2008- Another year of excellence

The Greater Kansas City Chapter of AUSA wrapped up a great year of Soldier support and community awareness work and members of the board are working hard to make 2009 a year of new successes.

In 2008, KCAUSA conducted a Corporate Appreciation Reception in February; supported AUSA National at the Army Installation Symposium in Kansas City in April; participated in the AUSA 5th Region Meetings and in regional ROTC graduation ceremonies in May; and conducted a huge Heart of America Birthday Celebration and a Veteran’s Stand Down in June.

In August and September, members of the chapter participated in leadership training; visited local area ROTC programs; supported the 418^th Civil Affairs Battalion during their deployment; participated in the Kansas City Royals Military Appreciation Day; and conducted a breakfast meeting with Terry Buckler, the youngest member of the Son Tay Raid mission.

In October, KCAUSA conducted the second annual Operation Soldier Assist project with the KC Chapter of the National Assocation of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) and sent a delegation to the AUSA National Meeting and Symposium.

In November chapter members participated in Retiree Activity Day at Fort Leavenworth; attended Veteran’s Day Ceremonies and presentations; and participated in the Kansas City Chiefs Military Appreciation Day; and supported a Fall Veteran’s Stand Down in the city.

In December, the chapter conducted a general membership meeting focused around the Army-Navy football game; supported toy drives for Christmas; assisted a corporate member in providing gifts for the families of two deployed Soldiers over Christmas; participated in a HOOAH (Helping Our Own at Home) strategy meeting with the Henry Leavenworth Chapter of AUSA; and provided representation at the special chapter chartering and officer induction ceremony of the new Northeast Kansas Chapter of Gold Star Mothers. 

One could say that’s a lengthy list by any measure. The key to achieving success in these activities is the strength of chapter member volunteers.

“I guarantee you that most of the events we conducted or participated in last year were a direct result of the hard work of two people—Diane Boeger, our executive VP and Mike Neer, our immediate past president,” said Lt. Col. (Ret.) Mark Wiggins, VP Communications. “Certainly many of us were always involved, but it’s very apparent to all of us that Diane is the quintessential energizer bunny when it comes to organizing and executing Chapter activities in support of Soldiers...and let it not go unsaid, our Army Birthday Celebrations are literally ‘birthed’ by Mike Neer.”

KCAUSA has already begun detailed planning for the major events in 2009. Contact Mike Neer to support planning for the Army Birthday Celebration that is scheduled for Saturday, June 13 (The Army Birthday is June 14.).