Listen to “HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH WITH THE U.S. ARMY RESERVE: PURSUING PURPOSE AND PASSION” on Spreaker.
Every September, the Army Reserve joins the nation in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, reflecting on our shared history as Americans and recognizing the rich mosaic of people and cultures who build and strengthen this branch of service. The Army Reserve story cannot be told without reflecting on the remarkable contributions made by Hispanic American Soldiers. From the Spanish-American War to the Korean War and beyond, Soldiers of Hispanic and Latin Descent have not hesitated to defend this nation and contribute their talents and skills to local communities.
Whether their heritage can be traced to Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean or Central and South America, these Soldiers have answered the call to service, defending America with great honor, dedication, and distinction. The Army Reserve draws its strength from the diversity that makes up America’s melting pot, and by recognizing our history, we are building a future of a stronger Army Reserve that allows all Soldiers the opportunity to be all they can be.
One of the many benefits of Army Reserve service, is having the flexibility to pursue a Civilian career while also being part of something bigger than yourself. Soldiers can advance their careers and skillsets through various trainings and educational offerings. For example, Sergeant First Class Rodney Roldan, a Noncommissioned Officer, joined the Army Reserve to enhance his media and acting skills through the Army’s public affairs program. And when he’s not reporting in the field, recording radio shows, or working with special operations, Sgt. 1st Class Roldan is on the big screen, working in television and film.
On Wednesday, September 4, join Sergeant First Class Rodney Roldan in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with the Army Reserve. He will discuss the rich story of Hispanic Soldiers in the Army Reserve, his Puerto Rican heritage, and while also highlighting his Army career, his dedication to helping Soldiers reach their potential, and his passion for acting and documentary filmmaking.
Interview courtesy: Army Reserve
TODAY’S ARMY RESERVE IS MORE DIVERSE THAN EVER, AND IT RECOGNIZES THE UNIQUE STRENGTHS THAT EACH SOLDIER BRINGS TO THE TABLE.
DURING HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH, THE ARMY RESERVE IS PAYING TRIBUTE TO SOLDIERS OF HISPANIC AND LATIN DESCENT AND THE MANY WAYS THEY SUPPORT AND ENHANCE THE FORCE.
HERE NOW TO TALK ABOUT THE RICH HISTORY OF HISPANIC SOLDIERS AND THE MANY CONTRIBUTIONS THEY’VE MADE TO THE ARMY RESERVE, INCLUDING HIS OWN PASSION FOR FILM, IS SERGEANT FIRST CLASS RODNEY ROLDAN.
SFC Rodney Manuel Roldan
AGR Operations NCO, 300TH Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
SFC. Rodney M. Roldan is the AGR Operations NCO for the 300th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment located in Fort Gillem, G.A. Prior to this assignment, he served as the AGR Training and Operations NCO for the 209th Broadcast Operations Detachment.
SFC Roldan was born and raised in New York, NY. After high school, Roldan joined the U.S. Navy where he served as an Electricians Mate on several sea going commands, to include the U.S.S Kaufman (FFG-59), as well as shore duty for special detachments for ten years, rising to the rank of Petty Officer 2nd Class. His Navy service included two sea service deployments in the Mediterranean and Arabian Seas, several humanitarian operations in the Caribbean Sea, humanitarian operations in the Ukraine and Black Sea, and a member of the inspection teams that enforced the blockade of weapons into Iraq.
After serving ten years active duty in the U.S. Navy, Roldan joined the U.S. Army Reserve in Los Angeles, CA while pursuing a career in performing arts. He attended Defense Information School at Ft Meade, MD where he became a U.S. Army Broadcast Journalist. Shortly after graduating from Defense Information School, he deployed to Afghanistan, as a field reporter for American Forces Network (AFN) Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Rodney also deployed to Baghdad, Iraq in support of Operation Inherent Resolve as well as several exercises in Poland and Germany.
In his civilian life, he is a television, film and stage actor with current membership in both professional acting unions; Screen Actors Guild-American Federation for Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) and Actors Equity Association (AEA). Since he began his acting and filmmaking career, he has worked on several film, television, commercial, and stage productions that include, Imperium (2016), Fatal Attraction (2022-2023), Storm of Suspicion (2023), The Wire (2006), A Gifted Man (2011), and the stage productions’ M*A*S*H (2006), and Ghetto Babylon (2013).
Roldan’s education includes Bachelor of Arts with a concentration in Communication and Web Media Design from the University of Maryland University College, and Certificate of Completion of Stella Adler Studio of Acting’s 2 Year Conservatory Program in Performing Arts, Master of Arts in Visual Communication from Liberty University and is currently working on his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) at Liberty University.
In 2015 he began working on a World War II documentary project, which sparked his interest in writing, narrating, and directing documentaries. Since then, he has worked on several projects to include most recently, ‘Country and Courage’, which is a feature-length documentary that looks at the history of Veteran’s Day, the experiences of U.S. Army veterans, veteran programs, and the works of William Shakespeare in relation to the mindset and trauma experienced by soldiers. Country and Courage have won several awards to include a Communicator award in 2022, three Telly awards in 2022, and a Davey award from the Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts (AIVA)
Website for more information for Audience: usar.army.mil (U-S-A-R – DOT – ARMY – DOT – M-I-L)
Trouble number is: 770-356-5030
Interview courtesy: U.S. Army Reserve
Guest is located: Fort Gillem, Georgia
