Academic Grants: Each year the chapter awards over $5,000 in academic grants. In 2004 five $1000 grants, were made to deserving soldiers, spouses and family members to offset the cost of college education. In 2005, thanks to sponsorship from Foley’s Department Store, we increased the total amount of grant money to $7,000. You can apply for an academic grant by clicking on the link and submitting your application before the deadline.
Adopt a Unit: During Operation Iraqi Freedom and during ongoing operations, the Chapter assists deployed units by getting them “adopted” by Corporate Members or other interested organizations. Adopted units and their families receive support and assistance from their sponsors. Additionally, units at Fort Bliss that are not presently deployed can also be “adopted” and close ties and friendships developed. Currently, most units at Fort Bliss are “orphans.” They can easily be adopted by contacting the Omar Bradley Chapter at c4405@ausa.org and providing a point contact.
Bradley Leadership Awards: Each year the Chapter recognizes an outstanding Junior Officer and Enlisted Soldier from the Active Component and Reserve/National Guard Component for their exceptional duty performance and leadership skills. The Chapter also selects an outstanding Department of the Army Civilian Employee in the supervisory and non-supervisory category who also demonstrate exceptional performance and leadership. In recent years, the chapter has added a category to recognize outstanding Corporate AUSA Members for their leadership and support of the soldiers at Fort Bliss. The actual awards are presented at the Chapters “Main Event” the GA Omar Bradley Banquet. Nominations are normally made in July, selection boards convene in August, and the announcements are made at the Banquet. Last year over 1,200 people attended the banquet. The award winners are presented a plaque and there names are inscribed on a permanent plaque prominently displayed in the Fort Bliss Headquarters Building.
Corporate Member Breakfast: Every quarter the Corporate AUSA members meet for breakfast at the Fort Bliss Officers Club and receive an update on Fort Bliss and the Army from the Fort Bliss Commanding General. The Commanding General also includes a healthy period for questions and answers from the membership.
Corporate Member Receptions: Every quarter the Corporate AUSA members meet for an early evening networking session, and recognition of new members. Various places of business host the receptions. Prospective Corporate Members are encouraged and welcome to attend. A member of the Fort Bliss Command Team normally provides an update on current activities or special items of interest concerning Fort Bliss.
Freedom Fiesta: This is a month-long celebration of the soldiers who live, work, and serve in the El Paso Community. The event is co-sponsored by AUSA, the City of El Paso, and the local Chambers of Commerce. For more information, please click on the Freedom Fiesta link.
General Membership Meetings: The Chapter hosts no fewer than four General Membership meetings per year. Generally, the meetings are focused on topics of current events and senior leaders from across the military are the guest speakers.