AFC Headquarters, Austin, Texas

The AUSA Texas Capital Area Chapter assisted with the awards ceremony for the Best Warrior Squad Competition Award Ceremony at Army Futures Command and the 249th Army Birthday celebration with Army Futures Command. The ceremony was conducted at Headquarters of Army Futures Command and was well attended with military, AUSA Texas Capital Area Chapter leadership, DA civilian employees, and civilian leadership from the Austin area. The 36th Infantry Division, Texas Army National Guard band did an outstanding job in providing music for the ceremony. This ceremony was an opportunity to formally honor the United States Army and celebrate 249 years of its success in defending our Nation and the freedoms we enjoy.

The most special and honored guest for the ceremony was PFC Chester P. "Buck" Sloan. PFC Sloan a World War II D-Day veteran who served in the Co B, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division. He is 100 years of age and recently traveled to Normandy, France to participate in the 80th Anniversary of the historical D-Day invasion by the Allied Forces of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Australia. PFC "Buck" Sloan is recognizing as a hero and is credited with distinguished service during his time in the US Army in WW II. During the Battle of Brest in September 1944 PFC Sloan is credited with the capture of approximately 30 Germans soldiers.

The attendance of PFC "Buck" Sloan made our celebration of the 249th US Army Birthday very special. PFC Sloan assisted with the cake cutting ceremony much to the delight of all present at the ceremony. His courage and devotion to the Army truly makes PFC "Buck" Sloan an excellent example of a "Soldier for Life". Our chapter president, COL (Ret) Garry D. Patterson was honored to present PFC Sloan an AUSA Texas Capital Area Chapter coin. This ceremony was one of the best celebrations of our Army's birthday we have ever had. We now will be planning for the big 250th Army Birthday celebration to be held next year on 14 June 2025. Additionally, our chapter was able to discuss membership with those attending the ceremony and shared membership information with a number of soldiers. We were about to complete the membership for approximately a dozen new members.