AUSA Honors Soldier of the Year and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers of the Year The premier event, the Leadership Awards Ceremony, honors the Soldiers of the Year from the 32 major commands in Missouri and Illinois along with awarding over $20,000 in scholarships to Soldiers in Uniform, children whose parents are currently serving or are veterans and children whose parents work in the defense industry. (Photo: 2017 AUSA Soldiers of the Year)