News

“Why We Serve:” A calling for Dover Airmen to share their story with America’s public

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. James Wilkinson
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Dover Airmen who are willing to share their story with the Nation now have an opportunity to be nominated to participate in a national civic outreach program.

The "'Why We Serve'" program is an opportunity for U.S. servicemembers, like the Airmen here at Dover Air Force Base, to share their experience of serving their country directly with the American people.

"Why We Serve is designed to communicate the day-to-day sacrifices made by every member of the Armed Forces in the long war; not necessarily to recognize uncommon courage under fire," said Jacqueline Devine, Air Mobility Command Public Affairs chief of communications integration. "Nominees; however, should have a compelling story to tell."

Supervisors, first sergeants and commanders can nominate their Airmen here to participate in the program. All nominators have to do is fill out a nomination letter and forward it the 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs Office, which will forward the letters to Air Mobility Command.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for Dover Airmen to share their stories and experiences with the American public so they can hear first-hand how Dover's Airmen support the Global War on Terror every day," said Lt. Col. Cheryl Law, 436th Airlift Wing chief of public affairs. "It also provides Airmen a chance to tell the public the reasons why they serve and allows those not in uniform to gain insight into the men and women in uniform."

Those selected for the program will be issued temporary duty orders from March 27 through July 2 to travel extensively to interact with the American public, starting their journey in Washington, D.C. The Office of the Secretary of Defense will pay all expenses, including temporary duty.

"Essentially, Why We Serve is an armed forces-style grass roots movement to reconnect with the American people," said Marine Maj. Matt Morgan, the program's director. "What we want to do is close the gap by allowing servicemembers to communicate directly with American people about why it is they do what they do."

Additional guidance and copies of nomination forms can be found at the 436th AW Public Affairs Office on base. Completed nomination forms can be submitted via e-mail to the 436th AW Public Affairs Office at 436aw.pa@dover.af.mil.

The "Why We Serve" program was established by former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld and Marine Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Secretary Rumsfeld and General Pace felt the best way to communicate with the American people was to send servicemembers to their hometowns when they return from overseas to talk directly to community organizations about their experience.

Members from the Air National Guard and Reserves are welcome; however, the DoD cannot support mobilization exclusively for the purposes of the program.

To qualify for "Why We Serve," members must:
-Be in the ranks of E-5 through O-4.
-Have served in the U.S. Central Command Area of Responsibility for 90 consecutive days within the past six months.
-Be able to be in Washington, D.C., no later than March 27 for 90 days.
-Have strong communication skills and a good appearance.
-Possess a government travel card with an account in good standing.
-Be up-to-date on service-required testing and training.
-Be financially stable and emotionally mature.
-Have been cleared through the member's supervisor and commander.