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Since 1950, the Association of the United States Army has worked to support all aspects of national security while advancing the interests of America's Army and the men and women who serve. AUSA is a private, non-profit educational organization that supports America's Army - Active, National Guard, Reserve, Civilians, Retirees and family members. AUSA membership is open to anyone who wants to foster the Army objectives and its soldiers.

Loyalty
Bear true faith and allegiance to the U.S. Constitution, the Army, your unit, and other soldiers.

Duty
Fulfill your obligations.

Respect
Treat people as they should be treated.

Selfless-Service
Put the welfare of the nation, the Army, and your subordinates before your own.

Honor
Live up to all the Army values.

Integrity
Do what's right, legally and morally.

Personal Courage
Face fear, danger, or adversity (Physical or Moral).

The chapter honored three NCOs-of-the-Year representing the active Army, National Guard and Army Reserve during a dinner meeting at the Manor House Restaurant, Springdale, Ohio, May 6.
The guest speaker was LTG Eric B. Schoomaker, Surgeon General and Commanding General, United States Army Medical Command. He said, "We are here to pay tribute to the Army's NCO Corps. In his talk he brought up the suicide problem within the military and pointed out that "the first line of defense is the unit leaders for detecting behavior of soldiers." The general praised the NCOs for making the U.S. Army the world's best.
The NCOs honored and their presenters are SFC Justin Errett, B Bty, 1st/134th FA, National Guard, presented by CPT Todd Keyser; SFC Matthew Isenbart, University of Dayton Army ROTC cadre, active Army, presenter by CPT Seth Loertscher, and SSG Chris Myers, 369th Minimal Care Detachment, Army Reserve, presenter by SFC Mary Huffman.

AUSA Honors ROTC Cadets from Six Universities
Speaker Dr. Larry Schweikart, Noted Historian, Relates Army's Role
Crowne Plaza Hotel, Blue Ash, OH, Friday, October 28, 2011

The Major Samuel Woodfill Chapter, AUSA, honored top Army ROTC cadets, as selected by their Professors of Military Science, from each of the six universities in our area. This was a exciting meeting where these outstanding cadets were introduced by their Professors of Military Science or cadre.
Dr, Larry Schweikart, University of Dayton professor and noted military historian, spoke on the role of the U.S. Army over the years. He emphasized that the Army is manned by soldiers from all levels of the U. S. population. He is a author of numerous books and is noted nationally through his appearances on Fox News Channel as well as other TV and radio news media programs. His Patriot's History of the United States was a New York Times No. 1 best seller.
COL (r) Robert Wetterstroem, chapter vice president, introduced the presenters who in turn introduced each cadet with words of praise. The Army cadets, their presenters and universities are: Cadet Paul L. Brewster, his presenter LTC Mike Thomas, Central State University; Cadet Tyler McFarland, his presenter LTC William Galinger, University of Cincinnati; Cadet Jeffrey P. Ivas, his presenter LTC Daniel Redden, University of Dayton; Cadet Joseph M. McGrew, his presenter CPT Gabe Carr, Ohio University; Cadet Patrice N. Colston, his presenter LTC Maria Emery, Wright State University; Cadet David Harper, his presenter LTC Shane Ousey, Xavier University.
More photos on Newsletter page, click on Newsletter left.

The National 9/11 Flag, one of the largest American flags to fly above the wreckage at Ground Zero, was on display in the lobby of the Duke Center, Cincinnati, November 4-5. The Cincinnati Fire Department sponsored its display. Volunteers acted as honor guards during the first all night display of the flag. Among them was CSM (r) Walter Howard (2nd from left), our chapter secretary. The others are (left to right) Fire Capt. Kevin Campbell, Clifton Engineer Company 34; Gene Trifilio, WWII /Korean veteran, and Marine SSG Thad Airhart, wounded IOF veteran. The flag was destroyed in the aftermath of the World Trade Center attacks on September 11 and stitched back together seven years later by tornado survivors in Greensburg, Kansas. As a result, the National 9/11 Flag is a living testament to the resilience and compassion of the American people. Currently on a journey across America on the 10th Anniversary of 9/11, the goal is to empower local service heroes in all 50 states with the privilege of stitching the flag back to its original 13-stripe format. The National 9/11 Flag will become a part of the permanent collection of the future National 9/11 Memorial Museum, World Trade Center.

Wreaths Across America honored veterans' gravesides at Arlington National Cemeteries and hundreds of others on December 10, 2011. Your Major Samuel Woodfill chapter purchased 10 wreaths each for the Dayton (Ohio) National Cemetery and the National Cemetery near Fort Thomas, KY. Chapter members, COL (r) John Lusa and CSM (r) Walter Howard, participated in ceremonies at both sites. Because of inclement weather ceremonies at Fort Thomas were held indoors at the VA hospital.

Chapter Announces 2012 Scholarship Program

The Major Samuel Woodfill chapter announces its 2012 scholarship program. Eligible for the $1000 scholarships are children of U.S. Army active, National Guard, and reserve soldiers who have fallen, been wounded or are currently serving or have served in the Global War on Terrorism (in that order). Others who are eligible are medically/honorably discharged OEF or OIF Army Veterans; spouses of fallen soldiers in the Global War on Terrorism, and Army soldiers who are currently serving or have served in the Global War on Terrorism. Priority is given to residents of Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio. Applicants may currently attend college or have been accepted at a certified college or university. Each one-time scholarship is set at $1000 and will be applied directly to the applicant's tuition, room or board at his or her college or university.

Click here to download the 2012 Scholarship Packet.

Your Chapter Lends Hand to Soldiers, Veterans, Offsprings

Your Major Samuel Woodfill Chapter distributed grocery cards to 105 veterans and soldiers who are outpatients at the Cincinnati and Dayton VA Medical Centers through its 2011 "Operation Christmas Cheer" program. In addition, other hundreds of soldiers and veterans in need have received financial stipends and 16 offsprings have received $1000 college scholarships through the chapter's "Soldier and Family Support" program during the past five years The programs are financed through various sources. The Christmas Cheer program benefited from special events at Cincinnati's Embers and Chc-fil-a restaurants, as well as generous donations from individuals. The support program's primary source of funds is generated from the chapter's annual golf benefit, as well as generous donations from individuals. Below are sample "thank you" responses from recipients:

"I wanted to take the time to thank you and the Association of the United States army for the holiday wishes and gift card. It was totally unexpected and much appreciated. I am proud to have served our great nation and even prouder that we as veterans and retirees are not overlooked, especially by our own."

"Our family would like to thank you for your great generosity to us. We feel so blessed to have received such a nice gift. May God bless all of you for your generosity."

"Thank you so much for the gift card as a veteran I truly appreciate it. It meant a lot to me."

"Thank you very much for the gift card. We were able to buy food to feed our whole family Christmas dinner."

"We are so proud and thankful to be a part of our country and so incredibly grateful for the support which has been extended to us during this past holiday season during a financial difficulty."

"I an writing to thank you again for your generous scholarship and to assure you that I am taking advantage of all the opportunities it has given me."