The Northwest Alabama Chapter of the Association of the US Army officially installed its officers Thursday night, marking what many believe to be a historic occasion in the city.
“I remember how I felt in May of 1990 when LTC Lambright and my wife, Sandy, first pinned those gold bars on my shoulders,” said Russellville High School Principal Dr. Tim Guinn, who was sworn in as the local organization’s first president Thursday night.
“It was then that I realized I was part of an organization with a rich tradition and history that was much bigger than me and I feel the same about this.”
The purpose of the organization is to promote the goals and objectives of the AUSA, but also to forge relationships with Huntsville and Redstone, whose chapter is sponsoring the Russellville organization.
Guinn helped prepare a mission statement for the Russellville chapter of AUSA, which partly reads:
“the satellite chapter will actively serve the collective needs of our communities with a focus on the needs of our soldiers, both AC and RC, and their families, to include activities that
• support the needs of the soldier and their family in times of deployment
• ensure the adequacy of DOD benefits and services to our community
• enable quality educational opportunities for our constituency
• actively seek professional development opportunities for our membership
• support the maintenance and expansion of current and future secondary and post-secondary citizenship and educational opportunities for our children
• bridge the diplomatic, informational and economic gaps across our communities
• educate our citizenry of the Army Values and how these values guide our mission to keep our nation safe and strong
“We do this while simultaneously supporting the objectives and goals of our state, regional and national association.”
Paul Elliott, who serves as president of the Redstone Huntsville chapter of AUSA, said the organization’s mission is to support all aspects of the Army, including soldier’s families.
The local chapter’s first group of officers are: Dr. Tim Guinn, president; Lt. Col. Norman Lier, executive vice-president; Grant Atkins, vice president of programs; Bill Jackson, vice president for membership; Probate Judge Barry Moore, secretary; Rev. B.J. Bonner, chaplain.
The organization is open to all veterans.
Russellville Mayor Troy Oliver believes the group’s presence will also help build relationships with companies looking to re-locate in north Alabama following the base realignment and closings plan that has moved more than 4,700 people to the region.
Huntsville attorney Joe Rich, who served on the BRAC commission, was at the AUSA meeting Thursday and said that he would do whatever possible to help Franklin County reap the benefits.
“It will take time but we know there will be opportunities that develop and we promise some feedback for Franklin County and Russellville,” Rich said.
Oliver said the city implemented a summer work program last year that enabled graduating high school seniors to work and make a little money before starting college in the fall.
He said he is working with Redstone Arsenal in hopes that they will employ county residents for the same type program this year.
“There are a lot of opportunities for our youth and having this AUSA chapter here and building our relationships with Redstone will only help.”