Thank you, again, to each and every one of you for being here [at the 2012 Association of the United States Army Annual Meeting and Exposition], for all that you do each and every day on behalf of our entire Army: our soldiers, their families, our civilian employees."I can’t tell you how much the effort that you bring and the support of that great Army is deeply appreciated."AUSA provides a critically important forum for the Army."A forum to share ideas, discuss critical issues that impact our future, and it gives us an important chance to spend some time listening – listening and learning, not just from one another, not just from those within our ranks, but from those outside the Army who also know and care about us and have ideas and opinions that they wish to share to make us better."Now, you’ll notice as you navigate the displays this year that the Army footprint is somewhat smaller."But, I want to tell you that I firmly believe the impact of this get-together and the Army’s driving value from it will be as great as ever."And I also want to make very clear how valuable I personally consider this professional development forum to be for our soldiers, family members and civilians."And that’s why we’re here … the civilian and military leaders who are here to show that they believe and value this organization as well.… "And I can’t help but think that if other groups followed AUSA’s lead – if they opened their doors and not only invited, but encouraged, the media, the Congress, their staff, and other cross-sections of the public to participate as well – all of us would be better off." Secretary of the Army John McHughKeynote AddressAUSA Annual Meeting Opening SessionOct. 22, 2012************************************************************************************************************************************* It is my distinct honor to be here today."From where I stand I have great vantage point to see the many people here who have done so much for America's Army: Soldiers from yesterday and today who have served honorably, and those who led the very best war fighters in the world; our supporters from Capitol Hill, members of Congress and their professional staff; our allies and multinational partners; and our partners in corporate America."Thank you all for your great support that each of you has provided to our Army and to our soldiers and families. Thank you very much."The strength of our Nation is our Army. The strength of our Army is our soldiers. The strength of our soldiers is our Families."That is what makes us Army Strong."Thank you and God Bless America." Gen. Raymond T. OdiernoArmy Chief of StaffState of the Army AddressDwight D. Eisenhower Luncheon2012 AUSA Annual Meeting