ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY

President’s Note:

 

Greetings from the Great Place. I am Chris Albus, a Soldier for Life, and I'm happy to introduce myself as the new Chapter President of the greatest AUSA Chapter in the United States Army. Along with me, our new Executive Committee (EXCOM) includes several talented and dedicated leaders: Vice President Ed Ellis Kelsey, Secretary Linda Angel, Treasurer Terri Baumann, and Sergeant at Arms Alan Wedding, who has volunteered for another tour on the EXCOM. A special thanks to “Past Presidents” Ken Cox and Kelly Brown for their guidance and mentorship in setting this new EXCOM up for success. Along with the past members of the EXCOM, most who remain fully engaged, we are postured to eclipse the other accomplishments of the other 120 Chapters from across the Army. We are all committed to serving our Soldiers, Families, Veterans, Retirees, future Soldiers, and Fort Cavazos. I also want to reiterate how important and appreciated our various Community Partners are in providing support to our Army. We are a stronger voice for Fort Cavazos and the Army when we come together, so I encourage everyone to participate in our events. The Chapter has several committees with fantastic leaders but still needs help filling the ranks and a few committees requiring leadership. I encourage anyone interested in participating in a planning and leadership role to reach out to any of our leaders for information on areas needing volunteers. Finally, one of our mandates is to “tell the Army Story”. I urge EVERYONE to follow “Central Texas Chapter – AUSA” on Facebook, “AUSA Centex” on LinkedIn, and our AUSA website “centraltexasausa.org”. Feel free to contribute if you feel it in your heart.

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Below are just a few of the highlights from the past 2 months:

 

AUSA Scholarship Luncheon – 3 June 2024 The AUSA Central Texas Chapter recognized excellence by awarding 30 scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 to students attending institutions of higher education in the coming school year. These were merit-based scholarships and students had to complete an application which went through a rigorous evaluation. During the ceremony, recipients and their Families sat with donors and AUSA Central Texas Chapter volunteers to celebrate. Thanks to generous donors, over $50,000 in scholarships were awarded. Mr. Pete Beronio kicked off the award ceremony by recognizing the monetary contributions by donors who made this event possible. Scholarship recipients also expressed their gratitude to their donors and Taylor Perkins shared that "this scholarship significantly reduces my financial burden, allowing me to focus on my future studies. Thank you for believing in my potential." A special thanks to the leadership of the Committee Chair, Dr. Tina Ady, for planning and executing this great event. We are looking for committee members to help organize next year’s event.

 

Awards Banquet and General Membership Meeting – 27 June 2024 Central Texas Chapter – AUSA celebrated the incredible success of inspiring volunteers who make our Chapter great. We also thanked our outgoing members of the Executive Committee and voted and welcomed the new members.

 

Car give-away to Soldier and NCO of the Year – 19 July 2024 (Killeen Auto) PFC Wyatt Klotz and SGT Greg Mascorro, both from 1-5 Cav were recognized by our Chapter and Community Partner Killeen Auto Group with brand new F-150s. These great Americans were both part of the Cavazos Squad of the Year and epitomized the professionalism of our Soldiers and Army.

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As we start the new year, I encourage you to support the Chapter by attending, volunteering, or spreading the word about upcoming events. Your Chapter is extremely busy, and we appreciate all assistance. I also want to welcome our new Board of Governors (BOG) members who have graciously volunteered to be a part of our Chapter leadership. Their support to the Community and especially to our Soldiers and their Families is much appreciated. Please join me in welcoming Jason Wesbrock, Jasmin Rodriquez, Seann O’Brien, Earnie Gill, Willie Keller, and Mark Cook. Below are some near-term events that we hope you can join us for. Please check out our website, centraltexasausa.org, and our social media sites for more information:

• BoG Bi-Monthly Meeting/Orientation for new BOG members – 24 July at Lonestar Conference Center (Sam Adams)

• Backpack Giveaway to Army School Kids – Early August • Vietnam Pinning Ceremony – 8 August at 1700 (reception) at Bell County Museum

• AUSA Car Show – 28 September at Killeen Special Events Center • National Convention – 13-17 October in Washington, D.C.

 

We are still looking at dates for our next Community Partner Dinner and Kickoff Breakfast based around the high OPTEMPO of Fort Cavazos Army Units. Thank you again for your continued support for our Army across the Central Texas region. Please help us tell the Army Story, educate, inform, and connect to AUSA. Let others know who we are, what we do, and how we benefit the Soldier and Army. If the opportunity arises, encourage them or their organization to become members or community partners!

I look forward to meeting with you in the months ahead.

May God Bless! Be All You Can Be!!!

 

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