PUBLISHED BY THE ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY www.ausa.org September 4, 2025 | AUSA Extra 1 Army to lead counter-drone task force T he Army will lead a new task force that will work to address the growing threat of hostile drones at home and overseas. In a memo from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Army Secretary Dan Driscoll is directed to stand up the joint, interagency task force. Known as Joint Interagency Task Force 401, or JTIAF 401, the organi- zation will tackle the growing threat of hostile unmanned aerial systems and work to enhance the Defense Department’s own small unmanned systems to protect personnel, equip- ment and facilities, according to a DoD news release. The Aug. 27 memo directs the Army secretary to provide within 30 Pfc. Desmond Cunningham, assigned to the 35th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, aims a drone- buster at a drone Aug. 20 at Camp Humphreys, South Korea. (U.S. ARMY/SGT. ALEXANDER KNIGHT) ‘Harlem Hellfighters’ Honored by Congress 3 Government Affairs Work Begins on 2026 NDAA 4 Member Benefits Free Test Prep, Legal Documents 6 Chapter Highlights Captain Meriwether Lewis Marne 7 IN THIS ISSUE VOLUME 7 NUMBER 17 SEPTEMBER 4, 2025 days an implementation plan that must include the required resources, structure and authorities the joint task force will need to execute “at speed and scale.” Emphasizing the fact that hostile drones are being operated overseas as well as in the U.S. with the intent of harming U.S. warfighters, bases and U.S. national airspace, Hegs- eth said in the news release that the new task force will be a “unified team that will bring together our best tal- ent from all agencies to counter these threats and restore control of our skies.” Led by the Army, the task force will report to the deputy secretary of defense to “better align authori- ties and resources to rapidly deliver [joint counter small unmanned aer- ial systems] capabilities to Ameri- ca’s warfighters, defeat adversary threats and promote sovereignty over national airspace,” according to the news release. “My priorities for transformation and acquisition reform include im- proving C-sUAS mobility and afford- ability and integrating capabilities into warfighter formations,” Hegs- eth said in the memo, emphasizing that “DoD must focus on speed over process” by disestablishing the Joint Counter-small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Office established in 2020 and replacing it with the new task force.SECURE AMERICA GOBI RAPIDLY DEPLOY AUTONOMOUS COUNTER-UAS SYSTEM BUILT TO PROTECT CRITICAL DOMESTIC AND DEPLOYED NATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURES DEFEAT FPV, FIXED-WING DRONE THREATS BEFORE THEY REACH YOUR CRITICAL ASSETS NEUTRALIZE INSTANTLY WWW.HARMATTAN.AIwww.ausa.org ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY September 4, 2025 | AUSA Extra 3 ‘Harlem Hellfighters’ receive Congressional Gold Medal O ver a century after they fought in World War I, the Army’s “Harlem Hellfight- ers” were honored with the Congres- sional Gold Medal. “My grandfather and the other brave men that fought alongside him never thought that their courage and their exploits would be celebrated in such a revered setting, and I thank all of you for giving them this hon- or,” Debra Willett, granddaughter of Harlem Hellfighter Sgt. Leander Willett, said during the ceremony Wednesday on Capitol Hill. “They sacrificed, and they thought that they were making a difference, and today proves that they did. ... We will continue their fight for … transform- ing America into a land and a beacon of hope, peace and prosperity.” The “Harlem Hellfighters Congres- sional Gold Medal Act” was signed into law in August 2021. It acknowl- edges the 369th Infantry Regiment’s “bravery and outstanding service during World War I,” according to the act’s text. Debra Willett, center left, granddaughter of Harlem Hellfighter Sgt. Leander Willett, ac- cepts the Congressional Gold Medal for the Army’s World War I 369th Infantry Regiment from Speaker of the House Mike Johnson during a ceremony on Wednesday at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. (U.S. ARMY/CHRISTOPHER KAUFMANN) AUSA Basic Members can now view a selection of articles from the September issue of ARMY maga- zine. To read the articles, click here. ARMY magazine September issue Soldiers within the regiment main- tained a sense of pride in their ser- vice, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said during the ceremony. “When recounting his service, Pvt. Melville Miller of the Harlem Hell- fighters said, ‘Every man felt he was in the best squad, in the best regi- ment of the whole dang United States Army,’” Jeffries said. Nicknamed the “Hellfighters” for their courage and ferocity by the Germans, the regiment’s members mostly came from Harlem, New York. The unit spent 191 days on the front lines of the war, more than any other American unit of its size, according to the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Serving at a time when many white soldiers within the American Expeditionary Forces would not go to combat with Black soldiers, the Hell- fighters’ love for America often was an unrequited one. “What made the Hellfighters so remarkable is how they loved their country, even when their country did not unconditionally love them back,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said during the ceremony. “They risked everything fighting to protect freedoms they did not fully know but believed were worth fight- ing for.” The Congressional Gold Medal is the “highest expression of national appreciation,” and it is given “for distinguished achievements and con- tributions by individuals or institu- tions,” according to a Senate website. The legacy of the Harlem Hellfight- ers continues to set an example for the current generation of soldiers to follow, Col. Bryon Linnehan, com- mander of the New York Army Na- tional Guard’s 369th Sustainment Brigade, said during the ceremony. “There were almost 4,000 men who served in the regiment during the war. Of these, there were over 1,000 casualties, wounded or killed,” he said. “All of these men had their own story. Today's Hellfighters honor all of these men to preserve their legacy and example.”www.ausa.org 4 AUSA Extra | September 4, 2025 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. Articles are expres- sions of personal opinion and should not be interpreted as refl ecting the offi cial opinion of the Department of Defense nor of any branch, command, installation or agency of the Depart- ment of Defense. The publication assumes no responsibility for any unsolicited material. Email: extra@ausa.org ADVERTISING. Neither AUSA Extra, nor its publisher, the Association of the United States Army, makes any representations, warranties or endorsements as to the truth and accuracy of the advertisements appearing herein, and no such representations, warranties or en- dorsements should be implied or inferred from the appearance of the advertisements in the publication. The advertisers are solely respon- sible for the contents of such advertisements. MEMBERSHIP RATES. To celebrate the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday, from April 1, 2025, to Dec. 31, 2025, membership rates are reduced to a fi ve-year Premium rate of $50 and a two- year Premium rate of $30. Lifetime member- ship is $250. A special Premium rate of $10 for two years is open to E1–E4 and cadets only. Two-year Basic membership with select ben- efi ts is free. Learn more at www.ausa.org/join . Voice for the Army – Support For the Soldier PERK OF THE WEEK ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY Defense authorization legislation moves forward as shutdown looms A fter a quiet August, September promises to be busy on Capitol Hill as the House of Repre- sentatives and the Senate return this week from their summer recess. On Tuesday, the Senate voted to end debate on a motion to proceed to the fi scal 2026 defense authorization bill. The tally on the procedural vote was 84-14, suggesting signifi cant bi- partisan backing, and the House of Representatives is scheduled to be- gin work on its version of the legisla- tion next week. Both versions have passed their respective armed ser- vices committee votes with strong bi- partisan margins. As discussed in previous updates, much work re- mains to avert a government shut- down before the new fi scal year begins on Oct. 1. A continuing reso- lution—stopgap funding that keeps the government operating under the previous year’s levels—will be nec- essary to prevent a lapse in funding and a shutdown. The House of Representatives passed its version of the Department of Defense appropriations legislation as well as the military construction, veterans affairs and related agencies appropriations bill. The Senate also has made progress on its versions of the appropriations bills. In recent meetings with congressio- Much work remains for Congress to avert a government shutdown before the new fi scal year begins on Oct. 1. (ARCHITECT OF THE CAPITOL PHOTO) nal staff, the Association of the U.S. Army's Government Affairs team has reviewed the importance of passing the appropriations bills and National Defense Authorization Act, and how continuing resolutions are not ideal for the military, veterans or nation- al security. We also highlighted the need for fl exible funding, particularly for unmanned aerial systems and counter-unmanned aerial systems, the Army’s important role in the In- do-Pacifi c, and how AUSA’s LANPAC and LANDEURO events helped the Army strengthen relationships with international friends and allies. You can help build momentum for passage of the fi scal 2026 National Defense Authorization Act and the 12 appropriations bills—especially defense, military construction and veterans affairs—by contacting your representatives and senators or by meeting with them. AUSA’s Government Affairs direc- torate always encourages you to meet with your senator or representative or their staff. Advocate for AUSA’s Focus Areas and passage of the leg- islation mentioned above. As a reminder, AUSA only lobbies and takes positions at the federal level on federal issues, and the asso- ciation is nonpartisan and apolitical. Mark Haaland is AUSA’s Government Aff airs director. Government Aff airs Benefi tHub is the world's largest member/employee discount program with exclusive and larger savings, sav- ing members an average of $2,500 per year on deals from thousands of lead- ing brands. And, you now earn cash back rewards when shopping. Visit ausa.benefi thub.com for more. Available on © 2025 JC Technology Made in U.S.A. www.acecomputers.com | (877)-223-2667 | CCS@AceComputers.com High-Performance Desktop Powered by CCS-3 QEBwww.ausa.org 6 AUSA Extra | September 4, 2025 ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY Free legal documents, SAT/ACT test prep for members I n recent years, an increasing number of states are passing laws to allow newer, more eco-friendly ways to manage human remains. These environmentally conscious op- tions are gaining popularity as more people seek alternatives that reduce their environmental impact. While traditional options like buri- al or cremation are common choices, there are now several new innovative and sustainable options available. Some popular methods include alka- line hydrolysis, sometimes referred to as a water-based alternative to cremation; natural reduction, which is the contained, ac- celerated conver- sion of human remains to soil; and green burial, which allows the body to decompose naturally with mini- mal environmental impact. What does this have to do with your Association of the U.S. Army member benefits, you may ask? AUSA offers a valuable benefit for estate planning called LawAssure, which allows you to easily create documents such as a funeral directive to clearly state your wishes and provide your loved ones with valuable guidance. There are hundreds of documents available, and LawAssure will query you and use the laws of your state to create the legal documents you need at no cost to you. The most popular ones for AUSA members so far have been estate planning documents like wills, trusts, advance directives and pow- ers of attorney. Your activity is pri- vate, and LawAssure doesn’t share or sell your information. SAT/ACT prep Another valuable benefit avail- able exclusively to AUSA members is test preparation assistance through eKnowledge, which you can provide to your kids, grandkids or any rela- tive. Help them prepare for upcoming SAT and/or ACT tests with free test Member Benefits prep materials. These are the same materials rec- ommended by the National Federa- tion of High Schools for its 12 million students and used by high schools around the country for on-campus prep classes. AUSA’s offering is an all-inclusive, one-stop program, and the average improvement is 4 to 12 ACT points and 150 to 400 SAT points. Visit www.ausa.org/eknowledge to learn more, request a demonstration or order your free program. The stan- dard package is free, or you can order larger versions at a 95% discount. LSAT prep materials also are available at a large discount. You can access all your member savings programs at www.ausa.org/ savings. We have a newly redesigned website where you can click to see an alphabetical list or explore programs by category. You can also see which new programs were added at the bot- tom of that page. As always, contact me at srubel@ ausa.org with any questions or com- ments. Susan Rubel is AUSA’s Association and Affinity Partnerships director. You can provide your kids, grandkids or any relative with free SAT and/or ACT test prep materials through AUSA's partnership with eKnowledge. (COURTESY PHOTO) AUSA offers a valuable benefit for estate planning called LawAssure, which allows you to easily create documents such as a funeral directive. (COURTESY PHOTO)L isa Hallett, a Gold Star spouse and a Premium Member of the Association of the U.S. Army’s Captain Meriwether Lewis chapter in Tacoma, Washington, recently was inducted into the Joint Base Lewis- McChord Civilian Hall of Fame. Hallett co-founded the nonprofit Wear Blue: Run to Remember after her husband, Capt. John Hallett, was killed in August 2009 in Af- ghanistan. The organization is dedi- cated to helping family members heal from the dev- astating effects of the loss of a military loved one and currently reaches more than 200,000 participants across the country, ac- cording to the group’s website. “We say this often at Wear Blue: Run to Remember, but community is not a noun; it’s a verb,” Hallett said, according to an Army news release. “It’s action. It’s how we show up for one another. And that’s exactly what [Joint Base Lewis-McChord] has al- ways embodied—a place where we don’t just serve together, but along- side Wear Blue: Run to Remember, Lisa Hallett, center, a member of AUSA’s Captain Meriwether Lewis chapter, is inducted into the Civilian Hall of Fame in August at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, by Lt. Gen. Matthew McFarlane, right, I Corps commanding general, and incoming I Corps Command Sgt. Maj. Jonathan Reffeor. (U.S. ARMY/ALLISON HOY) Captain Meriwether Lewis www.ausa.orgSeptember 4, 2025 | AUSA Extra 7 ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY AUSA member, Gold Star spouse recognized for service we remember together, and we heal together.” Referring to the installation com- munity as her “family,” Hallett thanked them for giving her “a place where John’s memory and so many others live on through every step taken.” Hallett described her journey in a 2022 episode of AUSA’s “Army Mat- ters” podcast. It is available here. Also inducted into the Hall of Fame was Susan Patane, an honorary com- mander and civic leader with U.S. Air Force Reserve Command who has contributed more than $100,000 in donations and in-kind support to Joint Base Lewis-McChord programs such as Operation We Love Our Mili- tary, deployment barbecues, single soldier events, hospital outreach and morale-building initiatives, accord- ing to the release. Lt. Gen. Matthew McFarlane, I Corps commanding general, lauded the inductees’ selfless service. “As we reflect on the achievements of these two today and their lives’ passion and purpose to give back to all of us, we say thank you from the bottom of our hearts," McFarlane said, according to the news release. "Thank you for strengthening the bond between service members and the broader community, creating a legacy of support, resilience and uni- ty—an example of selflessness in a world in which we often see selfish- ness.” Chapter supports retiree golf event Retired Col. George Frederick, left, president of AUSA's Marne chapter, congratu- lates the winning team from the Fort Stewart Retiree Council Golf Scramble. The chapter provided the breakfast, coffee and awards for the Aug. 23 event. (AUSA PHOTO) MarneNext >