*** CHAPTER NEWS – June 2024 Edition ***
George Washington Chapter (GWC)
Association of the United States Army (AUSA)
THANK YOU to our Individual, Community Partners, Sustaining Members, Corporate Sponsors!
Executive Committee
Email: C2101@ausa.org
Website:
Social Media:
Facebook
LinkedIn
Instagram
Chapter Donations, Sponsorships and Support
Monthly E-9 Breakfasts
The Tartan Tattoo
McLean Rotary Club
National Museum of the United States Army
George Mason University Army ROTC
Howard University Army ROTC
Dunbar High School JROTC Awards
LaPlata High Schools JROTC Awards
McDonough JROTC Awards
Operation Deploy Your Dress
3d US Infantry Regiment "The Old Guard"
Military and Veterans Affairs Committee Arlington County
Middleburg Community Center Veterans Appreciation Picnic
Project Overwatch
Easterseals Walk a Thon Planning
Vets Moving Forward
Our Community Salutes
Community Partner Support
Full Listing of Community Partners
Community Partner Challenge
The GWC has achieved 1st Place in July, September, October, November; 2nd Place in August and December, 3rd Place in February 2024, 2d Place March 2024, 2d April and . The Chapter has received $2000 and 45 points toward Best Chapter for this accomplishment.
Chapter Ribbons Achieved to-date:
Star Chapter
Chapter of Distinction
Eagle Chapter
Largest Chapter in AUSA
Chapter of Excellence
Presidents Club - Bronze
Reminder - Please renew your Community Partner membership with the
Chapter and ensure your member profile information is current.
The Chapter needs your continued support!
Renew today!
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Current Chapter Membership Profile:
Total Members – 31,223
Community Partners – 157
*** CHAPTER NEWS AND EVENTS ***
2 April 2024
McLean Rotary Presentation
Represented AUSA and the GWC as the featured speaker at the McLean Rotary Club Meeting in McLean Virginia. Presented the video on Pont du Hoc as the lead in to a presentation on AUSA Goals, Objectives, Mission and Functions, and Benefits of membership followed by a detailed presentation on the George Washington Chapter. Great audience with interesting questions about AUSA and the organization's support to Soldiers and Soldier Families in today's environments. Discussed the Chapter footprint and the management of a Chapter with over 30,000 members, with a mix of Association Partners, Industry Partners, Community Partners, Individual and Basic Members while working the daily interaction of member issues.
2 April 2024
Tartan Tattoo
GWC donated seats to this event for military families.
Proceeds from Washington Tattoo events support our veterans' mental health program, Rudiments to Recovery, our underserved youth program, Rudiments to Opportunity, and the John Michael Reilly Memorial Scholarship that supports service member-related young musicians on their music education journey.
4 April 2024
D-Day 80 Anniversary Exhibit Opening
On 4 April 2024, Julie Kaplan, Karen Lowe, and Glenn Yarborough attended the National Museum of the U.S. Army's opening reception to introduce their newest exhibit, the D-Day 80th Anniversary Exhibit. Well over 100 guests including 4 WWII veterans, General Eric and Patty Shinseki, several members of our Allied forces, many retirees, benefactors, and friends of the Museum attended the opening. The evening's program included remarks made by the Museum Director, President of the Army Historical Foundation, and the Chief Curator. Guests were invited to tour/view the new exhibit on the 2nd floor of the Museum
The WWII veteran that Karen and Julie met, thanked and had great dialogue with towards the end of the eve was drafted at age 18, and landed on the beaches of Normandy shortly after turning 19th. He turns 100 on December 27th of this year (s
It was a wonderful evening to recognize such an important part of the Army's history, and to continue to "help our soldiers' stories live on forever."
6 April 2024
E-9 Breakfast Meeting
SGM (R) Mark Reilly, Chapter VP NCO/Soldier Programs and CEO for the Washington Tattoo a communith partner of the GWC ,coordinated the monthly E9 Breakfast at the Vienna Inn, (120 Maple Ave. Vienna, VA 22180) on Saturday April 6th at 9:00 a.m. We had representation by the US Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard.
Although smaller due to spring break and holidays it was still a powerful and mighty group.
Approximately, 10 Senior NCOs participated in this event across the services. This is a monthly event where the senior NCOs break bread, reconnecting with friends, network and discuss issues affecting Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines. This event is also a membership event where the benefits of being an AUSA member are discussed. George Washington Chapter AUSA funded the coffee. The next event will be conducted on 4 May 2024.
13 April 2024
Operation Deploy Your Dress
On Friday, April 12, AUSA Family Readiness hosted a Sip N See reception at the Military Women's Memorial, prior to an Operation Deploy Your Dress Pop Up Event. Miranda Jones, Vice President, Emerging Leaders, George Washington Chapter, has been volunteering with ODYD organizing, repairing, and sorting hundreds of donated dresses. Operation Deploy Your Dress’s primary goal is to improve the quality of life of military families by offsetting the high cost of attending formal military functions, especially for junior servicemembers. ODYD assists in bridging the ever-growing gap between the military and civilian communities by offering a tangible way for the American public to show their appreciation for the service and sacrifice of our military service members and their families.
Pictured left to right: Holly Dailey, Director, Family Readiness, AUSA
Clare Tomasetti, Chief of Staff, Military Women's Memorial
Miranda Jones, VP Emerging Leaders, George Washington Chapter AUSA
Marilla Cushman, Senior Advisor to the President, Military Women's Memorial
19 April 2024
George Mason University ROTC Military Ball
Represented AUSA and the George Washington Chapter at the George Mason University Army ROTC Military Ball and Awards Ceremony. Was presented the plaque below in recognition of the George Washington Chapter's support for the GMU Army ROTC Patriot Battalion.
20 April 2024
Howard University Joint Military Ball
Col (Retired) Glenn Yarborough supported and represented the GWC and AUSA at the Howard University Joint Military Ball and Awards presentations held at Patton Hall, JBM-HH on 20 April 2024.
4 May, 2024
E9 Breakfast Meeting
SGM (R) Mark Reilly, Chapter VP NCO/Soldier Programs and CEO for the Washington Tattoo a community partner of the GWC ,coordinated the monthly E9 Breakfast at the Vienna Inn, (120 Maple Ave. Vienna, VA 22180) on Saturday May 4th at 9:00 a.m. We had representation by the US Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard.
Another fantastic E9 Networking breakfast!
Thank you everyone that came out. Our founder and friend Jeffery Stitzel hosted our hashtag#ChangeOfResponsibility ceremony and the official handing over of the “ceremonial cup”
☕️☕️☕️
Also, it was great to introduce Virginia D. Commissioner Chuck Zingler to this amazing community so that we can better help support our hashtag#veterans and Veteran hashtag#FamiliesAlthough smaller due to spring break and holidays it was still a powerful and mighty group.
Approximately, 14 Senior NCOs participated in this event across the services. This is a monthly event where the senior NCOs break bread, reconnecting with friends, network and discuss issues affecting Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines. This event is also a membership event where the benefits of being an AUSA member are discussed. George Washington Chapter AUSA funded the coffee. The next event will be conducted on 1 June 2024.
7 May 2024
GWC Luncheon and General Membership Meeting
Proudly Featuring Guest Speaker
Mr. Andrew Evans, SES
Director, ISR Task Force
ODCS G-2
Tuesday, 7 May 2024
11:30 AM – 1:15 PM
Army Navy Country Club
Arlington, VA
Mr Evans presented an outstanding presentation on the current ISR environment and his interaction with the young Soldiers, Families and Cadets was most rewarding.
NCO, Soldier Volunteer and Family of the Year Awardees
General Charles L. Bolte Award (NCO of the Year)
SGT Chase H. Kerr
SPC Keith A. Campbell Award (Soldier of the Year)
SPC Matthew L. Borden ( Now SGT)
COL(Ret.) Glenn Yarborough Award (Volunteer of the Year)
SSG Bo C. Jones (next to Mr Evans)
MG Lewis A. Mologne Award (Medic of the Year)
SGT Chase H. Kerr
GWC Family of the Year
SFC Trevor, Ashleigh Carlin, Avery and Gunnar
NOTE: The Carlin Family was selected as the AUSA 2d Region Family of the Year!
Nominated to AUSA National HQ for AUSA Family of the Year
13 May 2024
Emerging Leaders
Mrs Miranda Jones attended a book signing for Cheryl Mason, former Chairman of the Board of Veterans Appeals at the VA. She sat with Holly Dailey and they enjoyed talking about AUSA and all the amazing things that the Chapters are doing to support Family Readiness.
15 May 2024
Project Overwatch Police Week Donation
This year, our efforts sponsored five officers from two different states. The officers were flown to our Nation's capital and supplied with lodging, sponsor swag bags, and several VIP events. The Chapter's efforts directly assisted with providing logistical support for our first responders. Additionally, Military Police from 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) had an opportunity to share in the events with our honored first responders.
23 May 2024
On May 23, 2024, between 5:00 AM and 9:30 AM, SGM-R Randall Bethea, representing GWC, actively participated in honoring the nation's fallen. He joined the 3rd US Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) to place approximately 400,000 flags at gravesites in Arlington National Cemetery. This involvement by the Chapter’s representative strengthens bonds with soldiers through shared experiences and highlights AUSA’s steadfast support for active-duty service members. Interactions between chapter representatives and soldiers ranged widely, encompassing discussions on current and future technological advancements such as MHS Genesis and IPSA-A and the significance of soldier-driven innovation. Spending time with a trusted former service member fosters an environment for exchanging ideas and facilitates personal and professional development for all involved. Similar opportunities in the coming summer months include Organization Days and the Best Squad Competition.
24 May 2024
Middleburg Community Center
Veterans Appreciation Picnic
GWC Sponsorship
SGM Mark Reilly, US Army Retired represented the GWC at the Middleburg Community Center Veterans Appreciation Picnic
A fun time was had by all!
1 June 2024
E9 Breakfast Meeting
SGM (R) Mark Reilly, Chapter VP NCO/Soldier Programs, conducted the monthly E9 Breakfast at the Vienna Inn,The Breakfast was held at the Vienna Inn (120 Maple Ave. Vienna, VA 22180) on Saturday 1 June at 9:00 a.m. Approximately, 10 senior NCO's participated in this event across the services.
This is a monthly event where the senior NCOs break bread, reconnecting with friends, network and discuss issues affecting Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines, and included The Washington Tattoo, a community partner of the George Washington Chapter. This event is also a membership event where the benefits of being an AUSA member are discussed. Thanks to the George Washington Chapter AUSA for the coffee.
4 June 2024
George Washington Chapter Scholarship Awardees
The Chapter awarded 46 Scholarships totaling $38,750 to the applicants below.
A special shoutout to the PenFed Foundation, RTX, and Crowned Grace International for their generous support to the Scholarship Program.
Lalah Allen
Danielle Kuck
Fernando Avila
Noah Mallon
Daniela Baptiste
Kylie Mangan
Ibrahim Bello
MacKenzie Mangan
Allenza Brizard
Madison Matella
Alex Brown
Kendra McKinney
Cole Brown
Ani Mkrtchyan
Heidi Butler
Cayla Morgan
Max Cali
Ashley Pearson
Grayson Carnall
Megan Peterson
Justin Chock
Rylei Porter
Carly Crowder
Blake Porter
Lauren Edwards
Matthew Rigdon
Naomi Elimelech
Sydney Salter
Ella Elimelech
Abigail Skelton
Anna Fenn
Delilah Tuck
Isabella Grinston
Pim Van Hilten
Martin Guzman de Leon
Mikalah Williams
Haven Habhab
Caitlin Wilson
Hannah Holst
Kelly Winters
Jenna Huber
Eleanor Wollam
Sangrae Jo
Malcolm Woods
Rebecca Kaplan
Tyler Wyks
25 June 2024
GWC Members Reception
National Museum of the United States Army
1775 Liberty Ave, Fort Belvoir VA
6-8 PM
This GRATIS gathering is our way of …
THANKING our Partners, Sponsors, Members
HONORING our 2024 Scholarship Recipients and their Families
WISHING our great Army a Happy 249th Birthday
SHOWCASING the National Museum of the United States Army!
BG (Ret) Burt Thompson, President Army Historical Foundation welcomes the attendees at the membership reception providing a history of the Museum and AUSA patronage.
CP's/Sponsors/Members
Scholarship Awardees Attending
Officer Installation of Mrs Karen Lowe, Chapter President George Washington Chapter
249th Army Birthday Celebration
Mrs Karen Lowe, BG (R) Jack Haley, BG (R) Burt Thompson, LTC (R) F.D. Winter
Reminders
The GWC Educational Scholarship Golf Tournament
12 October 2024
Reston National Golf Course
11875 Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston, VA
In Memoriam
Major General Carl H. McNair, US Army Retired
Reston National Golf Course is certified as a Cooperative Sanctuary by Audubon International.
The GWC AUSA Golf Tournament is an annual event to support the Chapter's Soldier, Soldier Family, and Scholarship Programs.
The GWC continues its initiative to engage and support local high schools and undergraduates in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) as well as Business and Finance curriculums.
In 2024, the chapter awarded 46 scholarships amounting to $38,750 to Soldiers, ROTC cadets and family members.
The support provided by our sponsors and community partners was instrumental in the success of this scholarship program.
The tournament will be an outstanding offsite marketing and networking opportunity associated with the 2024 AUSA Annual Meeting.
In 2023, $29,000 was raised to support the 2024 GWC Educational Scholarship Fund. Thank you to the Sponsors and Players!
Register: Here!
Title Sponsor
*** MEMBER BENEFIT HIGHLIGHT ***
Shop, Save, Support:
www.ausa.org/savings
To access member discount codes and links, please log in using your AUSA username and password.
AUSA partners offer great discounts and most contribute back to AUSA for scholarships, soldier and family programs, etc.
Visit www.ausa.org/savings and be sure to click those you may not be familiar with. There are often familiar brands behind those names. Like Provengo, with savings of up to 70% on 100+ brands like 5.11, Costa, Oakley, Benchmade, Luminox, G-Shock, Coleman, Ray-Ban, Toad Fish, Vortex, and YETI. Use code AUSA for additional $15 off.
*** Donate to the GWC Educational Scholarship Fund ***
HOW TO DONATE:
Personal check made payable to George Washington Chapter AUSA. Please note that your donation is specifically for the AUSA GWC (Chapter 2101) Educational Scholarship fund. Mail checks to:
Bill Stramm
AUSA George Washington Chapter
302 Arnies Loop
Cape Charles, VA 23310
Credit Card Payments (See Below)--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Donation URL:
Membership, Membership, Membership – Please renew your Community Partnership and Individual Membership Today!
www.ausa.org/membership
Thanks for your Support - One Team - GWC AUSA!
Serving our Community
F.D. (Dick) Winter, LTC U.S. Army Retired
President, George Washington Chapter
Association of the United States Army