FORT KNOX, Ky. –
A new outreach effort is underway for U.S. Army Recruiting Command, and the focus is on highlighting the diversity found in the U.S. Army.
Seventeen individuals have been selected from across the country to represent the command at various events as part of the new Diversity Outreach and Inclusion Team.
The team consists of junior officers, noncommissioned officers and senior noncommissioned officers who will engage diverse audiences and communities to share their Army experiences and address misperceptions or concerns prospective applicants, educators and other influencers may have about military service.
“All of our DOIT leaders are passionate and have incredible energy to change lives,” said USAREC’s senior enlisted leader Command Sgt. Maj. John Foley, who interviewed and selected the team members based on nominations from each of the brigades. “They have unique stories to share about their upbringing and challenges as they progressed into adulthood.”
Foley and USAREC Commanding General Maj. Gen. Kevin Vereen decided to create the team to amplify the Department of Defense’s focus on diversity and inclusion. They sought leaders who embody the Army values to represent the many different ethnicities of Soldiers in the command and in the Army as a whole.
“I simply looked for great leaders with specific leadership qualities; I want them to be physically fit, educated with college degrees, competent, articulate, comfortable with engaging large crowds and able to share their life and Army story,” Foley said.
The USAREC Diversity and Outreach Team members are as follows:
Team 1
Command Sgt. Maj. Hilda Garcia (team lead) - Phoenix Battalion
1st Lt. Amber Sims - Mid-Atlantic Battalion
Sgt. 1st Class Rashad Harkless - Jacksonville Battalion
Staff Sgt. David Loaiza Cardenas - New York City Battalion
Staff Sgt. Rocky Spells - Raleigh Battalion
Staff Sgt. Sayuri Gamage - Atlanta Battalion
Staff Sgt. Archie Arboleda - New York City Battalion
Staff Sgt. Megan Cereo - Albany Battalion
Sgt. Ross Eastman - Denver Battalion
Team 2
Team lead: Command Sgt. Maj. Latosha Ravenell (team lead) - Marketing & Engagement Brigade
1st Sgt. Seijin Garrido - Southern California Battalion
Sgt. 1st Class Diego Perez Lopez - Houston Battalion
Sgt. 1st Class Kendall Rogers - Milwaukee Battalion
Staff Sgt. Terrance Walker - Dallas Battalion
Staff Sgt. Julia Cruz - Tampa Battalion
Staff Sgt. Mav Hakim - Great Lakes Battalion
Staff Sgt. Mary James - Columbus Battalion