PUBLISHED BY THE ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY www.ausa.org August 17, 2023 | AUSA Extra 1 AUSA announces 2023 national awards T he Association of the U.S. Army has announced the re- cipients of its 2023 National Awards, which honor individuals for their selfless service and dedication to the Army and its soldiers. “Congratulations to our National Award recipients! Their dedication, commitment and desire to serve and support our Army is an example to us all,” said retired Gen. Bob Brown, AUSA president and CEO. “Each of our honorees has made a difference in the lives of others and in support of our Army and our nation,” Brown said. “They represent the very best of AUSA, and I look forward to honoring them in October.” The awards will be presented at A soldier with Combined Joint Task Force 50, which includes personnel from the Hawaii National Guard, active Army and Army Reserve, assists with search and recovery operations Aug. 10 after wild- fires devastated Maui, Hawaii, killing more than 100 people. (AIR NATIONAL GUARD/MASTER SGT. ANDREW JACKSON) the AUSA Annual Meeting and Ex- position, Oct. 9–11 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. During the annual meeting, AUSA also will honor retired Gen. Eric Shinseki, former Army chief of staff and secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs. AUSA earlier this year announced that Shinseki is the 2023 recipient of the George Catlett Marshall Medal. AUSA’s highest award, the Marshall Medal is presented for distinguished and selfless service. Shinseki was chosen because of his decades of selfless service to the United States and particularly be- cause of his many efforts to support the Army and its soldiers and veter- ans. Here’s a closer look at this year’s National Award recipients. Abrams Medal The General Creighton W. Abrams Medal for exceptional service to the U.S. Army will be awarded to retired Lt. Gen. Robert Foley, a Medal of Honor recipient who led the fielding team for the Bradley Fighting Vehi- cle, served as commandant of cadets at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York, commanded Fifth Army and inspired and mentored generations of soldiers. “I have known Bob all my profes- See Awards, Page 5 Search and Recovery Army Honors Special Forces Hero 3 7th ID Selection Makes History 4 NCO & Soldier Programs Lessons in Leadership 11 AUSA Recognizes 2023 Best Chapters 12 IN THIS ISSUE VOLUME 5 NUMBER 16 AUGUST 17, 2023www.ausa.org ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY August 17, 2023 | AUSA Extra 3 Medal of Honor recipient honored at Army museum A lmost 60 years after his he- roic actions during a 19-hour battle in Vietnam earned him the Medal of Honor, retired Col. Paris Davis’ name has been etched in stone at the National Museum of the United States Army. “I would like to say that I’m over- whelmed by what has happened here today,” Davis said as he saw his name on the granite wall of the museum’s Medal of Honor Garden. “Never in my biggest or smallest or tiniest dream could I ever put myself where I am right now.” Davis was awarded the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest award for valor, March 3 at the White House for his actions during a fierce June 1965 battle against the Viet Cong near Bong Son. Serving as commander of De- tachment A-321, 5th Special Forces Group, 1st Special Forces, Davis led the fight. Despite being wounded by enemy fire and grenades, Davis re- fused medical attention and two or- ders to evacuate until his wounded troops were brought to safety. “With your valor, you breathed life into that day in June of 1965,” said Lt. Gen. Walter Piatt, director of the Army Staff, dur- ing the Aug. 9 ceremony at the museum at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. “You were the best of what it is to be Special Forces, what it is to be a sol- dier, what it is to be a human being.” Amid the chaos and death of the war, Da- vis fixed his eyes on his cause and his country through poetry. “There was one verse that Paris Davis used and mentions while in combat, the first two lines of Rupert Brooke’s poem [The Soldier],” Piatt said. “‘If I should die, think only this of me: That there’s some corner of a foreign field that is forever England.’ Lt. Gen. Walter Piatt, left, director of the Army Staff, presents a photo book personalized by Army Secretary Christine Wormuth to Medal of Honor recipient retired Col. Paris Davis at the National Museum of the United States Army at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. (U.S. ARMY/SGT. XAVIERA MASLINE) Paris Davis would often replace ‘England’ with ‘America.’” During that same deployment, Da- vis also was awarded the Soldier’s Medal for saving a soldier who was stuck in an over- turned and burn- ing fuel truck. Davis pulled the soldier from the truck just before it exploded. He is now one of only four people to have received both the Soldier’s Medal and the Medal of Honor, according to the Army. Despite Davis’ constant love of country, as one America’s first Black Special Forces officers, his affec- tions were sometimes unrequited. Though his commander, Maj. Billy Cole, nominated him for the Medal of Honor after the battle, the Army lost his paperwork at least twice, and it took nearly 60 years for Davis to be recognized. “You have given peace and oppor- tunity to a nation that did not appre- ciate you nor appreciate the Vietnam War, and from an Army that often did not see you as an equal,” Piatt said. “And inside, you weren’t equal—you were better, the best of the best.” America is “a place where we come together,” and it is the willingness to come together and help others that “gives us the right to say, ‘We are Americans, we love being American, and we want America to be the way it is,’ ” Davis said during the ceremony. Despite emerging global threats, the future is bright for America, Da- vis said. “We want America to keep going,” he said. “You have to be cog- nizant that we live in a dangerous world and thank God we have Amer- ica, … a place to live, a place to play, a place to know and a place to love.” You were the best of what it is to be Special Forces, what it is to be a soldier, what it is to be a human being.”www.ausa.org4 AUSA Extra | August 17, 2023 Gen. Bob Brown, USA Ret. President and CEO, AUSA Lt. Gen. Leslie Smith, USA Ret. Vice President, Leadership and Education, AUSA Luc Dunn Editor Desiree Hurlocker Advertising Manager Advertising Information Contact: Fox Associates Inc. 116 W. Kinzie St. • Chicago, IL 60654 Phone: 800-440-0231 Email: adinfo.rmy@foxrep.com ARTICLES. Articles appearing in AUSA Extra do not necessarily refl ect the opinion of the offi cers or members of the Council of Trustees of AUSA, or its editors. 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A special Premium rate of $10 for two years is open to E1–E4 and cadets only. New two-year Basic membership with select benefi ts is free. Learn more at www.ausa.org/join or by emailing membersupport@ausa.org, phoning 855-246-6269, or mailing Fulfi llment Manager, P.O. Box 101560, Arlington, VA 22210-0860. Voice for the Army – Support For the Soldier PERK OF THE WEEK ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY Schmidt is 1st woman selected to lead active-duty maneuver division A career military intelligence offi cer with numerous combat deployments, including with the Army’s most elite special opera- tions forces, has been selected for an- other trailblazing assignment. If confi rmed by the Senate, Maj. Gen. Michelle Schmidt will command the 7th Infantry Division at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, making her the fi rst woman to lead one of the Army’s active-duty maneu- ver divisions. She most recently was director of force development in the offi ce of the deputy Army chief of staff for resources and plans, G-8. Her as- signment to lead the 7th Infantry Division was announced Monday in a DoD news release. Her selection comes after Maj. Gen. Laura Yeager became the fi rst woman to assume command of a U.S. Army infantry division when she took command of the California National Guard’s 40th Infantry Divi- sion in 2019. Yeager is now retired. Activated in 1917, the 7th Infantry Division today enables and sustains two Stryker brigade combat teams and a combat aviation brigade and participates in exercises and opera- tions in support of U.S. Army Pacifi c and the Indo-Pacifi c region. A 1992 graduate of the U.S. Mili- tary Academy at West Point, New York, Schmidt began her career as a platoon leader in the 2nd Infan- try Division in South Korea, accord- ing to an Army biography. She was a company commander in the 82nd Airborne Division, served as the in- telligence offi cer for the division’s 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment and later for the division, and was the senior intelligence offi cer and squadron commander for 1st Special Operations Detachment-Delta. Schmidt also was the intelligence brigade commander for Joint Special Operations Command, chief of staff Maj. Gen. Michelle Schmidt. (U.S. ARMY PHOTO) for the 82nd Airborne Division, chief of the Initiatives Group for the vice chief of staff of the Army, director of intelligence for U.S. Special Op- erations Command and deputy com- manding general of the 10th Moun- tain Division. Before being assigned to the Army G-8, she was director of operations for the Defense Intel- ligence Agency. In addition to a deployment to Hai- ti in support of Operation Uphold De- mocracy early in her career, Schmidt deployed numerous times to Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan between 2003 and 2021. In an episode of the Association of the U.S. Army’s “Army Matters” podcast last September, Schmidt said she has enjoyed her Army career despite the tough jobs and numerous deployments. “The best part about it has, of course, been the people,” she said. About 10 years ago, a mentor gave her some advice about leading sol- diers. “We can’t just talk about it, you have to train it,” Schmidt said. “You have to train folks how to be good leaders the same way we would train people how to shoot or do PT. You actually have to work on it.” Use all your AUSA member discounts for summer travel, including Choice Hotels, Red Roof Inn and other hotel brands; Avis, Bud- get, Hertz, Alamo, Enterprise and National car rentals; Guided travel, theme parks, concerts and much more. Visit www.ausa.org/savings and click “Travel” on the green bar. www.ausa.org ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY August 17, 2023 | AUSA Extra 5 Awards From Page 1 See Awards, Page 6 sional life and don’t think I know anyone who epitomizes what Gen. Abrams stood for more than him,” retired Gen. Dennis Reimer, who served as the 33rd Army chief of staff, wrote in a letter endorsing Fol- ey for the award. Abrams was the architect of the modern-day all-volunteer Army and a leader of character, competence, commitment and courage, Reimer wrote. “Today’s Army reflects his accomplishments. These accomplish- ments would not be possible without soldiers like [retired Lt. Gen.] Robert Foley,” Reimer wrote. A 1963 graduate of West Point, Fol- ey earned the Medal of Honor while serving as commander of A Company, 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division, in Vietnam. On Nov. 5, 1966, Foley and his soldiers were ordered to extricate another company that had come under siege by the enemy, according to his Medal of Honor citation. Moving through the thick jungle, the soldiers encoun- tered a strong enemy force, and the company’s leading element quickly sustained several casualties. Foley immediately ran forward to direct the company’s efforts and led his soldiers in an attack on the enemy. When both radio operators Retired Lt. Gen. Robert Foley speaks at an author’s forum during the 2022 AUSA Annual Meeting and Exposition. (AUSA PHOTO)www.ausa.org6 AUSA Extra | August 17, 2023 accompanying him were wounded, Foley defied the heavy enemy fire and helped his soldiers to safety, ac- cording to the citation. As he moved forward again, one of his machine- gun crews was wounded. “Seizing the weapon, he charged forward firing the machine gun, shouting orders, and rallying his men, thus maintain- ing the momentum of the attack,” the citation says. Under increasingly heavy enemy fire, Foley ordered his assistant to take cover, and he moved forward alone, firing the machine gun until the wounded were evacuated. Foley continued to fight after being wound- ed by an enemy grenade, leading the assault on several enemy gun em- placements and single-handedly de- stroying three of them. After Vietnam, Foley served in various assignments across the Army, including in Germany, South Korea and the Pentagon. After 37 years of Army service, Foley retired in 2000. He has served as president of Marion Military In- stitute, a junior college in Alabama, and as director of Army Emergency Relief. He is the author of Standing Tall: Leadership Lessons in the Life of a Soldier. Drexel Biddle Medal The Major General Anthony J. Drexel Biddle Medal for outstanding contributions to the Association of the U.S. Army will be awarded to re- tired Lt. Col. F.D. “Dick” Winter and Mary Jane Jernigan. Winter, president of AUSA’s George Washington chapter, retired from the Army in 1993 after serving in com- mand and staff positions in organiza- tions such as the 1st Armored Divi- sion, Fifth Army and the Combined Arms Center. He also served at West Point and in several assignments in NATO commands. After leaving the Army, Winter worked in the defense industry and Awards From Page 5 has been active in AUSA, serving in several volunteer leadership roles. He is in his third year as president of the George Washington chapter. “In that position, he has presided over steady growth of the chapter, and he has led its many efforts to advance the mission of AUSA in our local area,” retired Lt. Gen. Richard Formica wrote in a letter endorsing Winter for the award. “He has orga- nized numerous efforts to provide gift cards to soldiers facing food in- security and serves as the tourna- ment director of the chapter’s annual golf tournament, raising awareness of AUSA and, importantly, raising money to award scholarships to de- serving youths.” Winter led the chapter through the COVID-19 pandemic while maintain- ing ties to the chapter’s community partners and industry sponsors, For- mica wrote. He also maintains a “ro- bust and professionally rewarding” luncheon series that brings together Army and industry leaders. “Dick epitomizes the values of AUSA, and his contributions extend far beyond his leadership positions within the organization,” retired Lt. Gen. David Halverson wrote in a let- ter endorsing Winter. “Dick’s service aligns with the guiding principles of AUSA, such as dedication, innova- tion, excellence and inclusion.” Jernigan is a civilian aide to the secretary of the Army for Maryland- North, advocating for the Army and serving as a liaison between the com- munity and the Army secretary. She also is vice president of business de- velopment for LOGYX and previously provided logistical and technical sup- port to the Army Test and Evaluation Command and the Army Research Laboratory as a subject-matter ex- pert in human systems integration. Jernigan is an avid supporter of the troops. In 2003, she began sup- porting a soldier who was deployed to Iraq, sending monthly letters and care packages for the duration of the soldier’s yearlong deployment. Her encouragement meant so much to the soldier that he traveled from Georgia to Maryland to meet her and asked her to stand with him when he was promoted. Over the years, Jernigan has sup- ported more than 1,000 deployed sol- diers with care packages. In 2007, Jernigan began looking to get involved in the local AUSA chap- ter at Aberdeen Proving Ground. She became the chapter president and turned an inactive chapter into one that drew 150 to 250 attendees to its monthly meetings. Retired Lt. Col. F.D. ‘Dick’ Winter, left, pres- ident of AUSA’s George Washington chap- ter, greets retired Lt. Gen. Leslie Smith, AUSA vice president for Leadership and Education, at an event the chapter partici- pated in earlier this year. (AUSA PHOTO) Mary Jane Jernigan is AUSA’s Maryland State president. (AUSA PHOTO)www.ausa.orgAugust 17, 2023 | AUSA Extra 7 Jernigan served as chapter presi- dent for more than three years. During her tenure, the Aberdeen chapter was honored three years in a row with the award for “Best All- Around Chapter.” She now serves on the board of directors for the chap- ter, which has been renamed the MG Harry Greene, Aberdeen chapter, and she is the Maryland State presi- dent for AUSA. “Wherever she goes and whatever she touches, Mary Jane makes the organization better by any stan- dard,” retired Command Sgt. Maj. W. Douglas Gibbens, former president of AUSA’s Second Region, wrote in a letter endorsing Jernigan. “She is a person who gets things done, and her loyalty to soldiers, Army families and to the Association of the United States Army knows no bounds.” Cribbins Medal The Joseph P. Cribbins Medal for exemplary service by a Department of the Army civilian will be awarded to Renita Wickes-Deason, director of public affairs at Fort Irwin, Califor- nia. Wickes-Deason first served at Fort Irwin, home of the National Train- ing Center, in 1989 when she arrived as a soldier. After leaving the Army, Wickes-Deason worked for Raytheon before returning to government ser- vice in 2009. “Her tireless efforts, caring attitude and ability to put herself in [soldiers’] place has en- abled her to showcase soldiers and the Army on a grand scale,” Tashara Bunch of AUSA’s National Training Center-High Desert chapter wrote in a letter nominating Wickes-Deason. “Her efforts have created relation- ships and given the Army a reach with not just the local communities but with communities across Califor- nia and Las Vegas.” As an example, Wickes-Deason created and plans the Fort Irwin VIP Box Tour, which brings in communi- ty leaders, celebrities and influencers to visit the National Training Cen- ter. She revamped the media train- ing conducted during rotations, mak- ing it more realistic and relevant. Wickes-Deason also has worked to strengthen the post’s relationships with neighboring communities in- cluding Barstow, Adelanto, Victor- ville, Apple Valley and Hesperia, Bunch wrote. Serving as the Fort Ir- win public affairs director since Oc- tober 2021, Wickes-Deason continues to tell the Army and Fort Irwin story. Wickes-Deason also is an active volunteer, serving as the Barstow Area Chamber of Commerce mili- tary affairs chairperson and is a vol- unteer and speaker for the American Cancer Society, speaking at more than 70 events as a cancer survivor and caregiver, Bunch wrote. She also is active in AUSA, in- cluding serving as president of the NTC-High Desert chapter. Under her leadership, the chapter had its most successful fundraising events, allowing it to support soldiers, fami- lies, veterans and Gold Star families through a school supply giveaway, a volunteer recognition ceremony, scholarships and more. Wickes-Deason’s “passion and love for the Army and soldiers shows without speaking,” Bunch wrote. Dixon Award The John W. Dixon Award for outstanding contributions to na- tional defense from industry will be awarded to Harold Yoh III and Day & Zimmermann, a 120-year-old family-owned company specializing in construction and engineering, op- erations and maintenance, staffing, security and defense for corporations and governments around the world. Yoh has been the company’s chair- man and CEO since 1999. “Since World War I, the company has provided vital services to the U.S. national security mission and our armed forces by building muni- See Awards, Page 8 Renita Wickes-Deason, president of the AUSA National Training Center-High Des- ert chapter, attends the association’s Sev- enth Region meeting in May. (AUSA PHOTO) AUSA’s National Awards provide recognition for support and dedication to the Total Army and its soldiers. (U.S. ARMY/2ND LT. TIMOTHY YAO)www.ausa.org8 AUSA Extra | August 17, 2023 ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY Awards From Page 7 tions plants, manufacturing muni- tions or serving as an operator at government-owned contractor-op- erated facilities,” retired Brig. Gen. John McGuiness of AUSA’s Penn & Franklin-Greater Philadelphia chap- ter wrote in a letter nominating Yoh and the company for the award. As chairman and CEO, Yoh has been integral in shaping the compa- ny’s growth, and today it is a leading provider of munitions to the national defense, McGuiness wrote. “Hal’s efforts have made an incred- ible difference in the amount of ar- tillery rounds delivered to Ukraine, which has become a major test of ar- tillery systems,” McGuiness wrote. “Hal’s tremendous efforts go beyond its critical infrastructure, construc- tion, security and training support and extends to the human aspects of serving in the U.S. military.” Yoh and his company have partici- pated in several initiatives support- ing service members and their fami- lies, including the USO, Toys for Tots and Wreaths Across America, Mc- Guiness wrote. Day & Zimmermann also participates in veteran hiring programs such as Hiring Our Heroes and Helmets to Hardhats, and the company proudly employs “countless” veterans, McGuiness wrote. “The above accomplishments mere- ly scratch the surface of the impact Hal Yoh has made and continues to make on the national defense,” Mc- Guiness wrote. Bainbridge Medal The Sergeant Major of the Army William G. Bainbridge Medal for contributions to the Army Noncom- missioned Officer Corps will be awarded to retired Sgt. Maj. Scott Leeling, who served on active duty for 25 years and retired as the com- mand career counselor for U.S. Army Europe. Leeling, an AUSA life member who was president of the association’s Pikes Peak chapter from July 2020 to June 2023, enlisted in the Army in 1988. He has served in Army units across the U.S. and in Germany and South Korea, and he served two combat deployments in Iraq. He also served in Bosnia. In retirement, Leeling leads the military division at Crosscountry Mortgage, where he formulates plans for the military and veteran markets and develops programs to support service members, veterans and their spouses. Leeling also is president of the Pikes Peak Sergeants Major Asso- ciation, a member of the Army Chief of Staff’s Retired Soldier Council and an ambassador for Mt. Carmel Vet- eran Services. “I have been fortunate enough to know SGM Leeling for more than 15 years, and I have seen his dedication to the Army, soldiers, family mem- bers and the community on countless occasions,” retired Col. Thomas Pow- ell wrote in a letter endorsing Leel- ing for the award. “In every effort he undertakes relating to the Army, he always shows dedication, inspired leadership, enthusiasm and a caring attitude.” As AUSA chapter president, Leel- ing “leads the team with the same enthusiasm, initiative and caring demeanor he had while on active duty,” Powell wrote. During his ten- ure, Leeling led efforts to raise more than $100,000 to help the community and was a driving force for the an- nual Santa’s Workshop, which deliv- ers toys to military families in need. He also spends hours making sure soldiers and their families are sup- ported, mentored, guided, recognized and thanked for their service. “His exceptional leadership, un- wavering dedication to duty, and sig- nificant contributions to the Army make him a true role model and deserving of this esteemed recogni- tion,” retired Sgt. Maj. Chester Mill- er, president of the AUSA Pikes Peak chapter, wrote in a letter endorsing Leeling. McLain Medal The Lieutenant General Raymond S. McLain Medal, given to a current or former member of the National Guard for advancing a seamless and component-integrated Army, will be awarded to retired Maj. Gen. Patrick Hamilton, who retired in 2021 after serving as commanding general of the Texas National Guard’s 36th In- fantry Division. “Gen. Hamilton is a leader of America’s Army, not just the Army National Guard,” retired Col. Garry Patterson, president of AUSA’s Texas Capital Area chapter, wrote in a let- ter nominating Hamilton. “His repu- tation for leadership excellence, keen management skills, and compassion for people translated into major con- tributions to the State of Texas and our Nation as well as contributions to the Total Army.” A 1986 graduate of Texas A&M University, Hamilton served in ar- mor and cavalry units in the Texas National Guard for 35 years. As commander of the 36th Infantry Division, Hamilton led the division headquarters to Kuwait in support of Operation Spartan Shield where he commanded soldiers in nine coun- tries across the Middle East, includ- ing Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Syria and Jordan. He also has deployed to Bos- Retired Sgt. Maj. Scott Leeling served as president of the association’s Pikes Peak chapter from 2020 to 2023. (AUSA PHOTO)www.ausa.org ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY August 17, 2023 | AUSA Extra 9 Retired Col. L. Gordon Sumner Jr. is a member of AUSA’s Potomac-Liberty chap- ter and serves as the Army Reserve Am- bassador for Virginia . (DoD PHOTO) nia and Afghanistan. Back home, Hamilton was chief of staff to the adjutant general of Tex- as and director of operations for the Texas Army National Guard. He also led the joint task force responding to the aftermath of Hurricane Har- vey, a Category 4 storm that lashed Texas and Louisiana in August 2017, leading 18,000 troops from all com- ponents providing support for evacu- ation operations, search and rescue, shelter operations and distribution of relief supplies. He is on the board of directors for the CHASCO YMCA in central Texas and the board of governors for the Central Texas Community Foun- dation. Hamilton also is an active member of his local VFW post, the National Guard Association of Tex- as and AUSA’s Texas Capital Area chapter. “Gen. Hamilton has been a lead- er in his local community of Round Rock, Texas,” Patterson wrote. “His unprecedented level of commitment and personal involvement in com- munity programs and activities has positively touched the lives of many thousands of Texans.” Rudder Medal The Major General James Earl Rudder Medal, given to a current or former member of the U.S. Army Reserve for advancing a seamless and component-integrated Army, is awarded to retired Col. L. Gordon Sumner Jr., a member of AUSA’s Potomac-Liberty chapter and Army Reserve Ambassador for Virginia. Sumner is “the epitome of volun- teerism endowed with a heart for selfless service,” retired Lt. Col. Nancy Jean-Louis, president of the Potomac-Liberty chapter, wrote in a letter nominating Sumner. An active member of AUSA since 1975, Sumner began his Army ca- reer in the Army Reserve in Ala- bama. He then moved to the Regular Army, where he used his experiences in the Reserve to revamp the ROTC Advance Camp at then-Fort Lewis, Washington. Pulling in expertise in the Reserve, Sumner gained support from 22 Reserve units to serve as in- structors at the camp, training more than 1,500 cadets. As an Army Reserve Ambassador, Sumner connects the component with its local communities and leaders and helps tell the Army Reserve story. He also is a member of several vet- erans service organizations, includ- ing leading the Greater Washington, D.C., chapter of the Military Order of the Purple Heart. In the past 15 years, the chapter has visited more than 63,000 veterans at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and area VA medical centers. Sumner also leads National Purple Heart Day celebrations and ceremo- nies at Mount Vernon, the Virginia home of George Washington, growing the annual event from a small gath- ering of Purple Heart recipients into a major event featuring leaders from government and industry. He also supports fundraising events by the AUSA chapter and has been in- strumental in building partnerships between the chapter and other veter- ans groups, including the local Ameri- can Legion and VFW posts. Today, Sumner is president and CEO of Gordon Sumner Consulting LLC. He previously led Veterans Moving Forward, a nonprofit provid- ing service and emotional support dogs to veterans. He also is AUSA’s president for the National Capital Region, representing the association across Virginia, and a senior fellow and affiliate faculty at George Mason University. A member of the Santee tribe, Sumner also is a sought-after speaker on leadership, motivation and citizenship. “One might ask, what is Gordon Sumner good at? The answer is simply everything,” retired Col. W. Glenn Yarborough, AUSA’s 2nd Re- gion president, wrote in a letter en- dorsing Sumner. “Gordon jumps at the chance to get stuff done. He is the ultimate volunteer, and when Gordon accepts a challenge, he gets it done.” Volunteer Family of the Year The AUSA Volunteer Family of the Year Award for promoting the well- being of soldiers and their family members is presented to the family of Lt. Col. Robert “Jody” Shipley. Shipley, his wife, Emily, and their three children—Grace, Gage and Hailey—also are the 2023 Volunteer Family of the Year for Fort Cavazos, Texas. At Fort Cavazos, formerly known as Fort Hood, Shipley commands the See Awards, Page 10 Then-Maj. Gen. Patrick Hamilton cuts the cake during his retirement ceremony in 2021 at Camp Mabry in Austin, Texas. (ARMY NATIONAL GUARD/SGT. 1ST CLASS ELIZABETH PENA)Next >