The Association of the United States Army (AUSA) and the Captain Meriwether Lewis Main Chapter (CMLM) has a new subchapter.

The newly created AUSA Olympia subchapter formally met Soldiers from Joint Base Lewis McChord's 593rd Sustainment Brigade on May 9 at a "Right Arm" reception in Olympia.

The Right Arm - a tradition that allows commanders and their "right arm" Soldiers to get together and socialize away from work - featured raffles and prize giveaways for Servicemembers in attendance.

"This is the beginning of a great partnership with the City of Olympia and the Army's 593rd Brigade," said Roger Hanson, president of the AUSA Captain Meriwether Lewis Olympia subchapter. "There's so much good will that exists between the Army and the larger Olympia community."

"We are honored to serve Joint Base Lewis-McChord and its surrounding communities," said CMLM President Carlene Joseph.

Hanson is a retired Army veteran who served for 22 years. He currently works for Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Richland, Wash., and also works on Army projects occasionally. His son is active-duty military and recently returned from Iraq.

"The Army has always been a part of my life," said Hanson, "and I'm proud to serve the best Army we've ever had. It's amazing how well prepared our Soldiers are today."

The new all-volunteer subchapter currently consists of a few people including Hanson and his wife, Marge.

"I'm jumping in whenever and wherever I can to get things moving," she said. 

Allison Nelson of the Olympic Auto Mall Dealers Association believes the reception was a great opportunity to get to know Soldiers in the brigade and their families.  "We want to build a bridge with Soldiers," she said. "And when they deploy, we can help their families, too."

Already, the West Olympia Rotary Club has sponsored six Soldiers participating in the upcoming "Spell-e-bration" literary competition in Shelton. "Local businesses are very interested in meeting with leaders and designating key events to bring military personnel here," said Hanson.

"There's such an outpouring of support from the City of Olympia," said Lt. Col. Douglas LeVien, the 593rd Sustainment Brigade's liaison community connector. "When we deploy, we get to know the communities we serve, and it's nice to be home and have our communities do the same for us. For all the sacrifices our Soldiers make, they really feel appreciated."

For more information on the AUSA visit www.ausafortlewis.com and www.ausa.org.