Whether their heritage can be traced to Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean or Central and South America, these Soldiers have answered the call to service, defending America with great honor, dedication, and distinction. The Army Reserve draws its strength from the diversity that makes up America’s melting pot, and by recognizing our history, we are building a future of a stronger Army Reserve that allows all Soldiers the opportunity to be all they can be.

One of the many benefits of Army Reserve service, is having the flexibility to pursue a Civilian career while also being part of something bigger than yourself. Soldiers can advance their careers and skillsets through various trainings and educational offerings. For example, Sergeant First Class Rodney Roldan, a Noncommissioned Officer, joined the Army Reserve to enhance his media and acting skills through the Army’s public affairs program. And when he’s not reporting in the field, recording radio shows, or working with special operations, Sgt. 1^st Class Roldan is on the big screen, working in television and film.

On Wednesday, September 4, join Sergeant First Class Rodney Roldan in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with the Army Reserve. He will discuss the rich story of Hispanic Soldiers in the Army Reserve, his Puerto Rican heritage, and while also highlighting his Army career, his dedication to helping Soldiers reach their potential, and his passion for acting and documentary filmmaking. 

Interview courtesy: Army Reserve

TODAY’S ARMY RESERVE IS MORE DIVERSE THAN EVER, AND IT RECOGNIZES THE UNIQUE STRENGTHS THAT EACH SOLDIER BRINGS TO THE TABLE.

DURING HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH, THE ARMY RESERVE IS PAYING TRIBUTE TO SOLDIERS OF HISPANIC AND LATIN DESCENT AND THE MANY WAYS THEY SUPPORT AND ENHANCE THE FORCE.

HERE NOW TO TALK ABOUT THE RICH HISTORY OF HISPANIC SOLDIERS AND THE MANY CONTRIBUTIONS THEY’VE MADE TO THE ARMY RESERVE, INCLUDING HIS OWN PASSION FOR FILM, IS SERGEANT FIRST CLASS RODNEY ROLDAN.

SFC Rodney Manuel Roldan

AGR Operations NCO, 300TH Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

SFC. Rodney M. Roldan is the AGR Operations NCO for the 300th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment located in Fort Gillem, G.A. Prior to this assignment, he served as the AGR Training and Operations NCO for the 209th Broadcast Operations Detachment.

SFC Roldan was born and raised in New York, NY. After high school, Roldan joined the U.S. Navy where he served as an Electricians Mate on several sea going commands, to include the U.S.S Kaufman (FFG-59), as well as shore duty for special detachments for ten years, rising to the rank of Petty Officer 2nd Class. His Navy service included two sea service deployments in the Mediterranean and Arabian Seas, several humanitarian operations in the Caribbean Sea, humanitarian operations in the Ukraine and Black Sea, and a member of the inspection teams that enforced the blockade of weapons into Iraq.

After serving ten years active duty in the U.S. Navy, Roldan joined the U.S. Army Reserve in Los Angeles, CA while pursuing a career in performing arts. He attended Defense Information School at Ft Meade, MD where he became a U.S. Army Broadcast Journalist. Shortly after graduating from Defense Information School, he deployed to Afghanistan, as a field reporter for American Forces Network (AFN) Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Rodney also deployed to Baghdad, Iraq in support of Operation Inherent Resolve as well as several exercises in Poland and Germany.

In his civilian life, he is a television, film and stage actor with current membership in both professional acting unions; Screen Actors Guild-American Federation for Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) and Actors Equity Association (AEA). Since he began his acting and filmmaking career, he has worked on several film, television, commercial, and stage productions that include, Imperium (2016), Fatal Attraction (2022-2023), Storm of Suspicion (2023), The Wire (2006), A Gifted Man (2011), and the stage productions’ M*A*S*H (2006), and Ghetto Babylon (2013).

Roldan’s education includes Bachelor of Arts with a concentration in Communication and Web Media Design from the University of Maryland University College, and Certificate of Completion of Stella Adler Studio of Acting’s 2 Year Conservatory Program in Performing Arts, Master of Arts in Visual Communication from Liberty University and is currently working on his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) at Liberty University.

In 2015 he began working on a World War II documentary project, which sparked his interest in writing, narrating, and directing documentaries. Since then, he has worked on several projects to include most recently, ‘Country and Courage’, which is a feature-length documentary that looks at the history of Veteran’s Day, the experiences of U.S. Army veterans, veteran programs, and the works of William Shakespeare in relation to the mindset and trauma experienced by soldiers. Country and Courage have won several awards to include a Communicator award in 2022, three Telly awards in 2022, and a Davey award from the Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts (AIVA)
Website for more information for Audience:     usar.army.mil   (U-S-A-R – DOT – ARMY – DOT – M-I-L)
Trouble number is:                                                 770-356-5030
Interview courtesy:                                                 U.S. Army Reserve

Guest is located:                                                      Fort Gillem, Georgia

The post HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH WITH THE U.S. ARMY RESERVE: PURSUING PURPOSE AND PASSION appeared first on Good News!.

“The novels comprising my 19th century “Trilogy”, are intended to inform through entertainment,” says author Marvin V. Blake. “While many of the characters are real, the history is pure, and the ideas behind the story are very real and important. People need to see what slavery was really like, through the eyes of those who were slaves.”

The series examines three co-existing 19th-century American cultures – the defeatist South’s response to the post-Civil War era of reconstruction, the former Black slaves who are attempting to adjust to life as freedmen, and the noble nomadichunter-gatherer society of the Plains Indians fighting to defend and to maintain their way of life.

“I have all of my adult life, served and loved this country,” says Blake, a US Navy veteran. “I think it is important that readers learn about our nation’s history, especially what it was like a century-and-a-half ago when the country was ripped apart by a civil war, slavery, and the United States’ 19th century policies towards Indians…Native Americans.”

About Marvin V. Blake
Following his graduation from Baltimore’s Southern – High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. During his more than six years of active duty, in the Navy, Marvin attended and graduated from the US Navy’s Hospital Corps School, and the US Navy School of Medical Technology.
Following his discharge from the Navy, he earned his undergraduate Degree from Long Island University, and his graduate Degree from New York’s New School University. His long professional career was spent as a senior hospital administrator of several prestigious teaching medical centers in NYC and Nassau County. He also taught Immunohematology, as an Adjunct Professor of Biology in the City of New York (CUNY), college system. In 2002, after 9/11, Marvin decided to once again serve his country. He sought and took the position of Administrative Officer, Dept of Pathology, and Laboratory Medicine for the New York and the Brooklyn VA Medical Centers. For more info, see www.booksbymarvinblake.com.

About The Books
The first book, why: A Novel, provides a gripping and potent tale of choice, racism, and equality.
The story revolves around two young sisters – one a black-slave, the other, a white owner of slaves; Both girls are fathered by the same white-man – the rich, white plantation owner. Despite their not knowing that they are sisters; despite antebellum Southern law, despite seemingly unsurmountable societal barriers; the girls forge an unshakeable-bond. A bond that sustains them—when together, as young teens—are captured and enslaved by Comanche Indians. A bond that they need to survive, and to ultimately each, gain their freedom.

The second book, E. Pluribus Unum: From Many, One, is a spellbinding story of love and loss, oppression, and freedom in the lives of men and women fighting for the survival of a young nation. It is about two people – one is a slave boy and the other a white woman slave owner – whose preordained statuses in life were at diametrically opposite ends of the South’s Antebellum society. Two people with absolutely nothing in common now had lives that were inexorably linked.

Precious (In His Sight), the third book, tells of the myriad 19thcentury life-altering US government-sanctioned and implemented changes that followed the Civil War’s conclusion,
Adjustments, programs, implemented…mistakes made. One step forward, two steps back. Progress achieved,

The interactions between cultures shaping the ‘Re-United States of America, through the eyes…and the lives of the heterogeneous peoples…Red; Brown; Yellow; Black and White,all essential members…of the American-People

#civilwar #slavery #marvinblake #author #indians #entertainment #slaves #black #defend #nativeamericans #hospital #corps #schools #us #navy #medical #technology

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Joe Barello updates us on the status of Reid and Soanya’s 1000 day at sea voyage!

#joe #barello #us #navy #updates #status #reid #soanya #1000 #day #sea #voyage

The post Joe Barello Checks in with the US Navy! “Classic Good News” 04/25/07 appeared first on Good News!.

Every year since 1963, the President of the United States has issued a proclamation announcing National Small Business Week, which recognizes the critical contributions of America¹s entrepreneurs and small business owners. More than half of Americans either own or work for a small business, and they create about two out of every three new jobs in the U.S. each year. www.navyfederal.org.

To kick off National Small Business Week, we have a special interview with Jim Salmon, the head of Business Lending at Navy Federal Credit Union.
to discuss what¹s needed to start and grow a business, and he¹ll share information about programs designed to help military veterans run a successful business. A military veteran himself, Salmon will also discuss why it¹s good business to support veteran-owned and operated businesses and how veterans have many of the skills necessary to run a successful business.

We hear a lot about helping our brave veterans, but the sad fact is that despite an improving economy, many have difficulty finding employment after leaving the military. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), young male veterans, ages 18 to 24, who served during the Gulf War II era, including those who have served at any time since September 2001, had an unemployment rate of 21.9% (more than double the national average). That¹s why in celebration of National Small Business Week (May 4-8), the not-for-profit Navy Federal Credit Union is hoping to spread the word that entrepreneurship ¬ if done right ¬ can be a rewarding career for military veterans. Navy Federal¹s membership is open to all armed forces members and their families.

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Arriving in New York on June 8, 2015, the Guayas was docked at the Intrepid Museum, located at Pier 86. From Monday, June 8 to Thursday, June 11th this vessel was open to the public a number of hours each day for live Ecuadorian music, handcrafts and souvenirs from different regions of their country. The after-party on June 9th was amazing. As the ship’s band played on and on young naval men were dancing with older women throughout the night. Not only were the Officers friendly, but everyone from crew to musicians were courteous and eager to show us how to fall ln love with this country and its people.

On the morning of June 12th, the Guayas set sail for Belfast-United Kingdom; Alesund-Norway; Kristiansand-Norway; Aalborg-Denmark; Bremerhaven-Germany; Amsterdam-Holland; Lisbon-Portugal; Cartegena, Spain; Civitavecchia-Italy and Piero-Greece.

It will also sail to Alejandra-Eqypt; Yeda –Saudi Arabia; Doha-Qatar; Petabuhan Kiang-Malasia; Jakarta-Indonesia; Perth-Australia; Sidney-Australia; Wellington-New Zealand; Valparaiso-Chile and Callao-Peru and return to Ecuador February 2016.

The Guayas was received by the Ambassador of Ecuador to the United States, Francisco Borja. “We welcome into the United States the Ship School Guayas which symbolizes the mission of Ecuador fostering ties with neighborhood countries while it promotes discovery and exploration” said Ambassador Borja. “We are eager to share with the public of New York this special vessel and its crew, as well as to allow everyone the opportunity to fall for Ecuador as a diverse and unique destination through our campaign.” “All You Need is Ecuador” the Ambassador added.

We Wish You Safe Voyage!

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On Memorial Day, May 27th, citizens across the country will gather to honor the men and women who have fought for America’s freedom, from World War II to ongoing conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Susan Bahary will be paying tribute to our country’s heroes by unveiling her memorial of John Douangdara, the brave lead dog handler for the Navy SEAL Team Six and his war dog Bart, who were sadly lost in August 2011 along with 29 US soldiers, 17 of whom were Navy Seals, when their CH-47 Chinook helicopter was shot down in Afghanistan.

The John Douandara Memorial War Dog Park is part of the overall Siouxland Freedom Park project in South Sioux City honoring veterans from every era. The park, dedicated to the men and women who have served and sacrificed in the name of freedom, honors the values of those who have served so valiantly in the past, all who serve today and the young men and women who will courageously follow in their footsteps in the future.

Susan Bahary aims to raise awareness of the heroic service of military working dogs, along with their brothers and sisters in law enforcement, through her work as a sculptor. She created the first official monument to the war dog, among other stirring pieces in bronze. Her “Always Faithful” monument, honoring Kurt the Doberman, the first military working dog killed in action in the 1944 Battle of Guam, was recently placed at the National Museum of the Marine Corps.

Beyond the stories of soldiers who owe their lives to patrol and sentry dogs, Bahary was inspired by getting to know several canine veterans, through photos, videos, and personal encounters. “I was moved by the spirit of these courageous dogs,” she reflects, “who are the embodiment of love and devotion.”

In the spirit of this observance, Susan Bahary would like to tell your audience about:

 The story of John Douangdara, recipient of The Purple Heart, who was killed in battle on August 6, 2011 in the Wardak Province, Afghanistan alongside Bart, a military working dog and 29 fellow soldiers. The Memorial War Dog Park honors him and all Military Working Dog Handlers as well as their faithful companions, past, present, and future.

 The dogs and their tales behind her three noted sculptures: Always Faithful, created in memory of 25 noble dogs, primarily Doberman Pinschers who died in the taking of Guam during WWII, which was unveiled at the Pentagon; Faithful Partner, a tribute to California’s “K-9” force in the form of a life-size German Shepherd; and Smoky and the Dogs of All Wars, spotlighting a tiny female Yorkshire Terrier who, after being discovered in a foxhole, went on to entertain the troops and win recognition as the premier therapy dog.

 The vital work of MWDs, who are trained in controlled aggressiveness, attack, building and open area searches, and the detection of drugs and explosives, and then deployed to every branch of the U.S. Armed Forces and the Department of Defense.

As a nation of dog lovers, Americans will want to honor the canines who fought and died for our country this Veterans Day. Based in Santa Barbara, California, Susan Bahary channeled her love for animals into a career as an internationally acclaimed artist. I look forward to discussing her availability for interviews.

Personal statement from Susan Bahary

It has been one of the greatest gifts in my life to have the honor of sculpting monuments to our K-9 and human heroes and to meet veterans and those currently serving in our military, who do so much to keep us safe and free.

Doing the work I do reminds me of what a great sacrifice the veterans have made for all of us, and how the act of even one human being or dog can so positively effect generations to come. It is through these monuments that I hope to keep the stories and history alive for future generations.

For more information about the Siouxland Freedom Park, please visit www.siouxlandfreedompark.org.

For more information about Susan Bahary, please visit www.baharystudios.com.

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