New Chapter President and Vice President Elected - AUSA · 1 Association of the United States Army Captain Meriwether Lewis Chapter Quarterly Newsletter Army New Chapter President

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Association of the United States Army Captain Meriwether Lewis Chapter Quarterly Newsletter

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New Chapter President and Vice President Elected

During a May general membership meeting, Col. Stephen Myers (ret) and Ms. Beth Ellis

were elected to become the Chapter’s President and Vice President, respectively. Both be-

gan their new term of office on July 1, 2017. Learn more about Stephen and Beth on pages 1

and 2.

From left: Newly elected Chapter President Stephen

Myers, Vice President Beth Ellis, and Washington State

Stephen Myers is a native of Winchester,

Massachusetts and a graduate of the United

States Military Academy at West Point in New

York. His military education includes the

Field Artillery Officer Basic and Advanced

Courses, the Command and General Staff Col-

lege, the United States Army War College, as

an Army Fellow at the Asia-Pacific Center for

Security Studies in Honolulu, Hawaii, and a

graduate of the Joint and Combined Warf-

ighting School (JPME II). He holds a Masters

of Science Degree from Montana State Univer-

sity in Bozeman, Montana.

Stephen is a career direct support artillery-

man. He has extensive experience in the Asia-

Pacific region serving as the commander of the

Stephen Myers’ Bio

2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, assigned

to the 25th Infantry Division at Schofield

Barracks, Hawaii, as the Chief of the Joint

Training Division for the United States Pa-

cific Command at Camp Smith, Hawaii and

as the Commander of the 5th Battlefield Co-

ordination Detachment partnered with the

13th Air Force 613th Air Operations Center

on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickman, Ha-

waii. His last operational assignment was as

the Deputy Commanding Officer for Com-

mand Post North, 25th Infantry Division in

Mosul, Iraq. He has served in a variety of

command and staff positions with tours in

the Republic of Korea, Georgia, New York,

Washington, and Hawaii. Prior to his cur-

rent assignment as (Continued on next page)

Table of Contents Pages

Chapter President Bio 1 & 2

Vice President Bio 2

President’s Corner 3

Thank you to Prior Leadership 4

Zombie Apocalypse 5

Chapter Golf Tournament 6

OP RED 7

AUSA National Highlights 8 & 9

Membership Article 9

Sponsorship Opportunities 10

Chapter Executive Committee 11

Corporate Members 12

July 2017

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Stephen Myers Bio

New Chapter Vice President Bio

Beth A. Ellis currently serves as the Joint Base

Lewis-McChord Community Ready and Resilient

Integrator responsible for developing, integrating

and managing community health promotion initia-

tives in support of the

Senior Mission Com-

mander.

She has over 11 years

of combined federal ser-

vice as a Department of

Defense Civilian and an

active duty Army aviator.

During seven years of ac-

tive duty, she served in a

variety of leadership posi-

tions in aviation mainte-

nance and human resources to include two 13-month

combat tours to Afghanistan in support of Operation

Enduring Freedom (OEF) VIII and OEF X.

(Continued from previous page) the Senior Ar-

my Advisor for the Washington State National

Guard, Colonel Myers was the I Corps Chief of

Staff on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washing-

ton.

In addition to Stephen’s commitment to the

Association of the United States Army, as a

Life Member, his volunteer activities include

support to the Boy Scouts of America, Pacific

Harbors Council, as an Executive Board Mem-

ber, District Chair and Assistant Scoutmaster

for Steilacoom Troop 71. He is also a volunteer

for SEAFAIR and excited about additional op-

portunities in our local community. The Myers

family recently moved to Steilacoom, Washing-

ton. Stephen is married to Dr. Julia Myers and

they have four children.

Career assignments included Aviation Unit

Maintenance (AVUM) Platoon Leader, 2-2

Aviation Regiment South Korea; Direct

Support Aviation Intermediate Maintenance

(AVIM) Platoon Leader and Company Ex-

ecutive Officer, 82nd Combat Aviation Bri-

gade Fort Bragg NC; and Battalion S-1 Hu-

man Resources Officer, 3rd Combat Avia-

tion Brigade Savannah GA.

She is a graduate of the University of

Michigan, where she earned a Bachelor of

Science degree in Kinesiology and a com-

mission in the U.S. Army through the

ROTC program. She subsequently earned a

Master’s Degree in Public Administration

from the University of Maryland, and she

was one of 609 finalists chosen out of over

7,000 for acceptance into the Presidential

Management Fellows Program.

Her awards and decorations include the

Air Medal; Army Commendation Medal

with two oak leaf clusters; Army Achieve-

ment Medal; Meritorious Unit Commenda-

tion; National Defense Service Medal; Af-

ghanistan Campaign Medal with two cam-

paign stars; Global War on Terrorism Ser-

vice Medal; Korean Defense Service Med-

al; Army Service Ribbon; Overseas Service

Ribbon (third award); NATO Medal

(second award); U.S. Army Aviator Badge;

and Parachutist Badge.

Beth is married to Chief Warrant Officer

Four Daniel (Brian) Ellis and has two step-

sons, Connor and Caden.

Congratulations

Stephen Myers &

Beth Ellis!!

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President’s Corner

On June 1, 2017, I retired from the United

States Army after 34 years of service in uni-

form. It is my desire to continue to serve our

Army, our Soldiers and their families as the

President of the Association of the United

States Army (AUSA) Captain Meriwether

Lewis Chapter.

From 2013 to 2015, during my time as the I

Corps Chief of Staff, I personally witnessed the

many invaluable initiatives the Chapter spon-

sored in full support of our Soldiers and their

family—from Operation Ham Grenade and

Turkey Drop to increased investments in Sol-

dier recognition during the annual Army Birth-

day celebration. An example of this recogni-

tion is the Chapter’s initiative to enable the I

Corps leadership to routinely recognize the best

Company Commander and First Sergeant

Team. Programs such as these are critical in

maintaining a close connection with the units

on Joint Base Lewis– McChord (JBLM).

Maintaining this strong relationship with JBLM

leadership is a top priority. Our amazing

From left: Chapter President Stephen Myers, Immedi-

ate Past President Amy Tiemeyer and University Place

Subchapter President Brenna Johnson

AUSA subchapters time and again have suc-

cessfully connected our local community to

the Soldiers assigned to JBLM. Supporting

Soldiers during overseas deployments with

care packages and welcome home ceremonies

are now part of the fabric of our local com-

munity. Our AUSA subchapter activities

provide the grassroots link to fully enable the

JBLM Community Connector program. Em-

powering and supporting our subchapters is

vital in ensuring the Chapter remains fully

vested in effectively supporting our Soldiers

on JBLM.

Key to effective chapter and subchapter

program initiatives is a healthy cadre of ac-

tive members and local cooperate sponsor-

ship. Continuing to invest in this area will be

critical in moving our programs forward. In-

creased AUSA membership will also enable

an effective veteran network across all of

South Puget Sound to increase collaboration

and communication amongst the numerous

veteran support programs.

The strength of our Army is our Soldiers,

the strength of our Soldiers is our families.

Developing and fostering new programs sup-

port our Army families will increase AUSA

awareness and effectiveness throughout our

local community. I look forward to explor-

ing new initiatives for our chapter to support

our Army families.

I am excited about the opportunity to be-

come a contributing member of the Captain

Meriwether Lewis Chapter, as your President.

I vow to do my very best to serve this organi-

zation, our Soldiers and their families.

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Chapter Thanks Past President Amy Tiemeyer &

Vice President Eric Kantor for their Two Years of Leadership

In late June, the Chapter thanked the Imme-

diate Past President, Amy Tiemeyer, and the

Vice President, Eric Kantor, for their dedicat-

ed two years of volunteer service to the Chap-

ter. During their leadership, the Chapter con-

tinued to thrive and supported hundreds of

soldiers during multiple deployments, return

homes, and established successful profession-

al development and family programs.

Amy recently accepted a new role as the Di-

rector of the Operation Shield Foundation

where she will work to build a successful non-

profit. During her personal time, she will con-

tinue to support the chapter. You can learn

more about the Operation Shield Foundation

by visiting: OperationShieldFoundation.org.

The Chapter wishes both Amy and Eric the

very best with their future endeavors and

again, appreciates their leadership during the

past two years.

From Left: Eric Kantor and Amy Tiemeyer

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Fore R Troops

AUSA Annual Golf Tournament

On June 9th, the Chapter held its annual Fore

R Troops Golf Tournament at Eagles Pride Golf

Course and raised $8,554.00 (net) to cover ex-

penses associated with chapter programs. The

gracious sponsors included: Titus-Will Chevro-

let (presenting sponsor), America’s Credit Un-

ion, Harborstone Credit Union, GEICO, Wash-

ington Military Resource Directory, Military

Veterans Corps, Nisqually Market, Patriot’s

Landing, Skookum, United Healthcare, and USO

NW. The chapter also thanks the businesses/

organizations that sponsored teams: Pioneer Ser-

vices, Cannon Construction, the Patrick Gass

Subchapter, and US Family Health Plan.

Special thanks to all of the sponsors and golf-

ers that made this annual fundraiser a complete

success. Also, thank you, Carroll Dickson

(committee chairman), Amy Tiemeyer, Michor

Gentemann, Kelly Colter, and Emory Lunsford,

for serving on the golf committee this year.

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AUSA Zombie Apocalypse 5K Membership Drive

The Chapter held its annual AUSA Zombie Apocalypse 5k

in June. Over 150 runners and walkers gathered together at

Fort Steilacoom Park to attempt to outsmart the large num-

bers of Zombies looming in the fields and bushes. The goal

was to avoid an untimely death and the participants had sev-

eral chances to live a long and healthy life with their family

members and friends. Only a small handful survived, but

those who did, will never be the same. Those who didn’t sur-

vive are now Zombies and will return next year with the end

goal of adding more to their clan. When the 5K ended, the

smoke filled air smelled badly of rotting flesh and the partici-

pant’s bloodied faces were void of the determination they

once had. Next year, the battle will continue...Special thanks

to all of the monetary and in-kind sponsors who made the day

enjoyable for all of the participants. The participants will

also enjoy the benefits of AUSA membership, which sup-

ports Soldiers and their families on Capitol Hill. Learn more

about membership by contacting Jon McCoy at jpmc-

[email protected].

The Chapter couldn’t make the run possible without the

support of our generous sponsors and its dynamic planning

committee: Susan Krogh, Ron Krogh, Amy Tiemeyer, Kelly

Colter, Stephanie Prosser, and Herb Schmeling.

Other Generous Sponsors

USAA, Navy Federal Credit Union, ACU,

University of Phoenix, US Family Health

Plan, 1st Command, McNamara’s, Lacey

Subchapter, Gig Harbor Subchapter, and

DuPont Subchapter

Special Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor:

Nisqually RedWind Casino

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2017 Operation Recruit Enlistment Dinners

“Since the Washington State Army Community

Council’s Operation Recruit Enlistment Dinner’s

(OP RED) inception seven years ago, the Associa-

tion of the United States Army, Captain Meriweth-

er Lewis Chapter, participated to ensure senior

high school students, who elected to join the

Armed Forces, received community accolades for

their decision,” said Carlene Joseph the Interim

Treasurer for the Chapter and Co-Chairman for

the OP RED Planning committee.

This year, the planning committee kicked off

two OP RED events – University of Washington

in Seattle, hosting 750+ people, on May 2nd and at

Saint Martin’s University in Lacey, hosting 800+

people. Both events were very successful and par-

ents were proud to see their son or daughter re-

ceive the Oath of Enlistment by Col. Terry John-

son, the Commander of the 12th Marine Corps

District.

In 2018, the planning committee is expected to

have two OP RED events at Saint Martin’s Uni-

versity, in Lacey, on May 2nd, and the University

of Washington, in Seattle, on May 3rd. For more

information about both events, please contact Car-

lene Joseph at [email protected].

The monetary and in-kind sponsors for both

OP RED events were: The Washington State Ar-

my Community Council, the Association of the

United States Army, Air Force Association, Har-

borstone Credit Union, Pacific Trading, LLC, Bet-

ter Business Bureau, Budget Blinds of Puyallup,

Main China Buffet, Little Caesars Pizza, Costco,

Armed Forces Financial Network, Starbucks, Tac-

tical Tailor, USO, USAA, Patriots Landing, Pierce

Military and Business Alliance, and the Military

Recruiters, Master Chef – Seattle, Odom Corpora-

tion, Columbia Distributing, Talking Rain/

Sparkling Ice.

OP RED North - UW Seattle HUB

OP RED South - St Martin’s University, Lacey

New Military Recruits

mailto:[email protected]

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News from AUSA National

Modernizing the Army would be the prima-

ry focus of Ryan McCarthy if confirmed to be

undersecretary of the Army, and he describes

himself as “uniquely qualified” for the job.

The former Army officer, congressional

staff member and defense industry executive

said there are many challenges. “While clearly

focused on near-term readiness, I will make it

a priority to improve the modernization of the

force in order to stay ahead of the capabilities

of near-peer capabilities,” he told the Senate

Armed Services Committee during a hearing

about his nomination.

McCarthy also promised to work to

“maintain our quality volunteer force and pro-

vide soldiers, families and civilians the quality

of life they deserve.”

The post of Army undersecretary traditional-

ly is one of being responsible for day-to-day

operations and to be chief management officer.

McCarthy said he would “work with the acqui-

sition community and industry to ensure the

Army makes prudent and cost-informed deci-

sions to enable investments addressing the ca-

pability gaps identified by the Army leader-

ship.”

“The Army must adopt a modernization

strategy that ensures our continued overmatch

of near-peer capabilities and permits us to

make difficult decisions on future capability

requirements,” he said.

“As a former Army officer and combat vet-

eran, I understand how to build effective

Undersecretary Nominee Promises

Modernization Gains

teams and that leadership is required to

achieve desired results,” McCarthy said. “I

was privileged to serve as a close assistant

to one of the most talented and reform-

minded secretaries of defense, Robert

Gates. Outside of the military, I have served

in the financial industry, as a professional

staff member in the House of Representa-

tives, and as a senior executive in the de-

fense industry. Now, having worked busi-

ness processes from both Pentagon and ci-

vilian industry perspectives, I believe I am

uniquely qualified to run the business end

of the Army.” Courtesy of AUSA National

The House of Representatives has

passed an almost $700 billion defense

policy bill that breaks Budget Control Act

spending caps to allocate additional mon-

ey to unfunded priorities, like increasing

Army troop strength.

The measure, HR 2810, includes a

base budget of $631.5 billion, an amount

$28.5 billion more than requested by

President Donald Trump, plus $64.6 bil-

lion for overseas contingency operations.

About $4 billion of the added money

pays for an increase of 17,000 soldiers:

10,000 in the Regular Army, 4,000 in the

Army National Guard and 3,000 in the

Army Reserve. (Continued on Page 9)

House Votes to

Authorize Bigger Army

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The Association of United States Army core

purpose is to support and advocate for our sol-

diers. Moreover, your AUSA membership is not

only a display of your support to our soldiers but

presents a variety of opportunities for you to ben-

efit from professionally and personally.

Contact me at [email protected], to

learn more about this dynamic organization.

Do you support the United States Army?

Are you a member of the Association of Unit-

ed States Army? If not, why? Anyone can be-

come a member and be involved within your

local community. The Association of United

States Army (AUSA) is a non-profit organiza-

tion that has been supporting our soldiers for

over 65 years. AUSA is the voice of our sol-

diers on a political level, advocating for bene-

fits and discussing issues that impact our sol-

diers and their families. Strength by numbers

is a saying that holds true to the membership

of AUSA and your membership will guaran-

tee that AUSA remains strong.

There are some benefits and discounts that

you, as a member, will receive. There are dis-

counts available on insurance, car rentals, ho-

tels, Apple products, Dell products and a

number of other benefits. As a member, you

will receive AUSA publications which are

also a great way to stay informed on what is

currently going on within the Army as well as

upcoming changes. Our members have the

ability to reach out to their local Chapter and

by doing so become involved in their commu-

nity. There are a range of opportunities for

other members and their families through

community involvement.

Jon McCoy, Chapter Director of

Individual Membership

The result would be 486,000 Regular Army,

347,000 Army National Guard and 202,000 Ar-

my Reserve soldiers, a level that would be

achieved by Oct. 1, 2018.

The bill also adds money for armored brigade

combat team modernization to try to pick up the

pace on improvements. For example, the bill

provides $442.8 million more than the Trump

budget to buy the latest version of the Abrams

tank, $122 million more to buy Hercules recov-

ery vehicles and $111 million more to purchase

modernized Bradley Fighting Vehicles.

The House bill also authorizes a 2.4 percent

increase in basic pay and drill pay that would

take effect Jan. 1. That is slightly larger than the

2.1 percent requested by the Defense Department

and the White House.

This is not the final word. The Senate has not

passed its version of the 2018 National Defense

Authorization Act. Any differences between the

House and Senate bills must be reconciled before

a final measure passes, and differences with the

Trump administration would also need to be re-

solved. Courtesy of AUSA National

House Votes to Authorize Bigger Army

Continued from Page 7

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Military Market Sponsorship Opportunities for Businesses

The Captain Meriwether Lewis Chapter’s subchapters offer annual large military family ori-

ented events in support of specific Joint Base Lewis-McChord units. Each event offers spon-

sorship opportunities giving a business the chance to showcase its products and services in

front of military families. In most cases, sponsorship opportunities begin as low as $500.00,

which includes space to set up an information table that’s appealing to military family mem-

bers of all ages. Read on to learn more about these events….

AUSA DuPont Subchapter’s Military Appreciation Day

August 4th, 9:00 AM—4:00 PM, SEHMEL Homestead Park, 10123 78th Ave. NW, Gig Har-

bor, WA 98332. The day will be filled with food, fun, family and sporting events. Sponsor-

ships begin as low as $500.00. Expected audience: 1,000 soldier families. Event suppor ts

the 201st EMIB. Contact: [email protected] to learn more.

AUSA Gig Harbor Subchapter 4th Annual 201st EMIB Appreciation Day

August 4th, 3:00 PM—7:00 PM, Clocktower Park, 1400 Palisade Blvd, DuPont, WA. The day

will be filled with food, fun, family and sporting events. Sponsorships begin as low as $500.00.

Expected audience: 1,000 soldier families. Event supports the 6th CID, 62nd MED, Night

Stalkers, National Guard & Families. Contact: [email protected] to learn more.

AUSA Puyallup Subchapter’s 7th Annual Salute to the Troops

August 10th, 1:00 PM—4:00 PM, Pioneer Park Pavillion, 333 South Meridian, Puyallup, WA

98371. The day will be filled with food, fun, family and sporting events. Sponsorships begin as

low as $500.00. Expected audience: 1,000 soldier families. Event suppor ts the 593rd

ESC. Contact: [email protected] to learn more.

AUSA Lacey Subchapter’s 3rd Annual 1-2 SBCT Field Day

August 29th, Regional Athletic Complex (RAC), 8345 Steilacoom Rd SE, Lacey, WA. The

day will be filled with food, fun, family and sporting events. Sponsorships begin as low as

$400.00. Expected audience: 5,000 soldier families. Event supports the 1-2 Stryker Brigade.

Contact: [email protected] to learn more.

100% of the Funds Raised Support Soldiers

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Main Chapter Executive Committee Contact Information

President - Stephen Myers: [email protected]

Vice President - Beth Ellis: [email protected]

Immediate Past President - Amy Tiermeyer: [email protected]

Secretary - Alecia Grady: [email protected]

Interim Treasurer & Newsletter Editor - Carlene Joseph: [email protected]

Director of Individual Membership -Jon McCoy: [email protected]

Director of Corporate Membership - Amber Young: [email protected]

Director of Awards Committee - Dale Lazo: [email protected]

Director of Public Affairs - Ken Swarner: [email protected]

Director of Veterans & Legislative Affairs - Herb Schmeling: [email protected]

Director of Family Programs - Patty Morgan: [email protected]

Director of Young Professionals - Stephanie Prosser: [email protected]

Director of Suits for Servicemembers - Mary Findlay: [email protected]

Director of OPS Turkey Drop & Ham Grenade - Carlene Joseph: [email protected]

Subchapter Presidents’ Contact Information

Olympia/Lacey/Tumwater Subchapter —Tina Torfin: [email protected]

DuPont/Steilacoom/Minuteman Subchapter —Karen Getchell: [email protected]

Eastside Subchapter - Greg Hollmann - [email protected]

Puyallup/Sumner Subchapter—Mick Fleetwood: [email protected]

Tacoma Subchapter - Billy Ray King: [email protected]

Sgt Patrick Gass Subchapter - Ken Luce: [email protected]

University Place Subchapter: Brenna Johnson: [email protected]

Gig Harbor Subchapter: John Guardia: [email protected]

Additional Volunteers Needed

Looking for something to do in your

spare time? Are you interested in working

alongside soldiers to show your support?

The Captain Meriwether Lewis Chapter has

several volunteer positions available if

you’re interested in rolling up your sleeves

to make a difference in the military commu-

nity. We could use your support!

Volunteer positions are available at the chapter

and subchapter levels. To learn more, simply

email: [email protected].

www.ausalewischapter.com

https://www.facebook.com/Harborstone

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Our Generous Corporate Members:

555 Able Soldier & Family Fund Altman Audio America’s Credit Union (ACU) Armed Forces Bank Avalon Contracting, Inc. Balch Street Advisors Barret Business Services, Inc., BBSI Better Business Bureau Bill Korum’s Puyallup Nissan Booz Allen Hamilton—JBLM Brandman University CalPortland Co. Cannon Construction, Inc. Captain Joseph House Foundation Cascade Designs City of DuPont City of Gig Harbor City of Lacey City of Lakewood City of Milton City of Olympia City of Puyallup City of Sumner CoinForce.com, LLC Commercial Drive School Dahlke Orthodontics Deli Military Director Mortgage Farrelli’s Pizza Fife Milton Edgewood Chamber of Commerce Gilchrist Chevrolet Buick GMC, Inc. Government Contracting Services Harborstone Credit Union Hawks Prairie Casino Helix Design Group, Inc. Insitu Jimmy Collins & Associates John L. Scott DuPont Kidz in Motion/Party Troopers Kiwanis Club of Edgewood-Fife-Milton Korum Automotive Group Lakes Body Shop, Inc. Lakewood Chamber of Com-merce Lakewood Ford Lemay Pierce County Refuse

Navy Federal Credit Union Nisqually Red Wind Casino

Northwest Harley-Davidson

NW Little Caesars

Omni Financial of Washington

Operation Ward 57

Pacific Lutheran University

Pat Tillman Memorial American Legion

Post 53

Patriot’s Landing

Pierce College

Pioneer Services, Military Division of Mid-

Country Bank

Port of Olympia

Quentus Technologies, Inc.

GEICO—Local Office

Reservation Out Post

Saint Martin’s University

Skookum Contract Services

South Sound Military & Communities Part-

nership

Steilacoom Historical School District 1

Tacoma Diesel and Equipment Inc.

Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber of Com-

merce

The Geneva Foundation

The News Tribune

The Ranger Publishing Company

The Tactical Tailor, Inc.

Travel Tacoma & Pierce County

United Healthcare, Military & Veterans

US Family Health Plan

USAA

USO NW

Veterans Lending Group

Learn More About Corporate

Membership by Contacting:

[email protected]

The Association of the United States Army, the Captain Meriwether Lewis Chapter

and associated subchapters and committees are non-Federal entities. They are not

part of the Department of Defense or any of the components and they have no gov-

ernment status.

New Chapter President and Vice President Elected - AUSA · 1 Association of the United States Army Captain Meriwether Lewis Chapter Quarterly Newsletter Army New Chapter President

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