THE “SIT REP” · 2018-03-28 · THE “SIT REP” he Arsenal of emocracy hapter of AA DECEMBER 2017 EDITION Greetings Everyone, I trust that everyone has been enjoying a great

THE “SIT REP” The Arsenal of Democracy Chapter of AUSA

DECEMBER 2017 EDITION

www.ausaarsenalofdemocracy.org

Greetings Everyone,

I trust that everyone has been enjoying a great Fall season.

As you will read, our Chapter has been very busy with many great events. Thanks to your involvement and support, our membership has grown significantly to over 1160. We are also beginning to see some changes at the National level with regard to the Community Partner structure for our Corporate members. You will learn more about this from National in 2018. This will certainly have a positive impact on our Chapter.

Please welcome our new Secretary of the Army, the Honorable Mark Esper, who was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on 17 November 2017. Secretary Esper is a 1986 graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and previously served on active duty, the Army National Guard, as well as the Army Reserve as a Lieutenant Colonel.

The Michigan Military Coalition consisting of AUSA, National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA), and Women In Defense (WID) will continue to work together to educate, inform, and connect with all of our members. You will notice that we have been working together with our Congressional Staffers Delegation breakfast meetings to make sure that our voices are heard both in Michigan and on Capitol Hill for items of mutual interest by presenting relevant information.

Finally, I challenge each member to sign up one new member in our chapter. The strength of our organization lies in its members. 2017 has been a great year for our soldiers, families, Army civilians, retirees, veterans, and engaged citizens that we support.

Please remember all of our deployed soldiers this holiday season. Thank you and best wishes for a pleasant holiday with your family and loved ones.

Mark A. Montjar President Brigadier General, US Army Retired Go Army! Hooaahhhhhhh!

In This Issue

President’s Letter ................................................ 1

Membership Update / Chapter Leaders .............. 2

Corporate Member Spotlight .............................. 3

Secretary of the Army letter..…………………………….4

General Promotions……..………...…………...…………..5

Chuck Gripton Obituary………….………………………....6

Scott Davis Retirement….…….…………..………………..7

Members on the Move.………………………...…..……..8

Announcements and Contest…………………………….9

2018 Calendar of Events……………………..…………...10

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS

MEMBERSHIP UPDATE

Current Membership: 1173 Expiring this month: 65

Numbers matter! Please take the time to renew and update your membership and invite friends and

colleagues to do the same. If you need to update your contact information, sign up or renew your mem-

bership, please contact us or visit http://www.ausa.org/membership/Pages/default.aspx

Tammy Kielian BG(Ret) Mark Montjar 810-845-3909 248-640-3472 [email protected] [email protected]

Executive Committee

President BG(Ret) Mark Montjar

Secretary COL(Ret) Valde Garcia KBRwyle

Treasurer LTC(Ret) Mike Bracket assisted by his wife Linda

Executive Vice President Ms. Tammy Kielian Ace Electronic Defense Systems

Senior Vice President Ms. Judy Fraley U.S. Army TACOM LCMC

President Emeritus LTC (Ret) George Patten PM Partners

Board of Directors

COL (Ret) Dave Vergollo, VP ROTC AECOM

Mr. Chris Haag VP Young Professionals BAE Systems

Ms. Jessica Pellegrino VP Communications MCM Learning, Inc.

COL (Ret) Trish Sellers VP Corporate Affairs General Dynamics Land Systems

Ms. Mary Lamparter VP Family Programs; Celebrate Michigan's Military DC3S

COL (Ret) Gerhard Schröter VP Govt. Affairs Honeywell International, Inc.

COL (Ret) Joe Moravec VP U.S. Army Reserves & National Guard Booz Allen Hamilton

Ms. Susan Davis-Kienscherf Principal Advisor to the BOD BRTRC Federal Solutions

Mr. Jim Burrows Secretary Emeritus

LTC (Ret) Sam Homsy 2017 Annual Corporate Luncheon Navistar Defense

Mr. Cory Monson 2017 Army Birthday Ball Co-Chair; Official Chapter Photographer General Dynamics Land Systems

LTC (Ret) Mario Mussotto 2017 Annual Breakfast Meeting

Mr. Doug Relyea Golf Outings Compaero

Mr. James R. Winlund 2018AUSA Annual Meeting AOD Hospitality Suite; 2018 Army Birthday Ball Co-Chair BAE Systems

Nick Twardokus VP Chapter Outreach

Thank you to this issue’s contributors: Mark Montjar, Tammy Kielian, Sam Homsy, Chris Haag, Mary Lamparter, Gerhard Schroter; with special thanks to everyone who contributed photos.

http://www.ausa.org/membership/Pages/default.aspx

mailto:[email protected]





CORPORATE MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

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American manufacturing and innovation + Israeli technology and experience. THE BEST OF BOTH.

Plasan North America manufactures armor and structures that enhance survivability of personnel and equipment across a broad range of applications: tactical and combat vehicles; missile and rocket launch canisters; naval armor and safety components. Wherever people and equipment need protection, Plasan is the proven line of defense. Our end to end solutions include: design and prototyping; advanced ballistic lab and testing capabilities; real-time simula-tion and field tests; manufacturing and fabrication. Field-proven experience. Battle-tested readiness. For over thirty years, Plasan has harnessed front line feedback to continuously strengthen our armor solutions. Plasan has over 32,000 armored platforms fielded worldwide. We leverage the highest skill set in materials and design, engineering, systems integration, simulation and implementation to achieve the optimum balance of protection/ weight/performance. With agility, cost-effectiveness and a soldier-centric approach, Plasan North America’s mission-readiness provides immediate solutions to meet any need and counter any threat. Plasan North America’s state-of-the-art facilities and 350,000 sq. ft. campus is proudly located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. We make the world’s most advanced armor for the USA in the USA!

If you would like to highlight your company in future issues of the Sit Rep, please provide your

narrative corporate overview (no more than 450 words, MS Word), logo (.jpg), and point of contact

(name, title, phone/ email) to Tammy Kielian at: [email protected]





SECRETARY OF THE ARMY

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GENERAL OFFICER ASSIGNMENTS

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The Chief of Staff of the Army announces the following officer assignments: Major General David G. Bassett, Program Executive Officer, Ground Combat Systems, Warren, Michigan to Program Executive Officer, Command, Control and Communication (Tactical), Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland. Major General Ronald J. Place, Co-Lead, Health System Project Management Office/Special Assistant to the Commanding General, United States Army Medical Command/The Surgeon General, Washington, DC to Director, National Capital Medical Directorate, Defense Health Agency, Bethesda, Maryland. Brigadier General (Promotable) Brian P. Cummings, Program Executive Officer, Soldier, Fort Belvoir, Virginia to Program Executive Officer, Ground Combat Systems, Warren, Michigan. Brigadier General Anthony W. Potts, Deputy Commanding General, United States Army Research, Development and Engineering Command/Senior Commander, Natick Soldier Systems Center, Natick, Massachusetts to Program Executive Officer, Soldier, Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Colonel (Promotable) Michael R. Eastman, Special Assistant to the Director of the Office of Business Transformation, Office of the Under Secretary of the Army, Washington, DC to Deputy Director for Operations, National Joint Operations Intelligence Center, Operations Team Four, J-3, Joint Staff, Washington, DC. Colonel (Promotable) Vincent F. Malone II, Deputy to the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Plans,

Programs, and Resources, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Acquisition, Logistics and Technology),

Washington, DC to Deputy Commanding General, United States Army Research, Development and Engineering

Command/Senior Commander, Natick Soldier Systems Center, Natick, Massachusetts.

ARESNAL OF DEMOCRACY CHAPTER APPOINTMENT

We are pleased to report that the Executive Committee and the Board of Directors for the Arsenal of Democracy Chapter of AUSA has selected Steven J. Kustra, to be our representative to the Motor City Veterans Village (MCVV) Board of Directors. Motor City Veterans Village, in cooperation with the Department of Veterans Affairs, the City of Detroit, Veterans Service Organizations, and area Veterans support groups and agencies, plans and executes projects to enhance the quality of life, health care, access, and educational needs of Veterans and their families, whether from the City of Detroit or surrounding communities. MCVV is a 100% volunteer fund-raising group focused on housing, health care, and education. The first Initial Project Focus is the Fisher House Detroit. It will be followed by a Veteran’s Memorial Park and an All Veteran’s Museum.

Steven J. Kustra, Esq. is an associate attorney at Clark Hill PLC. Kustra is an Iraq veteran, and a Purple Heart Recipient. Steven has previously work for the University of Detroit Mercy Law Veterans Law Clinic/Project Salute. As a recent addition to the MCVV board, Steven is committed to representing the interests of AUSA AOD and veterans.




CHUCK GRIPTON Rest in Peace

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It is with a heavy heart that we pass along the news that Chuck Gripton, former AUSA Board Member, passed away on Wednesday, 25 October.

As many of you know, Chuck was a long time Board Member of the Arsenal of Democracy Chapter, and as such, we wanted take a moment and share with you all that he did to support this chapter and our local Military community. Chuck held both the 1st Vice President and 2nd Vice President Positions, and was the Chairman of the Corporate Membership Committee. He singlehandedly organized and ran Chapter breakfasts, corporate lunches, and coordinated for a Chapter table at TACOM Organization Days numerous years in a row. Chuck assisted with the annual hospitality suites at Fall AUSA meetings and was the key-doer in this chapter in the early 2000s through 2012. He then became one of the Chapter’s most relied on advisors, providing advice and guidance to the Board members and the executive committee at large. Chuck continued to support and attend events throughout his illness. This chapter has flourished due to Chuck’s hard work and commitment. His passing is a great loss to the Arsenal of Democracy Chapter and the greater TACOM community. We will always remember his spirit and commitment to the Military and to AUSA.

Chuck’s Obituary reads:

Charles E. Gripton Jr, 75, passed away October 25, 2017, after a lengthy illness. Mr. Gripton was born and raised in Dearborn, MI. He received his Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Central Michigan University. After a rewarding career with the US Army Tank Automotive and Armaments Command, he retired in 1997. His continued passion for work led him to become a consultant to BAE Systems followed by Oshkosh Corporation. Charles had a passion for sailing and competed in the Port Huron to Mackinac race over 25 times, earning him the title "Old Goat". He was an active participant of the Association of US Army, Detroit Chapter and he was a member of Northstar Sail Club. He enjoyed golf, fishing and, of course, Lions football! He is survived by his wife of 21 years, Debra Gripton, son Charlie (Tammi), stepdaughter Dr. Lindsey Morgan, sister Mary Kay (the late James) and grandchildren Jack, Max and Ella Gripton, as well as many extended family members.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. Please keep Chuck's family in your thoughts and prayers.




MEMBERS IN THE NEWS AND ON THE MOVE—SCOTT DAVIS

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PEO Team,

I need to let you know that this morning I announced my retirement from service as a U.S. Army civilian, effective in late January

2018.

I realize this may seem sudden, and I really wish there were time to share this with each of you in person, but I wanted to make

sure you heard the news directly from me as soon as possible.

Leaving next year was never specifically in my plan. I have always loved what we do and the Soldiers we get to serve. When I

came to PEO CS&CSS almost four years ago, I told you that being a PEO was the best job I'd ever had. I'm one of only a few who

has had the opportunity to serve as a PEO twice, and I still can't think of anything more challenging or rewarding.

Still, nothing lasts forever, and as I continue to think about my family's future, I recently received an offer for a new opportunity

and challenge in the private sector. After a lot of consideration, I realized that this was the best time for me and for the organiza-

tion to make the transition.

I know you may have questions, and there are certainly some things we'll need to work through as Mr. Guckert takes on the role

of acting PEO and the Army considers a permanent replacement. I don't want to make this note any longer than necessary, but

what I do want you to know is how proud I remain of the work this team does for our two customers: Soldiers and taxpayers. I am

fully confident that our work will continue to set the standard for Army programs while making Soldiers safer and more capable.

I've spent my entire professional life supporting America's Soldiers, and it's been a great privilege to serve with so many dedicated

public servants both at PEO CS&CSS and throughout my career. I look forward to staying in touch with many of you in the months

and years ahead. Most importantly, as an American, thank you for what you do for our country each and every day-especially for

difference you make for the Soldiers who fight and win our Nation's wars. That's the best part of what we do.

Scott

Scott J. Davis

Program Executive Officer

Combat Support & Combat Service Support

Scott Davis, PEO, Combat Support & Combat Service Support, announced his retirement with the following email to his team. Mr. Davis began his 31 year civilian career in 1986 serving as a Mechanical Engineer in Program Manager, Light Combat Vehicles. Mr. Davis manages a team spread across five different geographic locations that includes approximately 1,000 military and civilian employees in PEO core and collocated matrix positions, liaison offices, fielding teams, indirect support positions and support contractors. Mr. Davis also served in the U.S. Army Reserve for 30 years, and retired with the rank of colonel in May 2015. His last assignment was with the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Acquisition, Logistics & Technology) as Director, Department of Army System Coordinator. His military training includes the Engineer Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, Combined Arms Staff Services School, Command & General Staff College, and the Advanced Program Manager’s Course, Defense Systems Management College. We thank him for his service and wish Mr. Davis and his family good luck in all future endeavors.




MEMBERS IN THE NEWS AND ON THE MOVE

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AUSA congratulates Arsenal of Democracy Executive Board Member Mike Bracket on his retirement on 30 September 2017 after 20 years as a Department of the Army Civilian at TACOM. He worked in PEO GCS for PM Combat Systems, PM Heavy Brigade Combat Team where his primary responsibilities included management of the combat vehicle fleets during the migration to the Modular Force Structure and the Retrograde and RESET of combat equipment from Iraq and Afghanistan. After transitioning to the Integrated Logistics Support Center, Bracket coordinated the drawdown and retrograde of equipment from Iraq and Afghanistan for all TACOM commodities. He was the Director for Field Support Operations which included TACOM Material Fielding and Training, Logistics Assistance Division, Readiness Operations and Analysis and the Fleet Management Expansion for TRADOC Training equipment.

Arsenal of Democracy welcomes new Membership Committee member Eric M. Pless LTC (Ret.) USA, SVP - Global Sales & Marketing for Flex-Cable, a Michigan-based custom cable, harness, injection molding, metal forming and Electric Vehicle battery component manufacturer. Eric also served in the US Army and Michigan Army National Guard for 31 years as a tele-communications NCO on Active Duty for 5 years and then attended the Michigan Military Acade my and earned his commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in 1992. Eric served in various command and staff officer assignments as a Signal/Cyber Defense Officer, Military Attache, Command Inspector General at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba in the guard and in active duty, both CONUS and OCONUS over his 26 years in the guard. His highest awards are the Defense Meritorious Service Medal w/ Oak Leaf Cluster, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters and various NATO partner medals.

For comments or content you’d like included in the SIT REP please

contact our SIT REP editor, Jess at [email protected].




ANNOUNCEMENTS!

Page 9

"Tuesday, January 23, 2018 (NEW)" The Arsenal of Democracy Chapter, Association of the US Army, is hosting its 2nd annual Cigar Night at Jenuwune Cigar Factory Outlet, 44791 Schoenherr Rd, Sterling Hgts, starting at 5PM. $25 for pre-registration, $30 at the door. For complete info see flyer or call 586-997-1731.

"Saturday, February 24, 2018 (NEW)" The Fallen & Wounded Soldier Fund is hosting its 13th annual Dinner,

Dance, Auction, at the MGM Grand in Detroit starting at 4PM, with program starting at 6PM. For complete info

call 248-417-6984 or see flyer.

AUSA AoD CONTEST!!

The first person to accurately guess who is wearing these stylish AUSA GI Joe socks

will get their own pair courtesy of the Arsenal of Democracy Chapter! Email your

submission to [email protected].

Write the word Socks followed by your guess in the subject line and your mailing

address in the body of the email. We will announce the lucky winner in the next SIT

REP issue.

http://www.legionpost328.org/1-23-18%20AUSA%20Cigar%20Night.pdf

tel:(586)%20997-1731

tel:(248)%20417-6984

http://www.legionpost328.org/2-24-18%20FWSF%20Dinner%20Dance.pdf




2018 Calendar of Events

January 23 AUSA Cigar Night Jenuwune Cigar Factory Outlet Sterling Heights, MI

March 13-14 Cybersecurity: Defense Sector Summit Troy, MI

March 26-28, 2018 AUSA Global Force Symposium Von Braun Center, Huntsville, AL

April 24-25 TARDEC Industry Days Macomb Community College, Warren, MI

April 25-26 MDEX Macomb Community College, Warren, MI

April 26 AUSA Annual Breakfast Macomb Community College, Warren, MI

May 10-13 National Guard Association of Michigan 2018 Annual Conference

Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island, MI

June 4 AUSA Golf Outing Wyndgate, Oakland Twp., MI

June 15 AUSA Army Birthday Ball Renaissance Center, Detroit, MI

Sep 22 Celebrate Michigan’s Military DC3S, Sterling Heights, MI

October 8-10 AUSA Annual Meeting Washington, DC

Page 10

AUSA AoD CONTEST!!

The first person to accurately guess who is wearing these stylish AUSA GI Joe socks

will get their own pair courtesy of the Arsenal of Democracy Chapter! Email your

submission to [email protected].

Write the word Socks followed by your guess in the subject line and your mailing

address in the body of the email. We will announce the lucky winner in the next SIT

REP issue.

Documents

THE “SIT REP” · 2018-03-28 · THE “SIT REP” he Arsenal of emocracy hapter of AA DECEMBER 2017 EDITION Greetings Everyone, I trust that everyone has been enjoying a great