Did you know that Milwaukee Armed Forces Week is one of the few celebrations to take place around the United States every year in May?
But in early March as the pandemic spread and a “Safer-at-Home” order went in to effect, Milwaukee Armed Forces Week was forced to pivot. “Forward with Loyalty” was still the theme, but one made with a commitment to everyone’s health and safety in these times.
With the majority of this year’s Armed Forces Week events postponed or cancelled, the leadership still wanted to honor the men and women who keep our nation safe and have done so throughout the years. So, in a socially distanced marketplace, Armed Forces Week veered to a virtual format.
One guest speaker, Navy Captain Michael Brasseur, cancelled his flight to Milwaukee and joined by Zoom from Brussels, Belgium. Brasseur, who is currently serving in the Armament Cooperation Directorate at the U.S. Mission to NATO, shared expertise on how to lead in challenging times.
“It’s a tough environment on the ships right now,” said Captain Brasseur. “We are a warship, an instrument of U.S. foreign policy, so we need to be ready to fight. We must keep our distance from each other, wear a mask, wash hands, eat properly and exercise. From a micro level, the effort to get a ship sanitary and people tested is very important. It’s all about maintaining an eye on the prize and the mission. It’s not impossible.”
TRG Marketing guided Milwaukee Armed Forces Week with media and public access to virtual events, and offered links to presentations in addition to a variety of posts on their Facebook page. Written content was also generated for the platform, including interviews with men and women currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.
“I am reminded that there is no real training that prepares a person to meet times like today,” said Colonel Andrew Wahl, 128th Operations Group Commander, 128th Air Refueling Wing, Wisconsin Air National Guard, Milwaukee. “Instead, you rely on the training that you received and those who serve with you to overcome adversity and the unknown.”
Learn more about Colonel Wahl’s story and others serving in the military. Check MAFW website here or follow them on Facebook. Watch for rescheduled events for Milwaukee Armed Forces Week events later this fall.
