Huntsville, AL -- As public health officials recommend continued social distancing, the Redstone-Huntsville chapter of the Association of the United States Army, along with General Perna and top Redstone officials, have announced the cancellation of the 2020 Army Birthday Dinner scheduled to be held at the new Toyota Stadium on June 12th.

The annual celebration brings together top leaders and representatives from Team Redstone along with AUSA members to recognize the anniversary of our nation’s Army and those serving and supporting Redstone Arsenal.

This is not the first event that the chapter has had to cancel due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). In March, national AUSA officials cancelled the Global Force Symposium - one of Huntsville’s largest conventions and visitor revenue generators. The Redstone-Huntsville chapter then cancelled the Rocket City Bash, the chapter’s largest fundraiser of the year which is affiliated with the symposium.

While event and fundraiser cancellations have impacted funds and operations, the local chapter continues to work virtually to serve through this crisis. In keeping with their mission to serve the Army family, the Redstone-Huntsville chapter of AUSA has donated $5,000 to Army Emergency Relief.

Army Emergency Relief (AER) is the Army’s non-profit organization, providing financial assistance to soldiers through zero-interest loans, grants, and educational scholarships. During the COVID-19 crisis, AER is providing direct support and increased readiness to soldiers and their families who have been adversely impacted. More information about AER and their COVID-19 response efforts is available at https://www.armyemergencyrelief.org/covid19/.

“We look forward each year to recognizing the history of our nation’s Army and the service and sacrifice of those who continue to serve this country. Our board of directors and members are disappointed to cancel this year’s celebration,” said Steve Below, President of the AUSA Redstone-Huntsville Chapter. “Through our donation to Army Emergency Relief and continued support of our local Army community, we continue to look for ways to serve during this difficult time.

AUSA is a private, nonprofit, educational Association of individual, business and organization members dedicated to supporting and maintaining a strong national defense with an emphasis on the role of the United States Army.

AUSA Redstone-Huntsville supports the needs and interests of soldiers, Department of the Army civilians, veterans, and the entire Army family. To learn more about how to join and support AUSA Redstone-Huntsville, visit https://www.ausa.org/chapters/redstone-huntsville-chapter.