WASHINGTON, D.C. - Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Talley, chief of Army Reserve and commanding general of the Army Reserve Command, recognized the service and sacrifice of America's Citizen Soldiers during the United States Army Reserve Corridor Dedication and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony held at the Pentagon, April 21.
"There was no space documenting the service of the Army Reserve-until today. This is a place where Pentagon occupants and visitors can learn more about the Army Reserve's 107 years of history," said Talley.
Consisting of 80 panels and six sections, the corridor documents the evolution of the Army Reserve from a small corps of medical professionals into today's global command. "The corridor, designed like a museum, will be a visual narrative that illustrates the value of the Army Reserve to the nation by displaying the component's history and the actions of its Soldiers in various wars," said Jennifer Friend, museum specialist, U.S. Army Reserve Command.
The collection of the necessary material and design was a collective effort involving the Center of Military History, Army Reserve History and the Office of the Chief of Army Reserve. They worked jointly to develop and create the field museum providing the Army Reserve a platform to share its history.
"The fact that it will be there forever, there is a true sense of pride to have been a part of it. This will have a lasting impression in a pivotal location and it provides the Army Reserve a venue to relay its message," said Lt. Col. Antoinette Rainey, secretary general staff, Office of the Chief of Army Reserve.
The corridor is adjacent to the U.S. Army exhibits and it displays uniforms, equipment and other artifacts. "The Pentagon is connected to the rest of America and the Army Reserve Corridor will be a visual and visceral connection to all of the Citizen Soldiers, past and present, whose valor and sacrifice, service and fidelity, exemplify our past, guide our present, and light our way into the future," said Talley.
The lasting exhibit highlights the capabilities and value of the Army Reserve, and pays homage to Reserve Soldiers who paid the ultimate sacrifice. Throughout the corridor, notable Army Reserve Soldiers are highlighted. Two Silver Star recipients: retired Spc. Jeremy Church and former Sgt. David Hutchinson were in attendance of the ceremony. Also present was Keith Maupin, father of Staff Sgt. Keith M. Maupin who was captured during Operation Iraqi Freedom and whose remains were later recovered.
"I always equate it back to an airborne Soldier-your reserve is what you are always going to use in your time of need. We needed that voice. This [Army Reserve Corridor] gives us that voice and a true audience to share that we are not only your reserve but look at how much we have done," said Rainey.
The content displayed boldly states all the Army Reserve has to bring to the fight today just as it has throughout its history.
"It's important to connect Soldiers to the history they are a part of on a deeper level," said Talley. "This corridor illustrates the value of the Army Reserve in the past, today, and how our force will continue to contribute to the Total Force of the future."
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