News – Virginia Army Reserve Ambassador Continues Decades of Service – DVIDS

HAMPTON, Va. – U.S. Army Reserve Ambassador Sonja Brewer has represented the Army Reserve in Virginia for the past two years, continuing several decades of service to the nation that began in the early 1980s.

“I was a student and I was working part-time at the university,” Brewer said. “My colleague was in the army reserve and went to a year of training. It was this USAR soldier who inspired me to join the military.

“Although I had thought about serving many times, I wasn’t confident that I had what it took to be a soldier,” Brewer continued. “She shared her experience of service and the camaraderie she enjoys. I immediately contacted a recruiter and was quickly signed up.”

Brewer retired from the Army Reserve in 2018 as a master sergeant after 36 years of service in uniform. During her military career, she served with the Training and Doctrine Command in support of the Army Reserve and deployed in support of both Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

“With each assignment, I felt my service was making a contribution,” Brewer said. “Over the years, being able to help other Soldiers strive to achieve their goals and contribute to the Army has been my inspiration to continue serving. Service became the center of my life and it was an honor to serve.”

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 within our states/communities to further education and raise support for the Army Reserve.

“As an ambassador for the Army Reserve, I am grateful to have this opportunity to continue to serve and share what many have yet to hear about the Army Reserve,” Brewer said. “As ARA, it has been a privilege to share our story with high school and college students, mayors, local leaders and other community organizations.”

Ambassadors are special government employees who represent the Chief of the Army Reserve without salary, wages or related benefits. Ambassadors provide community assistance to Army Reserve members/families, other military personnel/families as needed, and provide feedback on plans, programs, and needs to the Chief of the Army Reserve.

“By sharing the history of the Army Reserve, I believe I am expanding the community’s understanding of the Army,” Brewer said. “It is rewarding for me to share with young people the many opportunities of service in the Army Reserve. When a young person asks for more information about the Army Reserve and I can put them in touch with the recruiter, that’s motivating. “

Ambassadors build relationships and strive to improve understanding and knowledge of the Army Reserve within the business and social sectors of communities across America. They help educate the public, community leaders and Congressional staff offices about the opportunities and values ​​of the Army Reserve and Soldiers who live and work in their communities. They establish open lines of communication with local communities and work to support recruitment efforts by helping community and business leaders recognize that the Army Reserve strengthens Soldiers, the community and the nation.

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