ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md.--The "Why We Serve" campaign kick-off is set for Nov. 25 at the Myer Auditorium from 10 to 11:30 a.m. The theme for this event is "Restoring our Commitment to the Profession."
Maj. Gen. Bruce T. Crawford, commanding general of the Communications-Electronics Command and APG, will host the event.
During the campaign kick-off, enlisted Soldiers, Army officers and DOD civilians will re-take their respective oaths of service. The event will include patriotic musical performances and remarks by Crawford and Carolyn Collins, deputy director of the Army's Sexual Harassment/ Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP) program. The 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) will present the colors.
Crawford said the event gives attendees the opportunity to reflect on what it means to serve as a professional with high standards, values and ethics.
"Ultimately, the 'Why we Serve' campaign is about remembering the commitment we all made to serve in the most respected profession on earth," he said. "As trusted professionals we have an inherent responsibility to honor the solemn promise when we raised our right hand and swore allegiance to our nation."
Kristopher Joseph, a public affairs specialist from CECOM, said the campaign is also about improving the quality of life for the entire military community. He said Collins was selected as the event's guest speaker because eliminating sexual harassment and assault is a top priority within the Army.
"Another purpose of the 'Why We Serve' is to get after the issues that hurt the military community such as suicide, sexual assault and other acts of indiscipline that bring down morale and productivity," Joseph said. "By remembering why we serve, we can all improve the quality of life of our workplace and community."
Crawford said the intent of the campaign is to create permanent and ongoing discussion by incorporating the message into other initiatives and programs already in place.
"With 'Why We Serve' we have the opportunity to discuss all the values that we hold dear as Americans, and that as members of the Army, we are the standard-bearers and protectors of those values," Crawford said. "If we can change the culture and restore deep pride in service, our team of Army professionals will be better equipped to face the challenges of the future."
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