AUGUST 26, 2026 – The New England Recruiting Battalion and U.S. Army Reserve supported the Army Golden Knights Tandem Camp Aug. 11-13 here at Lawrence Municipal Airport.
The three-day event showcased the capabilities of the U.S. Army, strengthened community partnerships, and engaged key “centers of influence.”
“I invited business and education leaders for the jump to develop a bond with the recruiters and a path forward for referrals,” explained U.S. Army Reserve Ambassador Ernie Almonte of Rhode Island. “We’re trying to develop credible Army advocates and reinforce community trust in the Army to position the recruiting battalion for sustained partnerships.”
During the three-day event, 37 educators and executives completed tandem jumps with the Golden Knights, creating opportunities for follow-on school visits, community engagements, referrals, and recruiter introductions.
“Overall, the camp was a great success,” Almonte said. “The event provided educators and community leaders a positive, first-hand Army experience…and created future recruiting-engagement opportunities.”
The Army Reserve Ambassador Program is one of the Army Reserve’s key outreach and engagement programs. The primary role of an ambassador is to develop awareness and advocacy for the Army Reserve by building bridges of communication to communities across the nation. To learn more, visit www.usar.army.mil/AmbassadorProgram/
Story by Shawn Morris
99th Readiness Division