"I deeply appreciate the opportunity to address this conference – yours is the first service organization that I’ve addressed as Secretary of Defense."My own life in public service began when I served two years as an Army intelligence officer, that was over 40 years ago, where I learned what it meant to work together to achieve a common mission."So I have a deep and abiding respect for the United States Army and all it has done to defend our great country, for the past decade and for the past 236 years of the Army’s history." Secretary of Defense Leon PanettaAUSA Annual Meeting Special SessionOct. 12, 2011*****"It’s a privilege to be with you, the members and the leadership of AUSA, who are no question the Army’s most passionate advocates and champions."We are all so deeply grateful for what you do for our soldiers, active duty, guard, and reserve, our civilian employees and, most importantly, our Army families."So thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for all of the great sacrifices you make on behalf of this great Army." Secretary of the Army John McHughKeynote AddressAUSA Annual Meeting Opening CeremonyOct. 10, 2011 *****"I am extremely happy to have the opportunity to talk to all of you as the 38th Chief of Staff. In the early days of my tenure, it is particularly important to me as we move forward."I want to thank all of you in this room for your support to our soldiers and our families."Today I could not be more proud to be a soldier, serving alongside the great men and women that willingly serve our country."We are all in this together."Together we will sustain the Army and ensure a balanced Joint Force to provide flexibility and capability to the greatest nation in the world. Gen. Raymond OdiernoArmy Chief of StaffState of the Army AddressAUSA Annual Meeting Eisenhower LuncheonOct. 11, 2011