Troops embark on 'Why We Serve' public outreach mission

Published April 2, 2007
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON (AFNEWS) -- Eight servicemembers with duty experience in Iraq, Afghanistan or the Horn of Africa, who have been selected to tell the military's story to the American public, met with Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England here March 30.

It's important and it's vital, particularly now," Secretary England told the group of their mission to relate their experiences to the American public. "This is the time to be out with the message of the importance of what you do every day, and all those who serve."

The eight enlisted and commissioned Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps members are participating in the Defense Department's "Why We Serve" public outreach program.

The United States has always relied on the courage and selflessness of military members who have fought to preserve America's security, freedoms and way of life since the nation was established, Secretary England pointed out.

"What you're doing is hugely important," the deputy defense secretary told the servicemembers as he shook their hands and passed out his personal coins. "And, while you're out there, deliver a great message for America."

The "Why We Serve" program began last fall and initially was the idea of Marine Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The program is conducted in quarterly segments and eight military members, two from each service, are selected to participate, said Air Force Maj. Ann N. Biggers, the program's director.

"We're sending the best of the best from each of the services," Major Biggers said.

Participants are attached to the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs for periods of about 90 days. They travel to communities across the nation to tell their personal stories of military service. Speaking engagements range from veterans organizations to grade schools to business groups.

But first, the servicemembers undergo three days of training consisting of standards of conduct, public speaking, policy and ethics, interview skills, speech preparation and more, she said.

"We know that the American public is hungry to hear about what these young men and women have been doing," Major Biggers said. "It's important for our speakers, as well, because they are out there serving their country, and they want to be able to tell their stories."

This is the third "Why We Serve" group since the program began, she said. The group members are:

-- Air Force Capt. Michael J. Frasco, 35, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.;

-- Air Force Tech. Sgt. Robert P. Jubie, 35, Hill AFB, Utah;

-- Army Capt. Jessica L. Murphy, 28, Fort Drum, N.Y.;

-- Army Staff Sgt. Matt Olson, 25, Fort Jackson, S.C.;

-- Marine 1st Lt. Matthew H. Hilton, 28, Camp Pendleton, Calif.;

-- Marine Sgt. Paula Payne, 23, Camp Pendleton;

-- Navy Lt. Junior Grade Katie Hagen, 24, Norfolk, Va.; and

-- Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Virginia Marie Mayo, 29, Camp Pendleton.

The servicemembers have unique experiences they'd like to share with the American public.

Sergeant Jubie, a military carpenter who has served in Iraq and Afghanistan, recalled helping Afghans to rebuild their homes during his stint with a provincial reconstruction team in Afghanistan. He also cited the death of two of his fellow servicemembers in the Afghan capital of Kabul on Sept. 8, 2006.

"That really drove home to me to a great desire to continue the mission," said Sergeant Jubie, an Arlington, Wash., native. "Unfortunately, their lives were ended short, but their legacy lives on through the PRTs."

Captain Frasco, who hails from Albuquerque, N.M., volunteered to be a supply convoy commander during a tour in Afghanistan in 2006, a task normally done by an Army officer. He also served as a trainer for the Afghan National Army.

Captain Frasco remembers once working 30 consecutive 16-hour days during his tour in Afghanistan. However, he said, it was worth it to help the Afghans get back onto their feet after enduring years of brutal rule under the Taliban.

However, "despite all the long hours, despite all the hardships that we'd gone through and despite all the difficult things that we'd faced during our deployment, servicemembers are ready to go back" to assist the Afghans to make them stronger, Captain Frasco said.

Servicemembers perform dangerous duty in Iraq, Afghanistan and other far-flung places to preserve America's security and freedoms and to protect loved ones and other Americans back home, he said.

For general questions about the "Why We Serve" program, call Maj. Ann Biggers at (703) 695-3845.