US Army Reserve Black History Radio Media Tour

The February Radio Media Tour (RMT) highlighted the accomplishments of American servicemen and women who have left their mark on history, especially through the lens of an Army Reserve Soldier with a strong family legacy of service.

Chief Warrant Officer Phillip Brashear spoke with radio stations across the country to share the extraordinary African American Soldiers who have – and continue to – show courage in defending our nation. The RMT also helped to increase awareness about the U.S. Army Reserve as a champion of diversity. There were 15 radio interviews, including three nationally broadcast interviews, that reached a total audience of 14,216,145.

Throughout the interviews, Chief Brashear focused on the following key messages:

• Legacy of African American Soldiers: There are countless stories of African American Soldiers who made outstanding contributions while serving their country, including Corporal Waverly Woodson Jr. and Major General Jonathon Woodson, among others. My father was Master Chief, Master Diver Carl Brashear, the first African American master diver in the U.S. Navy, who persevered in the face of racism and other challenges. He’s the subject of the Hollywood movie, “Men of Honor.”

• Contributions of Soldiers as an integral part of American history: American service men and women have left their mark on history and on our society. There has been no war fought by or within the United States in which African Americans did not serve proudly. Today, African Americans make up about 19% of our Army and serve at every level of military leadership.

• Diversity is not about what makes us different: It’s about how we can each MAKE a difference. Today, Americans are proud of our diversity. It is fitting that we celebrate and honor the differences that make us unique and the shared ideals that bring us together. Regardless of our roots, we remain first, last, and always – Americans.

Each radio interview can be found below:

WYRQ Minneapolis Interview