New Army video to feature Fort Lewis

By Spc. Aaron Carpenter, I Corps Public Affairs

Fort Lewis was the setting as the Department of the Army set out to showcase the life of today’s Soldiers and their families.

Capt. Ryan Hansen, A Co., 5th Battalion, 19th Special Forces Group, Colorado Army National Guard, led the five-person charge as his team captured video and still pictures for the new Army Experience Center program June 25-27.

The AEC is developing a prototype for the recruiting experience, with the information gathered at Fort Lewis eventually being shown to citizens in major metropolitan areas, offering an in-depth look at what Army life has to offer.

“We wanted to capture candid Army life photographs and video of unscripted situations and unaltered locations to show the day-to-day aspects of living and serving in the Army,” Hansen said.

The crew, consisting of four civilians, went out on a mission to find everything that makes Fort Lewis what it is, as they toured barracks, on post housing areas, post sponsored athletic events, sports and fitness centers, recreational areas, education centers, ranges, training facilities and everything in between.

“The Army is an organization that is working hard to show that it cares and appreciates Soldiers and their families,” Hansen said, summing up what Fort Lewis Soldiers said about the Army.

Fort Lewis has all the resources on post to fit the needs of daily life.

“Besides finding enjoyment with their work in the Army, the Soldiers communicated to us they also enjoy their time off while stationed at Fort Lewis.”

Hansen’s crew took the same path as many Soldiers as they began their day by attending PT and finished with a recreational activity.

“The Soldiers communicated that the Army is showing its understanding that they need to be well rounded and have a variety of activities to pursue to be comfortable, happy and fulfilled.

The crew said they were most impressed by the sports and fitness centers, the dining facilities and the housing areas during their visit on Fort Lewis.

“Everyone in our crew commented that the new barracks we visited were much nicer than the college dorms they had lived in,” Hansen said, “and even a large majority of apartment housing they have experienced.”

Hansen said it makes sense that Fort Lewis is the most requested active duty post in the Army because Soldiers and their families feel that the Army validates and appreciates their outside interests and activities.

“I would’ve loved to be stationed here during my active duty time.”