Boy oh Boy does AUSA know how to put on a show!  This past week I went with some friends to the AUSA conference in Washington DC and had a blast!  I've been traveling a lot lately for work, so it was a nice break to be able to travel and not wake up early and work all day!

AUSA is the Association of the United States Army.  They are an organization that helps soldiers in a lot of ways, from having scholarship foundations, to lobbying congress on better housing for married soldiers.  Every year they have a large conference in Washington DC that serves a lot of purposes.  It serves as a way for older soldiers to see old comrades, a way to recognize soldiers for achievement, and they have an exhibition that I can only compare to what i've seen in the Iron Man movies. 

The exhibition hall is filled with exhibits from companies like Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and Raytheon.  They have on display all their latest and most futuristic weapons and equipment to help make soldiers more effective on the battlefield.  I couldn't help but think Tony Stark was going to be in the center of the exhibit hall.  It's amazing the things that are in the not too distant future for the everyday soldier, it is definitely an exciting time to be a soldier!

Anothere thing that was great was meeting and listening to a conference by Sergeant Major of the Army Preston.  He was talking about troop drawbacks, the new PRT physical fitness, and how NCO's should be taking care of soldiers.  He also had a special guest for us, the SMA of the Afghan National Army.  He wasn't the easiest to understand but was definitely charismatic!  I learned a little about what his soldiers do on a daily basis, and that now women are serving in the Afghan National Army!  That is a big step in a Muslim dominated region.

The last night we were at the conference we got to attend a very large and elaborate dinner celebration.  I heard that up to 12,000 attendees were there, and I'd like to add it felt like 7,000 were Generals or Retired Generals.  The speech given by former Sec of the Army Pete Geren was amazing, and I never knew the Army chorus was so talented.  It definitely was the highlight of my trip!

Prior to my trip I knew very little about AUSA, but am so thankful for the opportunity to attend these functions and learn about what AUSA is and how it helps soldiers everyday!  The leaders of the organization are all former soldiers with  the Army and America as their numbere 1 priority! 

I have a few days off and am going to enjoy some R and R before going to Columbus Ohio to help out with their ROTC mission.  I'm hoping to get my physical fitness on over the weekend.  Traveling makes it hard for a DS to keep sharp, so im hoping to spend the next few days breaking myself down so to speak!  Wish me luck!

AUSA Dinner

Fort Benning DS of the Year, NCO of the Year, Soldier of the Year, and Jumpmaster of the Year