FORT DRUM, N.Y. (June 18, 2015) -- The Northern New York -- Fort Drum Chapter of the Association of the United States Army honored Soldiers of the past, present and future during their Annual Dinner and Army birthday celebration June 9 at the Commons.
"As we look back on the 240, we can be very thankful that for each year that has gone by, there's that next generation of American who steps up and says, 'send me; I want to be a part of something bigger than myself, and I want to continue to be a part of this tradition,'" said retired Sgt. Maj. of the Army Kenneth O. Preston, who serves as AUSA's director of Noncommissioned Officer and Soldier Programs, during his keynote speech.
During his visit to the North Country, he met with Soldiers, veterans, future Soldiers, Families and civic leaders.
"We stand on your shoulders," he said to the retirees. "And for everybody out here in uniform today, it's the legacy of those retired Soldiers and those veterans out there -- their commitment to the units and organizations wherever they served -- that's really made us the greatest Army in the world."
The Northern New York -- Fort Drum Chapter awarded several members of the 10th Mountain Division (LI) and Fort Drum community with awards during the evening.
Staff Sgt. Colin M. Santacroce, an infantryman assigned to B Company, 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (LI), was honored as the division's NCO of the Quarter. This was Santacroce's first time competing. He was hours away from signing out on terminal leave, as he has earned a Reserve Officer Training Corps Green to Gold scholarship.
"It feels really good to be honored tonight, but I couldn't do it without the support of my NCO support channel," Santacroce said. "It's been a great year, and I encourage everyone to (compete in boards)."
Spc. Jerred M. Stahlberg, who is assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (LI), Fort Polk, La., earned the Soldier of the Quarter honors. He was not in attendance.
Sgt. Vincent Cruz and Spc. Shelby Terry of U.S. Army Garrison were the NCO and Soldier of the Year.
Every year, the Northern New York -- Fort Drum Chapter of the AUSA and Fort Drum selects a Family that epitomizes volunteerism in the post community.
"Year after year, this award highlights Families that give up their time together in order to make our community and Fort Drum a better place to live, work and play," said Michelle Capone, who also was named the chapter's president. "The Family chosen today truly demonstrates that spirit."
Glynnis Moore and her Family were honored as the chapter's Family of the Year. Moore has been in the Fort Drum community for 13 years as a Soldier, Department of the Army Civilian and a contractor. Moore and her daughters have volunteered their time at the United Services Organization on Fort Drum, "There When They Land" program, and other special events.
The Moores will compete in this year's National AUSA Convention in Washington, D.C.
In addition, Cathy Ferran was named the Civilian Employee of the Year, and Melissa Strader was named the chapter's Volunteer of the Year.
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