Each year, the Huntsville/Madison County community plans a number of events to celebrate our Armed Forces and the civilians of Team Redstone. Marking the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army, the 2025 celebration was extended to two full weeks of fun activities honoring our Armed Forces and support workforce. Here’s a recap of AUSA-sponsored events.

Department of the Army Civilians Awards

The 2025 Dr. Richard G. “Dick” Rhoades Department of the Army Civilian of the Year Awards Dinner recognized 22 DA civilians for outstanding service and support of the Army mission, goals and values and quality support to the Army Soldiers, demonstrated excellence in his or her assigned duties, contributions to the community and participation in professional and civic organizations.

J. Caleb Nabors, Integrated Fires Mission Command product manager, was named the 2025 Department of the Army Civilian of the Year. Nabors will advance to AUSA’s third region competition and potentially go on to the national competition. The winner at the national level will be recognized at the AUSA annual meeting in October as the Department of the Army Civilian of the Year.

Nabors was the winner in the technical/technical management category, and Lawrence Kokocha, Defense Acquisition University, won in the Department of Defense (GS 11-14) management/executive category; Luke Railey, DEVCOM Aviation & Missile Center, in the professional/technical (GS 11-13) category; and Kimberly Reed, PEO Missiles and Space, in the support staff (GS 5) category.

Liz Miranda, the Army Materiel Command’s executive deputy to the commanding general, was the guest speaker of the event at the Jackson Center.

“Looking out to all of you, I am filled with a profound sense of pride – pride in the work that we do and pride in the legacy that we are a part of,” she said. Reflecting on the 250-year history of the Army, “it is crucial to remember that the Army’s success wasn’t built solely on the backs of our uniformed service members. From the Revolutionary War to today, Army civilians have been the bedrock of support, providing the continuity and stability as well as the expertise in support of our nation’s defense.”

Thank you to Boeing, Lockheed Martin and Blue Raven Solutions (CTG) for sponsoring the event.

Iron Mike Golf Tournament Tees off for a Cause

The Redstone-Huntsville Chapter of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) hosted its annual Iron Mike Golf Tournament in May, kicking off two weeks of Armed Forces Celebration events in North Alabama.

Held at The Links at Redstone, the tournament welcomed 26 teams and more than 100 players from across the military, defense, and business communities. The event featured a four-person scramble format with a shotgun start, closest-to-the-pin and longest drive contests, and multiple sponsorship activations throughout the course.

Chapter President Marc Jacobson opened the tournament by welcoming participants and highlighting AUSA’s role in building strong connections between the Army and the local community. He also noted the significance of the year, as 2025 marks the Army’s 250th birthday, with the milestone highlighted by the 250th Army Birthday Ball on June 14.

Col. Erin Eike, Garrison Commander of Redstone Arsenal, also addressed players and guests, offering remarks on behalf of the installation and thanking the community for its continued support of Soldiers and Army families.

Tournament results saw Tec-Masters repeat as the top team winner. The team was comprised of Marvin Carroll, Luke Dorminey, Tyler Clark, and Mark Washburn.  Jim Myles earned honors for Closest to the Pin, and Mark Washburn claimed the Longest Drive award. Aside from a brief 20-minute rain delay, the weather was outstanding, setting the tone for a successful day of golf, networking, and camaraderie.

The event raised money for the Chapter’s scholarship fund, which provides educational assistance to local students and military family members.

Now a signature event on the Chapter’s calendar, the Iron Mike Tournament is named in honor of “Iron Mike,” the iconic figure symbolizing the strength and sacrifice of American Soldiers throughout history. The tournament continues to reflect the Army’s core values of teamwork, service, and resilience.

Planning is underway for next year’s tournament, as the Chapter looks to build on this year’s strong turnout and community impact.

AUSA Hosts 250th Army Birthday Ball Celebrating World’s Greatest Army

Our chapter hosted more than 750 attendees at the U.S. Army 250th Birthday Ball at the iconic U.S. Space & Rocket Center on June 14. Inspiring remarks were delivered by GEN (Ret.) Gus Perna, and a stunning display of historical Army uniforms provided a powerful reminder of our Army’s rich heritage. 

“For 250 years the Army has stood watch through the Revolution and Civil War, through world wars and the Cold War, through peacekeeping and humanitarian missions,” Perna said. “At the face of terrorism and ever-emerging threats, we stood tall. We can be counted on to do our jobs.”

During the black-tie event, the former commander of Army Materiel Command and chief operating officer of the country’s COVID-19 response – Operation Warp Speed – lauded “the greatest Army the world has ever seen.”

He also talked about the importance of the relationship between the Army and DA civilians, the Army and the community, the Army and industry and the Army and the families who support the Soldiers in uniform.

Part of the celebratory program highlighted the Army’s long history by showcasing how the Soldiers’ uniform has evolved over the past 250 years. For each era of the Army uniform, a young man or woman walked to the stage dressed in period-specific attire.

Other Highlights

Proclamation Signing Ceremony

Armed Forces Celebration Luncheon

Team Redstone vs. Community Leaders (Team Rockets) Softball Game

U.S. Army Birthday Celebration