FORT KNOX, Ky. (May 25, 2010) -- <a href="http://www.armystrongstories.com/" target=Aca,!A?_blank"> Armystrongstories.com</a>, an Army blog previously limited to Soldiers and civilian employees, is now open to anyone who wants to tell an Army story.
Launched in January 2008 by Army Accessions Command as a social media outreach effort, <a href="http://www.armystrongstories.com/" target=Aca,!A?_blank"> Armystrongstories.com</a> also has an updated look, easy-to-navigate layout, and greater integration with video and Facebook.
"Everyone connected to our Army is invited to visit <a href="http://www.armystrongstories.com/" target=Aca,!A?_blank"> Armystrongstories.com</a> and share their story," said Lt. Gen. Benjamin Freakley, Army Accessions commander. "Your experiences - as a spouse, parent, grandparent, child or friend of our men and women in uniform - are invaluable to all Army supporters. We're pleased to offer a program that brings these stories to life in an online platform that encourages conversation and participation."
As of the first week of May when the website relaunched, more than 160 Soldiers with backgrounds ranging from medical and human resources to legal and public affairs have written more than 860 blog posts.
One of those Soldiers is Staff Sgt. Genevieve Chase, a Reserve Soldier with the 301st Military Intelligence Battalion.
"Soldiers should join Army Strong Stories for a number of reasons, not the least of which is that the Army doesn't always do the best job at telling its own story," she said. Online and in the media, the negative stories are always given a platform. Soldiers, every one of us, have some of the best stories to tell."
Born at Fort Campbell, Ky., and raised around and on military bases, Chase brings many perspectives to her blogging: NCO, Afghanistan deployment veteran, female, and active-duty and Reserve service.
"Soldiers see things the average American never gets to see or experience. We've been places and done things that 95 percent of Americans will never do or see," Chase said. "We learn to not take our liberties, our freedoms, our families, our lives for granted. Communicating that experience to Americans can help narrow the gap between what they don't know and what they should know about the military, Soldiers, and the world."
The service range of the <a href="http://www.armystrongstories.com/" target=Aca,!A?_blank"> Armystrongstories.com</a> contributors is wide. From Chase's 10 years, to Col. Thomas Palmatier at 32 years, to Pvt. Robin Davis, who joined the Army in 2009, the blog's voices are diverse.
"I was looking to write about my experience in joining the Army," Davis said. "I found a few websites and decided to sign up for this one (armystrongstories.com)."
The 20-year-old from Soldotna, Alaska, was not aware that the website was associated with the Army. His online writing experience did not begin on <a href="http://www.armystrongstories.com/" target=Aca,!A?_blank"> Armystrongstories.com</a>.
"I started blogging on a Facebook personality page I created," he said. "I was in advanced English classes in high school. I write when I am inspired to do so."
Davis has time to blog as he is awaiting the start of his AIT at Fort Meade, Md. He said he appreciated that the website's intent was "To present the inside, unfiltered side of a Soldier's story."
Lt. Gen. Freakley realizes that open, honest communication on <a href="http://www.armystrongstories.com/" target=Aca,!A?_blank"> Armystrongstories.com</a> is a benefit for both the Army and American citizens. He encourages Soldiers to join the site and watch a video at armystrongstories.com/about-site/.
As the higher headquarters for U.S. Army Recruiting Command and U.S. Army Cadet Command, Accessions Command is made up of more than 18,400 Soldiers and civilians that have more direct contact with the American public than any other Army command.
"We anticipate this platform will contain topical, relevant and realistic discussions about issues and events facing our Soldiers and those influenced or impacted by their service to this nation," Freakley said.
(Brian Lepley writes for the Army Accessions Command PAO.)