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

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)

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.