President’s Note

Greetings from the Great Place. So much has happened since the last update and I apologize for the delay in providing you a timely update. Your Central Texas Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Chapter has been focused on telling the Army story, representing Fort Cavazos regionally and nationally, growing membership, and most importantly helping Soldiers, Veterans, and their Families. The Chapter, along with our great Community Partners, have helped many Soldiers since my last report. From donating $5000 to the Fort Cavazos “Intrepid Center” supporting Wounded Warriors to providing thousands of dollars funding Army unit events, the Central Texas Chapter has done so much in the support of Soldiers, Army Families, Veterans, future Soldiers, and those who love the Army! Congratulations to AUSA members Terry and Jackie Fountain and Keith Sledd for being selected as Fort Cavazos “Good Neighbors”. They will well represent the “Blue Jacket” as they well represent our Chapter.

Chapter Updates

Wreath Laying Events – November, December, January 2024

In a powerful display of unity and respect, AUSA members supported wreath preparation, placement, and recovery of over 16,000 wreaths at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery.

15th Annual AUSA Toy Assistance Program – December 2024

In conjunction with many of our Community Partners, the AUSA Central Texas Chapter executed the 15th Annual Toy Assistance Program to assist our Military Families over the holiday season.

Yards of the Quarter – January and April 2025
The Chapter executed its Quarterly “Yard of the Quarter” presentations to recognize excellence and tell the AUSA story to our great Army Families living on post.

Jr. ROTC Skills Tournament – March 2025

Our Chapter supported the Junior ROTC Skills Event on Fort Cavazos by wrapping and serving 100s of hotdogs and chips to our hard-working “future Soldiers” from around the State of Texas.

Annual Golf Tournament – March 2025

Your Central Texas Chapter, along with our incredible sponsors, held our annual Golf Tournament and raised tens of thousands of dollars for “Soldier Support” programs.

Community Partner Social – March 2024

Our Community Partner Temple Chamber of Commerce partnered with us for a wonderful Community Partner Social to educate, inform, and connect. The guest speaker was retired Sergeant Major of the Army Daniel A. Dailey.

Community Partner Dinner – April 2025

The chapter hosted many of our Community Partners to thank them for their service and to hear from the III Corps leadership. It was a great night of connecting and fellowship.

Killeen Rodeo – May 2025

The Chapter along with Community Partner “Big Hoss” hosted our annual BBQ prior to the Killeen Rodeo where we fed Soldiers and their Families prior to a wonderful event.

I encourage you to support the Chapter by attending, volunteering, or spreading the word about upcoming events. Your Chapter is busy, and we appreciate any assistance. I also want to welcome our new BOG members who have graciously volunteered to be a part of our Chapter leadership. Their support to the Community and especially to our Soldiers and their Families is much appreciated. Please join me in welcoming Michael Smith, Dr. Lorrie Webb, Jared Porritt, David Sage, Chris Egizio, Tom Long (not pictured) Dru Hull (not pictured) and “CD” Cegledi (not pictured).

Scholarship Luncheon – June 2025

Thanks to the hard work of the Central Texas Chapter and the gracious donations of over $45,000 from our great donors, we recognized 40 very deserving students with scholarships to continue their education. A wonderful event to educate, inform, and connect!

Below are near-term events that we hope you can join us for. Please check out our website, centraltexasausa.org, and our social media sites (FB, IG, LinkedIn) for more information:

• III Corps 250th Army Birthday Ball – 19 June Killeen Civic Center
• General Membership Meeting and Awards Ceremony – 26 June
• BOG Meeting – 23 July
• AUSA Kick Off Breakfast – August
• AUSA Car Show – September
• III Corps Newcomer’s Brief – 1130 every Thursday at Club Lonestar We are still looking for an ROTC Committee Chair. If interested, please contact any member of the Board of Governors.

Thank you again for your continued support for our Army across the Central Texas region. Please help us tell the Army Story, educate, inform, and connect to AUSA. Let others know who we are, what we do, and how we benefit the Soldier and Army. If the opportunity arises, encourage them or their organization to become members or community partners! I look forward to meeting with you in the months ahead. May God Bless!

Be All You Can Be!!!