A Season of Service, Leadership, and Impact: Lone Star Chapter Year-End Highlights
The Lone Star Chapter closed the year with a strong showing of engagement, leadership, and service to both the AG Corps and the local community. On 11 December, the chapter hosted its Membership & Mentorship Mixer, bringing members together for professional development and meaningful dialogue. Special thanks to LTC Julia Lensing, SGM Brad Toles, SGM Jennifer Loera, CW4 Daniel Bleifield, and 1SG Dacquarius Payne for sharing their experience, mentorship, and insight with our members. Their leadership helped make the event impactful and professionally enriching.
On 10 December, the chapter proudly recognized 1LT Amanda Smart with the COL Robert L. Manning Achievement Medal for her outstanding contributions to the IRONHORSE Brigade in both Poland and garrison operations. Members also had the honor of attending the retirement ceremony of SGM Daniel Cruz after 28 years of honorable service. In recognition of his unwavering support to the AG Corps and the Lone Star Chapter, SGM Cruz was presented with a plaque and commemorative cigar case. His legacy of leadership, authenticity, and mentorship will continue to inspire.
Chapter camaraderie remained strong as council members gathered on 13 December for a fellowship dinner and White Elephant gift exchange, reinforcing the teamwork and relationships that sustain the chapter’s success.
Community service remained a central focus throughout December. On 17 December, members supported gift wrapping efforts at the Main Exchange, thanks to the outstanding teamwork of the 502nd HR Company and chapter volunteers. Additional outreach included donations of toys and supplies to Families in Crisis and Friends in Crisis in Killeen, made possible through generous support from G&E Transportation, the Copeland Center, and CSM (Ret) Mark Phillip. These efforts reflected the chapter’s commitment to compassion, teamwork, and giving back.
On 22 December, the Lone Star Chapter supported a family in need by coordinating and providing gifts for four children, presented on behalf of the chapter by President Katrina Ford. This initiative embodied the heart of the chapter’s service mission and demonstrated the power of collective action.
The chapter began the new year by supporting the Wreath Retrieval at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery on 10 January. Members and volunteers ensured our fallen heroes were honored with dignity and respect, closing the season with a meaningful act of remembrance and service.
The AGCRA Lone Star Chapter continues to exemplify professionalism, leadership, and community impact through consistent engagement, recognition of excellence, and selfless service.