Letter to the Army Reserve Family

My Fellow soldiers, employees, and family members of the United States Army Reserve,

These are challenging and stressful times. Our Nation has turned to its Army once again, to embark upon an effort that will test our mettle as soldiers. Our nation is confronting a threat unlike many that we have faced in the past. For only the second time in our history, our enemies have brought the fight to our home. Some of our fellow countrymen seem worried about whether we will succeed. I am not. Let me tell you why.

I have the high honor and privilege of being a member of the finest Army in the world. And I have the singular honor of leading one of the three elements of that Army-the United States Army Reserve. Not a day goes by that I don't thank God for the privilege of serving with such a group of dedicated citizen patriots. Men and women who freely and of their own accord, have stepped forward to serve selflessly; willingly, with pride and courage.

I have met with many of you by now and I'll see many more of you in the days and weeks that follow. Everywhere I go I hear the same thing. "Yes, it's hard to be uprooted from my family; yes, I worry that I'll still have a good job when I get home. But this is what I signed up to do when I took my oath. I'm here and I'm going to get the job done."

You represent the ideals upon which this country is founded. Patriotism. Selfless service. Honor. Sacrifice for the common good. And I will tell you the people of your country appreciate what you are doing. One only has to pick up a newspaper or turn on the news to see the vast outpourings of support from our neighbors across the land. We see it when you ship out from your unit for mobilization stations. The patriotic displays of flags in your communities, the presence of dignitaries and ordinary citizens wishing you well, and the tears of people who may not even know you personally when your bus pulls away. Their hopes and prayers for your safe return go with you.

Before we are done many more of you will be mobilized. We must all be preparing for that possibility right now. If you are not mobilized and have not been alerted you should be thinking about what you can do to assist those who are and preparing for mobilization now. We are all in this fight together regardless of where we are. This is not a time to give anything less than 110%!

There are some other things I want you to do right now. I want you to tell your loved ones how much they mean to you and how much you appreciate the support they give you in your military career so you can serve. Our Family Readiness program has worked wonders over the years correcting some of the problems we encountered during Desert Storm, but family readiness works only because our families and loved ones give of themselves freely to serve us and other family members. You, personally, need to be confident that your loved ones will be alright while you serve. Check all your plans for their continued well being. And talk to them about what it means to you to serve your country in these times. Share with them the pride that you share with CSM Jones, CSM Piacentini and I when we have been with you.

Like the rest of your countrymen, the Command Sergeants Major and I cannot adequately express how proud we are of you. Be assured that we will do everything within our powers to look out for your interests and those of your loved ones. You are in the hearts and prayers of a grateful nation and will stay there until we finish the job at hand.

May our Creator bless this nation, our people, and those who serve in their defense.

Sincerely,

James R. Helmly, Lieutenant General, US Army
Chief, Army Reserve