The Army Reserve recently held its annual Ambassador Conference in Chicago to learn about the Army Reserve’s vision, mission and strategy for the next 10 years and the role AR ambassadors will play in the Reserve’s efforts to support soldiers and their families after a decade of conflict.

During the conference, Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, the 37th chief of staff of the U.S. Army, spoke to those attending on his vision for the future of the Army and the importance of the Army Reserve and National Guard in support of the active Army.  

Hinesville resident and Army Reserve Ambassador Luis Carreras participated in the conference.

Carreras assisted in planning for the ambassador program and received training and information on key issues facing the Army Reserve today.

The Army Reserve meets the demand for military capabilities that support domestic and expeditionary operations. The Reserve provides cost-effective, trained, equipped and ready soldiers and cohesive units to meet full-spectrum operational requirements and is considered a crucial element of the Army’s overall deployable strength and war-fighting team.

The Army Reserve Ambassador program was established in April 1998 so that private citizens could help promote awareness of the Army Reserve. They are a group of influential volunteers who function at the state and community levels in order to have the Army Reserve’s significant and relevant contributions clearly understood and supported. Ambassadors provide the continuity over the long term and are vested in the community. They carry a protocol status equivalent of a major general.