2017 NGAT Summer News

Founded 1959 | Volume 58 | Number 2 | Summer 2017

O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E N AT I O N A L G U A R D A S S O C I AT I O N O F T E X A S

36th Infantry Division

Change of Command p10

inside

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NGAT Legislative Update

NGAT Spooktacular

Family Day HIMARS Demonstrations

NGAT Conference Announcement

THESE AIN’T

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2017-18 Board of Directors President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

President-Elect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Vice-President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Secretary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Treasurer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Joint Forces HQs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

71st Troop Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

36th ID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

72nd IBCT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

56th IBCT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

56th IBCT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

36th Sustainment Bde . . . . . . . . . . . . .

36th CAB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

176th Engr Bde . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

71st EMIB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

136th MEB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

HQ, TANG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

149th FW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

147th RW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

136th AW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

TX State Guard Rep . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Retired Rep – Region I . . . . . . . . . . . .

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

Retired Rep – Region III . . . . . . . . . . .

Family Readiness Rep . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Executive Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Copy Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Graphic Designer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Publisher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Kenn White Priscilla Leger Bob Roark Albert Cardenas Randy Ransom Christopher McKeag Mikeal Crummedyo Mike Liesmann Richard Sublett Patrick Fugere Marrell Skinner Toni Savely Norman Lloyd Jimmy Leonard Charlie Weissenborn George Hurd Bruce Robison Albert Cardenas Leonor Milton Michael Wolff Richard Chamberlain Jeanne Arnold Donna Balderston Randy Ransom Shandra Sponsler Marvin Harris Theresa Billeck-Zuniga Bailey Buckingham MediaNation.net Aus-Tex Printing & Mailing

NGAT NEWS 3706 Crawford Ave Austin, TX 78731 512-454-7300 1-800-252-NGAT (6428)

CONTENTS p9 4

President’s Report

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NGAT Members Corner

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Legislative Update

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Leadership Changes

NGAT HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR

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1st Annual NGAT Spooktactular

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36th Division Change of Command

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100 Years of T-Patchers

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Around the World with the Guard

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Best Warriors are Named

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Best Warrior Golf Tournament

POSTMASTER SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO: NGAT News, 3706 Crawford Avenue, Austin, Texas 78731-6308 MEMBERS MAY EMAIL ADDRESS CHANGES TO: membership@ngat.org

HIMARS Demo at Family Day

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Around Texas with the Guard

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G.I. Bill Receives Unanimous Approval

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Salute to Retirees

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59th Annual NGAT Conference

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EANGUS/NGAUS Conferences

NGAT EMAIL Executive Director — Marvin Harris . . . . . . . . . . . mharris@ngat.org Insurance Director — Kathy Gallatin . . . . . . . . . insurance@ngat.org Meeting and Marketing Director — Rob Casias . . rcasias@ngat.org Membership Director — Theresa Billeck-Zuniga . . . . . tbz@ngat.org Submit news and articles to . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ngatnews@ngat.org

Periodicals postage paid at Austin, Texas 78710 and additional offices.

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BEST WARRIORS

NGAT Home Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.ngat.org

NGAT News (usps 015-752) published quarterly by the National Guard Association of Texas, 3706 Crawford Avenue, Austin, Texas 78731-6308.

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TAPS/Corporate Sponsors

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NGAT Insurance

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NGAT Planning Calendar

SALUTE TO RETIREES On the Cover: Texas Adjutant General, Maj Gen John F. Nichols, transfers the 36th Infantry Division colors to incoming Division Commander, MG S. Lee Henry during a Change of Command ceremony held on the Texas Capitol steps Saturday, July 15 in Austin. The ceremony is one of many events held over the weekend in celebration of the 36th Infantry Division’s 100th anniversary. (Photo by MAJ Randall Stillinger)

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PRESIDENT’S REPORT Greetings NGAT members, Summer is here and I hope that you are able to spend some good quality time with your friends and family over the coming summer months. The Board has had a busy few months since the last update. The Board and staff continue to look for opportunities to make a difference to you. A few weeks ago, I put a one-day task force together to look at new programs for NGAT members. The four member Task Force met for about four hours with a lot of great discussion and ideas. They will be implemented immediately over the next several months. A huge thanks to those who participated on Task Force Tallas.

I am excited to announce an upcoming fundraising event. This Oct., NGAT will be hosting its inaugural Halloween “Fun”rasier. Money raised during this event will be used for the Texas National Guard Foundation, our non-profit veteran’s organization that will support future programs for our NGAT members and families. This year’s Halloween bash will

have music, prizes, dancing and more.

Please check out our Facebook page and web site in the near future for additional information. We hope to see you there....in costume of course!

We recently made some changes to better support our members. Last week, NGAT upgraded its I.T. capabilities. These are simple improvements that make a huge difference on how we interact with our members and stakeholders. NGAT has upgraded its phone service to improve the way we communicate and interact with you. Calls are more easily routed to the staff and you can actually leave messages! It’s the small things in life that matter. We have also upgraded our server and the Board will be voting on an Association Membership System (AMS) that will significantly improve membership engagement through using cloud based technology. We will provide more information on this after our August Board meeting.

The annual conference planning is well under way. The conference committee met a few weeks ago and is very excited about next year’s conference in Montgomery, Texas. We’ve taken much of your feedback to heart and will be continuing with a

guest speaker (military related topic) as well as some really good breakouts and other competitions. We are also hosting a sponsor-dinner on Thursday evening for all of our corporate members and senior leadership of the Texas Military Department. This will be a great event.

During our last board meeting, we paired down the number of committees that NGAT was sustaining. It seemed that the number of committees had grown significantly over the years, but the volunteers to support those committees was scarce. We are focusing on our core committees, or standing committees from within our bylaws. But I will say that our board members can’t run all of the committees. They need help and support from NGAT members. I encourage you to reach out to Marvin or myself and get involved with a committee. We (the Board) can’t do it alone. We need your help!

Finally, the NGAT board and I would like to share our appreciation for the continued support and encouragement over the past year and a half as NGAT works hard to move our Association in a new direction. We continually get positive feedback from our NGAT members regarding our efforts to put our members first. Thanks for the words of support and for standing behind NGAT as we continue to live our Association’s values and guiding principles each and every day. We serve because you serve!

Please enjoy your summer.

Kenn White LTC, TXARNG NGAT President

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H NGAT MEMBERS CORNER H 111TH INDUCTED INTO THE TEXAS AVIATION HALL OF FAME Lt Col Dave Peck, 111th Attack Squadron Commander, accepts a Texas Aviation Hall of Fame induction memento during a gala at the new Lone Star Flight Museum in Houston, Texas on May 20, 2017. The Lone Star Flight Museum was established in 1997 to honor famous aviators who are Texans and famous Texans who are aviators.

This year the 111th Attack Squadron was one of the inductees into the Texas Aviation Hall of Fame. H (Photo by MSgt Sean Cowher)

36TH INFANTRY DIVISION HAIL AND FAREWELL Generals, past and present, attended the 36th Infantry Division’s “Hail and Farewell” dining out May 6th, 2017 in Austin, Texas. The event helped celebrate the 100th year anniversary of the 36th Infantry Division. Pictured left to right: LTG (Bvt)(Ret) Don Daniels, former 49th Armored Division Commander; MG (Ret) Robert Halverson, former 49th Armored Division Commander; MG (Ret) Eddy Spurgin, former 36th ID, Commander; MG James K. “Red” Brown, Deputy Commanding General — Reserve Component, United States Forces Command and former 36th ID, Commander; MG Lester Simpson, outgoing 36th ID Commander; and BG S. Lee Henry, incoming Commanding General of the 36th ID. H (Photo by SGT James Strunk)

ERINAKES COMPLETES FEMA ADVANCE LEADERS COURSE COL (TX) David Erinakes, Chief Public Affairs Officer, Texas State Guard, graduated from the Federal Emergency Management Advanced Leaders Course, July 2017. Erinakes is the first member of the Texas Military Department and the State Operations Center to complete this course. He holds the Expert Level Military Emergency Management Badge and is a graduate of the Marine Corp Command and General Staff College. H

FOLLOWING IN DAD’S FOOTSTEPS NGAT Life Member, MAJ Chris Sanders, a member of HHB 4-133rd FA Rgmt, administers the oath of enlistment to his daughter Ashlyn on 8 June 2017 at the San Antonio Military Entrance Processing Station. Ashley enlisted into the Texas Army National Guard as a 35F, Intel Analyst. H

TEXAS GUARD WELCOMES FIRST FEMALE SAPPER COMMANDER Texas Army National guardsmen CPT Amanda Windle (left), the incoming commander of the 936th Engineer Company, receives the company guidon from LTC Matthew Calton (center), 111th Engineer Battalion Commander, 176th Engineer Brigade while outgoing commander CPT Eric Burnett (right) and 1SG Denton Humphery look on. Windle became the first female commander of a Sapper unit in the Texas Army National Guard the unit is based in San Angelo, Texas. H

IT’S A SMALL WORLD Fellow West Point graduates and Army National Guard officers BG John M. Epperly, Deputy Commanding General, 29th Infantry Division, Virginia Army National Guard (USMA ’89) and NGAT Life Member, LTC Robert Guevara, Commander, 449th Aviation Support Battalion, Texas Army National Guard (USMA ’85 with a 12-year break in service) pose for a photo after a chance encounter on a shared flight from Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, to Camp Taji, Iraq. H (Photo by SSG Francis O’Brien)

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LEGISLATIVE UPDATE During the Texas 85th Legislature regular session, 6994 bills were filed. 1211 were passed to the Governor and 51 were vetoed. The Texas Military Department’s Government Affairs Office closely tracked 329 of those bills. After Sine Die, Governor Abbott called a Special Session to address 20 different items, first of which was Sunset legislation.

Budget notables: Roughly $11M was allocated for State of Texas

Armory Revitalization (STAR) projects, roughly $9M less than planned for and allocated last session. Initially, the budget cut $2M in utility money to sustain armory operations. By the end of the session that money was returned to our budget. Both ChalleNGe Academy sites remain funded, however, their financing will now be done through the School Foundation Fund.

Specific Bills relating to the Texas Military Department were the following: • HB 1606: Relating to the authority of the Texas Military Department to purchase food and beverage.

• HB 1606: Adds a new section to Chapter 437 of the Government Code to enable TMD to purchase food and beverages for charged military housing, training functions/events, and students participating in the Texas ChalleNGe Academy.

• HB 1630: Relating to the approval of expenditures for the Texas Military Department.

As statute did not specifically say that the Adjutant General may delegate the designating function to another person, HB 1630 creates a change in Chapter 437, Government Code that allows TAG to delegate the authority to approve TMD expenditures to the executive director.

• HB 1655: Relating to the reporting of certain offenses committed by members of the Texas Military Forces.

In response to confusion at the local law enforcement level on where and to whom to report domestic violence incidents, HB 1655 clarifies that such incidents are to be reported to the JAG and not to JFHQ. The Code of Criminal Procedures is amended to specify that if a defendant who is a member of the Texas Military Forces is convicted or granted deferred adjudication of an offense that constitutes family violence as defined by the Family Code, notice be given to the JAG office.

• HB 1860: Relating to access to criminal history record information by the Adjutant General.

During a routine audit of a contract between TMD and DPS, it was determined that it would be beneficial for all parties involved if TMD were able to do a background check on any applicant to the agency prior to the offer of employment. This change allows TAG to access criminal history record information from DPS and the FBI relating to

COL GARY JONES, 147TH ATTACK WING COMMANDER, AND CCMSGT MICHAEL CORNITIUS, 147TH ATTACK WING COMMAND CHIEF, GREET VICE PRESIDENT MIKE PENCE AT ELLINGTON FIELD JOINT RESERVE BASE IN HOUSTON on June 7, 2017. Vice President Pence was in Houston for an event at NASA. (Photo by MSgt Sean Cowher) applicants without their signed authorization. This removes procedural steps that slow down the process of employment. Section 411.121 (c) Government Code is repealed, but only as applied to a request by TAG to obtain criminal history record information prior to the offer of employment without a signed statement from applicants.

• HB 1905: Relating to general officers within the Texas Military Department.

In response to the National Guard Bureau clarifying which positions may be occupied by a General Officer, the position of government affairs is struck from Texas Code and replaced by Domestic Operations. The Texas National Guard has fewer General Officer positions, based on the total number of Soldiers in the Guard, than states of comparable or smaller size. This position does not require any state funds as it will be funded by NGB and falls within the allotted number of FTE’s for the agency. The bill also further clarifies the titles for Deputy Adjutant General for Army and Air. • HB 1912: Relating to awards for outstanding achievement or service to this state. *This bill failed to pass The NGAT Executive Director, LTC (Ret) Marvin Harris recently made a trip to Washington D.C. with the Texas Military Department Government Affairs Office to meet some of our legislative officials and to meet with the legislative representative at both NGAUS and EANGUS. The trip was beneficial in laying the ground work for future activities and getting NGAT back involved in the legislative process. H

SGT KYLE HJORTH (CENTER) PRESENTS SENATOR JOHN MCCAIN WITH A UNIT PATCH FROM MEMBERS OF CO C (-) 2-149TH AVN BN AS W01 DANIEL HILLNER (RIGHT), SPC CHRISTIAN KIMBELL (CENTER LEFT) AND SGT JOSEPH PUENTE (FAR LEFT) look on during Senator McCain’s visit to Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo.

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Summer 2017

H LEADERSHIP CHANGES H

COL Andres Rochstein Chief, Joint Staff & Domestic Operations

LTC John C. Crawson Commander 36th Sustainment Brigade

CSM Mark J. Horn 36th Infantry Division Command Sergeant Major

CCMSgt Darin “Scott” LaCour Command Chief 149th Fighter Wing

BG Howard Palmer (right), Commander, Army Component, Texas State Guard presents LTC Kevin Lilly with the Texas State Guard’s, 8th Regiments colors during a change of command ceremony at Ellington Joint Reserve Base, Houston, Texas.

NGAT SEEKING NEW BENEFIT SPECIALISTS The National Guard Association of Texas is seeking new Benefit Specialists to help the Association with visits to Texas National Guard units in their home area. Benefit Specialists help promote NGAT benefits, membership, scholarships, the legislative program and the life insurance program. Benefit Specialists must be a member of NGAT and have a Texas General Lines Insurance License. The job would require visiting with Texas National Guard units as needed in your home area. Please contact Kathy Gallatin at 512-454-7300 for further details or email your resume to: insurance@ngat.org. H

NGAT BAT CRUISE DON’T MISS THE

We all know that Austin is batty for bats. Austin is home to the largest Mexican free-tail bat colony in North America, and October is the perfect time to celebrate these winged creatures that dwell underneath the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge. Make plans to join NGAT and your National Guard friends on a Bat Cruise on Lady Bird Lake with Capital Cruises at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. Come see the bats swoop out from under the bridge for their nightly dinner run.

October 13, 2017 | 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

(Please arrive 30 minutes prior to scheduled departure)

NGAT Life Member — Free NGAT Life Member Guest — $15.00 per person NGAT Annual Member or Annual Member Guest — $20.00 per person Non-NGAT Member or Non-NGAT Member Guest — $30.00 per person No-Shows will not be refunded Ticket prices include the sightseeing bat cruise and complimentary beverages and snacks. Register at the NGAT office or online at www.ngat.org. Seats are limited so don’t delay in registering. H

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NGAT HOSTs FIRST HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR A Ghost Town of fun awaits you at the 1st Annual NGAT Spooktacular Ghost Town Austin is located only 12 miles outside of Austin in Manor, Texas. Come spend some time with your National Guard friends at this special event and help raise money for the Texas National Guard Foundation at the same time. The Texas National Guard Foundation is a non-profit organization established in 2017 to assist in better supporting NGAT members and their families.

The event will be held on Saturday, Oct. 28, 2017. Doors open at 4:30 p.m., trick or treating for the kids will be from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. and the costume contest starts at 9:00 p.m. Compete for the Best Costume, Scariest Costumes or Best Couple. Come dance the night away to some great music or just sit back and relax. Take a walk through the ghost town and maze, play some games, watch a scary Halloween movie or take some great photos with your friends.

Be sure to buy some raffle tickets to win some great prizes such as a big screen color TV, Amazon Fire, power charger for your computer or phone, Amazon Dot, wireless ear buds, cigar set, whiskey, wine, humidor, 2 free registrations for the NGAT Conference or two free nights stay at the NGAT Conference hotel. Raffle tickets are $1.00 each or 8 for $5.00. You can purchase them at NGAT, ngat.org or at the event.

If you are really up for a scare take some time to go through the “Scare for the Cure� haunted adventure located within walking distance from our event. Start planning your costume and mark your calendar to attend the NGAT Spooktacular to EAT, DRINK AND BE SCARY!

FOR REAL LIFE

www.leatherman.com

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Original Story by SPC Christina Clardy

36th Division Holds Change of Command at Texas State Capitol MG S. Lee Henry

Commander 36th Infantry Division

THE 36TH INFANTRY DIVISION HELD A CHANGE OF COMMAND CEREMONY ON THE TEXAS CAPITOL STEPS SATURDAY, JULY 15 IN AUSTIN. The unit bid farewell to MG Lester Simpson and welcomed MG S. Lee Henry as the new division commander.

(Photo by MAJ Randall Stillinger)

On the morning of July 15, the 36th Infantry Division held a change of command ceremony on the Texas State Capitol steps as MG Lester Simpson, officially relinquished command to the new commander, MG. S. Lee Henry.

“This change of command is a great time for us,” said Texas Adjutant General, Maj Gen John F. Nichols. “It allows the outgoing commander to leave their mark on the formation and the incoming commander to take that mark, improve it and make it even greater.

“I think the greatest compliment someone can get is, ‘well-done soldier,’” Nichols said. “So, to you Lester [Simpson], well done Soldier.”

Thirteen rounds of cannon fire, which echoed across downtown, were fired in honor of the outgoing commander and his service to the nation and state.

Simpson, who received a commission as an officer in the Army National Guard in 1980 from the University of Texas at Arlington, retired after 37 years of service in a ceremony following the change of command. A native of Rowlett, Texas, he recently retired from the United Parcel Service (UPS) of North America after 33 years of dedicated service. He and his wife Antoinette have four children: Lester Jr., Solomon, Nathan and Morgan.

MG Henry recently returned from Kandahar, Afghanistan, where he had commanded the Train, Advise and Assist Command — South (NATO) and represented the first time a National Guard Division Headquarters had commanded a Regional Command in Afghanistan.

“I am truly honored to command the ‘Fighting 36th’ Infantry Division who will

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celebrate it’s 100th anniversary on Tuesday [July 18th],” said Henry. “Now more than ever, the Army is turning to the National Guard…[and] we will answer the call whether it comes from the governor or the president.”

MG Henry, who was recently promoted to that rank, received his commission in 1983 as the Distinguished Military Graduate from Texas A&M University in College Station, where he holds a master’s degrees in Business Administration and Strategic Studies. As a civilian, he is employed by SAP, Inc. MG Henry has been mobilized and deployed in support of Operation Noble Eagle I, Operation Enduring Mission III, BosniaHerzegovina, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation New Dawn and Operation Resolute Support. He currently lives in Austin with his wife Tricia, and together, they have three children and one grandchild.

“To the Soldiers of the 36th Infantry Division, our foundation will be individual and collective readiness,” said Henry. “The 36th is recognized by both the National Guard and Active Duty Army for its excellence and consistently setting the standard for other divisions to follow.”

The 36th Infantry Division of the Texas Army National Guard, which is headquartered at Camp Mabry in Austin, is made up of five brigades and more than 14,000 soldiers. Since Sept. 11, 2001, the division has trained and mobilized a total of 30,000 soldiers in support of combat operations, natural disaster relief and border security. H SOLDIERS FIRE 13 CANNON ROUNDS IN HONOR OF OUTGOING COMMANDER, MG LESTER SIMPSON, during the 36th Infantry Division Change of Command ceremony on the steps of the Texas Capitol on Saturday, July 15 in Austin. The unit bid farewell to Simpson and welcomed MG S. Lee Henry as the new division commander. (Photo by SGT Michael Giles)

OF T-PATCHERS…AND STILL GOING STRONG On July 18, 2017, the 36th Infantry Division celebrated its 100th anniversary, and Soldiers from the division honored their 100-year legacy of service during their July drill, with sweat, reverence and festivities.

The celebration began as several hundred Soldiers marched along Congress Avenue from across Lady Bird Lake and up to the Texas State Capitol.

When they arrived, they stood in formation behind unit colors, as MG S. Lee Henry, the division commander, and CSM Mark J. Horn the division command sergeant major placed a wreath at the base of the granite T-patch monument on the west side of the Capitol.

The 36th Infantry Division was organized at Camp Bowie (Fort Worth), Texas, July 18, 1917, from units of the Texas and Oklahoma National Guard during World War I. During World War I the Division had adopted a shoulder patch consisting of an Infantry Blue Arrowhead with a green “T” superimposed over it. The arrowhead stood for Oklahoma and the “T,” for Texas. After the war, the 36th was reorganized and became an “all Texas” division, and the Oklahoma units became part of the 45th Infantry Division.

On Nov. 25, 1940, the Division was

mobilized for World War II, and landed in North Africa in April 1943 as part of the Allied campaign to drive German and Italian forces from the continent and on Sept. 9, 1943, landed in Italy at Paestum in the Gulf of Salerno. The 36th Division was the first American combat division to land on the continent of Europe.

During World War II, 14 members of the 36th Infantry Division were awarded the Medal of Honor.

Following World War II in 1947 the 36th Infantry Division underwent changes that added the 49th Armored Division.

The 36th Infantry Division was deactivated in 1968, but many of the Arrowhead soldiers were still serving with the 49th Armored “Lone Star” Division. In 1973, the 49th Armored Division was reactivated, with the lineage and honors of the 36th Infantry Division inherited by the 36th Brigade of the 49th Armored Division. In 2003 the 49th Armored Division was called upon to assist with the recovery of the Space Shuttle Columbia. They also made two overseas deployments to the Balkans in 2000 and

2003.

On May 1, 2004 the 49th Armored Division was reorganized as an infantry unit and reflagged under the 36th Infantry Division.

Following the events of Sept. 11, 2001 the world and the mission of the military has drastically changed. The division has supported the Global War on Terrorism with deployments to Afghanistan, Iraq, Kuwait, Egypt, Kosovo, Bosnia, the Horn of Africa, Central America, the Persian Gulf and several other countries around the world. The 36th Infantry Division Headquarters deployed to Iraq in 2010-2011 to provide command and control of operations during the drawdown of U.S. Forces becoming the first National Guard division to take over a command for Operation New Dawn. Recently the 36th Division Headquarters has deployed successive Train, Advise and Assist Command teams to Afghanistan becoming the first National Guard division to take over a regional command in Afghanistan; the second rotation, commanded by BG Chuck Aris, are currently serving in Afghanistan.

At home, the 36th Infantry Division soldiers have responded to Hurricanes Rita, Katrina and Ike to name a few as well as provided additional security at airports, military facilities and key infrastructure locations throughout the state. Soldiers of the 36th Division have responded to major flooding across the state and assisted in putting out wildfires like the one in Bastrop, Texas in 2011. They also continue to play a played key roles both in border security and efforts to reduce drug trafficking.

The 36th Infantry Division will continues to participate in military and community activities throughout the state to celebrate and honor the 100-year history of the division throughout 2017. H CSM MARK HORN, COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR OF THE 36TH INFANTRY DIVISION, AND MG S. LEE HENRY, COMMANDER OF THE 36TH INFANTRY DIVISION, salute the 36th Infantry Monument at the Texas Capitol during a wreath-laying ceremony as part of their celebration of the 100th anniversary since the division was formed, in Austin, Texas, July 16, 2017. (Photo by SGT Michael Giles)

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W O R L LTC (RET) MARVIN HARRIS (RIGHT), EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF NGAT, dropped in to visit SGM (Ret) Frank Yoakum, Executive Director of EANGUS at their new office in the NGAUS building in Washington, D.C.

1LT ETHAN MCINTOSH, A MEMBER OF TXARNG JFHQ, AND SFC JOHN SIMON, A MEMBER OF THE 442ND ENGR CO, pose for a photo prior to the start of the 2017 Best Sapper Competition held at Fort Leonard Wood, MO. Although they did not finish the competition they put in a strong effort.

Both are prior Sapper School honor grads.

A1C ROMAN MARTINEZ, A WEAPONS LOADER ASSIGNED TO THE 149TH FIGHTER WING, loads ammo onto an F-16 Fighting Falcon during Coronet Cactus at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Tucson, Arizona, May 8, 2017.

Coronet Cactus is an annual training event that the Texas Air National Guard participate in. (Photo by TSgt Mindy Bloem)

MEMBERS OF THE 147TH ATTACK WING RECENTLY RECEIVED A VISIT FROM ASTRONAUT SCOTT KELLY AT ELLINGTON FIELD, HOUSTON, TEXAS. Astronaut Kelly met with members of the 147th Attack Wing answering questions and talking about his time aboard the International Space Station.

COL EDWARD A. “DREW” MOORE, DDS, MS (LEFT) RECEIVES THE ORDER OF MILITARY MEDICAL MERIT FROM MG THOMAS R. TEMPEL, THE CHIEF OF THE U.S. ARMY DENTAL CORPS, at a recent NGB Medical Leaders Conference held at Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas. COL Moore is a member of the Texas Army National Guard Medical Detachment.

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SSG DENISE ROSALES, A COUNTERDRUG ANALYST, stands with (from left to right) Charles P. “Chuck” Rosenberg, the acting head of the Druf Enforcement Agency, MAJ Zach Carroll, Texas Counterdrug Region South commander, SGM Jesus Gonzalez, senior enlisted advisor of the Texas Counterdrug Task Force, and LTC Miguel Torres, commander of the Texas Counterdrug Task Force, at DEA Headquarters in Washington D.C., July 20, 2017. SSG Denise Rosales attended the Drug Enforcement Agency’s intelligence analyst course as part of interagency efforts to improve collaboration. (Photo by SGT Michael Giles)

(Left) CW3 CHARLES “CHUCK” CHRISTIAN a member of Co C (-) 2-149th Avn Bn currently assigned to Multinational Battle Group-East’s MEDEVAC team returns from his final retirement flight with the Texas Army National Guard on Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo, June 24.

(Above) MEMBERS OF CO C (-) 2-149TH AVIATION BRIGADE, assigned to Multinational Battle Group-East Southern Command Post Medevac, pose for a photo prior to conducting a live hoist rescue with Kosovo forces in Prizren, Kosovo. (Photos by SPC Adeline Witherspoon)

SOLDIERS WATCH AND PARTICIPATE in the transfer of authority between the outgoing 176th Engineer Brigade, and the incoming 420th Engineer Brigade, Camp Buehring, Kuwait, April 14, 2017.

(Photo by SGT Marco Gutierrez)

TEXAS GUARDSMEN FROM THE 1ST BATTALION (AIRBORNE), 143RD INFANTRY REGIMENT, deploy to Europe in support of Saber Guardian 2017. Saber Guardian 2017 is a multinational military exercise involving approximately 25,000 military personnel from 23 participating nations. (Photo by SGT Kyle Burns)

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Texas Military Department Names Best Warriors

2017 OVERALL BEST WARRIOR

AT A CEREMONY HELD AT THE TEXAS MILITARY FORCES MUSEUM ON MAY 5, 2017 the Texas Military Department announced the winners of the Best Warrior Competition (BWC).

The BWC is conducted by the Texas National Guard to select the best warriors by testing their fighting skills, resistance, intelligence, physical fitness and military knowledge. Taking part in the competition were 27 service members from the Texas Army National Guard and Texas Air National Guard, two service members from the Chilean Army, two from the Chilean Navy and two from the Czech Republic Army. On the right are the winners for each event. All warriors were graded on a total point merit system. H

PHYSICAL CATEGORY

NCO – SGT Randy Flores – 136th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade Jr. Enl – SGT Richard Douglas – 56th Infantry Brigade Combat Team

12 Mile Ruck March NCO – CPL Camilo Leal (CH) Jr. Enl – PFC Alejandro Mauricio (CH) Mystery Event NCO – SSG Richard Sterling Jr. Enl – PFC Juan Castro (CH) Obstacle Course NCO – SGT Alberto Edgardo (CH) Jr. Enl – SrA Orlando Duarte

SKILL CATEGORY M4 Qualification NCO – Viktor Kallmunzer (CZ) Jr. Enl –SPC Edwin Portillo Night Land Nav NCO – SGT Juan Poncedeleon Jr. Enl – SPC Richard Douglas PARTICIPANTS FROM THE BEST WARRIOR COMPETITION pose for a photo with the Texas National Guard Senior Enlisted Advisor, CSM John Sampa (far left) and the Command Chief of the Texas Air National Guard, CCMSgt Marlon Nation (far right).

THE 2017 BEST WARRIOR COMPETITION WINNERS: NCO, SGT Randy Flores (left), a member of the 136th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, and the Junior Enlisted winner who has recently been promoted, SGT Richard Douglas, a member of the 56th Infantry Brigade Combat Team.

Joint APFT NCO – SSgt Felipe Fernandez Jr. Enl – PFC Alejandro Mauricio (CH)

INTELLECT CATEGORY Essay NCO – TSgt Janice Liversidge Jr. Enl – PV2 William Walker Appearance Board NCO – 3 Way Tie CPL Camilo Leal (CH) SSG Jakub Domeny (CZ) SGT Alberto Edgardo Jr. Enl – SPC Jose Del Cid CH (Chilean Soldier) CZ (Czech Republic Soldier)

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Texas National Guard Best Warrior Golf Tournament IT WAS A GREAT DAY FOR GOLF WHEN NGAT HOSTED THE 4TH ANNUAL BEST WARRIOR GOLF TOURNAMENT ON MAY 1, 2017 AT THE PINE FOREST GOLF CLUB IN BASTROP, TEXAS. Senior Enlisted Advisor for the Texas National Guard, CSM John Sampa, was on hand to give the opening remarks before the tournament of 69 golfers kicked off. The tournament is conducted annually to raise funds to pay for the expenses associated with the Best Warrior Competition and the Best Warrior Awards Banquet to enable no out of pocket costs for the Soldiers and Airmen attending.

1st Place — The Expendables

3rd Place — Pin Seekers

Men — Closest to the Pin

John Banks Dustin Hamner Doug Calame Rodney Avery

Joshua Pirman Nicholas Adams David Schmidt Chase Sommer

Ross Fisher

2nd Place — Pine Forest Golf Club

Men — Longest Drive

Dixie Golf Hole Event

Isidro Olivares Domingo Olivares Richard Mullen Henry Miller

Doug Calame

Mark Lewis

Women — Closest to the Pin JoBeth Wedding

Women — Longest Drive Amber Fullmer

Defense Department expanding Online Shopping for Veterans Any honorably discharged military veteran will be able to shop the Defense Department’s military exchanges online starting on Nov. 11, said Chris Ward, spokesman for the Army & Air Force Exchange Service. To prepare for online access to the tax-free, discount stores, veterans can log in to VetVerify.org to confirm their eligibility. Some veterans who register early are being selected as beta testers for the sites in advance of the official launch on Veterans Day. Exchanges are currently limited to active duty and retired military. Extending online

shopping to about 13 million military veterans who aren’t retired military represents the first expansions of exchange shopping privileges in about 30 years, Ward said. The new program covers veterans of the Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, Air Force and Army. While it provides online access, it does not grant on-base access to exchange facilities. Expanding the customer base will help reduce the tax subsidy that funds onbase exchanges and help fund military quality-of-life programs, such as child development centers, youth programs and fitness centers. H S u m m e r 2 0 1 7 H N a t i o n a l G u a r d A s s o c i a t i o n o f Te x a s |

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Story by: SPC Christina Clardy

HIMARS Demonstration Thrills Visitors at Family Day 4TH BATTALION (HIMARS), 133RD FIELD ARTILLERY REGIMENT, conducted a TBL VI Live Fire Crew Certification, at Fort Hood, Texas.

(Photo by MAJ Randall Stillinger)

Soldiers of the 4th Battalion (HIMARS), 133rd Field Artillery Regiment (FAR), hosted a Family Day on Saturday, June 24th, during its two-week annual training at Fort Hood, Texas.

Families, Friends and Civilian co-workers and employers were invited to Fort Hood to see their Soldier in action and witness a demonstration of the training they were currently undergoing.

The 4-133rd FAR is specifically designated a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System unit was spending its two weeks of annual training running operations, fire missions and completing their annual proficiency certifications.

Families and visitors were bussed to the range over-watch tower where they could safely watch the HIMARS demonstration. The battalion set up static displays of the launchers, rocket tubes and the loading systems for the visitors to see, touch and take pictures in.

“Family day gives the Soldiers a chance to show their families, friends and employers what they do when they leave home and come to their military jobs here in the National Guard,” said 2LT Ross Gilfillan, 2nd Platoon Leader for Battery A, 4-133rd FAR (HIMARS). “They can show them how hard they are working, the jobs they are learning and the

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skills they are perfecting. It also gives the families an opportunity to see the equipment up close and the thrill of seeing the rockets shoot off.”

The 4-133rd FAR (HIMARS) gathered small groups of children to give to the command “fire” into the radio to signal the soldiers to launch a rocket. The demonstration was met with cheers and “ooos” from the crowd as they watched the rockets launch in the air leaving plumes of white smoke and a thunderous concussion.

The HIMARS is a light multiple rocket launcher mounted on a medium-sized tactical truck. Each launcher is run by a crew of three personnel and can fire either six 227mm M270 rockets or one MGM140 Army Tactical Missile System surface-to-surface missile. It has a range of approximately 100 miles and a 360 degree firing radius. This HIMARS is an improved upgrade from the launcher pod system originally mounted to Bradley tank frames. This upgrade makes the truck, frame and launcher pod much lighter, which allows the system to be more easily loaded and deployed off of a plane than its tank-track predecessor. H

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A R O U N D T E X A S W I T H T H E G UA R D H

TEXAS STATE GUARD PRAYER BREAKFAST

The Texas State Guard Military Prayer Breakfast was held by the Texas State Guard Chaplains on the beautiful campus of Dallas Baptist University, as troops from the Texas State Guard dined in a grand style buffet as TXSG Chaplains lead the event. The program consisted of remembering those that have fallen, followed by patriotic music and a flag ceremony. The keynote speaker was Rev. Mark Collins, Senior Pastor at First Baptist Church Yorktown, Texas, portraying General George Washington.

111TH ENGINEER BATTALION CELEBRATES 100 YEARS OF SERVICE

Members of the Texas Army National Guard’s 111th Engineer Battalion past and present gathered recently at Dyess AFB to celebrate the unit’s 100th anniversary. The 111th was organized June 4, 1917, and drafted into federal service in August 1917. The unit served with the 36th Infantry Brigade in the Meuse-Argonne Campaign of World War I. During World War II, the battalion supported operations in both the Pacific and European theaters, including operations in Naples-Foggia, Anzio, Rome-Arno, Southern France, Ardennes-Alsace, the Rhineland and Central Europe. As part of the celebration the 111th Engineer Battalion was recognized with a campaign ribbon for their participation in Operation Enduring Freedom. Following the ceremony, the unit celebrated with cake. Pictured above from left to right are former commanders of the 111th Engineer Battalion, LTC Paul Cerniauskas, COL (Ret) Tim Senecaut, BG (Ret) Stephen Sanders, LTC (Ret) Alex Korzenewski and the current commander LTC Matthew Calton.

149TH FIGHTER WING F-16 GETS A MAKEOVER

The staff of the 149th Fighter Wing pose for a photo with the wing’s newly painted F-16 heritage jet at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. The 149th FW received authorization for the nonstandard markings in order to commemorate the Air Force’s upcoming 70th anniversary.

The markings represent the wing’s lineage with the unit’s origins dating back to the 396th Fighter Squadron “Thunder Bums” P-47 paint scheme from 1944. (Photo by SMSgt Robert Shelly)

147TH RECONNAISSANCE WING REDESIGNATED AS THE 147TH ATTACK WING

In June 2008, the 147th Fighter Wing was redesignated the 147th Reconnaissance Wing. In 2017 the wing began converting to the MQ-9 Reaper and in April the Wing was redesignated as the 147th Attack Wing. Wheather it is protecting the shores of the United States from enemy attack, or carrying the Stars and Stripes into combat, Houston’s famed 147th Attack Wing has consistently performed its duties in a typical outstanding manner. Today’s 147th Attack Wing provides two (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) MQ-1B Predator Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) combat support sorties which provide theater and national-level leadership with critical real-time Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (IRS) and Air-to-Ground Munitions (AGM) (Hellfire Missile) precision strike capability.

TAKING WEATHER TO NEW HEIGHTS

Members of the 181st Weather Flight parachute into Lake Worth after jumping out of a C-130 Hercules during a deliberate water drop in Fort Worth, Texas, May 20, 2017. The training mission was scheduled for members to practice airborne covert water parachute infiltration and included a joint effort between the Texas Air National Guard, Army, Coast Guard Auxiliary and local fire department. (Photo by SSG Kristina Overton) S u m m e r 2 0 1 7 H N a t i o n a l G u a r d A s s o c i a t i o n o f Te x a s |

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GI Bill Receives Unanimous Approval from House The U.S. House voted unanimously July 24 to approve legislation that would expand the GI Bill for military veterans. The Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2017 would remove the 15-year limit on using GI Bill education benefits, extend full eligibility to Purple Heart recipients who do not serve at least three years on active duty and improve benefits for members of the National Guard and Reserve. The legislation is named in honor of Harry Walter Colmery, an Army Air Service veteran and former national commander of the American Legion who drafted the original G.I. Bill in 1944 to improve the transition for World War II veterans back to civilian life.

BG (Ret) Roy Robinson, the NGAUS president, says the bill is a testament to cooperation by veterans service organizations, professional staffs on Capitol Hill and lawmakers to get something substantial done and done quickly. “This bill is important in what it does for National Guardsmen and other service members,” he said.

“But it also proves that decision makers and advocates can work together to accomplish big things.”

Most significantly, this bill recognizes our country’s need for an agile and adaptable workforce and that American workers need to

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be lifelong learners. For that purpose, this bill eliminates the arbitrary 15-year period within which a veteran is required to use their G.I. Bill so they can use their benefits at any time in their professional career.

The legislation would make several substantive changes to the GI Bill, but for Guardsmen and Reservists the most significant may be the change to the mobilization status. Reserve-component members who take part in planned operations under 12304b receive less compensation than their active-component counterparts serving with them. This legislation would provide the education benefit now missing from their benefits package under that status. Additionally, the legislation provides GI Bill eligibility for reservists undergoing medical care, veterans who are attending a for-profit school that closes will be able to recover their lost benefits and it also would increase GI Bill payments by $2,300 per year for veterans with less than 12 months of active service. H

“…decision makers and advocates can work together to accomplish big things.”

SMSGT DOUG CLARK RETIRES

MG SIMPSON RETIRES AFTER 37 YEARS OF SERVICE Congratulations to MG Lester Simpson on his retirement from the Texas Army National Guard after 37 years of excellent service to the nation and our state. MG Simpson completed his career as the commanding general of the 36th Infantry Division, serving in that capacity since 2014. Among other awards and recognitions, he was awarded the Texas Superior Service Medal by Maj Gen John F. Nichols (left) following the Change of Command ceremony held at the Texas State Capitol on July 15, 2017. H (Photo by SGT Michael Giles)

Lt Col Charles Ewings (left), 136th LRS commander, presents SMSgt Doug Clark with a “Keeper of the Colors” status during his retirement ceremony in Dallas, Texas. SMSgt Clark is a NGAT Life Member and former member of the NGAT Board of Directors. Clark retires from the Texas Air National Guard with over 29 years of military service. H

TEXAS ARMY NATIONAL GUARD RECRUITING & RETENTION REUNION The 4th Annual Recruiting and Retention Reunion will be held at Canyon Lake on the Randolph side, Sept. 22-24, 2017. This year Soldiers from the 70’s will be featured. If you served with or supported the Texas Army National Guard Recruiting and Retention Command or are a former or current Army National Guard Recruiter you are welcome to attend the reunion. There were over 40 in attendance at the last year’s reunion.

For more information contact Dwain James, dwainjames79@gmail.com or Darlene Langston, darlene.langston@gmail.com. Follow them on Facebook at Texas Army National Guard R&R Force (Fmr & Present). H

www.ngat.org/reunion

GET INVOLVED WITH NGAT AND VOLUNTEER USPFO BIDS FAREWELL TO PHIL WIEMERS Recently the USPFO bid farewell to NGAT Life Member, SGM (Ret) Phil Wiemers. SGM (Ret) Wiemers actually retired from the Texas Army National Guard in 2008, but has served as a USPFO Internal Review Auditor for almost 28 years. He has worked for the National Guard for a total of 43 years that included time as an AGR Soldier, Military Tech and Non-Dual Status Tech. H

If you are retired but would still like to support the Guard then consider serving on an NGAT committee! We are looking for NGAT members with experience in the following fields who are willing to volunteer their time to help NGAT:

Financial Marketing & Advertising Fundraising Commercial Construction Commercial Real Estate If you are interested please contact our Executive Director, LTC (Ret) Marvin Harris at mharris@ngat.org. H

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SAVE THE DATE

LTG (Ret) Guy C. Swan III Our guest speaker at the NGAT Conference will be Lieutenant General (Ret) Guy C. Swan III. He currently serves as the AUSA, Vice President of Education. During more than 35 years of active service General Swan commanded at every level through Army Service Component Command. A career armor/cavalry officer, his general officer assignments include Commanding General, United States Army North/ Fifth Army; Commanding General, United States Army Military District of Washington and Commander, Joint Force Headquarters-National Capital Region; Commanding General, 7th Army Training Command, United States Army Europe/ Seventh Army; Chief of Staff and Director of Operations for the Multi-National Force in Iraq during OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM; Director of Operations for United States Northern Command; and Chief of Army Legislative Liaison.

A 1976 graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, General Swan holds a Master of Military Art and Science degree from the United States Army’s School of Advanced Military Studies. He also holds a Master of Arts degree in National Security Studies from Georgetown University and was a National Security Fellow at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.

Make plans now to attend the 59th Annual NGAT Conference scheduled to be held at the La Torretta Lake Resort & Spa in Montgomery, Texas, March 23-25, 2018.

La Torretta Lake Resort is a relaxing getaway, just an hour north of Houston.

It’s picture perfect views will inspire you to “Be Yourself” and enjoy this conference that will be full of fun, fellowship, food and some great training and exceptional speakers.

Montgomery is the third oldest town in Texas and had its beginnings as a trading post in 1826. It has retained its charm and preserved its 19th century historic downtown! Montgomery is also the birthplace of the Lone Star Flag.

Dr. Charles B. Stewart, who was also the first to sign the Texas Declaration of Independence, designed the now iconic flag which flies proudly.

Come early and unwind in the comfortable suites, play a round of golf, enjoy a dip in the outdoor heated pool and water park or take part in a fishing contest.

Sign up to visit the Saint Francis Wolf Sanctuary whose mission is to rescue and provide a loving exceptional home to non-releasable wolves and wolfdogs and to educate the public about these animals. Plan to visit the Bernhardt Winery, known as the “Hill Country of Houston,” a small mom and pop boutique winery producing unique blends with a Tuscan-style tasting room that sits on top of a beautiful hill overlooking endless hills and valleys, much like Tuscany.

There is much more to come. Watch ngat.org or follow us on Facebook for more information. H

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46th ANNUAL EANGUS CONFERENCE

AUGUST 26-31, 2017 RENO, NEVEDA

Make plans to attend the 46th Annual EANGUS Conference held at Silver Legacy Resort Casino in Reno, NV. Reno is dubbed “The Biggest Little City in the World,” it’s known for its casinos and its proximity to many ski resorts.

139th ANNUAL NGAUS CONFERENCE

7-10 SEPTEMBER 2017 LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY

Come share the experience with the 4,000 plus guard member that attend the NGAUS Annual Conference each year. The conference is packed with keynote speakers, professional development, special events and access to the largest defense industry trade show geared toward the National Guard.

To register visit: eangus.org

To register visit: ngat.org/ngaus

The conference registration fee is:

Registration is $180 per person and includes the registration fee, business sessions, professional development, governor’s reception at the Kentucky Derby, Company grade/warrant officer mixer, exhibit hall admission, hospitality night and the states dinner. Registration will open in late May on the NGAT website.

1 July 2017 - 19 August 2017: $200 20 August 2016 and later: $225 Registration fee includes registration, business sessions, professional development, welcome night event, exhibit hall admission, hospitality night and the awards dinner.

The lodging rate will be $109/per night. You must book your room with NGAT in order to get the conference rate. Each state has rooms already assigned that they can get put into your name.

Texas has been assigned the Galt House Hotel, Louisville’s only waterfront hotel with a spectacular view of the Ohio River. The room rates will be $131 plus tax per night for single/double. The Galt House Hotel is just a shot away from Whiskey Row, where you can immerse yourself in the history of Kentucky’s native spirit. Explore world-renowned cultural encounters at nearby Museum Row, featuring icons such as Muhammad Ali and Louisville Slugger.

NGAUS, EANGUS Seek Tax Help for Guardsmen The National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS) and the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States (EANGUS) are seeking tax reform to benefit National Guard members and have made those feelings clear in a letter to the chairmen and ranking members of the House and Senate finance committees.

BG (Ret) Roy Robinson, the NGAUS president and SGM (Ret) Frank Yoakum, the EANGUS executive director, want the lawmakers who can initiate tax law reforms “to consider revisions in support of the members of the National Guard and Reserve.” Reserve-component members are “adversely impacted by some provisions in the tax code,” they wrote, and mention five areas they’d like changed as part of any tax reform or legislation.

NGAUS believes Guardsmen who enroll in the upcoming Thrift Savings Plan offered by the Defense Department should be able to make the full allowable contribution to both it and any retirement plan they have in their civilian job. Currently, the law caps

total retirement contributions to such plans at $18,000.

NGAUS and EANGUS want Guardsmen to be exempt from that limit so they can contribute the maximum $18,000 to both their civilian and military plans. The issue is addressed in the Servicemembers Retirement Improvement Act introduced by Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, and Rep. Sam Johnson, R-Texas.

They also support legislation to decrease from 100 miles to 50 miles the distance a Guardsman must travel for official duty in order to deduct travel expenses from his or her taxes. This is included in the Tax Relief for Guard and Reserve Training Act sponsored by Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont., and Rep. Bruce Poliquin, R-Maine.

The two organizations favor a waiver for deployed troops of the IRS 60-day rollover requirement for money distributed from a retirement fund. The IRS would count this money as income if it is moved outside the 60-day deadline.

They also seek a tax credit for employers

who hire a reserve-component member in high-demand specialties like cybersecurity, commercial aviation pilots and security.

How can you help? For starters, you can join NGAT and support the legislation that effects those who serve in the Texas Military Forces. You must be a member of the state association (NGAT) in order to join the national association. NGAUS is the national association for National Guard officers and EANGUS is the national association for enlisted personnel. When you join NGAT, NGAUS or EANGUS, you add your voice to thousands of others who understand the role of the National Guard in the nation’s security and want to enhance its capabilities to perform that vital mission at home and overseas.

With your participation, NGAUS and EANGUS, is better able to make the case in Congress for a strong, well-equipped and well-trained National Guard in more than 3,000 communities around the country. H

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As of 07/20/17

H TAPS H SSG John B. Alexander Jr., Life Member #7936, Retired, Forney MSgt Joseph E. Benavides, Life Member #6119, Retired, San Antonio Mr. Ricardo Benitez, Life Member #8471, Retired, Weslaco Mr. Bernard B. Botkin Jr., Life Member #3336, Retired, Gatesville Mr. Marvin C. Bowles, Life Member #2054, Cleburne SSG Antonio G. Castillo, Life Member #4807, Retired, San Antonio CW4 George O. Conn, Life Member #2100, Retired, Cedar Hill Mr. David C. Espiritu, Life Member #5442, Retired, San Antonio MSG Donald H. Fiero, Life Member #788, Retired, Leander COL George H. Fischer, Life Member #3858, Retired, San Antonio 1SG Clinton R. “Bob” Fitch, Sr., Life Member #6147, Retired, Grand Prairie */**SPC Shane R. Francis, 712th MP GUARD CO (REAR), Freeport MAJ Billy J. Hayworth, Retired, Amarillo (SFC Bradley J. Hayworth was inadvertently entered in the last TAPS for his father – SFC Bradley is alive and well!)

SGT Randel M. Johnson, Life Member #29345, Retired, Wichita Falls COL Hayden E. Jones, Life Member #1322, Retired, Port Neches *Mr. Willery J. Jones Jr., Life Member #10304, Retired, Houston **LTC Carl B. Lutrick, Life Member #27322, HHC, 3rd BN 141st INF, Pflugerville

Col Walter Meyler, Life Member #A99, Retired, Taylor Lake Village **PVT Seth L. Pfizenmaier, HHB Signal Co, 36th ID, Georgetown **PFC Robert S. Prichard, B Co 1-143 IN, Dallas CSM Barney Ransberger, Life Member #868, Retired, Coleman Mr. Willie R. Reaux, Life Member #307, Retired, Port Arthur SGT Donald P. Scallan, Life Member #28987, Retired, Huntsville MSgt Dominic A. Scaramozi III, Life Member #20181, Retired, San Antonio SMSgt Charles E. Trump, Life Member #13161, Retired, Grand Prairie **SPC Sebastian J. Weiskopf, Co A 1st BN 141st INF, Houston SFC Donald E. Wollek, Life Member #14336, Retired, Copperas Cove *Had NGAT Life Insurance Policy **Had No-Cost Active Guard Policy of $1,000

Lt Gen Daniel James III, Life Member #10897, Retired, Alexandria, VA (Former Director of the Air National Guard and former Adjutant General of Texas)

IF YOU ARE AWARE OF THE PASSING OF A CURRENT OR FORMER NATIONAL GUARD MEMBER, PLEASE NOTIFY US BY PHONE, MAIL OR EMAIL NGATNEWS@NGAT.ORG.

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NGAT Life Insurance

We’re Always On Duty For You Group Term Insurance • Whole Life Insurance Available to current and retired members of the National Guard and their dependents.

You can keep your NGAT Insurance when you leave or retire from the Guard.

NEED TO UPDATE YOUR COVERAGE OR BENEFICIARIES?

CALL US FOR MORE INFORMATION!

National Guard Association of Texas Life Insurance Program

3706 Crawford Avenue • Austin, TX 78731 (512) 454-7300 (800) 252-NGAT (6428) www.ngat.org insurance@ngat.org

PERIODICAL

National Guard Association of Texas 3706 Crawford Avenue Austin, Texas 78731-6308

ngat.org

PLANNING CALENDAR (As of July 31, 2017)

2017 13-14

Aug

NGAT Board Meeting, Montgomery

26-31

Aug

EANGUS Conference, Reno, NV

4

Sep

Labor Day (NGAT Office Closed)

7-10

Sep

NGAUS Conference, Louisville, KY

11

Sep

Patriot Day

9

Oct

Columbus Day (NGAT Office Closed)

13

Oct Bat Cruise, Austin

23

Oct

NGAT Board Meeting, Austin

28

Oct

NGAT 1st Annual Halloween Spooktacular, Manor

10

Nov

Veteran’s Day Observed (NGAT Office Closed)

22-23

Nov

Thanksgiving Observed (NGAT Office Closed)

25-31

Dec

Christmas Observed (NGAT Office Closed)

2018 1

Jan

News Years Day (NGAT Office Closed)