The Association of the U.S. Army held a four-day training session at its national headquarters’ new AUSA Conference and Events Center for 25 Association chapter leaders in late March.
"AUSA hosts Chapter Leader Development Training to inform our chapter volunteer leaders on the many aspects of membership, and programs and projects of interest to their diverse membership," said Col. John Davies, USA, Ret., director of AUSA regional activities.
Adding, "We also introduce or update them on AUSA developments at our national headquarters that will assist in their leadership roles at the local level."
Gen. Gordon R. Sullivan, USA, Ret., AUSA president and CEO, and Gen. Carter Ham, USA, Ret., executive vice president, welcomed the chapter leaders and thanked them for attending.
Sullivan, in his remarks, stressed the importance of strong and committed volunteer leaders who unselfishly give of their time and talents to "lead our chapters" during these turbulent times for our nation and our Total Force Army.
Lt. Gen. Roger Thompson, USA, Ret., vice president for membership and meetings, briefed attendees on the new 2016 membership dues structure that will allow new members to join AUSA at a reduced $30 rate for two years, $50 for five years and $300 for a life membership.
There is also a special two-year $10 rate for grades E-1 to E-4, ROTC and Military Academy cadets, and OCS candidates.
The 2016 special dues rates also apply to current members who wish to renew early at the new rate and have the two-year and five-year rates added to their current membership.
Chapter leaders toured the AUSA headquarters and met with Association subject matter experts.
Topics discussed during the work sessions included: corporate membership; Regular Army, Army Reserve, National Guard, retiree and veteran activities and membership; chapter communications; the importance of marketing; the Chapter Leader Portal and Magnet Mail; chapter programs for a diverse membership; NCO and soldier programs and projects; and the Young Professionals membership and activities program.
A highlight of the event was a presentation, via Go to Meetings, by Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Van Pelt, USA, Ret., from the Capital District of New York Chapter, titled "A Chapter Success Story."
Lt. Gen. Pat McQuistion, USA, Ret., senior director, membership and marketing, closed the four-day training session by thanking the attendees not only for participating in the training program, but also for their dedicated efforts for all they do every day in their chapters for the Army and the Association.
Sullivan and Ham joined McQuistion who presented each participant with an AUSA Graduation Certificate.
Attendees
Chapter leader attendees included: Robert Aldenberg, Fort Leonard Wood-Mid Missouri; Philip Barletto, SGM Jon R. Cavaiani; Christine Boehm, Central Kansas – Fort Riley; Melanie Boehm, Nakamura Chapter and Sixth Region Young Professionals; William Brennan, Sunshine; Ingrid Centurion, Mass Bay; Jack Chlapowski, Monmouth; David Hartley Cooper, Arkansas State President; and Ross Cox, North Texas-Audie Murphy.
Also attending were: Eli Davis, Thunderbird; Christopher DeGarza, North Texas-Audie Murphy; Jessica Hredzak, George Washington; Yulanda Jackson, Marne; Julie Johnson, Rock Island; David Kent, Utah; Lance Lehr, Omar Bradley; Mary Sally Matiella, Tucson-Goyette; and Susan Myers, George Washington.
Donald Nesheim, Gen. Vessey; Bruce Odiorne, Suncoast; Michael Roddy, Redstone-Huntsville; Tiffany Sanders, Sunshine; Richard Smith, Maj. Samuel Woodfill; Christopher Thomas, Denver Centennial; and John Willsey, Capital District of New York, also participated.