Retired Army Lieutenant General Roger G. Thompson, Association of the U.S. Army (AUSA), vice president of membership and meetings, visited U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), August 24, 2010 to learn about the command, as well as to inform General William "Kip" Ward of the organization's mission.

Serving soldiers and their families for more than 60 years, AUSA is a private, non-profit organization that supports America’s Army, to include active duty, National Guard, and Reserve members, civilians, retirees, wounded warriors, veterans, and family members.

The association's major purpose is to inform the public and elected officials at national and local levels about the challenges soldiers and families face serving our country, Thompson explained.

"We advocate for their support on Capitol Hill in the areas of pay benefits, medical, housing, retirement rules, and we advocate for all parts of the Army."

AUSA’s purpose also includes reaching out to the joint military community.

"I’m here to learn the latest challenges, successes, and efforts that the command is undertaking," Thompson said. "We don’t believe that the Association of the United States Army can be a good association unless we understand what’s going on in the joint world and of course what’s going on in AFRICOM."

AUSA’s outreach is not limited to the Army; there are 125 local chapters throughout the United States and abroad to include a chapter in Stuttgart that supports the joint community. Made up entirely of volunteers, they are a vibrant group of people who truly love what they do, Thompson said.

"They put on events all year long; whether it’s a symposium or a conference back in the United States, there is always something going on in AUSA."

The Stuttgart Chapter serves the community by assisting in recognition of service members of the year, sponsoring annual job fairs, supporting community efforts, addressing retiree issues, and keeping higher authorities informed on issues facing us all, said retired Army Colonel David Beckner, AUSA Stuttgart Chapter vice president.

"We are blessed to have a diverse, qualified collection of people in this area; but our work here is never done. There is always room for help," Beckner said.
You can support AUSA by becoming a member and interacting with the chapter here, Thompson said.

"The chapter leadership consists of volunteers who give out of their desire to support the military here."

For more information visit www.ausa.org.