AUSA Conference

We had 4 days of the FORSCOM FRG Symposium and we attended the 3 day AUSA Conference as FORSCOM delegates. It was informative and we were able to hear some key speakers such as the Secretary of the Army, HON John M. McHugh, the Surgeon General, LTG Schoomaker and Chief of Staff, United States Army, GEN George W. Casey. It actually so happened that I was sitting exactly 3 seats behind GEN Casey. I even got to see the Secret Service guys being all stout and unmovable. It was good to hear them and what they all had to say about the Army and what they are learning about deployment and the Soldiers well being and that they really are trying to help with longer at-home (dwell) time. 

Being in DC was great. We had time to tour around and see the sights. It was great to get to know fellow FRG Leaders better and network with those from the FORSCOM staff. 

It was a great 7 days which I really enjoyed, but it is good to be home. Coming home presented some challenges though as it took us 12 hours to get home. I was supposed to arrive home Wednesday night at 1830, but arrived 0010 Thursday morning. It was crazy with the rain in DC and the Tornados around Atlanta. We were delayed three hours in DC and waited 2 and a half on the tarmac in a holding bay. Then in Atlanta we missed our first connection, tried another but they were full, so we ran for the third gate which we had to beg to get on. It was all too crazy and something I wouldn't want to try again. Whew! 

I had the wonderful opportunity to watch the Changing of the Guard at the Arlington Cemetery. They have great respect for their passed Soldiers. It was a humbling experience.

The Capital Building in Washington, DC

It isn't too cleat but that light at the back is the White House. Before I left Ben and Emily asked me if I was staying in the White House.... Awwww! 

The Jerfferson Memorial

The Franklin Roosevelt Memorial. This memorial was truly beautiful with waterfalls and other statues commemorating his work that he did while in office.

The Lincoln Memorial. Just like the movie "A Night at the Museum II"

It would be really cool if you could go and climb on his lap to see how big he really is! 

The Washington Monument 

It was neat to go see all the monuments and memorials by moonlight. They were more beautiful and stunning in real time! We had a lot of fun!!