< Previouswww.ausa.org 10 AUSA Extra | June 5, 2025 ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY M aj. Gen. Kevin Meisler, Army Materiel Command chief of staff and assistant deputy commanding general for the Army Reserve, stressed the impor- tance of the Reserve during a break- fast hosted by the Association of the U.S. Army’s Redstone-Huntsville chapter in Alabama. “We’re not a secondary force and, I’ll repeat that again, we are not a secondary force; we are a necessary force,” Meisler said, as reported by the Redstone Rocket. “We aug- ment and enhance the Army’s overall readiness, ensuring it’s prepared for any mission anywhere in the world.” Reservists are resilient and adapt- able soldiers with an unwavering commitment, who must balance their careers, family obligations and military duties, Meisler said during the event, which marked the Army Reserve’s 117th birthday. “Your abil- ity to transition seamlessly between these worlds to be successful as a civilian and a dedicated soldier is AUSA members commemorate Army Reserve birthday a testament to your character and a dedication to America and its in- terests,” he said, as reported by the Redstone Rocket. The Army Reserve has a presence in all 50 states, five U.S. territo- ries and 20 time zones around the world, and makes up nearly 20% of the Army’s personnel and more than 50% of the quartermaster and medi- cal formations, said Mike Dove, the Redstone-Huntsville chapter’s vice president for National Guard and Reserve Affairs. “Being a warrior citizen isn’t just about who we are, it’s about what we deliver,” Meisler said. “The Army Reserve stands ready to answer the call, and we do consistently.” Since its creation as the nation’s federal reserve force in 1908, “we’ve seen Reserve components mobilized for every major conflict” as well as natural disasters at home, Meisler said, as reported by the Redstone Rocket. “We’ve adapted, we’ve grown, and we’ve constantly delivered, prov- ing time and again that a citizen sol- dier is a force to be reckoned with.” Reserve soldiers are “standing ready at all times,” said retired Lt. Col. Marc Jacobson, the chapter president. “We can never thank you enough for your service, your sacri- fice and your unwavering commit- ment to keeping our nation safe.” Redstone- Huntsville Chapter supports West Point social Maj. Gen. Kevin Meisler, center, Army Materiel Command chief of staff, cuts a cake cel- ebrating the Army Reserve's birthday alongside the oldest and youngest soldiers in at- tendance, Col. Brett Saxon, left, and Cadet Keltrick Jakes. (REDSTONE ROCKET/ERIN ELISE ENYINDA) John Buckheit, left, president of AUSA's West Point chapter, and chapter treasurer Eileen Sciscoe share information about the association with attendees May 21 dur- ing the West Point Association of Graduates Firstie Social. (AUSA PHOTO) West PointNext >