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A full circle commitment

AUSA's Puyallup-Sumner annual picnic

The Puyallup-Sumner subchapter of the AUSA hosted its annual Salute to the Troops at Puyallup’s Pioneer Park. Photo credit: Michele Fuller

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The Puyallup-Sumner subchapter of the Association of the United States Army's (AUSA) annual "Salute to the Troops" picnic represents continued service and the closing of a circle.

The AUSA is a national organization, and the Puyallup-Sumner is one of 11 local subchapters within the Captain Meriwether Lewis Chapter.

The organization is open to all Army ranks and all components, to include active-duty, National Guard, Army Reserve, government civilians, retirees, Wounded Warriors, veterans, concerned citizens and family members.

Community businesses and defense industry companies are also welcome to sign up.

"We are dedicated to supporting the servicemembers at Joint Base Lewis-McChord," wrote Amy Tiemeyer, the chapter's president, in an email.

"These summer events are just one way in which we can show our support."

Partnering with the City of Puyallup, the Puyallup-Sumner chapter's picnic supports JBLM's 593rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary).

Held last Thursday from 1 to 5 p.m. on a warm and sunny day in the city's historic Pioneer Park, over 2,000 individuals attended.

The event supports active-duty and retired military personnel.

"Our AUSA Puyallup-Sumner subchapter is excited to collaborate with the local service club and community leaders in both Puyallup and Sumner," wrote Michele Fuller, the subchapter's president.

She said that the Rotary, Lions Club, Kiwanis, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Puyallup City Council and about 25 businesses were instrumental in making the day a success.

"Our vision is to create greater awareness about AUSA and to work together to make a lasting impact on both the local and military communities," continued Fuller.

Her personal history underscores her commitment.

Fuller is new and yet not new to the area.

She was born here; her father was stationed at then McChord Air Force Base years ago; she spent some of her life here.  Understandably, her family moved often as her father's duty stations changed.

Later, Fuller married an active-duty C-17 pilot, who happened also to have lived in the area while a child.

When her husband recently left active-duty, he joined the Reserves' 97th Airlift Squadron at McChord.

That decision brought the Fullers back to the local area and has led Fuller to the leadership role she now holds in the Puyallup-Sumner subchapter of the AUSA.

"We have come full circle and are back home, permanently!" exclaimed Fuller.

"All of this is based on my love of supporting the military and JBLM," continued Fuller, "and prompted me to become the subchapter's president."

Her love of service caught Tiemeyer's eye.

"The Salute to the Troops was well organized, attended and enjoyed," she pointed out.

"This event is totally worth the time and energy, and we both love our parts in the AUSA," concluded Tiemeyer.

To learn more about the AUSA or any of the local subchapters, visit www.ausa.org.

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