Background: For more than 50 years AUSA has been the premier support organization for the US Army. Formed as a coalition of some of the branch organizations, AUSA now boasts more than 130 Chapters worldwide with a dues paying membership of over 100,000 individuals. A “who’s who” of the business world are corporate supporters. It was that fledging organization that a young Soldier, Edward A. Owsley, joined a half century ago.
Years of Service: Whenever he was stationed Owsley as a member and staunch supporter of AUSA, including assignments at Fort Leonard Wood. Colonel Owsley retired from active service with the Army in the mid 1960’s from his position as FLW’s Chief of Staff. He remained deeply involved in all aspects of AUSA until his death in 2006 including holding all local chapter, state, and regional offices. When called upon to serve, her was there and served with excellence and an outstanding ability to get the job done. His goals were AUSA’s goals – educate the American public about the Army and work to increase benefits across the board for the Soldier. Always at the forefront of what he did was doing what’s right for the Soldier.
Recognition: In light of all Colonel Owsley’s accomplishments, Chapter President Dalton Wright, in concert with the chapter’s military and civilian leadership, decided that the time is right for the chapter to provide some well-deserved recognition in honor of that service. After much discussion it was decided to create a special award to recognize those people who give support to the local chapter above and beyond the call of normal volunteerism. To ensure that the memory of service of Colonel Owsley will last far into the future, the special award would bear his name.
Purpose: This is the highest award that Fort Leonard Wood – Mid MO Chapter, Association of the United States Army presents to recognize excellence in support of the goals and objectives of the Association. The Chapter Executive Committee approves it locally. It is used to recognize contributions that were significant in advancing the goals and objectives of the chapter and national organization, Maneuver Support Center Fort Leonard Wood mission, a major program, function, or act that warrants recognition of the highest level for that service. Members may submit nominations to the Chapter Secretary for processing.
Eligibility: All military, civilian employees, NAF employees and private citizens. Persons nominated need not be a member of the Association of the United States Army. Performance must be related to and/or contribute to the goals and objectives of the Association, and be sustained for a period of at least one year, except for nominations for a single act or achievement.
Subsequent Awards: Persons who receive this award are not precluded from future receipt of the same award or Association of the United States Army Awards at State, Region or National level in any later consideration is based on different achievement or service performed during later period.
Nomination Period: Minimum of 1 year of service for nominations based on a single act or achievement. Exception would be a specific impact type award that would merit immediate recognition. Nominations may be submitted at any time significant achievements warrant recognition.
Nomination Deadline: Within 30 days of act or service, but no later than 6 months after contribution is made. Award nominations should be submitted to the Chapter Secretary in sufficient time to allow for processing at the Executive Board level.
Nomination Approval: The Chapter Secretary will review nominations for sufficiency and prepare copies for review by the President and Executive Committee. The Executive Committee will act on nominations at the next scheduled meeting.
Presentation: The presentation will be made by the Chapter President or designated representative in an appropriate ceremony. The award consists of high quality medal and ribbon to be worn around the neck, along with a framed certificate signed by the President.
Nomination Criteria: Superior service or achievement must be significant in nature. Eligibility will be determined by measuring contributions against the level of achievement defined below:
- Accomplished assigned duties of major program significance to DA in such a way as to have been clearly exceptional or preeminent among all persons who have performed like or similar duties
- Developed and improved major methods, and procedures and developed significant inventions.
- Been responsible for exceptional achievements that resulted in major significance in advancing the goals and objectives of the Chapter and the Association, the mission of the Maneuver Support Center and Fort Leonard Wood, DA, DOD, or in significant support of the community or government.
- Provided outstanding leadership to the administration of major Army programs in terms of highly successful accomplishment of mission or in major redirection of objectives or accomplishments to meet unique or emergency situations.
- Exhibited great courage or voluntary risk of life in performing an act resulting in direct benefit to the installation or its personnel.
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