Army Association Provides Support For National Security

By Chuck N. Baker
(Las Vegas) —  As the name implies, the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) is made up of Army personnel and Army veterans. But unlike some military and veterans organizations, it is open to anyone who supports the history and mission of America’s Army. The association promotes itself as a private, non-profit educational organization that supports all aspects of America’s Army — active duty, National Guard, Reserve, retirees, veterans, cadets, family members, government civilians and concerned citizens.

In Southern Nevada, the chapter president is Ken Salazar, a retired Sgt. 1st Class. “The organization is open to anyone,” Salazar explained, “who supports the Army’s objectives and a strong, national defense.” The local chapter is named after explorer John C. Fremont, who famously explored the West and has several cities and streets named after him. “One of the main reasons we decided to go with the name John C. Fremont is because he has a tremendous history to our pioneering days in America, helping to grow the nation into what it is today.”

Salazar said that one of the AUSA’s activities is being a voice on Capitol Hill, advocating for the Army, soldiers and their families. The group provides education through publications and information concerning what is said to be the critical nature of land forces, and the importance of the United States Army. Salazar added that members benefit by connecting with and supporting other members, soldiers and their families. The chapter holds meetings and sponsors dinners and other area activities. In the political arena, the association is busy in Washington outlining what a spokesman said are actions required to fund, maintain and modernize a combat-ready, all-volunteer American army that is ready to defend the nation in an unpredictable world. In particular, he added that ASUA wants Congress to quickly pass the Fiscal Year 2020 Defense, Construction and Veterans Appropriations Act. It’s one of many pieces of legislation that the AUSA lobbies for. Each year the association publishes a paper focusing in on a wide range of legislation that is pro-Army. Among other topics, this year the paper is asking Washington to support improved military modernization, upgraded military housing, wider medical eligibility for National Guard and Reservists and survivor benefits.

The association sponsors educational forays for members around the world. “We’ve held gatherings in Paris, France, and in the United Arab Emirates,” Salazar noted. The 2019 convention next month in D.C. mirrors just how large and influential the membership is. According to published material, the gathering will attract 30,000 attendees and 700 vendors, including hundreds of Congressional officials and their staffers. As a writer for the Nevada Department of Veterans Services and other veterans groups, I plan to attend the convention to learn about the latest military weaponry, tactics and programs. The convention provides an opportunity for anyone to meet with tacticians, planners and military strategists and take a brief look into the future of our armed forces. Representatives of major veterans’ organizations will be in attendance, as well as many other Nevada members of AUSA.

Salazar is looking to add to the local membership, and again stresses that one does not have to be a veteran to join. Individuals interested in additional information can contact him at salazar_2693@msn.com.