Community Connections with James Robert Barker, United States Army Infantry Officer

James Robert Barker and his family at Historic London Town and Gardens, before the start of the pandemic

COVID-19 has brought waves of uncertainty throughout many communities. Historic London Town would like to take this time to record the voices of some in our community who have been deeply affected. In this series, we interviewed community members to gain their insight on how they have been affected by this global event.

In today’s #CommunityConnection, we’re talking to James Robert Barker, United States Army Infantry Officer at the rank of Major, currently assigned as Troop Commander in Able Squadron, Asymmetric Warfare Group.

What do you love about your job?

I love being a part of teams that include individuals from a diverse ethnic, cultural, and ideological backgrounds that come together for a common purpose or goal.

What is the biggest challenge of your job?

Clear and concise communication across written, verbal, and virtual mediums in a way that maintains focus between senior leaders, peers, and subordinate elements.

What is the hardest part of the COVID-19 situation?

Transitioning completely to virtually based engagements with individuals and organizations that are geographically separated across North America, Europe, and the Indian Sub-Continent (usually referred to as the 'Middle East').

When this all ends what are you most looking forward to?

Integrating some of the virtual systems we have learned into how we operate day to day, to provide individuals with more time at home with their families. I believe there are some valuable lessons learned in that regard we can leverage going forward.

What can people do to help your community?

Donate resources to those less privileged or in need.

Looking for more information or ways to help? Anne Arundel County government has created a resource page for COVID-19 information. This includes a donation page with a list of places where you can donate funds or goods to help the community as well as a volunteer page with information about how to help with your time.