Army general participates in storytelling luncheon hosted by Post 283
Los Angeles, Calif. – Army leadership and American Legion veterans came together Thursday for an informative storytelling luncheon at Ronald Reagan-Palisades Post 283. The event, aimed at enriching narratives about the U.S. Army in media and entertainment, featured insightful discussions, which included Maj. Gen. Curtis Taylor and Command Sergeant Major Carvet Tate.
“Ronald Reagan-Palisades Post 283 finds itself sitting at an intersection of historic importance,” said Jim Cragg, commander of Post 283. “Our military is facing catastrophic recruiting failures at a time when its standing in society is diminishing post-war. As veterans we have an understanding of both the military and the civilian world's perception of it, and being located in the media capital of the world, we have positioning to impact this. I'm proud that Maj. Gen. Curt Taylor of the National Training Center at Ft. Irwin and Lt. Col. Johann HIndert of L.A. Recruiting Battalion worked with Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army Sonki Hong to put on this conference at Post 283 to meet with media influencers and educators to discuss ways to improve the soldier and veteran standing in society.”
The luncheon's agenda included an overview of current global military operations and the transformative impact of technological innovation on modern warfare. It went beyond strategy and tactics to also reveal the personal motivations and stories behind the uniform.
Cherie Johnston, who has collaborated with the Army's Los Angeles Recruiting Battalion for over a decade, underscored the luncheon's role in presenting the Army's multifaceted character.
Johnston highlighted the insights from Major General (Ret.) Eldon Regua. She also mentioned Dr. Pete Khooshabeh, whom she sat next to during the luncheon. She said the experience added layers of technical nuance to the day's storytelling.
MC’d by Lt. Col. Johann Hindert, the luncheon was lauded for its initiative in directly linking military leaders with the nation's cultural narrators.
As host of the event, Ronald Reagan-Palisades Post 283 reinforced its commitment to being a conduit for such crucial exchanges, facilitating a deeper comprehension and appreciation for the armed forces within the public sphere.
Below photos by Brandon Williams
Below photos by Jared Morgan
