Well, another Global Force Symposium is in the books, and what a busy, productive week it was! I couldn’t be prouder of our chapter and the role we played in making this event a success. We:

• Provided 80 volunteers to assist AUSA Headquarters with logistics.
• Helped fill the roster for the GenNext Forum, supporting future leaders.
• Hosted the Young Professionals Social, building connections among the next generation.
• Held a hugely successful Rocket City Bash—one of the highlights of the week!
• Assisted in collecting a record number of clothing donations for Operation Deploy Your Dress.
• Organized the JROTC/ROTC Luncheon, recognizing over 450 incredible cadets.

And all of that was in addition to simply attending and engaging in the symposium itself!

The final numbers are in and the numbers set a new GRS record, with 6,566 attendees. That’s a tremendous accomplishment, especially given the concern that some stakeholders might not be able to attend. The exhibit space was greatly expanded and completely filled - further proof that Global Force continues to grow in both impact and importance.

If you were there, I hope you gained valuable insights, made meaningful connections, and walked away with a greater appreciation for the Army’s ongoing transformation.

Looking Ahead: Armed Forces Celebration Week

Next up is Armed Forces Celebration Week - actually, two weeks this year - running from May 30 to June 14. The schedule is packed with events, culminating in a once-in-a-lifetime milestone: the Army’s 250th Birthday Celebration.

Key Events:

• May 30 – Iron Mike Golf Tournament
• June 2 – Proclamation Signing
• June 4 – Armed Forces Celebration Luncheon
• June 5 – Community vs. Team Redstone Softball Game
• June 6 – Gold Star Family Appreciation Event
• June 7 – Army Birthday Public Celebration at Redstone Gateway
• June 9 – Concert in the Park
• June 12 – Chapter DA Civilian of the Year Awards Dinner
• June 13 – Armed Forces Prayer Breakfast
• June 14 – Army 250th Birthday Ball

A Personal Note

This will be my final Salute article as Chapter President. It has been an absolute honor to serve in this role for the past two years, and I couldn’t have asked for a better board, volunteers, and community of supporters.

I’m excited to pass the baton to COL (R) John Kuenzli, who will undoubtedly continue the chapter’s strong tradition of supporting our Soldiers, Army Civilians, Veterans, and their families. With his leadership and the incredible dedication of our board, I know the chapter will continue to thrive.

Thank you all for your support, your commitment to AUSA, and most of all, your dedication to those who serve. It has truly been a privilege.

I hope to see you during Armed Forces Celebration Week - especially at the Army’s 250th Birthday Ball!

- Marc Jacobson

Chapter President, AUSA Redstone-Huntsville Chapter