The Association of the United States Army (aka AUSA) is intent on reaching out and partnering with the Washington Army National Guard, or WANG.

The newly created Camp Murray Minutemen Chapter is a subchapter of the Fort Lewis chapter of the AUSA. The AUSA provides support to the Army and the National Guard, both on the local and national levels.  The new partnership will only strengthen the relationship the association provides.

“This is an exciting opportunity,” commented Charlene Joseph, the current president of the Fort Lewis chapter of AUSA and advisor to the WANG subchapter, in an e-mail.

The WANG recently launched the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program, a successful effort designed to provide continued support for redeploying Guard members.  And with AUSA working with the Minutemen, support for the subchapter is sure to grow.

The new subchapter has approximately 25 members, and it is growing, Joseph said.

Sharlynn Abbott, an official with the American Lake Credit Union, will serve as the chapter’s first president.  Her executive committee consists of Col. Mike Johnson, vice president of National Guard Affairs; Col. Mary Forbes, vice president of Family Programs; Tom Riggs, chairman of the National Guard Reintegration Program; Lt. Col. Don Hamm, vice president for Retiree and Veteran Affairs; and Tommy Carson, vice president for Individual and Corporate Membership.

In addition, Alicia Najera will serve as secretary, and Virginia Kinakin will serve as treasurer.

The Minutemen Chapter will hold its first general membership meeting on Dec. 11 from 3 to 5 p.m. in Building 3 at Camp Murray. The public is welcome to attend.  To access Camp Murray, attendees must have a current driver’s license, vehicle registration and proof of insurance.

For further information, contact Abbott at sharlynn@americanlake.com.