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July 2018

Special Points

of Interest

Inside this Issue

Army Strong—First Militia Strong

Volume 37

From The President

General Membership Dinner Meeting

Young Professionals Luncheon

100th Anniversary Warrant Officers and

Recruiting Event

Individual Membership

FMC Professional Development

Individual Membership

AUSA Golf Tournament

Happy Birthday US Army

How To Join FMC/AUSA

Upcoming Events

GMM & Dinner information

Corporate Sponsors

Brigadier General Mike Canzoneri AUSA First

Militia President addressing the audience at the

243rd Army Birthday 14 June 2018.

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MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT: Hello First Militia Chapter! First hope everyone is having a great summer. Would like to thank all those at the GMM in May and sup-porting our guest speaker GEN(R) Hamm. Our chapter continues to grow and we have a core group that is the driver in our events and actions. I would love to see higher attendance at GMM meetings and attempting to en-gage our members to do things that help our Army and grow our Chapter. We have a fantastic base, resources, and growing core of young Soldiers, ci-vilian members, corporate partners who have the ability to accomplishes many things for the chapter and for our future. AUSA is an integral part of our Army and supports the Soldier, our families, and our countries organic industrial base. I want to thank each and every one of you for being mem-bers. I am honored to be a member alongside you. I look forward to seeing you at the August GMM and hope to hear more from at the meeting.

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Army Strong—First Militia

General Membership

Meeting and other information

On 10 May 2018, First Militia

Chapter hosted the AUSA Na-

tional President General (R) Carter Ham. The

night started with socializing prior to the dinner

of Chicken Marsala and Steak catered by Car-

rabbas of St. Augustine. Chapter officers pre-

sented their reports on the progress of the chap-

ter reaching its objectives. Corporate sponsors

were identified and introduced. COL Temple

introduced General (R) Ham for his presenta-

tion. General Ham covered a wide range of top-

ics regarding AUSA and the Army. His high-

lights include growth in the Army, the need for

a stable Army budget, how the Army is chang-

ing, how the current leadership (General Milley

and Secretary Esper among others) are the most

cohesive group of Army leaders he has seen. He

General Ham and COL Temple

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Army Strong—First Militia

spoke of the Army priorities re-

lating to readiness for decisive

action and what General Milley

is doing to achieve that readi-

ness. He addressed the need to

shift resources to modernize

the force rebuilding overmatch

capabilities. General Ham indicated that Gen-

eral Milley understands the total force concept

is necessary, and how balance is required with-

out breaking connections with civilian careers

and Soldiers families. He closed out his re-

marks stating that AUSA membership national-

ly is over 126K with growth in all related cate-

gories, that membership provides influence,

reach, recognition, support, and connects the

Army to the people and their representatives.

General Ham was presented with a plaque

highlighting the First Muster and Florida Army

National Guard Patch.

General Ham

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Army Strong—First Militia

Young Professional's Luncheon

AUSA hosted a Young Professionals

Luncheon at Camp Blanding Joint

Training Center June 28th 2018

with thirty Soldiers attending. MAJ

Benjamin Ruffner an AUSA mem-

ber served as the guest speaker, focusing on the

topic of logistics. The luncheon started at 1100

with opening comments from CPT Kimberly

Quinn, followed by MAJ Ruffner's presentation

entitled "What Got You Here, Won't Get You

There”, and lunch catered by PDQ. The main

theme of MAJ Ruffner's presentation focused on

the 3 Ms in Commitment: Mental Agility, Mile-

stones, and Mentoring. Col Elam closed out the

event by giving words of wisdom and wishing

MAJ Ruffner luck in his new endeavor. 1LT Kemp

closed the event by giving thanks and providing

information to the attendees on how to become an

AUSA member.

YP Luncheon MAJ Ruffner

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Army Strong—First Militia

100th Anniversary of the Warrant Officer &

Recruiting Event:

AUSA sponsored the 100th Anniversary of the

Army Warrant Officer & Recruiting Event on 5

July 2018 at St. Francis Barracks in St. Augus-

tine, FL. The event started with a WO 5K run,

a presentation by the First Militia Chapter

President BG Mike Canzoneri, lunch and a

cake cutting and recognition of retired warrant

officers. The event recognized the contribu-

tions of warrant officers in the Army and Flori-

da Army National Guard and served as recruit-

ing event to get more warrant officers into the

Florida Guard. AUSA provided $800.00 for the

event luncheon with the objective of attracting

more Warrant Officers to the organization

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INDIVIDUAL membership

Membership at a Glance

2018 is proving to be productive year and we

would like to thank each of you! As we progress

into the year, our current membership is 650 mem-

bers, which is progressing towards a new goal of

700 Individual Chapter members. Your support is

instrumental in helping the organization reach this

goal. Please continue to honor the organization by

attending Quarterly Dinner and Meetings, renew-

ing your membership, and referring new mem-

bers. Contact 1LT Talesha Montfort, individual

membership representative for further infor-

mation and/or assistance at:

talesha.r.montfort.mil@mail.mil To apply

online, please visit the membership section on

www.ausa.org. Our Chapter Number is C3205 or

First Militia Chapter.

Benefits

· Networking– Interaction with individuals from

various backgrounds through events held by the

Chapter

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First Militia Chapter.

· Professional Development– The opportunity to

learn from those who have been there.

· Incentive savings– Discounts on insurance, car

rentals, hotels and more.

· Access to various publications – Army Magazine

and other AUSA publications.

Who can join?

Regular Army National Guard

Reserve ROTC Cadets Retired Soldiers

Government Civilians Wounded Warriors

Veterans Concerned Citizens

Family Members

Membership Levels (2018)

2 Year Membership $ 40

5 Year Membership $ 75

Life Membership $ 400

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AUSA Golf Tournament

The 24th Annual First Militia Chapter AUSA Golf Tournament was held at

Marsh Creek Country Club in St. Augustine, Florida on 9 April 2018. Marsh

Creek hosted thirty-seven four-person teams on a challenging course which

was complicated further by overcast skies, wind, and rain. Although it was a

challenging day with numerous balls lost to the marsh, the players reported

that the event was one of the best they have ever attended. This was the first

tournament in which the chapter not only sold out, but actually oversold by 1

team. In addition to the course itself, players had the option of participating in

the chip, putt, closest to the pin, and longest drive competitions. Included in

the tournament, players received a free breakfast, gift bags which included a

certificate for a free foursome at Marsh Creek, catered lunch by Marsh Creek

Country Club, 50/50 drawing and a raffle.

Standings:

First Place Team $100.00 pp & Free Round at Marsh Creek: Score of 50 -

Flemming, Thompson, Wicks, and Flemming

Second Place Team $75.00 pp & Free Round at Eagle Landing: Score of 51 -

Culver, Culver, Morland, and Marvin

Third Place Team $50.00 pp & Free Round at St. Johns: Score of 53 -

Dedge, Strain, Stroud, and Mudd

Last Place Team Free Round at Eagle Landing, Lessons, and Range Balls:

Tyer, Braswell, Fuller, Powers

Closest to the Pin $50.00: Wright Longest Drive $50.00: Wicks

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Putt $50.00: Briones Chipping $50.00: Bob Haynie

A special thanks to the following sponsors, members, and volunteers for making

the event such a success:

Sponsors (Please support them with your business):

Bozard Ford Lincoln - 540 Outlet Mall Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32084

The Law Offices of Ron Shoals - 9282 Atlantic Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32225

Carter's Jewelry - 1021 A1A Beach Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32080

Neumann Construction and Roofing, LLC, 30427 Commerce Drive, San Anto-

nio, FL 33576

COL (R) Walter Daniels

The Chemours Company - P.O. Box 753, Starke, FL 32091

BG (R) Richard Capps,

Island Doctors - 100 Arricola Ave, St. Augustine, FL 32080

Pickett Electric Inc. - 4850 Collins Road, Jacksonville, FL 32244

Herbie Wiles Insurance - 400 N. Ponce de Leon Blvd, St Augustine, FL 32084,

Browning's Construction, Inc. - 9205 State Road 100W, Starke, FL 32091

MG (R) Ron Harrison

Harbinger - 5300 Shad Road, Jacksonville, FL 32557

All American Air - 1010 State Road 312, St. Augustine, FL 32080

COL (R) Carl Smith, SGM (R) Quinn, COL (R) Don Workman

Price's Barbershop - 10 Granada Street, St. Augustine, FL 32085

Navy Federal Business Services - 11270 St. Johns Industrial Parkway S., Jack-

sonville, FL 32246

FLARNG Recruiting & Retention - 2305 State Road 207, St. Augustine FL

32086,

FLARNG Family Programs - Camp Blanding, Starke, FL 32091,

Tournament Committee and Volunteers:

CW5 Jerry Dedge, Mrs. Cheri Dedge, Mrs. Sydney Natto, COL Cynthia

Harkrider, BG Richard Capps, BG Mike Canzoneri, SGM Roberts, CPT

Kimberly Quinn, CW4 Karen Smith, MAJ Benjamin Ruffner, SFC Natasha

Huertas, LTC Patrick Pelletier, LTC Vernon Dohmann, MAJ Butler Strain,

CPT Ryan Quinn

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FMC/AUSA Annual Golf Tournament Winners

_____________________________________________

Donations:

AUSA First Militia Chapter has provided $500.00 checks to the

Institute of Land Warfare and the Army Museum during the

month of June.

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1st Place

Fleming, Thompson, Wilks, Fleming

2nd Place

Culver, Culver, Moreland, Marvin

3rd Place

Dedge, Strain, Stroud, Mudd

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Happy Birthday United States ARMY

SGM (Ret) Ray A Quinn, VP Veterans and Retiree Affairs,

attended the FNG Adjutant General's staff call to recognize

two Purple Heart recipients.

From left: is Colonel John Haas, SGM ® Ray Quinn, and

Colonel Tad Warfel.

Absent was Command Sergeant Major David Lanham.

MG Calhoun and CPT Kimberly Quinn

(AUSA VP Corporate Membership)

MG Calhoun observes CW4 Fortner and

SPC Prado cut the Army Birthday Cake at

St. Francis Barracks.

CW3 Batten, BG Chauncey, and SPC

Burroughs cut the Army Birthday Cake

at Camp Blanding Joint Training Center

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UPCOMING EVENTS

(Mark Your Calendars)

All First Militia Chapter members are encouraged

to attend:

First Tuesday of each month 12:00

The next AUSA First Militia Chapter General Membership

meeting is scheduled for 16 AUG 2018 starting at 18:00 at

the Mark Lance Armory in St. Augustine.

Remember, the new website for the FMC is:

https://www.ausa.org/first-militia or https://

www.ausa.org/chapters/first-militia-chapter

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Courtyard St. Augustine Beach

Elevate your stay in St. Augustine Beach at our modern hotel

Perfectly blending comfort and convenience, Courtyard St.

Augustine Beach caters to both business and leisure travelers.

Our hotel is located across the street from the beach and just a

few blocks from City Pier. Enjoy easy access to the Historic

District when you purchase tickets at our front desk for The

Old Town Trolley, making stops at our hotel every hour. We're

also near top attractions such as St. Augustine Amphitheatre,

Crescent Beach, Flagler College and Basilica Cathedral. Re-

treat to our spacious rooms with contemporary décor, luxury

bedding, ergonomic workstations, free Wi-Fi and mini-

refrigerators. Head to The Bistro, our on-site restaurant, for a

delicious breakfast and Starbucks® coffee. Return in the even-

ing to enjoy a satisfying dinner and specialty cocktails. Stay fit

by using our 24-hour fitness center and outdoor pool. If you'll

be hosting a business event, reserve our meeting space with

modern AV equipment and catering services. Find everything

you need at Courtyard St. Augustine Beach.

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FIRST MILITIA CHAPTER CORPORATE SPONSORS

Community Hospice & Palliative Care

Courtyard by Marriott, St. Augustine

Defenshield, Inc.

Drone Aviation Corp.

Elegant Events

Fidelity Bank

Greg T. Russell, DMD, PA

Herbie Wiles Insurance

KJ’s Products, LLC

Merrill Lynch

NCO Club St. Augustine

Optimize Consulting, Inc.

Army Strong—First Militia Strong

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FIRST MILITIA CHAPTER CORPORATE SPONSORS

Prices Barber Shop

Runk Properties, Inc.

Snowbird Environmental Systems Corp.

Solar Stik, Inc.

St. Augustine Officer’s Club

St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce

St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office

Steve Chapman’s All American A.C.

Trusted Advisors Flagler, LLC

Watson Realty Corp. on the Beach

Army Strong—First Militia Strong

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DID YOU KNOW?

Army Strong—First Militia Strong

If you are receiving this newsletter by mail and you have an e-mail ad-

dress, AUSA and First Militia Chapter would like to have your e-mail ad-

dress to keep you informed of Chapter events and save on postage. There

are three ways to change or update your e-mail address. 1) Go to

www.ausa.org and update your Membership information; 2) you may

contact us at www.firstmilitia.org or call 3) Secretary CW4 Karen

Smith, 904-823-0654, or email Karen.m.smith1@mail.mil

There are many benefits that come with your AUSA membership that in-

clude the following (see the back of your card for contact numbers); this

is not a complete listing. Discounts with the following Companies and

Services: Apple Computers, GEICO Auto Insurance, Army Times, Rent-

al Cars (Hertz, Avis, National, Alamo and Budget,) Health, Dental and

Long Term Care, AUSA Bank, and Choice Hotels International.

Get a 10% discount at Home Improvement Stores at “Home Depot” or

“Lowes” by simply showing your Military ID Card. They don’t ask, just

show your ID and request the discount. Big savings on big projects.

DO YOU HAVE AN E-MAIL ADDRESS?

Social Media Presence

Facebook Web address: www.facebook.com/FirstMilitiaChapterAusa LinkedIn Web address: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/First-Militia-Chapter-Association-United-8194968

FMC AUSA Web address: firstmilitia.org

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About Us

The First Militia Chapter, Association of the United States Army, was established in November 1994 in St. Augustine, Florida – our nation’s oldest city. Our chapter represents the northeast Florida area, which includes the counties of Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Clay, Columbia, Dixie, Duval, Flagler, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Lafayette, Levy, Nassau, Putnam, St. Johns, Suwan-nee, and Union. The Chapter also serves parts of Madison, Mari-on and Volusia Counties with other Florida AUSA Chapters.

As an AUSA chapter our focus is to support AUSA initiatives, represent our Army service members, retirees, and their families, and to support our communities. Our primary service programs include providing annual scholarships to deserving college stu-dents, annually recognizing the Army JROTC programs in our region, and supporting soldiers and their families in our region. To ensure we are able to support our service programs we annu-ally host a chapter golf tournament, which has proven to be a great success. And finally, to ensure involvement and camarade-rie within our organization we hold a quarterly dinner and gen-eral membership meeting that any and all are welcome to attend.

The Association of the United States Army was established in 1950 as a private non-profit organization that works to support all components of the United States Army, which includes the active, National Guard, and Reserve components. The focus of AUSA is to serve as a voice of the United States Army, to pro-mote public awareness and support the Army’s role in our na-tion’s security effort, to provide education and information to promote a better understanding of our Army’s issues and activi-ties, and to provide service and support to our soldiers, their families, and our communities.

As a chapter of the Association of the United States Army we stand proud and ready to serve our nation, state and community. We welcome all who are interested in becoming a member and getting involved in our organization. To become a member of AUSA, First Militia Chapter simply go to www.ausa.org and click on “Become an AUSA member”. For information concern-ing the First Militia Chapter please click on the “Leadership” tab and either call or email the respective point of contact.

First Militia Chapter

AUSA St. Augustine

Leadership: Chapter Officers

BG Mike Canzoneri, President

COL Bill Temple, First VP

CPT TJ Coleman, Vice President

SGM (Ret) Ray A Quinn, VP Veterans and

Retiree Affairs

CPT Ryan Quinn, VP Public Affairs

2LT Talesha Montfort, VP Individual Membership

CPT Kimberly Quinn, VP Corp Membership

2LT Alexander Kemp, VP Young Professionals

CW4 Karen Smith, Secretary

LTC Patrick Pelletier, Treasurer

CPT Roye Locklear, Scholarships

WO1 Ana Mcdowell, JROTC/ Family Programs

Michael Rothfeld, Newsletter Editor Chapter Board of Advisors

BG (Ret) Richard Capps, President

MG (Ret) James L. Snyder

COL (Ret) Carlton Smith

COL (Ret) Don Workman

LTC (Ret) Doug Wiles

SGM (Ret) Robert Carroll

SGM (Ret) Ray Quinn

Army Strong—First Militia Strong