2-3 Inf. Soldiers provide demos for AUSA's 6^th region spring meeting

Soldiers of 2-3 Infantry supported I Corps hosting of approximately 65 members from the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Captain Meriwether Lewis Chapter as part of their AUSA 6th region spring meeting to build and maintain community trust and increase awareness and support for Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., and I Corps, April 21, 2017.

AUSA members were guided to different stations where subject matter experts provided task conditions and standards of the stations (such as employ and recover an M18A1 Claymore, camouflage self and equipment, Objective Bull, and more), while Soldiers gave a demonstration. After the third station AUSA members were given the opportunity to view a Stryker static display, fire M4 Rifles, use radio equipment and interact with Soldiers.

AUSA is a non-profit organization that acts primarily as an advocacy group for the United States Army. Founded in 1950, it has 119 chapters worldwide. Membership is open to everyone, not just Army personnel. 

The Captain Meriwether Lewis Lacey Subchapter of AUSA has worked with the 1-2 Stryker Brigade Combat Team and other organizations such as 17^th Field Artillery Brigade for a while, according to Tina Torfin, the subchapter president.

“We have hosted our Annual Family Day for two years running and are looking forward to 2017 (our 3rd year), which is scheduled on August 29, 2017,” Torfin said.

The Annual Family Day event is entirely free for the entire Brigade and their families, she added. They are invited out to The RAC at Lacey (Regional Athletic Center and Park).  AUSA procured over 65 supporters to come out and support the event with activities, goods and services ranging from free face painting, bounce houses, free haircuts and games.

“We all have full time careers, yet we dedicate hours of volunteer time each week, month, year and it is our honor to do so,” Torfin said. That said, this is not an endeavor we could accomplish alone, we absolutely reach out to our business community and our City Connector: The City of Lacey. Lacey is a huge support to us, as is the Lacey Police and Fire Departments."

The subchapter even assist 2nd SBCT, Lancer Foundation, to with their memorial. They hosted a fundraiser on their behalf to help build their Memorial on Post.

“Hands down what I enjoy most is serving our Military Families,” she added. “I work nights and weekends, I enlist my whole family to help out when I can! In addition to AUSA, I also serve as an Honorary Commander for the 62nd Airlift Wing OSS … serving the Military is an important and meaningful part of my life, I couldn't imagine it any other way.”