Highlights for This Year’s ‘Big Army Family Reunion’

A special screening of Mel Gibson’s new movie, "Hacksaw Ridge," and the chance to hear from the new Army secretary are just two of the highlights of this year’s Association of the United States Army annual meeting.

More than 26,000 people are expected to attend this year’s event, also referred to as the "big Army family reunion," said retired Lt. Gen. Patricia McQuistion, AUSA’s vice president for membership and meetings.

The show at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C., boasts 615 registered exhibitors, 11 contemporary military forums, three Department of Homeland Security sessions, three military family forums, and three sessions dedicated to veterans and retirees.

For full AUSA 2016 coverage: www.defensenews.com/ausa 

Here’s a closer look at some highlights for this years’ show.

New Army secretary

This will be Fanning’s first AUSA annual meeting since he was sworn in as the Army’s top civilian leader.

Fanning, who was sworn in May 18, is widely viewed as one of the most capable leaders in the Pentagon and has served in key leadership positions in the Army, Air Force and Navy. He also was Defense Secretary Ash Carter’s chief of staff and one of his closest advisers.

Retired Gen. Carter Ham, AUSA’s president and CEO, said Fanning’s remarks during the opening ceremony will be one of the "big highlights."

"Secretary Fanning is excited, is ready to do that," Ham said. "I had a great meeting with him, and I think we would look forward to some interesting themes, as he kind of charts out what he sees from his perspective on the Army."

Free movie screening

A special screening of "Hacksaw Ridge" will take place Oct. 4 at the Landmark Theater near the D.C. convention center.

The event is free, but tickets are required.

Festivities begin at 6 p.m. with a red carpet event and photo opportunity. The movie starts at 7 p.m.



Those who are interested should stop by the AUSA pavilion on the convention floor to see if tickets are still available.

The event is hosted by AUSA in conjunction with We Are the Mighty and Lionsgate Movies.

"Hacksaw Ridge" tells the story of then-Pfc. Desmond Doss, a Seventh-Day Adventist who served as a medic on Okinawa with 307th Infantry Regiment, 77th Infantry Division.

Doss refused to carry a weapon, but his courage in saving dozens of fellow soldiers during a series of engagements with the Japanese in May 1945 earned him the Medal of Honor.

The star-studded movie was directed by Mel Gibson. Andrew Garfield, of "The Amazing Spider-Man" fame, plays Doss. Also in the movie are Sam Worthington, Vince Vaughn and Hugo Weaving.

More than Army leaders

Scheduled to speak this year are Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson, Deputy Secretary of Defense Robert Work, Gen. Joseph Dunford, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Goldfein, National Guard Bureau Chief Gen. Joseph Lengyel, Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Robert Neller, Pacific Command boss Adm. Harry Harris, and several leaders from partner international armies.

Army Olympians and Paralympians

AUSA has invited all 15 Army Olympians and Paralympians, including Olympic silver medalist Spc. Paul Chelimo and Paralympic gold medalist and world record holder Sgt. Elizabeth Marks.

The athletes are slated to attend multiple events throughout the annual meeting, McQuistion said.

Soldier for Life display and ribbon-cutting

Under Secretary of the Army Patrick Murphy will participate in a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 9 a.m. Oct. 3 at the Army’s very first Soldier for Life display.

The display on the convention floor will highlight the program’s efforts to support soldiers from the very start of their careers all the way through to retirement and beyond.

Eleven international pavilions

Ten international partners will host 11 pavilions on the convention floor this year.

They include Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Greece, Korea (which will have two pavilions), Norway, Poland, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

Small Business pavilions

About 85 companies in three pavilions will participate in this year’s show, McQuistion said.

The meeting will give them an opportunity to interact with leaders from the Army and larger industry partners, she said. It’s also a chance for the small businesses to show off their capabilities.

Veterans hiring event

The annual Warriors to the Workforce DC hiring and training workshops event will take place during the annual meeting.

More than 30 companies will be on site during the event, which will be presented by AUSA and the American Freedom Foundation.

The event is part of the American Freedom Foundation’s national initiative to help veterans find jobs.

Veterans, service members and military spouses are encouraged to register and attend, talk to employers, submit their resumes and attend workshops designed to help with the transition from military to civilian life.

For more information, visit www.warriorstotheworkforcedc.net.

Innovators Corner

This year’s Innovators Corner will highlight research and technology projects the Army is working on, McQuistion said.

Presentations include 3D terrain visualization, micro autonomous robots, dismounted soldier power, and advanced protection technologies.