Meet Our Newest Real Heroes: SFC Robert Groff and SFC John Adams

Like all of our Real Heroes, Sergeant First Class Robert Groff and Sergeant First Class John Adams are exemplary Soldiers who, in the face of danger, performed acts of heroism to save lives and defend freedom. With his fuel convoy under heavy fire from 250 well-armed insurgents just south of Baghdad, SFC Groff’s decisive leadership and personal courage saved the lives of numerous Soldiers and civilians. Refusing to quit, SFC Groff distinguished himself by acts of courage under fire, earning the Bronze Star with "V" Device for Valor. SFC Adams’ heroic actions during a routine patrol prevented Anti-Iraqi forces from burying Improvised Explosive Devices meant to injure American Soldiers. For placing the mission first, taking decisive action under fire, and protecting his fellow Soldiers on the battlefield, SFC Adams was awarded the Bronze Star with "V" Device for Valor. Hear our new Real Heroes tell the extraordinary details of these heroic events, and learn more about their backgrounds and the experiences that made them Army Strong® at www.americasarmy.com/realheroes/.

AA3 Wishlist

AMEDD anyone?

AMEDD. Another Army acronym you need to know for the game? Well, no, but AMEDD, the U.S. Army’s Medical Department, is responsible for the authentic medic training you receive in-game. And without it, you wouldn’t survive very long. If you found the combat medic training you received fascinating, ever consider a career in Army medicine? The Army has one of the largest and most advanced health care systems in the world. And the benefits are endless: scholarship opportunities, paid continuing education, health care for your entire family, paid vacation, travel opportunities, state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, and the ability to advance your career, with unique opportunities to apply your skills in situations only the Army can offer. Not to mention saving lives and serving your country. For more on the endless benefits of a career in Army medicine and to hear first hand experiences of doctors, nurses, dentists and combat medics, check out http://www.americasarmy.com/army/careers.php.

Shape Up for Summer

Thinking about hitting the beach this summer, but not sure if you’re in the best shape? Want to increase your strength and endurance? Why not check out the Army Physical Training Guide. In this easy-to-use, interactive guide you’ll learn exercises, routines and proper nutrition—the Army way—and you’ll get in great shape! The Army Physical Training Guide is designed to prepare individuals for the rigors of Basic Combat Training. Using many of these Army-proven techniques, average people can transform into some the most physically fit individuals in the world... U.S. Army Soldiers. With the Army PT Guide, even experienced athletes can improve their personal fitness and performance. Check it out at http://www.goarmy.com/downloads/pt_guide.jsp. Remember you may be strong, but we’ll make you ARMY STRONG!

Fully Mission Capable: Oil Rig

From the creative mind of Doug “=EE=Doug” Charlton comes the second community created America’s Army map to be elevated to FMC status. Oil Rig, as you may have guessed, is designed around an offshore oil drilling platform and brings a new twist to America’s Army gameplay. Doug, who is a fan of well-balanced, fast-paced maps, decided to give the America’s Army Mission Editor a try and create a map borne from his own imagination. “I like fast small maps,” Doug explained. “So an oil rig seemed a great setting. I thought it would be a different environment from the current maps with slightly different gameplay.” Working long and hard on his design paid off for Doug. “I had never built a map for any game, which made the AA editor difficult to use at first. But I soon learned by trial and error. I just made a lot of it up as I went along...” The America’s Army Mission Editor comes packaged with the free America’s Army: Special Forces (Overmatch) game, and can be downloaded here. To find out more about Doug and how he went from imaginative concepts to creating Oil Rig, go to http://forum.americasarmy.com/viewtopic.php?p=2685513#2685513. America’s Army Mission Depot: The Next Mission Could Be Yours!

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