NGAT Conducts First Virtual Conference On March 27, 2021, the National Guard Association of Texas (NGAT) conducted its first annual conference virtually using the Attendify platform. This platform allowed our members to participate in the conference from their computer or mobile device. Conference attendees were able to message each other and view speaker information, as well as review information of our corporate partners. We had over 138 members in attendance at our virtual conference. Despite some technical difficulties and going over time as planned, the conference was a success. A huge THANK YOU to Senior Master Sergeant Michael Wolff from the 136th Airlift Wing. Because of Sergeant Wolff’s outstanding programming skills, we were able to successfully conduct voting on bylaws amendments and elect a new President-Elect. All proposed bylaw changes were approved by the membership. Our speaker presentations included the Governor of Texas, Governor Greg Abbott; The Adjutant General of Texas, Major General Tracy Norris; Command Senior Enlisted Leader, Command Chief Master Sergeant Michael Cornitius; and our guest speaker was the Command Sergeant Major of the Army National Guard, Command Sergeant Major John F. Sampa. Thank you so much for participating in our first virtual conference. Big thanks also to our other speakers from the National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS) and the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States (EANGUS). We also received a video all the way from Kuwait, from the Commanding General of the 36th Infantry Division, Major General Patrick Hamilton. Visit the conference page on the NGAT website to view all these great video presentations. This magazine issue features all our award winners. We also received applications from some very deserving applicants for the NGAT Educational Foundation Scholarship contest. The Educational Foundation awarded a total of $15,750 in scholarships. We encourage you and your family members to apply for these scholarships next year. We are happy with the results of our first ever virtual Annual NGAT Conference. Important Association business was conducted, we heard from some outstanding speakers, and gave out awards to some of our deserving members. We could not ask for more. For all of you that attended the conference, we thank you so much for your patience and participation. Check out the website for details if you missed it. Make plans to attend the 63rd Annual NGAT Conference that will be held March 24-27, 2022 at the Kalahari Resorts & Conventions in Round Rock, TX. Room rates are $139.00 per night plus tax and include up to four tickets to the indoor waterpark, so plan to bring the family. It is going to be a huge event!
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DURING THE NGAT VIRTUAL CONFERENCE, the Aloe Foundation was
presented with a Certificate of Appreciation from NGAT for their dedication in helping Soldiers and Airmen heal from illness or trauma. The Aloe Foundation hosted several wellness clinics that provided therapy for the specific needs of members of the Texas Military Forces. We greatly appreciate the organizations commitment to helping members of the Texas Military Forces heal their mind, body and spirit. 6 | 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 Spring 2021
2021 Conference Survey Results Rating 1-5 Registration Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.81% NGAT Annual Meeting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.00% NGAT General Session . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.10% NGAT Awards Presentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.82% Plan to attend 2022 NGAT Conference . . . . . 95.3% Yes
LIKED THE MOST CSM John F. Sampa as Guest Speaker Delegate voting on issues The fact we had a Conference and conducted business
LIKED THE LEAST Technical difficulties during virtual conference Awards presentations Online conference length
BREAKOUTS Concealed handgun class Leadership development
GENERAL COMMENTS Continue posting conference videos after the conference Good effort for 1st Virtual Conference Consider hybrid option for future NGAT Conferences
