*** CHAPTER NEWS – December 2023 Edition ***
George Washington Chapter (GWC)
Association of the United States Army (AUSA)
THANK YOU to our Individual, Community Partners, Sustaining Members, Corporate Sponsors!
Executive Committee
Email: C2101@ausa.org
Website:
Social Media:
Facebook
LinkedIn
Instagram
Chapter Donations, Sponsorships and Support
- Army Ten Miler Hooah Tent
- George Mason ROTC Dining In
- Bridle Paths Equine Therapy Program
- George C Marshall International Center
- Retiree Appreciation Day - JBM HH
- XMAS Tree Lighting - JBM HH
- XMAS Toys for Service Member Families - JBM HH
- Landover Recruiting Company US Army Recruiting Command
- Wreaths Across America
- West Point Leadership and Ethics Conference (Silver Sponsor)
Community Partner Support
Full Listing of Community Partners
Community Partner Challenge
The GWC has achieved 1st Place in July, September, October, November and 2nd in August. The Chapter has received $2000 and 25 points toward Best Chapter for this accomplishment.
Reminder - Please renew your Community Partner membership with the
Chapter and ensure your member profile information is current.
The Chapter needs your continued support!
Renew today!
Campaign for Premium and Basic Memberships
Current Chapter Membership Profile:
Total Members – 28,356
Community Partners – 154
*** CHAPTER NEWS AND EVENTS ***
7 October 2023
E-9 Breakfast Meeting
CSM (R) Jeff Stitzel, Chapter VP, NCO/Soldier Programs, conducted the monthly E9 Breakfast at the Vienna Inn. The Breakfast was held at the Vienna Inn (120 Maple Ave. Vienna, VA 22180) on Saturday July 1st at 9:00 a.m. Large outside area to accommodate our group. Approximately, 10 senior NCO's participated in this event across the services. This event celebrated Independence Day on the 4th of July and served as a forum where senior NCOs break bread, reconnecting with friends, network and discuss issues affecting Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines. Thanks to the George Washington Chapter AUSA for the coffee.
The GWC Educational Scholarship Tournament
7 October 2023
Reston National Golf Course
11875 Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston, VA
Reston National Golf Course is certified as a Cooperative Sanctuary by Audubon International.
The GWC AUSA Golf Tournament is an annual event to support the Chapter's Soldier, Soldier Family, and Scholarship Programs.
The GWC continues its initiative to engage and support local high schools and undergraduates in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) as well as Business and Finance curriculums.
In 2023, the chapter awarded 41 scholarships amounting to over $55,000 to Soldiers, ROTC cadets and family members.
The support provided by our sponsors and community partners was instrumental in the success of this scholarship program.
The tournament will be an outstanding offsite marketing and networking opportunity associated with the 2023 AUSA Annual Meeting.
$28,000 was raised to support the GWC Educational Scholarship Fund. Thank you to the Sponsors and Players!
And the Winners were!
Shawn Klosterman, Greg Kleinholz, Rick Morris, Freddie Brock
8 October 2023
GWC Army Ten Miler "Hooah
Tent"
The Chapter provided Mission BBQ sandwiches to ATM participants; First Come, First Served!"
Presented the Trophies for the The category is the Overall Male Award and the Active Duty Men’s Team.
9 October 2023
AUSA Annual Meeting
2d Place NCO/Soldier Programs
Best Chapter
The George Washington Chapter AUSA was named a BEST CHAPTER for Category 1 Chapters within the Association of the United States Army. This recognition is a direct result of the support from the Members, Community Partners, and Sponsors of the Chapter.
Well Done All!
9 October 2023
AUSA Annual Meeting Opening Ceremonies
General Anthony J. Drexel Biddle Medal
LTC F.D. (Dick) Winter
President
George Washington Chapter
Association of the United States Army
The GENERAL ANTHONY J. DREXEL BIDDLE MEDAL is awarded annually to the individual who has contributed most significantly to the advancement and mission of the Association of the U.S. Army during the period ending 30 June of each year.
The medal will be presented at the Opening Ceremonies for the 2023 AUSA Annual Meeting on 9 October 2023
11 October 2023
2d Region Breakfast
Marriott Marquis, Salon 5
The Second Region of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) annual breakfast was hosted at 0730 11 October 2023 by the George Washington Chapter. This breakfast was in conjunction with the Association's 2023 Annual Meeting and will be in Salon 5 of the Marriott Marquis Hotel adjacent to the Convention Center. Registration and networking began at 0700 with coffee and tea available. Lieutenant General Paul A. Chamberlain, Military Deputy for Budget Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Financial Management & Comptroller) was the honored guest and speaker.
Chapter Streamers and Awards
Best Chapter 2d Region
The Chapter volunteers worked very hard this year for this recognition. Thanks again to the Chapter members, community partners, sponsors and patrons.
Streamers
2 November
JBM-HH
Retiree Appreciation Day
GWC sponsored and participated in the Joint Base Myer Henderson Hall Retiree Appreciation Day on 2 November from 0800-1500. The Chapter provided information on retiree benefits and savings, membership information and benefits, Medal of Honor Graphic books and Point Du Hoc Army History booklet to attendees. The chapter was able to recruit 10 new basic members to AUSA. Mrs Karen Halverson was the featured speaker; excellent presentation. The Chapter donated a $100 gift card to the event for a raffle drawing. Two GWC community partners participated: AAFMAA, and King Tide Advisors. Special thanks to 1SG (R) Steve Canonico, AUSA HQ, for providing support to the event.
4 November 2023
E-9 Breakfast Meeting
SGM (R) Mark Reilly, Chapter VP NCO/Soldier Programs conducted the monthly E9 Breakfast at the Vienna Inn, (120 Maple Ave. Vienna, VA 22180) on Saturday November 4th at 9:00 a.m. Approximately, 28 Senior NCO's participated in this event across the services. This is a monthly event where the senior NCOs break bread, reconnecting with friends, network and discuss issues affecting Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines. Special recognition of the Marine Corps Birthday on 10 November and Veterans Day on 11 November, and included The Washington Tattoo, a community partner of the George Washington Chapter . This event is also a membership event where the benefits of being an AUSA member are discussed. Thanks to the George Washington Chapter AUSA for the coffee.
Breaking Bread, Reconnecting and Networking!
11 November 2023
Veterans Day Commemoration
George C Marshall International Center
Represented the George Washington Chapter at the 19th annual Veterans Day Commemoration on Saturday, November 11, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. This event, cohosted by The George C. Marshall International Center, the Town of Leesburg and Loudoun County, took place on the grounds of George C. Marshall’s Dodona Manor in historic Leesburg.
Brig. Gen. Adam C. Volant (U.S. Army, Ret.), former Director of Operations for U.S. Army Information Warfare Command, was the keynote speaker, reflecting on the meaning of the day and the remarkable contributions of veterans to the community.
The George C Marshall International Center is a community partner of the George Washington Chapter AUSA. 
2 December 2023
E9 Breakfast Meeting
SGM (R) Mark Reilly, Chapter VP NCO/Soldier Programs, conducted the monthly E9 Breakfast at the Vienna Inn,The Breakfast was held at the Vienna Inn (120 Maple Ave. Vienna, VA 22180) on Saturday December 2nd at 9:00 a.m. Approximately, 15 senior NCO's participated in this event across the services.
This is a monthly event where the senior NCOs break bread, reconnecting with friends, network and discuss issues affecting Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines, and included The Washington Tattoo, a community partner of the George Washington Chapter. The Army National Guard Birthday on December 13, was celebrated. This event is also a membership event where the benefits of being an AUSA member are discussed. Thanks to the George Washington Chapter AUSA for the coffee.
2 December 2023
George C Marshall International Center Tree Walk
The George Washington Chapter co-sponsored the George C Marshall Tree Lighting Ceremony and The Marshall Plan Tree Walk. The George C Marshall International Center is a communiity partner of the George Washington Chapter. This event combined the magic of the holidays with recognition of the Marshall Plan countries. Seventeen trees, one for each of the participating countries were decorated along the brick walk by the Dodona Manor house for all to enjoy. Also, this year the community is celebrating the 70th anniversary of Secretary Marshall's acceptance of the Nobel Peace Prize on December 10th, 1953. The George Washington Chapter sponsored the XMAS tree in recognition of Belgium as one of the Marshall Plan countries.
6 December 2023
XMAS Tree Lighting - JBM HH
7 December 2023
GWC Luncheon Series & General Membership Meeting
Featured Speaker
The Honorable Gabe Camarillo
Under Secretary of the Army
Summarized Comments:
CR/Budget Supplemental: The Under Secretary outlined the impacts of Congress passing another CR, including the inability to do MYP for PAC-3 MSE or GMLRS, or increase funding to purchase 5x LTAMDs. Additionally, the Army would be unable to start another 6x procurement programs, fund additional 5x production rate increase, or begin another 33x MILCON projects (including 5x barracks). Also, the Under Secretary discussed the importance of Congress passing the budget supplemental, particularly for the Army to replenish our own stocks, invest in production capacity, and to ensure we protect future readiness (includes munitions AND vehicles). The $3.1 billion allocated to the Army’s industrial base will direct $1.63B for procurement of 600K projectiles and 2,000K propelling charges, plus $1.48B for additional capacity increases in explosives and propellants, and metal parts robustness. Finally, the Under Secretary stressed that this funding will directly benefit local economies with millions of dollars in investment.
Modernization Update: The Under Secretary provided an update on several modernization programs, including:
- MRC—Formally entered Middle Tier Acquisition Rapid Prototyping pathway in November 2023. The Army plans on delivering one battery per year between FY24 and FY26.
- PRSM Inc 1—Completed successful product test qualification in November 23. Accepted the first early operational capability missiles last week. Should begin fielding to units in June.
- Fielding M10 Booker—Pending successful IOTE in 4QFY24, begin fielding in FY25 with one company set.
- OMFV/XM-30 award—Down-selected to two vendors last June, awarding detailed design and prototype build contracts.
- FLRAA award—Contract awarded last year. Moving towards Milestone B this year.
- HADES/Aerial ISR update—Entered Middle Tier Acquisition for rapid prototyping in November.
Response to Ukraine: We take significant risk when the Army under-invests in the OIB. Thankful for congressional support to date. Army has invested $2.8B to increase 155 production from 14k projectiles a month before the war to over 85k by 4QFY25, with a goal of 100k in that timeframe but dependent on the passage of the supplemental.
Ukraine lessons learned are also informing our modernization efforts. 1. The Counter UAS threat is here with us to stay, so we need to be agile and innovative in our approaches to engage these threats in a layered defense capability. 2. 2. Additionally, we have learned from the Ukrainians the value of tele-maintenance and 3-D printing. 3. We have the best armored vehicles but how do we become lighter, more mobile, decrease our logistics burden, and integrate active protection systems
Digital Transformation: Finally, the Under Secretary offered a brief overview of the Army’s digital transformation efforts, which is an absolute imperative. Work taken to date has been foundational, such as the unified network, accelerating zero trust, and fixing requirements for software. In reference to digital engineering, the Army is looking to take a more definitive step moving forward…including training our people and tailoring approaches to commodity areas with industry.
14 December 2023
AUSA Toys and GWC Gift Cards for Military Families - JBM HH
16 December 2024
GWC Wreaths Across America Support
*** MEMBER BENEFIT HIGHLIGHT ***
Shop, Save, Support:
www.ausa.org/savings
To access member discount codes and links, please log in using your AUSA username and password.
AUSA partners offer great discounts and most contribute back to AUSA for scholarships, soldier and family programs, etc.
Visit www.ausa.org/savings and be sure to click those you may not be familiar with. There are often familiar brands behind those names. Like Provengo, with savings of up to 70% on 100+ brands like 5.11, Costa, Oakley, Benchmade, Luminox, G-Shock, Coleman, Ray-Ban, Toad Fish, Vortex, and YETI. Use code AUSA for additional $15 off.
*** Donate to the GWC Educational Scholarship Fund ***
HOW TO DONATE:
Personal check made payable to George Washington Chapter AUSA. Please note that your donation is specifically for the AUSA GWC (Chapter 2101) Educational Scholarship fund. Mail checks to:
Bill Stramm
AUSA George Washington Chapter
302 Arnies Loop
Cape Charles, VA 23310
Credit Card Payments (See Below)--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Donation URL:
Membership, Membership, Membership – Please renew your Community Partnership and Individual Membership Today!
www.ausa.org/membership
Thanks for your Support - One Team - GWC AUSA!
Serving our Community
F.D. (Dick) Winter, LTC U.S. Army Retired
President, George Washington Chapter
Association of the United States Army