Joe Ford, the immediate past president of Association of the United States Army Marne Chapter, was recently recognized by AUSA for his excellence in leadership.
“We’re so proud of Joe,” Gabby Howard, Vice President of Memberships, said.
Ford was president of the local AUSA chapter from May 2012-Sept. 2018. The chapter’s current president is Carla Schreihofer.
AUSA is a private, non-profit educational organization that supports active duty Army members, members of the National Guard, Reservists, civilians, retirees, government civilians, wounded warriors, veterans and Army family members, according to www1ausa.org.
“AUSA provides numerous professional development opportunities at a variety of events both local and national,” states the AUSA website.
“AUSA is a nonprofit 501(c3),” Ford said. He said the organization is geared toward active duty soldiers, and AUSA’s efforts are for their benefit. The organization raises money for scholarships, and holds an annual golf tournament that coincides with the Army’s birthday.
“We generally have the leadership there from the installation if they’re not deployed,” Ford said.
The local chapter has about 800 members, and AUSA has approximately 130,000 members nationwide, he said.
Ford partnered with local real estate firms, builders, banks and attorneys in the community to host lunch and learn events. These events featured speakers and topics, such as home buying and organic foods. Ford said the chapter partnered with the USO on a home cooking show at Fort Stewart. The shows focused on economical and healthy eating, he said.
Ford said he was fortunate to work with Gen. John Murray, a former 3rd ID commander. Murray has most recently been tapped to lead the Army Futures Command based in Austin, Texas. The command is tasked with modernizing processes, “used to equip soldiers and to integrate innovative technology to increase the Army’s capabilities,” according to an article posted on dvidshub.net.
Howard said Ford worked hard to promote the local AUSA chapter. The Marne chapter has supported Wreaths for Warriors Walk and worked with the Hinesville Military Affairs Committee on an annual July 4th picnic on Fort Stewart, Howard and Ford said.
Howard and Ford invite interested persons to attend the next AUSA Marne chapter event in mid-December.
A general membership luncheon will be held from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 12, at La Quinta Inn and Suites, 1740 E. Oglethorpe Highway in Hinesville. Christina Rodriguez with First Command financial planning will speak. RSVP to jrking@firstcommand.com.