The good news is that the 2012 Association of the United States Army Annual Meeting and Exposition is just around the corner.And, despite the fact that this year’s meeting is two weeks later than usual, Oct. 22 to 24, now is the time to start making plans to attend.The other good news is that we once again have a world-class professional development experience planned for soldiers and noncommissioned officers attending the meeting starting with the Army’s premier athletic event – the Army Ten-Miler and the GEICO Pre-Race Pasta Dinner.The dinner is held each year the evening before the Ten-Miler to allow the teams to meet and get to know each other, and to check out the competition.The sergeant major of the Army along with the command sergeants major from the Army National Guard and the Army Reserve offer words of encouragement and inspiration.And, of course, the runners take on a "carb load" that will hopefully serve as a source of energy for the soldier-athletes during the race.The 28th Army Ten-Miler will start bright and early Sunday morning Oct. 21 in the shadow of the Pentagon with soldiers and teams from every corner of America’s Army participating.The 30,000-plus runners will run through Washington, passing many national landmarks such as the Lincoln Memorial, the White House, the Capitol and the Washington Monument.The race day activities will include live music and Hooah Tents from Army installations around the world.This is a great Army day for runners and spectators alike.Monday, Oct. 22, the first day of the three-day professional development conference, begins with the Sergeant Major of the Army Conference with the SMA’s "State of the NCO Corps" address to the soldiers and noncommissioned in attendance.His address is followed by an opportunity to ask the SMA questions.The Opening Ceremony is next with the secretary of the Army addressing the attendees.The ceremony features The United States Army Band and the Old Guard (3d Infantry Regiment) with an inspiring multimedia presentation.The event will include the presentation of the 2012 Sergeant Major of the Army William G. Bainbridge Distinguished Service Award to Sgt. 1st Class Ron Taylor, USA, Ret.The Sergeant Major of the Army Awards Luncheon is next and is, in my opinion, the highlight of the Annual Meeting.This is what we have all been waiting for – the announcing of the winners of the 2012 Best Warrior Competition.Awards will be presented to the Soldier and NCO of the Year by the Army vice chief of staff, Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III and the sergeant major of the Army, Raymond F. Chandler III.Days two and three of the meeting are filled with important NCO events starting with the Sergeant Major of the Army Professional Development Forum.The theme is "The Army Profession" and is open to all soldiers attending the meeting.This event will allow for discussions and questions throughout the two hour session.The Army drill sergeants, recruiters, and the AIT Platoon Sergeant of the Year will be recognized by the Army leadership at Tuesday’s Dwight David Eisenhower Luncheon.A tour of Arlington National Cemetery and windshield tour of Washington is planned for Wednesday morning. The bus will depart from the convention center at 9:30 a.m. and returning around 1:30 pm.For more information and a complete list of events about these and the many contemporary military forums, family forums and Army National Guard and Reserve events go to www.ausa.org.And the last bit of good news I have for you is that you are all invited.Still Serving!