AGCRA Gold Vault Chapter Celebrates Derby, AG/HR Week, and Kicks Off a Busy Summer
FORT KNOX, KY (May 2025)—The AGCRA Gold Vault Chapter (GVC) had another incredible year, proving that success breeds success, with increased membership, active participation, and numerous events conducted.
Reference the photo gallery above, from April 26th to May 3rd, over 90 GVC members, family members, and Fort Knox partners volunteered to support the week of racing at Churchill Downs – specifically the 151st Kentucky Derby. Duties included escorting, providing security, and offering customer support. The GVC expects to raise over $15,000 to support scholarships and leadership development opportunities, as well as help offset the cost of events.
Reference the photo gallery above, on Wednesday, May 7th, the GVC kicked off its annual AG Week with a Senior Human Resources Panel featuring leaders from Human Resources Command (HRC), 1st Theater Sustainment Command, U.S. Army Recruiting Command, U.S. Army Cadet Command, and the Guest of Honor – COL (Ret) Rob Manning. COL (Ret) Manning provided heartfelt opening comments to more than 100 HR Professionals from across Fort Knox, followed by a Q&A opportunity for attendees to take advantage of the panel members' extensive experience.
The Panel and attendees held comprehensive discussions on a myriad of topics, including how to remain relevant in today's military at any rank, the potential use of AI in Casualty Reporting (especially in a Large-Scale Combat Operation environment), and the importance of being an operationally impactful HR Professional.
A few take-home points: Be Hungry, Humble, and Competent enough to ask others to teach you regardless of your rank or position; Fix Problems and Be a Doer; Find Friction and Attack It; and Listen More than You Talk. The event was a huge success, with everyone (including the panel members) walking away with a bit of introspection, education, and motivation to "gallop" into the future of the AG Corps while improving themselves and others.
Reference the photo gallery above, on Thursday, May 8th, over 120 AG/HR Chapter members and sponsors dusted off their golf clubs to stake their claim at the 15th annual GVC Golf Scramble Fundraiser at the beautiful Lindsey Golf Course at Fort Knox.
A bourbon box gift, a Yeti Cooler, a Smart TV, and a chance to win $10K were some of the prizes at our annual event. The Chapter awarded prizes to the 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th, and last place (Most Honest) teams, and all players departed with a ‘door-prize’ item donated by our amazing sponsors. We recognized our special guests, including COL (Ret) Rob Manning, outgoing President of AGCRA, as well as our corporate and many other local sponsors. Kudos to Kent Shaw and his 16 volunteers, who orchestrated all Golf Scramble requirements. It was a great day and a great way to raise money for the GVC scholarship fund.
Reference the photo gallery above, on May 9th, the GVC concluded a fantastic, fun-filled, action-packed week with our 2025 GVC Galloping Through the Ages-themed ball in Louisville, KY, orchestrated by SFC Vanessa Perez and other volunteers.
COL (Ret) Mike Hauser was our Ball guest speaker, and he shared his guidance and HR-focused direction for success with over 240 guests. AG/HR leaders from various commands, including the entire HRC command team, attended the Ball. During the Ball, we recognized our corporate sponsors (Golden Key Group, PingWind/EXETER, North South Consulting Group, PZI International, Cornerbrooke, First Command, Verity Truss, and Salesforce) and many of our GVC members with AG Regimental awards and local Chapter awards. Our door prize raffle added to the excitement with gift baskets and giveaways to several lucky winners. The first-ever LIVE PAINTING was conducted and auctioned during the Ball. This event was a huge success and unique to this year's Ball. Additionally, 13 deserving students received a total of $13,000 in GVC scholarships. It was a perfect way to end a fantastic week because we all paused for a moment in an act of appreciation to recognize the sources of goodness in our lives.
Article and pictures provided by Gold Vault Chapter VP of Public Affairs, SFC Nellybeth T. Joseph.