Massing of the Colors 2016

The Massing of the Colors is a patriotic ceremony honoring those who have served in the United States of America and honoring the youth of today who carry on the patriotic tradition.

The world-class I Corps Army Band, which creates bonds between the United States Army and the Pacific Northwest community, will be playing their inspiring selection of music celebrating George Washington, our first patriot in the long line of patriots who have served our country well.

Massing of the Colors began in 1919 by military officers who served in the Great War (World War I/WW I).  In 1923, the Military Order of the World War assumed responsibility for the Massing of the Colors nationwide and still has the responsibility across the nation.

Attendance is free to the public.

Youth and adult organizations can participate by contacting Col. Carroll Dickson by Feb. 12. 2106.

Taste of AUSA

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"ForeRTroops" Golf Tournament Registrartion

AUSA offers it annual "ForeRTroops" Golf Tournament.

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AUSA Lewis Chapter's Trio of Awards

The Chamber, a member since 1991, adds its congratu- lations to the Capt. Meriwether Lewis Chapter, AUSA representing the Joint Base Lewis-McChord communities, for the Association of the U.S. Army's 2014 recognition of the Chapter and two of its officers.

The Capt. Lewis Chapter was recognized for the Chapter of the Year.

AUSA's Major General Anthony J. Drexel Medal was awarded to Carlene Joseph, Capt. Lewis Chapter President, for her outstanding contributions to AUSA.

The Joseph P. Cribbins Medal was awarded to Alecia R. Grady for her exemplary service to the AUSA and her significant contributions to its soldiers and their families.  Grady has served as the Capt. Lewis Chapter secretary since she relocated to JBLM in 2012. 

AUSA Tacoma Subchapter Hosts Fun-raiser

AUSA's Capt. Meriwether Lewis Chapter's Tacoma Subchapter supports the Warrior Transition Battalion, Western Region Medical Command, and Madigan Army Medical Center. As such, the Tacoma Subchapter is hosting the second annual auction & beer and wine tasting on November 12, 2014 beginning at 5:30pm at the Red Lion in Tacoma.  The auction is the subchapter’s premiere fundraising opportunity and we need your help.  

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Are You Faster than a Zombie?

Captain Meriwether Lewis Zombie Apocalypse 5K Run:   On 31 May 2014, at Fort Steilacoom Park in Lakewood.  See the fun with this video (courtesy of West Coast Publishing).

Come join the Captain Meriwether Lewis Chapter for a Zombie Run.  During the run, there will be all kinds of excitement as Zombies chase the runners to the finish line.  If you’re a runner, this one is for you! (Anticipated audience total:  500 people.) To learn how to enroll, simply follow the link here.

Also, AUSA is looking for sponsors. To sponsor the event, please contact Stacy Miller.   AUSA NEEDS YOUR HELP ON THIS ONE, SO PLEASE SIGN UP TODAY! 

You can follow the Zombie Run on Facebook. 

AUSA's 2014 "ForeRTroops" Opens

AUSA announces its 2014 "ForeRTroops" golf tournament.  Foursome registrations and sponsorship forms are below:

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Coalition Offers Free Tickets to Service Members

AUSA, AFA and the Navy League are offering service members and their families complimentary tickets to the 2014 Pac-12 Women's Basket Ball Championship Tournament March 6-9 in Seattle.

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Tacoma AUSA Hosts BG Cho

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Ops Turkey Drop & Ham Grenade 2013

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Fife's AUSA Chapter Sets Annual Meeting

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Thunder Rumble 5K Sponsorships Open

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AUSA Golf's Fore R Troops

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Military Offered Tickets to Pac-12 Tourney

Come see some of the best women's college basketball teams in the nation!

If service members and military-dependent families in your Brigade, Unit, or Wing are interested in attending the Pac-12 Women's Basketball Tournament, they can attend for free.  The tournament is scheduled for March 7-10, 2013, at Key Arena in Seattle.

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These tickets are courtesy of the Air Force Association, the Association of the United States Army, and the Navy League. Also, these tickets are valued under $20.00, so they're in compliance with the Joint Ethics Regulation.

If you're interested, please complete the attached form and return it by February 20th.   Please email the form to:  carlene.joseph@harborstone.com.  Tickets then will be delivered to you.

Alternately, you may email NGill@StormBasketball.com for complimentary tickets. 

AUSA Hosts Deployment Social

On Thursday, September 27, 2012, the Captain Meriwether Lewis Chapter of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) will be hosting a Deployment Social for the Leadership of 4-2 Stryker Brigade Combat Team at Lakewood Ford.   

 

The social will begin at 6:00 PM.  Business leaders and civilians will be charged $20.00 to attend and all service members can attend for free.   During the social, Famous Dave’s will be providing the food.   You can pay your $20.00 at the door by either check or cash.   This gathering will also serve as a quarterly AUSA general membership meeting.

 

Please RSVP by September 24^th here.

AUSA Honors Cong. Smith

Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, received the 14^th Annual Outstanding Legislator Award from the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) on Wednesday, July 25, 2012.  AUSA President Gen. Gordon R. Sullivan, USA, Ret. presented the award during the organization’s Capitol Hill ceremony.

Congressman Smith received the award for his advocacy on behalf of military personnel and their families. He is also being awarded for his efforts to improve efficiencies and the elimination of waste, fraud and abuse in the Department of Defense.  Previous AUSA Outstanding Legislator Award recipients include Rep. Norm Dicks and Sen. Patty Murray.

“It is an honor to work on behalf of the men and women of our military,” said Congressman Smith. “I thank the AUSA for this award and will continue my efforts to ensure our military has the resources it needs to fulfill its missions and to make sure our veterans and their families know their service is not taken for granted once they return home.”

AUSA is a private, non-profit educational organization that supports America's Army - Active, National Guard, Reserve, Civilians, Retirees, Government Civilians, Wounded Warriors, Veterans, and family members. AUSA provides numerous Professional Development Opportunities at a variety of events both local and national. Since 1950, the Association of the United States Army has worked to support all aspects of national security while advancing the interests of America's Army and the men and women who serve.

For more information on Congressman Smith’s efforts on behalf of the military, visit www.AdamSmith.House.gov/armedservices.

AUSA Seeks Supporters

It will soon be that time year again to honor the I Corps Soldier and NCO of the Year award recipients. Hard to believe, I know!

Last year, the Captain Meriwether Lewis Chapter supported this program by requesting that the local Chambers of Commerce members donate items such as gift cards, free services, overnight hotel stays, free services and much more for these two award recipients.   Depending upon the location of the business, the items were separated and the two soldiers received their gifts at different chambers of commerce Military Affairs Committee meetings.   We would like to do this again.

So, if you’re interested in donating any of these items, please email me directly at:  carlene.joseph@harborstone.com.   I’ll then work with the different Chambers to compile the gift packages.

Thank you all for your consideration and I hope to hear from you very soon.

Respectfully,
Carlene Joseph, Chapter President

Captain Meriwether Lewis, AUSA

Local AUSA Chapter Takes Home National Gold

After forming eleven subchapters to support the thousands of service members on Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM), the Captain Meriwether Lewis Chapter of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA), was recognized nationally by receiving the “Best Chapter” award in its membership category in Washington, D.C. earlier in October.

The eleven subchapters were formed to complement JBLM’s Community Connector program by simply encouraging city officials and business leaders to embrace the soldiers and their families, especially during deployments.   Today, subchapters have been established in the Cities of Lacey, Steilacoom, Lakewood, DuPont, Tacoma, Fife/Milton, Puyallup, Olympia, Tumwater, Yakima and Camp Murray (National Guard).

These subchapters became beneficial when over 17,000 soldiers returned home from war in late 2010.   Over $100,000 was raised to coordinate three welcome home picnics for the 2^nd, 3^rd, and 4^th Stryker Brigade Combat Teams.   Since that time, the formation of subchapters has become popular among the different brigades on JBLM, leading to the eleven existing today.

Featured in the picture from left to right:  General Gordon Sullivan (AUSA CEO and past Army Joint Chief of Staff), CSM Dan Verbeke (the Rear Detachment I Corps CSM), SFC Leroy Petry (Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient), Carlene Joseph (Captain Meriwether Lewis Chapter President & Harborstone Credit Union VP), John Hemphill (MG Retired), CSM Matt Barnes (Garrison CSM), Roger Thompson (LTG Retired and AUSA Director).

In addition to unwavering community support, to include the local chambers of commerce, the Captain Meriwether Lewis Chapter benefits from strong business alliances, such as with the Pierce Military and Business Alliance.  This group consists of the Boeing Company, Harborstone Credit Union, America’s Credit Union, American Lake Credit Union, Support America’s Armed Forces, Regence BlueShield, TriWest Healthcare Alliance, CoinForce.com, Tactical Tailor, Concrete Technology Corp., the Ranger/Northwest Airlifter, the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce, Luce, Lineberry & Kenney Law Firm, the Pierce County Council, Northwest Credit Union Foundation, and GEICO Insurance.

Congratulations Captain Meriwether Lewis Chapter of the Association of the United States Army, its Pres. Carlene Joseph and its members, firms and organizations for a job well done!

AUSA Raffle for Soldiers

AUSA Minuteman Chapter Takes Over