(Photo: Teamwork makes the dream work! The new Captain Meriwether AUSA Board Members are all smiles as they show off their AUSA Volunteers T-shirts. Shown from back left: Tina Torfin (Second Vice President), Janine Dorsey (Chapter Secretary), Sandi Lewis (Co-Director of Community Partners), John Colvin (Individual Membership), Isabella Colvin (Chapter Vice-President), Arnie Norem (Chapter Treasurer), Stephanie Prosser (Director of Young Professionals), Amy Tiemeyer (Chapter President) and Holly Contantine (Director of Single Soldiers).)
Amy Tiemeyer is no stranger to military service and the support members need and deserve. With a background as a veteran of the first Gulf War, serving in the Navy Reserves and being a military spouse herself, it’s safe to say Tiemeyer — the new chapter president of the Captain Meriwether Lewis Chapter of the Association of the U.S. Army (AUSA) — knows how to support the military and their families.
“I am honored to serve as the Captain Meriwether Lewis Chapter of AUSA Chapter President for a second time,” said Tiemeyer, who is also a past chapter president … I learned a lot the first time and I look forward to building on past experiences.”
Tiemeyer brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the role, and she’s joined by fellow smiling faces among the newest list of AUSA chapter board members.
They are all coming together to begin their term supporting Joint Base Lewis-McChord and Camp Murray service members.
“My board is very new and diverse, which is exciting, and I look forward to trying some new things,” said Tiemeyer.
The new Captain Meriwether Lewis Chapter of AUSA board members bring with them more than 150 years of military service and 63,000 hours of service through local AUSA chapters alone.
“We have a board of 16 people that includes seven soldiers for life, two veterans, five retirees, five military spouses, two engaged and patriotic civilians, and three Department of Defense (DoD) employees,” explained Tiemeyer, who said she appreciates the AUSA because of its high-level of inclusion.
“I love being a part of AUSA because we are so inclusive, with no distinction being made between men and women and/or officers and enlisted members,” said Tiemeyer. “AUSA believes if you want to support the U.S. Army, then come join us! Not to mention, we are constantly being given support from the national level, as well as autonomy to support our local area’s unique needs.
Their first general membership meeting for the public is Oct. 6, and it has a new focus of engagement — now including military chaplains in the invites for its meetings.
The Captain Meriwether Lewis Chapter of AUSA is already planning several events that will kick off as soon as this October.
“We are working hard to fundraise for this year’s Operation Turkey Drop and Ham Grenade (a program that provides complimentary holiday meals to service members and their families), and our Suits for Service Member program is doing really well,” said Tiemeyer. “Back by popular demand, we are bringing back our Zombie 5k in early fall of 2020, and the team is already starting to ramp up the planning to make this the best one yet!”
Currently, the new chapter is looking for volunteers that are passionate about supporting those who served and/or have served. Interested individuals or groups can find more information at ausa.org/chapters/captain-meriwether-lewis-chapter or [email protected].
“As the premier voice for America’s soldiers, we are a dedicated team committed to building the best professional and representative association for the world’s best Army,” according to the Captain Meriwether Lewis Chapter website.