By John Perry, VP for National Guard and Army Reserve Affairs

On Thursday, April 17, more than 70 people converged at the Jackson Center to celebrate the 111th Birthday of  the Army Reserve and listen to guest speaker Maj. Gen. Michael Diamond, US Army Reserve retired, speak on the topic of leadership.

The Annual Chapter Army Reserve Birthday breakfast was attended by a host of dignitaries, retired and active Army Reserve soldiers, ROTC  Cadets and their instructors and numerous guests from North Alabama.

WOC Lori Diaz, an Army Reserve Soldier from the 5th Medical Brigade and Chapter member, was the master of  ceremonies for the breakfast. Diaz opened the meeting by welcoming the Army Reserve Soldiers the Army Reserve retirees and honored guests. Pastor Andy Fogle, Pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Florence, Alabama gave the invocation.

Retired Col. John Wright, past president of the AUSA Redstone-Huntsville Chapter, welcomed Diamond and all those attending. He thanked all the military veterans, both active and retired, for their service to our nation. Wright stated that the chapter is proud of their history in supporting our veterans especially the Army Reserve soldiers and their families.

Retired Col. Bryan Dodson, US Army Reserve, introduced Diamond. Diamond focused his comments on the three stages of  leadership. His interactive presentation involved participation from the ROTC Cadets, Soldiers who are currently serving and retired Soldiers. He spoke from his experience of over 35 years of in the Army Reserve, He shared  the  techniques  and  successful leadership traits that lead him to becoming a successful leader.

Attending the breakfast were Dr. Joe Fitzgerald – Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army (CASA); retired Brig. Gen. Bob Drolet, Chairman of the Veterans Memorial Foundation; Marc Jacobson representing Mayor Paul Finley; Chief Mark McMurray, Huntsville Police Department; Chief David   Jernigan, Madison Police Department; retired Col. Mike Izzo, 200th Regiment, Alabama National Guard, Kris McBride, AUSA 3rd Region President; Dave Seay,  AUSA State President, Mr. Mike Sutton, ESGR North Alabama Representative; and numerous offers for attending the AUSA annual breakfast.

AUSA thanks Emo Furfori, President of  the North Alabama Veterans Fraternal Organizations and Coalition for sponsoring this year's Army Reserve Breakfast.