CHAPTER NEWS 2020
Greetings!
Your Arsenal of Democracy Chapter Board of Directors (BoD) has been very busy planning some great events. Thanks for your involvement and support. I sincerely hope that all of you will continue to support our activities and encourage new members to join AUSA. Remember that our "Strength is in Numbers".
- BG Mark Montjar, Ret. - President Arsenal of Democracy Chapter
2020
Jan 24, 2020 - CODEL Breakfast
The AUSA AoD chapter participated in a CODEL Staffers breakfast on January 24. There were over 100 people in attendance. We joined with NDIA and WID to host the event. Guest speakers were Mr. Tim Goddette, PEO CS&CSS, Mr. Jeff Langhout, Director for the Ground Vehicle Systems Center, COL Jeff Witt, Chief of Staff for TACOM LCMC, LTC Turner from the Army Corps of Engineers, Mr. Kevin McEnery from the Next Generation Combat Vehicles Cross Functional Team, Mr. Tony Misuraca from PEO GCS, and other guest speakers. Several staffers from Senator Gary Peters' s, Senator Debbie Stabenow's staff, and Congresswoman Slotkin' s gave short presentations. All congressional staff members were introduced as well from six separate offices. Jessica Pellegrino and Valde Garcia were in attendance.
Feb 20, 2020 - Cigar Night Fundraiser
On Thursday, 20 February 2020, the Arsenal of Democracy Chapter held its 4th Annual Cigar Night at Jenuwine's Cigar Lounge in Sterling Heights, Michigan. The owner, Dan Jenuwine and his organization, n are a Community Partner for our Chapter and hoisted the evening. We had approximately 60 members, many Community Partners and veterans present who were given information about AUSA and invited to join our Chapter. This Cigar Night was a fundraiser for Fisher House of Michigan. A "Live Auction" was conducted with many donated items brought by our individual members and Community Partners. The Fisher House Chief of Staff, Ms. Mary Considine, flew in from Washington and spoke to the crowd about Fisher House along with Chapter member, Ms. Kate Melcher, a former Army Apache helicopter pilot and who is now the Executive Director of Fisher House of Michigan.
Apr 5, 2020 - Cadet Mark H. Wallach for the Association of the United States Army Saber Award
U.S. Army Cadet Command (ROTC)
April 3 at 6:30 PM · Public
Please join us in congratulating Cadet Mark Wallach, from Michigan Technological University
for being selected as the winner of the AUSA Arsenal of Democracy Chapter
Saber Award. This award is presented to the top Army ROTC Cadet from across all Army ROTC programs in Michigan. He is the first Cadet to receive this award from MTU.
Cadet Wallach is in his senior year of the Michigan Tech Mechanical Engineering
program and has demonstrated sound leadership, clear decision making, a high level of intellect, and enthusiasm to learn more.
He was recognized by the Commanding General of the US Army Cadet Command, MG Evans, as the #8 Cadet overall in the nation from among nearly 6,000 Cadets - Make sure you check out the video about it here: https://www.facebook.com/ArmyROTC/videos/523029164918255/!
Cadet Wallach’s achievements and honors also include:
-Distinguished Military Graduate and in the Top 10% (#8 overall)
-General Douglas McArthur Leadership Award (2020)
-Cadet Summer Training Recondo Badge Award (2019)
-Michigan Tech Student Leadership Award (2019)
-Society of American Military Engineers Award (2019)
-Provost’s Academic Award for Scholarship (2019)
-Dean’s List all eight semesters
-Superior Cadet Decoration Award (2017, 2019)
-Military Officer’s Association of America Award (2019)
-Military Order of the World Wars ROTC Award of Merit (2018)
-Cadet Battalion Commander’s Military Award (2018)
-Cadet of the Semester Award (2017)
He also earned the Air Assault Badge, the Army Physical Fitness Badge, is a graduate of Cadet Basic Camp, and is an Eagle Scout.
Congratulations again to Cadet Wallach for Leading the Pack! #Lobos
#LeadershipExcellence
1st Brigade Army ROTC - Spartans
2nd "Freedom" Brigade Army ROTC
3rd ROTC Brigade, The Black Hawk Brigade
4th Brigade ROTC
5th Brigade Army ROTC
6th BDE Army ROTC
7th Brigade ROTC
8th Brigade Army ROTC
U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command
U.S. Army
GoArmy
Secretary of the Army
U.S. Army Fort Campbell
National Eagle Scout Association
Michigan Tech Army ROTC "Arctic Warriors"
Association of the United States Army - AUSA National
Michigan Tech Lode
Daily Mining Gazette
Keweenaw Report
April 3 at 6:30 PM · Public
Please join us in congratulating Cadet Mark Wallach, from Michigan Technological University
for being selected as the winner of the AUSA Arsenal of Democracy Chapter
Saber Award. This award is presented to the top Army ROTC Cadet from across all Army ROTC programs in Michigan. He is the first Cadet to receive this award from MTU.
Cadet Wallach is in his senior year of the Michigan Tech Mechanical Engineering
program and has demonstrated sound leadership, clear decision making, a high level of intellect, and enthusiasm to learn more.
He was recognized by the Commanding General of the US Army Cadet Command, MG Evans, as the #8 Cadet overall in the nation from among nearly 6,000 Cadets - Make sure you check out the video about it here: https://www.facebook.com/ArmyROTC/videos/523029164918255/!
Cadet Wallach’s achievements and honors also include:
-Distinguished Military Graduate and in the Top 10% (#8 overall)
-General Douglas McArthur Leadership Award (2020)
-Cadet Summer Training Recondo Badge Award (2019)
-Michigan Tech Student Leadership Award (2019)
-Society of American Military Engineers Award (2019)
-Provost’s Academic Award for Scholarship (2019)
-Dean’s List all eight semesters
-Superior Cadet Decoration Award (2017, 2019)
-Military Officer’s Association of America Award (2019)
-Military Order of the World Wars ROTC Award of Merit (2018)
-Cadet Battalion Commander’s Military Award (2018)
-Cadet of the Semester Award (2017)
He also earned the Air Assault Badge, the Army Physical Fitness Badge, is a graduate of Cadet Basic Camp, and is an Eagle Scout.
Congratulations again to Cadet Wallach for Leading the Pack! #Lobos
#LeadershipExcellence
1st Brigade Army ROTC - Spartans
2nd "Freedom" Brigade Army ROTC
3rd ROTC Brigade, The Black Hawk Brigade
4th Brigade ROTC
5th Brigade Army ROTC
6th BDE Army ROTC
7th Brigade ROTC
8th Brigade Army ROTC
U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command
U.S. Army
GoArmy
Secretary of the Army
U.S. Army Fort Campbell
National Eagle Scout Association
Michigan Tech Army ROTC "Arctic Warriors"
Association of the United States Army - AUSA National
Michigan Tech Lode
Daily Mining Gazette
Keweenaw Report
May 2, 2020 - Chapter President BG(Ret) Montjar participated in the Michigan Technological University(MTU) Commissioning Ceremony in Houghton, MI. via Zoom.
The ceremony was hosted by the MTU PMS, LTC Chris Thompson. 2LT Mark Wallach also received the Arsenal of Democracy Chapter Army Officer's Saber since he was the winner of this years competition. Earlier on 28 April, BG Montjar met then Cadet Wallach and presented him the saber, chapter coins, and AUSA membership application forms.
May 2020 - Arsenal of Democracy Chapter Volunteer Family of the Year
We are pleased to introduce you to the Tolbert Family; SSG William Arnold Tolbert IV, his wife Jenna Lynn and their children; William Arnold Tolbert V (age 10), Aidan Allen Barron (age 10) and Kylie Lynn Tolbert (age 4).
SSG Tolbert is with the Army National Guard 156th Expeditionary Signal Battalion in Howell. The family are leaders within their community helping support and honor our troops in all stages of their service to our country; from those wearing the uniform today, to those transitioning back home and honoring the lives of those who have passed. The family has coordinated and conducted over 23 different volunteer and fund raising efforts for fellow Veterans.
The Veteran community is prideful, bound together with endless comradery, ready to pick each other up when they fall and that is a duty the Tolbert family does not take lightly. They have never turned a Veteran or a family away. They are diligent and will work hard in order to obtain the required funds, food, or materials needed to help no matter the circumstances. Situations can vary from loss due to fire or families unable to put food on the table; there is no need too small or too large that is not supported. Jenna and William Tolbert strive to effect positive change that provides hope to anyone in need; they are always first to assist. Their compassion and gratitude for Veterans and their families is heartwarming and truly selfless. They are deserving of this award and they bring great credit to the 156 Expeditionary Signal Battalion, the 177 Military Police Brigade, and the Michigan Army National Guard.
The Arsenal of Democracy Chapter AUSA is pleased and honored to recognized this amazing Army family.
We are pleased to introduce you to the Tolbert Family; SSG William Arnold Tolbert IV, his wife Jenna Lynn and their children; William Arnold Tolbert V (age 10), Aidan Allen Barron (age 10) and Kylie Lynn Tolbert (age 4).
SSG Tolbert is with the Army National Guard 156th Expeditionary Signal Battalion in Howell. The family are leaders within their community helping support and honor our troops in all stages of their service to our country; from those wearing the uniform today, to those transitioning back home and honoring the lives of those who have passed. The family has coordinated and conducted over 23 different volunteer and fund raising efforts for fellow Veterans.
The Veteran community is prideful, bound together with endless comradery, ready to pick each other up when they fall and that is a duty the Tolbert family does not take lightly. They have never turned a Veteran or a family away. They are diligent and will work hard in order to obtain the required funds, food, or materials needed to help no matter the circumstances. Situations can vary from loss due to fire or families unable to put food on the table; there is no need too small or too large that is not supported. Jenna and William Tolbert strive to effect positive change that provides hope to anyone in need; they are always first to assist. Their compassion and gratitude for Veterans and their families is heartwarming and truly selfless. They are deserving of this award and they bring great credit to the 156 Expeditionary Signal Battalion, the 177 Military Police Brigade, and the Michigan Army National Guard.
The Arsenal of Democracy Chapter AUSA is pleased and honored to recognized this amazing Army family.
June 19, 2020 - Fisher House Check Presentation
On Friday, 19 June 2020, Chapter President, BG(Ret) Mark Montjar, along with Chapter Directors Mary Lamparter accompanied by her husband Ron Lamparter, and Steven Kustra presented the Fisher House of Michigan a donation check for $4,000. The donation were the proceeds from the Chapters Fourth Annual Cigar Night fund raiser for Fisher House of Michigan. Receiving the check was chapter member Ms. Kate Melcher, Executive Director of Fisher House of Michigan. We were then able to take a tour of the recently constructed “First Ever” Fisher House of Michigan located next to the VA Hospital in Ann Arbor. Plans are underway to obtain land and build a second Fisher House to be located near the VA Hospital in Detroit.
p.s. This facility is truly “First Class”. It has 16 guest rooms, 10 of which were occupied. The managers and staff on duty are employees of the VA. You can walk out the back door and be inside the Ann Arbor VA Hospital less than 5 minutes.
p.s. This facility is truly “First Class”. It has 16 guest rooms, 10 of which were occupied. The managers and staff on duty are employees of the VA. You can walk out the back door and be inside the Ann Arbor VA Hospital less than 5 minutes.
June 24, 2020 - AUSA Day
On Wednesday, 24 June 2020, The Arsenal of Democracy Chapter of the Association of the United States Army conducted its first ever “AUSA Day” event. Chapter President, Brig. Gen. Retired Mark Montjar, along with Chapter Vice President for Programs, Ms. Jess Pellegrino, and Chapter Treasurer Lieut. Col. Mike Bracket delivered meals from Mission BBQ in Troy, Michigan to the John D. Dingell Veterans Medical Center and the Veterans Administration’s Domiciliary Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program (DRRTP or Dom) facility for at risk / homeless veterans on East Outer Drive in Detroit. One hundred thirty-five meals were delivered to the ER, ICU, and Acute Medicine front line workers at both locations.
Chapter Vice President Jess Pellegrino did a magnificent job of organizing this effort by establishing contact with the Veterans Administration, coordinating the food delivery from Mission BBQ, and soliciting donations from the Chapter’s Community Partners and individual members via the AUSA’s Pardot e-mail system.
Chapter Vice President Jess Pellegrino did a magnificent job of organizing this effort by establishing contact with the Veterans Administration, coordinating the food delivery from Mission BBQ, and soliciting donations from the Chapter’s Community Partners and individual members via the AUSA’s Pardot e-mail system.
