FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: JULY 18, 2002
Contact Patrick Tremblay, ptremblay@asomf.org (910) 483-3003 ext. 229
ROLL
CALL: Every Name has a Story
FAYETTEVILLE, NC. The Airborne & Special Operations Museum (ASOM) recently launched the most ambitious and unifying project of its kind in military history: the only permanent archive and Internet service designed to preserve the shared history of all US Army airborne and special operations soldiers from 1940 to the present. The program, called Roll Call, perpetuates the heritage and values of these soldiers through the use of the latest in computer database and Internet technology.
"It's very exciting for us," says museum Executive Director Sandy Klotz. "We've been working on this project since before the museum opened, and only recently has the funding, technology and timing been right to proceed." With start-up funding provided by entrepreneur and airborne veteran John Hughes, and database and website service provided by local Fayetteville company Biz Tools One, the museum staff has created a program that adds another dimension to the nationally acclaimed museum. "It's a brilliant combination of historical content in a thoroughly modern medium," says Dr. John Duvall, Director of Programming and Education at the museum. "Roll Call adds an interactive and human element to the museum, and allows people from around the world to participate."
Putting a Face on History
Until now, museums like the ASOM would collect and exhibit information on units,
battles and important leaders. This information is difficult enough to assemble,
but collecting information on the individual men and women who have served is
a nearly impossible task. "Over three-quarters of a million people have
served in airborne and special operations units," says Duvall, "and
they have served in dozens of different units, many of which have been de-activated
for years. Roll Call is the only place where individual records can exist and
be linked directly with these unit histories. This was not possible only a few
years ago."
"One intent of the program is to show how these individuals have used the skills they acquired while in service to contribute to society once they've re-entered civilian life," says Klotz. From CEOs and artists to grandparents and police officers, many of our nation's most successful people's lives have been shaped by their experiences in the military. The Roll Call program gives these individuals a chance to maintain a link with their Army past while recording how it affected their future. Roll Call is being funded by grants totaling $250 thousand from the John E. & Jeanne T. Hughes Foundation, and The Coleman Foundation which was established in 1951 by Marine colonel J.D. Stetson and D.W. Coleman, both at the direction of John E. Hughes. Hughes, a veteran of the 13th and 82d Airborne Divisions, is a C.P.A., entrepreneur and philanthropist who believes that voluntary service in airborne or special operations units is a transforming experience, instilling in those who serve an understanding of the power of individual initiative and the value of teamwork. "We will eventually build a database with tens of thousands of names," says Klotz, "and it will show how this service has positively affected our nation in all walks of life."
Character Education
Dr. Duvall's focus on any museum project is in its educational value. "We
teach students daily about facts and figures, and about history on a local and
global level," says Duvall. "What we aren't always able to impart
is the sacrifice and courage of individuals under extraordinary circumstances.
Roll Call gives us an opportunity to do this, and to do so using a medium that
is best understood by these students." As character education becomes more
important in our schools, the ASOM is welcoming the opportunity to meet the
challenge. "We see over ten thousand students of all ages annually through
field trips," Duvall says, "and through speaking with teachers we
find that the interactive parts of the museum are what engage children the most.
Roll Call is accessible at home and school through the Internet, and we're hoping
teachers use it as a tool in the classroom in conjunction with their visit to
the museum."
History Meets Technology
No other museum database like it had ever been created - it needed to be searchable,
fast and easy to use, secure and created using technology capable of being upgraded
over time. The museum staff wasn't sure how many people would register, but
the program and all those involved had to be prepared for whatever the answer
would be. When the time came for the technical creation of Roll Call, Fayetteville
company Biz Tools One was brought on board. "With a project of this importance,
it is essential that it remains local so that we have complete control over
all aspects," says museum Executive Director Sandy Klotz, "Roll Call
was built using absolutely the best equipment and technology, so that it will
expand to meet whatever demands are placed on it and be here as long as the
museum is."
The Program
Names and service information of active duty or veteran airborne and special
operations soldiers are submitted over the Internet or through the mail. Once
a person's information is submitted, it becomes a permanent part of the database
maintained by the Airborne & Special Operations Museum. Information about
registrants' units, years of service, awards and decorations are joined by a
narrative section to expand on the impact the service has had on their life.
This information is linked directly to a brief history of all airborne and special
operations units, both past and present. The collection of names and information
is accessible and searchable through the Internet or at kiosks located in the
museum lobby.
There is no charge for accessing the data, and only a small charge to submit information. "Originally Roll Call was going to be a much simpler program," says Dr. Duvall, "but when we realized the interest in the program and how eager veterans were to have a more complete history recorded, we expanded the scope of the database." Registrants are charged $25 for each history listed, and for an additional $25 registrants may include a photograph. An optional full page can be purchased, which will allow registrants to give a more detailed history or personal story. Information can come directly from a veteran or active-duty soldier, fellow soldier or friend. This is also an excellent opportunity for people to honor family members who have served or are serving. All proceeds will be used to help maintain the database and as a fundraiser for the museum.
Searching the Past
The number of people who have served in airborne and special operations units
is relatively small compared to the rest of the military, but massive when trying
to find a way to collect all their information. Roll Call had to be technologically
advanced enough to handle the tens of thousands of names and information that
it will eventually contain, yet simple enough for anyone who has served in an
airborne or special operations unit to register and for the casual user to search.
One of the most innovative aspects of the Roll Call is that it is infinitely searchable. Users can find all registrants who served in a particular unit or during a certain time period. In addition, they can search civilian achievements by key words. Registrants will also be given the option of having contact information made available, leading to possible reunions between old friends. "We realized early in our planning that many will use it to find information on members of their units, and that families will use it to create an easily accessible record of a family member's service," says Klotz, "and for these reasons searchability was a key component."
The Museum
Located at 100 Bragg Boulevard in downtown Fayetteville, the Airborne &
Special Operations Museum is part of the U.S. Army Museum System and tells the
story of Army airborne and special operations units from 1940 to the present.
Museum hours: 10am - 5 pm, Tuesdays through Saturdays, Noon - 5 pm Sundays.
Closed Monday; open Federal holiday Mondays. Admission is free; there is a charge
for the museum's exclusive movie, Descending from the Clouds, and the Pitch,
Roll & Yaw Motion Simulator.
For More Information
On the web: www.asomf.org
Media inquiries may be directed to Patrick Tremblay at (910) 483-3003 ext. 229
or ptremblay@asomf.org. Electronic photography and additional literature are
available.
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