The Association of the U.S. Army is needed now more than ever, as the Army and the nation face “very difficult times,” AUSA President and CEO retired Gen. Bob Brown said Oct. 8.

The linchpin in AUSA’s support for the Army—including the active Army, Army National Guard and Army Reserve—is its 122 chapters around the world that foster relationships in their communities, Brown said. “When I talk to [Army Secretary Christine Wormuth] and other senior leaders about how AUSA can help, they tell me that connection is key,” he said.

Brown addressed the association’s chapter and region leaders at a dinner the day before the opening of the 2023 AUSA Annual Meeting and Exposition, Oct. 9–11 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C.

When AUSA chapters “get the word out” about what the Army is doing, they are “connecting America with her Army—and that’s absolutely critical,” Brown said. Chapter volunteers are “telling the Army story,” he said.

“Our AUSA chapter presidents are leaders in their communities as well as in the association,” said retired Brig. Gen. Jack Haley, AUSA vice president for Membership and Meetings, adding that the volunteers’ hard work is “essential” to the association’s mission.

“I want to thank each and every one of you for what you do—it’s absolutely incredible,” Brown said. “Selfless service, unbelievable volunteers—[you are] making a difference every day for our soldiers, their families and veterans.”

- Luc Dunn