With music playing, craft beer flowing and pizza for all, AUSA’s Redstone-Huntsville Chapter kicked off the Association’s Global Force Symposium and Exposition in Huntsville, Alabama, with an AUSA Young Professionals networking night at the Yellowhammer Brewery that attracted more than 100 attendees.

Organized by the newly established Redstone-Huntsville AUSA Young Professionals Board chaired by Capt. Leo Gilliland, U.S. Army Reserve, the networking night was an opportunity for young professionals working on Redstone Arsenal or in Huntsville’s technology sector to meet one another and interact with key leaders from the community.

The night featured brief remarks by Lt. Gen. Roger Thompson, USA, Ret., AUSA vice president for membership and meetings, and Mayor Tommy Battle, mayor of Huntsville.

Both speakers emphasized the importance of professional development through networking, community involvement and social opportunities.

In addition to the guest speakers, young professionals had the opportunity to visit and meet with 20 leaders currently on active duty, retired military or entrepreneurs in the community.

When asked about the value of the networking night, Amanda Braun, a 28-year-old human resources specialist and member of Redstone-Huntsville’s Young Professionals Board, said, "Meeting with peers and mentors in a relaxed atmosphere is an amazing opportunity for young professionals to build relationships that can help land their next job or meet potential business partners."

Many of the young professionals in attendance agreed with Amanda.

With business cards and conversation being exchanged, it was clear that the networking event was a success.

It was also clear that the Redstone-Huntsville Chapter had set the standard for future AUSA Young Professionals’ events.

For more information about AUSA Redstone-Huntsville Chapter’s young professional activities, email Leo Gilliland at ausaredstoneyp@gmail.com.

For more information about AUSA’s young professional initiative, email Charles Schellpeper, AUSA young professionals staff advisor, at cschellpeper@ausa.org.

Charles Schellpeper
Staff Advisor
AUSA Young Professionals