Winter 2012 NGAT Official Online Magazine

Happy 375th Birthday National Guard

Winter 2012

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 4

NGAT NEW PROPERTY

Page 6

MEMBERSHIP DRIVE Page 14

AROUND TEXAS Page 18

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

contents

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

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Letter from the President

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

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Members Spotlight

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

Paula Daigle-Hutchins

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NGAT New Property Announcement

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Key Leadership Changes

56th IBCT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Craig Normand

Jeremy Amis

National Guard’s 375th Birthday

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

8/ Deployments

36th CAB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ashley Bloom

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

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Legislative Update

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Around the World with the Guard

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

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NGAT Membership Drive

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

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Military License Plates

71 BfSB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . James Dula st

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

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

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Camouflage & Christmas Lights

17/

Opt in for NGAT News Printed Copies

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

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

8/ 1/143rd & 3/124th Deploy

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

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Around Texas with the Guard

Retired Rep – Region II . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vacant

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2012 NGAT Conference Information

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

16/ Holiday Times

NGAT Scholarship Deadline

Family Readiness Rep . . . . . . . . . Deborah Evans NGAT Awards Program

Publisher . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.medianation.net Editors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Theresa Billeck-Zuniga Reid Douglass Executive Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ray Lindner H H H H H H H H H 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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TXMF at the World Series

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TAPS/Sponsors

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NGAT 2011-2012 Planning Calendar

18/ Around Texas with the Guard

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

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ON THE COVER: Photos celebrating 375 years of the National Guard 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

GUARD OF is complacency. Texas ONE THING NO ONE CAN EVER ACCUSE THE TEXAS or returning from deployment. You ed Guard units are either preparing to deploy, currently deploy Guardsmen serving the nation, state our can’t turn on the television or radio without hearing about Guardsmen have served in some Texas far. and community in some manner, somewhere — near or all I know we may have been for and tica, capacity in every continent on the planet except Antarc there for them back on the home be can we there as well. While they are deployed and in harm’s way, effort. front. Your association, NGAT, is proud to be part of that and seen a familiar face on those colorful Many of you have received our magazine while deployed of you have been lucky enough to pages prepared by MSG (Ret) Theresa Billeck-Zuniga. Some that goodies. For most of us, however, it was the peace of mind receive an NGAT care package of snacks, sweets and other une. misfort as fast as twenty-four hours after any NGAT insurance would provide payments to dependents ting of the NGAT magazine I requested that you help us by contac NGAT does ask something in return, and in the last issue .

GAUS www.N to legislation. The process can’t be easier. Simply go your elected officials concerning their support of military s addres your is Center or Legislative Alerts tabs. All you need org or www.EANGUS.org and click on the Legislative Action s and laws. benefit y and a few minutes to make a big difference in our militar in sending NGAUS reported that Texas was ranked third in the nation Since then, NGAT members have responded in volumes! be Tennessee and Georgia, and with a little more effort we can electronic letters to Congress with over 10,000. We trailed ntatives in you and me?” The answer is simple — our elected represe NUMBER ONE! You may ask, “What does that mean to . ion benefiting the Guard, military, warfighter and veteran Washington received over 10,000 requests to vote on legislat the next decade. We will be asked to do more with a lot less.

We all know changes are coming to our armed forces over e l debt. Our enemies won’t run out of ambition simply becaus Natural disasters don’t care about budget deficits and nationa have can we rs membe our of t suppor the have to be cut, but with our national desire for limited wars is growing. Benefits will do won’t acency Compl .

Austin and our voices heard in Washington ures legislat of tion despera the is in this battle because the enemy but we trying to make ends meet. NGAT is happy to lead the fight, y. capacit some in us join to need each and every one of you ding NGAT is pleased to thank MG Eddy Spurgin for his outstan ful success its leadership of the 36th Infantry Division during deployment to Iraq. We look forward to our former NGAT division President BG James “Red” Brown taking the reins of the that in luck of best in January. We wish him and his staff the monumental task. on The 53rd Annual NGAT Conference will be held in Austin 2014 in March 23-25, 2012. In 2013 we will be in Dallas and y than in Houston. This year’s conference is more family friendl ever. Please bring your family for a Texas size great time.

Thank you for your continued support of our Association, and please join us making your association the best ever!

NGAT President MAJ Justin Perryman (left) enjoys a Rangers Baseball game during the World Series in Arlington with MAJ Warren Kostencki. Read more about the Texas Guard at the World Series on page 21.

MAJ Justin D. Perryman President, NGAT

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M E M B E R S

S P O T L I G H T COL PAUL TRESSA RETIRES

BRONZE STARS AWARDED

Commander of the Texas State Guard Ray Peters (center) presents Nancy Tressa (left) with Yellow Roses on the occasion of her husband COL Paul Tressa’s (right) retirement from the Texas State Guard.

During the ceremony COL Tressa was also presented with a Texas Outstanding Service Medal. Both BG Peters and COL Tressa are Life Members of NGAT. H Congressman Pete Olson (center), 22nd Congressional District, honors Bronze Star recipients during a Hometown Heroes Salute ceremony. Pictured left to right are MSgt Thomas Taylor, CMSgt Brian Wilhelm, MSgt Brian Brasher, and MSgt William Taylor. These Airmen were awarded the Bronze Star while assigned to a US Army unit in Afghanistan and working to set up communications infrastructure while exposed to direct and indirect enemy fire. They are all members of the 272nd Engineering and Installation Squadron and NGAT. H

COL FARRAR BENTLEY HONORED

KNIGHT OF THE HONORABLE ORDER OF SAINT MICHAEL

Chaplain (Col) Farrar Bentley (NGAT Life Member) receives a certificate of retirement signed by Governor Rick Perry and is commissioned an Admiral in the Texas Navy on the occasion of his retirement from the Texas State Guard.

Mrs. Maryann Bentley was commissioned a Yellow Rose of Texas for her selfless support of her husband during his years of military service. Presenting the award is the Commander of the Texas State Guard MG Ray Peters (left) and the Adjutant General of Texas Maj Gen John Nichols (right). H National Guard Associa tion of Texas 3706 Crawford Avenue Austin, Texas 78731 (512) 454-7300 (TX) 1-80 0-252-NGAT FAX: (512) 467-6803 www.ngat.org

BG James K. “Red” Brown (left), former NGAT President, and LTC Michael P. Dietz (right), Deputy Director of Government Affairs, were inducted into Army Aviation’s Knight of the Honorable Order of Saint Michael at the 1-149th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion’s annual dining out held at NASA’s Space Center Houston.

COL Rick Adams (center), 36th Combat Aviation Brigade Commander and State Aviation Officer, presented both officers with the Knight Award for their exceptional contributions to Army Aviation, which included modernization efforts to field the TXARNG with the Army’s latest attack helicopter, the AH-64D “Longbow” Apache.

All are Life Members of NGAT. H (Photo by Mr. Ronald Plante)

9 January 2012 SUBJECT: Official Call of the 53rd

Annual Conference, Nati

onal Guard Association of Texas The 53rd Annual Conferen ce of the National Guard Association of Texas, held TAG Commanders’ Con ference, will be held on jointly with the 23-25 March 2012 in Aust in, Texas.

The conference hotel is the Radisson Hotel & Suite s, Austin, Texas. Please reservations directly with make your hotel the hotel by calling 512478-9611 or 800-333-3333 are $104 for single/double . The hotel rates accommodations. Please make your reservations February 2012 to receive prior to 24 the conference room rates .

All joint conference parti cipants are invited to all sessions of the Comman unless it is noted as a close ders’ Conference d session. Joint conferen ce participants are also invit NGAT Annual Business ed to attend the Meeting scheduled for Satu rday, 24 March 2012.

Registration information, appropriate attire, and adm inistrative instructions can 20 of the NGAT News Mag be found on page azine or online at the NGA T website at www.ngat.org forms can be downloaded from the NGAT website. . Registration

LONE STAR DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDAL BG Joyce Stevens, Commander of the Texas Army National Guard, presents MSG Adam C. Munro with the Lone Star Distinguished Service Medal for his over 23 years of dedicated military service during his retirement ceremony at Camp Mabry. Both are Life Members of NGAT. H

All Association members and friends of the Guard are encouraged to sponsor airman’s registration and a soldier or lodging fees for the conf erence by becoming a Patr become a Patriot Sponsor iot Sponsor. To simply enclose an additiona fees. All Patriot Sponsors l $350 with your conferen ce registration will be recognized in the NGAT Conference Prog ram.

We look forward to seein g you at the conference.

Respectfully,

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Ray Lindner H Exec H utive H Dire H ctor H H

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NGAT PROPERTY PURCHASE AS MANY OF YOU KNOW, NGAT has been conducting operations at its offices at 3706 Crawford Ave for over 35 years. Several years ago, the Board of Directors set up a committee to investigate options for remodeling, rebuilding, or relocating our office. After close review of the rebuilding requirements of the city, that option was eliminated as unfeasible due to the reduced footprint we would have given stringent parking requirements. Remodeling our office remains an option, but there are many expensive and constraining requirements to meet ADA standards. The committee has been actively searching for alternative building locations for several months, but has not found anything that matches our current location.

Recently the opportunity arose for us to purchase the property immediately adjacent to our property on Crawford Ave., and which would significantly expand our land footprint. The combined lots will give us over 1/3 acre in total real estate, large enough to build a new office building after meeting all building code and parking requirements.

As you can see by this photo, the property NGAT is considering buying is right next door to our current location.

The Property Committee is currently negotiating the purchase, and hopes to secure Board approval and close before the end of January 2012. Most importantly, the Association will not be taking on any debt to complete the purchase.

A new committee will now be tasked with planning for future development of the property. While any new construction is likely several years off, the Association has secured its future at our current site.

We are excited about this unique opportunity to secure the Association’s future, and look forward to sharing with you our future building plans. H

Come by and visit the NGAT office. We are located at 3706 Crawford Ave just one mile from Camp Mabry.

This is a front view of the property NGAT is considering buying.

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T EX A S MIL ITARY F O RC E S LE A DE RS HI P C HA NGES

Brig Gen Brian C. Newby Vice Cdr and Chief of Staff Texas Air National Guard

Brig Gen Kenneth W. Wisian Cdr, Texas Air National Guard Assistant Adjutant General — Air

COL Bill Hall Cdr, HQ 136th CSB (ME)

John H. Steele, SPHR Executive Director Texas ESGR

LTC Amy Cook Public Affairs Officer

LTC Benjamin S. Johnson Chief of Staff 36th Infantry Division

THE NATIONAL GUARD’S 375TH BIRTHDAY BORN FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS ON DECEMBER 13, 1636, our National Guard has served admirably throughout our Nation’s history — in both peace and war. From the first muster in Salem, Massachusetts, through today, the National Guard has been steadfast in its service to our Republic by defending us against foreign enemies and assisting in domestic emergencies.

For 375 years, our nation’s Citizen Soldiers have sacrificed, struggled and triumphed at home and abroad. As a dual mission operational force requiring only a small portion of defense funds, the Guard can provide a solution to today’s challenges.

Since 9-11, the National Guard has transformed from a strategic to an operational force. Our Citizen Soldiers have developed unsurpassed tactical expertise, as well as displaying amazing courage and commitment. Through resolve, resilience and readiness, the Guard continues its proud legacy.

On this occasion, we pay tribute to the courage, compassion, and sacrifice of all Citizen-Soldiers and their Families, past and present, whose dedication and commitment help make the Guard the “Strength of our Nation.” We commend all of you who have been “Always Ready, Always There.”

H A P P Y

B I R T H D AY !

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CSM (Ret) Jimmy Broyles gives his son SFC Jason Broyles a knife and advice prior to deployment.

1/143RD DEPLOY TO AFGHANISTAN Story by CPT Adam Musil

AT THE CAMP MABRY PARADE FIELD, approximately 400 Soldiers of 1st Battalion (Airborne), 143rd Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division participated in a deployment ceremony for their upcoming mobilization to Afghanistan. “It’s going to be a dangerous mission — some of the areas that we are going into are literally like the wild wild west — but these Soldiers are well trained, and I know they will serve confidently and with honor,” said LTC Shawn McGrath, Commander, 1st Battalion (Airborne), 143rd Infantry Regiment. The unit’s primary mission will be to provide security for the Provincial Reconstruction Teams in Afghanistan. Provincial Reconstruction Teams are civilian-military organizations designed to improve security, extend the reach of the Afghan government, and facilitate reconstruction in priority provinces. The unit will conduct 10 weeks of additional training at Camp Atterbury, Indiana, before heading to Afghanistan early next year. The 1st Battalion (Airborne), 143rd Infantry Regiment is the only airborne unit of its kind in the Texas National Guard and has a lineage dating back to 1917. As the 49th Armored Division was transitioned into the 36th Infantry Division, leadership wanted to ensure the legacy of the 143rd Infantry Regiment lived on. As a result, the unit uncased its colors in 2009 and has companies in not only Texas, but Rhode Island and Alaska. This will be the first deployment for the current incarnation of the unit. H

A Soldier from the 1st Battalion (Airborne), 143rd Infantry Regiment, gives his wife and son a hug and kiss after the deployment ceremony at the Camp Mabry parade field. (Photo

by SGT Katie Danielson)

LTC Shawn MacGrath speaks to a gathering of the entire 1st Battalion on Dec. 2, 2011, at Camp Atterbury, IN. (Photo by SSG Tim Chacon)

3-124TH CAV HEAD TO HORN OF AFRICA FAMILY MEMBERS AND FRIENDS proudly watched as members of HHT 3-124 CAV conducted a ceremony to officially encase their colors and to say goodbye to family and friends. They will be joined by other Texas units to form a larger task force that is being deployed to the Horn of Africa in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. According to unit leaders, this task force will be the final National Guard group to serve in that location. During their approximate one-year stay, the soldiers will provide security and support for the larger Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) that is already in that country. The CJTF-HOA conducts operations in the East Africa region to build partner nation capacity in order to promote regional security and stability. H 8

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L e g i s l a t i v e U pdate

Guard Achieves Historic Victory in December, 2011 THE GUARD ACHIEVED AN HISTORIC VICTORY IN DECEMBER when President Barack Obama signed legislation giving the Guard’s senior officer, the Chief of the National Guard Bureau, a permanent seat on the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The provision in the NDAA enables the NGB chief to sit with the heads of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines — none of whom have ever served in the Guard — and provide the Guard, for the first time, permanent representation among the nation’s senior military officers. The NDAA also creates a new threestar position of NGB Vice Chief and provides permanent funding to the Guard’s State Partnership Program with democratic nations around the world.

However, there is increasing uncertainty facing the future of Guard force structure and equipment, as well as personnel benefits. The Budget Control Act of 2011 included a sequestration process that takes effect on January 15, 2012, in order to reduce discretionary and mandatory spending by $1.2 trillion, $600 billion of which must General Craig McKinley come from the Defense budget. Now more than ever, we need NGAT members to ensure their voices are heard by Chief of the National directly lobbying their senators and representatives to refuse to cut key Guard force structure and personnel benefits.

Guard Bureau This year we will focus on protecting key benefits from being reduced or eliminated, and on ensuring the Texas National Guard is adequately resourced to do its mission. The list is short, but important.

F O R C E / F A M I LY I S S U E S

• Sustain Texas National Guard force structure and advocate for selective expansion

• Credit all post-9/11 active duty service toward Guard early retirement

• Restore tax deduction for out-of-pocket expenses for drill travel of 50 miles or more

• Create new incentives for employers to hire and retain drilling Guard members

• Protect funding for commissary/exchange and family support programs H E A L T H C A R E I S S U E S

• Avert 30% Medicare/TRICARE payment cut and fix statutory formula to improve access to care

• Protect against disproportionate increases in TRICARE fees

• Oppose enrollment fee for TRICARE For Life or curtailment of TFL coverage VETERAN/RETIREMENT/ S U R V I V O R I S S U E S

• Oppose military benefit changes that are inconsistent with service career sacrifices

• Preserve full-inflation cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs)

• Authorize pre-tax payment of health, dental and long-term care premiums Last year, NGAT members sent over 10,000 messages to Congress in support of key legislation such as the Guard Empowerment Act. This year, we need not only to surpass last year’s number of messages, we need also to increase the number of individual participants who send emails and call congressional offices.

Congressman Lamar Smith meets with SSG Jason Colbert (left), BG William Smith and MAJ Jana Tobias (right) from the 36th Infantry Division of the Texas National Guard. Congressman Smith met with members of the Texas National Guard’s 36th Infantry Division, who recently returned from a year-long tour in Southern Iraq. Members of the division shared their observations on the current situation in Iraq and National Guard operations and deployments.

Please do your part!

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A Happy 375th Birthday to the National Guard!

“From the Best Citizens Come the Best Soldiers.�

AROUND

THE

W O R L D with th

Exhausted warriors battle through the final obstacle during the Spartan Race sponsored by the Air National Guard at Glen Rose, Texas. At the finish line, each warrior was given a medal for completing the grueling race. (Photo by MSgt Elizabeth Gilbert)

Soldiers with Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) Paktya search a room during training at Camp Atterbury Joint Maneuver Training Center, Indiana.

The soldiers are with Company D, 1st Battalion, 143rd Infantry Regiment (Airborne) and will provide security for the PRT in eastern Afghanistan.

Snow greets the paratroopers of 1-143 INF Rgmt at Camp Atterbury, IN.

(Photo by SSG David Bruce)

Members of the International Visitor Leadership Program (ILVP) visit Camp Mabry. ILVP members from Spain, Hungary, the Slovak Republic, the Czech Republic, the United Kingdom and the Republic of Macedonia were all represented in the program, which is the U.S. Department of State’s premier professional exchange program. The ILVP is a professional exchange program that seeks to build mutual understanding between the U.S. and other nations.

SGT Abran Mejia of the 436th Chemical Detachment assists with the cleanup of debris from the wildfires in Bastrop, Texas.

Members of Joint Task Force 71 met with the Coast Guard and emergency response organizations during a tour of the Port of Houston on Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2011. JTF-71 participated in the ship channel tour to continue building relationships with the emergency response agencies responsible for protecting the area.

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TEXAS

NATIONAL

GUARD

SSG Raymond Boswell, partnership project manager and heavy equipment operator with Task Force Roughneck, 111th Engr Bn, uses his translator to mentor engineers from the Afghan National Army 209th Engineer Corps during a partnership construction project at Camp Shaheen, Afghanistan. TF Roughneck engineers were assigned to instruct Afghan engineers on specific construction techniques and procedures.

(Photo by SFC Glenn Sierra)

Swedish Army Capt. Fredrik Brandberg (left) with the Swedish 3rd Cavalry Regiment, Military Assistant of Operations, from Sverige, Sweden, thanks SSG Kevin Pruitt, a construction project manager with the 111th Engr Bn, for his efforts during their preconstruction survey in Jowzjan Province, Afghanistan. (Photo by SFC Glenn Sierra) SPC Josiah Johns, a member of Texas Agribusiness Development Team (ADT) V, reaches out to a child in Jaghatu District, Afghanistan. This was the first time in almost two years Coalition Forces were able to visit this area.

(Photo by 1LT Rebekah Frost)

SPC Christian Perez, a member of the 111th Engr Bn, works on a B-hut (wood structure building) at the Balkh Province, Afghanistan.

A hostess prepares traditional Japanese cuisine and serves soldiers from the 3rd Battalion, 141st Regiment during the cultural day event at Camp Fuji, Yamanashi, Japan. Culture day is held on the fourth and final day of functional training during Orient Shield and provides soldiers a chance to experience Japanese culture.

Soldiers of the 3rd Battalion, 141st Infantry Regiment headquartered out of Weslaco, Texas marched onto Kita-Fuji Training Area, Japan as the Japanese ground selfdefense forces applauded their entrance to the bi-lateral Orient Shield exercise between the two forces. (Photo by SGT Ryan L. Twist)

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(Photo by SGT Charlie Helmholt)

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WE NEED YOUR HELP with an NGAT MEMBERSHIP DRIVE THIS IS A CRITICAL TIME IN THE HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL GUARD. Our men and women, our Soldiers and our Airmen are looking to us to lead them through these times of change. When you hear words like redeployment, pay freezes, increased TRICARE fees, budget cuts, what do those words all have in common?

They are opportunities for leadership.

Our job is to serve as the full-time professional link between our members and the political process to ensure you know what’s happening in the State Capitol and on Capitol Hill, and what you can do to influence that process. Every leader and member of the Guard must ensure that every Guardsman is somehow connected to NGAT. There is power in numbers, and when issues arise that affect Guardsmen past, present and future, having the ability to communicate with you as a member will ensure that all Guardsmen are informed about important issues and are able to take action as they see fit.

NGAT is running a membership drive from 1 Sep 11 through 31 Aug 12.

During this period units are encouraged to sign up new members and spread the word about what NGAT does.

U N I T S

W I L L

B E

A W A R D E D

$5.00 for each new annual member $10.00 for each new life member at the $100-$125 rate $25.00 for each new life member at the $150-$200 rate

Membership applications can be downloaded from our website at www.ngat.org.

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Here is a sampling of available plates:

Military and Veteran License Plates

Bronze Star Bronze Star – Valor Desert Storm Veteran Disabled Veteran Enduring Freedom Veteran Legion of Merit Operation Iraqi Freedom Purple Heart Recipient Silver Star Recipient Texas Guard

IF YOU SERVE OR HAVE SERVED in the U.S. armed forces, you can support your service by displaying military or veteran plates. There is no additional cost other than basic registration fees for most military specialty plates. See the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles website for guidelines, including fees because fees vary per individual military or veteran plate. Applicants must have been honorably discharged if no longer a member of the service. The surviving spouse of a person who would be eligible for a military or veteran specialty license plates (except for Disabled Veteran plates due to ADA requirements) can continue to register one vehicle with the specialty license plate as long as the spouse remains unmarried. Download application from http://www.txdmv. gov/whatyouneed/forms/license_plates.htm#gov, and turn it in to your county Tax-Assessor Collector office. Proof of eligibility must accompany the application. There are a multitude of military and veteran specialty license plates available to Texas veterans including “Texas Guard” plates.

U.S. Air Force U.S. Air Force Academy U.S. Army U.S. Marine Corps U.S. Military Academy – West Point U.S. Navy U.S. Paratrooper Vietnam Veteran Women Veteran World War II Veteran

For a complete list visit www.txdmv.gov/vehicles/license_plates/ qualifying/military.htm H

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CROSSFIT CAMP MABRY Members of Crossfit Camp Mabry pose for a photo before their training session starts on Halloween. For more information about Crossfit Camp Mabry, visit their Facebook page.

AFGHAN CHRISTMAS SSG Jon Martinez (left) and SFC Edward Borgeson of the Texas Agribusiness Development Team 5 display their homemade Christmas tree in FOB Ghazni, Afghanistan.

TEXAS GUARD SINGER SONGWRITER PERFORMS AT CAMP MABRY CW3 Darby Ledbetter, a member of the Recruiting and Retention Battalion, sings “I Won’t Let My Guard Down” for the crowd in attendance at the Camp Mabry Christmas tree lighting ceremony. In 2010, Darby co-wrote the National Guard tribute song “I Won’t Let My Guard Down,” with Nashville music industry veteran YES WE CAN and producer Jeff Teague. For more information The girls with the red handkerchiefs about CW3 Darby Ledbetter visit his website at show visitor’s at the Camp Mabry www.darbyledbetter.com. (Photo by Laura Lopez) Holiday Open House that “YES THEY CAN” make a difference.

Pictured from left to right are Crystal Clarke, SSG Noemi Cottle, and SSG Michele Tumino. (Photo by MSG

WHO’S THERE CW4 (Ret) Elmer Hanhart gets caught red-handed by the Grinch during the Camp Mabry Holiday Open House.

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

(Ret) Theresa Billeck-Zuniga)

HERE COMES SANTA CLAUS Santa arrived via C-130, courtesy of the 136th Airlift Wing, delivering gifts to members of the unit during their holiday celebration.

TRAINING FIT FOR A GLADIATOR

FAMILY TIME WITH SANTA

Gladiator, aka SSG Greg Fox of the 36th Infantry Division, does the Superman during crossfit drills at Camp Mabry on Halloween.

SFC Lachelle Robinson shares a moment with Santa and her two children Brody (left) and Luck (right) at the Operation Green Santa event held on Camp Mabry.

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Fall

201 1

OF THE NATIONAL

GUARD ASSOCIATION

OF TEXAS

ATION r 3 52 • Numbe 59 • Vo l u m e F o u n d e d 19

OFFICIAL PUBLIC

NGA T MAG Azi Ne ChA NGe s

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e NGA Us CoN fer eNC

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eNC e eAN GUs CoN fer

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10/26/11 9:07 AM

2011 Fall NGAT

News.indd 1

DO YOU MISS THE PRINTED COPY OF THE NGAT NEWS MAGAZINE? If you would like to continue to receive a printed copy of the NGAT News Magazine, please contact NGAT to “opt-in” on the printed magazine in ONE of the following ways:

C A L L M E M B E R S H I P AT: (512) 454-7300 or 1-800-252-NGAT

E M A I L U S AT: membership@ngat.org

FA X F O R M B E L O W T O : (512) 467-6803

MAIL THIS FORM TO THE N G AT O F F I C E :

Join us on

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

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

p YES, I would like the NGAT News Magazine EMAILED to me.

Search for: National Guard Association of Texas (NGAT)

Name:_________________________________________________________ Rank:__________________________________________________________ Address:_______________________________________________________ City:__________________________ State: _____ Zip: _________________ Email Address:_________________________________________________

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A R O U N D

T E X A S

RED RIBBON WEEK

w i t h

t h e

HORN OF AFRICA IN SIGHTS

SPC James Cutbirth, along with his fellow Texas National Guardsmen, takes aim.

The soldiers from the Site Security Team, Charlie Troop, 3-124 Cavalry out of Terrell, Texas, are practicing their marksmanship skills in preparation for their deployment to the Horn of Africa. (Photo by SSG Malcolm McClendon)

Capt Yves Raoelina (left) and MSgt Roy Martinez of the Texas Joint Counterdrug Task Force celebrate with Shamu the Killer Whale and Pete the Penguin from Sea World at the start of the Edgewood Independent School District’s Red Ribbon week kick-off event. Red Ribbon week is celebrated in memory of slain Drug Enforcement Administration Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, who died while fighting the “war on drugs.” (Photo by MSgt Gerold Gamble)

TEXAS MARITIME REGIMENT DIVERS RECEIVE CERTIFICATION Members of the Texas Maritime Regiment (TMAR) 2nd Battalion’s Dive, Rescue and Recovery (DR&R) teams achieved diver second class status by completing the requi­site dive training evolutions as well as attaining the advanced open water civilian certification. The stepped up recognition means two new elite teams have made a giant step towards fulfilling one of TMAR’s pri­mary missions — supporting Texas Parks and Wildlife officers on state lakes and rivers. Pictured: Petty Officer 1st Class John Arnn and Gunnery SGT Clayton Cormack adjust Senior Chief Petty Officer Gary Wilson’s equipment. (Photo by Ensign Frank S. Hooton)

3-144TH INFANTRY CHANGE OF COMMAND Soldiers from the 3rd Battalion, 144th Infantry Regiment participate in the battalion change of command in Fort Worth, Texas. Family and friends were on hand to show support as command of the battalion passed from LTC Michael K. Houston to LTC John Herrera.

(Photo by SSG Jennifer D. Atkinson)

176TH ENGINEER BRIGADE AWARDED THE MERITORIOUS UNIT COMMENDATION The Meritorious Unit Commendation is a unit award of the U.S. Army that is presented to units for exceptionally meritorious conduct in performance of outstanding services for at least six continuous months during the period of military operations against an armed enemy. The unit must show outstanding devotion and superior performance of exceptionally difficult tasks in a manner that sets them above other units with similar missions. The 176th Engineer Brigade commanded by BG Lester Simpson was recently awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation for exceptionally meritorious service.

During the period 16 August 2010 to 6 July 2011, Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 176th Engineer Brigade displayed exceptionally meritorious service during combat operations in the North Engineer Region of Afghanistan from headquarters locations at Forward Operating Base Sharana, Bagram Air Base, Forward Operating Base Marmal, and the Kabul Area International Airport. The unit command and control of engineer units executing route clearance, sapper and construction missions was instrumental in providing security, supporting governance and enabling development for the people of Afghanistan. The efforts of the Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 176th Engineer Brigade significantly enhanced the effectiveness of the United States Coalition and Afghan Force.

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T E X A S

N A T I O N A L

G U A R D

VETERAN’S DAY PROMOTION

COMMUNITY SUPPORT

Engineers leadership and old friends gathered on Veterans Day in Dallas for the promotion ceremony of 1LT Jacob Patterson to the rank of Captain. Pictured left to right are COL (Ret) Garry Patterson (CPT Patterson’s father); BG Lester Simpson, Commander, 176th Engineer Brigade; CPT Jacob Patterson, 176th Engineer Brigade; BG (Ret) Larry Patterson (CPT Patterson’s uncle), Former Commander of the Engineer Brigade; MG (Ret) Robert Halverson, Former Commander, 49th Armored Division; and BG Stephen Sanders, 36th Infantry Division Deputy Commanding General-Support.

Texas Military Forces Soldiers and Airmen with the 6th Civil Support Team volunteer at the Capitol Area Food Bank in Austin, Texas, helping them prepare for the upcoming Christmas holidays. The unit, headquartered in the area, provides defense support to civilian authorities in times of need. (Photo provided courtesy of the Capitol Area Food Bank)

PREPARING FOR DEPLOYMENT

WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA

SSG Alex Lopez, a member of HHD 536th Support Battalion, participates in the National Wreath Ceremony in Houston, Texas, with the Lone Star Veterans Association (LSVA). LSVA participated in Wreaths Across America, which is a program to place wreaths at every veteran’s gravesite for the holidays at National Cemeteries. At the Houston National Cemetery, 31,400 wreaths were placed.

SPC James Cutbirth from the Site Security Team, Task Force Raptor, listens as he is given instruction on rappelling. The soldiers from the Site Security Team are tightening up on their rappelling skills at Fort Bliss in preparation for their deployment to the Horn of Africa. There they will train closely with Air Force Para Rescue Jumpers in personnel and/or sensitive item recovery. (Photo by SSG Malcolm McClendon)

WARRANT OFFICER CONFERENCE Texas Army National Guard Warrant Officers from across the state gathered in San Antonio for the 4th Annual Warrant Officer Conference.

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H H H Join

us in Austin at the NGAT Conference!H H H

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

Conference Optional Events

All Attendees must pay the registration fee.

Registration is $15.00 per person.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Meals packages will not be available to onsite registrants.

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

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

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

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

(NGAT cannot guarantee rooms after 24 February 2012) Visit www.ngat.org to reserve your hotel online!

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

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

Scholarship Deadline 15 Feb 2012

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

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

Download an application at www.ngat.org.

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

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Texas Military Forces Perform During World Series in Arlington WITH MORE THAN 50,000 PEOPLE IN ATTENDANCE at the Ballpark Stadium in Arlington, Texas, and millions more watching at home, members of the Texas Military Forces joined the Texas Rangers in their battle for the Major League Baseball World Series title on Oct. 22 and Oct. 23.

Over the course of two games, Soldiers and Airmen performed on the field, and two CH-47 Chinook helicopters flew high above the ballpark, displaying both the American and Texas flags. Members of the Texas Military Force also assisted in the unfurling of the United States flag. Service members from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines also assisted in this pregame tradition.

In game three, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Darby Ledbetter of the Recruiting and Retention Battalion Headquarters performed “God Bless America� during the seventh-inning stretch. Texas Air National Guard member MSgt Erika Stevens of the 531st Band of the Gulf Coast performed the same song on Sunday, Oct. 23, while the 36th Combat Aviation Brigade conducted a two ship CH-47 helicopter flyover following the conclusion of the national anthem.

With a short lead time to execute the flyover mission for millions to see, it took nine crew members on the aircraft, two Soldiers coordinating from inside the stadium, and five additional mechanics to prepare the aircraft back at the aviation facility eight miles away in Grand Prairie. Forced to sharpen their focus and create a plan for execution, this is one mission some Soldiers will soon not forget. H (Photos by MAJ Adam Collett & SSG Eric Wilson)

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TA P S

(as of 01/03/12)

*SPC Cory D. Brown, HHC 56th BSTB, Dallas SGM Ralph W. Chambers, Life Member #8758, Retired, Neches Mr. James T. Donovan, Life Member #6975, Decatur MAJ Francis J. Feeney, Retired, San Antonio Mr. Cristobal V. Flores, Life Member #7170, Retired, Victoria LTC John F. Hafner, Retired, Katy Mr. David A. Hill, Retired, Dallas SFC Melton Kiddy, Life Member #7032, Retired, Arlington SSG Steve W. LaGrone, Life Member #20579, Retired, Carthage CCMsgt Michael D. Land, Retired, Casper WY Col Malcolm R. McDaniel, Life Member #3048, Retired, Houston 1SG Eric Melendez, Life Member #21254, Retired, Temple Mr. Joseph A. Mustacchio, Life Member #18899, Retired, San Antonio MSgt Otto J. Mutina, Life Member #286, Retired, Houston CSM (TX) George A. Peterson, Life Member #811, Retired, Georgetown *2LT Kevin S. Petit, HHC 3D BN 141st INF, Edinburg TSgt John F. Reilly III, Life Member #21727, Retired, Houston MSG Danniel L. Richards, Life Member #767, Retired, Weatherford SGT Alan M. Segura Sr., Life Member #15501, Retired, Shamrock

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

Mr. Jose Trevino, Life Member #3918, Retired, Bristow VA

National Guard member please notify us by phone, a

MSgt Frank U. Viagran, Life Member #16667, Retired, San Antonio

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

SMSgt Lloyd H. Westervelt, Life Member #122, Retired, San Antonio *Had NGAT Life Insurance

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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EXCELLENCE

COMMITMENT

TEAMWORK

SERVICE

PRIDE

Proud to serve the National Guard & Reserve.

Exclusively for the National Guard & Reserve:

877-298-3408

www.humana-military.com

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

National Guard Association of Texas

NGAT PLANNING CALENDAR (As of 9 Jan 2012)

H HAPPY NEW YEAR H 2012 20

Feb

President’s Day (NGAT Office Closed)

25-26

Feb

Area IV EANGUS Mid Winter, St Louis, MO

27

Feb

NGAT Board Meeting, Austin

22

Mar

NGAT Board Meeting, Austin

23-25

Mar

53rd ANNUAL NGAT CONFERENCE, Austin

28

Apr

2nd Annual TXMF Senior NCO Reunion, Waco

7

May

NGAT Board Meeting, Austin

28

May

Memorial Day (NGAT Office Closed)

14

Jun

U.S. Army Birthday/Flag Day

4

Jul

Independence Day (NGAT Office Closed)

6

Aug

NGAT Board Meeting, Austin

26-29

Aug

EANGUS Conference, Long Beach, CA

9-12

Sep

NGAUS Conference, Reno, NV