2019 Spring NGAT News by MediaNation

Founded 1959 | Volume 60 | Number 1 | Spring 2019

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

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NGAT Incoming Board of Directors

NGAT Conference Photo Album

NGAT Conference Winners

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2019-2020 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 ATKW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136th AW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Retired Rep – Region I . . . . . . . . . . . . Retired Rep – Region II . . . . . . . . . . . . Retired Rep – Region III . . . . . . . . . . . Family Readiness Rep . . . . . . . . . . . . . Executive Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Priscilla Leger Christopher McKeag Bruce Robison Michael Wolff Mireya Cruz Rodney Kelley Mike Crummedyo Mireya Cruz Dave Moulton James Crady Clinton Petty Samantha Lewis Norman Lloyd Toby Mendoza Jeff Basa George Hurd Bruce Robison Chip Cranon Kyle Ames Michael Wolff Jeanne Arnold Donna Balderston Quentin Kimble Shandra Sponsler Marvin Harris

CONTENTS p7

NGAT News Magazine (Articles & Photos) — ngatnews@ngat.org NGAT Home Page — www.ngat.org

MEMBERS CORNER

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SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

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DEPUTY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR Theresa Billeck-Zuniga — tbz@ngat.org

INSURANCE DIRECTOR Kathy Gallatin — insurance@ngat.org

Periodicals postage paid at Austin, Texas 78710 and additional offices. POSTMASTER SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO: NGAT News, 3706 Crawford Avenue, Austin, Texas 78731-6308 MEMBERS MAY EMAIL ADDRESS CHANGES TO: membership@ngat.org

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MEETING & CORPORATE PROGRAMS DIRECTOR Rob Casias — rcasias@ngat.org

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

President’s Report NGAT Executive Committee Incoming NGAT Board of Directors

Outgoing NGAT Board of Directors 6 7 Members Corner 8 Leadership Changes 9 NGAT Minuteman Award

Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Theresa Billeck-Zuniga Graphic Designer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MediaNation.net Publisher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aus-Tex Printing & Mailing NGAT NEWS 3706 Crawford Ave Austin, TX 78731 512-454-7300 1-800-252-NGAT (6428)

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3RD ANNUAL BAT CRUISE

Spirit Award NGAT Conference Photo Album Corporate Partners Scholarship Winners Around the World with the Guard NGAT Conference Winners 3rd Annual Bat Cruise Conference Survey Results NGAUS Conference EANGUS Conference Legal Update Around Texas with the Guard Lone Star Medal of Valor Hall of Honor

28 Texas Guardsmen Help Orphans 29 Send your Content to NGAT News 30 TAPS 32 NGAT Planning Calendar Follow us on

ON THE COVER: CPT Samantha Lewis (left) and SGM Tamika Evans (right) pose for a photo while NGAT Executive Director, LTC (Ret) Marvin Harris (center) photo bombs them in the background. Other photos are from events on the USS Lexington and the NGAT Awards Banquet during the NGAT Conference in Corpus Christi. (Photos by Chris Evans) S p r i n g 2 0 1 9 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 |

PRESIDENT’S REPORT NGAT MEMBERS, IT’S BEEN TWO YEARS SINCE OUR NGAT DELEGATES ELECTED ME AS YOUR PRESIDENT ELECT and I now move into the position as President. Your trust in my selection will not be taken lightly. I look forward to the next two exciting years representing you along with our Board of Directors and dedicated staff. I am fully committed in carrying out the goals and commitments that your Board of Directors has been engaged in the last few years. LTC Kenn White left some large shoes to fill and I and your board stand committed in following through with this journey in making ‘NGAT” even better. His mentorship in the last couple years has helped me immensely. We will continue with our current programs and activities that are meaningful to all our members and their families. One of my goals is to finalize our Strategic Plan. Then work on following through on all our plans and strengthening our committees. We had a successful 60th Anniversary Conference. If you didn’t attend the conference you missed two fantastic speakers in Lt Col Lacy Gunnoe and LtCol (Ret) Robert Darling. Thank you again to USAA for sponsoring our NGAT App and providing a NGAT Scholarship. We can always depend on USAA to support us. We appreciate and thank all our vendors who attended and hope to see you all in Irving next March. Our Silent Auction made over $9,000 for our Texas National Guard Foundation and our Golf Tournament made $500 for our NGAT Educational Foundation. Thank you to everyone who contributed to making these events a success. Congratulations to our 2019 NGAT Educational Foundation Scholarship Winners. We wish you all a successful year in college. This year the foundation gave out $13,500 in scholarships.

INCOMING NGAT PRESIDENT, CCMSgt (Ret) Priscilla Leger (left) presents the NGAT Presidents Award to outgoing NGAT President, LTC Kenn White at the NGAT Conference Awards Banquet in Corpus Christi, Texas. LTC White served as NGAT President from Apr 2016-Mar 2019. (Photo by Chris Evans)

Your Bylaws Committee is in the process of reviewing NGAT’s bylaws. Be on the lookout for some proposed changes as we will be requesting you to vote on them at our next Conference in 2020 in Irving, Texas. Join us again for our 3rd Annual “NGAT Bat Cruise” in Austin on Friday, August 16, 2019 from 6-8 pm. If you are a life member it’s FREE. Come join us for some fellowship and fun. It’s on our NGAT app and web site. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook as well.

Your dedicated NGAT staff continues to strive and keep up with all the changes. If you have changes to your home address or any questions, please let the NGAT Office staff know. You can reach them at 1-800-252-6428 or 512-454-7300. Summer is upon us so plan accordingly and be safe in your travels. Remember, if you’re the driver the “texting” can wait. I am looking forward to a positive and productive year with our Board of Directors and Staff. I will end my President’s Letter with a quote by Lt Col Lacy Gunnoe, “We don’t change the world by changing others. We change the world by changing ourselves.” H

Priscilla Leger, CCM, Retired NGAT President 4 | 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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THE NGAT BOARD OF DIRECTORS review final plans prior to the start of the NGAT Conference in Corpus Christi, Texas. (Photo by Chris Evans)

H NGAT Executive Committee H

CCMSgt (Ret) Priscilla Leger President

MAJ Christopher McKeag President-Elect

Capt Bruce Robison HQ, TXANG Vice-President

SMSgt Michael Wolff 136th AW Secretary

SFC Mireya Cruz 36th ID Treasurer

LTC (Ret) Marvin Harris Executive Director Ex-Officio Member

H NGAT Incoming Board of Directors H

MAJ Jeff Basa 71 EMIB

MAJ Rodney Kelley JFHQ

MAJ Samantha Lewis 36th Sustainment Bde

MAJ Christopher McKeag President-Elect

CSM Toby Mendoza 176th Engr Bde

CSM Clinton Petty 56th IBCT S p r i n g 2 0 1 9 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 |

H NGAT Outgoing Board of Directors H

LTC Kenn White President

SMSgt Albert Cardenas Vice-President

r o f u o y k Than ! e c i v r e s r you RAPID ACQUISITION PROVEN PERFORMANCE OUR PURPOSE. YOUR MISSION. | ADSINC.COM

CSM Marrell Skinner 56th IBCT

CSM Jimmy Leonard 176th Engr Bde

MAJ Toni Savely 36th Sustainment Bde

SFC Charlie Weissenborn 71st EMIB

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MEMBERS CORNER

OPERATION GUARDIAN SUPPORT The 56th Infantry Brigade Combat Team Commander, COL John Wallace, travelled with the Task Force Gunslingers command team, LTC Javier Rosales and 1SG Marcus Dominguez to meet with the Mayor of Del Rio, Bruno Lozano; City Manager Matt Wojnowski; and Val Verde County Judge Lewis Owens to discuss and answer questions concerning the purpose and activities in their area as it relates to Operation Guardian Support (OGS). OGS works with various patrol stations and ports of entry along the border providing support to the agents in the area. H (Photo by SPC Christina Clardy)

TEXAS MILITARY DEPARTMENT DAY AT THE CAPITOL Members of the Texas Military Department Command Group, (left to right) CCMSgt Michael Cornitius, Command Senior Enlisted Leader; Brig Gen Thomas Suelzer, Director of the Joint Staff; MG Tracy Norris, Adjutant General — Texas; BG Greg Chaney, Deputy Adjutant General -Army; Maj Gen Dawn Ferrell, Deputy Adjutant General — Air; MG Robert J. Bodisch, Commander of the Texas State Guard pose from the Texas Senate Gallery during Texas Military Department Day at the Capitol. H

ANITA CANNADAY PROMOTED TO CW5 Congratulations to Anita Cannaday, Senior Human Resource Advisor for the Texas Army National Guard on her recent promotion to the rank of Chief Warrant Officer Five (CW5)! Anita L. Cannaday began her military career in 1987 when she enlisted into the Active Army to serve in the Quartermaster Corps as a Material Storage and Handling Specialist. Chief Cannaday accepted an Active Guard Reserve (AGR) position in August 1996, with the Military Personnel Directorate SIDPERS Section. From 1996 to 2002, she served in in various positions within the Military Personnel Directorate, including SIDPERS Clerk, and SIDPERS NCOIC, before pursuing a career in the Warrant Officer Corps.

THREE ANG WEATHER MEMBERS WIN AIR FORCE LEVEL COMPETITION Three Air National Guard members took first place this past December in the Thor’s Legion Forecast Challenge, an Air Force level competition held virtually at bases across the country that tests the forecasting capabilities of Airmen across the weather community. The winning crew of three dubbed “Team Stormbreaker,” was A1C Garrett Star (left), Iowa Air National Guard; MSgt J. Garrett Palmer (center), Florida Air National Guard; and A1C Phillip Turney (right), 209th Weather Flight, Texas Air National Guard. H (Photo by TSgt Mindy Bloem)

RISING STAR Congratulations to CPT Nadine Wiley De Moura from the 100th MPAD for winning the Keith L. Ware, Public Affairs Officer Rising Star of the Year award! CPT De Moura was recognized over all other new Public Affairs officers in the Active Army, Guard and Reserve. H

In June 2002, Chief Cannaday was appointed as a Human Resources Warrant Officer. Through her tenure as a WO, she has been certified as a Training Advising and Counseling (TAC) WO with the 136th Regional Training Institute (RTI), identified for deployment with the 36th Sustainment Brigade (36th SUS Bde), “Raw Hide” as the HR Tech in the S1. This was the 1st deployment for the newly formed 36th SUS Bde, rotation OIF 09-11. Additionally, she was the Warrant Officer Candidate School (WOCS) Program Manager and selected as the Reserve Officers Association 2010-2011 Warrant Officer of the Year. In September of 2015, Chief Cannaday was assigned to the duty position of Senior Human Resources Advisor for the G1, TXARNG. On 16 January 2019, Chief Cannaday became the first female to be promoted to the rank of Chief Warrant Officer Five in the Texas Army National Guard. She is a stout believer of Direction, Mentorship, and Guidance. H CW5 Anita Cannaday (center) becomes the first female to be promoted to the rank of CW5 in the Texas Army National Guard. She is pictured with friend and mentor CW5 Ernest Metcalf (right) and his wife Veda Metcalf (left) following her promotion ceremony. S p r i n g 2 0 1 9 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 |

H Leadership Changes H

Maj Gen Dawn Ferrell Commander Texas Air National Guard

Brig Gen Thomas M. Suelzer Director of the Joint Staff

Col Christopher McGraw Commander 136th Airlift Wing

COL (P) Marc Coppola Commander TXSG – Medical Component

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BG Jerry “Fred” Prochaska Deputy Commanding General U.S. Army Combined Arms Center Army National Guard

CCMSgt LaTasha Mitchell Command Chief 136th Airlift Wing

NGAT Minuteman Award

NGAT Spirit of Texas Award

LIEUTENANT COLONEL KENN WHITE received the National Guard Association of Texas Minuteman Award for his outstanding military service to the Texas Military Department and his unwavering support and leadership that he provided to the National Guard Association of Texas. LTC White was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant through the Reserve Officer Training Corps program at Southern Illinois University in 1989. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Commercial Photography from Southern Illinois University and a Masters in Businesses Administration with a concentration in project management from the University of Phoenix. During his thirty years of service with the National Guard, LTC White has held many key leadership positions and completed a deployment to Iraq. LTC White became a Life Member of NGAT on August 23, 1993. He became heavily involved with NGAT in 2012 and assisted with the operations of the NGAT Conference that year. He became a member of the NGAT Board of Directors in March of 2013. During his initial year on the NGAT Board of Directors he was instrumental in establishing a communications committee that was responsible for improvements to the NGAT website the NGAT News Magazine as well as correspondence and communication to our members. In 2014 LTC White was selected to serve as the NGAT Vice-President. During his year as Vice-President his emphasis was on the financial operations of the Association. In 2015 LTC White was selected by the NGAT Membership in a run-off election that was the first in NGAT history to serve as the NGAT President-Elect. During his tenure as NGAT President LTC White’s exceptional diligence, unwavering dedication and critical involvement in the development of the association at every level made significate long-lasting, strategic impacts on the future of NGAT. He was directly responsible for the implementation of a NGAT Employee Handbook that had not been updated in over 13 years. He acted as the NGAT Executive Director until an Interim Executive Director could be hired and was the President of the Board that conducted employment application reviews and personal interview for the selection of a new Executive Director. A process that took one year to fully complete. In the summer of 2016 LTC White oversaw the committee that redesigned and rebranded the Associations logo into what we have today. During 2016 and 2017 the association was presented with many challenges of which LTC White was always actively involved in the resolution process. His resolve, focused efforts, exemplary leadership and indepth understanding of NGAT was critical to ensuring the day to day operations of the Association continued to operate and provide quality customer service to our members. He was instrumental in getting NGAT back into the strategic planning process that will carry NGAT well into the future. LTC White has constantly gone above and beyond the call of duty over the past three years serving this Association. He has given up a lot of his personal military leave and time with his family to do the business of NGAT because he truly cares about NGAT and its future. His contributions will persist well beyond his departure from his position as President. His accomplishments reflect great credit upon himself, the Texas Army National Guard and the National Guard Association of Texas and make him very deserving of the NGAT Minuteman Award. H

MRS. SHARON MAGINOT received the NGAT Spirit of Texas Award for outstanding public service to the Texas Military Forces and the National Guard Association of Texas. Sharon is the spouse of Retired Command Chief Master Sergeant Bill Maginot, who served as the Senior Enlisted Advisor for the Texas Air National Guard and is a former President of NGAT and the only two-time recipient of the NGAT Minuteman Award. With a spouse like that there comes a lot of responsibility, interaction with the Guard, travel and participation in lots of events. Sharon Maginot has been a driving force in the Maginot family and has been involved with NGAT dating back to 1995. Back in the 90’s through the late 2000’s Sharon was always with her spouse to support NGAT at the national level by attending and participating in functions with the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States (EANGUS). She always pitched in and helped the Soldiers and Airmen that were attending for NGAT. Since the early 2000’s Sharon has been the hostess of the NGAT Retirees Hospitality Room with her spouse and various other couples over the years. What many people do not realize is as hostess of the Retiree Hospitality Room, Sharon and her spouse have also served as the host for the NGAT Wine Tasting, NGAT Spirits Tasting and various other special receptions held in the retiree hospitality room over the years. Many may remember for years their adorable little dogs that used to greet NGAT members coming to the retiree hospitality room. Since 2009 Sharon has been a constant supporter of the NGAT Silent Auction. Many years taking the time to make handcrafted items for the auction. In 2010 Sharon and her spouse served as host couples for the National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS) 2010 National Conference held in Austin, Texas that hosted over 5000 National Guard officers from across the United States. Mrs. Sharon Maginot has displays uncommon leadership, enthusiasm and initiative in supporting the Texas Military Forces and the National Guard Association of Texas, and totally represents what the NGAT Spirit of Texas Award is all about. H

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CONFERENCE

For more photos from the NGAT Conference visit the NGAT website conference page at www.ngat.org/conference or see our Facebook page.

The Texas Tease Boat Tour of the Corpus Christi Bay. It was one mad minute when individuals like SSgt Graydon Phillips got up to the mike and had one minute to brag about his command the 136th Airlift Wing.

Another great wine tasting in the books. Thanks Spec’s!

Our guest speaker, Lt Col Lacy Gunnoe, the “Pilot Speaker” at the Business Session provided plenty of motivation for those in attendance.

Attendees enjoyed fun, food and friends at the Welcome Party aboard the USS Lexington.

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You can always expect to see some odd creatures in the NGAT Hospitality rooms.

We continue to be amazed at how a unit can transform a hotel room into something extraordinary.

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SAVE THE DATE Photos by Chris Evans

First time doing designated delegate seating at the Annual Meeting worked well.

Attendees at the Spouses Luncheon created their own garments for a fashion show with everyday items in 30 minutes.

A light breeze coming off the scenic Corpus Christi bay welcomed the runner at the start of the Fun Run.

for the 61st Annual NGAT Conference happening Mar 26-29, 2020 at the Westin Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas!

LtCol (Ret) Robert Darling shared his inspirational story of his experiences on September 11, 2001 inside the White House bunker during the NGAT Awards Banquet.

Attendees rocked to the music of the Melinda Adams Band at the Welcome Party aboard the USS Lexington.

The retirees luncheon had a packed house for guest speaker, State Command Senior Enlisted Leader, CCMSgt Michael Cornitius. S p r i n g 2 0 1 9 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 |

THANK YOU TO OUR CORPORATE PARTNERS & MEMBERS PLATINUM

CORPORATE MEMBERS

LiteFighter USAA

AAR Mobility Systems Army Property Bailey Cowan Heckaman PLLC Benchmade Breezer Holdings, LLC Caylym Technologies Cera Products, Inc. Columbia Southern University DeVry University EES Envelop Protective Covers L3 Technologies Leatherman Tool Group MedicPad Pelican Products Pond & Company Regenerative Medicine Clinics Revision Military Rocky Brands, Inc. Rocky Research Shakespeare Military Antennas Southwest Solutions Group, Inc. Trident University International TSSi Wel-Feb Western Shelter XGO – Longworth Industries

GOLD DripDrop ORS GEICO Lista/Vidmar

SILVER ADS, Inc. AM General, LLC ESS Galls General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. Kipper Tool Company Lincoln College of Technology Lockheed Martin MulePAC O’Connell & Associates, PLLC Smartronix, Inc.

BRONZE Ashford University BAE Systems Cocoon, Inc. DOCS Gerber Grand Canyon University Laser Shot Oakley Raytheon Robertson Fuel Systems Samsung Zumro

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PATRIOT SPONSOR Pond & Company

NGAT APP SPONSOR USAA

2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 0 C O R P O R AT E S P O N S O R S

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2019 NGAT Educational Foundation Scholarships

Len and Jean Tallas Memorial Scholarship — $5,000

CSM John Morgan Memorial Scholarship — $3,000

Lewis O. King Memorial Scholarship — $2,000

NGAT Retirees Memorial Scholarship — $1,500

JAEL SHAIN

THOMAS ABRAHAMS

Daughter of LTC Travis D. Shain

Son of SSgt Jeffery Abrahams

DYLAN E. WAITE

BAILEY D. PROCTOR

Son of LTC Christopher Waite

Daughter of LTC Bryan W. Proctor

LTC Gary Parrish Memorial Scholarship — $1,000

TXNG Retirees Endowed Scholarship — $1,000

WILLIAM D. WEAVER, JR.

NICHOLAS RYAN FORREST

Son of COL William D. Weaver, Sr.

Stepson of LTC Jeffrey A. Gilmore, Jr.

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USAA Scholarship — $1,000 ZACHARY PRESTON FURR Son of SSG Zane Preston Furr

PUTTING YOUR EXPERIENCE, TRAINING AND DEDICATION TO WORK HANDS-ON, SKILLS-FOCUSED CAREER TRAINING: Transportation • Skilled Trades • Healthcare • Culinary Arts • Information Technology

Campuses Located Nationwide – Visit LincolnTech.edu Or Call 800-544-6268 for Info Programs vary by campus at Lincoln Technical Institute and Lincoln College of Technology. Important information about the educational debt, earnings, completion and placement rates of students who attended Lincoln programs can be found at LincolnTech.edu/consumer info. Financial aid available to those who qualify. LT/151290419-CR2071

0419_NGAT Conf Program AD_CR2071.indd 1

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A RA OR UO UN ND D T THHEE WW O R L TO ENHANCE OUR “WORLDWIDE” MISSION EFFECTIVENESS and meet potential NGB/Northcom objectives, seven members of the Texas Air National Guards, 136 Contingency Response Flight traveled to Eielson AFB, Fairbanks, Alaska, for Arctic Survival School AKA “Cool School.” Their course objectives included train personnel in employing principles, procedures, techniques and equipment that enhance their ability to survive and be rescued under arctic conditions.

SSGT TERRELL FREEMAN, a crew chief assigned to the 149th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Air National Guard, fills liquid oxygen tanks, at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. (Photo by Mindy Bloem)

ON APRIL 17, 2019, SENATOR DONNA CAMPBELL recognized former Adjutant General of Texas, Maj Gen (Ret) John F. Nichols, with a gavel and Senate resolution in thanks for his many years of military service to Texas and the United State of America.

CSM JOHN F. SAMPA, Command Sergeant Major of the Army National Guard, waits for the signal to begin performing hand-release push-ups during an Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) at the Parks Reserve Forces Training Area in Dublin, California, March 16. Sampa joined Soldiers from the 223rd Military Intelligence Battalion, which is one of nine National Guard units piloting the new ACFT before it is scheduled to be implemented in 2020. CSM Sampa is also the former Senior Enlisted Leader for the Texas National Guard. (Photo by SPC Amy E. Carle) THE BATAAN MEMORIAL DEATH MARCH is a challenging march through the high desert terrain of the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. The memorial march is conducted in honor of the heroic service members who defended the Philippine Islands during World War II, sacrificing their freedom, health, and, in many cases, their very lives. Three warriors from the Texas Army National Guards’ 1-136th RGMT (AR) completed the grueling 26.2-mile course. Pictured left to right is SFC Kristopher Townsend, SSG Brent Flowers and SFC Fabian Gonzalez. 16 | 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 T e x a s

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MEMBERS OF THE 551ST MULTI ROLE BRIDGE COMPANY participated in the dedication of the Roy P. Benavidez Memorial Highway (Hwy 71) during a ceremony at the El Campo Museum of Natural History, El Campo, Texas, March 23, 2019. Benavidez received the Medal of Honor in 1981 for his heroism during the Vietnam War. Pictured Left to right: SSG Jason Cruz, SPC Jesus Alejandro, SSG Raymond Cavazos and Company Commander, CPT George Lopez.

DD WWI IT TH H T HT EH EG UGAURAD R D TEXAS ARMY NATIONAL GUARD SGT Michael Russel analyzes network traffic during a Cyber Shield 19 training week class at Camp Atterbury, Indiana. As the nation’s largest unclassified cyber defense training exercise, Cyber Shield provides participants with training on industry network infrastructure and cyber protection best practices. (Photo by SSG George B. Davis)

POLISH AIR FORCE CAPT. PRZEMSAW MILINSKI, 14th Squadron Air Force Commander, briefs Polish and 136th Operations Group members prior to their formation flight on March 13, 2019. This year marks the first year of the 136th Airlift Wing’s involvement with the Poland-based Aviation Rotation and provides the wing the opportunity to operate in an unfamiliar theater with their foreign allies. (Photo by SSgt Sean Kornegay)

THE 386TH ENGINEER BATTALION recently conducted a Change of Command ceremony at Camp Swift that brought together this group of esteemed colleagues of current and former Commanders of 386th Engr Bn from current all the way back about 20 years. From right to left: LTC Jennifer Stobie, LTC Tony Miles, LTC Richard Stradinger, COL (Ret) Richard Jordan, LTC (Ret) Jim Cline, COL (Ret) Frank Zuniga, COL (Ret) Jim Junot. (Photo by COL (Ret) Steven Solka)

U.S. SOLDIERS WITH DELTA COMPANY, 1-141 INF, TEXAS ARMY NATIONAL GUARD, deployed in support of Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), clear weapons in the reaction force compound on Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti. The mission of the 1-141 INF is to rapidly deploy in response to any crisis threatening U.S. personnel or property throughout CJTF-HOA, and to contribute to international efforts to enhance security and stability in East Africa by providing security force assistance and fostering the capabilities of partner nations. (Photo by SSG Corban Lundborg) U.S. SOLDIERS WITH 1ST BATTALION, 141ST INFANTRY REGIMENT (1-141 IN), Texas Army National Guard, operating as part of the East Africa Response Force, pose for a group photo in Libreville, Gabon. The Soldiers were deployed in support of Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa to forward stage at a cooperative security location in Libreville, Gabon, from January 2-26, 2019. S p r i n g 2 0 1 9 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 |

C O N F E R E N C E (Photos by Col (Ret) Kurt Leslie

GOLF 1st Place

MG Pat Hamilton

Robert Arnold

MAJ Amber Fullmer

MAJ Derek Ruschhaupt

2nd Place

CPT Raymond Thomas

Ray Aleman

Michael Thomas

3rd Place

Stuart Toney

Chris Ghormley

Mike Turner

Ralph Borja

Golfers raised $500 for the NGAT Educational Foundation

Longest Drive — Maurice Ortiz Closest to the Pin — Michael Thomas

FUN RUN MALE RUNNERS 1st Place Tom Amenta 2nd Place CW5 Paul Jenschke 3rd Place

MAJ Rodney Kelley

FEMALE RUNNERS 1st Place

CPT Amanda Tooke

2nd Place

SSG Michelle Auyer

3rd Place

CPT Jennifer Newman

PASSPORT WINNER 50“ Flat Screen Color TV — Sherri Limbo, Elgin, Texas

SILENT AUCTION This year’s silent auction was the best in our 16 years history. We had over 210 auction items and raised over $9,000 for the Texas National Guard Foundation. Thank you to everyone who participated. A special thanks to all our donors especially Prestige Authentics, CCMSgt (Ret) Priscilla Leger, SMSgt (Ret) Ernest Leger, CSM Marrell Skinner and SFC Valeda Skinner. Photo by Chris Evans

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W I N N E R S HOSPITALITY NIGHT WINNERS The 71st EMIB was named the 1st Place Winner of the Best Hospitality Room unseating the previous two-time winner the Warrant Officers. Entering their room, you made your way through Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Then you entered the castle grounds as you join Harry Potter, Dobby and his friends for mystical drinks. Our 2nd Place Winner was the Audie L. Murphy Warrant Officer Chapter of the USAWOA. They tempted you to explore the universe with a Marvel Super Heroes theme complete with a New York City News Stand and Captain Marvel, Spiderman, Thor, Captain America, Valkyrie and Gamora. At the News Stand you could order a “Boilermaker” or some “Rocket Fuel.” Finally, our 3rd Place Winner was the Texas Air National Guard that took us back to the 1950’s when life was all about diners, drive-ins and sock hops. They turned on the juke box and played the best tunes from the 1950’s. You could also get your picture taken with your besties in a makeshift car at the Dive-in.

SPOUSES LUNCHEON — “PROJECT NGAT” ENDS IN A TIE FOR FIRST PLACE This year at the Spouses Luncheon each table was broken into groups that competed to create the best runway outfit. Groups were given only 30 minutes to make their outfit using everyday items such as plastic trash bags, windshield visors, table cloths, coffee filters, beads, fabric and an array of other craft items. Each group designated a model and an announcer that told us what the model was wearing, who was her designers, and where were they going. All the attendees judged each other. In the end it was amazing to see all the creative outfit they made in just 30 minutes. A top winner could not be declared after several rounds of voting, so it ended in a tie for 1st Place. Everyone on the winning team received a $25 gift card. The event was a blast and all attendees had so much fun. They made it work with what they had and made some incredible outfits in the process. Photos by Chris Evans

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NGAT will host its 3rd Annual Bat Cruise on Lady Bird Lake with Capital Cruises at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Austin, Texas on August 16, 2019 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. What an amazing experience it is to float on beautiful Lady Bird Lake at sunset, taking in gorgeous views of the city scape just before the cloud of 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats fill the colored sky. Bring your family and friends to this affordable annual event. This is a private cruise that is not open to the public. Ticket prices include the cruise, complimentary beverages and snacks. It’s sure to be a fun time for all. Tickets are limited so register early. NGAT Life Members — Free NGAT Life Members Guest — $15.00 per person NGAT Annual Members/Guest — $20.00 per person NGAT Non-NGAT Members/Guest — $30.00 per person

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NGAT CONFERENCE SURVEY RESULTS

After reviewing conference survey results here is what we take away from the Conference. What You Liked

What You Want Us to Do For You

- Wine Tasting - Welcome Party on the USS Lexington - Guest Speakers - Retirees Luncheon - Spouses Luncheon - Awards Banquet - Hospitality Rooms - Silent Auction

- Encourage younger troops to join the Association - Continue to hold this conference - Communicate with the membership more - Provide activities to get membership more involved - Bring back VA Insiders to the Conference

What We Improved On

What You Did Not Like - Limited updates on the NGAT App - Not enough activities in the exhibit hall on Friday - Traveling from the hotel to the Convention Center - No photographer on Saturday for individual photos

- Online and Onsite registration process - Spouses Luncheon - Retirees Luncheon

Overall our 60th Annual NGAT Conference was a success. Thank you to all our sponsors and exhibitors and all of you that attended the conference. Over 97% plan to attend next years conference. To the person who asked us to buy them a little red corvette, we regret to inform you that it’s just not in the budget. Better luck next time.

See you in Irving Mar 26-29, 2020.

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MILE HIGH MEETING

Original story by Rich Arnold

141st NGAUS GENERAL CONFERENCE Aug 30-Sept 2, 2019 | Denver, Colorado

DENVER IS KNOWN AS THE MILE HIGH CITY FOR GOOD REASON. The capital of Colorado sits at an elevation of exactly one mile. In the city’s rarified air, golf balls go 10 percent farther. So do cocktails. Alcohol packs more punch at higher elevations. The sun feels warmer in the thinner atmosphere, but your coffee is cooler because water boils at 202 degrees, instead of 212 degrees at sea level. But Denver is near the mountains, not in them. You can see 200 named peaks from the city, including 32 that soar to 13,000 feet and above. The picturesque mountain panorama visible from the city is 140 miles long. Denver, however, is more than a jumping-off point to the Rocky Mountains — it is the location of the 141st NGAUS General Conference. For the first time in recent memory, two states will help host the NGAUS Conference — Colorado and Wyoming. The latter lacks the facilities to accommodate such as crowd. Wyoming will be part of the official welcome during the First Business Session and supply a security platoon and volunteers to help spearhead the efforts. The conference will start off with the NGAUS Golf Tournament at the Fossil Trace Golf Course in Golden, Colorado. Maybe you want to participate in a “fourteener,” which is a hike that covers the last 3,000 feet of a trek up to an elevation of 14,000 feet. If hiking is not your thing then maybe you want to join the motorcycle rally and take a ride from downtown Denver through the Peak to Peak Highway in the Rockies. Bring your bike or rent one. The Company Grade/Warrant Officer Mixer will be at the Mile High Station. There will be plenty of business and officer-professionaldevelopment (OPD) sessions along with a huge trade show. The Governors Reception will be at the Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum. Organizers plan to provide plenty of food, drinks, and three stages of entertainment, including mechanical bulls. Are you a cornhole master or expert bull rider? If so, NGAT is looking for individuals planning to attend to represent Texas at the Governor’s reception in these events. Other activities will include calf roping, photo booths, ski mountain, quick draw challenge, interactive aircraft simulators and whiskey tasting. Clearly there is something for everyone. Hospitality Night will be at the conference hotels as well as scattered in establishments on the nearby 16th Street Mall, a pedestrianfriendly street lined with restaurants and bars. The States Dinner at the convention center ends the conference. Denim & Diamonds is this year’s recommended attire. Country-western artist Michael Martin Murphey will provide post-dinner entertainment. Registration is now open at http://ngat.org/ngaus. Hotel reservations are made through NGAT when you register to attend the conference. Registration is $180 per person. You must be a NGAUS member or guest of a NGAUS member to attend. The association will update the web site as additional information becomes available. Hope to see you there!

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2019 EANGUS CONFERENCE EANGUS is short for Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States. EANGUS is the largest enlisted reserve component association, and the only association that represents only National Guard enlisted men and women. NGAT invites you to attend the 48th Annual EANGUS Conference to be held in Des Moines, Iowa, August 4-7, 2019 with August 10th and 15th being travel days. You can register to attend the conference by going to www.eangusconference.org. The registration fee is $150 per person and will increase to $200 per person after Jul 2, 2019. NGAT members will be staying at the Des Moines Marriott Downtown. The daily rate is $120 per night plus tax. All of Area IV will be in this assigned hotel. Come to the EANGUS Conference to get updates from the National Guard leadership on current and projected programs and events. Find out what NGAT and EANGUS are doing for you. In addition to the many fun activities planned, EANGUS will also have a trade show that features military venues, educational services, veterans’ programs, equipment and programs designed with you in mind.

For more information about the upcoming EANGUS Conference visit our website at www.ngat.org/eangus. The Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the U.S. and RecruitMilitary consider it to be an honor to serve those who served and continue to serve. We know the obstacles you encounter when it comes to job and career attainment, so we’re providing some practical solutions to make it easier than ever. Discover our plan to set you apart from the crowd.

For more information visit: https://recruitmilitary.com/eangus

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L E G A L

U P D A T E

The Truth About Promotion Review Boards FEDERAL LAW MANDATES THAT MILITARY OFFICERS MAINTAIN “EXEMPLARY CONDUCT.” Army officers have always been subject to review after a selection board, however historically, this action was limited to officers selected for command or nominative assignments. Army Secretary Eric Fanning exponentially expanded the use of PRBs in August of 2016. It’s widely thought that the expansion of post board screening and PRBs was part of the Army’s attempt to appease Congress in the wake of military sexual assault scandals. All Officers selected for promotion by a DA Board are screened for derogatory information (DEROG), as part of the post-board procedures. If you have DEROG in your official file, you will be flagged and removed from the promotion list. HRC is supposed to send you copy of the derogatory information, but in cases involving Army CID, the DEROG is often just a short conclusory summary of their investigation. The PRB process assumes the allegations are true and that the Agent’s conclusions are sound. The Clock is Ticking. Once you receive PRB notice, you have a very limited time to fight back. Reserve Component Officers have 45 days to submit a rebuttal. The time calculation for submitting a rebuttal starts the day you receive notice from HRC. You’re guilty until proven innocent. It’s critically important to understand the PRB starts by presuming the DEROG is true and correct. The investigator’s conclusions are received as true, regardless of any extenuating circumstances or flawed conclusions. If this seems wildly unfair and a violation of Due Process rights, you’re correct. It also means a letter of contrition detailing your regret and love for the Army will validate CID’s conclusion and make the board’s decision easy. The more senior you are, or the more serious the allegation, the more likely it is that the board will decline to recommend you be promoted.

In order to successfully rebut allegations of misconduct, your submission must: 1) demonstrate you meet the standard of exemplary conduct, 2) prove the underlying allegation is untrue (or raise serious doubt) or that the investigator’s conclusions were flawed, and 3) validate the promotion board’s determination that you are “best qualified” for promotion. If your Army career matters to you or you value your reputation, your only option is to fight back. Your rebuttal must challenge the allegations and the conclusions of the report containing derogatory information. Ideally, you’ll be able to demonstrate flaws in the investigation, provide evidence casting doubt on the DEROG, and convince the promotion review board of your innocence. H For more information see: http://dougoconnell.com/the-truth-about-promotional-review-boards/

Doug O’Connell is a retired TXARNG Colonel who focuses on representing military service members, veterans, first responders and their family members. Doug@DougOConnell.com.

ADVANCING YOUR MISSION

Architects  Engineers  Planners  Constructors

Reaching Beyond Expectations Pond is proud to have partnered with the National Guard in providing architecture & engineering design services for over 25 years.

www.pondco.com

ANTHONY MAYES 469-984-6202 anthony.mayes@gcu.edu

JEROME KINSEY 346-319-8210 jerome.kinsey@gcu.edu

gcu.edu/NGAT GCU is a proud participant in the Post-9/11 Yellow Ribbon Program 19MIL0024

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ULTIMATE HOME STATION TRAINING SYSTEM mil-std 810g

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AROUND TEXAS WITH THE GUARD

Prepping For Hurricane Season Annual training is in full gear for Soldiers in the 551st Multi Role Bridge Company, who are working on their state mission requirement and prepping for hurricane season. A mission critical skill for this unit is the ability to conducting water rescues. H

Traveling Vietnam Wall comes to Camp Mabry The Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall arrived at Camp Mabry in Austin, Texas for the annual Texas Military Department Open House. Members of the Texas National Guard Joint Counterdrug Task Force and Joint Forces Haedquarters joined in to resurect the wall and then paid their respects to those that gave their lives in the field of battle during the Vietnam War. Service members during that conflict were not as recognized or welcomed as the support given today, so honoring those Soldiers, Marines, Seamen and Airmen killed in action is a must. H (Photo by CPT Nadine Wiley De Moura)

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Texas Lone Star Medal of Valor Awarded to Texas National Guardsmen Story Courtesy of 100th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Texas Secretary of State, the Honorable David Whitley, and the Texas Adjutant General, MG Tracy R. Norris, presented the Lone Star Medal of Valor to National Guard aircrews at a ceremony at Camp Mabry, April 13, 2019. The service members with Bravo Co., 1st Battalion, 114th Aviation Regiment, Texas Army National Guard, earned the recognition for their response and rescue efforts during Hurricane Harvey. “It is with great humbleness and respect that I would like to bring to your attention the efforts of several individuals here with us today,” said MG Patrick Hamilton, commander of the 36th Infantry Division. “During the catastrophic events of Hurricane Harvey, these brave soldiers put their own safety to the side, willingly putting themselves into danger in the effort to save the lives of others.” The aircrews were part of the 12,000 Texas Military Department service members who responded to rescue efforts within the first three days after the hurricane made landfall in August 2017; and train year-round for events just like this. Earlier that year the crews were

certified in specialized training; and not a moment too soon. “For the first time, I had approved selected crews for nighttime rescue operations,” Hamilton said. “I never knew when I approved those crews, who were extremely high hour and very qualified, that they would have to execute that mission just a few months after they were certified.” Three aircraft crew members from Nebraska and the Utah Army National Guard units were

also awarded the medal at the ceremony for their support of Hurricane Harvey. In total, National Guard members from 22 states supported the search and rescue operations, resulting in 1,457 rotary aircraft evacuations, 371 of which were hoist rescues. “Amid the devastation, the rising tide, you never wavered, never faltered, and you never hesitated to risk your lives to protect our fellow Texans,” said Texas Secretary of State David Whitley. H Photo by SSG Timothy Pruitt

Nominations Now Being Accepted for the Texas Military Department Hall of Honor The Texas Military Department (TMD) Hall of Honor was established in 1981 as a means of recognizing outstanding service and leadership of individuals while serving as members of the Texas Military Department (TMD) in a state or federal status. The criteria for nominees are as follows:

• Any former member of the TMD, civilian or military, living or deceased • Former military nominees must have received an honorable discharge • Both civilian and former military nominees must have retired or left the ranks of the TMD at least three (3) years prior to the nomination date • The service(s) or deed(s) of the nominated individual must have been of such magnitude to reflect great credit upon the TMD. Nominees must have made an extraordinary and positive difference in the continual transformation of the Texas Military, changing the outlook and focus of the organization and/or shaping the organizational environment for the future • The service(s) or deed(s) of the nominee must have been performed while serving in or employed by the TMD • Nomination packets must be submitted no later than June 1, 2019 to the Texas Military Department Hall of Honor Committee. Help us honor our trailblazers by submitting nominations for induction. For more information visit https://tmd.texas.gov/hall-of-honor

TMD POC: MAJ Yesenia C. Sigcho, Yesenia.c.sigcho.mil@mail.mil or 512-782-1958

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Texas Guardsman Helps Barefooted Orphans Original Story & Photo by CPT Nadine Wiley De Moura

SFC ROBERT RODRIGUEZ AND HIS PLATOON patrol the sandy streets of Djibouti, the hot East African sun scorches their path with temperatures upwards of 115 degrees. Passing through impoverished villages, Rodriguez noticed a devastating trend — most of the children are barefooted. It was during his visit to an orphanage that, Rodriquez immediately thought of his own two daughters and made it his personal mission to do something about the shoeless orphans. “While on patrol, every few weeks we passed a local orphanage where children gather for their meals,” Rodriguez said. “Children aged 5-8 sleep along the walls outside and wake up to shower in the orphanage. They eat cups of peanut butter for protein with crackers. Since there is no refrigeration, that is the most protein they can get. That’s their lunch — crackers. So I thought you know what? This would be a great mission for my church back home.” While on emergency leave due to his father’s passing, Rodriguez pushed past his grief to talk to students and coordinate a sandal drive with the school that his daughters attend, Blessed Sacrament Elementary School in Laredo, Texas. Their catholic school is part of the parish that Rodriguez and his family belong to. “I am very active in my daughter’s school and I wanted to get my daughters involved and proactive in something in Africa as well,” Rodriguez, a platoon sergeant for the 1st Battalion, 141st Infantry Regiment, 72nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 36th Infantry Division of the Texas Army National Guard, said. “I talked to the principal, who said she would talk to Father Wojciech, the priest in charge of his church in Laredo. The school sent out flyers thru the National Junior Honor Society asking parents to donate one pair of sandals.” On Veteran’s day, Rodriguez who is completing his fourth deployment, visited his daughter’s school to talk about his service in the military and the children in Djibouti. “I described how the weather was there, how hot it was and asked them to imagine standing outside, barefooted in Laredo,” Rodriguez said. “My daughters and their classmates are at that age where they are learning to help others and how to ask for help as well. I want them to learn a sense of compassion.”

SFC ROBERT RODRIGUEZ, a platoon sergeant for the 1st Battalion, 141st Infantry Regiment, 72nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 36th Infantry Division of the Texas Army National Guard, stands with several of the children in Djibouti.

From September to December, his daughter’s school collected six boxes filled with roughly 500 sandals of varying sizes. After the sandals were collected, the students raised money to send the two by three-foot shipping boxes to Djibouti for Rodriguez and his unit to deliver to the children.

Rodriguez, a nice and generous donation of shoes for the street children here at Caritas,” said Francesco Martialis, director of Caritas Djibouti. “It was such a generous support which will be usefully used for sure! And also, many thanks for the Church support that we feel, from here Djibouti, an isolated place, through your donation. It is precious to us.”

Normally the school participated in blanket, canned food and sweater drives and periodically will make trips to feed the homeless. Anxiously waiting for the packages to arrive, Rodriguez received the sandals in February.

Rodriguez, who has been a Soldier on the Texas National Guard Joint Counterdrug Task Force for 18 years, is no stranger to getting involved into the community. Task force members routinely support local law enforcement agencies and community-based organizations in an effort to detect, interdict and deter illicit drug activity.

To distribute the sandals in the community, Rodriguez coordinated with the local orphanage and the village elder for approval. After he received approval, Rodriguez and his platoon set out to deliver the sandals to the children of the community. “When we handed out the sandals the children were so surprised,” Rodriguez said. “Their happiness turned into overwhelming joy, to trying to be next, I made sure they all were good. It got chaotic at times, but these children had nothing but what they were wearing and most were barefooted.” Rodriguez, who kept close contact with his daughter’s school immediately alerted the school, via e-mail, that he had handed out the sandals to the children. In response, Anacecy Chavez, a Blessed Sacrament School teacher wrote: “When I read this my heart jumped. You are a super hero for me and many others for serving our country and helping those around you.” The Director of the orphanage, Caritas Djibouti, also thanked Rodriguez and his daughter’s school for their donation. “We had the good surprise a few days ago to receive, through Mr. 28 | 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 T e x a s

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In addition to being an involved member of his church, Rodriguez said that his experience as a task force member enhanced his ability to build relationships on an international level, communicate and coordinate with partners in order to make the drive a success. Although Rodriguez’s tour is coming to a close, he has continued to solidify the connections of his church at home with the local Djibouti church — which coincidentally are both named Blessed Sacrament. Rodriguez spoke to the Bishop of the Djibouti Catholic Church about maintaining contact in the case that they may be able to provide more donations for the children. “It is great to hear that our young youth are striving to be humanitarians as that is something this world is missing more of,” Rodriguez said. “It gives me great pride to know that the sacrifices we make as Soldiers to protect our country is giving our youth the opportunity to grow into caring, responsible and giving citizens of our communities.” H

NGAT News Magazine — Send Us Your Stories & Photos Issue

Articles & Photos Due

Winter Issue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . January 15 Spring Issue (Conference Recap) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . April 15 Summer Issue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . July 15 Fall Issue (Upcoming Conference Details) . . . . . . . . . October 15 The NGAT News Magazine’s purpose is to share information to our member’s concerning Association activities, Texas National Guard activities, Association benefits and programs as well as highlight Association members and their achievements.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP?

PHOTOS

NGAT does not have a news team of reporters who can attend unit activities to write articles and take photos for the NGAT News Magazine. Our members are our news team. But you don’t have to do it alone. Share this information with your friends and unit and ask them to send in articles and photos from their drill weekends, annual training, special events, deployments, homecoming and promotions. The opportunities are limitless. Retirees send us photos from your travels. We want to see where all of you are traveling to.

Photos should always include a caption with the names and ranks of the individuals in the photo and/or a description of the activity. Photos should be in jpg, gif or pdf format. Photos should be at least 800 kb to properly be printed in the magazine. Photos embedded inside a word document cannot be used for print. Photos should also include the name and rank of the individual who took the photo.

ARTICLES

Submit photos and articles to tbz@ngat.org or call MSG (Ret) Theresa Billeck-Zuniga at 512-454-7300 for more information.

Articles for the NGAT News Magazine must be submitted by the above due dates to be considered for print in the magazine. Articles should be submitted in a word document format.

Always ready. Always there.

Now flown by more than 70 operators around the world – and the Air National Guard since 1970 – the rugged and Guard units have been longtime Hercules ambassadors, using legacy C-130s and C-130J Super Hercules fleets to deliver hope, security and safety — close to home and around the world. Lockheed Martin salutes the Texas Air National Guardsman for their commitment to exemplifying what it means to be, “Always Ready. Always There.” Learn more at lockheedmartin.com/c130j.

Lockheed Martin. Your Mission is Ours.™

versatile C-130 has been nearly everywhere and done almost everything for 64 years … and counting. Air National

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TAPS As of 04/25/19

CW3 James B. Adams, Life Member #3320, Retired, Georgetown MAJ Madelyn Ashby-Osborne, Retired SGT Gary W. Austin, Life Member #20912, Retired, Cleveland **PFC Miguel A. Castaneda-Rodriguez, 712th MP Guard Co **SGT Antonio J. Capece, 236th Military Police Company CW4 William L. Christenberry, Life Member #995, Retired, Fort Worth LTC Vernon B. Duty, Life Member #471, Retired, Austin **PV1 Tracy J. Holloway, A Co, 949 SPT BN CSMgt Milton E. B. Hucke, Life Member #11357, Spring CSM Walter M. Jones Jr., Life Member #1365, Retired, Gilmer SGT Pablo S. Luna, Life Member #13844, Retired, New Braunfels SSgt Miguel G. Martinez, Life Member #18287, San Antonio MG Charles “Charlie” A. Miller, Jr., Life Member #21335, Leander SSG Luis G. Munoz, Life Member #4095, Retired, San Antonio */**PFC Joshua L. J. Odum, HHC 949th SPT BN Mr. Alonzo R. Perez, Life Member #18701, Retired, Edinburg Mr. Ricky L. Reeves, Life Member #20870, Retired, Bonham **SPC Lauren Reyes, 176th EN BDE LTC Lonnie C. Richburg, Life Member #1036, Retired, Crowley *Mr. Tommy A. Riddle, Life Member #8044, Retired, Arlington SGT Thomas K. Ridpath, Life Member #18307, Cedar Park MG Reynaldo Sanchez, Life Member #11873, Retired, El Paso */**SPC John L. Tyler, 536th BSB Mr. John R. Zachary, Life Member #11917, Retired, Plano *Had NGAT Life Insurance Policy **Had No-Cost Active Guard Policy of $1,000

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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PROUD. TEXAS: STRONG. GUARD.

In August 2016, the 173rd Airborne Brigade established formal ties with 1st Battalion, 143rd Infantry Regiment of the Texas Army National Guard through the Associated Unit Pilot Program, also known as AUP, which pairs active and reserve units together to enhance readiness, cohesion and overall effectiveness.

The Army & Air Force Exchange Service operates mobile field exchanges to support citizen-warriors in natural disasters and contingency operations. The Exchange is proud to serve these local heroes as they serve the great state of Texas! To learn more about the Army & Air Force Exchange Service, visit www.ShopMyExchange.com/Community

PERIODICAL

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

ngat.org

PLANNING CALENDAR (As of May 5, 2019)

2019 4

Jun NGAT Reception, Washington, D.C.

Jun U.S. Army Birthday/Flag Day

Jul

28-29

Jul NGAT Strategic Planning Workshop, Austin

3-8

Aug EANGUS Conference, Des Moines, IA

Aug 3rd Annual NGAT Bat Cruise, Austin

18-19

Aug NGAT Board Meeting, Austin

Independence Day (NGAT Office Closed)

31 Aug-2 Sep NGAUS Conference, Denver, CO 2

Sep

Labor Day (NGAT Office Closed)

Sep Patriot Day

Oct

17-20

Oct AFBA Eagle Group Annual Meeting, Chandler, AZ

Oct TMD Medical Symposium, Camp Mabry

Columbus Day (NGAT Office Closed)