Fort Drum AUSA recognizes 2020 Family of the Year

The Northern New York-Fort Drum Chapter of the Association of the United States Army is pleased to recognize the SSG Casey Raines Family as its Family of the Year.

SSG Casey Raines with his wife, Brittany, and children Kamden, Mason, Brooklyn, Caleb, Caiden, and Bentley are this year's Family of the Year. "The Raines family demonstrates the heart of a strong community," notes Mr. McLaughlin. SSG Raines is a member of the 91st MP Battalion. The family is extremely active in the community having founded Warm Up Watertown in 2018. The family collects scarves and hats, and during the cold weather months, they go to Watertown and hang the collected items on light poles, benches, etc. with a note asking those who need them to take them. The family also assists with their Back to School Brigade that provides backpacks with essential supplies to students.

SSG Raines and his family are extremely involved with their Chapel, Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts, USO, and Youth Sports. Brittany Raines is also a SFRG Leader for the 91st MP Battalion, as well as a Giving Tuesday Military, Fort Drum Ambassador. SSG Raines is the recipient of a Volunteer Recognition Certificate from the 91st MP Battalion, and Brittany was recognized in 2019 as the Volunteer of the Year for the 91st MP Battalion.

The children are equally involved in their community. Kamden and Brooklyn have been recognized with a Fort Drum Girl Scout Volunteer Appreciation Award. Caleb has been recognized as a Cub Scout Volunteer of the Month.

The family was recognized by AUSA First Region and their name has been submitted for an award to AUSA National. The Chapter will recognize the family in the future at a date and time to be determined.

Brittany Raines is the daughter of Garth (Jill) Quade and Leslie Kerr.

The Northern New York-Fort Drum Chapter of the Association of the United States Army has been serving the men and women of the 10th Mountain Division for over 30 years. AUSA is a membership organization that works to support all aspects of national security while advancing the interests of America's Army and the men and women who serve.