This will be the final newsletter of this operating year and will be loaded with pictures, and what better way to show what the chapter has done than with photos. Since the last newsletter in February we have continued to support many soldiers and units deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan . That support has come in the form of collections and shipping of things that they want and need as they perform their duties. During the holidays, whatever it is, we send decorations and snacks that fit the holiday as well as the items they can not get from an exchange facility or on the local economy. That little touch of home goes a long way to make a soldier's life more bearable while away from home and family. Your contributions help us afford the postage and your time and support helps us do more.

On June 12 th we were able to support the annual Fisher House Fund Raiser conducted at Gibbs Hall. Over the past year there have been many fund raising events conducted throughout the community and as a result of those we were able to contribute over $260,000 to the Foundation. The AUSA Chapter of Monmouth donated the largest amount, $35,000, which was raised while conducting the Night at the Ballpark with the Lakewood Blueclaws last July. Numerous organizations across the community conducted similar events or simply passed the “bucket” to raise money with the formal military ball on the 12 th of June ending the season. If you were not there, you missed a terrific event and a great time was had by all. The evening began with two hours of a silent auction that consisted of over 175 baskets of items donated from across the area by either individuals or companies. The formal part of the agenda began with a multi service color guard posting the colors and then the national anthem sung by Theresa Sareo, who has become a fixture at any event across the Army that honors wounded soldiers. The highlight of the evening came when the 82 nd Airborne's All American chorus gave us all 45 minutes of music that had everyone smiling. The Fisher House supports wounded warriors and their families while recuperating from their injuries and it was our privilege to meet such a young soldier and his family, SP4 Brendan Marrocco of Staten Island . Everyone who met and talked with Brendan were impressed and amazed with him and his unbelievable attitude. We should all be proud that our Army has soldiers such as SP4 Marrocco and you will hear more about him in the future.

As the fort closes and the work force moves to APG the future of the chapter is a question that I am not ready to answer yet, but this could conceivably be the last newsletter published. Our chapter leadership is actively discussing how to change the focus of support as the workforce changes location. To that end, there will be a chapter reception during the National Meeting in Washington , DC in late October and could potentially be the last membership meeting we conduct. Regardless of any actions the leadership undertakes I will send the general membership a status at the end of the summer.

In closing, I want to thank you all for everything done to support soldiers and enhance the chapter's ability to expand our programs and be the BEST. Thanks to all, but more importantly, thank a Soldier!