2021 Fall NGAT News

Founded 1959 | Volume 61 | Number 3 | Fall 2021

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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63rd NGAT Conference Information

Duty, Honor, Texas

Service Members’ Mental Health

EMBRACE

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2021-2022 Board of Directors President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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

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

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

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

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

HQ, Joint Forces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

HQ, TXARNG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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

HQ, 36TH ID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

HQ, TXANG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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

147th ATKW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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

TXARNG Rec & Ret Cmd . . . . . . . . . . . .

TXANG Rec & Ret Cmd . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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

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

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

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

Army Jr Enlisted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Air Jr Enlisted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Chris McKeag Mireya Cruz Gerald Lorance Richard Newby Paul Cerniauskas Marvin Harris Vacant Vacant Paul Cerniauskas Clinton Petty Vacant Vacant Joshua Bain Jolene Hinojosa Ruben Wilson Tielow-Taneesha Henson Max Puckett Lonnie Dunkin Nate Norton Emily Martinez Bryan Shreve Gerald Lorance Vacant Richard Newby Guy Schultz Vacant Talia McKinnis Vacant Vacant

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63rd ANNUAL NGAT CONFERENCE

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Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Theresa Billeck-Zuniga Graphic Designer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Terri Sheets, MediaNation Publisher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Multicopy Printing Co. Inc. NGAT NEWS 3706 Crawford Ave Austin, TX 78731 512-454-7300 1-800-252-NGAT (6428)

NGAT SPOTLIGHT

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Submit articles and photos for the NGAT News Magazine to: ngatnews@ngat.org NGAT Home Page: www.ngat.org Executive Director: Marvin Harris, CAE – mharris@ngat.org

Insurance Administrator/Corporate Programs: Terri Marshall – tmarshall@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

From the President NGAT Now Hiring Conference Call Letter/NGATEF Scholarships 63rd NGAT Conference Information NGAT Conference Registration Form Kalahari Resort, Round Rock, Texas NGAT Awards/Advertising NGAT Spotlight Duty – Honor – Texas Legal Update Key Leadership Update Retiree’s Corner EANGUS Conference NGAUS Conference NGAUS Digital Membership Service Members’ Mental Health NGAT Corporate Partners TAPS

ON THE COVER:

Deputy Executive Director/Membership Director: Theresa Billeck-Zuniga – tbz@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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RETIREE’S CORNER

Follow us on

EANGUS: NGAT members and guests pose for a photo with fellow Texan and Command Sergeant Major of the Army National Guard, CSM John F. Sampa (center), following the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States awards banquet held in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in early August.

NGAUS: NGAT members and their guests proudly display the Texas flag at their gathering prior to the National Guard Association of the United States awards banquet in Las Vegas, Nevada, in late August.

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From the President TO OUR MEMBERS, WHAT ELSE CAN I SAY BUT “WOW?!” So far, 2021 has continued to keep pace with 2020’s tempo. You, our members, continue to serve Texas’ call-in unprecedented ways and I just want to take a second to say thank you.

I would also like to take a moment to say thank you to our full-time staff. Such a large organization is managed by less than a handful of staff, and they just make things happen. The latest example was how the staff immediately adjusted priorities to support Texas Guardsmen and Women as they began to muster for the Texas Military Department’s call to the border. The leadership saw a void in services available to our drilling members and we helped fill that need.

Last month, I made a call out to our members for anyone that might be interested in serving on our committees to please reach out.

And you answered. I appreciate each of you that raised your hands.

There’s still room if you want to help. Please use the new website to contact your Board Representative, or you can reach out to me and our full-time NGAT staff.

I would like to close with asking you to continue to stay vigilant during the pandemic. We have lost several service members over the last couple months.

Politics aside, one thing our state leaders agree upon, is that the vaccine is safe, effective, and strongly encouraged for those that are eligible to receive it. It behooves each of us to have a candid conversation with our medical providers and our families in order to do what’s best to stay healthy.

Please stay well. Take care of yourselves and take care of each other. H

Chris McKeag President, NGAT president@ngat.org RECENTLY OUR NGAT STAFF TRAVELED TO SAN ANTONIO to complete their continuing education for their insurance licensing. This was the first time this group was able to get together with our insurance provider and the other states in our insurance pool known as the “Eagle States.” Armed Forces Benefit Association (AFBA) supports NGAT, its members and their families by offering State Sponsored Life Insurance (SSLI) underwritten by 5Star Life Insurance Company.

2LT JAE W. AN PROUDLY STANDS WITH HIS EAGLE AWARD presented by NGAT for being named the Honor Graduate for Officer Candidate School Class #64. NGAT also presented 2LT An with a free Annual Membership in NGAT.

THE ADJUTANT GENERAL OF TEXAS, MG TRACY NORRIS (left) presents 2LT Quintin M. Bononcini (right) with one of his many awards for being named the Distinguished Honor Graduate for Officer Candidate School Class #64. NGAT presented 2LT Bononcini with an NGAT Life Membership and a clock for his achievements. (Photo courtesy of the Texas Military Department) 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

H Fall 2021

NGAT is Now Hiring!

Administrative Assistant Full-time (Nonexempt Employee) 40 Hours per week — Hourly Employee NGAT is seeking to find a highly motivated, enthusiastic, self-reliant, and professional individual to join our team as we advance the Association to the next level. We are looking for an individual who has experience working in an operational environment and military experience is a plus. Must be able to multi-task and manage priorities.

JOB DESCRIPTION Under the supervision of the Insurance Administrator, this position is responsible for assisting the Insurance Administrator and Membership Director with the day-to-day requirements of managing the NGAT Insurance and Membership Programs.

Provide administrative assistance with data entry, answering calls, processing applications, filing, and scanning documents.

Assist with the billing and preparing correspondence. Learn all aspects of how to manage the insurance program. Assist in normal routine administrative tasks and operations in the office. Assist with managing the NGAT office supplies as needed. Limited travel required. Process registration forms for the NGAT Annual Conference and support conference events as required. Must be able to attend the Association’s yearly conference that is held near the end of March. Perform other duties as determined by the Executive Director from time to time.

Q U A L I F I CAT I O N S • Bachelor’s degree preferred.

To apply, send resume to mharris@ngat.org

Thank you, Anna!

THE NATIONAL GUARD ASSOCIATION OF TEXAS (NGAT) will soon be getting a new bookkeeper. NGAT would like to thank Annapurni Hariharan for her 9 years of faithful service with NGAT. She has been an exceptional member of the NGAT team and has seen NGAT grow and flourish over the years. Anna served as the NGAT bookkeeper/ accountant from October 2012 to October 2021. She has an MBA in Finance from the Institute of Tech & Management – University of Mumbai, Master of Commerce specialized in Accounts & Finance – University of Mumbai and a Bachelor of Commerce – University of Mumbai. We wish her much success in her new endeavors. Thank you for all your hard work. H

• Dependable, organized, and punctual. Must be a quick learner.

• Must have excellent customer service skills and the ability to communicate effectively with customers.

• MUST HAVE strong computer skills.

• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

• Effective organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.

• Must be able to travel for training, conferences, and other Association business as required.

• Must be able to obtain license as a Life Insurance Agent at Association expense.

• Prior military service a plus. Army or Air National Guard preferred.

• Must have a valid driver license.

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ATION OF TEXAS NATIONAL GUARD ASSOCI Austin, TX 78731 , Ave rd wfo Cra 6 370 www.ngat.org 300 512-454-7 October 15, 2021 CONFERENCE CALL

ference rd Association of Texas Con 63rd Annual National Guach 24-27, 2022 Mar meet next year at the 63rd erson conference when we your Association had an in-p from March 24-27, 2022.

TX k, Roc nd Rou in It will be two years since nce ion of Texas (NGAT) Confere ciat Asso on the property of Kalahari rd held Gua l be iona will Nat nts l eve Annual t sessions, and most optiona kou brea hari Resorts and is also s, Kala ting four mee only nce of All confere perty in Round Rock is one pro hari Kala This s. tion Resorts & Conven waterpark.

America’s largest indoor l gat.org. Check out the mea ember 1, 2021, at www.n istration will open on Nov now to take Reg ber – tion mem T istra NGA a Reg nce ome Confere es. So, bec ch 11, 2022, membership has its privileg fee will be added after Mar packages and you’ll see that es immediately. A $20 late ileg priv hip bers mem se advantage of tho be made onsite. r March 18, 2022 can only and registrations made afte ntown Austin, known as ted 30 minutes from dow Resorts & Convention is loca ets to the water park hari tick Kala – four s s tion ude erva incl Res and 9 Room The room rate is just $13 rld.” e after February 22, Wo the mad of ions ital rvat Cap ic rese for rate the “Live Mus not guarantee this room can advantage of the We . take ved to wai ns fee ope rt k room bloc and with the reso ions as soon as the hotel rvat rese m roo r you e 2022. So please mak discounted rate.

Agenda Highlights:

nly event with Texas ium/Reception – An invite-o 0-1930) Defense Sympos Thursday, March 24 (170 . ners ership and Corporate Part open the Exhibit Hall with Military Department lead Ceremony – Join us as we Exhibit Hall Ribbon Cutting 0) (130 25 ch Mar ay, • Frid . ic at the Event our great Corporate Partners y some good food and mus lcome Party – Come enjo We 00) 0-21 (183 25 ch • Friday, Mar all conference attendees. conference attendees Barn to help us welcome and General Session – All 30) NGAT Annual Meeting 0-11 (080 ion.

• Saturday, March 26 sess ual meeting and general bers for are invited to the NGAT ann us as we recognize our mem 00) Awards Banquet – Join 5-21 (191 26 ch Mar y, • Saturda outstanding achievement. t to nce next year and can’t wai excited about the confere nces held virtually, we are March 2022 regarding the in be will t men iron env With the last two confere the follow all COVIDough we do not know how Resorts & Conventions will see everyone in person. Alth the Association and Kalahari C) and the State that (CD you on enti ures ens Prev T and NGA trol Con pandemic, s of the Centers for Disease cern as we sure con mea ost ty upm safe our and of es be 19 risk guidelin bers and all attendees will mem our for updates of ty App T safe NGA The . and e, of Texas and local area our website, Facebook pag ning process. Please watch move forward in the plan on the conference.

•

We will see you in Round

Rock!

NEED MONEY FOR COLLEGE? Apply for an NGATEF Scholarship THE NATIONAL GUARD ASSOCIATION OF TEXAS EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION (NGATEF) announces its annual scholarship competition. Educational grants for attendance at colleges or universities will be awarded to active and life members of the National Guard Association of Texas and/or their spouses, sons, or daughters. The foundation will award multiple educational grants of various amounts ranging from $500 to $5,000. High school seniors, college undergraduates and graduate students will be considered for these educational grants.

Two scholarships have very specific requirements, so if you meet these requirements, we encourage you to apply for a NGATEF scholarships.

Scholarship available for a NGAT member currently serving in the Texas State Guard or a spouse/child of a NGAT member currently serving in the Texas State Guard.

Scholarships available to a NGAT Member currently serving in the Texas Army or Air National Guard.

Special thanks to USAA for their continued support with our scholarship program. All applicants must be an Annual or Life Member of NGAT or the spouse, son, or daughter of an Annual or Life Member of NGAT. Deadline for submission of scholarship applications is February 11, 2022. Go to www.ngat.org/education.htm to download the scholarship application. H

FOR THE PRESIDENT:

Marvin E. Harris Executive Director

NGAT Holiday Open House Canceled

MG Patrick M. Hamilton Leadership Scholarship

SANTA’S ELVES AT NGAT have been going over the list of precautions required to host our Annual Holiday Open House and it has been determined that sadly we will need to cancel our 2021 NGAT Holiday Open House normally held in December at the NGAT office. To ensure the safety of our staff and members we feel it is best that we, again, cancel the event this year. The NGAT Board of Directors and staff wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving and a very Merry Christmas. H

THE NATIONAL GUARD ASSOCIATION OF TEXAS EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION is proud to announce that a new scholarship has been established in recognition of MG (Ret) Patrick M. Hamilton, former Commander of the 36th Infantry Division.

The scholarship recognizes his leadership and long distinguished service to the State of Texas, the United States Army, and the United States of America. The scholarship will reward current and former members of the Texas Army National Guard or their family member.

Those wishing to donate to this scholarship may do so at the following site: www.ngat.org/education.htm. H

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H Fall 2021

63rd Convention Info

EMBRACE Kalahari Resort & Convention Center | Round Rock, Texas Registration (ONLINE REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN)

18th Annual Silent Auction — Bid on over 200 auction items and take advantage of some great bargains on gift baskets, jewelry, weekend getaways, and tickets to music, sports and other entertainment venues. Donations for the auction are always accepted at the NGAT office and on site.

Meal Packages

Wine Tasting — Sip, savor, relax and enjoy some exquisite wines at our wine tasting.

All attendees must pay the registration fee.

Registration fee is $15.00 per NGAT member/guest and $30 for a non-NGAT member/guest.

• NGAT Member/Guest Full Meal Package & Registration is $175.

• Non-NGAT Member/Guest Full Meal Package & Registration is $195.

(The deadline for online meal packages is March 18, 2022) • A $20 late fee will be added to all registrations received after March 11, 2022.

• All cancellation requests must be received prior to March 1, 2022.

Hotel

• Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, Texas 78665 • Make your reservations directly with the hotel at: 512-831-5926. Be sure to identify yourself with event name: NGAT 2022 Annual Conference.

• Attendee Hotel rate: $139 single/double plus tax per night. (Includes waterpark admission) Hotel reservations may also be made online at the NGAT website.

(NGAT cannot guarantee rooms after February 22, 2022)

Attire

• NGAT Annual Meeting/General Session: Business Casual • NGAT Banquet: Army – Class A ASU/AGSU/Mess Dress; Air – Service/Mess Dress; Civilians – Business Suit/Evening Formal Wear; Spouses – After-Five Attire.

Conference Optional Events

Golf Tournament at Forest Creek Golf Club — Come enjoy rolling fairways, pristine greens and an abundance of native foliage. Registration includes green fees, cart, breakfast, lunch, and prizes. Tournament benefits the NGAT Educational Foundation.

The annual 5K Fun Run/Walk — Come enjoy a leisure run/walk around the jungles of the Kalahari Resort on Friday morning. The registration fee includes a t-shirt, award medals and refreshments.

Welcome Party — Head out to the event barn for the NGAT Welcome Party.

The barn has a rustic charm with a picturesque view surrounding your every focal point. Enjoy some Round Rock Smokehouse BBQ, beans, corn salad, slaw, and poppers with fruit cobbler and ice cream. Relax under the star, play some cornhole and dance the night away to some great music. Come prepared to eat some great food and have a fun-filled night of networking and socializing with friends.

Lunch — Due to the cost of meals there will be no spouses/retirees luncheon this year. Please join us in the exhibit hall for a light lunch with our exhibitors, prizes, and musical entertainment. Stop by and visit our exhibits and bid on items in the Silent Auction.

Saturday Awards Banquet — Join us at the NGAT Awards Banquet where we will recognize some members for their outstanding achievements and present the coveted NGAT Minuteman award. After dinner, guests will have the opportunity to visit hospitality suites.

Hospitality Suites — Located in the Kalahari Resort. Units will compete for the “Best Themed Hospitality Suite” award.

NGAT Prayer Breakfast — Close out the conference with a delicious breakfast, fellowship, and prayer during the NGAT Prayer Breakfast on Sunday morning.

For more information visit the NGAT website at www.NGAT.org.

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63rd Annual NGAT Conference | March 24-27, 2022 | Kalahari Resort | Round Rock, Texas Please Check:

 Army  Spouse

 Retired Army  Guest

Conference Registration Form  Air  Retired Air  State Guard _____ # Conferences Attended including this one

 NGAT Life Member  NGAT Annual Member

Membership Dues

Rank:_______________________ Name:________________________________________________________________________ Unit:_______________________________________ Civilian Email Address:__________________________________________ Home Address:_____________________________________________ Daytime Phone:(____)______________________________ City/State:_____________________________ Zip:________________ Cell:(____)________________________________________ Badge Name:_________________________________ Spouse/Guest Name:___________________________Rank: _____________ The unit you wish to sit with at the Dinner:_________________________________________________________________________ Please indicate any special needs (i.e. disability, dietary, etc.) ________________________________________________________ Renew Your NGAT Membership Dues SUBTOTAL  Renew my NGAT Membership - NGAT Dues Renewal also available online E1-E6: $15 E7-E9/O1-O3/WO1-CW3: $20 O4-O5/CW4-CW5: $25 O6-O8: $30 Associate/Retired: $20 $____________  NGAT Life Membership - Become a life member today for $100.00 $100 ea $____________ Choose Your Meal Package - Meal Packages include Registration Fee NGAT Member/Guest Full Meal Package $175 ea $____________ (Includes Registration Fee, General Sessions, Exhibits, Breakouts, Welcome Party, Sat Lunch, Sat Banquet and Sun Prayer Breakfast) x ____  Attendee Spouse/Guest (Select one)  Will you attend the NGAT Prayer Breakfast YES or NO

Conference Registration

Non-NGAT Member/Guest Full Meal Package

$195 ea x ____

$____________

$65 ea x ____

$____________

$150 ea x ____

$____________

$45 ea x ____

$____________

Saturday Banquet Only Package (Includes Registration Fee, General Sessions, Exhibits, Breakouts, Saturday Banquet)  Attendee Spouse/Guest

$100 ea x ____

$____________

Jr Enlisted Package (E1-E6 only)

$500 ea

$____________

$150 ea

$____________

x ____ $15 ea $30 ea

$____________ $____________

$95 ea

$____________

$20 ea

$____________

(Includes Registration Fee, General Sessions, Exhibits, Breakouts, Welcome Party, Sat Lunch and Sat Banquet)

 Attendee

Spouse/Guest

Friday Welcome Party (Includes Registration Fee, General Sessions, Exhibits, Breakouts, Welcome Party)  Attendee

Spouse/Guest

Friday Welcome Party & Sat Banquet (Includes Registration Fee, General Sessions, Exhibits, Breakouts, Welcome Party and Sat Banquet)

 Attendee

Spouse/Guest

Saturday Lunch Only Package (Includes Registration Fee, General Sessions, Exhibits, Breakouts, Saturday Lunch)  Attendee

Spouse/Guest

(One full Conference Registration that includes, Registration Fee, General Sessions,

Exhibits, Breakouts, Welcome Party, Sat Lunch, Sat Banquet, and two night stay at the Kalahari Resort) (NGAT will book the hotel room)

Hotel Room  King  Double

Add a Guest to your Jr Enlisted Package Spouse/Guest You must pay basic registration to attend the Conference or Optional Events

Optional Events

(Basic Registrations includes: Registration Fee, General Sessions, Exhibits and Breakouts)

 Basic NGAT Member/Guest Registration Fee  Basic NGAT Non-Member/Guest Registration Fee You must pay basic registration to attend Optional Events  Attendee Handicap ____ NGAT Educational Foundation Golf Tournament (Fri)  Spouse/Guest Handicap ____ Names of Golf Team: _________________________ (Tournament Includes: Green Fees, Cart, Breakfast, Lunch and Awards)

Fun Run/Walk

(Fri) 0730 - 0900  Attendee

Please select T-Shirt Size:

License to Carry Certification Wine Tasting Sunday Prayer Breakfast

 Spouse/Guest

S M L XL XXL

(Fri) 0800 - 1200  Attendee (Fri) 1130 - 1230  Attendee (Sun) 0800 - 0900  Attendee

S M L XL XXL

Free $30 ea $35 ea I would like to donate to: (Circle One)

 Spouse/Guest  Spouse/Guest  Spouse/Guest

 Check Enclosed (Please make check payable to NGAT) NGAT Educational Foundation Texas National Guard Foundation Charge my:  MasterCard  Visa Expiration Date: ____________ SubTotal: Card #: ____________________________________ Add $20.00 late fee after Mar 11 Total (Check): CC Security Code: _______ CC Billing Address Zip Code: _______ Credit Card Handling Fee (Add 5%): Name of Cardholder:___________________________________________ Signature of Cardholder: _______________________________________ Total (Credit Card): ONLINE REGISTRATION AVAILABLE AT WWW.NGAT.ORG For Assistance Call 512-454-7300

ONSITE REGISTRATIONS WILL ONLY BE ACCEPTED AFTER MARCH 18, 2022

Mail to: NGAT, 3706 Crawford Ave, Austin, TX 78731

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H Fall 2021

Fax: (512) 467-6803

$____________ $____________ $____________ $____________ $____________ $____________ $____________ $____________ $____________

Email: membership@ngat.org

63rd Convention Info

Embrace Africa at the 63rd Annual NGAT Conference JOIN US AT THE 63RD ANNUAL NGAT CONFERENCE at the Kalahari Resorts in Round Rock, Texas. Kalahari Resorts is America’s Largest Indoor Waterpark Resort, a unique allunder-one-roof experience that offers wet-and-wild fun with world-class dining, a luxurious spa, live entertainment, diverse shopping experiences, a thrilling theme park and a state-of-theart convention center. Kalahari Resorts are authentically African themed, and the Round Rock resort shows a one-of-a-kind modern design evolution for the brand — an African resort with a Texas spirit. The Round Rock resort is Kalahari’s first foray into Texas and the Southwest market.

Check in time begins at 4:00 pm. However, come as early as you like because America’s largest indoor Waterpark opens at 10:00 a.m. Pre-register into the hotel and begin using the Waterpark right away. Don’t worry, they will text you when your room is ready after 4:00 pm.

An added bonus to all of these benefits is being able to network and spend quality time with your Guard family. It’s a must attend event for NGAT members and their families. H

This is one NGAT Conference you don’t want to miss. We have an unbelievable hotel rate with great benefits. THE HOTEL RATE IS $139 PER NIGHT PLUS TAX AND INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING: • Waterpark Admissions for four included with your stay for all registered guests each day! Complimentary pool towel service in the waterparks.

• High-speed wireless internet access in guest rooms, public space, and convention center.

• Indoor/outdoor pools and adult only pools.

• Complimentary parking.

• Complimentary fitness center facilities.

• Daily family activities.

• Resort fee waivered for NGAT Conference attendees.

• And so much more!

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63rd Convention Info

Donations Wanted for Silent Auction

Exhibit at the NGAT Conference

THE TEXAS NATIONAL GUARD FOUNDATION (TXNGF) is preparing for our 18th Annual Silent Auction. This fundraising event is very important to us. It is our one and only fundraiser each year and it will provide us with the means to support our programs and extraordinary needs through the year. Our auction will be held during the 63rd Annual National Guard Association of Texas (NGAT) Conference in Round Rock, Texas, March 24-17, 2022. The TXNGF is a 501c(3) not for profit organization committed to making a difference in the lives of National Guard Soldiers, Airmen, veterans and their families.

THE THEME FOR THIS YEARS NGAT CONFERENCE IS “EMBRACE CHANGE.” We all have adapted to the extraordinary circumstances of the pandemic and have had to get creative in the way we conduct our business. NGAT is doing our best to improve everyone’s Conference experience that will make it beneficial to all in attendance.

HOW CAN YOU HELP? Contribute an item(s) to the Silent Auction. Some items that have been donated previously are gift cards, theme baskets, event tickets, homemade good and crafts, wine and spirits just to name a few.

Donations can be dropped off at the NGAT office or brought to the NGAT Conference. Your support of any kind is greatly appreciated. H

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We want to get you exposure. History tells us that conferences in the Austin area are the largest attended conferences for NGAT. In past years NGAT has hosted over 1,000 attendees at conferences in Austin.

Your support is very important to our organization. Please let us know how we can assist you to make your exhibiting experience top notch. Visit our website for the complete list of sponsorship benefits and details concerning the event. We hope to see you at the NGAT Conference. H

H Fall 2021

Now Accepting NGAT Awards Nominations THE NGAT AWARDS PROGRAM is designed to recognize NGAT members, members of the Texas Military Forces, government officials, and organizations for heroic actions, outstanding achievements, and periods of meritorious service to the Texas Military Forces and the National Guard Association of Texas. The deadline for receipt of all award recommendations is February 14, 2022 in the NGAT office. Complete submission requirements and criteria are available at www.ngat.org/awards-program. H

Advertise in the NGAT Conference Program WANT TO GET YOUR BUSINESS NOTICED OR TELL OUR MEMBERS ABOUT YOUR PRODUCT? Consider advertising in the NGAT Conference Program. Put your business card in the Conference Program for $25. Applications for advertising can be found on the NGAT web site at www.ngat.org/ ngat-conference. H

t h g i l t Spo

Rookie of the Year

CONGRATULATIONS TO RECRUITER SPC LAURA TURCIOS who was named the 2021 Texas Army National Guard “Rookie of the Year” at their recent awards banquet. SPC Turcios is a member of the Texas Army National Guard Recruiting “Team Grim Reaper” who has produced the “Rookie of the Year” for the Texas Army National Guard for the past four years. H

NGAT and Amazon Help the Texas Guard with Supplies THE NATIONAL GUARD ASSOCIATION OF TEXAS (NGAT) in cooperation with Amazon was recently able to get lots of needed medical supplies for local Texas National Guard units. Supplies included protective masks, hand sanitizer, thermometers, surgical gloves, cleaning supplies and more. NGAT filled up the back of one of the unit soldiers’ trucks and the inside of his cab. Special thanks go out to SFC Luis Rangel (right) and SPC James Holifield (left) from the 176th Engineer Brigade for doing all the heavy work.

In all NGAT provided 1400 bottles of hand sanitizer, 110 digital thermometers, 1400 pair of disposable medical grade gloves, 250 disposable children’s masks, 1700 disposable adult masks, 9100 medical grade one time use masks and 24 bottles of cleaning supplies.

NGAT and Amazon were able to provide needed supplies to the 176th Engineer Brigade, the Texas Army National Guard Recruiting Command RSP program, Texas Military Department Family Readiness, and other local Austin units. H

Top Accessions Recruiter in the Nation SSG CHASE TURNER a member of Texas Army National Guard Recruiting “Team Grim Reaper” recently received the “Eagle Award” which is presented to the Recruiting and Retention NCO with the most recruiting accessions in the National Guard across the nation. Congratulations! H

OCS Class #64 Graduates Twenty

(Photo courtesy of the Texas Military Department)

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE “OFFICER CANDIDATE SCHOOL (OCS) CLASS #64.” This is the 64th year of OCS for Texas National Guard Officers. The 18-month long course trains, assesses, and evaluates potential commissioned officers on leadership, moral, mental, and physical qualities all of which are required for commissioning. MG Tracy R. Norris, the Adjutant General of Texas, was present at the graduation and presented awards to several members of the class. The following individuals were commissioned as second lieutenants in the Texas Army National Guard: 2LT Jae W. An (Honor Graduate) 2LT Quintin M. Bononcini (Distinguished Honor Graduate) 2LT Travis R. Cline 2LT Stephany Coleman 2LT Hunter D. Fite 2LT Joshua J. Gimble 2LT Sofia L. Gomez 2LT Hunter B. Granzin 2LT Sabastian Henry 2LT Ramon L. Jimenez 2LT Melissa J. Martinez (Leadership Excellence Award) 2LT Elijahm Posada (Physical Fitness Award) 2LT Jose Reyna 2LT Max A. Reed 2LT Olufemi J. Shodipe 2LT Joseph A. Sillivent 2LT Nadia C. Vallejo 2LT Daniel E. Vargas 2LT Louis V. Villalba 2LT Matthew A. Zink F a l l 2 0 2 1 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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THE TEXAS MILITARY DEPARTMENT (TMD) HELD A RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY August 16, 2021, at Camp Swift, Bastrop, Texas, along with a host of government officials to commemorate the unveiling of the first ever 3D-printed Barracks. TMD partnered with a construction technology company to design, and 3D print an innovative training barracks. The 3,800 sq. ft. building is set to house up to 72 soldiers or airmen at their primary training facility while they train for missions in Texas or overseas. Pictured is U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) (left), the Adjutant General of Texas, MG Tracy Norris (center) and one of Icon Technology Inc co-founders, Evan Loomis. (Photo by SFC Elizabeth Pena)

BASTROP

HOUSTON COL ANDREW CAMACHO, THE 147TH ATTACK WING COMMANDER, speaks to members as they begin out-processing to assist in Operation Lone Star at the Texas border. “The 147th RIO GRANDE VALLEY Attack Wing is answering Governor Abbott’s call to activate Texas National Guard members in support of border operations. We are ready to assist our partners and protect Texans during MEN AND WOMEN OF THE TEXAS STATE GUARD teamed up with other state agencies in the Rio Grande Valley for their 22nd year to support Operation Lone Star. (Photo courtesy of the Texas State Guard) the ongoing border crisis,” said Col Camacho.

EGYPT THE TEXAS NATIONAL GUARD HOSTED A DELEGATION OF SENIOR OFFICERS from the Egyptian Armed Forces for the Egypt-Texas International Summit (ETIS) in Texas at the invitation of Texas Adjutant General, MG Tracy Norris. The weeklong summit provided a collaborative environment for Texas and Egypt’s senior military leaders to discuss the future of the Egypt-Texas partnership and learn more about each other’s respective organizations. The Texas National Guard formally established a partnership with the Arab Republic of Egypt through the National Guard State Partnership Program (SPP) at a signing ceremony in Cairo this past June. (Photo by SFC Melisa Washington) 12 | 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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NETHERLANDS CPT MICHAEL JONES, COMMANDER, D CO 1-143RD INFANTRY REGIMENT (AIRBORNE) reenlists SSG David Cobb at the Houtdorpveld drop zone during Falcon Leap, NATO’s largest Airborne technical exercise, Sept. 16, 2021, in the Netherlands. (Photo courtesy of D Co 1-143rd Infantry Regiment)

SAN ANTONIO THE 149TH FIGHTER WING congratulated the Air Force’s newest F16 Pilots at their graduation ceremony in San Antonio, Texas. Pictured left to right is 1st Lt Aarie M. Rogers, Capt Scott T. Adams and 1st Lt Chandler P. Jax. (Photo courtesy of the 149th Fighter Wing)

AUSTIN

BAYOU BLUE, LA

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE NEWEST WARRANT OFFICERS in the Texas Army National Guard. Pictured left to right is: WO1 SPC DAKOTA HATCHER, a member of the 836th Sapper Company under Emmanuel A. Griffin (MI), WO1 Jonathan Seigle (SC), WO1 Jared A. Vanfleet (MI), WO1 Diana R. Musgrove (QM), WO1 Jason Task Force CHAOS, conducts debris clearing operations at a local middle L. Moilanen (SC), WO1 WO1 Rogers, USAR, (MI), WO1 Chase Martin (AV), WO1 Brenton Fielder – Honor Graduate (FA), and school in Bayou Blue, Louisiana, during Hurricane Ida response Sept 11, 2021.

(Photo by TSgt Agustin Salazar) WO1 Jeffrey P. Hearty (FA). All are members of NGAT and NGAUS.

ELGIN

NETHERLANDS CPT DANIEL OTT, EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF THE 1-143RD INFANTRY REGIMENT, presents Italian airborne wings alongside Czech Republic soldiers during Falcon Leap, Sept. 16, 2021, in the Netherlands. The team commemorated their jump together highlighting that the Texas Military Department shares a state partnership with the Czech Republic. (Photo by CPT Nadine DeMoura)

TEXAS STATE GUARD DEPUTY COMMANDING GENERAL Anthony Woods (right), and Major Adam Muery (left), present the TXSG Commander’s Coin to Southside Market and BBQ CEO Bryan Bracewell in appreciation for his support of the Texas State Guard. Recently, Muery and the Texas State Guard conducted training and readiness drills at Camp Swift and Southside Market & BBQ provided the troops with food for the weekend’s training.

(Photo courtesy of the Texas State Guard)

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L E G A L

U P D A T E

Changes Ahead for Military Justice ALLEGATIONS OF SEX CRIMES IN THE ACTIVE-DUTY FORCE AND NATIONAL GUARD will be handled differently in the future. On the federal side, the Uniform Code of Military Justice will change. In addition, regulations impacting both the active and reserve components will be revised to reflect new procedures for how sexual assault and harassment allegations are handled.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin recently pledged to work with Congress to modify the Uniform Code of Military Justice to remove sexual assaults, domestic violence, child abuse and retaliation from the military chain of command. Secretary Austin also elevated prosecution of the above crimes to service secretaries which creates specialties for the attorneys assigned to prosecute the aforementioned violent crimes.

What does this mean for those accused of crimes in this sensitive area of focus? With an already over-burdened Trial Defense Service, the military services will undoubtedly levy the horsepower required to execute Secretary Austin’s prosecutorial plan in the form of special prosecutor training, forensics, victim and perpetrator psychoanalytics.

Conversely, scouring sources revealed almost no mention of how the Trial Defense Service will enhance its specialization to defend those accused, or how Trial Defense Service will undergo any significant resource increases.

While many changes await the lawmaker’s pen, some administrative changes are already taking place. For instance, sexual assault coordinators and victim advocates will no longer report to commanders, and will cease being additional duty billets. To service, their positions will likely require an additional skill identifier.

NOT GETTING EMAILS FOR NGAT? Have you

moved, changed phone numbers, got married or divorced, had a child? Are you about to retire or have you recently retired?

Not getting the NGAT News Magazine? Contact NGAT to update your membership and insurance information to ensure you stay connected. Call us at 512-454-7300 or email membership@ngat.org or insurance@ngat.org to update your information.

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Optimistically, this shift translates that those selected for these billets should generally be considered high performers, and later sought after by commanders who understand culture change needs leaders who have worked in the trenches to do so. Long gone should be the days when historical mediocre candidates are shuffled off to the SARC or SHARP office because onedimensional commanders can only focus on operational expertise, and select their “top block” candidates for numbered staffs. If the services are going to get this right, commanders should be selecting their best to fix what the IRC and the Secretary of Defense have determined is a flawed and outdated culture.

Secretary Austin also accepted the IRC’s recommendation that allegations of sexual harassment be investigated by specially trained investigators; and respondents whose complaints are substantiated be subject to mandatory initiation of involuntary separation proceedings. This modification to administrative process may expose Servicemembers to the most scrutiny because evidentiary standards are low, and harassment is so broadly defined.

The National Guard will likely institute the administrative changes in the very near future. Changes to the Texas Code of Military Justice (TCMJ) may follow during the next legislative session.

Attorney Doug O’Connell is a retired TXARNG Colonel who focuses on representing military service members, veterans, first responders and their family members. Doug provides free consultations to NGAT members. Call 512-547-7265 or email Ashley@ DougOConnell to get legal help.

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BG Monte Ulis

Key Leadership Update H

COL Kevin Boates

Deputy Adjutant General for Army & Commander Texas Army National Guard

Commander 72nd Brigade Combat Team

LTC Angela Nolen

MAJ (P) Jeffrey D. Dudensing

Commander 111th Multifunctional Medical Battalion

Commander 2-142nd Infantry Regiment

LTC Russell A. Clark

Commander TXARNG Recruiting & Retention Battalion

MAJ Chris McKeag

Commander 1-112th Cavalry Regiment

LTC Jason Haynes

Commander 4-133rd Field Artillery Regiment (HIMARS)

MAJ (P) John S. Robinson Commander 1-124th Cavalry Regiment

1SG (P) Rodney D. Morgan Jr. Command Sergeant Major 2-142nd Infantry Regiment

F a l l 2 0 2 1 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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FERRELL SELECTED FOR TEXAS WOMEN’S HALL OF FAME PASSING OF MSG (RET) JAMES T. “BUCKY” DENSFORD NGAT IS SADDEN TO ANNOUNCE THE RECENT PASSING OF MSG (RET) JAMES T. “BUCKY” DENSFORD. He was NGAT Life Member #85 and was awarded the NGAT Minuteman Award in 1969.

Bucky ran the photo lab at Ellington AFB in Houston, Texas for more than 20 years. He served as the NGAT official photographer for many years. He has several photos on display in the Texas Military Forces Museum at Camp Mabry, including the famous picture of President George H.W. Bush pinning lieutenant’s bars on future President George W. Bush.

MG (RET) DAWN FERRELL was selected for induction in the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame in recognition of her exemplary leadership and significant contributions to our state and nation in both military service and higher education. Ferrell retired from the Texas Air National Guard on Jan 31, 2021.

The Governor’s Commission for Women established the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame in 1984 to honor the State’s most accomplished women. Inductees include first ladies, teachers, astronauts, and athletes. The Texas Women’s Hall of Fame biennial awards ceremony recognizes the achievements of women.

When Ferrell retired she was serving as the Assistant Adjutant General — Air and the Commander of the Texas Air National Guard. In her position she served as the main advisor to the Adjutant General of Texas for all Texas Air National Guard matters. She was also responsible for creating, developing and coordinating all programs, policies and plans for three wings and over 3,300 Air National Guard personnel throughout Texas.

Ferrell deployed for relief efforts for Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita. She also deployed to Kabul, Afghanistan on a joint assignment from August 2013 through May 2014.

Bucky put together and published a historic book telling the story of the 111th Squadron from June 29, 1923 to June 29, 1973. Although he billed himself as editor-in-chief, in reality he was the driving force to gather the necessary historical facts, photographs and other documentation, and put these into a book. Copies of that book, “From Jennys to Jets” are prized possessions of those who have them. It is an excellent record of the history of military aviation as well as a documentary on the history of the 111th Fighter Squadron, Texas Air National Guard.

Our thought and prayers go out to all of MSG (Ret) James T. “Bucky” Densford friends and family. H

Her long list of major decorations includes the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Air Force Meritorious Service Medal with two bronze oak leaf clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal and the Texas Lone Star Distinguished Service Medal.

Ferrell earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Midwestern State University Texas and went on to earn a doctorate from the University of North Texas in Denton. Before she went full-time with the Texas Air National Guard, she played a key role at Vernon College in Wichita Falls.

She was the director of institutional research and planning and the accreditation liaison.

Ferrell was also an adjunct instructor for Vernon College and Wayland Baptist University teaching political science courses. H

NEED INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR VA BENEFITS? INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE ABOUT YOUR VA BENEFITS? Check out the 2021 Federal Benefits Handbook for Veterans, Dependents and Survivors, which provides an overview of all VA benefits and services. It’s a one-stop online resource for eligibility requirements and directly links to representatives you can contact about your benefits and services.

MR. BUSH PINNED A LIEUTENANT BAR on his son George W. Bush when he was made an officer in the Texas Air National Guard in 1968.

Photo by MSG James T, “Bucky” Densford.

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The handbook aligns with benefits information and services for VA’s three administrations: Veterans Health Administration; Veterans Benefits Administration; and Veterans Cemetery Administration. Also, a section of the handbook discusses non-healthcare services, such as homelessness, survivor assistance, women and minority Veterans, and many other programs.

Visit www.va.gov/getstarted/ for more information. The website provides two newly updated booklets on information about VA benefits and services, as well as how to apply for them. H

New Mexico Hosts 50th EANGUS Conference MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL GUARD ASSOCIATION OF TEXAS (NGAT) traveled to Albuquerque, New Mexico, for the 50th Annual Conference of the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States (EANGUS). Texas had 14 attendees that included 12 members and 2 guest.

would like to recognize SMSgt Michael Wolff who redesigned our website earlier this year and MSG (Ret) Theresa Billeck-Zuniga who updates the site and maintains it on a daily basis.

SFC Rosa Rodriquez did the roll call for Texas at the opening session. SFC Mireya Cruz, NGAT President-Elect delivered the NGAT President’s report during the Area IV caucus and did an excellent job in performing her duties as EANGUS Secretary. Guest speakers included the Chief of the National Guard Bureau, General Daniel R. Hokanson and Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chief, National Guard Bureau, SEA Tony L. Whitehead along with the Directors of the Army and Air National Guard and their senior enlisted advisors to name a few.

Members were honored to be able to spend time with the Command Sergeant Major of the Army National Guard, CSM John F. Sampa who is a fellow Texan and former member of the Texas Army National Guard. SSG Jared Raymond presented the flag for Texas at the banquet dinner. During the banquet Texas was presented with their recertified charter with EANGUS. Texas was one of only 26 states to renew their charter with EANGUS prior to the conference. H

Attendees visited the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center and were entertained with Native American dances showcasing dance groups from the 19 Pueblos of New Mexico, as well as neighboring Tribal Nations along with native American crafts and food. Texas ran the EANGUS Area IV food booth on all area night serving tamales and rice with Texas hot sauce.

MAKE PLANS TO JOIN US AT THE 51ST EANGUS “BIG DAM” CONFERENCE IN LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS, AUGUST 7-10, 2022. REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN ON THE EANGUS WEBSITE.

During the conference it was announced that NGAT won first place for the Best Combined Association publication the “NGAT New Magazine.” Special thanks go out to MSG (Ret) Theresa Billeck-Zuniga (editor) and Terri Sheets (graphic designer) for their continued outstanding work on the magazine. It was also announced that NGAT won first place for best non-commercial website. NGAT

USAA WAS THE RECIPIENT of the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States (EANGUS) Heritage Award at the 2021 EANGUS annual conference banquet. Admiral (Ret) John Bird (center left) and CMSgt (Ret) Richard “Dick” Smith (center right) accepted the award from EANGUS President Karen Craig (left) and past President John Harris (right). (Photo courtesy of EANGUS)

SAVE THE DATE

EANGUS AREA IV MID-WINTER MEETING January 14-16, 2022 Hotel at Old Town | Wichita, Kansas

CMSGT (RET) DICK SMITH WAS THE 2021 RECIPIENT of the EANGUS Minuteman Award presented at the EANGUS annual conference banquet in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This award was presented for his over 50 years of faithful service to the National Guard.

Command Chief Master Sergeant for the Air National Guard and is an NGAT Life Member.

(Photo courtesy of EANGUS)

Register online at ngat.org/eangus-conference F a l l 2 0 2 1 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 courtesy of NGAUS

NGAUS Holds Guardcon “Vegas Style” THE 143RD GENERAL CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION for the National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS) was called to order on August 28, 2021, officially opening the nation’s largest gathering of current and retired National Guard officers and their supporters.

Retired Maj Gen Michael McGuire, the NGAUS chairman, led off the event. In addition to selecting new officers, the event also serves as professional development for Guard officers and is an opportunity for members to set the future legislative agenda for the association, which serves as the National Guard’s voice on Capitol Hill.

More than 3,500 current and retired Guardsmen, their families and other supporters attended the event at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Hosting the conference was no easy task.

NGAUS moved the event from North Carolina

in mid-April due to concerns with being able to hold an in-person event amid the COVID-19 pandemic. McGuire thanked the Nevada National Guard Association, state Guard leaders and others for facilitating the move and ensuring the conference was held without issue.

In true Vegas fashion, the opening business session featured Elvis and Michael Jackson impersonators. Maj Gen Ondra L. Berry, the Adjutant General of Nevada, welcomed NGAUS to the state, but also issued a challenge. “I challenge you to come here with an attitude of taking back a toolbox of information where you can add value to your state, territory or district and better tell the National Guard story,” Berry said. “Those who don’t study history are doomed to repeat it and those who don’t study what the National Guard has been doing for this country for over 300 years and specifically over the last 18 months don’t know the history that’s being made every day by the National Guard.”

“You can’t have the greatest country in the world without a great National Guard,” he added.”

MG Janson “Durr” Boyles was elected as the new NGAUS chairman. Boyles is currently also serving as Adjutant General of Mississippi. He began his National Guard career in 1982 and served in medical and engineer units in his home state as he rose up the ranks to become Mississippi’s top officer. He has previously deployed in support of overseas operations in Afghanistan and Kosovo. Boyles succeeds retired Maj Gen Michael McGuire of Arizona, who will now serve on the board as immediate past chair.

More than 260 companies and organizations came to Las Vegas in hopes of doing more business with the National Guard. Displays from major defense contractors, small businesses, nonprofit agencies, and military organizations were all part of the 143rd General Conference and Exhibition. H

MAKE PLANS TO JOIN US AT THE 144TH NGAUS GENERAL CONFERENCE, AUGUST 26-29, 2022 IN COLUMBUS, OHIO!

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Become an NGAUS Life Member at Half the Cost!

NGAUS is excited to announce the “Digital Life Membership.” The Digital Life Membership offers you all the rights and privileges of the Active life membership at half the cost. The only difference is you will receive the NATIONAL GUARD magazine in digital format.

This membership is offered to all currently serving National Guard Officers and Warrant Officers at $500 with monthly installment options available at purchase instead of $1,000 for a regular life membership. NGAUS Digital Life Membership is available now, please go to https://ngat.org/join-ngaus/ to begin the process. Or contact the NGAT membership department at membership@ngat.org or call 512-454-7300 for more information.

TRICARE PHARMACY CO-PAYMENTS MOST SERVICE MEMBERS AND THEIR ELIGIBLE FAMILY MEMBERS who get their prescription drugs through TRICARE Pharmacy Home Delivery or at a TRICARE retail network pharmacy will pay from $1 to $8 more in copayments starting Jan. 1. The cost won’t affect all beneficiaries. Active-duty members will still pay nothing for covered drugs. More information about TRICARE medical coverage is available at www.tricare.mil. H F a l l 2 0 2 1 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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By COL (Ret) Stephen B. Springer

Thoughts to Consider About Service Members’ Mental Health AS GUARD MEMBERS SERVE IN VARIOUS CAPACITIES, it becomes clear that in any assignment that the Guard teams and units are competent, hard-working, and dedicated service members. Although we strive to acknowledge, support and honor service members, there are those who may continue to struggle with self-esteem, family issues, and other stressful barriers. Granted, this issue has many facets and is beyond the scope of this short article. However, there are five points all service members might reflect on in relation to assisting others with mental health issues.

Active Friendship is the first area that can make a difference. How many of us have numerous close relationships in the Guard that have grown stale and forgotten? The intention was to contact a person in a previous unit and commend them on a recent promotion…but our intent did not translate into action…instead it went inactive. Taking this into consideration, it is clear that to help we must listen to their lives and stay engaged with them.

This leads to the second consideration…Active Listening. Although our military training and experience addresses the concept of listening and knowing what the requirements are including orders for each day, there is much more to this. Active Listening in all environments and times is a valuable tool. Do we really listen to veiled concerns in our individual teams when it is not even a drill weekend or a deployment? Even jokes sometimes provide the active listener keys to how persons are feeling even without hearing a direct concern. This then takes the discussion to thinking about Active Assistance.

Active Assistance, when utilized, does mean you may spend some extra time with a team member or former team member. In essence, showing interest in another service member can begin with a statement verifying how the person is getting along. This is where you demonstrate you really care. That means more than “how are you doing”. That phrase is recognized as a greeting and likely will yield limited information.

Furthermore, if we do initiate a discussion, all of us recognize the sensitive nature of topics where we may quickly discover that the topic is not something we can discuss due to our Guard position. It also may be a topic we fear ourselves and find too difficult to discuss. So, it may seem that we have come the full circle. We encourage Active Assistance, yet some topics cannot be discussed. Let us refresh the screen…Active Assistance is showing concern and support for the person by being there and this brings up Active Resources.

One Active Resource is a listing of organizations and offices for help that is available to a service member. Although you may know that your unit, HQ, or other organization has already distributed information several times…because you bring it up to the service member you are making a difference! In some cases, being there while the service member calls the resource or going with the service member to the resources can be a turning point in assisting a person with a life change. This also directly impacts the family!

The last area to be observed is the After-Action Report (AAR). The AAR is in this case the same as we evaluate our own units after training or deployments. How did I assist the service member, was it effective, what 20 | 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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would I do different in the future, and what about my own mental health?

How am I doing? Let us all help each other sort through the issues we have.

We can make a real difference.

Dr. Stephen Springer is a retired Texas State Guard, Colonel and a NGAT Life Member. He is also a retired Emeritus as a University faculty member… having taught such courses as Human Relations and Leadership. He also has assisted service members with stress management. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Public Manager and holds four Education Certifications in Texas. He can be contacted at sspri@juno.com. H

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F a l l 2 0 2 1 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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TAPS (As of 10-20-21)

1SG Joseph W. Clarkson, Life Member #12414, Retired, Marshall

LTC William M. Pate Jr, Life Member #5158, Retired, Kaufman

SGT Ronald Shane Colliflower, Life Member #23796, Amarillo

Herbie E. Payne, Life Member #7129, Amarillo

MSG James T. “Bucky” Densford, Life Member #85, Retired, Brenham

Mr. Christopher D. Peltier, Retired, Gatesville

*1LT Bradlee A. Davis, NGAT Member, HHC BN OPNS Co, Seabrook

Col John W. Price, Life Member #16503, Retired, Houston

Olan D. Dorgan, Life Member #4054, Marshall

TSgt William “Bill” T. Pullen, Jr, Life Member #12837, Retired, Redfield, AR

SFC Mark S. Dunlap, Life Member #24985, Retired, Columbia, Missouri

Wanda Louise Pullen, Fort Smith, AR

MSG James W. Files Jr, Life Member #5100, Retired, Mabank

SGT Francis Newton Reddell, Life Member #9618, Retired, Mineral Wells

CPL Marco A. Garcia, Grand Prairie

**MSG Billy Richardson, JFHQ(-), Round Rock

SFC Ernest Gomez, Life Member #31869, Eden

*CW2 Michael L. Reddick, Helotes, Co C (-) 2-149 Avn Bn (Fwd)

SSG Refugio Guerra Jr, Life Member #8806, Laredo

SSG Mose Rhymes Jr., Life Member #9281, Retired, Texarkana

Stephen W. Gurasich Jr, Life Member #5637, Austin

SGT Robert L. Scott, Life Member #4762, Retired, Webb City, MO

PFC Leonardo Gutierrez, Life Member #16163, Texas State Guard, Laredo

LTC Charlie B. Shapard, Life Member #23494, Retired, Fort Worth

CMSgt Billy D. Hamilton, Life Member #1127, Retired, Bedford

* LTC Dennis E. Spillman, Life Member #23292, Retired, De Leon

Lonnie M. Hamlin, Life Member #1148, Retired, Wichita Falls

**MSgt Jake Trevino, Life Member #32680, 149th Security Forces Squadron, San Antonio

CW4 Rodney Hammack, Retired, Plano **SPC Ariel Valenzuela Jr, HHB 3-133 FA, El Paso Mr. John W. Henkel, Retired, Pflugerville SGT John M. Vasquez, Fort Worth Gary L. Hester, Life Member #2275, Austin **SPC James C. Welch, B CO 1-141st Inf, Ponca City, OK *SPC Jose De Hoyos Jr, HHC 949 Spt Bn 1SG Curtis J. Whitlock, Life Member #23312, Retired, San Angelo MSG Richard W. Krodle, Life Member #1433, Retired, Greenville CW4 Milton Wobus, Retired, Austin SFC Steven Anthony Lozano, Life Member #33380, 3rd Brigade, Texas State Guard, El Paso

* SGM Richard Wolfe, Retired, Life Member #33693, Retired, Mansfield

**SSG Reggis N. Madzudzo, HHC 1-141st Inf, Boerne

Bert W. Woods, Life Member #6019, Retired, Jasper

1SG Gilbert G. Medina, Life Member #1040, Retired, San Marcos

CMSgt Joseph “Joe” Henry Yerkes, Life Member #125, Retired, Pineville, PA

SGT David Mendoza, Life Number #13053, New Braunfels

* 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 TEXAS NATIONAL GUARD MEMBER, PLEASE NOTIFY US BY PHONE, MAIL OR EMAIL NGATNEWS@NGAT.ORG.

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AFBA proudly supports NGAT, its members and their families by offering State Sponsored Life Insurance (SSLI) underwritten by 5Star Life Insurance Company.

•

Coverage is 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

•

Convenient payroll deduction.

•

Keep the coverage. After you retire or separate, you can continue your coverage for you and your family as long as contributions are paid.

•

No hazardous duty or civilian occupation restrictions.

•

Benefit paid regardless of cause of death, subject to contestability provisions.

•

Full conversion privilege is upon request and must be received within 31 days of termination of term life policy, regardless of health.

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Optional Spouse and dependent coverage available.

•

Must be an active member of the National Guard to purchase this insurance.

Contact the National Guard Association of Texas at www.NGAT.org or (512) 454-7300 to learn more.

Life insurance coveraged provide through AFBA is underwritten by 5Star Life Insurance Company (a Lincoln, NE company) administered by NGAT at 3706 Crawford Avenue, Austin, TX 78731. This member benefit is offered only to NGAT members in the state of Texas. Policy series: MATPol

NGATAd R1020

10/20

PERIODICAL

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

ngat.org

PLANNING CALENDAR (As of October 31, 2021)

2021 11 25-26 12-13 13 24-31

Nov Nov Dec Dec Dec

Veteran’s Day (NGAT Office Closed) Thanksgiving Break (NGAT Office Closed) NGAT Board of Directors Meeting, Austin, TX National Guard’s Birthday Christmas Break (NGAT Office Closed)

2022 3 14-16 17 6-7 14 21 24 24 25-27

Jan Jan Jan Feb Feb Feb Mar Mar Mar

New Year’s Observed (NGAT Office Closed) EANGUS Area IV Mid-Winter Conf, Wichita Falls, KS Martin Luther King Day (NGAT Office Closed) NGAT Board of Directors Meeting, Austin, TX Valentine’s Day President’s Day (NGAT Office Closed) NGAT Board of Directors Meeting, Round Rock, TX NGAT Defense Symposium, Round Rock, TX 63rd Annual NGAT Conference, Round Rock, TX

Due to COVID-19 events may be cancelled or rescheduled. Please watch the NGAT website, Facebook and the NGAT app for updates.