2021 NGAT Summer News

Founded 1959 | Volume 61 | Number 2 | Summer 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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Key Leadership Update

Close Assault 1944 Reenactment

Cannady Retirement

Best Warrior

NGAUS Conference

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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 . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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

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

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

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

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

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EGYPT JOINS PROGRAM

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DUTY | HONOR | TEXAS

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Submit articles and photos for the NGAT News Magazine to: ngatnews@ngat.org

Deputy Executive Director/Membership Director: Theresa Billeck-Zuniga – tbz@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

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Incoming Board of Directors

NGAT Staff Update

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Legislative Update

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Egypt Partnership

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Key leadership Update

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Close Assault

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NGAT Insurance Update

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Duty | Honor | Texas

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Legal Update

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CW5 Anita Cannaday Retires

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Best Warrior Competition

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EANGUS Update

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NGAUS Conference

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Texas Challenge Academy

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NGAT Corporate Partners

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NGAT Home Page: www.ngat.org Executive Director: Marvin Harris – mharris@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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BEST WARRIOR COMPETITION

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ON THE COVER: The National Guard Association of Texas would like to Congratulate and Thank Major General (Retired) Gregory P. Chaney for all the support and assistance he has provided to NGAT over the years. On July 18, 2021, family, friends and fellow servicemembers honored MG Chaney at his retirement ceremony held at Camp Mabry in Austin, Texas. Pictured left to right is Chera Chaney (daughter), Major General (Ret) Gregory P. Chaney, Angie Chaney (spouse), and Chelsea Chismark (daughter) following the retirement ceremony.

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From the President NGAT MEMBERS, YOU MAY HAVE NOTICED THE NEW NGAT WEBSITE IS LIVE AND IT LOOKS FABULOUS. If you have not visited it recently, you should.

As it continues to evolve into a useful communication tool for our members, we hope you will take full advantage of these additional features as they roll out. We are adding a way for you to reach out directly to your MACOM representative, via email. No need to hunt or call the main office, just go to the website and look under the Board of Directors. In future iterations, we will have information about our committees, as well as a way to engage with them, as well.

We value your input into this association, and want to make it as easy as possible to have your voice heard.

Speaking of committees, during our next board of directors meeting, we will be revisiting our committees and their makeup. If you want to have a seat at the table for NGAT planning, this is the place to do it.

If you are interested in participating on a committee, now would be a fabulous time to speak up and volunteer.

At the time of submission, there are a couple issues on the federal legislative front. I encourage you to visit and bookmark our Legislative Action Center (https://ngat.org/legislative) in order to stay current.

There is an opportunity to write your representative from that page.

One of these efforts involves asking your congressional representative to support a DoD Reprogramming Action in order to reimburse the

National Guard for the Capitol Response mission. Failure to do so endangers our drilling Guardsmen and women from participating in their IDTs for the remainder of this fiscal year.

Lastly, it is about that time for our national conferences. We are look forward to seeing our members who will be attending the 50th EANGUS conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico, 8-11 August or the 143rd NGAUS Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada, 27-30 August.

While we are talking about conferences, don’t forget to save the date for our own 63rd Annual conference at the Kalahari Resorts and Convention Center in Round Rock, Texas starting March 24, 2022. H

Chris McKeag President, NGAT president@ngat.org

A CEREMONY WAS HELD ON MAY 1, 2021, AT CAMP MABRY in Austin, Texas for BG Charles M. Schoening to commemorate his more than 30 years of military service in the Texas Army National Guard. BG Schoening has served as the Deputy Commander of the 136th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, Division Engineer for the 36th Infantry Division and has served overseas in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn, among other assignments. BG Schoening most recently served as the Commander of the Texas Army National Guard’s 71st Troop Command and began his career as an Army engineer officer. Pictured above is BG Schoening and his wife Kay following the retirement ceremony. (Photo by SGT Miguel Ruiz) 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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CONGRATULATIONS TO COL MARCOS G. SANTILLAN on his retirement from the Texas Air National Guard after 42 years of faithful service. Col Santillan enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1978 as an Airmen Basic and served as an Avionics Instrument Technician, rising to the rank of Master Sergeant before earning his commission in the Texas Air National Guard as a 2nd Lt in 1994. He concluded his career as the Director of Staff for the Texas Air National Guard. Col Santillan served on the NGAT Board of Directors and was selected to be the NGAT President but had to decline due to his selection as the Texas State/Command Inspector General for the Texas Army and Air National Guard in 2007.

Pictured above Maj Gen (Ret) Kenneth W. Wisian, former Assistant Adjutant General-Air drapes the Texas Superior Service Medal on Col Santillan during his retirement ceremony held June 6, 2021, at Camp Mabry in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Mr. Andrew Smith)

Welcome to our incoming NGAT Board of Directors

Capt Jolene Hinojosa 176th Engr Bde

SFC Ruben Wilson 71st EMIB

2nd Lt Emily Martinez 147th Attack Wing

Marvin Harris becomes a Certified Association Executive THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVES (ASAE) has announced that Marvin E. Harris, Executive Director of the National Guard Association of Texas (NGAT) has earned the Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation.

The CAE is the highest professional credential in the association industry.

To be designated as a Certified Association Executive, an applicant must have experience with nonprofit organization management, complete a minimum of 100 hours of specialized professional development, pass a stringent examination in association management, and pledge to uphold a code of ethics.

Marvin is also a member of the Texas Society of Association Executives (TSAE) and he is one of five Texans who passed the CAE exam administered in May 2021. They were part of a group of 131 professionals worldwide to earn their CAE in May. Congratulations! H

SFC Tielow-Taneesha N. Henson 36th Sustainment Bde

SMSgt Bryan Shreve 149th Fighter Wing

Terri Marshall selected to serve on the Payroll Deduction Coordinating Board (PDCB) IN LATE MARCH DURING THE NATIONAL GUARD EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION (NGEDA) ANNUAL MEETING, NGAT Insurance Administrator,

CW4 (Ret) Terri Marshall was selected to serve on the NGEDA Payroll Deduction Coordinating Board (PDCB).

The PDCB is a committee of NGEDA charged to represent and assist those states which have signed a memorandum of agreement with the Department of Defense for the National Guard payroll deduction system as it pertains to the State Sponsored Life Insurance (SSLI) program. PDCB maintains coordination with the DFAS centers.

PDCB receives, reviews, and presents recommendations received from the utilizing states to the Department of Defense. The PDCB plays an important role in protecting SSLI as a unique National Guard benefit.

Congratulations Chief Marshall on your selection. H

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87th Texas Legislative Session The following are a few of the veteran related bills that passed during the 87th Texas Legislature.

Your membership helps make our voice strong to push this kind of legislation.

EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY SB 937 — Relating to an excused absence from a public institution of higher education for a student called to required military service. The bill now shows excused absence for required military service is performed by members of the Texas National Guard and Texas State Guard.

EFFECTIVE 9/1/21 HB 33 — Relating to measures to facilitate the award of postsecondary course credit leading to workforce credentialing based on military experience, education, and training. This streamlines the process for military spouses and veterans to use their PCS orders to establish residency in Texas and get to work in Texas using their clinical and/or professional experience to expedite licensure.

HB 911 — Relating to the issuance of specially marked driver’s licenses and

personal identification certificates to veterans. It requires the Texas Department of Transportation to maintain forms and procedures on the department’s website by which veterans may request and provide the proof required for a veteran personal identifications and certificates.

SB 460 — Relating to designating the 11th day of each month as Buddy Check Day. Buddy Check Day is to encourage veterans to contact other veterans, including those with whom they have served with to find out if they need any assistance.

SB 484 — Relating to the right of a member of the state military forces to retain private legal counsel and file a civil action. See page 11 for additional details concerning this senate bill.

SB 793 — relating to a ribbon for certain service members of the military who served in support of operations to secure this state’s international border. The Texas Border Security and Support Service

ON JULY 24, 2021, CONGRESSWOMAN KAY GRANGER (R-TX) (center), Lead Republican on the House Appropriations Committee, was the 136th Airlift Wing’s Guest of Honor for the arrival of its first of eight C-130J Super Hercules aircraft at the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base (NAS JRB) Fort Worth. This first aircraft was named “The Kay Granger” in her honor. In November 2020, the Department of the Air Force announced that the 136th Airlift Wing of the Texas Air National Guard would be receiving eight C-130Js to replace its aging fleet of C-130H aircraft. Pictured with Congresswoman Granger is Col Dave Demarque (left), 136th Operations Group Commander and CMSgt Jeff McGuirk (right), 136th Operations Group Chief.

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Ribbon which shall be awarded to a service member of the military forces of this state, another state, or the United States who served: a. On or after July 28, 2015. b. On state active duty or active duty under state authority in accordance with Title 32, United States Code, for at least 90 consecutive days, or in response to an emergency activation. c. Honorably in support of operations under civilian authority to secure this state’s international border.

SB 792 — Relating to Specialty license plates and parking placards for vehicles of certain disabled veterans. This bill allows for the issuance of specialty license plates and parking placards for vehicles of certain disabled veterans who operate or are for the transportation of the person to whom the plates were issued. H

Egypt joins Defense Department’s National Guard State Partnership Program

THE ADJUTANT GENERAL OF TEXAS, MAJOR GENERAL TRACY NORRIS, receives a familiarization on remote site operations from Soldiers from 1-133rd Field Artillery Regiment during a visit to the Arab Republic of Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula June 16, 2021. Norris visited the Texas Army National Guard Soldiers currently deployed in support of the Multinational Force and Observers, an international peacekeeping force overseeing the terms of the peace treaty between Egypt and Israel. (Photo by SFC Melisa Washington)

Story by MSG Jim Greenhill, National Guard Bureau

THE ARAB REPUBLIC OF EGYPT formally entered the Department of Defense National Guard State Partnership Program (SPP) at a signing ceremony held on June 14, 2021 in Cairo, Egypt. Egypt is paired with the Texas National Guard in the 28-yearold defense cooperation program.

“This is a very proud day for the National Guard,” said Army General Daniel Hokanson, Chief of the National Guard Bureau, witnessing the signing between Egypt’s Assistant Minister of Defense for International Affairs, Major General Mohamed Salah, and Army Major General Tracy Norris, the Adjutant General of Texas.

“Egypt has long been a cornerstone of regional stability and a partner in global security,” Hokanson said. “This signing ceremony exemplifies the depth of our bilateral relationship, rooted in more than 40 years of military cooperation and assistance.

“Through the SPP,” he added, “we deepen our commitment to the longstanding and critical cooperation that has served our nations well. The Texas National Guard and the Arab Republic of Egypt are natural partners.”

The SPP has grown from its inception with a handful of former Eastern Bloc countries following the collapse of the Soviet Union to 82 partnerships with 89 countries.

“The National Guard is making history — again,” said Major General Norris, the Texas Adjutant General of Texas. “This new partnership is a win for Egypt, Texas and the National Guard.”

State Partnership Program engagements are executed through U.S. geographic combatant commanders’ theater strategies and are aligned with U.S. Embassy country strategies. The SPP helps the U.S. strengthen strategic partnerships and build partnership capacity, enhance readiness, and deepen interoperability.

Texas is an experienced SPP player: The state has been partnered with the Czech Republic for a quarter-century and with Chile for more than a decade. “Though each culture is different and unique, we’ve already had experience with what works in the SPP and what doesn’t work,” Norris said. “Those lessons learned help us build stronger and stronger relationships.”

“The Texas Military Department is proud to play a key role in the overall U.S.- Egypt relationship,” Norris said. “From the Texas National Guard’s continued participation in Exercise Bright Star — a decades-running, multilateral defense exercise — to Texas National Guard units supporting the Multinational Force and Observers mission in the Sinai. Texas remains a key player in the military partnership between our two countries.

Officers and enlisted members on both

sides of SPP pairings build professional relationships that often span decades as their careers progress. This longevity is unique to the SPP: Other U.S. military assignments typically see rotations every three or four years, limiting the ability to build long-term relationships.

Among Egypt’s benefits from the new partnership: The Texas Guard’s wealth of experience, including border issues, which Egypt also faces. Through Texas, Egypt gains access to capabilities and knowledge from across the entire National Guard.

Through the Texas National Guard, the potential exists to build relationships with other state agencies, such as education, law enforcement, and public health.

“This is a program where you really see the strength of the National Guard,” Norris said. “We bring our military experience, and we also bring this other whole skill set from the civilian sector. Our Soldiers and Airmen bring their civilian-acquired skills and apply them, where appropriate, to

develop solutions in their military roles.”

But the partnership benefits both sides, Norris said.

“This broadens every Soldier and Airman who takes part in the program,” she said. “It also helps with our recruiting and retention when we’re able to offer Soldiers and Airmen these kinds of experiences.” The partnership is off to a quick start as Norris recently met with military leadership at the Egyptian Training Authority, the Border Guard Forces, the Egyptian Air Marshall headquarters, and the Special Forces Command headquarters.

Texas Guard members and their Egyptian counterparts took part in multi-day events in cavalry scout tactics, marksmanship development, and commanders’ resiliency. The partners discussed future exchanges and exercises relating to C-130 Hercules aircraft, F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jets and AH-64 Apache helicopter flight maneuver and maintenance. Additionally, U.S. Embassy Cairo officials said, future exchanges are expected to focus on cyber defense, logistics, special forces, homeland security response, military support to civilian authorities, and humanitarian and disaster assistance response.

“Partnerships are living things,” Hokanson said. “They must be nurtured, cherished and strengthened for the next generation. They are our best long-term investment in global security.” H MG TRACY NORRIS, ADJUTANT GENERAL OF TEXAS, signs a document formalizing the pairing of Egypt and the Texas National Guard in the Department of Defense National Guard State Partnership Program, Cairo, Egypt, on June 14, 2021. (Photo by MSG Jim Greenhill)

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Key Leadership Update H

Col Matthew Jensen Commander 149th Fighter Wing

Col Travis Walters Vice Commander 147th Attack Wing

LTC Scott P. Nicholas Commander 36th Combat Aviation Brigade

SGM Andres Canales proudly holds the flag of the 71st Expeditionary Military Intelligence Brigade that he recently assumed responsibility of as the incoming Brigade Command Sergeant Major. (Photo courtesy of the 71st EMIB)

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LTC Nate Dibling Commander 949th Brigade Support Battalion

LTC Casey Shaw Commander 1-136th Regional Training Institute

Mark Gaul is pinned with Brigadier General stars by his wife (left) and MG Tracy R. Norris, The Adjutant General of Texas, during his recent promotion ceremony. Brig Gen Gaul will serve as the Air National Guard Assistant to the Deputy Surgeon General, Headquarters Air Force. (Photo by Andrew Smith)

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CLOSE ASSAULT 1944 RE-ENACTMENT A SUCCESS ON MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND, the Texas Military Forces Museum’s Living History Detachment (G Company) held their first battle reenactment “Close Assault 1944” in over a year at Camp Mabry in Austin, Texas. The event was a resounding success, with 763 visitors attending the event including many veterans.

The two-day event provided visitors the opportunity to witness firing demonstrations of the most famous U.S. and German small arms of World War II. Among the weapons that were demonstrated were the 1903 Springfield, German K98 rifle, M1 Garand rifle, Browning Automatic Rifle (the famous BAR), Thompson submachine gun, MP-40 German submachine gun, the Browning .30 caliber machine gun, mortars, the bazooka and many others. Visitors were able to see everything from tents, radio equipment, GI baseball gloves and mess kits to operational vehicles, such as an M4 Sherman Tank, M3 Halftrack and Jeeps.

Museum Director Jeff Hunt said, “Our first living history program since March 2020 was a huge success. It felt great to be back in uniform and out in the field with the museum’s living history detachment. Despite not putting on a Close Assault during the preceding 18 months, our reenactors hit the ground running and never missed a beat. So too did the museum’s staff and volunteers as well as those of the TXMF Historical Foundation. The audiences were standing room only and shared our excitement to be back in the business of honoring our history and America’s veteran.

The next living history event at Camp Mabry will feature a World War II Close Assault on November 6-7, 2021 and a big World War I reenactment “Over There 1918” on November 20, 2021. H

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NGAT Now Offering ACH Payments to Pay Insurance Premiums THE STATE SPONSORED LIFE INSURANCE (SSLI) program that the National Guard Association of Texas (NGAT) offers provides group term life insurance exclusively for actively serving members of the Army and Air National Guard and their dependents. The program is derived from United States Public Law 93-289, May 24, 1974, to encourage persons to join and remain in the National Guard. Member death benefits are provided

by Armed Forces Benefit Association (AFBA) and underwritten by 5Star Life Insurance Company (a Lincoln, NE company) and administered by NGAT. NGAT’s SSLI program provides $1,000 no cost coverage to every uniformed Texas Army & Air National Guard member as an automatic benefit of service. Additional coverage is available for as little as $10,000 for $3.66 a month or as much as $50,000 for $17.00 per month; Coverage is level term until age 65. Which means you can keep the policy once you leave the Guard, and your premiums won’t increase. Premiums are paid through payroll deduction while serving in the Guard. Prompt payment of claims are normally within 24 to 48 hours upon notification and conversion is available to a whole life policy without insurability at the end of the term policy.

National Guard we are unable to offer you enrollment in this program. If you currently have a NGAT SSLI policy don’t forget to update your policy if you move, change phone numbers, get married or divorced, have a child, or wish to change your beneficiary.

In March of 2021 NGAT started taking ACH payment to pay insurance premiums. ACH payments are electronic payments that pull funds directly from your checking account. To sign up for ACH payments instead of receiving a bill in the mail go to https://ngat.org/ insurance/ and select “Enroll in ACH to pay NGAT Life Insurance.” Payments are then set up to automatically withdraw from your bank account according to your billing cycle.

If you have any questions about your insurance coverage or need additional information about our policies contact CW4 (Ret) Terri Marshall at tmarshall@ngat.org or at 512-454-7300 for more information. H

If you are nearing retirement, we ask that you consider this SSLI as an option before retirement. Once out of the

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TSGT SCOTT ELBERS from the 136th Airlift Wing Maintenance Group, prepares to paint a C-130J Hercules aircraft inside a hangar at the Channel Islands Air National Guard Station, Port Hueneme, California, July 8, 2021. The California Air National Guard’s 146th Airlift Wing has dutifully maintained the soon to be painted C-130J aircraft while awaiting a scheduled transfer to the Texas Air National Guard’s 136th Airlift Wing.

(Photo by SrA Michelle Ulber)

PORT HUENEME, CA KUWAIT BG WIN BURKETT, Task Force Spartan Deputy Commanding General of Operations, 36th Infantry Division, reenlists SPC Karina Castillo with the Task Force Spartan JAG office onboard a Kuwaiti Navy Ship.

(Photo courtesy of the 36th Infantry Division)

SAN ANTONIO 2ND LT RYAN MCGOLDRICK, 149th Fighter Wing Civil Engineering environmental manager, jackhammers a section of concrete loose from the flight line at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, June 29, 2021. These routine flight line repairs are done as preventative maintenance when cracks or faults appear as a way to reduce potential damage to aircraft. (Photo by Sra Ryan Mancuso)

PALACIOS PFC SUSANNA OZUNA, 2nd Brigade, Texas State Guard, shares her poncho with Mrs. Edna Hill, local resident and Lions Club volunteer, while she visits the traveling replica of the Vietnam War Memorial during the 4th of July Celebration, Palacios, Texas. (Photo by WO1 Gregory Illich)

GREAT FALLS, MT THIS IS THE 136TH AIRLIFT WING’S FIRST OFFICIAL TRANSFER of their C-130Hs to it’s new home with the Montana Air National Guard – 120th Airlift Wing. The 136th Airlift Wing will receive eight new C-130Js in the coming months replacing the unit’s entire fleet as part of the National Guard’s program of modernization. (Photo by SSgt Sean Kornegay)

TEMPLE AFRICA SOLDIERS FROM THE 1-141ST INFANTRY REGIMENT proudly display the Texas flag in a group photo during their deployment to the Horn of Africa. (Photo courtesy of 1-141st Inf Rgmt) 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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WHAT WEIGHS 67 TONS, has 1,500 horsepower and will be joining the Texas National Guard? An Armored Cavalry Regiment to be stationed in Temple, Texas. Soldiers, NCOs and Officers willing to RECLASS should visit tmd.texas.gov/3-278-ACR for more information.

MEMBERS OF THE 36TH INFANTRY DIVISION at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, proudly display their coins for superior performance presented to them

by BG Michael Adame, 36th Infantry Division Deputy Commander – Support. Pictured left to right are: LTC William “Rusty” Weedman, SFC Omar Marqueses, SFC Tol Hay, MAJ Rosie Baptiste, BG Michael Adame and LTC Robert Cederstrom.

KUWAIT

AUSTIN TSGT PEGGY MILLER of the Texas Air National Guard performed the National Anthem and members from the Texas Army National Guard’s, 36th Infantry Division Band provided the Color Guard for a Austin FC military appreciation home game in Austin, Texas.

FORT WORTH THE 136TH AIRLIFT WING MADE HISTORY June 9, 2021, when the wing conduced it’s first flight with an all-female aircrew. 136th Maintenance Group Crew Chief, TSgt Tiffany Rockwell, even did the honors of launching them out. The crew included: Lt Col Sandie Pynes – Pilot, 1st Lt Jen Sloane – Pilot, Capt Meagan Kemp – Navigator, TSgt Sarah Parsley – Flight Engineer, and SSgt Eve Broughton – Loadmaster. (Photo courtesy of the 136th Airlift Wing)

KUWAIT

SAN ANTONIO

MG JOHN RHODES (center right), Commanding General, 29th Infantry Division, Virginia Army National Guard, assumed command of Task Force Spartan from MG Patrick Hamilton (center left), Commanding General, 36th Infantry Division, Texas Army National Guard at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, July 20. The transfer of authority ceremony was presided over by LTG Terry Ferrell, Commanding General, U.S. Army Central. During the same ceremony, CSM Daryl Plude (far right), Division Command Sergeant Major, 29th Infantry Division, assumed responsibility from CSM Mark Horn (far left), Division Command Sergeant Major, 36th Infantry Division. (Photo courtesy of the 36th Infantry Division)

ON MEMORIAL DAY, SGT Elizabeth Laws and Texas National Guard service members administered vaccines for basic trainees at Lackland AFB as part of the Joint Task Force efforts to vaccinate both military personnel and civilians across the State of Texas. Their nine-person Mobile Vaccination Team (MVT) vaccinated 510 trainees.

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L E G A L

U P D A T E

New Law Alert THE 87TH LEGISLATURE PASSED SEVERAL NEW LAWS related to the Texas National Guard. One new law enhances the protections of Guardsmen serving in state status. The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) is a federal law designed to protect reservist when called to active duty. Senate Bill 484, authored by State Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, is designed to extend the protections of USERRA and the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) to cover State Active-Duty missions and training.

Existing state law provided that employers may not terminate an employee who’s a member of the state military forces because they are ordered to state active duty, state training, or other duty by the Governor, Adjutant General or their chain of command. The term “other duty” is broad enough to encompass any other duty whether on State Active Duty, Title 32 or Title 10 service, drill weekends and annual training. However, the existing law implied that the only remedy available to Guardsmen was a complaint to the Texas Workforce Commission.

Senate Bill 484 now clarifies the right of Texas Guard members, including State Guard members to hire an attorney to bring a lawsuit when employers discriminate against due to their state military service. In addition, the law

extends the SCRA protections, such as the ability to terminate a lease, based on State Active Duty.

Guardsmen must be returned to the same job they held prior to being placed on orders. Further, an employer cannot be subjected to the loss of seniority, vacation time or any other benefit that they would have enjoyed had they not been ordered to duty. Once released from duty, Guardsmen must give written or actual notice of their intent to return to employment.

If the service member prevails in their lawsuit, the new law specifies that the Court may award the service member declaratory or equitable relief, monetary damages, court costs and attorney’s fees.

Governor Abbott signed the bill on June 16th. The law goes into effect on September 1 and will apply to Texas Military Forces members ordered to State Active Duty, training, and other duty on or after that date. H

Attorney Doug O’Connell is a retired TXARNG Colonel who focuses on representing military service members, veterans, first responders and their family members. You can contact Doug at 512-547-7265 or Doug@DougOConnell.com.

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First Female to Attain the Rank of Chief Warrant Officer Five in TXARNG Retires ON MAY 26, 2021, AT CAMP MABRY, family, friends, and fellow service members, both past and present, gathered together to honor Chief Warrant Officer Five (CW5) Anita L. Cannaday on the occasion of her retirement from the Texas Army National Guard.

CW5 Cannaday began her military career in 1987 when she enlisted into the Army to serve in the Quartermaster Corp as a Material Storage and Handling Specialist; upon completion of Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training, she was assigned to the 833rd Ordnance Company. After eight years in the Regular Army with tours in Korea and Somali, she decided it was time to go, she had no idea that her path in the military was not complete.

In May of 1995, before separating from the Regular Army, she joined the Texas Army National Guard (TXARNG). It was during her initial AGR tour that she became a member of the Adjutant General Corps.

From 1996 to 2002, she served in various positions within the Texas Military Personnel Directorate, including SIDPERS Clerk, and SIDPERS NCOIC, before pursuing a career in the Warrant Officer Corps.

In June of 2002, CW5 Cannaday was appointed as a Human Resources Warrant Officer. She has served

in various key leadership assignments within the G1, TXARNG. During this period, she also became a Training Advising and Counseling (TAC) Warrant Officer with the 136th Regional Training Institute (RTI).

the Senior Human Resource Advisor, J1, Texas Military Department, this would be the culminating position of her 34 years of military service to the Great State of Texas and the United States Army.

CW5 Cannaday was identified for deployment with the 36th Sustainment Brigade (36th Sus Bde), “Raw Hide” as the Human Resources Technician in the S1. This was the first deployment for the newly organized 36th Sus Bde to Operations Iraqi Freedom (OIF) 09-11 rotation. Upon completion of the OIF rotation, CW5 Cannaday was assigned as the S1, 136th RTI and the Warrant Officer Candidate School Program Manager. During this assignment CW5 Cannaday was selected as the Texas Reserve Officer Association Warrant Officer of the Year. While her assignment at the 136th RTI was challenging, the organization’s requirements had an even more challenging assignment waiting. In April 2012 she was assigned as the Officer in Charge of the Joint Forces Headquarters, TXARNG.

CW5 Cannaday spent her military career skillfully rendering service like the opening of the warrant officer code says. She willingly rendered loyal service to superiors, subordinates, and peers in every organization of which she was a member of. She always set an example in conduct, appearance and performance that made others proud to know and work with her.

The G1, TXARNG was her Human Resources foundation and in 2013, she was reassigned to the Office of Personnel Management Section within the G1, where she served as the Senior Branch Manager. In September of 2019, CW5 Cannaday was identified as

CW5 Cannaday is the first female to attain the rank of Chief Warrant Officer Five in the history of the Texas Army National Guard. Chief Warrant Officer 5 (CW5) is the fifth, and highest, Warrant Officer rank in the United States Army. She clearly demonstrated her commitment to something much greater than herself.

NGAT is proud to have CW5 Cannaday as a NGAT Life Member. Chief Cannaday will enjoy retirement at her home in Pflugerville, Texas with her husband Steven. H

CW5 ANITA CANNADAY (right) gives a high five to the Adjutant General of Texas, Major General Tracy Norris, after being promoted to CW5 in March of 2019. (Photo courtesy of the Texas Military Department) S u m m e r 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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Texas Military Department Best Warrior Competition Texas Military Department 2021 Best Warrior Competition was conducted at Camp Swift near Bastrop, Texas on March 4-6, 2021. The annual three-day competition measures service members’ mental toughness, physical strength and determines for Army personnel who will advance to the regional competition. The overall winner was SGT Mark Masten, 36th Combat Aviation Brigade, NCO Best Warrior and SrA Christopher Gangeme, 136th Security Forces Squadron, Junior Enlisted Best Warrior. The Army and Air winners were as follows: SGT Mark Masten NCO of the Year – Texas Army National Guard SPC Addison Smith Soldier of the Year – Texas Army National Guard

SSgt Marcos Hernandez SrA Christopher Gangeme

NCO of the Year – Texas Air National Guard Airmen of the Year – Texas Army National Guard

TEXAS HOSTS ARMY NATIONAL GUARD REGION V BEST WARRIOR COMPETITION THE TEXAS MILITARY DEPARTMENT hosted this year’s Army National Guard Region V Best Warrior Competition at Camp Swift near Bastrop, Texas, May 3-7, 2021. Fourteen competitors from Texas, Nebraska, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Louisiana, and Missouri National Guards competed in events that test their combat readiness skills.

Texas was represented during the competition by SPC Addison Smith and SSG Stephen Southerlin II. SGT Mark Masten the Texas Army National Guard NCO of the Year was unable to attend due to other obligations.

Traditionally, two Army National Guard Soldiers from each state compete in the annual event, but this year one lone Texas Air National Guardsman from the 136th Security Forces Squadron in Fort Worth, stood amongst the competitors – SrA Christopher Gangeme.

“Having the opportunity to take part in this competition is a very significant experience and it is important to have Air Guard representation next to the Army,” Gangeme said. “We often serve together, so this is a

good opportunity for us to come together and build camaraderie with a little friendly competition.”

Over the past year Gangeme and his fellow Airmen at the 136th Security Forces Squadron mobilized in support of the Texas Military Department’s COVID-19 response and other stateside responses. SrA Gangeme will not move on to the next level, but he said he is still humbled and honored to have made it this far to represent the Texas Air National Guard.

At the Region V Best Warrior Competition, one noncommissioned officer and one junior enlisted was selected to move on to compete at the national competition.

Home state advantage showered good luck on Texas who dominated the event with both wins. SSG Stephen Southerlin II was named NCO of the Year and SPC Addison Smith was named Soldier of the Year and went on to represented Region V at the National Competition.

The 2021 Army National Guard National Best Warrior Competition was held at Camp Navajo, Arizona, at the end of July. The competition like the state and regional competition spans three physically and mentally demanding days where competitors are tested on a variety of tactical and technical skills as they vie to be named the Army National Guard’s Soldier and Noncommissioned Officer of the Year.

Although our Texas troops put forth a gallant effort, they were not successful in winning the Best Warrior top honors. The National Guard Soldier of the Year was SGT William Luken from the Tennessee National Guard, and the NCO of the Year was SSG Zachary Carlson of the Utah National Guard. These two winners will represent the Army National Guard in the Department of the Army Best Warrior Competition later this year. H

SGT MARK MASTEN, 36th Combat Aviation Brigade, completes a 9 mile ruck march during the Texas Military Department 2021 Best Warrior Competition. SGT Masten was named Texas National Guard NCO of the Year at the end of the competition.

SPC ADDISON SMITH (right) with A Troop, 1-112th Cavalry Regiment was named the Texas Military Department Soldier of the Year. He was also named the National Guard Region V Soldier of the Year.

SSG Stephen Southerlin II (left) with C Troop, 1-124th Cavalry Regiment was named National Guard Region V NCO of the Year.

SSG Southerlin and SPC Smith represented Region V at the Army National Guard National Best Warrior Competition in Arizona.

SRA CHRISTOPHER GANGEME, Texas Air National Guard, finishes the 400-meter swim portion of the Combat Water Survival Test assessment during the Region V Best Warrior Competition. SrA Gangeme was named the Texas Military Department 2021 Junior Enlisted of the Year and was allowed to compete against Army personnel for esprit de corps despite not being able to advance in this Army event. (Photo by SSG Mark Otte)

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What is EANGUS?

THE ENLISTED ASSOCIATION OF THE NATIONAL GUARD OF THE UNITED STATES (EANGUS) was formally organized in 1972 with the goal of increasing the voice of enlisted persons in the National Guard. As such, EANGUS is a non-profit organization dedicated to the principles of providing an adequate national defense and promoting the status, welfare, and professionalism of the men and women of the Army and Air National Guard by supporting legislation that provides adequate staffing, pay, benefits, entitlements, equipment, and installations for the National Guard.

Beginning with twenty-three states, EANGUS now has representatives in all 50 states, Guam, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia, and has a chapter comprised of those who serve the National Guard on national tour. With a constituency base of over 414, 000 Soldiers and Airmen, their families, as well as thousands of retired members, we are the only association that specifically works issues of the enlisted force of the National Guard.

NGAT in conjunction with EANGUS and the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) are proud to offer three memberships for the price of one:

Enlisted Personnel E1-E6 E7-E9 Officer Personnel All ranks

$15.00 Annually $20.00 Annually $20.00 Annually

If you are interested in an EANGUS Life Membership it does not include life memberships in NGAT or AUSA. The rate is $110 for an EANGUS Life Membership and payment options are available on the website at www.ngat.org. H

Apply for the COVID-19 Grant THE ENLISTED ASSOCIATION OF THE NATIONAL GUARD OF THE UNITED STATES (EANGUS), We Care For America (WCFA) COVID Emergency Relief Fund was established to provide financial assistance to current and former National Guard members who are experiencing financial hardship due to having lost their primary income, or who have an increased financial burden as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Grant funds should be utilized for basic household needs such as food, housing, utilities, medical services, childcare, and other essential family support items which have become difficult to afford as a result of the national pandemic.

In order to assist as many National Guard members as possible, grants are capped at $500. The Fund can only support one emergency grant per household so National Guard members who received a grant from WCFA in Phase 1 (May 2020), Phase 2 (November 2020) or Phase 3 (January-March 2021) are not eligible to receive another WCFA-COVID grant at this time.

The WCFA-COVID Emergency Relief Fund exists as a result of several generous donations including the most recent donation from our friends at USAA. EANGUS and the We Care for America Foundation extend our sincere appreciation and gratitude to USAA for their continued support and this most recent donation.

The Verification Form must be completed and SIGNED by the applicant’s Unit Commander, a State Senior Enlisted Leader, Bn CSM, CCM or a Family Programs Representative. The person completing the verification form will need to provide specific information regarding the applicant’s COVID-related financial emergency and needs and will also verify the 18 | 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

H Summer 2021

applicant’s status as a current or former member of the National Guard, before signing. A digital signature from the verifying official is preferred.

All applications will be accepted and reviewed during Phase 4 but only 400 applications will be approved due to limited funding. It is our goal to process applications within 7-10 days of receipt and to get the funds to those National Guard members who are approved for a grant, as quickly as possible. This will be the last phase of the WCFA COVID Emergency Relief Fund Grant.

NOTE: Membership in EANGUS is not required to apply for the WCFA COVID Emergency Relief Fund. National Guard members who are interested in our association should be referred to www.eangus.org for more information. We encourage interested personnel to JOIN EANGUS by finding their State Association on our Membership page https://eangus. org/home/. For questions or concerns, email director@eangus-wcfa.org.

John Murphy, USA(R), MS

Regional Director & Insights Military Alliances

snhu.edu

2500 North River Road Manchester, NH 03106 T: 254-317-9244 T: 254-317-9244 j.murphy@snhu.edu

See You at the NGAUS CONFERENCE All systems are “GO” for the 143rd NGAUS General Conference & Exhibition scheduled for Aug 27-30, 2021, at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.

NGAUS leaders made the unprecedented decision to pivot the conference after meeting restrictions in the original location, Charlotte, North Carolina, looked like they could linger through the summer.

A new mask order, went into effect on July 22, 2021, that was approved by the Clark County Commission in Las Vegas, Nevada that requires all employees who interact with members of the public or who are in close contact with co-workers to wear face covering though August 17, 2021. While the mask mandate only applies to employees, businesses are required to encourage both vaccinated and unvaccinated visitors to wear masks indoors as well.

This information is subject to change.

Registration is still open at www.ngat.org and we still have some hotel rooms available in the Texas block of rooms. Registration is $180.00 per person and includes 10 NGAT trading pins, conference materials, Company Grade/Warrant Officer Mixer for officers in this rank, Field Grade Mixer, professional development sessions, Governor’s reception, spouses’ luncheon, hospitality night, defense industry exhibition and the states dinner. Transportation to and from the airport to the hotel is available during the registration process for a fee of $7.00 one way or $14.00 round trip.

The Nevada National Guard and the NGAUS staff have been busy at work getting all the events ready for your arrival in Las Vegas.

Watch the NGAT website for updates and changes. They are sure to have lots of exciting training and events planned for us. Hope to see you there. H

https://ngat.org/ngaus-conference/

JOIN NGAUS TODAY TO MAKE AN IMPACT NGAUS IS THE NATIONAL GUARD ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED STATES. Commissioned officers and warrant officers of the Army and Air National Guard as eligible for NGAUS membership. NGAUS members provide the backbone and guidance NGAUS needs to ensure the National Guard receives the latest equipment and maintains readiness.

ANNUAL DUES ARE AS FOLLOWS: O-1, O-2, O-3, WO1, CW2, CW3: $40 O-4, O-5, O-6, CW4, CW5: $80 O-7, O-8, O-9, O-10: $130 NGAUS Life Membership – Currently Serving National Guard Officers – $1,000 NGAUS Life Membership – Retired National Guard Officers – $125

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19

Next class begins January 2022

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The National Guard Association of Texas is extremely grateful to our corporate partners who have remained loyal to the Association and its goals despite the unprecedented circumstances we continue to be faced with. NGAT would like to say “THANK YOU” for your continued membership and support. Together we will continue to make great things happen.

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TAPS AS OF 07/30/2021

MSgt Bobby O. Blackmon, Life Member #1153, Retired, Allen

1SG Joe G. Loredo, Life Member #18744, Retired, Austin

COL Dan G. Bellue, Life Member #4439, Retired, Frisco

COL Floyd McDowell, Life Member #32255, Retired, Cullman, AL

MSgt Harry G. Bridges, Life Member #5733, Retired, Grand Prairie

CW4 Joe W. Montgomery, Life Member #16835, Retired, Austin

SGT Kenneth C. Brumelle, Life Member #3854, Odessa

MSG Donald R. Moore, Life Member #11689, Retired, Paint Rock

COL Howard Cain, Life Member #32119, Retired, San Antonio

SSG Arnold Morris, Life Member #22187, Retired, Germany

MAJ Johnny D. Carnes, Life Member #5339, Harker Heights

Mr. Robert Gene Mullendore, Life Member #19927, Retired, Denton

**SPC William C. Childers, D Co 2-142 Inf, Hillsboro

LTG (BVT) William Edgar Murphy, Life Member #2257, Retired, Lubbock, Former Commanding General of the 49th Armored Division (1992–1995)

Col Richard R. Constant, Life Member #20541, Retired, Blue Ridge BG Louis N. Neumeyer, Life Member #2478, Retired, Liberty Lt Col Ann P. Couslin, Life Member #10662, Retired, Kerrville Imon T. Newman, Life Member #3960, Duncan, OK SMSgt J.C. Daniels, Life Member #13300, Retired, Bedford Jerry W. Oakes, Life Member #2520, Retired, Gonzales SSG Manuel R. Flores, Retired, San Antonio CMSgt William L. Peterson, Life Member #16696, Retired, San Antonio SPC Joe I. Fuentez, Life Member #24793, Austin CW4 Robert D. Purcell, Life Member #2496, Retired, Fort Worth MSG Igor Garcia, Retired, El Paso CMSgt Syndal Quattlebaum, Life Member #15013, Retired, Athens Refugio Guerra, Life Member #19438, Retired, Laredo **SPC Michael W. Razvillas, Pipe Creek, HHC 636 MI Bn SSG Milburn (Dean) Harrison, Life Member #13613, Retired, Ranger SPC David Richey, Life Member #28980, Eureka Springs, AR **CPL Cooper Eisenhower Hettinger, D Co 1-143rd Inf (A), Camas, WA SGT Leonard Rust, Life Member #13908, Comfort LTC Michael D. Houston, Life Member #30084, Retired, Plano MSgt Shirley A. Sawyer, Life Member #12400, Retired, Karnes City BG (BVT) Royce S. Ivory, Life Member #3072, Retired, Lubbock CPT Michael J. Seiver, Life Member #3437, Retired, Houston SGT Gregory C. Kerr, Palestine *CPT Jose F. Tristan, HHC 949 BSB, Grand Prairie CPT Mark H. Kett, Retired, Carrollton MSG Carmen Velasquez, Life Member #29012, Retired, Taylor CW4 Glen F. Kirkpatrick, Life Member #885, Retired, Dripping Springs COL Lawrence E. Vivian, Life Member #32344, Retired, Cibolo *SSG Colin W. Krefft, Annual Member, Co B 449th ASB, Springtown 1LT Leland “ Larry” Weeks, Texas State Guard, Cedar Park MSG Harold L. Krueger, Life Member #18127, Retired, Luling Thomas H. Welch, Life Member #13342, Retired, LaPorte COL Raymond Logan, Life Member #32242, Retired, Pyatt, AR MG Federico Lopez III, Life Member #5145, Retired, Harlingen, Former Commanding General of the 49th Armored Division (1995-1998)

* 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.

22 | 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

H Summer 2021

W O R L D ’ S # 1 M I L I TA R Y B O O T

ROCKYBOOTS.COM

PERIODICAL

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

ngat.org

PLANNING CALENDAR (As of July 30, 2021)

2021 22-23 Aug

NGAT Board of Director Meeting, Austin

27-30 Aug

NGAUS Conference, Las Vegas, NV

6

Sep

Labor Day (NGAT Office Closed)

11

Sep

Patriot Day

11

Oct

Columbus Day (NGAT Office Closed)

30

Oct

36th Infantry Division Change of Command, Camp Mabry

1

Nov

Registration for NGAT Conference 2022 opens

11

Nov

Veteran’s Day (NGAT Office Closed)

25-26 Nov

Thanksgiving Break (NGAT Office Closed)

13

National Guard’s Birthday

Dec

24-31 Dec

Christmas Break (NGAT Office Closed)

2022 3

Jan

New Years Day (NGAT Office Closed)

Due to COVID-19, events may be rescheduled. Watch the website, Facebook and the NGAT app for updates.