to what they are doing to education and build in Afghanistan.

Read an excerpt from his post below:

63 years ago this week, George Marshall gave a speech that altered the course of the 20th Century. His post-WW II vision for aiding a war-torn Europe set the conditions of growth, prosperity, and democracy which in the immediate aftermath of the war, was not a foregone conclusion. Many look back to this vision and ask why we don’t have a Marshall Plan for Afghanistan, a country that has been in a constant state of war for over thirty years. Having been in Afghanistan now for several months, I realize that we do have an equivalent program — it is the NATO Training Mission Afghanistan/Combined Security Assistance Command Afghanistan.

NTM-A/CSTC-A’s official mission is to generate and sustain the security forces of Afghanistan in order to enable the Afghan Government to assume responsibility for its security. In reality however, the impact of this mission is much greater, in that we are transforming an entire generation of Afghan society’s human and physical capital, much in the same way that World War II transformed the US and Europe.

The generation of Americans who left the farms to fight World War II joined an Army that provided them with technical and leadership skills, basic health care, and a world view that included tolerance, compassion, and the ability to work across racial, ethnic, and social classes. The human capital of America was transformed and became known as the Greatest Generation.

In Afghanistan, NTM-A/CSTC-A is doing something similar. We are educating and training a generation of Afghan society that has known nothing but thirty years of civil war, a rigid top down hierarchical governance, and limited to no formal education. Hundreds of thousands of Afghans are joining the Army and Police and we are providing them basic hygiene and health care, literacy training, and integrating them into Army units that have mixes of tribal and ethnic backgrounds. We are providing them marketable skills such as leadership, planning, logistics, maintenance, computers, medical, law enforcement, and engineering. To the Afghans of this generation, this is a new way of life. Some will leave the security forces early, some may stay until the war is over, while some will remain in the security forces for life, but all of them will have uplifted their skills and now have higher expectations for the future. These soldiers and police can be the Afghan version of our Greatest Generation.

To view COL Ferrari’s entire post and to learn more about the NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan, visit http://www.ntm-a.com/.

ashmccall Army News, Current Events, social media Afghanistan, COL John Ferrari, NATO, The Marshall Plan, U.S Army

With the release of two new public service announcements, the Army continues to stress the importance of seeking help. Senior leaders continue to stress how critical it is that Soldiers seek help and support when they need it. These same senior leaders have said post traumatic stress is an unseen wound of war – unseen but still treatable.

Our servicemembers deal with a lot, before, during and after deployments. Sometimes it’s even the “little” things that just add up; the increased demands on our servicemembers can make everyday life stressors pile up and seem unmanageable. Keeping and staying mentally fit is just as important and requires just as much work as staying physically fit, and the Army Family is continuing to expand on and strengthen resources designed to help Soldiers do just that. It’s not only OK, but just plain smart, to talk to someone when you’re feeling overwhelmed. No matter what your challenge, there is someone there to help you overcome it.

Slowly, we are seeing more and more Soldiers come forward to talk with their friends, family, battle buddies, chaplains, mental health specialists and other trusted resources about their problems. Coming forward is a sign of strength and courage, and everyone is standing “Shoulder to Shoulder” to get this message across. View below a Suicide Prevention Public Service Announcement from actor and producer, Jack Scalia.   

ashmccall Army Family, Army News, Suicide Prevention, Uncategorized Suicide Prevention, Suicide Prevention Task Force, U.S Army

We couldn’t help but feel the emptiness as we looked around the room at spouses dressed in golden shades of yellow, embracing each other like family. There was a huge void in the capitol rotunda as the Gold Star Wives of America gathered together to celebrate the 65^th anniversary of their organization May 27.

The emptiness was the space next to each of them where a spouse should have stood.

But at the same time – through that emptiness – we saw honor. We saw loyalty. We saw the utmost form of patriotism and sacrifice for our great nation. And most importantly, we saw love.

As America took time on Memorial Day to remember those who fell in battle, we thought how Gold Star spouses live with that loss 365 days a year, marked by memories in one way or another. It may come in the form of an empty seat at a dinner table; a folded flag above a mantle; an empty spot on the other side of the bed; a pain no one should ever have to bear.

Gold Star spouses know this feeling all too well – but they understand why it’s important to never forget the legacy, the patriotism and the honor of their fallen loved one.

The Gold Star Wives of America come together – with smiles, with hugs, with friendship. They help widows and widowers get back on their feet and learn to enjoy this precious life their spouse fought so bravely to defend.

They provide a support network for one another. They encourage one another. They speak up for one another and let their voices be heard, to ensure military widows and widowers get the benefits and entitlements they deserve.

As Deborah Mullen, wife of Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said in May to the Gold Star Wives, “We believe that none of us does this alone,” she said. “It has to be one large team of people working in concert to take care of the families who have lost people, to the families who have wounded members, to those who come back with the unseen and the seen wounds of war…. We will never forget your service, but most importantly, we’ll never forget the heart you have, the caring heart, for those people like you who have lost a loved one.” 

Are you a Gold Star spouse, or do you know someone who has lost a loved one in the military? How do you remember that person’s honor and sacrifice for America? What are some of the best types of support you have received, or what support would you recommend to others who may be facing a similar situation? Please share your comments with the Army blog community.

Submitted by: Jacqueline Leeker and Tracy Robillard, Public Affairs Specialist, Online and Social Media Division

Gold Star Wives Of America, Inc. is an organization of military widows and widowers whose spouse died while on active duty or from service connected disabilities. With 10,000 members and 60 chapters across the country, Gold Star Wives has served widows and widowers from all conflicts and all branches of service since it was founded in 1945. Read more at http://www.army.mil/-news/2010/06/01/40155-gold-star-wives-celebrate-65-years-of-service/

Gold Star Wives came from all over the country to celebrate the 65^th anniversary of the organization at the U.S. Capitol May 27. The spouses wore gold-colored clothing, decorated with Gold Star Wives hats and logos – representing the sacrifice made by their family. Others wore necklaces and pins bearing photographs of their fallen warriors. Photo by Jacqueline Leeker.

ashmccall Army Family, Army News, Army Photos, Soldier Stories Deborah Mullen, Gold Star Wives of America, Soldiers, U.S Army

While Memorial Day may be the unofficial start of summer, June 1 is the official start of the Atlantic hurricane season (ending Nov 30).  Procrastinating on creating an emergency plan can cause more stress, money, and damage than you could ever imagine.

As storm experts are predicting an increase in the number of named storms this season, the U.S. Army is asking everyone to get prepared early this year (Check out predictions).

So, what does the Army do to prepare and respond to storms?

Myth: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has been know to cause hurricanes.

Fact: No, the Corps does not in any way cause hurricanes. The truth is the Corps is highly involved in assisting the Department of Homeland Security and FEMA’s storm response with 49 specially trained response teams. These teams are involved in providing ice to affected areas, removing debris and facilitating movement of aid.

The National Guard also stands ready.  “We actually almost never stop (training),” said Air Force Maj. Gen. Bill Etter, Director of Domestic Operations at the National Guard Bureau.  In addition, the Guard trains with other governmental agencies (FEMA and the Coast Guard)  in order to be more effective in reaching those needing help. 

And while it’s reassuring to know help is on its way, the best plan is to have a plan on how you would weather out a storm.

Here are a few tips to get started.  As always, if you have ideas or suggestions on how to maximize safety and minimize the stress of hurricane season, we’d love to hear them:

-Locate a safe room or the safest areas in your home for each hurricane hazard. In certain circumstances the safest areas may not be your home but within your community.

-Have an out-of-state contact in case your family is separated.

-Check your insurance coverage as flood damage is not usually covered by ordinary homeowner’s insurance.

-Have a disaster kit ready with needed supplies (such as water, non-perishable food and a manual can-opener, flashlight and prescription medications) in case of power outages and non-traversable roads. 

-Finally, don’t forget Fido and Fluffy!  Include pet supplies in your disaster kit.

You’ve thought about getting prepared. You’ve talked about it. This season – today – it’s time to put things in motion by actually doing it. What first step will you take – today?

This image shows both Hurricane Francis and Hurricane Ivan at work. Frances (top left) has touched down over Florida while Ivan (bottom right) is off the coast of the Lesser Antilees. Photo Courtesy of FOXNews.com

Elizabeth Lockyear, Public Affairs Specialist, Online and Social Media

ashmccall Army Family, Army News, Current Events 2010 Hurricane Season, U.S Army

One MILLION flight hours. I picture Dr. Evil saying this with his pinky up.

The Army Unmanned Aircraft Systems recently surpassed one million flight hours. What’s the big deal you ask? Those one million hours represent time spent keeping Soldiers safe.

What’s also interesting is it took the Army 13 years to fly the first 100,000 miles. Eighty-eight percent of the million hours were flown in Iraq or Afghanistan. 

To celebrate the milestone, several interactive aircraft displays were set up in the Pentagon Courtyard this week. No, they didn’t fly in, land, or take off, but their operators had some good stories.

I got the chance to hear from a few UAS flight operators and combat veterans about all the new technology and their own roles on the battlefield.

Are you wondering why the Army even has unmanned aircrafts when the Air Force has them as well?

Let me tell ya, there’s room for both. Typically, the Air Force uses UAS in general support. The Army uses them at more tactful levels, meaning infantry units can use specific aircraft before they enter a building to see if enemy combatants are surrounding or leaving the building. Both have vital roles in today’s battle space. 

My first stop was to speak to the Shadow 200 UAS operators from Fort Riley, Kan. Shadow 200 has seen extensive wartime use in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. Staff Sgt. Charles Cannon said he appreciated how the Army involves the UAS operators in planning at all levels, and how operators deploy with the units.

Personally, I was most impressed with the Raven. They are rucksack portable, air drop-able, and compactable. The Raven weighs 4.2 pounds. When a Soldier packs it up with the lap top, it weighs about 14 .

Cliff Brandt with the UAS project office said the Raven was made with infantry and grunts in mind. It snaps together, is battery operated, launched by hand, and it can take extremely rough landings.

It’s an on-demand asset that doesn’t require support radioed assistance.            

Other displays included an MQ-1C Extended Range/Multi-purpose UAS, One System Remote Video Terminal and Ground Control Station, but pictures speak a thousand words, and I’ll let them do the talking!

Cliff Brandt of the Army’s UAS project office demonstrates how parts of the Raven snap on and off. The nose of the aircraft can be changed to support day or night time operations. Photo by Jacqueline Leeker.

With 4 Hellfire missiles the Extended Range Multi-Purpose unmanned Aircraft System can take on attack missions. The air craft addresses the ever-increasing demand for greater range, altitude, endurance and payload. Photo by Jacqueline Leeker.

For more information on the Army’s UAS System Check out: https://www.peoavn.army.mil/pm/UAS.shtml

Jacqueline Leeker, Public Affairs Specialist, Online and Social Media

ashmccall Army News, Army Photos, Current Events Army Unmanned Aircraft System, U.S Army, UAS

Memorial Day marks the beginning of Summer.  Family picnics, vacation and… the inevitable Command Safety message you’ve seen at least 13 times. You know what I’m talking about.  The typical reminders to:

-Not drink and drive

-Wear sunscreen

-Check your smoke detectors to make sure they work properly

-Wear helmets when riding a motorcycle

-Lock up all hazardous chemicals so young children don’t ingest them

-Not tell your friends in Yemen you’re deploying…  

How many times do we scan the reminders and move on to the fun stuff like hoping our commander will invoke the 59 minute rule on a Friday afternoon?

We’d love to see your fresh takes on a memorable safety message!  To help get you in the mood, check out this safety message from the 76th Army Band:

To view additional Army Safety messages visit http://www.youtube.com/usarmy. Have your own video safety messages you would like to share? Send them to ocpa.osmd@us.army.mil. Your message could be featured on the Army’s YouTube page!  

Have a great summer!

For more information check out:  https://safety.army.mil/.

Lisa Lockyear, Public Affairs Specialist, Online and Social Media

ashmccall Army News, Current Events, Uncategorized National Safety Month, U.S Army