Call to Action
South Post Exchange on Fort Bragg
Photo by Sharon Matthias
Soldiers and their families moved annually from all across the United States, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands to live and work on Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Army Base. Nearly 90% of this group has never been to Fayetteville, and does not know what to expect before they arrive. The Soldiers are assigned to the Fort Bragg Reception Company and the company Cadres are in charge of managing the incoming Soldiers’ transition process. The concern is, Soldiers spend three to nine years stationed all across the United States and leave without learning or connecting with the City and State they lived and served. I call to action the Stakeholders to develop a public relations program for Soldiers to know their country in which they serve.
Photos by Sharon Matthias
The main concern is the initial entry Soldiers, who are fresh out of High School, and away from home for the first time. They fall back into their comfortable habits, a quiet room, cell phones, and video gaming. These Soldiers usually settle in with a Jack-Pot contentment because a selection of fast-food chains, barbershops, US Armed Forces Post Exchange and amenities are all in walking distance. In units, four out of five initial entry single Soldiers do not have a car, therefore they rarely leave post.
Some troopers spend over three to nine years on Fort Bragg and do not know the History of the Fayetteville community. The mission, training, deployments, education, and family time replace the time to learn the historical significance, legislatures, entertainments, and services the city offers.
I call to action the Stakeholders to develop a public relations program for Soldiers to know their country in which they serve, and best of all, meet their Publics. It is time for the Public Relations practitioners for Cumberland County, and the Forces Command Commanders to communicate and plan a PR strategy for incoming Soldiers to receive this basic education, and an opportunity to network before being released from the reception company to their respective units.
Gen. Michael X Garret, Commander of The US Army Forces Command
Photo by FORSCOM Public Affairs Office
Mandatory bus tours for first term Soldiers stationed in Fayetteville, should be a rewarding experience to question history and envision the future. The City of Fayetteville partnered with the Fort Bragg Reception Program must aim to provide opportunities in public education and community relations. The tour should include a visit to The North Carolina Veterans Park,Transportation and Local Museum, The Market House, Cape Fear River, Cape Fear Regional Theatres, Cameo Theatres, Segra Stadium, National Registered Historical churches, Small Businesses, Amtrack station, Court House, Fayetteville Reginal Airport, and Fayetteville Technical Community College to name a few. The history walk/ride should not idolize monuments of good or ruthless men and women, race or religion. However, it should be focus on country, respecting history, and pride in vision and evolution.
Photos by Sharon Matthias; Areas in Downtown Fayetteville
Photos on LinkedIn: Robert Van Geons, president and CEO of Fayetteville, Cumberland County Economic Development Corp left), Franco Webb Chairman of the Military Affairs Council
One of the Stakeholders, The Chamber of Commerce, must play a major part in this program. Once the Chief Executive Officer or Assistant speak to the Soldiers on future investment projects and plans for the city, the focus must be on giving them an analysis on the city's projected growth. An initiative like this will help Soldiers be more informed about the state they work, which may eventually influence their decisions on returning as a place to retire. It also introduces the external Publics to the new Soldiers, and the Soldiers to them. In return, the network builds business, friendships, and trust between the two communities.
コメント