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Making a special trip this snowy morning, George Coan, (Col., ret., USA), Director, National Security Studies with the Association of the U.S. Army, recognized David Graybill, retiring Pres./CEO of the Chamber.

In the picture are David Graybill (l) accepting an "AUSA" Commemorative watch from George Coan (r).

Coan worked with Graybill for many years through their connections with Fort Lewis-the Pentagon-Washington, D.C. links.  Graybill started the Chamber's annual Washington-to-Washington, D.C. trips where local Tacoma-Pierce County delegations met with Pentagon and Congressional members to discuss local base and defense issues. 

Graybill frequently called on AUSA and George Coan for up-to-the-instant briefings of current doings on Capitol Hill.  Coan prepped the local delegations with "read aheads" covering people-ware, hardware and program issues. 

Through their work together, both the community and the Army benefitted.

The Association of the U.S. Army (AUSA) bestowed its prestigious Bainbridge Medal to CMS (ret.) Schmeling at its Oct. 25th annual meeting in Washington, D.C.

As a tribute to the Army NCO Corps, the Association of the United States Army established a Noncommissioned Officer Distinguished Service Medal in the year 2000. This award, named for the fifth Sergeant Major of the Army, William G. Bainbridge, USA, Retired and its first recipient is presented to a noncommissioned officer during the opening ceremony at the AUSA Annual Meeting.

The Bainbridge Award recognizes the special role of the noncommissioned officers in America's Army - their responsibilities, accomplishments and the vital role they play in the defense of our nation. The award also highlights the important contributions that NCOs make to America long after they take off the uniform. It recognizes an NCO who has devoted a lifetime of selfless service to our Army, the NCO Corps and to the local community. The Bainbridge Award is presented to a noncommissioned officer - active, reserve component or retired - whose contributions to the NCO Corps and the local community have been significant.
 
Schmeling served in the Army for 30 years but, AUSA notes, has continued his devotion to the Army and his compassion for soldiers and their families. He volunteers for a variety of local and national military service and support organizations.
 
As a long-standing member of the Capt. Meriwether Lewis (formerly Ft. Lewis) Chapter of the AUSA, Schmeling personally bid farewell and welcome home to more than 15,000 troops that deployed from Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM). 
 
The Godfather of Ft. Lewis has said, his greatest honor came last year when his picture and bio were place on the Madigan Army Medical Center's NCO Wall of Fame.  Schmeling may be seen at any function serving service members and their families as well as representing their interests and well-being as a forthright spokesman throughout the community.  When you see him, as you will, say "Thank you."

The Association of the United States Army recognized Reps. Norm Dicks, D-Wash., and Rodney Freylinghuysen, R-N.J., at its Outstanding Legislator award presentation on Capitol Hill last week.

Dicks, Chairman of the House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, said in accepting the award, “We are committed to helping the troops” and that the committee has and “needs to operate on a bipartisan basis. I pledge to you that I will keep that going.” He cited the work of his fellow recipient and Reps. Jerry Lewis, R-Calif., and “Bill” Young, R-Fla., both former full committee chairmen, in working together on legislation to improve the lives of soldiers, their families and retirees.

Soldiers in all components “are doing incredible work” and “sometimes we don’t realize that.” He added, “We cannot do enough” to help wounded warriors.

AUSA President Gen. Gordon R. Sullivan, USA, Ret., said, “These two congressmen, as well or better than anyone in this business, understand what the military is up against and understand its impact on the nation.”

Sullivan thanked Dicks for being “an advocate for a strong national defense to include military end strength increases.” Sullivan also cited Dicks' assistance in raising the death gratuity, helping enact the Post 9/11 GI Bill and in health care.

Cong. Dicks will be a speaker at the next Military Affairs Forum on August 18. You may register for that event here.