The AUSA Family Readiness Directorate is proud to host three Military Family Forums at the 2018 Annual Meeting and Exposition, Oct. 8–10, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.

These forums provide a venue for the military and civilian leadership to address Army family issues and introduce new organizations, initiatives and programs.

In addition, several other family focused events will be offered throughout the week.

All forums will be live-streamed, but if you live in the Military District of Washington you are highly encouraged to attend in person.

Military Family Forum I: Monday, Oct. 8, 2:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., EDT, titled “The 16 Indicators of Military Family Readiness.”

This forum will provide an in-depth look at the research from the past 10 years on Military Family Readiness. Dr. Stacy Hawkins of the Army Analytics Group’s Research Facilitation Laboratory will provide an overview of “What we know about Military Family Readiness: Evidence from 2007-2017.”

This presentation will set the stage for a candid panel discussion on Army programs seeking to enhance family readiness. An active-duty Army spouse will join a military family-life chaplain, and representatives from Army medicine and Military OneSource to present information and answer your questions.

An update on TRICARE from the Defense Health Agency will also be provided. Sign up today at https://www.facebook.com/events/2585855101640307/.

Military Family Forum II: Tuesday, Oct. 9, 9:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m., EDT, titled “An Update on Military Spouse Employment and Financial Readiness Initiatives.” Military spouse employment (or lack thereof) has recently gained national attention.

Join us for a frank discussion on what the Department of Defense, the federal government and private organizations are doing to support military spouses in their career aspirations.

The federal hiring process, spouse preference, home-based business policy, and childcare challenges and changes will all be discussed.

Sign up today at https://www.facebook.com/events/270192113737127/.

Military Family Forum III: Tuesday, Oct. 9, 3:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m., EDT, titled “A Town Hall with Senior Army Leaders.” This popular open forum allows direct interaction with the Secretary of the Army Dr. Mark Esper, Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Mark Milley, and the Sergeant Major of the Army Daniel Dailey. We also will introduce the 2018 AUSA Volunteer Family of the Year.

Sign up today at https://www.facebook.com/events/1791140307631838/.

Special Events for On-Site Participants

AUSA Family Readiness Breakfast: Monday, Oct. 8, 7:30 a.m.–9:00 a.m., EDT. Join AUSA Family Readiness as we kick off the 2018 AUSA Annual Meeting with a buffet style networking breakfast.

Special guests include Hollyanne Milley and Holly Dailey. Military family members and supporters of military families are welcome. Cost is $20 per person for AUSA members, $30 for non-members.

To purchase tickets and check out the Facebook event visit: https://www.facebook.com/events/204832936892903/.

AUSA Family Readiness Munch and Mingle: Tuesday, Oct. 9, noon–1:00 p.m, EDT. Join the staff of the AUSA Family Readiness Directorate for a one of a kind event.

“Munch and Mingle” with colleagues, old friends and representatives from various military family-friendly organizations! Special guests and surprises to be announced.

There is no cost to attend the “Munch and Mingle,” but you can pre-purchase a box lunch here: http://ausameetings.org/2018annualmeeting/ticketed-events/

The box lunch is $20 per person for AUSA members, $30 for non-members.

Don’t forget to check out the Facebook event at https://www.facebook.com/events/233338127276941/.

IGNITE – Entrepreneur Training Event for Women: Wednesday, Oct. 10, 9:00 a.m.– 5:00 p.m., EDT.

IGNITE D.C. is an exclusive entrepreneurship training event for women veterans, active duty service women and women military spouses/life-partners being offered Wednesday, Oct. 10, by the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) at Syracuse University through its Veteran Women Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship (V-WISE) program.

Who should attend? Women veterans, active duty service women, and women military spouses/life-partners who are exploring the opportunity of small business ownership as a career path.

Not a woman veteran, military service woman or woman military spouse/life-partner? You may be eligible for another of IVMF’s premier entrepreneurship and career transition programs available to veterans/service members and families nationwide. You can view all our programs and services. Register for IGNITE DC at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ignite-dc-at-ausa-2018-registration-47123169669.