2 Nov 2022, Austin, TX

The Texas Capital Area Chapter hosted its November General Membership meeting at Camp Mabry, Headquarters of the Texas Army & Air National Guard. We had a good attendance of 62 members and guests with about half of the audience active members of the Texas Army National Guard.  Additionally, we had several retired soldiers who were recognized as part of our Soldier for Life program. We were honored to have BG Monie Ulis, Deputy Adjutant General – Army for the TXARNG and his Senior Enlisted Advisor, CSM Michelle Thompson attend our meeting. 
We also recognized six community partners who attended as well as eight executive committee members in attendance. 

Our guest speaker was COL (R) Thomas P. Palladino, the Executive Director of the Texas 
Veterans Commission. This veterans commission is the largest such organization to support veterans in the Nation. The Texas Veterans Commission has offices in 84 cities in Texas. COL 
(R) Thomas Palladino provided a detailed presentation on Veteran’s services and programs provided by his state agency. His commission representatives work hand in hand with the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide services to Texas Veterans. His presentation was well received and appreciated by all who attended. 

Our chapter president, COL (R) Garry Patterson, provided an update to our members concerning the AUSA Annual Meeting and receipt of the Best Chapter Award for our chapter. He provided an overview of the conference and introduced the members the new Basic– Premium Membership program. A membership table was manned by executive committee members. Our chapter signed up 10 new Basic Members and 1 community partner member (SAAB Land Program – Austin). 

Our chapter president presented COL (R) Palladino with a certificate of appreciation, chapter coin, and tumbler. The meeting was a great success as well supported by honored Active, Reserve, and Retired soldiers. 

We plan to continue to work with the Texas Veterans Commission (a major veterans organization and agency in Texas) to get the word to our members and soldiers.