AUSA best for third year in row

Sunday, May 13, 2007

Huntsville Times

Continuing to earn international recognition for its achievements, the AUSA Redstone-Huntsville Chapter of the Association of the U.S. Army (AUSA) received its third consecutive Best Large Chapter Overall Award from AUSA National in Washington, D.C., in October.

"It is truly an honor for me to serve as the president of such a dynamic chapter," says Emily Vandiver, chapter president, remaining focused on "Stay Army Strong!"

"We continue to prove why we are the best through our numerous activities in support of our U.S. Army."

The chapter was also recognized as a President's Club-Gold, Chapter of Excellence, Star Chapter, Superior Chapter, and Merit Chapter. Overall, 18 streamers were awarded to the chapter and included Excellence in Corporate Membership Growth, Best Chapter in Support of Reserve Components, Best Corporate Member Support and Best Chapter Newsletter.

AUSA's mission is to represent American soldiers as the voice for the Army, to generate public support of the Army's role in national security, and provide additional support through educational and informational programs. The nonprofit association has chapters throughout the world and supports the Army, including Active Duty, Reserve, National Guard, Department of the Army civilians, veterans, retirees and family members.

The Redstone-Huntsville Chapter, established in 1959, has more than 250 corporate members and more than 2,500 individual members.

In March, the chapter received the President's Trophy for Large Chapter of Excellence for 2007 at the AUSA Third Region (Southeastern U.S.) meeting at Fort Rucker, Ala. Third Region President Bill Beiswenger and Retired Brig. Gen. Bob Drolet, AUSA State President of Alabama, presented the trophy to Vandiver. Retired Gen. Gordon Sullivan, AUSA national president, was a featured speaker at the conference and complimented the chapter on its outstanding support to the Army.

Vandiver says the Veterans Dinner and Parade held in November 2006 were "outstanding events to honor those who have sacrificed so much for freedom. The recognition of the Hall of Heroes inductees and Purple Heart recipients was a moving experience for all present. Our chapter members led the parade and marched in force, handing out thousands of flags to everyone along the parade route."

Operation Christmas Bear and Military Night at Santa's Village supported the families of deployed military members and military heroes who returned from service.

"Our members were in charge of collecting the huge assortment of goodies, all graciously donated, and serving those in attendance," Vandiver says. "It makes our efforts so worthwhile when we see the smiles on children's faces. We also continue to receive heartfelt gratitude from so many parents, who thank our Chapter for making these difficult times a little easier."

Also in December, the AUSA chapter hosted a Corporate Appreciation Holiday Reception to thank more than 240 corporate members who are critical in aiding chapter efforts. "Their generous support allows us to do even more to support our Army with first class activities," Vandiver says.

"It is such a pleasure to work with our dedicated individual and corporate members," she says. "I continue to receive comments from so many people who express their appreciation for all that we do for the Soldiers and their families."

February was a busy month for the AUSA chapter.

Vandiver says their two Military Appreciation Nights held that month were a great success. On Feb. 2, Maj. Gen. James Pillsbury, Sgt. First Class Tina Paton and Vandiver dropped pucks at the University of Alabama in Huntsville hockey game. Over 150 soldiers had a great time in the ice-level seats.

On Feb. 10, she says a strong attendance at the Huntsville Havoc game was the largest ever for a sporting event at the Von Braun Center, showing respect and honoring the military community.

AUSA Redstone-Huntsville chapter also has formed a new satellite chapter.

Vandiver says chapter board members joined the University of North Alabama ROTC Satellite Chapter at their installation dinner in Florence. Vandiver presented their framed charter and conducted the swearing-in ceremony of their officers. Chapter past president retired Col. John Rogers, civilian aide to the Secretary of the Army for Alabama, North, was the speaker for the occasion.

"The Blue Star Banner ceremony for families of the deployed soldiers of the 1169th Engineer Group was a very emotional event," she says of the occasion. Huntsville Mayor Loretta Spencer, also a chapter board member, presented special coins to the families. Vandiver says "I proudly presented our Chapter Blue Star Banner coins to show our appreciation for the families who are also making sacrifices for our country."

The AUSA Redstone-Huntsville chapter board members continue to attend college and high school ROTC/JROTC award events throughout the area, where they make presentations to outstanding cadets, Vandiver says. They also continue to make presentations to soldiers and Army civilians selected as Non-commissioned Officer and Soldier of the Quarter and Year, Drill Sergeant of the Year, Department of the Army Civilian of the Year, and Military and Civilian Instructors of the Year.

AUSA will sponsor the 232nd Army Birthday Celebration and Flag Day at the Redstone Arsenal on June 14.

Vandiver says the chapter will play a significant role in Armed Forces Week activities July 14-20. Events scheduled during the week include Military Appreciation Night with the Tennessee Valley Vipers on July14, Concert in the Park featuring the 313th USAR Band on July 16, Army Soldier Show performances July17-18, the annual SALUTE Dinner on July 17 and the Armed Forces Week Golf Tournament on July 20.

The Redstone-Huntsville Chapter stands out as an excellent example of what an AUSA Chapter can be, Vandiver says. The chapter invites new individual or corporate memebrs.

For more information, visit their Web site, www.ausaredstone.org.



AUSA best for third year in row Sunday, May 13, 2007 Huntsville Times Continuing to earn international recognition for its achievements, the AUSA Redstone-Huntsville Chapter of the Association of the U.S. Army (AUSA) received its third consecutive Best Large Chapter Overall Award from AUSA National in Washington, D.C., in October. "It is truly an honor for me to serve as the president of such a dynamic chapter," says Emily Vandiver, chapter president, remaining focused on "Stay Army Strong!" "We continue to prove why we are the best through our numerous activities in support of our U.S. Army." The chapter was also recognized as a President's Club-Gold, Chapter of Excellence, Star Chapter, Superior Chapter, and Merit Chapter. Overall, 18 streamers were awarded to the chapter and included Excellence in Corporate Membership Growth, Best Chapter in Support of Reserve Components, Best Corporate Member Support and Best Chapter Newsletter. AUSA's mission is to represent American soldiers as the voice for the Army, to generate public support of the Army's role in national security, and provide additional support through educational and informational programs. The nonprofit association has chapters throughout the world and supports the Army, including Active Duty, Reserve, National Guard, Department of the Army civilians, veterans, retirees and family members. The Redstone-Huntsville Chapter, established in 1959, has more than 250 corporate members and more than 2,500 individual members. In March, the chapter received the President's Trophy for Large Chapter of Excellence for 2007 at the AUSA Third Region (Southeastern U.S.) meeting at Fort Rucker, Ala. Third Region President Bill Beiswenger and Retired Brig. Gen. Bob Drolet, AUSA State President of Alabama, presented the trophy to Vandiver. Retired Gen. Gordon Sullivan, AUSA national president, was a featured speaker at the conference and complimented the chapter on its outstanding support to the Army. Vandiver says the Veterans Dinner and Parade held in November 2006 were "outstanding events to honor those who have sacrificed so much for freedom. The recognition of the Hall of Heroes inductees and Purple Heart recipients was a moving experience for all present. Our chapter members led the parade and marched in force, handing out thousands of flags to everyone along the parade route." Operation Christmas Bear and Military Night at Santa's Village supported the families of deployed military members and military heroes who returned from service. "Our members were in charge of collecting the huge assortment of goodies, all graciously donated, and serving those in attendance," Vandiver says. "It makes our efforts so worthwhile when we see the smiles on children's faces. We also continue to receive heartfelt gratitude from so many parents, who thank our Chapter for making these difficult times a little easier." Also in December, the AUSA chapter hosted a Corporate Appreciation Holiday Reception to thank more than 240 corporate members who are critical in aiding chapter efforts. "Their generous support allows us to do even more to support our Army with first class activities," Vandiver says. "It is such a pleasure to work with our dedicated individual and corporate members," she says. "I continue to receive comments from so many people who express their appreciation for all that we do for the Soldiers and their families." February was a busy month for the AUSA chapter. Vandiver says their two Military Appreciation Nights held that month were a great success. On Feb. 2, Maj. Gen. James Pillsbury, Sgt. First Class Tina Paton and Vandiver dropped pucks at the University of Alabama in Huntsville hockey game. Over 150 soldiers had a great time in the ice-level seats. On Feb. 10, she says a strong attendance at the Huntsville Havoc game was the largest ever for a sporting event at the Von Braun Center, showing respect and honoring the military community. AUSA Redstone-Huntsville chapter also has formed a new satellite chapter. Vandiver says chapter board members joined the University of North Alabama ROTC Satellite Chapter at their installation dinner in Florence. Vandiver presented their framed charter and conducted the swearing-in ceremony of their officers. Chapter past president retired Col. John Rogers, civilian aide to the Secretary of the Army for Alabama, North, was the speaker for the occasion. "The Blue Star Banner ceremony for families of the deployed soldiers of the 1169th Engineer Group was a very emotional event," she says of the occasion. Huntsville Mayor Loretta Spencer, also a chapter board member, presented special coins to the families. Vandiver says "I proudly presented our Chapter Blue Star Banner coins to show our appreciation for the families who are also making sacrifices for our country." The AUSA Redstone-Huntsville chapter board members continue to attend college and high school ROTC/JROTC award events throughout the area, where they make presentations to outstanding cadets, Vandiver says. They also continue to make presentations to soldiers and Army civilians selected as Non-commissioned Officer and Soldier of the Quarter and Year, Drill Sergeant of the Year, Department of the Army Civilian of the Year, and Military and Civilian Instructors of the Year. AUSA will sponsor the 232nd Army Birthday Celebration and Flag Day at the Redstone Arsenal on June 14. Vandiver says the chapter will play a significant role in Armed Forces Week activities July 14-20. Events scheduled during the week include Military Appreciation Night with the Tennessee Valley Vipers on July14, Concert in the Park featuring the 313th USAR Band on July 16, Army Soldier Show performances July17-18, the annual SALUTE Dinner on July 17 and the Armed Forces Week Golf Tournament on July 20. The Redstone-Huntsville Chapter stands out as an excellent example of what an AUSA Chapter can be, Vandiver says. The chapter invites new individual or corporate memebrs. For more information, visit their Web site, www.ausaredstone.org. © 2007 The Huntsville Times © 2007 al.com All Rights Reserved.