[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 99 (Thursday, June 14, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E845-E846]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY, MONMOUTH COUNTY 
                                CHAPTER

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. CHRISTOPHER H. SMITH

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 14, 2018

  Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, today on the 243rd birthday of 
the U.S. Army, I take the opportunity to congratulate the Monmouth 
County, New Jersey, Chapter of the Association of the United States 
Army (AUSA) which has been designated as the AUSA's ``Best Chapter 
2017.''
  The designation represents the second year in a row that the Monmouth 
chapter has clinched this national top honor.
  The award, given primarily for leadership and distinguished 
accomplishments in the service of U.S. Soldiers, Army civilians, and 
their families, was presented at the AUSA's Annual Meeting & Exposition 
held last Fall at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in 
Washington, D.C.
  During the opening ceremony of the 2017 association meeting--attended 
by more than 5,000 members and guests--AUSA Monmouth Chapter President 
Col. Samuel Fuoco (USA Ret.), Secretary Mrs. Ellie Smith, and Mr. Frank 
Brogna, of the Monmouth County Sheriff's Office were all presented the 
``Best Chapter 2017'' banner by AUSA President & CEO Gen. Carter F. Ham 
(USA Ret.), and AUSA Vice President, Lt. Gen. Patricia E. McQuistion 
(USA Ret.).
  Also, Mrs. Catherine C. ``Kit'' Roache, the Monmouth Chapter's Vice 
President of Programs and Community Partners, received the AUSA ``2017 
Major General Anthony J. Drexel Biddle Medal,'' awarded to the 
individual who has most contributed to the advancement and mission of 
association for the year.
  Additionally, Chapter President Fuoco was presented with the AUSA 
``Greatest Reserve Component Increase--2017'' streamer, for the 
greatest increase in membership.
  Mr. Speaker, these awards are not lightly given or earned. The AUSA 
Monmouth Chapter was bestowed with these honors due to its extremely 
active and tireless work in supporting the U.S. Army and AUSA. The 
chapter has constantly supported our service members--Active and 
Reserve, past and present--through educational activities and raising 
money for many causes like support for New Jersey veterans and 
retirees, scholarships for JROTC high school students, the Fisher House 
Foundation, and their Service Dog initiative.
  Chapter members and community partners regularly welcome new Army 
commanders at the nearby Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. The chapter 
has supported Honor and Remember Flags for Gold Star Families who have 
lost a loved one in combat, and the New Jersey Run for the Fallen. It 
helps foster Veteran Service Organizations (VSO) training, and works to 
build civilian support in Monmouth County by participating in many 
educational, business and charity events.

[[Page E846]]

  Mr. Speaker, the Monmouth County AUSA chapter takes to heart and 
gives all they have to live up to their inspiring motto: ``A Voice for 
the Army--Support for the Soldier.'' Given its current leadership and 
unyielding drive to serve in a manner consistent with its roots in the 
United States Army, there is little doubt that the chapter's ongoing 
work will lead to consideration for another banner in 2018 and in the 
years ahead.
  I thank all the members of the AUSA Monmouth Chapter for their 
continued hard work, dedication, commitment and outstanding 
contributions in the service of America's men and women in uniform.

                          ____________________