2011 Fall NGAT News Magazine

Fall

2011

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE NATIONAL GUARD ASSOCIATION OF TEXAS F o u n d e d 1959 • Vo l u m e 52 • N u m b e r 3

NGAT MAGAZINE CHANGES Page 5

NGAUS CONFERENCE Page 14

EANGUS CONFERENCE Pages 18-19

NGAT CONFERENCE Pages 20-21

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Property and casualty insurance products are available to military members and their former dependents who meet certain membership eligibility criteria. To find out if you are eligible, contact USAA. Underwriting restrictions apply. Automobile insurance provided by United Services Automobile Association and its insurance affiliates, San Antonio, TX. Each company has sole financial responsibility for its own products. CONSUMER DISCLOSURE: NO PURCHASE OR AUTO INSURANCE QUOTE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE OR QUOTE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. The USAA WinWin Sweepstakes (hereafter, “Promotion”) is open to legal residents residing in the fifty (50) United States, the District of Columbia or Puerto Rico who are eighteen (18) years of age or older, or the age of majority in their state of residence, whichever is older, at the time of the Grand Prize drawing and are eligible for membership in the USAA Property and Casualty Insurance Group or spouses of individuals who are eligible for membership in the USAA Property and Casualty Insurance Group. Promotion begins 12:00:01 a.m. (midnight) Central Time (“CT”) on August 22, 2011, and ends 11:59:59 p.m. CT on November 4, 2011 (the “Promotion Period”). All entries submitted before or after the Promotion Period will not be eligible. Quick Quote through Mobile and usaa.com are not eligible methods of entry for this Promotion.

You have not yet won. (1) Grand Prize: Grand Prize Winner’s choice of any 2012 Chevrolet vehicle, with an ARV not to exceed $40,000, and $10,000 awarded in the form of a check. Total ARV of Grand Prize not to exceed $50,000. (1) Recipient Prize: Recipient Prize winner’s choice of any 2012 Chevrolet vehicle, with an ARV not to exceed $40,000, and $10,000 awarded in the form of a check. Total ARV of Recipient Prize not to exceed $50,000. (4) First Prizes: A four (4) day/three (3) night trip for winner and up to three (3) guests to Washington, D.C., from December 8, 2011– December 11, 2011, to attend The Army-Navy football game and the Grand Prize winner announcement. First Prize value not to exceed $7,000 each. Odds of First Prize Winner winning Grand Prize are dependent on the total number of eligible entries received throughout the Promotion Period. Each entry, regardless of method of entry, will have an equal chance of winning. Odds of First Prize Winner winning the Grand Prize are 1:4. Taxes are winners’ sole responsibility. Void where prohibited. You can also enter online and view Official Rules, which govern, at www.usaa.com/win. For a copy of the Official Rules, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to be received by January 16, 2012, to: USAA WinWin Sweepstakes Rules, Attn: Sponsorship Team, 9800 Fredericksburg Road, San Antonio, TX 78288. Sponsored by USAA, 9800 Fredericksburg Road, San Antonio, TX 78288. General Motors is not a sponsor or participant in this Promotion. No implied endorsement by General Motors or by the Department of Defense or any other United States government agency. © 2011 USAA. 132615-0911

2011-12 Board of Directors President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Justin Perryman

contents

President-Elect . . . . . . . . . . . . . Charles Chavers Vice-President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Daniel Quick Secretary-Treasurer . . . . . . . Dewayne Naumann HQ, TXMF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gerold Gamble ARNG Troops . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Johnny Hairgrove

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Letter from the President

36th ID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John Crawson

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NGAT News Format Change Announcement

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Members Spotlight

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Conference Update

72nd IBCT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Les Edwards

Paula Daigle-Hutchins 56th IBCT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Craig Normand

Jeremy Amis

Medal of Valor

36th Sustainment Bde . . . . . . . . . Gene Cummins

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36 CAB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ashley Brown th

Legislative Update

9/ Wisian Appointed New ATAG

176 Engr Bde . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Delmas Vandine th

Air Guard Gets New Command Chief

71st BfSB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . James Dula Key Leadership Changes

136th CSB (ME) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Artis Harden

HQ, TANG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ian Manire

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10/ Homecomings

176th Engr/36th ID Return Home

149th FW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Albert Cardenas

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Close Assault 1944/Nike Missile History

147th RW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Henry Wiley

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Around the World with the Guard

136th AW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scott Wedel

14/ NGAUS Conference Recap

TX State Guard Rep . . . . . . . Dewayne Naumann

16/ Around Texas with the Guard

Retired Rep – Region I . . . . . . . . . . Stan Kitzman

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EANGUS Conference Recap

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Cruz Re-Elected to EANGUS Exec. Council

Retired Rep – Region II . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vacant Retired Rep – Region III . . . . . . . . Bill Abernathy

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Family Readiness Rep . . . . . . . . . Deborah Evans

14/ NGAUS Conf. Recap

2012 NGAT Joint Conference Information

NGATEF Scholarship Competition

Publisher . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.medianation.net The NGAT Awards Program

Editors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Theresa Billeck-Zuniga Reid Douglass

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2012 NGAT Joint Conference Registration

Executive Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ray Lindner

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TAPS/Sponsors

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NGAT 2011-2012 Planning Calendar

NGAT NEWS

NGAT HOME PAGE

3706 Crawford Ave.

www.ngat.org

Austin, TX 78731 (512) 454-7300 1-800-252-NGAT (6428)

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NGAT E-MAIL rlindner@ngat.org rcasias@ngat.org membership@ngat.org insurance@ngat.org ngatnews@ngat.org

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18/ EANGUS Conf. Recap

ON THE COVER: Photos from the EANGUS Conference held in Charleston, WV and photos from the NGAUS Conference held in Milwaukee, WI. (Photos by MSG (Ret) Theresa Billeck-Zuniga) NGAT NEWS (USPS 015-752) IS PUBLISHED QUARTERLY BY THE NATIONAL GUARD ASSOCIATION OF TEXAS, 3706 CRAWFORD AVENUE, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78731-6308 PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT AUSTIN TX 78710 AND ADDITIONAL OFFICES POSTMASTER: SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO: NGAT NEWS, 3706 CRAWFORD AVENUE, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78731-6803 MEMBERS MAY EMAIL ADDRESS CHANGE TO: MEMBERSHIP@NGAT.ORG

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P r e s i d e n t ’ s

R e p o r t

abated, and even 80 degree weather now feels OUR RECORD TEXAS SUMMER HEAT finally appears to have own blistering operational pace. A large number of positively fall-like! And through the heat, the Guard kept up its ent, and many more are preparing for deployment this Soldiers and Airmen have recently returned home from deploym have devastated large areas of the state, underscoring once fall and winter. Others have been responding to the fires that again the broad mission set of our National Guard.

S Conference in Charleston, WV, with 45 attendees, This past summer NGAT was well represented at the EANGU orders. This year’s NGAUS conference was in including 10 Soldiers and Airmen on professional development and Airmen on professional development orders.

Milwaukee, WI, and we had 47 attendees, including 9 Soldiers Chief of National Guard Bureau; Lt Gen Wyatt, Director Speakers at these two conferences included General McKinley, National Guard; and numerous other military, state and Air National Guard; MG Carpenter, acting Director of Army career. There attend at least one EANGUS or NGAUS Conference during your political dignitaries. I would recommend that every NGAT member year’s Next either. shakers of the National Guard. The hospitality suites aren’t bad is no better place to mingle and network with the movers and us. join conference is in Reno, Nevada. NGAT will be there, so please EANGUS conference is in Long Beach, California, and the NGAUS less. The day of ces was that tomorrow’s military force will have to do more with The underlying theme of the NGAUS and EANGUS conferen and EANGUS will , NGAUS NGAT, as such ions Associat at least for the near term. unlimited budgets and carte blanch military benefits is over — education, health — nt, retireme — table the on is benefit Every the past decade of war. have to fight hard to retain those benefits we have secured over and airman in the Texas without the membership and support of each and every soldier and nothing is safe. We cannot hope to protect these benefits each of you to help by need We ton.

Washing in you t represen to and validates our claim National Guard. Strong membership undergirds our message, recruiting your fellow Guardsmen to join NGAT. easy for you to do by officials with your support of military legislation. This is very In addition, we need you to assist us in contacting your elected the Legislative Action on click and rg NGUS.o go to www.NGAUS.org or www.EA using CAPWIZ on either the NGAUS or EANGUS website. Simply and laws. benefits military our in ce and a few minutes to make a big differen Center or Legislative Alerts tabs. All you need is your address ities have been solicited is already in the planning stage. Military and veteran commun It may be hard to believe, but the 83rd Texas Legislative Session military and veteran new for to contact our NGAT office with your suggestions for potential legislation to present in the next session. Don’t hesitate but we need history, our in hard to make the 83rd Session the most effective benefits, as well as those you want preserved. NGAT will be working deal. your support and assistance. Together we can accomplish a great publish the magazine issue provided to our entire membership. We will continue to This issue of the NGAT News Magazine will be the last paper some of our members prohibitive to continue a printed copy. However, we realize that electronically, but the high cost of paper and mailing make it printed magazine. provision for those people who wish to continue to receive a rely exclusively on the printed page, so we are providing an opt-in Please see page 5 for details. in Houston. This year’s March 23-25, 2012. In 2013 we will be in Dallas and in 2014 The 53rd Annual NGAT Conference will be held in Austin on time. for a Texas size great theme is more family-friendly than ever. Please bring your family

Thank you for your continued support of our Association,

and please join us in making your association the best ever!

Justin D. Perryman MAJ, JA, TXARNG President, NGAT NGAT Past President Col (Ret) Ed Komandosky and his wife Susan enjoy a lobster dinner in Portland, Maine, while attending continuing education for his position as an insurance agent for NGAT.

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Members of the NGAT Board of Directors gathered for a strategic planning session at Camp Mabry to map out the association’s vision and goals for the future. (Photo by MSG (Ret) Theresa Billeck-Zuniga)

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THE NGAT NEWS IS GOING ELECTRONIC! For the last several years, NGAT has produced both a written and electronic magazine. However, starting with the next issue, NGAT will be distributing printed copies of the NGAT News Magazine only to those members who opt-in to receive the printed magazine.

THIS WILL BE YOUR LAST PRINTED MAGAZINE UNLESS YOU REQUEST TO RECEIVE THE PAPER COPY OF THE NGAT NEWS MAGAZINE. If you would like to continue to receive a printed copy of the NGAT News Magazine, please contact NGAT to opt-in on the printed magazine in one of the following ways:

PLEASE PROVIDE NGAT WITH YOUR CURRENT EMAIL ADDRESS (NO AKO ADDRESSES PLEASE) SO THAT WE MAY

Call membership at

NOTIFY YOU WHEN OUR MAGAZINE IS AVAILABLE FOR

(512) 454-7300 or 1-800-252-NGAT Email us to opt-in at

ON-LINE VIEWING.

membership@ngat.org Fax us this request to

WE CANNOT NOTIFY YOU THAT OUR PUBLICATION IS

(512) 467-6803

AVAILABLE FOR VIEWING WITHOUT YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS!

Mail the form below to the NGAT office

Mail Below Form to: NGAT • 3706 Crawford Ave. • Austin, TX 78731 Please provide your name, address and email address to opt-in on the printed magazine.

p YES, I would like to continue receiving a printed copy of the NGAT News Magazine. p YES, I would like the NGAT News Magazine emailed to me.

Name:_______________________________________________________________________________________ Address:_____________________________________________________________________________________ City: ____________________________________________ State: ______________ Zip:____________________ Email Address: _______________________________________________________________________________

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M E M B E R S

S P O T L I G H T “CHIEF” RECEIVES NATIVE AMERICAN AWARD

OWENS RETIRES

CMSgt Marcus W. Falleaf was presented a DoD Meritorious Service Award by the Society of American Indian Government Employees (SAIGE) at the Cherokee Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Tulsa, OK during the annual conference. CMSgt Falleaf is one-half Delaware/Kaw Indian and the State Human Resource Advisor for the 147th Fighter Wing. He is also a former member of the NGAT Board of Directors.

NGAT Life Member MG Darren Owens (right) receives the Texas Superior Service Medal from the Adjutant General of Texas Maj Gen John Nichols at his retirement ceremony recently held at Camp Mabry while his wife Lori looks on. (Photo by SGM (TX)

BRONZE STARS AWARDED

Steve Gamboa)

STANDING PROUD

Members of the 272nd Engineering and Installation Squadron, Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base, Houston, Texas, received the Bronze Star Medal for exceptionally meritorious service during combat operations while deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Pictured left to right are 147th Reconnaissance Wing Commander Col Jack Daniel, CMSgt Brian Wilhelm, MSgt Thomas Taylor, MSgt Lee Brasher and TSgt William Taylor. These airmen were assigned to the United States Army’s 359th Theater Tactical Signal Brigade in Afghanistan. All are members of the National Guard Association of Texas. (Photo by SSgt David Porcelle)

Proud grandfather CSM (Ret) Bob Dashman (right) proudly stands with his grandson, PVT Mikeal Wyatt, after PVT Wyatt’s USMC graduation at USMC Recruit Depot in San Diego, CA. The comments from the commandant at graduation were memorable, telling the parents: 1. You will now hear your son saying words that sound odd coming from him, words like Sir and Ma’am. 2. When you feed him dinner, he will eat everything on his plate. 3. Regardless of what he says, he really does know how to make his bed. And finally, the one that got the loudest cheer of all: 4. I can assure you that he now knows the proper way to wear his pants!

NGAT MEMBER WINS SPOT AT MOTOCROSS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

NGAT LIFE MEMBER STARTS HER MILITARY CAREER PFC Portia Grant (NGAT Life Member) recently graduated from basic training at Fort Sill, OK. She is now attending her Advanced Individual Training (AIT) at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, TX to become a 68W (Health Care Specialist). PFC Grant is a member of Co C 949th BSB and the daughter of NGAT Life Member SFC (Ret) Bill and Kathy Grant.

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Lt Col Gordon Niebergall (NGAT Life Member) of the 149th Fighter Wing is chasing his dream. The 42-year-old dirt bike racer qualified for the largest amateur motocross race in the world, the 30th Annual Red Bull AMA Amateur National Motocross Championships at Loretta Lynn’s Ranch in Hurricane Mills, TN. Niebergall took on over 20,000 hopefuls from across America to earn one of just 1,386 qualifying positions. Competing in the Senior 40 Plus division, he finished 32nd overall at the National Motocross Championship. Lt Col Niebergall is the Commander of the 149th Operations Support Flight and is an F-16 instructor pilot.

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MAKE MONEY FOR YOUR UNIT!

ation of Texas National Guard Associ Austin, Texas 78731 e enu Av rd wfo 3706 Cra 252-NGAT 001-8 ) (TX (512) 454-7300 w.ngat.org FAX: (512) 467-6803 ww 15 October 2011 DISTRIBUTION FOR:

NGAT Conference Atte

NGAT Con SUBJECT: 53rd Annual

SELL NGAT CONFERENCE PROGRAM ADS

Purchase or sell advertisement space in the NGAT Conference Program and 50% of all sales generated from 1/8 page ads and above will be donated to the unit of your choice or the NGAT Educational Foundation. Do you have a business you want people in the Guard to know about? Put your business card in the NGAT Conference Program for only $25.00. Applications for advertising can be found on the NGAT web site conference page.

ndee

ference Update

will be held jointly rd Association of Texas rd nce of the National Gua fere tin Convention Con Aus ual the Ann at 2 53 201 1. The 25 March ders’ Conference on 23conference hotel man The Com .

G TX TA tin, the Aus with tes Austin Downtown in Sui & el ions directly Hot n rvat isso rese l Rad hote Center and se make your for Suites, Austin, TX. Plea hotel rate is $107 plus tax The . is the Radisson Hotel & 611 8-9 -47 512 or 2 to 800-333-3333 prior to 24 February 201 ions with the hotel by calling rvat rese r you e tions. Please mak single/double accommoda m rate. receive the discounted roo mander’s Conference to all sessions of the Com participants are invited also invited to attend nce are fere con ants t icip join part All nce 2. ed session. Joint confere unless it is noted as a clos s Meeting. the NGAT Annual Busines 2012. on Saturday, 24 March s session will take place 3. The NGAT busines appropriate attire and times, tentative agenda, ng to committee meeting site after 15 Nov 2011 at web AT NG 4. Information pertaini the on le will be availab administrative instructions www.ngat.org.

Meal packages will ference is 9 Mar 2012. ister for the NGAT Con 5. The deadline to reg registrations. not be available to on site ce by 15 February 2012. s are due to the NGAT offi 6. Scholarship application Soldier or encouraged to sponsor a friends of the Guard are and Sponsor. To riot bers Pat a mem ng tion omi ocia by bec 7. All Ass fees for the conference ing lodg nce and fere tion con r stra you regi Airman’s itional $300 with gram. r, simply enclose an add the NGAT Conference Pro become a Patriot Sponso rs will be recognized in nso Spo riot Pat All . registration fees rve your hotel room nce, so make sure to rese at our 53rd NGAT Confere 8. We hope to see you and register early.

GET YOUR BUSINESS NOTICED! While our tradeshow consists mainly of military related products and hardware, we are attempting to increase the number of non-military related exhibitors and vendors.

If you offer a product or service for sale that our Guardmembers could use, we invite you to exhibit at our conference. Whether you’re selling books or homemade pies, make-up, clothing or crafts, we think you could be a good addition to our show. We are offering a 10x10 complimentary exhibit space over the dates of our conference. We have a limited number of these complimentary exhibit spaces and will be offering them on a first-come-first-served basis. Download additional information on the NGAT website conference page.

Respectfully,

Ray Lindner Executive Director

RAYBURNS RECEIVES TEXAS MEDAL OF VALOR 26 YEARS AFTER LIFE-SAVING MISSION NGAT LIFE MEMBER SGM LARRY RAYBURN, Information Operations Sergeant Major with the 36th ID headquarters in Basrah, Iraq, received the Texas Medal of Valor from MG Eddy M. Spurgin, 36th ID Commanding General. Rayburn earned the second highest Texas award for his actions during an ill-fated training exercise in 1985 when he was a lead scout with 2nd Platoon, Company G, 143rd Infantry (Airborne Ranger). During a training exercise in Germany on a cold day in January, Rayburn was one of two men of a five-man “stick” who escaped injury during an All-Weather Delivery System parachute jump, and he battled through the bitter cold and limited visibility to recover gear and his severely injured teammates. This was the first such jump for members of the Texas Army National Guard. The Lone Star Medal of Valor is presented to members of the Texas Military Forces for extraordinary acts of courage while in service to the Texas Military Forces. H

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Corporal Larry Rayburn in 1985.

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U pdate

L e g i s l a t i v e

Military Retirement and Health Benefits Under Attack AS THE NATION’S LEGISLATORS STRUGGLE to find ways to cut the federal debt, both military retirement and health benefits have been targeted for cuts in multiple proposals. The GI Bill is also undergoing scrutiny, and there are proposals to scale back the monthly benefits dramatically.

It is imperative that NGAT have your email address so we can alert you to impending legislation that may reduce benefits. Please email us at membership@ ngat.org to make sure we have your current email and street address. Please use a private email address, and not your government issued email address. Include your full name on the message to ensure we do not incorrectly post an address. H

Guard Empowerment Update • S ixty-five senators now sponsor legislation that would give the Guard’s senior officer, the chief of the National Guard Bureau, a seat on the Joint Chiefs of Staff. To date, neither Sen. Hutchison nor Sen. Cornyn has signed on to sponsor this legislation.

• S en. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., and Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., introduced the National Guard Empowerment and State-National Defense Integration Act of 2011 (S. 1025) in late May. •T he House approved a similar proviso in May, meaning it now only needs Senate approval to be sent to the president, who committed to a Guard “seat at the table” in his 2008 campaign booklet, The Blueprint for Change: Barack Obama’s Plan for America.

•P lease contact these two senators and ask them for their support. You may use either ngaus.org or eangus.org to use their legislative alerts to send your message. H

Pictured left to right are LCDR (TX) Tim Kleinschmidt, LCDR (TX) Larry Gonzales, CDR (TX) Dan Flynn and BG (TX) Robert Bodisch as they pose in front of the Texas State Capitol following Flynn’s keynote address marking the anniversary of the Bataan Death March. Kleinschmidt, Gonzales and Flynn are all members of the Texas legislature and the Texas State Guard.

(Photo by LT (TX) Dale Laine)

U.S. Representative Charlie Gonzalez (TX-20) of San Antonio visits members of the Texas Air National Guard’s 149th Fighter Wing at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. (Photo by SSgt Phil Fountain)

TEXAS NATIONAL GUARD MARKS DECADE OF POST-9/11 SERVICE TEXAS ADJUTANT GENERAL MAJ GEN JOHN NICHOLS cuts the ribbon on the “9-11 and Beyond: The Texas National Guard in the War on Terror” exhibit at the Texas Military Forces Museum while many of his senior officers, the TXMF Historical Foundation executive board members, museum staff and volunteers, and political leaders look on. A special ceremony preceded the opening of the exhibit, with Maj Gen Nichols being joined by Lt Gov David Dewhurst, U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul, State Senator Kirk Watson and Austin Mayor Lee Leffingwell, in addition to Austin’s police and fire chiefs and many other distinguished politicians, to commemorate the tenth anniversary of 9-11 and pay tribute to the men and women of the Texas Military Forces. The exhibit is the largest and most expensive in the museum, and includes displays on the Texas National Guard’s support to Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, major Texas National Guard deployments, and many interactive displays and presentations. H 8

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T EX A S MIL ITARY F O RC E S LE A DE RS HI P C HA NG ES WISIAN TAKES CHARGE OF THE TEXAS AIR NATIONAL GUARD THE ADJUTANT GENERAL OF TEXAS is pleased to announce that Governor Perry has appointed Colonel Kenneth W. Wisian to serve as the Texas Military Forces Assistant Adjutant General for Air. Colonel Wisian is the former Commander of the 147th Reconnaissance Wing at Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base in Houston, and has been serving as the Acting Assistant Adjutant General for Air since 9 May 2011. Colonel Wisian received a bachelor’s degree in physics from the University of Texas and a doctorate degree in geophysics from Southern Methodist University. He holds a Master Navigator rating in the Air Force and has logged more than 3800 flight hours in a variety of aircraft. Colonel Wisian is a graduate of the Squadron Officer School, the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School and the Air Command and Staff College, and holds a master degree in strategic studies from the US Army War College. H

Maj Gen John F. Nichols, Texas Adjutant General; CCMSgt Kevin O’Gorman, 136th Air Wing; and Col Kenneth W. Wisian, Assistant Texas Adjutant General for Air, face the audience as they prepare for the traditional “Passing of the Colors” at the Assistant Texas Adjutant General for Air change of command. Col Kenneth W. Wisian took command of the Texas Air National Guard from outgoing, and now Texas Adjutant General, Maj Gen John F. Nichols at a ceremony at Camp Mabry in Austin, TX, Sept 9, 2011. (Photo by SSG Malcolm McClendon)

OGORMAN NAMED TEXAS AIR NATIONAL GUARD COMMAND CHIEF CHIEF MASTER SERGEANT KEVIN J. O’GORMAN has been named the Command Chief for the Texas Air National Guard and will be replacing retiring CCMSgt Sam Davis in January. He is the Command Chief Master Sergeant for the 136th Airlift Wing. He currently is a Flight Squadron Engineer Supervisor working with the 181st Airlift Squadron in Fort Worth, Texas.

MG Eddy Spurgin (right), 36th ID commander, passes the 72nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team colors to COL Charles “Chuck” Aris during a change of command ceremony in San Antonio, Texas. The ceremony formally marked the 72nd IBCT’s transfer of leadership from retiring COL Mark Campsey to COL Charles Aris.

Chief O’Gorman entered the United States Air Force in January 1974, and attended Aircraft Maintenance Specialist School at Sheppard AFB, Texas. In September 1984, he joined the Texas Air National Guard. Chief O’Gorman was forward deployed in support of Operation Volant Oak (Central & South America), Operation Southern Watch (Oman), Operation Desert Shield/Storm (Saudi Arabia), and Operation Provide Comfort (Iraq/Turkey). He also attended Flight Engineer training and Instructor School at Little Rock AFB, AR. Chief O’Gorman has deployed six times to five different locations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (Iraq). In two of those locations, he not only flew combat lines, but was assigned as the Deployed Operations Group Chief (Acting). In April 2009, Chief O’Gorman assumed the duty as the 136th Airlift Wing Command Chief Master Sergeant. H W W W . N G A T . O R G

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(Photo by SGT Suzanne Carter)

Soldiers and airmen with Joint Task Force 71 participate in a change of command ceremony in Bryan, Texas, on Oct. 14, 2011.

JTF-71 recently completed a National Guard Bureau evaluation for certification as the Homeland Response Force for FEMA Region VI. Outgoing commander COL Bill Hall transferred command to COL Lee Schnell (right), who received the unit’s colors from the Adjutant General of Texas Maj Gen John F. Nichols during the change of command ceremony. (Photo by SPC Andrew Oeffinger)

Col Jack Daniel Commander 147th Reconnaissance Wing CSM Richard Milford Command Sergeant Major Texas Army National Guard H

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176TH ENGINEER BRIGADE RETURN HOME FROM AFGHANISTAN

36TH ID HOME FROM IRAQ THE 36TH INFANTRY DIVISION HEADQUARTERS returned to Central Texas, fresh from their command in southern Iraq. The Austinbased unit is only the third National Guard division headquarters to command reserve and active-duty troops in Iraq since the beginning of combat operations in Iraq and the subsequent reduction of U.S. military personnel. The 36th Infantry Division Headquarters’ 700 soldiers trained at North Fort Hood’s First Army Division West before deploying to Iraq in September 2010. They took command of the country’s U.S. Division-South in January.

(Original Story by SFC Daniel Griego) THE UNIT INSIGNIA OF THE 176TH ENGINEER BRIGADE proudly proclaims, “Quod Incepimus Conficiemus,” latin for, “What we have begun, we will finish.” The accomplished soldiers of the 176th Engineer Brigade recently returned home from a year-long deployment to Afghanistan. The brigade’s mission included humanitarian construction projects and road-clearing as U.S. forces continue to stabilize the region.

The flight from Afghanistan routed through Germany and Illinois before finally touching ground at the Robert Gray Army Air Field on Thursday, July 7. This deployment was the first official mobilization for the Grand Prairie-based unit, although many of its soldiers have deployed previously with other units. While in Afghanistan, the brigade put their skills and training to the test as they supervised and directed all engineer efforts throughout the northern half of the country.

The Guardsmen began returning last month, after relinquishing their command to the 25th Infantry Division of Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.

The Texas soldiers worked to transfer military responsibilities to the Department of State and oversaw training of Iraqi security forces while in southern Iraq. Now that the Citizen-Soldiers of the 36th Infantry Division have successfully completed their historic one year mission, it’s time for most of them to become . . . citizens again. They return home to their families and their jobs with unique memories of Iraq and its people, and a better understanding of the world and its many cultures far outside the borders of Texas. H

“It was an excellent mission,” said BG Lester Simpson, commander of the 176th Engineer Brigade. “It gave us an opportunity to work with Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine service members. More importantly, we worked with the Afghan National Army engineers, teaching them engineer fundamentals, as well as combat engineering.”

Now that the mission is complete and the unit is home again, the soldiers of the brigade will begin the process of family reintegration and returning to their home lives. These actions include family assistance gatherings such as yellow ribbon events, which offer focused guidance for soldiers and families following deployment. H

A proud father hugs his daughter upon her return from deployment with the 36th Infantry Division.

36th Infantry Division band member SPC Carlos Meda reunites with his wife Erica at Fort Hood following their year-long separation while he supported Operation New Dawn in southern Iraq.

Family Members look on during the 176th Engineer Brigade welcome home ceremony held at the Gatesville High School gym in Gatesville, TX. (Photo by MSG (Ret) Theresa Billeck-Zuniga)

SPC Steven Ahrens is all smiles as he is greeted by his wife Annette and 8 month old daughter Summer, who was born during his deployment to Afghanistan with the 176th Engineer Brigade.

SFC Myron Rodriguez (left) and SSG Brandon Ramirez of the 176th Engineer Brigade step off the aircraft that brought them home from a year-long deployment to Afghanistan. (Photo by SFC Daniel Griego)

(Photo by MSG (Ret) Theresa Billeck-Zuniga)

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MG Eddy M. Spurgin (left), commander, 36th Infantry Division, and CSM Wilson Early case the 36th Infantry Division colors during a ceremony at Contingency Operating Base Basra signifying the completion of the 36th Infantry Division’s mission as command and control headquarters for U.S. Division – South. (Photo by SPC Brittany H. Gardner)

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NIKE MISSILE STORY COMING TO THE TEXAS MILITARY FORCES MUSEUM

CLOSE ASSAULT 1944 COME JOIN THE TEXAS MILITARY FORCES MUSEUM at Camp Mabry on November 12-13 for Close Assault: 1944! This hourlong program focuses on the equipment of U.S. and German forces in World War II and culminates in a reenactment of an attack on a German strongpoint. Admission is free. For more information, please visit www.texasmilitaryforcesmuseum.com or call 512-782-5659. H

AS PART OF AN EXPANDED EXHIBIT on the Cold War, the Texas Military Forces Museum is planning a display to tell the story of the Texas Army National Guard’s NIKE Missile batteries. The museum is seeking photographs, paperwork, written or oral histories and artifacts (uniforms, equipment and other items) to help fill in the story of the batteries. In addition, anyone interested in helping the museum fund this new exhibit is encouraged to contribute to the cause. Those who have information or materials related to the Texas National Guard NIKE Missile story can contact the museum at 512782-5659, or email Museum Director Jeff Hunt at jeff.hunt@us.army. mil or Deputy Director Lisa Sharik at lisa.sharik@us.army.mil. H

At University of Phoenix we assign a dedicated team of advisors to all of our military students to make sure you have the tools you need to reach your educational goals.

Call 210.452.4436 for more information.

© 2011 University of Phoenix, Inc. All rights reserved.

materials carefully. Call the Production Manager immediately if you detect problems. PM: Madeine Belliveau 415.970.6700 ext. 138

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Members of Texas Team Alpha proudly display some of the medals they won during the 2011 Military Advisory Council V Combat Marksmanship Competition held at the Greenlief Training Center in Hastings, Nebraska. Pictured left to right are SGT George “Buddy� Holley (Joint Task Force 71), 1LT Robert Lee (101st FSB), MAJ John Conley (JFTX) and TSgt Donnie Hicks (147th RW). (Photo by Tanya Lippincott)

The 531st Air National Guard Band of the Gulf Coast from NAS Fort Worth JRB, Texas, poses for a group photo before performing at Redondo Beach Pier, Redondo Beach, CA. The band joins the 562nd Air National Guard Band of the Southwest for their 2011 tour in Camarillo, Woodland Hills, Anaheim, West Minster and Redondo Beach. (Photo by TSgt Charles Hatton) SrA Luz Rivera, an aerospace medical technician with the 149th Fighter Wing, prepares an ambulance before training operations begin at the Texas Air National Guard 204th Security Forces Squadron at Fort Bliss, Texas. (Photo

by SSgt Phil Fountain)

CMSgt Joe Gipson (right) and TSgt Marcus Nevarez (far left) of the 136th Airlift Wing discuss C-130 engine problems with Chilean Soldiers during training in Santiago, Chile.

SPC Don Comstock with the 111th Engr Bn leads a bulldozer through a fire break during firefighting efforts in Bastrop, Texas, on September 7, 2011.

(Photo by SSG Malcolm McClendon)

A member of Texas State Guard Maritime Regiment 3rd Battalion works on diving rescue techniques under the instruction of a Texas Parks & Wildlife safety diver during Annual Training in Houston, TX. (Photo by LCDR (TX) David Faltot)

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GUARD Task Force Commander LTC Timothy Senecaut (left) and CSM Bryan Senkirik uncase the colors of the 111th Engineer Battalion on FOB Deh Dadi 2 in Afghanistan to symbolize the operational control of the unit’s new area of operations.

Members of the Texas Agribusiness Development Team 5 model the new “MultiCam” fire-resistant Army Combat Uniform issued to troops deploying to Afghanistan. Pictured left to right are NGAT Life Members CPT James Fields III, MAJ James Carney, SFC Edward Borgeson and CPT Chol Chong.

NGAT Life Member MAJ Michael and Holly Singleton enjoy a ride on a elephant in Phuket, Thailand.

Sergeant Major of the Army Raymond F. Chandler III (right) poses for a picture with SPC Andrew Deason of A Co, 36th DSTB, at COB Basara, Iraq. (Photo by SPC Brittany H. Gardner)

CW3 Rodney Hammack (left) and CW2 Xlenske Sampson, 36th Infantry Division, slice a birthday cake at Contingency Operating Base Basra, Iraq, to celebrate the Army Warrant Officer Corps’ 93rd birthday.

36th Infantry Division Soldiers enjoy front-row entertainment as Chaka Khan performs at the old Post Exchange on Contingency Operating Base Basra. (Photo by SPC Brittany H. Gardner)

(Photo by PVT Andrew Slovensky)

The Wilkins family poses for a photo during their deployment together in Basra, Iraq, with the 36th Infantry Division. Pictured left to right are SPC Eldridge Wilkins Jr., SGT Roslyn Wilkins and MSG Eldridge Wilkins Sr. (Photo by PVT Andrew Slovensky)

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MARK YOUR CALENDAR

133rd NGAUS Conference Milwaukee, Wisconsin

September 9-12, 2012 - Reno, NV

THE 133RD NGAUS CONFERENCE was held in Milwaukee, WI. Despite the intrusion of Hurricane Irene, the conference went on as planned in the city famous for beer, brats and bikes — the motor kind, specifically those named Harley-Davidson.

While Hurricane Irene prevented one advertised speaker from appearing and forced another to appear by video, the 133rd General Conference maintained the association’s reputation for bringing substantive guests to the gathering to address serious issues.

Most speakers addressed the conference theme, The National Guard: Right for America, and covered a number of military and homeland security issues affecting the Guard, including overseas operations, domestic missions, and the impact of the current fiscal challenges on the defense budget.

Another matter of interest during the conference was a bill on Capitol Hill that would elevate the NGB chief to the Joint Chiefs of Staff. With passion, eloquence and more than a smidge of anger, MG Frank Vavala, the chairman of the NGAUS board, implored more than 2,000 National Guardsmen at the Conference to raise their voices and make a strong push now to put the National Guard on the Joint Chiefs of Staff. “It’s up to all of us here and every man and woman in our ranks,” said Vavala, the Adjutant General of Delaware. “We can get this done.”

Speaking in a forceful voice and pounding the podium for emphasis, Vavala said the Guard has never been closer to putting the chief of the National Guard Bureau on equal standing with the heads of the Army, Air Force, Navy and Marines. In fact, Vavala noted, the Marines are a smaller force than the National Guard, yet have a seat on the JCS and five four-star generals to the Guard’s one. “I’m damned mad and you should be, too,” he said in the opening session of the three-day conference. You can help “Write to Congress” by using the link on the NGAT website. Every voice counts!! www. ngat.org/alerts.php H

BG Lester Simpson and his wife Antionette are ready to roll at the NGAUS Governor’s Reception held at the Harley-Davidson Museum.

General Simpson and his wife also attended a unique event at this year’s conference: the “Freedom Ride.” The “Freedom Ride” was a motorcycle road trip from the streets of Milwaukee to the scenic countryside of Holy Hill. (Photo by MSG (Ret) Theresa Billeck-Zuniga)

NGAT President MAJ Justin Perryman (right) presents an NGAT coin to 2Lt Kristopher Bartels (center) for finishing 2nd in the NGAUS Fun Run for his age group. He also presented 2Lt Alyson White (left) with an NGAT coin for conducting the roll call for Texas at the NGAUS conference.

2Lt Kristopher Bartels poses for a photo with Chip Foose, a hot rod shop owner, automotive designer and fabricator, and former star of the reality TV series Overhaulin’ on TLC, at the NGAUS conference.

(Photo by MSG (Ret) Theresa Billeck-Zuniga)

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Soldiers from 101st IO Group in Austin, TX participated in the Texas Firewalkers 10 year memorial to commemorate the lives of those who died on Sep 11, 2001.

Each participant was assigned an accountability tag for one of the 343 New York Fire Department firefighters that lost their life responding to the twin towers.

The following Soldiers climbed in their honor (left to right): SGT Raul Gonzalez, 2LT Sabrina Zowada, CPT David Pattillo, SSG Ushave McKinney, SPC Cynthia Vargas, MSG Susan Haley and SSG Carlos Peralez.

Texas National Guardsmen from C Co, 3-124th CAV, check their gear prior to airborne ops. The Soldiers jumped out of a CH-47 during their drill weekend.

(Photo by SSG Malcolm McClendon)

F-16 GETS A NEW PAINT JOB TEXAS STYLE

GIRL POWER

USAF F-16C block 30 #87-0255, the flagship for the 149th Fighter Wing at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, was unveiled with a special livery on 1 October 2011. Known as the Lone Star Gunfighters, the 149th FW’s specialty scheme graphically shows the unit’s connection to the state of Texas and is part of a year-long celebration leading up the unit’s 65th anniversary in October 2012. (Photo by SSgt Phil Fountain)

The Audie Murphy Warrant Officers Association conducted a 100-mile Relay Race in early October at Camp Mabry to raise money for their scholarship program. The winning team was named “Girls Can’t What?,” with a winning time of 16 hours 24 min. Members of the team left to right are: 1LT Crystal Garcia, CPT Melva Rivera, CPT Laura Cross, CPT Yael Rackley, MAJ Laura Jane Stephens, LTC Sharon Henderson, MAJ Heather Flores, Carol Sutherland-Spencer, SSG Millie Henderson and SSG Daisy Prieto.

COUNCIL OF RETIRED EXECUTIVES FORMED AT CAMP MABRY

GULF OF MEXICO JOINT EXERCISE

Former general officers attend the inaugural conference of the Council of Retired Executives in the Texas Military Forces Museum at Camp Mabry, Texas. The Adjutant General of Texas proposed the idea of the senior mentor team comprised of retired military leaders, who will lend their experience and guidance for the benefit of the Texas National Guard. A long-term relationship with former general officers ensures that their years of knowledge will not be lost and will remain available to Texas Military Forces. (Photo by SPC Praxedis Pineda)

The joint efforts of the 19th Special Forces, the 627th Engineer Dive Detachment, the 294th Quartermaster Company and the 108th Aviation Task Force led to the successful completion of a water jump and hazard familiarity exercise in Corpus Christi, Texas. (Photo by SSG Melissa Bright)

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G U A R D TRAINING FOR MOBILIZATION

CHECKING THE WEATHER

SPC Jaime Rios (far right), along with fellow Guardsmen, pulls an injured soldier to safety. The Texas National Guardsmen from Alpha Troop, Task Force Raptor (3124 CAV), have been brushing up on their soldiering skills during Pre Mobilization Training at Camp Swift, Texas. (Photo by SSG Malcolm McClendon)

SOLDIERS HELPING SOLDIERS 181st Special Operations Weather Team (SOWT), Texas Air National Guard, rehearse their checklist prior to jumping out of a C-130 belonging to the 136th Airlift Wing at Naval Air Station Fort Worth, Joint Reserve Base, Texas, on Aug. 26, 2011. The SOWT are combat trained meteorologists who are part of special operations.

(Photo by SMSgt Elizabeth Gilbert)

Soldiers from HHC 136 MP BN stop for a photo during the Country For Our Country Benefit Concert on 24 September in Tyler, TX. Country For Our Country is a non-profit, all volunteer organization that raises money for Wounded Soldiers and Veterans. More info is available at www.countryforourcountry.org. Pictured right to left are CPT Chris Sanders, SGT Scotty Smothermon, SPC Cody Smothermon and SPC Elizabeth Neiderauer. During the event SPC Cody Smothermon re-enlisted for 6 years on stage in front of the crowd.

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From lightweight personal protection equipment to aircrew survivability, BAE Systems is a trusted partner for the National Guard.

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40th Annual EANGUS Conference Charleston, West Virginia

Members of the Texas delegation take a break for a photo with CCMSgt W. Allen Usry (in the white shirt), NORAD and U.S. Northern Command Senior Enlisted Advisor, at an EANGUS Conference hospitality room.

THE 40TH ANNUAL EANGUS CONFERENCE was held in early August in Charleston, West Virginia. Guardsmen attending the annual conference got a chance to meet various vendors, as well as listen to senior leaders touch on the Guards ever expanding role in defending the country.

One of the highlights of the conference was when EANGUS presented the “NGAT News� with the award for the best publication of a combined association.

This is the third year in a row that the NGAT News has received this honor, thanks to the tireless efforts of our editors MSG (Ret) Theresa Billeck-Zuniga and Reid Douglass.

Join us for the EANGUS Area IV Mid-Winter Conference scheduled for 25-26 Feb 2012 in St. Louis, MO. Registration forms are available on the NGAT website.

Mark your calendar and plan to attend the 41st Annual EANGUS Conference scheduled for 26-29 Aug 2012 in Long Beach, CA. H

NGAT Sponsored Airmen chat with Air National Guard Command Chief CCMSgt Christopher Muncey (center) at the EANGUS Conference. Pictured left to right are SSgt Patrick Watson, TSgt Klaus Riel, Chief Muncey, NGAT President-Elect CMSgt Charles Chavers and TSgt Michael Wolff.

CCMSgt (Ret) Richard A. Smith (left) was the ninth Command Chief Master Sgt. to the Director, Air National Guard, National Guard Bureau. He takes a moment to talk with former NGAT President and former Texas Command Chief CCMSgt (Ret) Bill Maginot during hospitality night at the EANGUS Conference.

(Photos by MSG (Ret) Theresa Billeck-Zuniga)

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Cruz Elected to Another Term on the EANGUS Executive Council SGT MIREYA CRUZ (center in the green shirt) of the Joint Forces Headquarters is sworn in as the EANGUS Area IV Chair.

This will be SGT Cruz’s second time to serve as the EANGUS Area IV Chair. As a member of the EANGUS Executive Council, she will participate in the general supervision of the affairs of the Association between General Conferences. She will also oversee the two area directors, act as a representative of the Association, and provide liaison between the Association and the states in her respective area through visits and by providing information and advice on Association matters. EANGUS Area IV consist of state associations from AR, KS, LA, MS, MO, OK and TX. H

JOIN EANGUS BEFORE DUES INCREASE On December 30-31, 2011, the EANGUS online membership application function will be turned off for the purpose of updating the new Annual Dues rates for EANGUS. The online application function will be turned back on January 1, 2012, reflecting the new national level Annual dues increase from $9.00 to $11.00 per year. Save some money and renew your EANGUS dues for 2 or 3 years prior to December 31, 2011, on the NGAT website.

SGT Mireya Cruz (center) discusses EANGUS issues with the Texas Senior Enlisted Advisor CSM Bradley Brandt (right) and Texas Command Chief CCMSgt Sam Davis (left) at the EANGUS Conference.

(Photos by MSG (Ret) Theresa Billeck-Zuniga)

NGAT has partnered with Life Line Screening, the nation’s largest mobile vascular screening provider in the country.

Anywhere our members are located, Life Line Screening has local presence through community events at various locations and times of the year, which you can take advantage of through our discounted member program.

Life Line Screening offers painless, noninvasive ultrasound screenings for stroke and vascular disease. These are tests that are often not part of routine physicals and can only be ordered by your doctor if symptoms are present, and by then, many times it can be too late.

Prevention is key.

The 4-test package includes: 1.

2.

3.

4.

Stroke Screening/Carotid Artery $60 Screens for buildup of fatty plaque in the carotid artery, the #1 cause of stroke.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening $60 Screens for the existence of an aneurysm (enlargement) in the abdominal aorta that could lead to a ruptured aortic artery.

Peripheral Arterial Disease Screening $60 Screens for peripheral arterial disease in the lower extremities, which is linked to coronary artery disease.

Atrial Fibrillation Screening $60 Screens for the most common irregular heart beat, which increases the risk of stroke 5-fold.

NGAT members & family: sign up for all 4 tests and pay member price of only $135.

Additional tests include: • Heart disease risk • Osteoporosis risk • Elevated C-reactive protein • 6 for Life • High cholesterol • Type 2 diabetes • Elevated liver enzymes View the Life Line Screening schedule on-line at www.lifelinescreening.com or call to find the next event in your area 1-866-964-5845. Please mention priority code: CSMS-011 when calling to get our special price.

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The 53rd Joint Conference will be held 23-25 March 2012 at the Austin Convention Center and Radisson Hotel & Suites, Austin, TX. Registration

Conference Optional Events

All Attendees must pay the registration fee.

Registration is $15.00 per person.

Optional Activities on Friday will include some new activities along with Fun Run, Texas Hold’em Poker Tournament, Wine Tasting, and Skeet & Trap. New optional events this year include a 42 Tournament, Painting with a Twist, Zumba dance and workout event, and Texas Capitol and Bob Bullock Texas History Museum Tours.

• Golf Tournament — Shotgun start, Florida scramble with low net/ low gross competition.

• Skeet & Trap Tournament — To be held in Troy, Texas.

• Painting With A Twist — An enthusiastic local artist will lead you step by step through the process of recreating the featured artwork. www.paintingwithatwist.com • Z umba, Intro to Zumba Fitness — Latin-inspired dance-fitness program that blends red-hot international music and contagious steps to form a “fitness-party” that is downright addictive. www.zumba.com • 9th Annual Silent Auction — Come take advantage of the great bargains.

•N GAT Welcome Party — The NGAT Welcome Party will take place at the Radisson Hotel & Suites. Come prepared to visit with friends. The evening will include a casino night and musical entertainment with a cash bar. This version of the traditional welcome party will allow everyone time to get into some casual wear and head out to Austin’s famed 6th Street to sample the variety of music venues and restaurants.

• Enjoy a leisure lunch at the Spouses Luncheon on Saturday. Registration fee includes lunch, entertainment and prizes.

• Come reconnect with old friends at the Retiree Luncheon on Saturday.

• S aturday Dinner — Dinner presentations include the Minuteman and Scholarship awards.

After dinner, guests will have an opportunity to visit hospitality suites.

• Hospitality Suites will be located at the Hotel. Units will compete for best suite.

• T he NGAT Social Lounge — Visit and mingle with friends in a more conversation-friendly environment.

• Enjoy a delicious breakfast, fellowship and prayer during the NGAT Prayer Breakfast on Sunday morning.

Meal Packages • Early Bird Registration fee is $90 and closes on 31 January 2012.

• Regular Registration fee is $100 and closes on 9 March 2012.

(Please note that the deadline for meal packages is 9 Mar 2012.)

• Meals packages will not be available to onsite registrants.

• All cancellation requests must be received in the NGAT office prior to 16 March 2012. An administrative fee of $10 per registration will be subtracted from the refund amount.

Hotels • Radisson Hotel & Suites Austin Downtown, 111 Cesar Chavez, Austin, TX 78701.

•M ake your reservations with the hotel directly at: 800-333-3333 or 512-478-9611 (central reservations).

• Hotel rate: $104 single/double plus tax.

(NGAT cannot guarantee rooms after 24 February 2012)

Attire Commanders Conference: Army-ACU/Air-Blue Shirt, open collar NGAT Business Session: Business Casual NGAT Dinner: Blue Army Service Uniform/Army Mess for Army, Mess Dress for Air, Business Suit/Evening Formal Wear for civilians; After-Five Attire for spouses

Download the Conference registration form and additional conference information at www.ngat.org.

Annual Scholarship Competition

The NGAT Awards Program THE NGAT AWARDS PROGRAM is designed to recognize NGAT members, members of the Texas Military Forces, government officials, and organizations for heroic actions, outstanding achievements, and periods of meritorious service to the Texas Military Forces and/or the National Guard Association of Texas. The deadline for receipt of all award recommendations is 15 February 2012 in the NGAT office.

THE NATIONAL GUARD ASSOCIATION OF TEXAS EDUCATION FOUNDATION announces its annual scholarship competition. Educational grants for attendance at college or university will be awarded to Active or Life Members of NGAT and/or their spouses, sons or daughters. The deadline for receipt of all applications is 15 February 2012 in the NGAT office.

Download an application at www.ngat.org.

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Complete submission requirements and criteria are at www.ngat.org.

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53rd NGAT Joint Conference H 23-25 March 2012 Austin Convention Center/Radisson Hotel Downtown 53rd NGAT Conference

23 - 25 March 2012 Austin Convention Center/Radisson Hotel Downtown

Joint Conference Registration Form Please

�

Army

�

Retired Army

Check:

�

Spouse

�

Guest

�

Air

Retired Air

�

State Guard

�

_____ # Conferences Attended

Rank:_______________________ Name:________________________________________________________________________ Unit:_______________________________________ Email Address:_________________________________________________ Home Address:_____________________________________________ Daytime Phone:(____)______________________________ City/State:_____________________________ Zip:________________ Cell:(____)________________________________________ Badge Name:_________________________________ Spouse/Guest Name:___________________________Rank: ___________ The unit you wish to sit with at the Dinner:_______________________________________________________________________ Please indicate any special needs (i.e. disability, dietary, etc.) ______________________________________________________ Renew Your NGAT Membership Dues

SUBTOTAL

� Renew my NGAT Membership E1-E6: $15

E7-O/CW3: $20

O/CW4-O/CW5: $25

O6-O8: $30

$____________

Associate/Retired: $20

NGAT Junior Enlisted Package (Includes registration) Junior Enlisted Package (E1-E6 only)

$250 ea

Joint Conference Fees

Includes 2 Full Meal Packages, 2 Registrations and 2 Nights at the Radisson Hotel

� Attendee Lunch (circle one) LE RL � Spouse/Guest Lunch (circle one) LE RL SL Hotel Room � King � Double (NGAT will book the hotel room for this package) Registration - All Attendees Must Pay Registration Fee � Attendee Registration Fee � Spouse/Guest Registration Fee Meal Packages (Registration fee required with all packages) Full Meal Package Includes - Joint Sessions, Exhibits, Hospitality Rooms, (Early Bird Special) Please select one - LE - Lunch w/Exhibitors

� Attendee

RL - Retiree Luncheon

$15 $15

$____________ $____________

$90 ea $100 ea

$____________ $____________

SL - Spouses Luncheon

� Spouse/Guest

(circle one) LE RL SL

1 Feb 2012

(After 1 Feb 2012)

Welcome Party, Saturday Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

$____________

Deadline

(circle one) LE RL SL

Saturday Breakfast Only Package � Attendee Breakfast

� Spouse/Guest Bkft

$20 ea

$____________

Saturday Lunch Only Package � Attendee (circle one) LE RL

� Spouse/Guest

$30 ea

$____________

$50 ea

$____________

$75 ea

$____________

$15 ea

$____________

$20 ea

$____________

(circle one) LE RL SL

Saturday Dinner Only Package � Attendee � Spouse/Guest NGAT Optional Events (not included in Basic Registration or Meal Packages) � Member Handicap: ____ � Spouse/Guest Handicap: ____ Golf Tournament (Fri) ________________________________________________ Names of Golf Team: Select a time 1230-1330 ______ 1400-1500 ______

Wine Tasting (Fri)

� Member

Fun Run (Fri) Specify T-Shirt Size:

Skeet & Trap Shoot (Fri)

� Spouse/Guest

S M L XL XXL

Gun not provided

TX Hold'em Tournament (Fri)

S M L XL XXL

� Member

� Spouse/Guest

$40 ea

$____________

� Member

� Spouse/Guest

$30 ea

$____________

Painting With a Twist (Fri)

2 hr Painting Class

� Member

� Spouse/Guest

$45 ea

$____________

42 Tournament (Fri)

Dominoes

� Member

� Spouse/Guest

$10 ea

$____________

Capitol/Bob Bullock Museum Tour (Fri)

� Member

� Spouse/Guest

$25 ea

$____________

Zumba - Intro to Zumba Fitness (Sat)

� Member

� Spouse/Guest

FREE

$____________

Prayer Breakfast (Sun)

� Member

� Spouse/Guest

$25 ea

$____________

� Check Enclosed (Please make check payable to NGAT) Charge my: � MasterCard � Visa Expiration Date: ____________ Card #: ____________________________________________________ Name of Cardholder:___________________________________________ Signature of Cardholder: _______________________________________

Donation - NGAT Educational Foundation

SubTotal: Total (Check): Credit Card Handling Fee (Add 4%):

Total (Credit Card):

$____________ $____________ $____________ $____________ $____________

MEAL PACKAGES WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE TO THOSE WHO REGISTER ONSITE Mail to NGAT: 3706 Crawford Avenue, Austin, Texas 78731 or Fax to: (512) 467-6803 or Email to: membership@ngat.org

W W W . N G A T . O R G

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21

TA P S

(as of 10/15/11)

Mr. Mike R. Arevalo, Life Member #23954, Retired, San Antonio

*SGT Terric M. Neighbors, Co G 372nd BSB, Beaumont

Mr. Hershell L. Barnes, Life Member #4915, Retired, Dallas

LTC Larry W. “Red” Reeves, Life Member #3196, Retired, Lewes DE

SGT Robert Bonitto, C Co 1/141 INF, Hondo

MSG Richard A. Reinert, Retired, Austin

SGT L.B. Bradley, Retired, Waco

SSG Norman R. Ringer, Life Member #20622, Retired, McGregor

Mr. James R. Buckhannan, Life Member #10603, Retired, Beaumont

CSM Anthony Sandoval, Life Member #5924, Retired, West Point

MSG Larry C. Carns, Life Member #3393, Retired, Bullard

SSG Horace L. Stewart, Life Member #14807, Retired, Spring

MAJ Richard G. Carpenter, Life Member #3969, Retired, Bonham

1SG John F. Sweeney, Life Member #10854, Retired, Jermyn

CW2 Howard J. Cook III, 171st AVN, San Antonio

SSG Robert W. Thomas Sr., Life Member #29206, Retired, Gilmer

SGT Raymond L. Curry, Life Member #18673, Retired, San Antonio

Col Maurice H. Udell, Life Member #4780, Retired, Friendswood

Col Richard G. “Dick” Fenner, Life Member #3685, Retired, Houston

*Mr. James S. Vail, Life Member #16241, Retired, Ore City

SSG Oscar Flores, Life Member #32387, Retired, Corpus Christi

SGM Morris D. Wallis, Life Member #435, Retired, Austin

Mr. Gerald W. “Jerry” Fritsche, Retired, Austin

TSgt Robert E. Yandell, Life Member #13975, Retired, Maypearl

MAJ James M. Hargett, Life Member #11750, Retired, Austin Mr. Donald J. Hollinger, Life Member #14236, Retired, Waco

*Had NGAT Life Insurance

Mr. Larry W. Kitchens, Life Member #19064, Retired, Victoria CMSgt Billy B. Lamar, Life Member #212, Retired, La Porte

If you are aware of the passing of a current or former

CMSgt Mike “Mikey” Menting, Retired, Cub Run KY

National Guard member please notify us by phone, a letter to

TSgt Irwin “Bill” Murmer, Retired, Dickinson

our office or by email at ngatnews@ngat.org.

PV2 Dudley E. Nickel Jr., Life Member #16868, Retired, Fort Worth

N G AT C O R P O R AT E M E M B E R S A N D S P O N S O R S

Recruiting & Retention

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W W W . N G A T . O R G

Thank You for

Protecting Property and Saving Lives in Texas

National Guard Association of Texas 3706 Crawford Avenue Austin, Texas 78731-6803

National Guard Association of Texas

NGAT PLANNING CALENDAR (As of 15 October 2011)

2011 7

Nov

NGAT Board Meeting, Austin, TX

11

Nov

Veterans Day (NGAT Office Closed)

24-25

Nov

Thanksgiving Holiday Observed (NGAT Office Closed)

13

Dec

National Guard Birthday

26-30

Dec

Christmas Holidays Observed (NGAT Office Closed)

16

Jan

Martin Luther King Jr. Day (NGAT Closed)

20

Feb

President’s Day (NGAT Office Closed)

25-26

Feb

Area IV EANGUS Mid Winter, St Louis, MO

27

Feb

NGAT Board Meeting, Austin

23-25

Mar

53rd ANNUAL NGAT CONFERENCE, Austin

28

Apr

2nd Annual TXMF Senior NCO Reunion, Waco

7

May

NGAT Board Meeting, Austin

28

May

Memorial Day (NGAT Office Closed)

14

Jun

U.S. Army Birthday/Flag Day

4

Jul

Independence Day (NGAT Office Closed)

6

Aug

NGAT Board Meeting, Austin

26-29

Aug

EANGUS Conference, Long Beach, CA

9-12

Sep

NGAUS Conference, Reno, NV

2012