FORT BRAGG, N.C. - Soldiers from National Guard units across the state attended the North Carolina National Guard's first Unit Public Affairs Representative training at the 139th Regional Training Institute, July 19-21.
The UPAR training educated soldiers on the basics of media and community relations, photography and writing for their respective units, and bridging the communication gap between Soldiers and the community.
UPARs are able to connect with qualified Public Affairs NCOs and officers and get accurate, timely information out that otherwise may not have been broadcast. Since the NCNG Public Affairs Office is located in Raleigh, UPARs are a cost-effective way for units to use internal support during local events in different regions.
"How important Public Affairs really is, how big of a picture we paint for the world; that's what I've really learned," said Sgt. Willie Morton, an Honor Guard soldier from Oxford with the 1-130th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, "It's really fun and hard at the same time."
During the class, the students participated in practical exercises where they took their new knowledge and spent time applying it with National Guard units at Fort Bragg, to prepare for events and trainings with their home units.
"I hope to get a better understanding of what Public Affairs does and be able to take messages and channel them through the unit so we can be better equipped for social incidents and be more educated," said Chaplain Assistant Sgt. Shawn Fournillier, 30th Special Troops Battalion, part of the 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team.
Staff Sgt. Sophie Murphy, 105th Military Police Battalion in Asheville, has worked with public affairs previously and was excited for the class, "I'm looking forward to understanding what's expected of me as a UPAR, and to be able to provide more western-side representation," she said.
The North Carolina National Guard started and still continues on as a grassroots organization, compiled of men and women from local communities who work not only for a federal mission but the state as well. UPARs are able to share those missions and coordinate civilian interaction to show how the Guard is always ready and available to support the state's authorities in emergencies and times of need.
"To have external leaders to tell our story," said Lt. Col. Maury Williams, the director of NCNG Public Affairs, "Getting eyes and ears out there to tell our story … to be able to articulate what we do to support our nation."