*** CHAPTER NEWS – December 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
Chapter Donations, Sponsorships and Support
Monthly E-9 Breakfasts
Howard University ROTC
George Mason University ROTC
University of Maryland ROTC
3d Infantry Regiment
George C. Marshall International Center - Marshall Plan Tree Walk
George C. Marshall International Center Veterans Day Commemoration
Sponsorship for XMAS Toys JBM-HH
Sponsorship for the XMAS Lighting JBM-HH
Sponsorship for the West Point Leadership and Ethics Conference
Donation to Wreaths Across America
Donation to Bridle Paths Equine Therapy Program
Donation to Vets Moving Forward Service Dog Program
Donation to the Military Women's Memorial
Donation to the ROTC Command Senior Leader Development Conference
Community Partner Support
Full Listing of Community Partners
Current Chapter Membership Profile:
Industry Partners - 2,377
Association Partners - 21,079
Community Partners – 398
Premium, Individual, Family Members - 3,350
Basic Members - 12,953
Total Chapter Membership - 40,157
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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*** CHAPTER NEWS AND EVENTS ***
5 October 2024
E-9 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 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, 20 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 2 November 2024.
12 October 2024
GWC Educational Scholarship Golf Tournament
Reston National Golf Course
The George Washington Chapter AUSA Golf Tournament was conducted on 12 October which raises money for the Chapter’s scholarships. Participants included but not limited to the amazing Marty Bishop, bugler from the US Army Band, Heath Sorensen who sang a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem, the Reston National Golf Course Army ROTC (Official Page) (15) Cadets from Howard University, George Mason University and the University Maryland and (2) Cadet foursomes from UMD and GMU; and our amazing sponsors! The Chapter hosted 132 golfers from industry, community partners, sponsors, Active Duty, DoD Civilians, ROTC, Wounded Warriors, Veterans, National Guard and Army Reserve and players from other military services. The TUSAB foursome was sponsored by our Title Sponsor PenFed Credit Union. See the program, player listing, and attached pictures of the event. Each golfer was provided with a GWC logo golf glove, golf balls from Systecon North America, Towel set from American Military University, energy drink from MyHy and lights from Cyalume. As well, Charity Golf International sponsored a hole providing a charity raffle for an all-expenses paid trip to Hawaii for golf. This raised over $1500 for the Chapter Scholarship fund. At the end of the day, the Chapter raised over $20,000 to fund its Educational Scholarship Program. Pictures of each foursome and the prize winners were taken which will be forwarded as a memento of their participation. Great support was provided by Mrs Karen Lowe, Tony Tuck, Miranda Jones, Vanessa Taylor, Rudy Scott, Mollie Pearson and Allenza Brizard along with ROTC Cadet Volunteers. The Reston National Golf Course Staff was outstanding and very supportive. Our Title Sponsor was PenFed Federal Credit Union and Red Corporate Level Sponsor was Lockheed Martin Company.
1st Place - Team Systecon
AUSA Annual Meeting Opening Ceremony
14 October 2024
George Washington Chapter Honored
Largest Chapter In Membership
Best Chapter - Membership Category 1
GWC Hosted
2d Region Breakfast 16 October 2024
On 16 October 2024 the GWC was the host for the 2d Region Breakfast held at the Marriott Marquis Level M4 Liberty Ballroom. The guest speaker was LTG Laura A. Potter, Director of the Army Staff. BG (R) Dick Miller, 2d Region President presided over the breakfast and CSM (R) Mike Boyd was the Master of Ceremonies. There were approximately 264 invited attendees. Invited guests were Active Duty GO’s, DoD Civilian Senior Leaders, National Guard, and US Army Reserve, US Army Recruiting Command, US Army Cadet Command, Veterans, Wounded Warriors, military families and their children, Industry VIP Partners/Sponsors, Community Partners VIPs /Sponsors, CASAs, Reserve Ambassadors, State Presidents, Past Region Presidents, 2d Rgn Chapter Presidents and families. Represented also were US Army Recruiters, members of the 3d Inf Regiment, The US Army Band, members from Howard University ROTC, 2d Region Young Professionals representative, and a late add on from a Navy ROTC Cadet detachment who were denied entry from other Regions. Kudos to Mrs. Karen Lowe, GWC Chapter President, who upon hearing the situation offered the Navy ROTC Cadets seats at the 2d Region breakfast. Support from the AUSA HQ staff was outstanding and I specifically call out, LaSherryn Duncan, Amber Wojtyna, Angelina Flores, Jarad Dahlkoetter, Megan Ryle, and Mark Wolf. I also call out support from the LTC (R) Willie Hardwick; GWC volunteers, Karen Lowe, Mollie Pearson, Rudy Scott, Bill Stramm, Doug Morrison, Tony Tuck, Susan Myers, Vanessa Taylor, Miranda Jones and from AOD Jessica Pellegrino. Pls see the program attached which was followed precisely as synched with the Speaker narrative attached which included the recognitions and individual awards/chapter awards. Special mention of the recognition to the 2d Region Family of the Year, the Carlin Family; Colonel Estee Pinchasin, Francis Scott Key Bridge Recovery effort; and Quilts of Valor who presented a Quilt to General (Ret) Bob Brown in recognition of his leadership of AUSA. Attached are a sample of the pictures of the major award winners. More pictures are available upon request.
LTG Laura A. Potter
Director of the Army Staff
Guest Speaker
George Washington Chapter Streamers
Best Chapter
Chapter of Excellence
Superior Chapter
Merit Chapter
Greatest % Increase in ILCP
Excellence in Community Partner Growth
Community Partner Challenge Monthly Winner
Community Partner Growth
Star Chapter
Largest Chapter
Chapter of Distinction
Presidents Club Silver
Army Birthday
Support to U.S. Army Recruiting Command
Support to Army Cadet Programs
Community Partner Support
Reserve Component Support
Advocacy
Vietnam Commemorative Partner Support
Young Professionals
Professional Development
Department of the Army Civilian Support
Solder for Life Support
Volunteer Development
NCO & Soldier Programs Support
Community Support
Regular Army Support
Education & Programs
Member Communications
Army History
2023-2024 Best Chapter 2d Region
CSM (R) Tony Tuck
Exceptional Service Award
George Washington Chapter
2d Region Family of the Year
Ashleigh, Trevor, Avery and Gunnar Carlin
3d Infantry Regiment
16 October 2024
GWC's Miranda Jones, VP, Emerging Leaders/Young Professionals introduced the AUSA Contemporary Military Forum: Our Army Profession on 16 Oct. Miranda provided opening comments/remarks to set the scene for a great discussion among the panel leaders/members: GEN Martin Dempsey, GEN Gary Brito, SFC Leyton Summerlin, and Corie Weathers. Miranda shined brightly on behalf of the Chapter and AUSA's Emerging Leaders/Young Professionals many of whom were in the audience! Dick Winter, Vanessa Taylor, Karen Lowe were among the audience members.
16 October 2024
George C. Marshall Reception and Dinner
GWC and 2nd Region leaders, sponsors, partners were among the enthusiastic Marshall Dinner attendees who celebrated the 2024 Marshal Medal honoree, the Army Noncommissioned Officer. SMA Weimer delivered a powerful and wonderful acceptance address on behalf of all Army NCOs, then we were thoroughly entertained by the Army's Down Range Band. Had the lovely opportunity to talk with SGM Carrigg's wife Austin about Family Programs, as well as industry colleagues about becoming Community Partners and supporting our 14 Nov luncheon throughout the course of the evening. Was able to personally congratulate SMA on behalf of the Chapter, and most importantly, to see and engagewith so many Army family friends to include the Shinseki’s and many others.
A great time was had by all!
2 November E-9 Breakfast
CSM(R) Donnell Johns Sr. supported SGM (R) Mark Reilly and 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 2 November at 9:00 a.m. Approximately, 9 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.
-Discussion and mentoring of transitioning E9s took place. Shared lessons learned highlighted the positive power of a strong, connected, and resource rich network.
-TAP and the VA benefit process is still a large topic with a lot of confusion for transitioning service members and the veteran E9 community showcases that it is a truly strong shoulder to lean on with a wealth of experience and support.
11 November 2024
George C. Marshall Veterans Commemoration
GW Chapter was once again a "supporter" of the Annual Veterans Day Commemoration event held at the beautiful Dodona Manor in Leesburg. The George Washington Chapter donated $500 to support the 20th annual Veterans Day Commemoration on Monday, November 11, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. This event cohosted by The George C. Marshall International Center, the Town of Leesburg and Loudoun County will take place on the grounds of George C. Marshall’s Dodona Manor in historic Leesburg.
The keynote speaker was Ken Falke, the Founder and Chairman of Boulder Crest Foundation. Mrs Karen Lowe, Chapter President, represented the Chapter and AUSA, and she was delighted to be seated by a long-time friend and Army veteran, LTG John Dubia(Ret.). Veterans from ALL Services were present and warmly received and applauded during the Armed Forces medley played by the Brian Woods H.S. Band. Had the nice opportunity to briefly engage with Ken Falke following the ceremony, and suggested that we rekindle our partnership from several years ago. GWC will continue to support GC Marshall International Center events, the next of which will be as a sponsor of the Ireland Tree along the Marshall Plan Tree Walk at the Manor. Topped off the ceremony by touring Dodona Manor with a terrific docent explaining the history. It was an absolutely glorious day to celebrate our veterans!
12 November 2024 Veterans Mental Health Panel Bush Presidential Center12 November 2024 Veterans Mental Health Panel Bush Presidential Center
SGM(R) Mark Reilly was invited to speak as part of a Veterans Mental Health panel discussion entitled "Relentless Innovation" at the Bush Presidential Center in Dallas, TX on October 8th, 2025. Mark spoke on the connective power of Music Wellness for veterans struggling with PTSD and TBI and highlighted the activities, programs, and partnerships of the Washington Tattoo, including the continued partnership with the Association of the United States Army and his position as the Vice President of Soldier and NCO programs for the AUSA, George Washington Chapter.
With programs like the Washington Tattoo's "Rudiments to Recovery" and annual capstone Tattoo event, supporting veteran mental health, the Washington Tattoo has created an ecosystem that combines in-person and online events, strengthening veteran identity, bringing together a trustworthy military-connected community, and providing veterans with a heightened sense of purpose through culture, heritage, and service.
LTC(R) Jason Galui, Director of Veteran and Military Family Programs for the George W. Bush Institute, was the panel’s moderator which also included guest speakers, Warriors on Quiet Waters CEO, Marine Corps Col(R) Brian Gillman and Heal*arious CEO, U.S. Army LTC(R) Robin Johnson.
The Veteran Convening at the Bush Presidential Center included over 150 Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs) and guest speakers, the 37th Chief of Staff General Martin Dempsey, and the 43rd President of the United States, President George W. Bush.
14 November 2024
GWC Luncheon and General Membership Meeting
Proudly Featuring Guest Speaker
Lieutenant General Laura A. Potter
Director of the Army Staff
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Thursday 14 November 2024
11:30 AM – 1:15 PM
Army Navy Country Club
Arlington, VA
LTG Laura Potter - 14 NOV Luncheon Highlights
Huge thanks to my backbone Dick, Tony, Kerri, Julie, Mollie, Sue, Elsa (newbie) for helping to make yesterday's luncheon a pretty terrific event! As all who were able to attend know, we had to reverse the program to feature LTG Potter right after a brief intro which included mentioning "Best Chapter" and "Largest Chapter," the presentation of colors (GMU Color Guard -- thank you LTC Kuhn!), and the playing of the National Anthem (Army Band Brass Quintet) as she was headed to Kingtowne at 1230 to attend a 1300 Memorial Service (more related info at the end of this email). LTG Potter addressed many of the CSA's priorities that the Chief outlined during the October Annual Meeting. A couple of key take-aways: she was proud to call GWC "her Chapter," and she touched on Army Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) to include mentioning our H2F Fair next year. Before she departed, she answered 5 questions including 2 very good ones posed by University of Maryland Cadets (nicely done LTC Bischoff!).
As for the GWC news portion of the program ...
Lowe took the opportunity to mention the synergies with and potential partnering opportunities that GWC/AUSA has with a number of other 501(c)(3) organizations specifically: Army Historical Foundation (National Museum of the U.S. Army (NMUSA)); Veterans Moving Forward (Kerri); Captial Beltway Warriors Hockey Club (Pete & Mike present); Marshall Legacy Institute (Bo Dyess); Military Women's Memorial (Phyllis Wilson); Tunnel to Towers (Justin Holcomb); Operation Deploy Your Dress and Reindeer Rucks (Yvonne Coombes unable to attend); and last but not least, The Washington Tattoo (Mark Reilly's team). At this point in the program, Lowe provided a brief overview of our 15 March 2025 H2F Fair citing that Mark Reilly is spearheading this exciting inaugural event that will be free to soldiers, families, for all guests. Wrapping up the business portion of the luncheon, Lowe highlighted our 2025 Scholarship program which will kick-off soon after the new year, and mentioned that we are broadening our reach to include students planning to enroll in trade schools (mentioned the new Mortenson Construction Scholarship). And finally, to conclude the from the podium portion of the luncheon, we ALL sang Happy Birthday to Dick and yes, he blushed BIG time! He received a Nothing Bundt Cake Chocolate Chocolate Chip Bundtlet from the team!
What I heard from so many of our guests following our luncheon, was that the networking part of the event was the best to include our friend from the Embassy of the Republic of Korea. Flipping the program was honestly a welcome change which allowed our guests to really engage many colleagues, and to make new acquaintances. It was really cool to watch!
Additional Comments: It always adds class when the US Army Brass Quintet plays and cadets from George Mason University post the colors (and ask great questions). Thanks LTG Laura Potter for coming out and speaking to us about Army priorities and encouraging us to talk to our youth about all the Army has to offer. It does take a village.
Karen also took the opportunity to highlight some of the amazing 501(c)(3) organizations (tagged below) that support our chapter and Veterans. If you are looking for a way to get involved and give back, there are many opportunities!
TUSCAB Brass Quintet
LTG Potter and Mrs Karen Lowe, Chapter President
University of Maryland ROTC Cadets
4 December 2024
JBM-HH Tree Lighting
It was GWC AUSA's great pleasure to once again sponsor ($250 donation) the refreshments, etc. for the Annual JBM-HH Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony on the grounds of the Army Band building at JBM-HH late afternoon on 4 December. Karen Lowe, Glenn Yarborough and Austin Carrigg represented GWC at the festive event that featured the Army Band Brass Quintet, Emcee Todd Hopkins, Chaplain LTC Linda Lesane, Youth of the Mustang Chorus, JBMHH Commander COL Lowery, and the favorite, Santa Clause. After the glorious tree was lit by all of the children in attendance, Santa arrived on one of JBMHH fire engines as the wide-eyed children watched on. Todd Hopkins thanked GWC for our support a couple of times during the ceremony, and a number of folks personally thanked us for providing warm beverages and cookies. ALL who attended were in a wonderfully festive mood, it was glorious!
7 December 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 5 January 2025 at 9:00 a.m. Approximately, 15 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. The next E9 Breakfast will be on 5 January 2025.
7 December 2024
MARSHALL PLAN TREE WALK LIGHTING CEREMONY
This event takes place at the George C. Marshall International Center (GC Marshall's Dodona Manor in Leesburg) on Saturday, 7 December, 4:00 - 6:00 PM.
GWC AUSA sponsored the Ireland Tree this year, one of 17 trees representing each Marshall Plan participating country that line the brick walk at the beautiful G.C. Marshall Dodona Manor in Leesburg. The Tree Lighting Ceremony was kicked off by the Old Dominion Chorus, an a cappella chorus for men and a chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society. Prior to the official program start, Mrs Karen Lowe, GWC Chapter President, had the opportunity speak at length with Leesburg Mayor Kelly Burk; Casey Koester, Development Associate, G.C. Marshall International Center; and Thomas Greenspon, Chairman of the Board of Directors, G.C. Marshall IC about GWC expanding our support for/partnership with the GCMIC. The Chapter will reengage after the new year to determine new opportunities. Mr. Greenspon commenced the program with opening remarks, thanked all sponsors to include GWC AUSA, then introduced Caroline Monvoisin, Consult General, Embassy of France who provided outstanding remarks that included France's role in the Marshall Plan, as well as an overview of the very significant events that took place in France this year including the commemorations associated with the 80th Anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy, the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and the grand reopening of the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral on 7 December. Karen Lowe and Kerri Kline had the opportunity to speak at length with and have a photo op with Caroline following the official lighting of the Marshall Plan Walk Trees. She is absolutely lovely! Karen Lowe and Kerry Kline engaged with several other ceremony participants throughout the rest of this wonderful event. Karen Lowe and Kerry Kline will follow up on all things GCMIC early in the new year as we're excited about new possibilities. Mollie Pearson and her daughter also travelled to Dodona Manor on Saturday late afternoon to view the beautiful Marshall Plan Tree Walk and were able to experience a big piece of history!
12 December 2024
XMAS Toys for JBM-HH Families
The George Washington Chapter AUSA (Karen Lowe & Mark Reilly) played Santa's elves on 12 Dec 24 and delivered 3 large boxes of toys and gifts collected by the wonderful AUSA National staff (and a few from the GWC team) to JBM-HH. Todd Hopkins, lead for MWR on JBMHH, accepted the plethora of awesome donations that will go to deserving families via the post Chaplain. The season would not be complete without giving back to those who deserve so much!
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Forthcoming Events:
GWC Educational Scholarship Program
Receiving Applications 15 January - May 2025
GWC Quarterly Professional Development Luncheon TBD February 2025
1130-1315 Army Navy Country Club
The next GWC Luncheon is tentatively scheduled for February 2025. The actual event date will hinge on our next speaker's availability, that leader TBD. Prospects: GEN Mingus, VCSA; GEN Poppas, CG FORSCOM; MG Bredenkamp, CG, Joint Task Force-National Capital Region and the U.S. Army Military District of Washington (post inaugural highlight); LTG Heidi Hoyle, G-4
Holistic Health to Fitness Fair - 15 March 2025
SGM(Ret.) Mark Reilly, President & CEO, The Washington Tattoo and key member of the GWC Executive Committee has proposed and is spearheading a GWC inaugural event, a Mental Health Symposium slated to be held at The National Museum of the U.S. Army on 15 March 2025. Mark and Karen met with BG (R) Burt Thompson, and Bronagh Donlon to lay-out the concept, to walk-thru and visualize the flow of events in the Museum, and to brainstorm the concept and the realm of the possible. This event will include other aligned to this topic 501(c)3 organizations, AUSA National, senior leader panel including Active, Guard and Reserve and Industry, State, Local and perhaps other Federal Agency leaders, reps, and more. We envision this event to become a valuable annual information sharing gathering and ultimately a go to resource and lifeline 365 days/year.
29 March 2025
The Washington Tattoo
Tartan Day Celebration
The 2025 Washington Tattoo is a breathtaking spectacle of international music and dance, formed in the tradition of military tattoos around the world, featuring military bands alongside world-renowned artists and ensembles.
*** MEMBER BENEFIT HIGHLIGHT ***
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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
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