Army Influencers Unite for Operation Ring the Bell

FORT MEADE, Md. – In a remarkable display of solidarity, Army influencers have played a pivotal role in amplifying the "Operation Ring the Bell" organization in an Army-wide effort to register bone marrow donors for 23-year-old infantryman, Sgt. Derrick Bishop, with 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, N.C. After being diagnosed with aplastic anemia, a rare and life-threatening condition, Bishop's need for a bone marrow transplant sparked a wave of support across the Army.

Upon learning of Bishop's situation, Army influencers mobilized to campaign quickly. They produced and shared videos across social media platforms, urging fellow Soldiers to register as bone marrow donors to assist in finding a match for Bishop. Grassroots efforts resulted in over 1,000 Soldiers at Fort Bragg participating in a bone marrow screening, and more than 1,000 additional individuals requesting test kits online.

Influencers say the campaign reflects the true purpose of their platforms.

"Through social media, I believe military leaders have a powerful tool to use for good within their cell phones and social media platforms," said Maj. John Howell, an influencer supporting Operation Ring the Bell. "Never make your social media presence about yourself, it must be about bettering the force and assisting Soldiers like Sgt. Bishop and his wife."

The Army Creative Reserve, a pilot initiative launched by the Army Talent Innovation Directorate in January, played a crucial role in this outreach. According to Col. Kristin Saling, Innovation Chief for the Directorate, the Creative Reserve works with Soldiers who create content to engage various audiences. "Their greatest value is the authenticity of their voices," said Sailing. "We don't dictate the message. We simply help open doors and connect them with opportunities to tell the Army's story."

The success of the outreach by influencers emphasizes the importance of digital storytelling in the Army. "It's refreshing to see how digital storytelling, done authentically, still has the power to mobilize people,” Sailing said.

The Army Creative Reserve's involvement highlighted the urgency of Bishop's need and fostered a more profound sense of community and shared purpose among Soldiers.

Looking ahead, the Army plans to integrate such initiatives into a formal content calendar, allowing influencers to support various campaigns, including future bone marrow drives, Army Emergency Relief efforts, and the Army's 250th birthday celebrations. This approach aims to harness the power of authentic storytelling and furthering the Army's commitment to service and support for its members.