Winter 2011
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE NATIONAL GUARD ASSOCIATION OF TEXAS F o u n d e d 1959 • Vo l u m e 51 • N u m b e r 4
72 ND IBCT RETURNS TO THE LONE STAR STATE NEW DAWN, NEW DIVISION IN IRAQ Page 6
We know what it means to serve.速
2010-11 Board of Directors President . . . . . . . . . . . . . Michele Voorhees-Little President-Elect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Justin Perryman
contents
Vice-President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Charles Chavers Secretary-Treasurer . . . . . . . . . . . Albert Cardenas HQ, TXMF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gerold Gamble ARNG Troops . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Johnny Hairgrove
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Letter from the President
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Members Spotlight
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . David Parnell
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Deployments
56th IBCT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cathy Stephens
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Homecomings
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dave Quine
Millionth Milestone
36th Sustainment Bde . . . . . . . . . Gene Cummins
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36 ID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ed Dextraze 72nd IBCT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Daniel Quick
36th CAB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tanya Cortez
New Air Guard Unit
Leadership Changes
176th Engr Bde . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Charlton Mosley
Veterans Land Board
71st BfSB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Doug O’Connell 136th CSB (ME) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joe Dinkins
10/ Legislative Update
HQ, TANG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Andrea Marqueses
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Capitol Spotlight
149th FW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Albert Cardenas
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Around the World with the Guard
147th RW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Henry Wiley
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TVC Grant
136th AW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Charles Chavers
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Veterans Portal
TX State Guard Rep . . . . . . . . Dewayne Naumann
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Holidays with the Guard
Retired Rep – Region II . . . . . . . . . . Bennie Brooks
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AVN/NGAT Scholarships
Retired Rep – Region III . . . . . . . . . Bill Abernathy
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Around Texas with the Guard
Family Readiness Rep . . . . . . . . . . Deborah Evans
Publisher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.medianation.net
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Retired Rep – Region I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vacant
Editors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Theresa Billeck-Zuniga
Reid Douglass
Executive Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ray Lindner
NGAT NEWS
NGAT HOME PAGE
3706 Crawford Ave.
www.ngat.org
Austin, TX 78731 (512) 454-7300 1-800-252-NGAT (6428)
Homecomings
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16/ Holidays with the Guard
Voices of Veterans 2011 NGAT Conference Information New NGAT Benefit Lifeline
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Taps/Sponsors
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2011 NGAT Planning Calendar
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NGAT E-MAIL rlindner@ngat.org rcasias@ngat.org membership@ngat.org insurance@ngat.org ngatnews@ngat.org
Around Texas
ON THE COVER: 72nd IBCT Homecoming and 36th ID Arrives in Iraq. Photos by (CPT Brandon Hohm, SGT Thomas Kappus, PFC Praxedis Pineda) 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 FORT WORTH, TX 76161 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
in MOST OF YOU KNOW that NGAT President LTC Michelle Voorhees-Little is proudly serving in absence her in Letter Iraq with the 36th Infantry Division. She asked that I write the President’s my capacity as acting President of the National Guard Association of Texas. I want to encourage each and every one of our members to keep informed about the many legislative issues that are beginning to arise both in Washington and in Austin. There are already calls for increases in TRICARE fees and for changing our military retirement system to help reduce future budget costs. The nation, and especially the Guard, has now left an era of plenty and has entered an era of program cutbacks, cancellations, and eliminations. Even at the state level we are facing the prospect of an unfunded college tuition benefit beginning this fall. NGAT is mobilizing already to fight for our members at both the state and federal level — and we need your help. We will try to direct massive emails and telephone calls to Senators and Representatives, and also to our state senators and representatives, to try to block this frontal assault on benefits, but to do so we need your whole-hearted support! Please read our legislative report carefully and respond accordingly. An important state legislative initiative for 2011 is the formation of the Texas Military Forces Caucus, to be comprised of members of the Texas House and Senate. There are already several members who have signed on to create this potentially powerful voice for the Texas Military Forces. We anticipate the caucus to become the largest of its kind at the Capital. If you want to be part of this exciting movement, please let us know. NGAT is hosting the caucus and providing back office services. I can’t think of any way to better serve our membership than having our message brought directly to those in power who can benefit our cause. We are gearing up now for what promises to be a great conference in Corpus Christi. The 52nd Annual NGAT Conference and the 3rd Annual Joint Conference is scheduled for 25-27 March 2011 in Corpus Christi. We welcome you and your family to this fun-filled event. The schedule has been revised to restore more of the relaxed times for which NGAT conferences were famous. Please join us and let you hair down with
NGAT Secretary-Treasurer MSgt Albert Cardenas checks the temperature of his oil as he prepares to fry some turkeys for members of the 149th Comptroller Flight on Thanksgiving Day at Lackland AFB.
your friends. One of our main goals for this conference is to revive our member participation yearround in the varied NGAT programs and to plan new programs. We are also planning to devote the majority of our meeting times to involving you in the discussions and deliberations. Prepare for a more robust and interactive conference.
See You in Corpus!
NGAT President LTC Michele Voorhees-Little and recently promoted CPT Zachary Walker head to Basrah, Iraq, while deployed with the 36th Infantry Division.
Justin D. Perryman MAJ, TXARNG
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M E M B E R S
S P O T L I G H T
CHEESEMAN RETIRES FROM TEXAS STATE GUARD
PATTERSON RECEIVES CONGRESSIONAL VETERAN COMMENDATION
MG (TX) Raymond Peters (right), Commanding General, Texas State Guard, presents the Commander’s Award for Public Service to retiring Brig Gen (TX) Robert Cheeseman. This award was among many presented to Cheeseman during a retirement ceremony held at Camp Mabry. Brig Gen (TX) Cheeseman is an NGAT Life Member and former member of the NGAT Board of Directors. (Photo by SGM (TX) Steve
U.S. Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D., presents COL (Ret) Larry Patterson (NGAT Life Member) with the Congressional Veteran Commendation for honorable service performed while a member of the Armed Forces of the United States of America and continued service to his community. Patterson retired from the Army with over 30 years of military service. Following his military service, he was appointed as a volunteer Ombudsman by the Department of Defense to promote support for returning Reserve forces. He has also served many years as an officer, and is a past Chairman of the Greater Dallas Veteran Foundation, and has been instrumental in planning the annual Dallas Veterans Day ceremony and parade.
Gamboa)
TIDRICK RECOGNIZED WITH TWO HONORS NGAT Life Member CW2 Beau Tidrick was named Texas Army National Guard (TXARNG) Warrant Officer of the Year for FY 2010. He will go on to represent the TXARNG in the upcoming Reserve Officer Association competition. Chief Tidrick was also elected as the President of the Audie L. Murphy Chapter of the U.S. Army Warrant Officer Association, Mid-South Region. For more information about joining the association go to http://woaonline.org/Audie-Murphy or follow them on Facebook.
147TH RW RECOGNIZED ON VETERANS DAY Dr. William Staples, President of the University of Houston Clear Lake (UHCL), presents a proclamation to Col Ken Wisian (NGAT Life Member), Commander of the 147th Reconnaissance Wing, Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base, Houston, Texas, on Veterans Day. The UHCL formally recognized the United States Air Force, 147th RW, and all veterans at a Veterans Day program held on the UHCL campus. (Photo by
of Texas National Guard Association in, Texas 78731 3706 Crawford Avenue Aust 2-NGAT 0-25 1-80 (TX) 7300 454) (512 FAX: (512) 467-6803
MSgt Dale Hanson)
13 January 2011
nal nd 52 Annual Conference, Natio SUBJECT: Official Call of the
Guard Association of Texas
33 YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE TEXAS AIR NATIONAL GUARD
n of Texas, held jointly with the nd the National Guard Associatio s. The 52 Annual Conference of h 2011 in Corpus Christi, Texa Marc 25-27 on held be will e, TAG Commanders’ Conferenc us Christi, Texas. Please make i Bayfront Towers Hotel, Corp 33-3333. The The conference hotel is the Omn by calling 512-478-9611 or 800-3 hotel the with tly direc ns vatio reservations prior to 26 your hotel reser your make e Pleas . tions ble accommoda hotel rates are $85 for single/dou conference room rates. February 2011 to receive the the Commander’s Conference s are invited to all sessions of d to attend the All joint conference participant rence participants are also invite confe Joint on. sessi d close a unless it is noted as ing. Meet ess Busin al NGAT Annu . In accordance with Article place on Saturday, 26 March 2011 tive The business session will take is proposing minor administra tors Direc of d Boar T NGA XVII of the NGAT Bylaws, the s changes will be posted on the bylaw sed propo the of nts conte changes to the bylaws. The . ) not later than 15 February 2011 NGAT website (www.NGAT.org be by designated delegates in ess session at the conference will Voting during the NGAT busin 3. on Secti VI, le s, Artic accordance with NGAT bylaw tive instructions can be found appropriate attire, and administra ms, .ngat.org. Registration information/for e at the NGAT website at www onlin or zine Maga s New T on page 20 of the NGA the NGAT website. from d loade down be can s form Registration d to sponsor a soldier or friends of the Guard are encourage All Association members and ming a Patriot Sponsor. To beco by rence confe the for fees ng tration airman’s registration and lodgi $300 with your conference regis ional addit an se enclo ly simp become a Patriot Sponsor the NGAT Conference Program. in nized recog be will sors fees. All Patriot Spon We look forward to seeing you
CMSgt John Marshall (NGAT Life Member), Chief Enlisted Manager for the 147th Reconnaissance Wing Operations Group (L), is presented a certificate of appreciation and a Texas flag by Col Terry Winkler at Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base, Houston, Texas. CMSgt Marshall is retiring with over 33 years of service in the Air National Guard. (Photo by SSgt David R. Porcelle)
25TH ANNIVERSARY RED RIBBON MARCH NGAT Life Member SGM Darryl Sanders, Joint Counter Task Force Senior Enlisted Advisor (SEA), signs autographs for middle school students on the steps of the state capital. Texas Joint Counterdrug Task Force members participated in the 25th anniversary Red Ribbon March on the steps of the state capital in honor of slain DEA Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena. (Photo by
at the conference.
Respectfully,
Ray Lindner Executive Director
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MSgt Gerold O. Gamble)
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The 36th Infantry Division Takes Charge in Iraq By LTC Robert Preiss
THE 36TH INFANTRY DIVISION of the Texas Army National Guard assumed responsibility on January 2 as one of the three Army divisions overseeing U.S. operations in Iraq. In a formal transfer of authority ceremony attended by General Lloyd Austin, commander of U.S. forces in Iraq, as well as numerous Iraqi dignitaries, the 36th unfurled its colors as it officially replaced the Army’s 1st Infantry Division, which had previously led U.S. efforts in the southern third of the country. Now, the incoming National Guard division headquarters will take command of the two active component brigades engaged in advising, training and assisting Iraqi security forces in the region. Consistent with the Army’s new modular approach to battlefield organization, the two brigades under the command of the division headquarters are not those normally organic to the division. The 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment shares the division’s Texas roots, as it is based at Fort Hood, while the 3rd Brigade of the 4th Infantry is from Fort Carson, Colorado.
General Lloyd Austin (far left), commander of U.S. forces in Iraq, salutes during the transfer of authority ceremony with the Commanders and Command Sergeant Majors of the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment and the 36th Infantry Division. (Photo by SGT David A. Bryant)
In his remarks upon accepting responsibility as the new U.S. Division-South commander, 36th Infantry Division commander MG Eddy Spurgin paid tribute to his 1st Infantry Division predecessors, noting that the two divisions had served side-by-side in the Meuse Argonne campaign of World War I and that it was fitting that the two now once again were together ushering in a new phase of history in Iraq. The transfer of authority marked the third time that a National Guard division has assumed responsibility for an area within Iraq during the course of U.S. operations there over the past seven years.
The 36th Infantry Division band performs at the transfer of authority ceremony held in Basra, Iraq.
Members of the 176th Engineer Brigade serving at Forward Operating Base Sharana, Afghanistan, send greetings from their Brigade Headquarters.
COL James Junot (left), SSG Denver Smith and CSM Richard Milford of the 176th Engineer Brigade Command Group board a flight to conduct “battle field circulation.” In business circles it is often referred to as “managing by wandering around.” It is an essential part of battlefield leadership that the leaders get out from behind the desk and go out into the field to understand their area of operations and the challenges that their soldiers face.
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72ND IBCT – MISSION ACCOMPLISHED
72ND IBCT THANKS NGAT FOR THEIR SUPPORT Behind every mobilization there stands a organization that went out of their way to ensure that Soldiers in the 72nd IBCT were looked after. COL Mark Campsey, Commander, 72nd IBCT, presents NGAT Executive Director Ray Lindner with the National Guard Outstanding Center of Influence framed mosaic print for the outstanding support the National Guard Association of Texas provided the 72nd IBCT during their deployment.
Soldiers of the 72nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) participate in an uncasing ceremony at Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, November 20, 2010. During the ceremony, COL Mark Campsey, Commander of the 72nd IBCT, and Command Sergeant Major Alfred Cordova uncase the brigade colors, thereby symbolizing mission completion and readiness for more missions. More than 20 units of the 72nd IBCT mobilized as part of one of the largest deployments of the Texas National Guard since World War II. Most of the soldiers were deployed in October of 2009 and started to return in late September. (Photo by CPT Brandon Hohm)
AIRMEN FROM THE 272ND EIS HOME FOR THANKSGIVING
(Photo by CPT Brandon Hohm)
STATE FARM NAMED DISTINGUISHED COI
Thanksgiving 2010 will be remembered as a special Thanksgiving Day for some members of the 272nd Engineering and Installation Squadron (EIS) who returned from Afghanistan after a 7 month deployment on November 24, 2010. These deployed members were thankful to have finished the last leg of a long journey home and arrive at the Houston Hobby Airport in time to share Thanksgiving Day with their family and friends. (Photo by MSgt
COL Mark Campsey, Commander, 72nd IBCT (left), Command Sergeant Major Alfred Cordova and members of the 72nd IBCT present Mr. Darren Boone, a representative from State Farm Insurance, with a Minuteman Statue designating State Farm as the unit’s Distinguished Center of Influence for the significant and never ending support they provided to the 72nd IBCT during their deployment. (Photo by PFC Praxedis Pineda)
Dale Hanson)
R & R ONE MILLIONTH SERVICE MEMBER ARRIVES AT D/FW AIRPORT NGAT Life Member COL (Ret) Larry Patterson accompanies General George W. Casey Jr., chief of staff of the Army, at the one millionth R&R arrival at D/FW Airport.
FOR MORE THAN SIX YEARS, an all-volunteer army from North Texas schools, veterans organizations, churches and corporations have greeted every flight of troops on R&R from Iraq and Afghanistan into the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. General George W. Casey Jr., chief of staff of the Army, joined several hundred supporters at the D/FW Airport to welcome home the Rest and Recuperation flight of the one millionth service member on Jan. 11. “What a difference it makes to have a soldier get off the plane and to have people there to say, ‘Welcome home,’” said Casey. He said to have people approach service members walking through airports to say, “Thank you for what you do,” or to have people who pick up the tab for a breakfast or a lunch or to have people give up a seat on an airplane, is very important. “The message that communicates to our soldiers and to their families is that their sacrifices are both recognized and appreciated by the people of America,” said Casey. The military began transporting troops home from war zones about halfway through their deployments for two weeks. Since the Army serves the longest deployments, most of those who benefit from the program are soldiers. The troops are flown into Germany, and then to either D/FW or Atlanta, where most of them then jump on commercial flights for the rest of their trip. D/FW Airport has a large USO facility in Terminal B with a sleep room, video games, snacks and other diversions to help ease the way home.
Everyday citizens, veterans groups, families and friends welcome home troops as they depart from the plane at the D/ FW Airport en route to their final destination for R & R.
Most of the groups who greet the troops are regulars. The Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 920 in Denton has come every week for six years, probably the most sustained volunteer commitment the organization has made, said its president Jerry Anderson. “We didn’t get a very good homecoming, so anything we can do to support them, we will,” Anderson said. “Our motto is ‘Never again will one generation of veterans abandon another.’” W W W . N G A T . O R G
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WELCOME HOME
/TexasArmyNational Guard /TexasGuard /Texas Army National Guard
T E X A S M I L I TA R Y F O R C E S LEADERSHIP CHANGES
VETERAN’S LAND BOARD One-Year Residency Requirement Dropped THE 1.7 MILLION VETERANS LIVING IN TEXAS — regardless of when they moved here — will qualify for benefits from the Texas Veterans Land Board (VLB) as of Dec. 21. Jerry Patterson, chairman of the Texas Veterans Land Board, said he is dropping the VLB’s one-year residency requirement because too many deserving Texas veterans were not able to access the benefits they’ve earned. “Under the old rules, even Davy Crockett would not have qualified for VLB benefits had he survived the Alamo,” Patterson said. Texas is one of only five states to offer a veterans program, and VLB benefits are widely seen as the best in the nation. The VLB was created in 1946 after Texas voters approved a constitutional amendment authorizing $25 million in bonds to help World War II veterans buy land. Since then, the land and home loan program has funded nearly $1 billion in loans and become a popular option for veterans looking to buy the American Dream.
Maj Gen John F. Nichols
LTC Joanne E. MacGregor
Assistant Adjutant General - Air, Texas National Guard Commander, Headquarters, Texas Air National Guard (NGAT Life Member)
Commander Texas Recruiting and Retention Battalion (NGAT Life Member)
N E W J O I N T M I L I TA RY R E S E R V E FA C I L I T Y F O R A U S T I N HOUSTON-BASED SATTERFIELD & PONTIKES CONSTRUCTION, INC has been awarded a $41.5 million government contract to build a new joint military reserve facility and joint vehicle maintenance facility on 60 acres near AustinBergstrom International Airport. This expansion is the second phase to an existing aviation support facility on General Aviation Ave. Construction is expected to begin early this year and take about a year and a half to complete.
The VLB has also built seven — soon to be eight — Texas Veterans Homes, where veterans and their spouses enjoy peace of mind in their golden years. In addition, the VLB has built three Texas State Veterans Cemeteries in Abilene, Killeen and Mission, and is hard at work on another in Corpus Christi. Texas veterans are entitled to free burial with full military honors at each of these magnificent facilities. The rules for eligibility for burial in the TSVC are the same as for national cemeteries. Overall eligibility for burial in a veterans cemetery (national or state) is determined by a VA regulation based on a variety of qualifying criteria, many of which may apply to your periods of service on active duty or while in the Guard or Reserves. To ascertain your eligibility, please review the regulations on the VA Web site (www.va.gov), or ask the Texas Veterans Commission or your Veterans Service Officer benefit counselor to assist you in applying for VA burial benefits.
The Armed Forces Reserve Center will serve as a home base for the Texas Army National Guard, the AD Army Reserve and the1 Marine Corps Reserve. will 1 WC7260C_NGAT ART:Layout 1/12/11 10:43The AMcenter Page replace outdated and crowded Guard and Reserve facilities in the Austin area.
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www.texasveterans.com NEW HOME FOR 254TH CCG 254TH COMBAT COMMUNICATIONS GROUP officially opened their doors for operation during a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by (left to right) Brig Gen John Nichols, commander Texas ANG; Ruthe Jackson, Mayor Pro Tem, Grand Prairie, Texas; Col Will Allen, commander, 254 CCG; and Col John Conoley, commander, 136 Airlift Wing at Hensley Field. (Photo by SMSgt Elizabeth Gilbert)
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L e g i s l a t i v e
Update
Military Benefits Under Attack
The nation’s severe economic woes are now beginning to impact the armed forces, and proposed solutions to the problem include a direct attack on existing service-member and retiree benefits. RECENT LEGISLATION
RECENT LEGISLATION passed by Congress has provided some benefit increases, but it is clear that such victories will become increasingly rare, and that pressure to reduce or eliminate some benefits will increase. At the national level, there are proposals to review the military retirement system with an eye to achieve savings through changing retirement formulas and eligibility. In the health arena, Secretary Gates has announced his intent to request an increase in TRICARE premiums. Long sought legislation to authorize early Guard/ Reserve retirement credit for all active service performed since 9/11/01 (under current law, only service after 1/28/08 qualifies) may not get traction in a Congress intent on finding a current bill-payer to fund such a measure. At the state level, the free tuition program for Guardsmen is currently unfunded, having been totally deleted from funds requested for the Adjutant General’s department. As a means to ensure legislative support for Guard issues, NGAT is helping to form the Texas Military Forces Caucus in the Texas legislature. NGAT will also provide back office support for the caucus as it begins operations.
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Guard Issues
The Congress approved a measure that improved education benefits available under the GI Bill for veterans who served after Sept. 11, 2001. Provisions of the bill of interest to the Guard include: • Benefits for National Guard members ordered to state active duty (Title 32) • Vocational, OJT and apprenticeship training, flight training, and other types of non-degree training • A housing stipend for full-time online (distance) learners • A book allowance for service members and their spouses enrolled while on active duty • An upgraded subsistence allowance for disabled veterans using Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VRE) program benefits • Coverage for multiple licensure and certification tests
• Create new incentives for employers to hire and retain drilling Guard/Reserve members
Family Issues • Improve access to affordable child care
Health Care Issues • Avert 30+% Medicare/TRICARE payment cut and fix statutory formula to improve access to care • Restore TRICARE eligibility for Guard members whose active service earns them early retirement (under current law, they start retired pay early, but must wait until age 60 for TRICARE coverage) • Protect against disproportional increases in TRICARE fees • Upgrade TRICARE to attract more providers and improve beneficiary access • Authorize pre-tax payment of health, dental and long-term care premiums • Authorize option to subsidize retention of guard/ reservists’ civilian family health insurance
Congress also passed legislation to reverse a scheduled 25% cut in Medicare and TRICARE payments. The new law provides a 12-month reprieve, but it is not a fix to the underlying formula problem. Finding a permanent fix for the flawed statutory formula continues to be a top legislative priority.
Join our Legislative Initiative — send your Email address to ngatnews@ngat.org
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Changes to Post-9/11 GI Bill
Medicare and Medicaid Extenders Act of 2010
Please consider taking a more active role in contacting your Senators and Representative and your state senator and state representative to request their action to support our legislative initiatives. Since there is often very little time to bring public pressure on these officials, please consider adding your name to our NGAT Legislative Brigade so that we can contact you by email with important and timely action requests.
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FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES
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Retirement Issues • Credit all post-9/11 active duty service toward Guard/Reserve early retirement • Preserve full-inflation cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs)
FY2011 Defense Authorization Bill
State Legislative Priorities
The NDAA was finally passed in late December. Key provisions of interest to the Guard include: • TRICARE coverage for dependent children is extended to age 26, but would require payment of a premium to cover the full cost of the coverage (estimated at $2,400 per year per child) • TRICARE Standard inpatient co-pay will have no increase in FY2011 • Yellow Ribbon Guard/Reserve reintegration program will now authorize attendance by family members or other designees of a service member)
• Restore full funding to the Guard Free Tuition Program for 2011-2012 • Prevent any reduction in the Adjutant General Department budget for 2011-2012 • Support the formation and expansion of the Texas Military Forces Caucus
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Capitol Spotlight Texas Air National Guard Band
U.S. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee congratulates MSgt Herb Rodriguez at a Hometown Heroes event at the 147th Reconnaissance Wing, Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base, Houston, TX. Congresswomen Lee helped present eligible Airmen who have deployed or were activated since 9/11 with the Hometown Heroes medal. (Photo by SSgt David Porcelle)
Congressman Gene Green participates in the 72nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team’s uncasing ceremony at Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas. (Photo by PFC Praxedis Pineda)
TEXAS RANKS THIRD IN THE NATION FOR LETTERS TO CONGRESS
The Association of the United States Army
EARLY RETIREMENT AND HEALTH CARE were the dominant issues as NGAT members sent a record number of letters to lawmakers last year through the Write to Congress feature at www.ngaus.org and www.eangus.org.
Salutes the
The timing and volume of our communications to these leaders is the key. NGAUS/EANGUS lobbying backed by timely grassroots communication from NGAT is the hard hitting punch that works best for the Guard on Capitol Hill, and that grassroots punch will be even more important this year as resources are tight and cuts need to be made. We need your support to stand our ground.
Texas National Guard For a job well done
NGAUS members in Georgia (14,479), Tennessee (11,809) and Texas (8,146) sent the most communications through Write to Congress in 2010. Texas surpassed our 2009 goal by 562. WE CAN DO BETTER. Those that came before us fought for the benefits that we enjoy today.
NOW IT’S YOUR TURN. Start today: go to one of these web links and send your letter to support our current issues before congress.
www.eangus.org Association of the United States Army
www.ngaus.org
2425 Wilson Boulevard • Arlington, VA 22201 (703) 907-2656 • (800) 336-4570 ext. 665
www.ngat.org/Legislative
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The Texas Military Forces Color Guard stands at the Mignano Monte Lungo Cemetery in Italy following the wreath-laying ceremony commemorating the 67th anniversary of the 36th Infantry Division’s liberation of San Pietro Infine during World War II. (Photo by SSG Daniel Griego)
CSM (Ret) Don Strickland and SSG (Ret) Wilmer Roberts attend insurance continuing education training at Hilton Head, South Carolina. Both sell Life Insurance for NGAT and both are NGAT Life Members. The “Daisy Jane’s” placed 2nd in the women’s division at the Hillie Billie Relay, a 70 mile, 18 leg relay from Canyon Lake to Guadalupe Park. Pictured (left to right) are 2LT Sabrina Zowada, 1LT Yael Rackley, MAJ Heather Flores, CW3 Terri Marshall, MAJ Laura Jane Stephens, and Carol Sutherland.
SFC Daniel Leon, Operations NCO for Company B, 36th Division Special Troops Battalion, covers the day’s priorities with SPC Roxanna A. Lewis, the company’s administrative clerk, at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington. (Photo by SGT David Bryant)
NGAT Life Member 1LT (Ret) Steve Holloway and his wife Jenny pet a cougar while on Safari in Kenya.
36th Infantry Division members LTC Alba Villanueva and COL Chip Osborne enjoy lunch in a palace in Basrah, Iraq. Both are NGAT Life Members. 12
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NGAT Marketing Director Robert Casias has his picture taken with a Thai soldier keeping the peace at the Bangkok Mass Transit train station in Bangkok, Thailand.
LTC Vaughn McCurry (NGAT Life Member) of the 36th Infantry Division chats with Comedian Robin William during his visit to Basrah, Iraq.
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TEXAS NATIONAL
GUARD MAJ Dwight Bryan, Operations Officer for Ghazni Texas Agribusiness Development Team-IV, places the “T-Patch” with airborne tab combat patch on the right shoulder of SGT Jeremy Barrett during the unit combat patch ceremony Forward Operating Base Ghazni, Afghanistan. (Photo by SRA Courtney Witt)
Members of the Texas Agribusiness Development Team-IV declare victory in the first snowball fight of the winter season at Forward Operating Base Ghazni, Afghanistan.
MAJ John L. Davis and CPT Brent A. Kemp, both on the Texas Agribusiness Development Team-IV, examine a bee hive at the agriculture experimental farm located on Forward Operating Base Ghazni, Afghanistan. (Photo by CPT Wade L. Aubin)
Lt Col Drew L. Daugherty (NGAT Life Member) prepares to mount up on a convoy to Panjshir region from Bagram AB, Afghanistan.
SGT Katherine Williams shares a smile with girls living at a local orphanage in the Jaghori district center at the Ghazni Province, Afghanistan. Williams assisted in delivering much needed supplies for the winter. (Photo by LTC Brian P. Stevens)
CPT Bruce Balvin (NGAT Life Member) of the 176th Engr Bde poses for a photo on Disney Road on Bagram Airfield with some Polish Soldiers.
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Grant Available for Texas National Guard Members with Financial Hardship
NEW TEXAS VETERANS PORTAL
THE TEXAS NATIONAL GUARD FAMILY SUPPORT FOUNDATION was awarded a $160,000 grant from the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC). Funds from this grant will allow the foundation to provide financial assistance for short-term emergency medical and dental procedures and to cover health insurance premiums for a period not to exceed one year. Service members who receive assistance through this grant will also receive a referral for TVC employment counseling and other TVC services. Service members who are experiencing financial hardship due to mounting medical bills should contact Brandie Cole, Family Assistance Center Specialist, at 512-782-1427 or brandie.cole@ng.army.mil for more information.
TEXAS.GOV AND THE TEXAS VETERANS COMMISSION are proud to announce the launch of a new, improved website for Texas Veterans. The Texas Veterans Portal, located at www.texas.gov/veterans, provides online access to a comprehensive range of information about Veteran’s benefits, education, employment and health services. Veterans can download pertinent forms, locate community resources, review frequently asked questions, and more. “We value the service and commitment of our Texas armed services members. The Texas Veterans Portal was designed specifically to help our Veterans, their families, and survivors easily find the assistance and benefits they deserve,” said Doug Holt, Deputy Executive Director for Statewide Technology Services of the Texas Department of Information Resources. The Texas Veterans Portal is a collaborative effort of multiple state agencies and commissions. Participants involved with the portal include the Texas Veterans Commission, Texas Workforce Commission, Texas Veterans Land Board (Texas General Land Office), 2-1-1 (Texas Health and Human Services Commission) and TexVET (Texas A&M Health Science Center), the Office of the Governor, Texas Department of Information Resources, as well as staff from Texas State Representative Chris Turner and U.S. Representative John Carter’s offices, and the Texas Army National Guard (Camp Mabry).
Retired Texas Army National Guard NGAT Life Member
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LaPosadaNGATad_10509horzPRINT.pdf
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H O L I D A Y S
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Halloween Thanksgiving
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Christmas
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SCHOLARSHIP PRESENTED
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THE DIBRELL/ALAMO CHAPTER of the Army Aviation Association of America (AAAA) presented one $1,000 scholarship each to Andrew Fristoe and Tyler Ogg. The chapter has historically presented an annual scholarship to current members of the chapter and their dependents. Membership consists of Army Aviation soldiers, both active and retired, who reside in Texas. Membership currently consists mostly of 36th Combat Aviation Brigade soldiers. This is the first year that the chapter has presented a scholarship in memory of “Easy 40.” Easy 40, a Black Hawk from the 1-131st Aviation Regiment, was shot down on Jan. 20, 2007. All twelve onboard the aircraft died, including four soldiers from the 36 CAV.
Veterans Day 1 Members of 36th Infantry Division show off their Halloween costumes at a get together held at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington.
2 Batman was the winner of a Fun Run conducted by the 176th Engineer Brigade at FOB Sharana, Afghanistan on Halloween Day.
3 SFC Rose Dobelbower (NGAT Life Member) shakes hands with a World War II veteran that served during the invasion of France in 1944 during a Veteran’s Day service at Clint Smith Elementary School in Ducanville, Texas.
Andrew Fristoe (center) receives the $1,000 Dibrell/Alamo Chapter Scholarship from CSM (Ret) Danny Dean (left), Chapter VP for Scholarships, and LTC Scott Kingsley (right), Chapter Senior VP.
(Photo by Vicki Cagle)
4 NGAT Life Members CPT James Proctor and Chaplain (COL) Rob Ewing of the 176th Engineer Brigade serve the Thanksgiving Day meal to the troops at FOB Sharana, Afghanistan.
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SFC “Stretch” Allen (aka Santa) & Soldiers from 4-133d FA get ready to start the 5th Annual Coat & Can Drive with 92.1 FM morning crew in New Braunfels, Texas.
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Austin Mayor Lee Leffingwell (center), BG Joyce Stevens (left), Brig Gen John Nichols (right), City of Austin employees and several Soldiers from Camp Mabry show off some of the boxes they prepared to send to members of the 36th Infantry Division in Iraq for the Christmas holidays.
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Happy Holidays from the 176th Engineer Brigade G1 from FOB Sharana, Afghanistan.
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Members of the Texas Army National Guard, G1 section (left to right) SGT Ebony Furr, SPC Sabin Taylor and SSG Karen Harper prepare to delivery Christmas gifts at the VA Hospital in Temple, Texas.
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Tyler Ogg (center) receives the $1,000 Dibrell/Alamo Chapter “Easy 40” Memorial Scholarship from CSM (Ret) Danny Dean (left), Chapter VP for Scholarships, and COL Richard Adams (right), Chapter President.
STILL TIME LEFT TO SUBMIT YOUR NGAT SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION
SFC Matthew Arrington, a member of the 176th Engineer
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. There is still time to get your scholarship application in: the deadline for receipt of all applications in the NGAT office is 15 February 2011. Download an application at www.ngat.org.
Brigade, gets a big hug from Santa at FOB Sharana, Afghanistan.
10 CPT Michael Leeper, Jr., a member of HHT 3-124th CAV, stands proudly surrounded by toys and gifts collected for the “Reach for the Star” program in Wiley, Texas. Toys were collected for under privileged children of the community. Also pictured are the “Reach for the Star” event coordinators.
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A R O U N D T E X A S w i t h t h e T E X A S N AT I O N A L G U A R D 147TH AMS CHANGES COMMAND
ARMED FORCES BOWL COIN SFC Charles Johnson (NGAT Life Member) displays the Armed Forces Bowl Coin that he received from John Garrison, Bell Helicopter’s president and chief executive officer, for his participation in the Armed Forces Bowl.
Lt Col Kurt Leslie, (L) Commander, 147th Maintenance Group, passes the 147th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron guidon to Capt Derek Weaver at Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base, Houston, Texas. (Photo by SSgt David R. Porcelle)
RETIREES PREPARING TO TRAVEL BG Star Carey (NGAT Life Member) and Captain (USN, Ret) Sandy Carey participated in San Antonio days at the Shanghai Expo 2000 in San Antonio, Texas.
MEMORIES OF SOLDIERS LOST LIVES ON
On 17 Sep 2008, a CH-47 “Chinook” helicopter from the 2-149th Aviation Regiment went down in southern Iraq with members of the Texas and Oklahoma Army National Guard, killing all 7 on board: CPT Robert Vallejo II, CW3 Brady Rudolf, CW2 Corry Edwards, SGM Julio Ordonez, SSG Luke Mason, SGT Dan Eshbaugh, and CPL Mikey Thompson. The state of Oklahoma dedicated stretches of highway to CW3 Brady Rudolf and CPL Michael Thompson, both with the Oklahoma Army National Guard. The highway is Hwy 70 between Durant and Kingston, just north of the Texas border. The truck was CPL Thompson’s truck and has been turned into a moving memorial by his father, Kory Thompson, who uses it regularly on Patriot Guard Rider missions. (Photo by CPT Randall Stillinger)
PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE
SFC David Willis (NGAT Life Member) receives his diploma from Texas Auction Academy President Mike Jones, CAI, GPPA, in Dallas, Texas, where he graduated from the Texas Auction Academy. SFC Willis attended the course to prepare himself for a career after he retires from the Army National Guard.
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EVERY VETERAN HAS A STORY TO TELL THE “VOICES OF VETERANS” ORAL HISTORY PROGRAM seeks to record the stories of Texas veterans and archive the transcripts in the Office of Veterans Records for future researchers, historians, genealogists and the general public. Every veteran has a story to tell, and this program will ensure these stories of courage and service can inspire Texans for generations to come. Voices of Veterans represents the first time a state agency has ventured into the field of veterans’ oral histories. The Veterans Land Board is a natural host for the program, managing six existing Texas State Veterans Homes and one more under construction. The homes currently provide long-term care for about 600 senior veterans, many of whom are eager to tell their story. The Voices of Veterans program joins the ranks of other successful oral history programs, such as the Vietnam Archive Oral History Project at Texas Tech University and the Oral History Program at the National Museum of the Pacific War in Fredericksburg. While these programs focus on specific conflicts, the Voices of Veterans program is open to any Texas veteran who served in the Armed Forces, from World War II to the current War on Terror. Any veteran interested in including his or her story in the Voices of Veterans program should contact the Veterans Land Board at 1-800-252-VETS (8387), or send an email to vlbinfo@glo.state.tx.us. Oral history interviews can be conducted in person at the Veterans Land Board in Austin, or by telephone from anywhere in Texas. Interviews usually last from one to two hours.
Former State Senior Enlisted Advisor CSM (Ret) Clyde Worrell (Right) and former Command Chief of the Texas Air National Guard CCMSgt (Ret) Bill Maginot explain to soldiers and airmen the way things used to be.
w w w . v o i c e s o f v e t e r a n s . o r g
FOR DETAILS CONTACT CLARE MCGARREY AT 817.529.4412 OR clare.e.mcgarrey@interconnect-wiring.com
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The Joint Conference will be held 25-27 March 2011 at the American Bank Center and Omni Bayfront Towers Hotel, Corpus Christi, TX. All Attendees must pay the registration fee of $15.00 per person All registered NGAT Members & Guest join us for a complimentary breakfast & business session on Saturday, 26 March 2011 from 8-10 a.m. in the Bayview Ballroom AB of the American Bank Center.
Registration includes green fee, cart, range balls, continental breakfast, lunch, trophies and prizes. Dolphin Watching Cruise — Cruise the beautiful Corpus Christi bay while admiring the striking cityscape and watch for Atlantic Bottle Nosed Dolphins. On this hour long cruise, learn about the interesting history of the bayfront, area attractions and local legends.
MEAL PACKAGES DEADLINE FOR MEAL PACKAGES IS 18 MAR 11 • Full Meal Package includes Friday Welcome Party, Saturday Lunch and Saturday Dinner – $90 • Friday Only Meal Package – $25 • Saturday Lunch Only Package – $20 • Saturday Dinner Only Package – $50 •R egistration packet pick up will be in the Plaza Level Foyer of the American Bank Center. Shuttle buses will run from the Omni hotels to the American Bank Center during registration hours. All cancellation requests must be received in the NGAT office prior to 15 March 2011. An administrative fee of $10 per registration will be subtracted from the refund amount. Meals packages will not be available to onsite registrations.
8th Annual Silent Auction is sure to be full of assorted gift baskets, framed art, jewelry, weekend getaways, household and outdoor items, and tickets to music, sports and other entertainment venues. Come take advantage of the great bargains. NGAT Welcome Party at the Texas State Aquarium. Get a close up look at underwater life at this 9-acre marine life aquarium. Come enjoy some good food and refreshments at our “Beach Party.” There will be plenty of time to visit with friends, tour the aquarium and network with conference exhibitors. Enjoy a leisure lunch at the Spouses Luncheon on Saturday. Registration fee includes lunch, entertainment and prizes.
HOTELS
Come reconnect with old friends at the Retiree Luncheon on Saturday.
Omni Bayfront Towers Hotel, Corpus Christi, TX. Make your reservations with the hotel directly at: 361-887-1600 or 800-8436664 (central reservations). Hotel rate: $89 single/double plus tax. (NGAT cannot guarantee rooms after 25 February 2011.) Reserve your hotel room using the link on the NGAT web site.
Saturday Dinner — Dinner presentations include the Minuteman and Scholarship awards. After dinner, guests will have an opportunity to visit hospitality suites.
ATTIRE
Hospitality Suites — We still have a few Hospitality Suites left. Units interested in hosting a hospitality room should turn in their hospitality registration form as soon as possible.
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.
The NGAT Social Lounge will operate during the same hours as the hospitality suites. Visit and mingle with friends in a more conversation-friendly environment.
CONFERENCE OPTIONAL EVENTS Optional Activities on Friday will include some fun activities! Don’t miss our Fun Run, Dolphin Watching Cruise and our ever popular Wine Tasting.
Enjoy a delicious breakfast, fellowship and prayer during the NGAT Prayer Breakfast on Sunday morning.
Download the Conference registration form and additional conference information Joint Texas Military Affairs Conference at www.ngat.org.
Golf Tournament format will be a shotgun start, Florida scramble with low net/ low gross competition. The golf tournament is open to both registered and non-registered attendees of the conference.
Austin, T X 26-28 Ma r 2010
BUY OR SELL AN AD FOR THE NGAT CONFERENCE PROGRAM 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. Put your business card ad in the Conference Program or send a special message to a loved one for $25.00. Applications for advertising can be found on the NGAT conference page at www.ngat.org.
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 2011 in the NGAT office. Complete submission requirements and criteria is at www.ngat.org.
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1/14/11 6:42 PM
N E W N G AT M E M B E R B E N E F I T F R O M L I F E L I N E S C R E E N I N G THE NATIONAL GUARD ASSOCIATION OF TEXAS (NGAT) would like to introduce a new membership benefit now available to you and your family. 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. In fact, every year in the United States, stroke strikes 750,000 victims, killing 160,000 and forever changing the lives of those who do survive.
THE 4-TEST PACKAGE INCLUDES: 1. Stroke Screening/Carotid Artery $60 Screens for buildup of fatty plaque in the carotid artery, the #1 cause of stroke. 2. 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. 3. Peripheral Arterial Disease Screening $60 Screens for peripheral arterial disease in the lower extremities, which is linked to coronary artery disease. 4. Atrial Fibrillation Screening $60. Screens for the most common irregular heart beat, which increases the risk of stroke 5-fold.
Call today and save $105 on all 4 tests! NGAT members & family sign up for all 4 tests and pay member price of only $135. There are over 300 events planned in Texas in 2011. Take a moment to learn more about Life Line Screening’s offerings and when they will be in your neighborhood by following this link:
www.lifelinescreening.com/memberbenefits. Call to find the next event in your area or make an appointment for you and your family members by calling 1-866-964-5845. Please mention priority code CSMS-011 when calling.
The cost is a member discounted price of $135 for a 4-test screening package, but the ultimate savings of piece of mind and quality of life is priceless. Disclaimer: TRICARE does not routinely cover preventative screenings for stroke and vascular disease without symptoms.
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TA P S
(as of 01/06/11)
CSM John F. Alford, Life Member #2468, Retired, Karnack
SSG Martin C. Solis, Life Member #14211, Retired, Brady
1SG Bob Bigham, Retired, Fort Worth
Mr. Curtis E. “Jumpy� Taylor, Life Member #117, Retired, Shiro
Mr. Cleo M. Bickford, Retired, Cypress
SPC Johnny S. Terrazas, Life Member #13272, Retired, Fort Wayne IN
MSgt Joseph J. Bimmerle, Life Member #10656, Retired, Wauchula FL
Mr. George A. Warren, Life Member #12648, Retired, Copperas Cove
MSgt George W. Britt Jr., Life Member #251, Retired, Houston
Mr. Edwardo V. Zamora, Life Member #20904, Retired, San Antonio
Mr. Harvey C. Broussrd, Retired, Austin
*Had NGAT Life Insurance
MSG Francisco A. Carlos, Life Member #17709, Retired, El Paso Mr. Willie L. Clay, Life Member #12130, Retired, San Antonio Mr. Donald C. Crutchfield, Retired, Del Rio CW4 James C. Dismuke, Life Member #17149, Retired, Wake Village *SGT William B. Jackson, Life Member #10474, Retired, Godley Mr. Arthur L. Jefferson, Life Member #18126, Retired, Fort Worth CPT Lawrence H. Kelly Jr., Retired, Fort Worth Mr. Fred A. Lunsford, Life Member #18594, Retired, Denton Mr. Luis A. Magallan, Life Member #5984, Retired, Palmhurst MAJ Steve C. McGill, Life Member #28637, TX Med DET, Hondo Mr. John E. McPherson, Life Member #1650, Retired, Richland Springs Mr. Juan L. Pena, Life Member #15913, Retired, Corpus Christi Mr. Alvis Gene Richardson, Life Member #3962, Retired, Austin *SGT Luis G. Ruiz, Co B 536th BSB, Fort Worth
If you are aware of the passing of a current or former
Mr. Tom C. Samples, Life Member #621, Retired, Burleson
National Guard member please notify us by phone, a letter to
SGT Harold R. Scott Jr., Life Member #25486, Retired, Midland
our office or by email at ngatnews@ngat.org.
Mr. Charles L. Smith, Life Member #9235, Retired, Arlington
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
Amber Waves Marketing, Inc
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500 North IH 35, Austin, TX 78701 Tel: (512) 480-8181 | Fax: (512) 457-7990
jx jxÄvÉÅx bâÜ atà|ÉÇËá [xÜÉxá Government/Military Rates available for both individual and group reservations. � Located in the heart of downtown, just minutes away from The University of Texas campus and Austin’s Entertainment Districts � Over 250 spacious and inviting rooms, including two UT-themed luxury suites with amazing views of downtown � All rooms include a Hospitality Center with microwave and refrigerator, 27-inch flat panel HDTV, and MP3 compatible clock radio � Enjoy complimentary high-speed internet access and secure remote printing � As a proud member of the Hilton Family of hotels, guests can earn both points and miles with the Hilton HHonors® program during their stay.
For Reservations: (877) 782-9444 WWW.HGIAUSTIN.COM *Rates subject to availability. Government issued ID required at check-in.
National Guard Association of Texas 3706 Crawford Avenue Austin, Texas 78731-6803
National Guard Association of Texas
NGAT PLANNING CALENDAR (As of 14 October 2011)
2011 H A P P Y NE W Y E A R
21
Feb
President’s Day (NGAT Office Closed)
28
Feb
NGAT Board Meeting, Austin
25-27
Mar
52nd ANNUAL NGAT CONFERENCE, Austin
2
May
NGAT Board Meeting, Austin
4
Jul
Independence Day Observed (NGAT Office Closed)
1
Aug
NGAT Board Meeting, Austin
14-17
Aug
EANGUS Conference, Charleston, WV
27-29
Aug
NGAUS Conference, Milwaukee, WI