Nine awards were recently given to units and individuals at Joint Base Lewis-McChord as part of the Association of the United States Army Sixth Region Awards program.

For many of the winners, the awards served as a reminder of the importance of the Army being linked to local communities.

"We want to roll up our sleeves and work with (the Soldiers), because we're the neighborhood," Captain Meriwether Lewis Chapter President Carlene Joseph said. "We want to be part of their neighborhood."

For many of the Soldiers, the feeling is mutual.

AUSA is a private, nonprofit organization that works to advance the interests of the U.S. Army. In addition to being a lobbying organization, volunteers with local AUSA chapters support troops while deployed and at home.

"It's kind of like our voice on the Hill," Command Sgt. Maj. Matthew Barnes said.

Barnes will receive the Sergeant Patrick Gass Award for Excellence, which is given to NCOs who have distinguished themselves through selfless service to the Army. In his nomination letter he was praised for his hands-on approach and service to both Army and Air Force enlisted personnel.

Barnes said that he believes in what AUSA stands for.

Captain Brian Forester, 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, and winner of this year's 1st Lt. Erik S. McCrea Memorial Award, agrees about the importance of being involved in the organization.

"For me as a leader, it's important to support organizations that support me, and more importantly, the Soldiers I lead," he said.

Forester was called the "total package when referring to a company commander" in his nomination.

The support Soldiers get from volunteers is always appreciated, but AUSA also helps Soldiers pay back in to the civilian community.

The 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, which received a Distinguished Unit Commendation for building relationships with Iraqis and improving security during its last deployment, has been building a relationship with Lacey as well.

"What they always need is manpower," said Executive Officer Maj. Robert Halverson "Well, we have plenty of that."

Leaders of the 3rd Bde, 2nd Inf. Div., have been identifying areas where the unit can give back to a community in its backyard, including assisting with school projects and or cleaning up trails.

As important as it is to give back, having hard work noticed is always appreciated.

"I'm really impressed with the way they reward people who put in a little extra effort," Chief Warrant Officer 4 Jeffery Heil, 4th Bde., 2nd Inf. Div., said. Heil, who received the W01 Adrian B. Stump Memorial Award, said it was great to see everyone get noticed for their efforts.

For Joseph, this is what it's all about.

"We just want our Soldiers to know they're appreciated," she said.

Captain Meriwether Lewis Chapter winners

• Command Sgt. Maj. Matthew Douglas Barnes (Sgt. Patrick Gass Award for Excellence)
• Michael Hayes, Chief of Law Enforcement Training, JBLM (Sixth Region Exceptional Civilian Service Award - Hayes will be the region's nominee for national award consideration)
• Capt. Brian Forester, 4th Bde., 2nd Inf. Div. (1st Lt. Erik S. McCrea Memorial Award)
• CW4 Jeffery Heil, 4th Bde., 2nd Inf. Div. (W01 Adrian B. Stump Memorial Award)
• Ken Swarner, co-publisher of The Ranger and Northwest Airlifter (Sixth Region President's Medal)
• 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division (Sixth Region Distinguished Unit Commendation)
• 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division (Sixth Region Distinguished Unit Commendation)
• 17th Fires Brigade (Sixth Region Distinguished Unit Commendation)
• The Ranger (Sixth Region Public Service Award)