Fort Drum chapter of AUSA honors Soldiers, Families, Civilians

By Staff Sgt. Todd PouliotJune 19, 2014

AUSA recognizes Fort Drum Soldiers, Families, Civilians
Sgt. Christopher L. Standridge and his Family -- April, Ariel and Thomas - receive the Northern New York-Fort Drum Chapter of the Association of the U.S. Army Family of the Year Award on June 9 for their contributions to their community. Flanking the... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT DRUM, N.Y. -- The Northern New York-Fort Drum Chapter of the Association of the United States Army presented awards at its Annual Dinner and Army Birthday Celebration on June 9 at the Commons.

The chapter recognized the Department of the Army Civilian of the Year, Family of the Year, Volunteers of the Year and Corporate Supporters of the Year.

The Family of Sgt. Christopher L. Standridge, a vehicle mechanic assigned to E Troop, 6th Squadron, 6th Air Cavalry Regiment, 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, was named the Family of the Year.

Standridge's wife, April, began volunteering when the Family was in Bamberg, Germany, working with the Protestant Women of the Church and Army Family Team Building in 2006.

"When we got to Fort Drum, April continued volunteering with PWOC, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts and (family readiness group)," Standridge said. "I started officially volunteering when I got to Fort Drum."

In addition to volunteering with the Boy Scouts and Girls Scouts, Christopher Standridge volunteers with the Praise and Worship Team for the Po Valley Chapel and assists with his unit's FRG events.

It is not only Standridge and his wife who give their time and talents to serve. Their two young children also have gotten involved. Ariel, 10, is a Girl Scout, and Thomas, 7, is a Boy Scout. Both have participated in community beautification projects. Ariel also helps to set up for Agape Kids at Po Valley Chapel weekly.

"The Standridge Family epitomizes the values of an Army Family," said retired Command Sgt. Maj. Joe McLaughlin, master of ceremonies for the dinner and chapter president from to 2010 to 2012. "By serving his country and helping out with the family readiness group, their children have followed their example by helping at church and (through Scouting)."

The Northern New York-Fort Drum Chapter AUSA recognized Karin Sikirica as the Civilian Employee of the Year for her long commitment to providing the best services to Fort Drum's children. As Fort Drum's Child, Youth and School Services coordinator for the past 11 years, Sikirica has significantly expanded youth programs during her tenure. Additionally, she has overseen the planning, construction and renovation of Fort Drum's current CYSS facilities. With a staff of more than 350 professionals, Sikirica manages the largest program employer on the installation.

Both Sikirica and the Standridge Family will be nominated for further recognition at the AUSA National Meeting in October in Washington, D.C.

The chapter also recognized 10th Mountain Division Noncommissioned Officer of the Year, Staff Sgt. Jacob Strickland, A Battery, 4th Battalion, 25th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team; 10th Mountain Division Soldier of the Year, Spc. Daniel Lexow, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd BCT; Garrison NCO of the Year, Sgt. Jarred D. Soster, Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, U.S. Army Garrison; Garrison Soldier of the Year, Spc. Isaiah C. Burton, Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, U.S. Army Garrison; and Volunteers of the Year, Mark Decilles, April Halladay and Mary Corriveau.

The following businesses were recognized as Corporate Supporters of the Year: Syracuse Research Corporation, Actus Lend Lease, Lockheed Martin, AmeriCU Credit Union, Martins Point and Watertown Savings Bank.

The Northern New York-Fort Drum Chapter of the Association of the United States Army has been serving the men and women of the 10th Mountain Division (LI) for more than 25 years. AUSA is a membership organization that works to support all aspects of national security while advancing the interests of America's Army and the men and women who serve.

For more information about the Northern New York-Fort Drum Chapter of the AUSA, go to www.oneausa.org.