WSMR’s AUSA chapter is recognized nationally

By White Sands Missile Range

Las Cruces Sun-News

The White Sands Missile Range chapter of the Association of the United States Army will be receiving numerous awards at this year's annual AUSA exposition for their outstanding performance and active role in supporting the Army.

The local chapter will receive 21 awards, including the award for Best Chapter Overall in its size bracket. It is unusual for a single chapter to receive so many awards, breaking the regional record of 19, according to AUSA Regional President Jack Isler. "It's a first for White Sands, winning best chapter status, it's a big deal," said Margaret Tyree, the WSMR chapter president.

WSMR's AUSA chapter and Army leadership will be officially receiving the award at the AUSA annual meeting and exposition in Washington, D.C., Oct. 8 to 10. The WSMR chapter will also be receiving the Chapter of Excellence Award, the President's Club Silver Award, the Special Award, the Superior Chapter Award, the Merit Chapter Award, the Best Chapter in Pursuit of AUSA Objectives award, two government civilian membership increase awards, the Best Chapter to Support Reserve Components Award, the Best Corporate Member Support Award, the Family Programs Award, the Take the Hill Award, the Electronic Chapter Award, the ILW Streamline Award, the Army Birthday Award, the Army History Award, the Support to Army Recruiting Command Award, the Lewis and Clark Award, the Continuous Membership Award, as well as honorable mention for best Web site, and the runner up for several other awards including best chapter in support of ROTC.

Part of what makes the WSMR chapter so good is that WSMR provides it with support and opportunities that other chapters may not have available. The tri-service environment of WSMR allows AUSA's support to the WSMR community to not only help soldiers, but also airmen and sailors as well.

"We are linked to the community, but also to the Navy and the Air Force. That makes our chapter unique," Tyree said.

AUSA's activities on WSMR can be seen at the various activities held on the installation. AUSA is a sponsor of the Tri-service Banquet, provides food at WSMR's Army-Navy flag football game, holds fundraising golf tournaments, and supports and participates in numerous other activities and functions.

The WSMR chapter also expands its efforts out to the neighboring communities by supporting the local ROTC programs.

The purpose of AUSA is to provide support to the Army and soldiers, and to act as a voice for the soldiers in the U.S. political system, lobbying for things like better pay and benefits for soldiers. "It's my personal belief that the only reason we are here is to support the war fighter, the soldiers and their families," said Tyree.

In addition to representing the needs of soldiers, AUSA also supports soldiers directly through things like sending phone and care packages to deployed soldiers, helping with welcoming committees for returning soldiers, and even finding someone to have Thanksgiving dinner with a soldier that cannot make it home. Helping the soldiers by assisting their families back home is also an important goal of AUSA.

"(Soldier's families) are back here waiting while their loved ones are doing battle. Anything we can do to make that a little bit better for them we'll try and do," Tyree said.

"What's Up At White Sands" is a regular feature written by missile range staffers.