WEST POINT, N.Y. (Army News Service, Sept. 12, 2006) –“America’s Army” online video game will launch its newest version, “America’s Army: Special Forces (Overmatch),” Thursday.
The new addition features “America’s Army: Real Heroes,” a program that honors Soldiers who’ve shown heroism in the war on terror. So far, “Real Heroes” are modeled after eight Soldiers who’ve received an award for valor for actions in operations Enduring or Iraqi Freedom. In addition to being virtual in-game characters, the heroes are being modeled for action figures that will be sold in retail stores.
Chris Chambers, deputy director of the Army Game project, said the new characters were created to inspire Americans and highlight the values, teamwork and courage that are the fabric of today’s Army.
“There are thousands of enlisted Soldiers who have been awarded medals for bravery and valor in combat, but their stories are largely unknown to the American public,” said Chambers.
In the past century, most Americans were well aware of, and looked up to, Soldiers like Sergeants Audie Murphy and Alvin York, he added. “There is a great need for the public to learn the stories behind our current generation of Soldiers.”
America’s Army shows more than 7.5 million registered users what it’s like to be a Soldier. Players assume virtual roles as special forces, infantry or medical Soldiers, explore individual and collective training, and eventually participate in simulated war on terror missions.
In the game’s latest version, players will be able to meet and interact with the Real Heroes, and hear their stories told through a video and in the real Soldier’s own words on the America’s Army Web site, www.americasarmy.com.
The first four Soldiers to become Real Heroes are Sgt. 1st Class Gerald Wolford, Maj. Jason Amerine, Sgt. Tommy Rieman and Sgt. Matthew W. Zedwick. Action figures and in-game characters will launch later this year for Master Sgt. Scott Neil, Sgt. Leigh Hester, Spc. Jason Mike and Staff Sgt. Timothy Nein.