Summer 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 2
MEMBERS OF THE 136 TH AIRLIFT WING RETURN FROM DEPLOYMENT Page 5
CSM BRADLEY BRANDT SELECTED AS THE NEW TXMF SENIOR ENLISTED ADVISOR Page 6
THE GUARD FIGHTS FIRES IN TEXAS Page 11
SENIOR NCO REUNION A SUCCESS Page 21
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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
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Homecomings/Deployments
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Key Leadership Changes
56th IBCT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Craig Normand Jeremy Amis
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Music Awards
36th Sustainment Bde . . . . . . . . . Gene Cummins
Membership Special
36th CAB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ashley Brown
Benefits Assistance
176th Engr Bde . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Delmas Vandine
11/ Texas Fires
71st BfSB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . James Dula
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Texas State Guard Pistol Win
136th CSB (ME) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Artis Harden
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Veterans Corner
HQ, TANG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ian Manire
15/ Houston Light Guard
36th ID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John Crawson 72nd IBCT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Les Edwards Paula Daigle-Hutchins
149 FW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Albert Cardenas
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Music Awards
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Family Programs Grant
147th RW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Henry Wiley
16/ Around the World with the Guard
136th AW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scott Wedel
18/ Around Texas with the Guard
TX State Guard Rep . . . . . . . Dewayne Naumann
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2011 NGAUS Conference
Retired Rep – Region II . . . . . . . Russell Malesky
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NCO Reunion
Retired Rep – Region III . . . . . . . . Bill Abernathy
EANGUS 2011
Family Readiness Rep . . . . . . . . . Deborah Evans
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Publisher . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.medianation.net
Army Demotes Beret
Editors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Theresa Billeck-Zuniga Reid Douglass
Corporate Members & Sponsors
Retired Rep – Region I . . . . . . . . . . Stan Kitzman
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Executive Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ray Lindner
15/ Houston Light Guard
Taps
2011 NGAT Planning Calendar
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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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ON THE COVER: CSM Bradley Brandt (Photo by MSG (Ret) Billeck-Zuniga). A C-130H Hercules from the 302nd Airlift Wing, Colorado Springs Air Force Reserve, equipped with the Modular Airborne Firefighting System prepares to drop a line of fire retardant in West Texas (Photo by SSgt Eric Harris). Members of the 136th Airlift Wing return from deployment (Photos by SMSgt Elizabeth Gilbert). Texas National Guard UH-60 Blackhawk drops water over hot spots. (Photo by SSG Malcolm McClendon) Maj Gen Nichols speaks at the TXMF Retired Senior NCO Reunion.
NGAT E-MAIL rlindner@ngat.org rcasias@ngat.org membership@ngat.org insurance@ngat.org ngatnews@ngat.org
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Around the World
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
SUMMER IN TEXAS HAS ARRIVED, and traditionally it is the most active time in our Association to expand our membership. The vast majority of our current members are life are members, and I can’t tell you how many people have come up to me and said how happy they $25. just was price the when ago years twenty-five membership that they paid for a life Let’s think a bit about that investment. Since that time, they have gained medical coverage under free TRICARE, protection under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, federal educational benefits, few. a just name to — licenses fishing and hunting free and tuition program for state universities, They have also received 80 issues of the NGAT NewsMagazine (current printing and distribution cost is about $1.50 per issue). While NGAT can’t claim exclusive responsibility for all these gains, Association leadership has been instrumental in lining up key federal and state legislative support at this year’s Now how do you grade that $25 investment in a professional association? Just the free breakfast
for the programs. annual conference almost returned the initial investment!
units to purchase an This year we are offering a special opportunity for soldiers and airmen of both deployed and drilling this is roughly the inflation, of impact the Given periods. recruiting specific certain during $100 just NGAT Life Membership for committed to are n, we same price that we charged E1-E6 for a life membership in 1980. And as your professional organizatio members of other with shared you continuing the fight to retain and expand benefits for our soldiers, airmen, and families. Have your unit what a bargain membership has been? and actual cuts in benefits for Now for some bad news. The deteriorating state and federal fiscal condition has led to proposed biennium budget. The Secretary the Guard. This year in the state budget we lost $2 million of free tuition for the Guard in the retirement benefits are on the of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff have both said that service medical and the Guard. especially and cutting block in the next session. The future definitely bodes ill for the armed forces — full support of all Guard members While NGAT will join with other state and national associations to combat cuts, we need the e! In order to make our in this fight. NGAT membership in the current serving Guard has fallen to under 15% — unbelievabl reach out and recruit Please voice heard, we need to show that we speak for the entire force. To that end, we need your help. it is that we band important how them those members of the Guard who are not currently NGAT members, and share with future. l professiona one’s in investment together to ensure our voice is heard. Membership is a very small financial
Thank you for your continued support of our Association, and please join us in this new
fight!
Justin D. Perryman MAJ, JA, TXARNG
CSM Wilson Early leads the Texas Army National Guard’s 36th ID and supporting units for a 3-mile run in celebration of the Army’s 236th birthday on June 14 in Basrah, Iraq. (Photo by SGT Jeremy Spires)
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(Photos by SMSgt Elizabeth Gilbert)
Airmen in the 136th Airlift Wing Return Home A C-130 CARRYING MEMBERS of the Texas Air National Guard’s 136th Airlift Wing rolls down the runway as it arrives at the NAS Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base. Family members and friends gathered on the tarmac to greet their loved ones after their long separation. As service members got off the aircraft, loved ones raced towards them with hugs and kisses to welcome them home from Afghanistan. Many members of the 136th Airlift Wing who deployed to Afghanistan, were in country for their second or third time. H
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BAND ON THE RUN
MORE ENGINEERS HEAD TO AFGHANISTAN
SECRETARY OF DEFENSE VISITS AFGHANISTAN
Eight members of the 531st Texas Air National Guard Band of the Gulf Coast, a Latin pop/rock group called “Blue Hawk,” prepare to deploy to Southwest Asia this summer. The band is providing troop morale and support throughout the Area of Operation in support of Enduring Freedom and New Dawn.
NGAT Life Member BG Lester Simpson receives the Combat Action Badge from Secretary of Defense Robert Gates at FOB Sharana in Afghanistan. BG Simpson is the Commander of the 176th Engineer Brigade, which is preparing to return home to Texas in early July.
(Photo by SMSgt Elizabeth Gilbert)
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On April 11, Soldiers from the 111th Engineer Battalion received a warm send-off in Brownwood on their way out for a yearlong deployment to Afghanistan. Prior to their departure to Afghanistan, they will hook up with their counterparts from Stephenville, Texas — as well as Louisiana, Tennessee and Puerto Rico — at Fort McCoy, WI for some additional training. In June they depart for Afghanistan to do a road clearance mission. Upon their arrival to Afghanistan they will fall under the command of their Texas Brigade Headquarters, the 176th Engineer Brigade, which is preparing to return to Texas in early July.
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HHHHHH HHHHHH CSM Bradley Brandt Selected as the TXMF Senior Enlisted Advisor for Texas NGAT LIFE MEMBER Command Sergeant Major Bradley C. Brandt has been selected as the new Senior Enlisted Advisor for the Texas Military Forces. He will assume this position on 1 July 2011 and will work at Camp Mabry in Austin, Texas. As the State Senior Enlisted Advisor, he will be responsible for advising the Adjutant General of Texas on all matters pertaining to enlisted Soldiers/ Airmen of the Texas Army National Guard, the Texas Air National Guard, and the Texas State Guard. Command Sergeant Major Brandt is also responsible for Soldier/Airmen welfare and morale, promotion policies, military education, uniform policies, family readiness/support group operations and the condition and maintenance of facilities within the Texas Military Forces. Additional information concerning the newly selected Senior Enlisted Advisor will be in the next issue of the NGAT News Magazine. H
T E X A S M I L I TA RY F O R C E S L E A D E R S H I P C H A N G E S
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BG William L. Smith
BG Orlando Salinas
Lt Col Marcos G. Santillan
CSM Michael D. Bland
Director of the Joint Staff and Commander of Domestic Operations
Deputy Assistant Adjutant General, TXARNG
Chief, Texas Air National Guard Staff
Command Sergeant Major HHB 1st 133rd FA
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Serving Texas
Serving Your Community
Music to my Ears 36th ID Band Soldiers Receive Honors ASRAH, IRAQ — Two 36th Infantry Division Band soldiers were recently chosen to receive prestigious awards from the military School of Music, which is the military occupational skill school for band members of all branches of service. SSG Maurice Kelley, electric and upright bass player, was chosen as the Army Reserve Component Senior Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year for 2010, and SGT Charles Fricker, percussionist, was one of 12 military band members chosen for the first COL Finley R. Hamilton Military Outstanding Musician Award, which acknowledges enlisted musicians from each branch of service in the U.S. Military Forces who show exceptional qualities in military leadership and music. “I’m very thrilled and humbled to receive the award,” said Fricker, a 32-year-old native of Philadelphia, who works as a grade 6-12 percussion instructor for the Angleton Independent School District. “The process for the award started during pre-mobilization at Joint Base LewisMcChord, WA, and the recipients were announced while we were here in Iraq.”
SGT Charles Fricker, a percussionist with the 36th Infantry Division Band, practices his drum beats with the 36th ID rock band. (Photo by SGT David
Kelley, a 10-year veteran who also began his service in the Army Reserve, said he agreed that receiving a prestigious award was an honor.
Bryant)
“I’ve been fortunate to drill with many bands, and I know there are a lot of really good NCOs out there,” said Kelley, a 40-year-old native of Sedalia, MO, with a doctorate in music from the University of Nebraska. “People may say, ‘well, but you have your doctorate.’ There are really a lot of NCOs with doctorates in the bands, at least on the reserve component side. So it is pretty humbling, because I know the competition is pretty stiff.” H
HOT LIFE
SSG Maurice Kelley, a bassist with the 36th Infantry Division Band, plays some jazz music on his upright bass. (Photo by SGT David Bryant)
LESS CONFUSION, MORE BENEFITS FROM THE TEXAS VETERANS COMMISSION
MEMBERSHIP PRICES FOR THE SUMMER
TEXAS VETERANS DESERVE to get the most from the benefits they’ve earned, so the state of Texas created the Texas Veterans Commission as the official
Like Cher says: “If I could turn back time!”
advocate for Texas veterans. TVC’s mission is to be the most helpful
Well, here at NGAT we are! From 1 Jul - 31 Aug 11, NGAT
place for Texas veterans to receive
will be offering $100.00 life memberships to current members of the Texas Army National Guard, Texas Air National Guard and Texas State Guard. NGAT has not offered life membership at this rock bottom price since 1980. We need your help to get the word out to those that are currently serving in the Guard. We need NGAT members to assist us in expanding membership to the next generation of Guard Soldiers and Airmen.
assistance with their state and federal benefits. Highly trained benefits experts, most of whom are veterans, provide employment services, education programs, claims representation, and counseling at over 140 Texas Veterans Commission offices. Accessing benefits can feel overwhelming and between medical records, paperwork,
For a membership application, visit www.ngat.org.
appointments, and busy schedules it can also feel like a hassle. The Texas Veterans Commission can help. It will manage the entire
HHH $100 LIFE MEMBERSHIPS END 31 AUG 2011 HHH
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process and get veterans and their families the benefits they deserve. To start receiving assistance today, visit the Texas Veterans Commission website at www.tvc.state.tx.us for more information. H
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Working together we’ll get it done
www.drs.com
FROM FIRST TIME OUT TO RECAP, REPOWER AND RESET, NAVISTAR DEFENSE ROLLS WITH YOU EVERY MILE. CONTACT US AT 331.332.6100, NAVISTARDEFENSE.COM OR MILITARY.PARTS@NAVISTAR.COM
BATTLING TEXAS Original Story by CMSgt Gonda Moncada
Airlift Wing, and the fourth is from North Carolina’s 145th Airlift Wing.
NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERS from four states have supported firefighters and civil authorities in Texas as they assist the Texas Forest Service and firefighters from across the state in efforts to suppress an unprecedented number of wildfires. Background Photo: A U.S. Forest Service King Air lead plane guides a C-130J Hercules from the 146th Airlift Wing during firefighting operations. The lead planes guide aircraft to ensure that the fire retardant is dispensed where it is needed. (Photo by SSgt Eric Harris) Below: Airmen from the 146th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, California Air National Guard, wash fire retardant off of a C-130J Hercules after a day of flying in support of firefighting operations at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. The fire retardant is highly corrosive, so it needs to be washed off as soon as possible to prevent damage to the aircraft. (Photo by SSgt Eric Harris)
State Park, mostly consuming heavily wooded areas along the bluff tops that ring Possum Kingdom Lake. The wildfire did not destroy the campgrounds along the shore or much of the park’s infrastructure, saving a store-marina, cabins, an office and the water plant. The park reopened on Memorial Day weekend for business.
The Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System (MAFFS) is a self-contained, reusable aerial firefighting system loaded into the cargo bay of a C-130 aircraft, which effectively turns the airplanes into aerial firefighting tankers. The system can discharge 3,000 gallons of water or fire retardant in less than five seconds, covering an area one-quarter of a mile long by 60 feet wide. Once the load is discharged, it can be refilled in less than 12 minutes.
The Texas Forest Service has deployed four Incident Management Teams with the assistance of numerous agencies to battle some 810 fires that have burned more than 2 million acres since November. Under the direction of the Joint Forces Air Component Commander from Air Force Northern based at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, four C-130 Hercules aircrafts equipped with firefighting capabilities have responded to the Texas wildfires. Two of the four aircraft are from the California Air National Guard’s 146th Airlift Wing, the third is from the Wyoming National Guard’s 153rd
Texas has been under a state emergency declaration since Dec. 21, 2010 because of extremely dry weather and wildfires, officials reported. The declaration makes all state resources available to the Texas Emergency Management Agency. Burn bans are in effect all across Texas, and the United States Forest Service is asking the public to be vigilant and report fires, even when they think it is minor. H
The Possum Kingdom Complex wildfire — about 70 miles west of Fort Worth — incinerated at least 160 homes in mid-April. The human toll is also devastating, as two firefighters were killed while fighting the blazes. The wildfire burned about 90 percent of the 1,528-acre Possum Kingdom
A Texas National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk responds by helping fight the wildfires in North Texas. The helicopters launched out of the Austin Army Aviation Support Facility were equipped with a Bambi Bucket, which carries over 600 gallons of water, to fight fires. (Photo by SSG Malcolm McClendon)
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Texas VFW & The NaTioNal Guard Partners in protecting America and her Veterans
We’re behind you every step of the way. For more information www.texasvfw.org
TEXAS STATE GUARD HITS THEIR MARK AND TAKES TOP HONORS WINNING THEIR SECOND COMPETITION OF THE YEAR, the Texas State Guard’s 19th Regiment marksmanship team took top honors in this year’s 2011 Adjutant General’s Rifle Competition. Earlier this year, the same team won the 30th Annual Texas National Guard Combat Pistol Match. The TXSG has now swept the state military forces competitions that include teams from the Texas Army National Guard, Texas Air National Guard and Texas State Guard. Texas State Guard soldiers also won the Texas Military Forces Sniper Competition, held 30 April - 1 May at Camp Swift, a training facility near Bastrop. 1LT Douglas George, a staff officer with the J3 Directorate of Training, was the overall individual winner of the 2011 TXMF Sniper Training Competition. 1LT George and LTC Troy Smith, of the Texas Medical Brigade, were recognized as the 2011 top sniper team. Sniper competition is a team event in which both members contribute to the success of each other’s performance. For George and Smith, the keys to being recognized as the best long-range riflemen in the Texas Military Forces were teamwork, training and communication. The Adjutant General’s Rifle Competition included various stages, with participants firing M16/M4/AR-15-type rifles at targets from as far away as 400 yards. The competition took place 14-15 May at Camp Swift. The team included CPT Theodore Baroody, SSG Admir Pasalic, SGT Sean Mounger, and CPL Scott Hunt. In the individual competition, Mounger took First Place, while Hunt placed Second. COL David Erinakes, the commanding officer of the 19th Regiment, said the discipline and commitment needed in the competition reflects the broader training of all guardsmen in preparing for the missions and work of the Texas State Guard. The mission of the Texas State Guard is to provide highly trained soldiers for Defense Support to Civil Authorities by providing ready military forces during state emergencies to assist State and local authorities in homeland security, community service and with medical services. H
Members of the Texas Military Forces participate in the 2011 Adjutant General’s Rifle Competition at Camp Swift near Bastrop.
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Free College for Children of Texas Veterans
FREE ADMISSION TO MUSEUMS FIRST LAUNCHED IN THE SUMMER OF 2010, Blue Star Museums is once again offering free admission to active duty military (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard), National Guard and Reserve members, and up to five immediate family members beginning May 30, 2011, through Labor Day, September 5, 2011. For more information and a list of participating museums by state, go to www.arts.gov/bluestarmuseums. The Blue Star Museums initiative is a partnership among Blue Star Families, the National Endowment for the Arts and more than 1,000 museums across America. H
IF YOU WERE LIVING IN TEXAS WHEN YOU JOINED THE MILITARY, your children may be able to get a free college education at a Texas public university. A recent change to the Hazlewood Act provides the option for veterans to pass their Hazlewood benefits to their children. To see if you and your children are eligible, go to http://www.tvc.state. tx.us/Hazlewood.html. The Hazlewood Act provides qualified veterans, spouses, and children with an education benefit of up to 150 hours of tuition and fee exemptions at state supported colleges or universities. The awards are available only for use at a Texas public college or university. H
SHOW YOUR PRIDE WITH A FREE “I SERVED” STICKER SINCE 2009, OVER 600,000 MEN AND WOMEN who have served courageously in our armed forces have received “I Served” stickers. We want to tell them “thank you.” The vision of Operation Homefront is to give every returning military person who served in Iraq or Afghanistan a FREE sticker that identifies where they served. Free “I Served” stickers are also available to those who served in Desert Storm, Vietnam, World War II and Korea. It is the hope of Operation Homefront that these stickers will encourage others to express a simple “thank you” for serving our country. To request your free “I Served” sticker go to www.iservedsticker.org. H
JOHN WAYNE SCRATCH OFF LOTTERY TICKET BENEFITS TEXAS VETERANS THE TEXAS LOTTERY COMMISSION released the new John Wayne-themed $2 scratch-off lottery ticket for the Veterans Cash lottery game. Since its introduction on 11 Nov 2009, sales of Veterans Cash scratch-off tickets have provided over $14.5 million to the Texas Veterans Commission Fund for Veterans’ Assistance. Each time you buy a Veterans Cash scratch-off lottery ticket, you help Texas veterans and their families. To locate retailers that sell Veterans Cash lottery tickets, go to www.txlottery. org and click on the Scratch-Off and Store Locator link. H
NEW RED CROSS EMERGENCY NUMBER ON 13 JUNE, THE AMERICAN RED CROSS moved to a single telephone number for its emergency communication services. Service members and their families will be able to use one toll-free number, 877-272-7337, to send an urgent message to a Service member following the death or serious illness of an immediate family member, the birth of a Service member’s child or grandchild, or when a family faces other emergencies. Additional Red Cross services will also be available. For those people stationed overseas, the three options for calling will remain the same: calling 877-272-7337 direct, accessing the number through a military operator, or calling their local Red Cross station. H
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H O U S T O N L I G H T G U A R D V E T E R A N S A S S O C I AT I O N , I N C . THE HOUSTON LIGHT GUARD was organized in April 1873 under the Militia Act of 1870. Between 1876 and 1903, the Houston Light Guard was mobilized to restore or maintain peace during race crises, political feuds, and labor strikes. The Light Guard entered federal service in 1898 during the Spanish-American War. Tensions with Mexico resulting from the Mexican Revolution caused the company to be activated in 1913, 1914 and 1916, deployed to the Rio Grande valley to protect citizens and property. In 1913, the Light Guard was federalized and served in both World Wars. From 1980 to 2000, the unit made multiple deployments throughout the world and performed joint operations with Ranger Battalions, REFORGER, and NATO partners before being deactivated in August 2001. The Houston Light Guard Association holds an annual reunion in Houston every April 21. The Houston Light Guard armory located at 3816 Caroline St is currently under renovation to be used by the Buffalo Soldiers as their National Museum (buffalosoldiermuseum.com), and the Houston Light Guard Veterans Association will be provided space to display their extensive collection of historical artifacts. For more information about the Houston Light Guard Veterans Association, contact 1SG (Ret) Chris Slade at christopher.slade@us.army.mil. H
Pictured is G Company 143d (LRS) at the Houston Light Guard Armory just before they move to Ellington Airfield. Currently this armory is under renovation.
GRANTS AVAILABLE FOR TEXAS NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERS WITH FINANCIAL HARDSHIP
MILITARY FRIENDLY ONLINE DEGREE PROGRAMS
Earn College Credit for Military Training
The Texas National Guard Family Support Foundation (TXNGFSF) was awarded a $160,000 grant from the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC). Funds from this grant provide for temporary, emergency financial assistance for TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS) and TRICARE Dental Plan (TDP) for medical and non-medical expenses. Currently enlisted service members in the rank of E1 to E6 are eligible to apply. 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 should contact Luann Barron, Family Assistance Center Specialist, at 512-782-1954 or at luann.barron@tx.ngb.army. mil for more information. Applications are also available online at txngfoundation.org.
Associate | Bachelor | Master | Certificate
Why CSU? • Maximum Transfer Credit • No Scheduled Online Sessions • Textbooks Included Through CSU Book Grant • TA and VA Benefits
• Member of SOC • No ACT, SAT, GMAT, GRE or Other Entrance Exams Required • Self-Paced or Structured Learning
Online Degree Programs • Criminal Justice • Business Administration • Emergency Services Management
• Fire Science • Management • Organizational Leadership • And More!
This program is made possible by a grant from the Texas Veterans Commission Fund for Veterans Assistance. The Fund for Veterans’ Assistance provides grants to organizations who service veterans and their families. Funding for these grants comes from a portion of Veterans scratch-off ticket sales.” www.tvc.state.tx.us; 1-800-252-8387
Other Degree and Certificate Programs Available
www.ColumbiaSouthern.edu/NGAT | 800.977.8449 ORANGE BEACH, AL 36561
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CPT Bruce Balvin (center) of the 176th Engineer Brigade poses for a photo with French Majors Vaur (French Foreign Legion) and Fernex de Mongex in Afghanistan. 1SG Brett Lee of FSC 111th Engr Bn watches over his troops during training at Fort McCoy, WI.
Chief Warrant Officer Brandon Edgar (right) and MSgt Michael Whitney of the 214th Engineering Installation Squadron pose for a photo in Afghanistan.
Governor of Texas, Rick Perry, welcomes a small Afghan Delegation to the state. The delegation consists of Afghan representatives from provincial and district levels of government. The visit was part of an agriculture and governance exchange program of the Task Force White Eagle - Ghazni Agribusiness Development Team, established by the U.S. Army and Texas Army National Guard and supported by the Texas A&M System. (Photo by SSG Eric Wilson)
MG Darren Owens, special assistant to the director, Army National Guard, helps plant a tree symbolizing cooperation between Afghan government officials and National Guard Agricultural Development Teams during a ceremony at the National Arboretum in Washington, D.C. (Photo by SFC Sean McCollum) 16
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CPT Yves Raoelina, a member of the 101st Forward Support Battalion, visits with a Haitian police officer in L’Estere, Haiti, as part of Operation New Horizon.
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SGT Michael Hutsell, a member of the Texas Agribusiness Development Team – IV, enjoys an Easter egg in Afghanistan.
SPC Courtney Wade, 176th Engineer Brigade combat medic, talks with a young Afghan child during the first women’s consultation held at the Urgun District hospital in Afghanistan.
GUARD
SFC Emmanuel Martinez (center), a Soldier with the 36th ID and a Basic Life Support instructor for the American Heart Association, teaches Army Reserve Soldiers SPC Lionel Brown (right) and SGT Ruben Gonzalez Jr. (left), both with the 2nd Platoon, 422nd Military Police Company, Bakersfield, Calif., proper breathing and hand placement techniques during an AHA BLS course at the education center on Contingency Operating Base Basra, Iraq. (Photo by SGT James Kennedy Benjamin)
SSG Luis Vega-Maldonado, a medic with the 36th ID in Basrah, Iraq, performs a check up on SGT Juan Arriaga, an infantryman also with the 36th ID. (Photo by SGT David A. Bryant)
SGT Bin Liu, a mechanic with HSC, 36th DSTB, removes the instrument panel on a Light Medium Tactical Vehicle to replace the fuel gauge in Basrah, Iraq. Liu gave up a 15-year career in the Chinese Air Force and the rank of Major to follow his wife to the United States. He said his love of the military lifestyle is what prompted him to enlist in the Texas Army National Guard, and he intends to put in the paperwork to receive a commission once he feels confident enough with the English language to pass the required tests. (Photo by SGT David A. Bryant)
Members of the 36th ID celebrate Cinco de Mayo and Mother’s Day by having a Texasstyle cookout and pig roast. This is the second roast of its kind since the division deployed to Iraq in December. (Photo by SGT Jeremy Spires) W W W . N G A T . O R G
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SPC Brent Murray (left) of B Co, 36th DSTB, and SPC Joel Wise (center), of HHC 1-12th CAV Regt, present letters of appreciation to musician Toby Keith and his band members after a concert hosted for service members and civilians in U.S. Division-South stationed at Contingency Operating Base Basra, Iraq.
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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 TXMF FAMILY SUPPORT FOUNDATION RECEIVES LARGE DONATION
TRAINING FOR DEPLOYMENT
Texas Military Forces Family Support Foundation President Amy Stevens receives a $10,000 donation from Greg Zito of BAE Systems during American Heroes Day at Camp Mabry. The Texas National Guard Family Support Foundation is a non-profit organization founded in 2004 by a group of existing and former Texas National Guard members with the purpose of supporting the needs of those serving our great State of Texas during both peace and wartime. For more information please visit www.txngfoundation.org.
SSgt Michelle Jones and TSgt Gabriel Garcia-Diaz, 181st Airlift Squadron, C-130 Hercules aircraft loadmasters, prepare and practice for the low altitude, low cost air drop missions for Afghanistan. (Photo SMSgt (Ret) Patrick Nugent)
NATO SECRETARY GENERAL VISITS
TEXAS STATE GUARD CHAPLAINS
On May 10, 2011, His Excellency Anders Fogh Rasmussen (center left), Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, meets with Maj Gen John F. Nichols (center right), The Adjutant General of Texas, and military personnel from the Texas Military Forces in Austin, Texas. NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen visited with the military members to take questions about the Alliance’s crucial role in global security and how NATO will defend freedom in the 21st century. Pictured left to right: LTC Marvin D. Johnson, SSG Cynthia Alvarez-Cruz, CW5 Earnest Metcalf, SSG John Orchard, SSG Luis Mendoza, and SSG Jose Alvarado. (Photo by SSG Eric Wilson)
Chaplains with the Texas State Guard pose for a picture after being interviewed by the Brownwood News on June 11, 2011, at Camp Bowie. The Chaplains are conducting Annual Training with the Texas State Guard. Some of the training activities for guard members included mass care operations, wide area damage assessment, first aid, land navigation, and command post operations. (Photo by Laura Lopez)
NATIONAL EMERGENCY RESPONSE AND RESCUE TRAINING CENTER Texas Military Forces, Joint Task Force 71 representatives tour the National Emergency Response and Rescue Training Center in College Station, Texas. The task force, headquartered out of Austin, is tasked to provide assistance to civil authorities during emergency situations. The facility provides local, state, and federal jurisdictions with high-quality, hands-on, scenario-driven leadership training, exercises, technical assistance, and strategy development. (Photo by SGT Melissa Bright)
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It’s time, once again, to mark your calendars and make plans to attend the NGAUS Conference! This year’s event will be held at the Frontier Airlines Convention Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, August 27th through 29th. The Texas delegation will be staying at The Hilton Milwaukee City Center on West Wisconsin Ave near the convention center and situated among the many unique downtown shops and pubs offering Old World cuisine, refreshments and entertainment. Bring your lederhosen and get ready to sing and dance with the oompah bands. Big on food? You are sure to have a good time as the city boasts diverse festivals, outdoor recreation, shopping and dining on the Riverwalk, professional sporting events, the world’s only Harley-Davidson Museum, the Potawatomi Bingo Casino, and so much more. Milwaukee is known for its Friday night fish fry, frozen custard, and gastropubs. From brewing companies to botanical gardens, Milwaukee has a variety of unique activities to keep visitors entertained. The conference promises to be packed with keynote speakers, entertainment, and access to the largest defense industry trade show, which will showcase all the fun Milwaukee has to offer. For more information about Milwaukee and all it has to offer, go to www.visitmilwaukee.org.
Download your registration form to attend on the NGAT website at www.ngat.org.
NGAT is proud to have Frost Bank as our Association banker. We find their service to be excellent and tailored to our needs. Ray Lindner, CAE NGAT Executive Director
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NCO REUNION A SUCCESS FOR THE ARMY FORMER STATE SENIOR ENLISTED ADVISOR CSM (RET) CLYDE WORRELL, with the assistance of NGAT, put together the first Texas Military Forces Senior NCO Reunion. The reunion was held on 11 June at the Homewood Suites by Hilton in Waco, Texas. Although retired personnel from the Army and Air National Guard in the rank of E8 & E9 were invited, only retired Army National Guard personnel attended. That did not stop the event from being a success, with 25 retirees and 8 guest/spouses in attendance. “We have been talking about doing this for years but never did anything. The time was right, and we have to start somewhere,” said CSM (Ret) Worrell. The retirees received an update from the Adjutant General of Texas Maj Gen John F. Nichols, who expressed his gratitude for their service and commended them for looking for ways to continue to serve the Guard. “Retiree reunions offer a great opportunity to maintain connections with those who worked so hard to lay the foundation we build on today,” said Nichols. CSM (Ret) Anthony Sandoval presented a briefing on the Survivor Outreach Services, and MSG (Ret) Theresa Billeck-Zuniga gave an update on NGAT. Discussions were also held on the VA medical claim process, along with a review of insurance benefits by CSM (Ret) Don Strickland. NGAT sponsored refreshments and a barbecue meal from Rudy’s BBQ. There was also plenty of time to reconnect with old friends and tell a tall-tale or two. Mark your calendar for the next reunion, scheduled for Saturday, April 28, 2012, at the Homewood Suites in Waco. To view photos of the reunion, go to www.flickr.com/photos/52162292@N07/sets. Watch the NGAT website for additional information. H
The Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States (EANGUS)
4 0 TH A N N U A L C O N F E R E N C E August 14-17, 2011 Charleston, West Virginia
The 40th Annual EANGUS National Conference “Almost Heaven — Two Thousand Eleven” will be held in Charleston, West Virginia, from 14 August to 17 August 2011, and welcomes Soldiers, Airmen, Retirees and their families from all 54 states and territories! Activities during the conference will include: • Professional Development training for junior Soldiers and Airmen. • An exciting golf tournament with prizes from numerous sponsors. • An open evening on Monday at the Clay Center (including interactive science exhibits and much more). • Welcome Night Social at Appalachian Power Park (home stadium of the WV Power minor-league baseball team; affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates) with lots of great food, fun and entertainment! • All States Night (Pin Night) at Haddad Riverfront Park with food, fun and a car show on the boulevard. • A formal banquet and awards ceremony to conclude the conference on Wednesday.
For those who choose to extend their stay and enjoy Wild and Wonderful West Virginia on their own, the fun will continue with many exciting vacation options such as: • $69 White Water Rafting, TreeTops Canopy Tours, Gravity Zip Lines, Mountain Biking, Rock Climbing and Rappelling from Adventures on the Gorge • Sports-Fest 2011 – 19-21 August 2011
Texas delegates will be staying at the Holiday Inn Express. To reserve your hotel room and for more information, go to the NGAT website and click on the “2011 EANGUS Annual Conference” link. To register to attend the conference, please visit www.eangus.org.
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TA P S
R E M E M B E R I N G FA L L E N H E R O E S AT T H E C A P I T O L
(as of 06/14/11)
Story and photo by SGT Jennifer D. Atkinson
*SSgt Ronald J. Alleman, Life Member #31906, Retired, Orange
FOR MOST AMERICANS, Memorial Day is the unofficial start of summer, a time to hit the lake, barbecue, or buy a new mattress. For the families of fallen heroes attending the Memorial Day Joint Session of the Texas Legislature on May 28, this Memorial Day was a day of remembrance and sorrow.
Mr. Marvin W. Black, Life Member #1035, Retired, Dallas MSgt Don H. Brewer, Life Member #2624, Retired, Marlin *Mr. Roy W. Choat, Life Member #4086, Retired, Eden COL Jose A. Eisma, Life Member #8148, Retired, West SFC Douglas W. Hines, Life Member #21704, Retired, Dallas
Originally known as Decoration Day, this special remembrance was first observed in 1868 when flowers were placed on the graves of both Union and Confederate soldiers. By the end of the 19th century, Memorial Day ceremonies were being held on May 30 throughout the nation, and in 1971 Congress designated the last Monday in May as Memorial Day.
CMSgt Bobby E. Ingram, Life Member #693, Retired, Smithville Mr. Raymond C. Langley, Life Member #680, Retired, Marshall MSG James R. Oberman, Life Member #8446, Retired, Austin SPC Blake Owens, HHC 136 MP BN, Tyler Mr. Joe Passant, Retired, San Antonio SMSgt A. B. Taake, Retired, Gulfport MS SGT Roy W. Terry, Life Member #16020, Retired, Bedford
Governor Rick Perry served as the keynote speaker during the session where the names of fallen Texans were read on the floor of the legislative chamber. Families able to make the trip to the Capitol for the ceremony were greeted by the governor, and pre sented with a flag and a copy of House Concurrent Resolution No. 163, designating the special Joint Session of the legislature.
*Mr. Servando Villagomez, Life Member #5956, Retired, Alamo *Had life insurance
If you are aware of the passing of a current or former National Guard member please notify us by phone, a letter to
“We will continue to call upon the best and the brightest to stand between us and those who would cause us harm,” said Perry. “Please know the people of Texas genuinely appreciate the service and the sacrifice of your warrior and we lift you up in our thoughts and our prayers.” H
our office or by email at ngatnews@ngat.org.
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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Stanley Vidmar is proud to support the brave men and women of the Texas National Guard.
11 Grammes Road • Allentown, PA 18103 • StanleyVidmar.com
National Guard Association of Texas 3706 Crawford Avenue Austin, Texas 78731-6803
National Guard Association of Texas
NGAT PLANNING CALENDAR (As of 1 July 2011)
2011 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
5
Sep
Labor Day (NGAT Office Closed)
10
Oct
Columbus Day (NGAT Office Closed)
7
Nov
NGAT Board Meeting, Austin, TX
11
Nov
Veterans Day (NGAT Office Closed)
24-25
Nov
Thanksgiving Holiday Observed (NGAT Office Closed)
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)
27
Feb
NGAT Board Meeting, Austin
23-25
Mar
53rd ANNUAL NGAT CONFERENCE, Austin
2012
28 Apr 2nd Annual TXMF Senior NCO Reunion, Waco