Answering the Bell: Member's Action in AUSN Regions

September 2010 Navy

by CAPT Loren Page, USN (Ret)

Okay, so change is a constant! We have heard that said and there are many books and articles written about accepting, even thriving in times of change. This month’s membership message at AUSN is about the value of some things NOT changing. Yes, some ways that we are doing business have been modified. All of the changes are meant to improve our association. However, we are doing some things very well and we need to be sure to continue.

The thing that we do NOT want to change is the personal effort by AUSN chapter members that visit and support U.S. Navy activities. These include Navy Operational Support Centers (NOSC), Naval Reserve Officer Training Corp (NROTC), Navy Recruiting Districts (NRD), Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corp (NJROTC), U. S. Navy Units, Navy shore establishments, and any place where Sailors are at work defending our nation.

The task at hand is personally to visit each of these Navy organizations once a month or more if there are special events involving people of the Navy. Form a team so everyone does a little and a lot gets done. I have asked each AUSN District President to oversee and encourage this effort. There are many good things being accomplished. To have your region recognized, please send the details of your AUSN efforts to your Chapter and Region leader and on to me. We prepare a monthly status of that activity and want you to be included. Each month, members from an AUSN Region will be recognized as the AUSN point of contact and for their communication with a U. S. Navy activity.

This month, a special thank you goes to the Northeast.

NS Newport
RMC George A. Wardwell, USN (Ret)

NOSC Manchester
CDR David J. Kenney, USN

NUWC (Newport)
LTJG Timothy Nguyen, USN

NOSC Newport
CDR Russ Milham USNR (ret)

NOSC Bangor
CDR Jason D. Stoner, MC, USN

Use the Internet to locate the Navy facilities in your community, make contact, take the AUSN story to them and ask, “How can we support what you are doing?”

On a personal note to every member of AUSN: Be a participant in our membership efforts.

• Begin by sponsoring memberships to deserving Sailors and junior officers.
• Ask for a few additional copies of the monthly AUSN magazine Navy and deliver them to a Navy facility in your area.
• Set up a table with AUSN information at military events, especially at NOSC family days.
• Be ready to answer the question, “Why should I join AUSN?”
• A PowerPoint that has a script is available from your Region’s president.

Your efforts matter and when each of us “Answer the bell,” it is that enthusiasm that is contagious. It is our leadership from all Navy designators and ratings as well as every rank and rate that will move us forward as a valued voice for the United States Navy.