FORT DRUM, N.Y. - The 10th Combat Aviation Brigade hosted a mixer Feb. 25 in conjunction with the Army Aviation Association of America and the Association of the United States Army on Wheeler-Sack Army Airfield.
The mixer served as an opportunity for the brigade to display some of its combat capabilities, which include new aircraft, and to recognize some Soldiers for their hard work.
Six 10th CAB Soldiers were awarded memberships to AUSA, an organization that supports the Army through volunteer work and professional development opportunities. They are Sgt. Christopher Reed, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 10th CAB; Spc. Derek Galligar, D Company, 1st Attack Battalion, 10th Aviation Regiment; Sgt. Darwin Schmidt, E Company, 2nd Assault Battalion, 10th Aviation Regiment; Sgt. 1st Class William Apke, F Company, 3rd General Support Aviation Battalion; Sgt. Barry Manley, B Company, 6th Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment; and Sgt. Benjamin Gaff, A Company, 277th Aviation Support Battalion.
"It feels good to get recognized like this," Schmidt said. "It's nice to get noticed for doing well." Schmidt was inducted into AUSA for his performance in the brigade's Soldier of the Quarter competition.
Sgt. 1st Class John Rebelo was inducted into the Order of St. Michael, a joint venture between AAAA and the Army to recognize Soldiers who have contributed greatly to Army aviation.
"This is an extremely prestigious award," Rebelo said. "It's a great honor to be recognized for my career of aviation maintenance support."
Rebelo is the brigade's aviation maintenance noncommissioned officer in charge.
"It's not about what I accomplished, but what the team accomplished," he said. "It's about attention to detail and finding new ways of doing things."
Debra Ward was inducted to the Order of Our Lady of Loreto, an organization that recognizes dedication to and support to Army aviation Families and communities.
The group is another cooperative effort between the Army and AAAA.
"I've been a part of family readiness groups since before they were official," she said. "For the past 20 years, I've been trying to help Family Members cope with deployments and hardships."
Now, Ward's largest point of pride are the welcome home ceremonies she and other community members work together to hold.
"It shows that we are really trying to support our troops," she said.
The mixer also served as a showcasing for the brigade's capabilities in the air and on the ground. Numerous vehicles were set up for display, along with Soldiers present to answer questions from Family Members and visitors.
Aircraft displayed included the new AH-64 Apache, CH-47 Chinook, OH-58 Kiowa and UH-60 Blackhawk.
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