Post by samSForce on Dec 17, 2007 12:40:59 GMT -5
Just thought this was pretty cool
www.figures.com/databases/action.cgi?setup_file=fignews2.setup&category=actionfigures&topic=106&show_article=80
"INTERVIEW: America's Army: Real Hero -- Sgt. Tommy Rieman
Soldier explains what it's like to be an action figure...
To coincide with our review of Jazwares’ Real Heroes: America’s Army figures, we contacted one of the heroic soldiers immortalized in plastic as a part of the line, Sergeant Tommy Rieman, US Army, and asked him a few questions about not only his service, but also what it’s like to be a real life hero and action figure.
Sgt. Rieman earned the Silver Star, the Army’s fourth highest award. Awarded to members of the Armed Forces for “gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States while engaged in military operations involving conflict,” Sgt. Rieman’s actions in Iraq showed not only gallantry, but bravery and dedication as well and his actions no doubt saved not only his own life, but those of his fellow soldiers.
Figures.com: You once said "I always wanted to be G.I. Joe." Why did you want to be G.I. Joe and where did this mentality come from?
Sgt. Rieman: I wanted to be a G.I. Joe because it was a character that gave you hope and pride. As a kid, I always thought it was a great cartoon and that the action figures were awesome. The figures gave me a sense of adventure I was able to replicate in playing with them.
I also have an uncle who served as a Special Forces Soldier. I looked up to him and wanted to be like him. I could see many of the comparisons between the adventures I was able to create with the figures and the real-life adventures he was able to be a part of as a Special Forces Soldier.
Figures.com: What kinds of action figures did you play with as a kid and did this shape your attitude or development in any way?
Sgt. Rieman: I loved G.I. Joes and Transformers. I loved the ability to create scenarios that emphasized action and adventure and doing maneuvers that I never thought I would be able to do like jumping out of planes, sneaking up on the enemy... I think that by creating these scenarios with the figures it spurred me to want to recreate them in real life…
Figures.com: What are the most valuable lesson's you learned growing up that helped shape you into the man you are today?
Sgt. Rieman: The biggest lesson I learned growing up is never giving up in what you believe in, and work hard until you get what you’re reaching for. Also, as the captain of the football and the wrestling teams in high school, I learned a lot about teamwork and values. In the Army, the emphasis on teamwork and values became even more important and really propelled me to be the man I am today.
Figures.com: You spent quite a bit of time as a member of the 51st Long Range Surveillance (LRS) unit and received Special Forces training. Explain what you think are the biggest differences between the realities of your work in the military and what people see in fictional TV shows and movies.
Sgt. Rieman: The difference between movies and reality is feelings and emotions. The things I have done are real and not exaggerated. The fictional stuff is exaggerated to help tell the story. In addition, there is always a lot of emphasis on drama and conflict. I do not think the media ever tries to show the good parts of the Army – the friendships, the downtime, helping others…
Figures.com: You - like hundreds of thousands of Iraq and Afghan veterans - are now members of a new generation that's experienced war first-hand. How has this experience change your attitude?
Sgt. Rieman: The veteran experience has made me prioritize my life to what is important to me. The Iraq war was a true testament of my manhood. It was the hardest thing I have ever faced…until I became a dad…
Figures.com: You left the Army to work as a consultant for America's Army. What exactly is it you now do?
Sgt. Rieman: Actually, I’m still in the Army as part of the Virginia National Guard. I am extremely proud of how the Army has changed me as a person and how it has opened such amazing doors for me, like the America’s Army program.
Since becoming a part of the Real Heroes program, I am really excited about all of the opportunities for the America’s Army game – from getting the Army message out through the computer and video games, to telling Soldiers’ stories…to the incredible training simulations that are developed for use within the military.
When I was offered a chance to join the team, I jumped on it. I am the Real Heroes Program Manager and serve as a Subject Matter Expert on the America’s Army PC and console games. I recently spent a good deal of time working with the developers of the Xbox 360 game, America’s Army: True Soldier (screen capture below). In addition, I do a great deal of traveling with the Virtual Army Experience, a traveling exhibit that gives civilians the change to virtually become a Soldier.
Figures.com: You've said of the America's Army video game - "It's a developmental tool for kids in that decision-making age process. It's out there to educate them." What do you think the game and these figures help convey to the American people and what is it you want people to learn from them?
Sgt. Rieman: I think the game is a great learning tool to expose (others to) how Soldiers operate and how important it is to work as a team. In the game, we try to instill the Army Values (and) show how these principles guide a Soldier; how they lead to success, not only as a Soldier but as a human being.
As for the action figures, I believe they are inspirational. I want people to know what great Soldiers do for this country. The figure is a great way to open people’s eyes to the men that are fighting for freedom every day. The action figures, along with our videos in-game and online, help to tell the story - Soldiers are the folks next door and their values and motivations are the same as anyone else…
Figures.com: You have a son who's almost 2 years old. Does he play with your action figure and what are your thoughts on your own children and other children playing with your action figure?
Sgt. Rieman: My son plays with my action figure (and) it makes me feel amazing because he knows who it is. I feel so proud. My action figure comes with my story on the trading card. I hope kids are inspired by the Real Heroes stories after reading them on the action figure and they can see they have the potential to do anything that they want.
Figures.com: Obviously actors and actresses get action figures made of the characters they play in films all the time, but it's rare for someone to get an action figure actually made of them that's a true representation of who they are. How did you first react when you heard they were making an action figure of you?
Sgt. Rieman: Having my own action figure is such an honor. It represents so much in my life. I was really excited when I saw the figures at Toys “R” Us. I have had several people come up to me and know exactly who I was. That makes me feel the best because it shows people really do care and are hearing our message.
Figures.com: Now that you have, in fact, become an action figure and a "real" American hero, what does the future hold for you?
Sgt. Rieman: I plan on working for America’s Army for as long as I can; I love my job and what the program stands for. I am also planning to get a degree in political science or business. I am really excited to see where life takes me…
- a special “thank you” to Sgt. Tommy Rieman for not only taking the time to answer our questions, but for also putting his life on the line and serving our country; “thank you” to Lori Mezoff for coordinating the interview, and “thank you” to Teresa Buyikian for providing us with samples of the America’s Army: Real Heroes figures."
[Agent:1]
www.figures.com/databases/action.cgi?setup_file=fignews2.setup&category=actionfigures&topic=106&show_article=80
"INTERVIEW: America's Army: Real Hero -- Sgt. Tommy Rieman
Soldier explains what it's like to be an action figure...
To coincide with our review of Jazwares’ Real Heroes: America’s Army figures, we contacted one of the heroic soldiers immortalized in plastic as a part of the line, Sergeant Tommy Rieman, US Army, and asked him a few questions about not only his service, but also what it’s like to be a real life hero and action figure.
Sgt. Rieman earned the Silver Star, the Army’s fourth highest award. Awarded to members of the Armed Forces for “gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States while engaged in military operations involving conflict,” Sgt. Rieman’s actions in Iraq showed not only gallantry, but bravery and dedication as well and his actions no doubt saved not only his own life, but those of his fellow soldiers.
Figures.com: You once said "I always wanted to be G.I. Joe." Why did you want to be G.I. Joe and where did this mentality come from?
Sgt. Rieman: I wanted to be a G.I. Joe because it was a character that gave you hope and pride. As a kid, I always thought it was a great cartoon and that the action figures were awesome. The figures gave me a sense of adventure I was able to replicate in playing with them.
I also have an uncle who served as a Special Forces Soldier. I looked up to him and wanted to be like him. I could see many of the comparisons between the adventures I was able to create with the figures and the real-life adventures he was able to be a part of as a Special Forces Soldier.
Figures.com: What kinds of action figures did you play with as a kid and did this shape your attitude or development in any way?
Sgt. Rieman: I loved G.I. Joes and Transformers. I loved the ability to create scenarios that emphasized action and adventure and doing maneuvers that I never thought I would be able to do like jumping out of planes, sneaking up on the enemy... I think that by creating these scenarios with the figures it spurred me to want to recreate them in real life…
Figures.com: What are the most valuable lesson's you learned growing up that helped shape you into the man you are today?
Sgt. Rieman: The biggest lesson I learned growing up is never giving up in what you believe in, and work hard until you get what you’re reaching for. Also, as the captain of the football and the wrestling teams in high school, I learned a lot about teamwork and values. In the Army, the emphasis on teamwork and values became even more important and really propelled me to be the man I am today.
Figures.com: You spent quite a bit of time as a member of the 51st Long Range Surveillance (LRS) unit and received Special Forces training. Explain what you think are the biggest differences between the realities of your work in the military and what people see in fictional TV shows and movies.
Sgt. Rieman: The difference between movies and reality is feelings and emotions. The things I have done are real and not exaggerated. The fictional stuff is exaggerated to help tell the story. In addition, there is always a lot of emphasis on drama and conflict. I do not think the media ever tries to show the good parts of the Army – the friendships, the downtime, helping others…
Figures.com: You - like hundreds of thousands of Iraq and Afghan veterans - are now members of a new generation that's experienced war first-hand. How has this experience change your attitude?
Sgt. Rieman: The veteran experience has made me prioritize my life to what is important to me. The Iraq war was a true testament of my manhood. It was the hardest thing I have ever faced…until I became a dad…
Figures.com: You left the Army to work as a consultant for America's Army. What exactly is it you now do?
Sgt. Rieman: Actually, I’m still in the Army as part of the Virginia National Guard. I am extremely proud of how the Army has changed me as a person and how it has opened such amazing doors for me, like the America’s Army program.
Since becoming a part of the Real Heroes program, I am really excited about all of the opportunities for the America’s Army game – from getting the Army message out through the computer and video games, to telling Soldiers’ stories…to the incredible training simulations that are developed for use within the military.
When I was offered a chance to join the team, I jumped on it. I am the Real Heroes Program Manager and serve as a Subject Matter Expert on the America’s Army PC and console games. I recently spent a good deal of time working with the developers of the Xbox 360 game, America’s Army: True Soldier (screen capture below). In addition, I do a great deal of traveling with the Virtual Army Experience, a traveling exhibit that gives civilians the change to virtually become a Soldier.
Figures.com: You've said of the America's Army video game - "It's a developmental tool for kids in that decision-making age process. It's out there to educate them." What do you think the game and these figures help convey to the American people and what is it you want people to learn from them?
Sgt. Rieman: I think the game is a great learning tool to expose (others to) how Soldiers operate and how important it is to work as a team. In the game, we try to instill the Army Values (and) show how these principles guide a Soldier; how they lead to success, not only as a Soldier but as a human being.
As for the action figures, I believe they are inspirational. I want people to know what great Soldiers do for this country. The figure is a great way to open people’s eyes to the men that are fighting for freedom every day. The action figures, along with our videos in-game and online, help to tell the story - Soldiers are the folks next door and their values and motivations are the same as anyone else…
Figures.com: You have a son who's almost 2 years old. Does he play with your action figure and what are your thoughts on your own children and other children playing with your action figure?
Sgt. Rieman: My son plays with my action figure (and) it makes me feel amazing because he knows who it is. I feel so proud. My action figure comes with my story on the trading card. I hope kids are inspired by the Real Heroes stories after reading them on the action figure and they can see they have the potential to do anything that they want.
Figures.com: Obviously actors and actresses get action figures made of the characters they play in films all the time, but it's rare for someone to get an action figure actually made of them that's a true representation of who they are. How did you first react when you heard they were making an action figure of you?
Sgt. Rieman: Having my own action figure is such an honor. It represents so much in my life. I was really excited when I saw the figures at Toys “R” Us. I have had several people come up to me and know exactly who I was. That makes me feel the best because it shows people really do care and are hearing our message.
Figures.com: Now that you have, in fact, become an action figure and a "real" American hero, what does the future hold for you?
Sgt. Rieman: I plan on working for America’s Army for as long as I can; I love my job and what the program stands for. I am also planning to get a degree in political science or business. I am really excited to see where life takes me…
- a special “thank you” to Sgt. Tommy Rieman for not only taking the time to answer our questions, but for also putting his life on the line and serving our country; “thank you” to Lori Mezoff for coordinating the interview, and “thank you” to Teresa Buyikian for providing us with samples of the America’s Army: Real Heroes figures."
[Agent:1]