From the President
January 2007

When the Nation is faced with a crisis, the men and women of our country leave their families, their homes, jobs, fortunes, and communities and move to the sound of the guns.  They go to secure their future and that of their families.  We are the benefactors of their collective sacrifice and are indebted to them.  Supporting our troops remains our principal focus and we must not allow our sights to drift away from our security and our troops morale and welfare.  Nothing plays better on the ears of our troops than to hear, “Thank you!”

We all recently experienced the hoopla of the national elections cycle and watched the balance of power shift from one party to another.  As unsettling as such a political spectacle can be, it is an important feature of our society and freedoms.  Now it is over and we must renew our vigilance to make sure we do not aid and abet or give undue hope to our enemies whose aim is to do great harm to our way of life. Talk to your elected officials -- make sure they maintain the focus you feel is necessary to keep the Nation safe and secure.  

Keeping the needs of the Army foremost in our sights, we remain a resolutions based organization that develops a slate of goals each year at the annual meeting.  This sets our agenda for the entire year.  These resolutions are developed in consonance with the Army Staff and have a single purpose: the security of the Nation. You can review the 2007 resolutions online at www.ausa.org. (Click on “Government Affairs” on the left, then click on “Legislative Agenda”, then click on “Our Resolutions.”)

Coming to Kansas City, April 17-19 is the annual Installations Symposium and Exhibition.  This annual event brings installation management Soldiers, leaders, and officials together with installation satisfying vendors and companies to identify challenges and solutions to managing our facilities. Meetings are open to all AUSA members, employees or consultants of AUSA Member companies, military and civilian government personnel, invited guests of the Association and others who have an identifiable relationship with the U.S. Army. Many of our corporate members may have in interest in this event since its focus is on the needs of the fixed installation and the services provided to our troops and their families.  See the symposia schedule at www.ausa.org (Click on “Meetings” on the left.)

There are a number of community activities that should be recognized.  Congratulations are in order to Diane Boeger, who organized a local assist to Operation Christmas Stocking.  She collected several crates of things to be sent to the troops for Christmas—great work.  Pioneer Services organized and provided meals to the families of deployed troops so they could celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday. Thank you, Team Pioneer. Also, 20 of our chapter members under the organization of Gary Welch worked to support the Heart of America Stand Down organized by Art Filmore that provides assistance to homeless and severely disadvantaged veterans. Thanks to all who helped on this timeless and caring semi-annual event. And coming in the fall of 2007, Scott Balentine (Lifestyles) and Jan Burdett (NARI) are planning to conduct a modest makeover of a Soldier’s home. We will work to identify a worthy recipient and offer volunteer assistance in the project.

I hope you had an enjoyable Christmas and holiday season.  Please continue to keep the troops in mind, for while you are home in a warm bed they operate in the adversity of combat.  Wish them well now and in the future; take care of them when they come home.   May the new year bring you all peace and happiness.

Mike Neer
Col., USA Ret.