AUSA Suncoast Chapter

SOF WEEK has officially begun in Tampa, and the SOLD OUT Welcome Reception took place at Sparkman Wharf. The networking was exceptional, and it was a pleasure to represent AUSA Suncoast Chapter and Somo Financial Group while engaging with guests.

This event provided great opportunities to reconnect with friends and meet many new people. Don't miss out next year—make sure to secure your Golden Ticket!

Kurt Stein , Paul Fioravanti, MBA, MPA, CTP , Casey Corley , Eric Geoffroy , Jevon Pinard , Michael Clark Shirley Báez, RBLP-T, CSSGB , Mario Johnson , Janine Hargrett, M.Ed. , Charles (Chaz) Galloway , Dan O'Shea , Carl Chaisson , Gabriele Zito , Marco Notarianni , COL Karl D Reed .. , Ashley Jung , Maiwand K Joe Dames

Privileged to represent AUSA Suncoast Chapter where there are so many opportunities to serve our military and learn from other Leaders in our communities!

Thank you Matt Ives and Shane Nunes with our Tampa Bay Recruiting Battalion for sponsoring me to attend the Fort Carson Colorado Educational Tour!

Honored to work full time with Somo Financial Group where we support the military!

Shout out to, James Fox , Tracy Fischetti,Dr. Shemekia Nero just to name a few!!

Thank you to Global SOF Foundation for being an outstanding Community Partner with our AUSA Suncoast Chapter and National Partners with the Association of the United States Army - AUSA. Our team had the pleasure of joining them for the SOF Week Advance Reception, where we presented a Certificate of Appreciation to their exceptional team at Harpoon Harry's Restaurant and Sports Bar in Downtown Tampa!

We are all looking forward to attending SOFWEEK on May 18-21. To learn more go to https://sofweek.org

Shout out to: Rafael Beltran , Mark Vasterling , Casey Corley , Angela Bacca , Laura Ahammer, Richard Benitez , Arthur "AC" Coley , Carmen Martinez , Anthony J. S. , Frank Cole , Christopher Colón , Michele Evanson, Kati Hippleheuser, MBA and Team Global Sof!

Please join us in Celebrating America 250 Years and Our AUSA Suncoast Chapter 251st Army Birthday Ball!

When: Saturday, June 27, 2026
Where: Downtown Tampa Hilton
Address: 211 N Tampa St Tampa, Florida 33602
Time: Registration begins at 5:00pm

Who is invited? Everyone is invited

How to order a ticket? https://lnkd.in/eDrAakd6

Questions? Please reach out to:
[email protected]

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ausa-suncoast-chapter-251st-army-birthday-ball-tickets-1980136751327

On Monday, April 27, our Veterans Council of Hillsborough County learned about “Bikes From The Heart.” I am grateful to serve as a volunteer with the AUSA Suncoast Chapter, supporting our Memorial Brick, Bench, and Plaque program. In addition, I work full-time with Somo Financial Group, providing resources to the military community. I encourage everyone to find your passion.

Accessing community resources can be a significant challenge for many resource-insecure neighbors in Tampa who are struggling with poverty, especially for those without reliable or affordable transportation. A bicycle can play a crucial role in overcoming these obstacles by providing essential transportation, fostering independence, and reconnecting individuals to vital community resources.

Sacred Heart’s “Bikes from the Heart” ministry offers hope to these neighbors. We collect used bikes, refurbish them, and deliver them to those in need.

A donation to Bikes from the Heart supports this important initiative. The ministry operates out of the convent at Sacred Heart’s North Campus, which has been serving the community since 1931. This effort continues the tradition of providing assistance to those in need, honoring the mission of “The Honor and Glory of God.”

To volunteer or apply for a bike, please reach out to our Bikes from the Heart co-founders, Tim Eves and Tom Henry, at [email protected]. Donations of parts and tools can also be arranged via email. Bike donations can be delivered to BFTH at 3515 N Florida Avenue, Tampa, Tuesday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

A Field of Honor Ceremony was held today at Veterans Memorial Park to pay tribute to our fallen soldiers, whose names were read aloud to acknowledge their ultimate sacrifice to our country. I urge everyone to attend such ceremonies, as they are a powerful reminder of their sacrifice.

President, Joseph Muhlberger welcomed all of us guests who gathered to honor our soldiers who gave the ultimate sacrifice. JROTC was Color Guard from Sickles High School. Pledge of Allegiance was initiated by Lorrie Fleming. Invocation was presented by Chaplain, Mary Ellen Harlan. Reading names was AMVETS Post 44, Wreath Ceremony was Gold Star Families and Rifle Salute & Taps was MCL 1226 Honor Guard

Shout out to Colonel Jim Fletcher, Colonel Dale Vona, Dave Braun, Joe Eletto, Mike O'Dell, Joe Muhlberger, Tom Fletcher, Mike Kirk, and Toni Gross, Darryl Reyes, Carmenza Jaramillo and Eunice Butts just to name a few.

US flags were presented as each name was read aloud to honor each fallen soldier.

Thank you, Ryan Bauman, MBA, PMP
Director of Our Community Salutes, USA , for an inspiring evening on April 23 as Our Community Salutes honored the Class of 2026. Over 129 young men and women were sworn into enlistment across the US Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Space Force.

The panel of speakers addressed our future leaders taking their oath, including Colonel Roland Tiso (R), CSM James Sims (R), Ellsworth "Tony" Williams , and CSM Rick Lamb (R), who delivered the invocation. Each new enlistment received encouragement and blessings.

It was a pleasure to see friends COL Jim Fletcher, Jeanine Ramirez, Suparna Narayan, DJ Reyes , Colleen Trout, Matt Ives , and Joseph Graves . A special thanks to Megan Meyer and Rafael Beltran for joining me at the AUSA Suncoast Chapter table, along with other community supporters like Navy Federal, USAA, Red Cross, AFA, and others.

The event concluded with everyone enjoying the performances of the future military servicemembers as they sang their respective US service songs.

Our Third Region meeting served as a vibrant forum for idea exchange and growth, led by the dedicated team from our National Association of the United States Army - AUSA from Washington D.C. and Chapter Presidents who shared their experiences.

I extend my gratitude to Al Aycock and the Fort Bragg Chapter team, as well as Rhonda Sutton , our Regional President. This experience will remain with me as I represent the AUSA Suncoast Chapter.

In my new role at Somo Financial Group Group, I am well-positioned to serve the military community, reflecting my gratitude and commitment.

Representing the AUSA Suncoast Chapter is a privilege.

I want to express my appreciation to Al Aycock and our Region President Rhonda Sutton for developing a comprehensive schedule for the Third Region Meeting at Fort Bragg. Our Third Region encompasses Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi, Panama, and Puerto Rico.

The agenda included visits to chapels and a museum, along with educational meetings on Thursday and Friday that featured engaging discussions and timely updates. The Association of the United States Army - AUSA National is remarkable. Our AUSA President is Robert Brooks Brown . The team from National shared valuable ideas and engaged us in conversations about enhancing our relationships with community partners.

I look forward to today, which promises to be another great day.