AUSA Suncoast Chapter

The AUSA Suncoast Chapter is pleased to recognize 12th SMA (R) Jack Tilley during our Golf Tournament. With nearly 37 years of dedicated service in the United States Army, he reached the pinnacle of his career when appointed as the 12th Sergeant Major of the Army in 2000, a role he fulfilled until his retirement on January 15, 2004. Notably, he holds the distinction of being the final Vietnam War veteran to serve in this prestigious position. Throughout his illustrious military journey, Jack Tilley garnered a remarkable list of accolades, including the Army Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit (3), Bronze Star Medal with "V" Device, Meritorious Service Metal (2), Army Commendation Medal (2), and Army Achievement Medal (3). His professional trajectory encompassed various significant roles, culminating in his tenure as the SMA of the Army. Prior to this position, he served as the Senior Enlisted Leader of the U.S. Central Command at MacDill AFB, Florida. Among his other impactful assignments were commanding sergeant major roles at 1st Battalion, 10th Cavalry, Fort Know, 194th Armored Brigade, 1st Armored Division in Bad Kreuznach, Germany, and the United States Army Space and Missile Defense Command in Arlington, Virginia. Please join us this Inaugural Day with AUSA Suncoast Chapter members and friends as we Educate, Inform and Connect! hashtag #militarybayusa #military #navy #airforce #ausa #veterans #marine #airforce #spaceforce #army #fellowship #tampa #golf #golftournament #golf #event

11/25/25 Thank you Brian Butler with Vistra Communications for the invitation today to join you with your National Partners! I am honored to represent AUSA Suncoast Chapter. This was truly a Heartfelt event Hosted by Courtsey Chrystler Jeep Dodge Freedom Alliance, in partnership with U.S. Bank, presented U.S. Army Specialist Larisa Dickerson with the gift of a new vehicle in honor of her courageous service to our country. The presentation is part of the “Driven to Serve” program, an initiative between Freedom Alliance and U.S. Bank that pairs available vehicles with service members in need. More than 75 vehicles have been provided by U.S. Bank since 2018 and Larisa will be the 52nd veteran to receive a vehicle from the Freedom Alliance and U.S. Bank partnership. Who: SPC Larisa Dickerson, of Tampa, Florida, joined the Army after high school and became a Military Police Officer in 2003. Following basic training, she was stationed at Ft. Hood, Texas, and deployed to Iraq. During a three-day conflict in Iraq, Larisa’s Humvee was struck by an RPG that did not detonate. On another mission, her vehicle was hit by an IED and she sustained significant shrapnel injuries to her arm. She was medically evacuated to Germany, where she underwent surgery on her 21st birthday. She later medically retired from the U.S. Army. She is the recipient of the Army Commendation Medal with “V” device for valor in combat and the Purple Heart Medal. Following her retirement, she pursued higher education, earning an AAS in criminal justice and a bachelor’s degree in accounting. #militarybayusa #ausa #military #army #armystrong #hero #veteran #fellowship #community #ausasuncoastchapter

11/23/24 I represented AUSA Suncoast Chapter at the Elks Lodge in Brandon 2383. I appreciate Lara McCleary inviting me to their luncheon, where I was inspired by the outstanding women of the Quilts of Valor Foundation. The presentation was deeply moving, causing tears among all attendees. Five Veterans were honored, including Stearns Poor, a 99-year-old WWII Marine Corp Veteran and Normandy survivor, whom I was honored to know from previous meetings! #ausa #elks #quiltsofvalor #honor #event #militarybayusa #veterans #respect #neverforget

In a collective effort, AUSA Suncoast Chapter, Brandon Elks Lodge 2383, and Altria Group Distribution Company hosted a Thanksgiving dinner for over 150 service members, spouses, and children. The event commenced with a Color Guard ceremony from Middleton High School, the National Anthem, and an invocation. Guests were treated to professional family photos, a traditional Thanksgiving meal, and entertainment, including music, a clown, and prizes. We are privileged to serve our military community. AUSA Suncoast Chapter Brandon Elks Lodge 2383 Altria Group Distribution Company #militarybayusa #ausa #military #volunteer #thanksgiving #soldiers #JROTC #recruitingbattalion #families #elks #altria #militaryfamily #militaryspouses #tampa #brandon #fellowship

11/19/24 Thank you National Defense Industrial Association - (NDIA) Tampa for bringing Young Bang as a Keynote speaker this morning at the Centre Club Tampa. Young Bang is the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics &Technology who came from the Pentagon to share information about our Army and the strategic ( non classified) activities we are involved with and how our industries can support future operations. #ausa #militarybayusa #Armystrong #ausasuncoastchapter #industry #event #partnerships #fellowship #networking

11/16/24 This post educates on the dedication and teamwork displayed at the JROTC Raider Competition held at Sand Hill Scout Reservation in Brooksville, Florida. Young cadets showcased their strength and endurance in a series of challenging games, fostering team spirit and creating lasting memories. The cadets' hard work and training for each event were evident as they gave their all throughout the day. The AUSA Suncoast Chapter’s support added to the encouragement, cheering the cadets on as they tackled each challenge with determination and camaraderie. #militarybayusa #ausa #ausasuncoastchapter #army #armystrong #jrotc #armyinstructors #fellowship #cadets

Thank you "Lord" Mack Macksam, of Blairadam, MAJ (R) MA for all your contributions to our community working with VETERANS ART CENTER TAMPA BAY INC. We all met at Esposito's Italian Restaurant in Carrollwood area of Tampa! Excellent time with friends, Mack shared upcoming events for the year, food was outstanding and enjoyed meeting new people as well! I am proud to represent AUSA Suncoast Chapter and attend other nonprofit organizations to learn how we can collaborate our efforts helping our military. We Educate, Inform and Connect! www.vactb.org #militarybayusa #army #veterans #military #goldstarfamilies #navy #marines #airforce #spaceforce #fellowship #ausa

Please join us in Cheering on our JROTC Raiders for the State Competition on Saturday, 11/16/24 Sand Hill Scout Reservation, Greater Tampa Bay Area Council, Boy Scouts of America 11210 Cortez Blvd. Brooksville, Fl 34613 (352) 596-6082

11/11/24 Humbled to represent AUSA Suncoast Chapter especially on Veterans Day where we Honor All Those Who have Served. Thank you Cary Harbaugh for being an excellent Master of Ceremony and for the special invitation this evening to attend the 1st Annual Veteran Coalition International Salute To Bravery Golf Invitational & Gala! Also in attendance was Her Royal Highness Princess Marie of Denmark, Countess of Monpezat and Mr. Soren Gade the speaker of Danish Parliament. The Speakers this evening was General Bryan Fenton and General Tony Thomas! Great spending time with Rafael Beltran and his wife Carrie! Plant High School AirForce JROTC Color Guard was amazing! #militarybayusa #army #tampa #Denmark #military

11/11/24 Master of Ceremonies was Joe Eletto who officiated as we Honored All Who Served today at our Hillsborough County Veterans Memorial Park! Inspirational Keynote Speaker was Colonel Edward V. Szcepanik, Commander 6th Air Refueling Wing, Macdill AFB. Words of encouragement for everyone including the media to remember we still have American Hostages around the world was Guest Speaker was Bryan Stern, Chaiman and Founder Grey Bull Rescue Foundation. Special Shout Out: Strawberry Crest High School U. S. Army JROTC Color Guard! I am humbled to serve as a representative with our AUSA Suncoast Chapter and Today I feel my father, Nickolas Varee, who served in the Army would be proud that I received the Walt Raysick Patriot Spirit Award from the Veterans Council of Hillsborough County. Thank you Deb Diller, MS , Shandi Perkins , Melissa Lazos , Carl Pignato for your support today! Great seeing Renee Amboy, Ed.D. , Wayne N. Taylor, Ed.D. , Karen Gonzalez Pittman , Daniel Alvarez, Sr. , Charlie Conover, Mary Ellen Harlan, Gabriella Jaramillo, Renee McCuimgs, Frank Strom, Lonnie Dale Vona, Jerry Fardella, Carmen Edmonds, Kathy Castor, Daniel Alvarez, Sr. , David Baca, Christy Layton , Ernie Nelson, Rosemarie and Robert Smith #tampabayusa #ausa #veterans #goldstarfamily #bluestarfamily #military #navy #marines #airforce #army #spaceforce