As the COVID-19 pandemic grows, we asked Col. Prescott Farris, director of the Army’s Soldier for Life program, how the outbreak is affecting its mission and what they are doing to overcome the challenges. Here’s what he had to say:
“COVID-19 is certainly temporarily impacting the way we do business. Based on guidance from the Department of the Army, Soldier for Life will work remotely and engage virtually for an undetermined period of time. I encourage all of our partners to continue to reach out to us, as we do the same. I’m confident that we can execute our mission* in this manner, and maintain progress on initiatives and programs that support our Army’s priorities.
Of course, we are not going to be able to attend all the working groups, planning sessions and outreach opportunities we had planned, but we are, like so many Americans, taking advantage of virtual meeting technology to stay in touch with our key stakeholders and organizations that provide services to soldiers, veterans and families. We may have to delay the release of some of our popular social media content such as the Soldier for Life Podcast, MilSpouse Mondays and others, so if you missed any episodes, now’s the time to catch up! Our communications team continues to monitor information provided by the United States Army and Department of Defense and will share all relevant and timely information on our website and social media platforms.
While this may be a stressful time for many of us, we are all in this together. It’s important that we all do our part to flatten the curve, protect the most vulnerable, and support one other. Wherever you are, please follow the guidance given by your leadership, your chain of command, your school or your employer.
Stay safe, stay healthy, and stay a Soldier for Life!”
Col. Prescott Farris
Director, Soldier for Life
*Mission: Soldier for Life engages and connects Army, government, and non-government organizations in order to influence policies, programs, and services that support soldiers, veterans, and families, build sustainable relationships and outcomes, and reinforce the Soldier For Life (SFL) mindset throughout the entirety of the Soldier Life Cycle (SLC).
Read our interview with Col. Farris in the May 2019 issue of G.I. Jobs.
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