Founded 1959 | Volume 62 | Number 1 | Spring 2022
O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E
INSIDE
NATIONAL GUARD ASSOCIATION OF TEXAS
6
Maj Gen Thomas Suelzer Selected as the 53rd Adjutant General of Texas
20
EANGUS Conference Update
21
NGAUS Conference Update
2022-2023 Board of Directors President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chris McKeag President-Elect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mireya Cruz Vice-President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gerald Lorance Secretary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jolene Hinojosa Treasurer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Paul Cerniauskas Executive Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marvin Harris HQ, Joint Forces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vacant HQ, TXARNG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vacant 71st Troop Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Paul Cerniauskas HQ, 36TH ID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amanda Roberts 56th IBCT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wesley Hall 72nd IBCT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marius Pusar 36th CAB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joshua Bain 176th Engr Bde . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jolene Hinojosa 71st EMIB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ruben Wilson 36th Sustainment Bde . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tielow-Taneesha Henson 136th MEB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Max Puckett HQ, TXANG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lonnie Dunkin 136th AW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nate Norton 147th ATKW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Emily Martinez 149th FW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bryan Shreve Air Rec & Ret . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vacant Army Rec & Ret . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gerald Lorance Retired Rep – Region I . . . . . . . . . . . . . Richard Newby Retired Rep – Region II . . . . . . . . . . . . . Guy Schultz Retired Rep – Region III . . . . . . . . . . . . Vacant Family Readiness Rep . . . . . . . . . . . . . Talia McKinnis Army Jr Enlisted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vacant Air Jr Enlisted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vacant
CONTENTS p8
4
From the President
5
NGAT Board of Directors
6
53rd Adjutant General of Texas
7
Key Leadership Update
8
NGAT Conference Overview
9
Conference Survey/NGAT Conf 2023
10
NGAT Conference Award Winners
11
Corporate Sponsors
12-13
NGAT Conference Highlights
14
Historic Helicopter
15
Legal Update
17
NGAT Educational Foundation Scholarship Winners
18
Texas Guard Spotlight
19
Reserve DD Form 214/TXSG Patch
NGAT Home Page: www.ngat.org Executive Director: Marvin Harris, CAE – mharris@ngat.org
20
EANGUS Update
Deputy Executive Director/Membership Director: Theresa Billeck-Zuniga – tbz@ngat.org
21
NGAUS Update
22
TAPS
Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Theresa Billeck-Zuniga Graphic Designer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Terri Sheets, MediaNation.net Publisher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Multicopy Printing Co. Inc.
NGAT CONFERENCE OVERVIEW
p12
NGAT CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS
p17
NGAT NEWS 3706 Crawford Ave Austin, TX 78731 512-454-7300 1-800-252-NGAT (6428) Submit articles and photos for the NGAT News Magazine to: ngatnews@ngat.org
Insurance Administrator/Corporate Programs: Terri Marshall – tmarshall@ngat.org
NGATEF SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
NGAT News (usps 015-752) published quarterly by the National Guard Association of Texas, 3706 Crawford Avenue, Austin, Texas 78731-6308. Periodicals postage paid at Austin, Texas 78710 and additional offices. POSTMASTER SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO: NGAT News, 3706 Crawford Avenue, Austin, Texas 78731-6308
ON THE COVER:
Follow us on
GOVERNOR GREG ABBOTT ceremonially swore in Major General Thomas M. Suelzer as Adjutant General of Texas at the Governor’s Mansion in Austin, Texas. (Photo courtesy of the Office of The Governor)
MEMBERS MAY EMAIL ADDRESS CHANGES TO: membership@ngat.org S p r i n g 2 0 2 2 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
|
3
TO OUR MEMBERS,
Board of Directors Thanks NGAT Staff
First and foremost, I want to thank you for your continued support of the Association. Despite Mother Nature trying to prevent us from gathering again this year, we had our first, post-COVID, in person annual conference. We appreciated your patience, as the storm abbreviated our agenda and threw a few other curve balls.
The NGAT Board of Directors would like to thank the NGAT Staff for their extraordinary efforts following the tornado that hit the Kalahari Resort. Their constant contact with the resort and the rescheduling of events while keeping our attendees and exhibitors informed of the changes was commendable. Their prompt action and extremely long hours ensured our 63rd Annual NGAT Conference was held as planned.
During the conference, we swore in new board members, as well as a new Secretary on the Executive Committee. I am excited about their energy and passion for our members. As the Board gathers again in May, we look to gain traction from that energy. Many of you spoke with me, throughout the conference, about how this year felt different than past years. Please, please, please don’t forget your fervor from that weekend, because we need YOU involved in our committees. We need YOUR time, talents, and passion to serve our members. Please visit the NGAT website (www.ngat.org/board-of-directors) to contact your MACOM representatives to stay informed and involved.
LTC (RET) MARVIN HARRIS
MSG (RET) THERESA BILLECK-ZUNIGA
Executive Director
Deputy Executive Director Membership Director
As I look to this, my final year as President, there are many things to look forward to. Most importantly, is the direction the board is moving with respect to increasing the volume of our member’s voices, particularly as we move into the upcoming state legislative session. I encourage you to visit our legislative page regularly (www.ngat.org/legislative) to stay current on legislative matters and continue to write to your elected representatives. Make sure they know that you are a member of NGAT. Do you have a story that you think needs to be told? Is there something we are missing? Remember, almost every story, almost every picture, comes from you, our members. Please let us know what important work you are doing, especially if you feel we are missing it! Lastly, don’t forget our fast approaching, national level conferences. EANGUS will be held 7-10 August in Little Rock, Arkansas and NGAUS will be held 26-29 August in Columbus, Ohio. We look forward to seeing you there. As always, I continue to thank our full-time staff. They are small in numbers, but they are mighty. Their hard work, day in and day out, is what keeps this Association moving down the road. Please take care of yourself and your family and watch out for your fellow Guardsmen and women. H
Chris McKeag President, NGAT president@ngat.org
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 S p r i n g 2 0 2 2
CW4 (RET) TERRI MARSHALL
1LT ADRIENNE WILLIAMS
Insurance Administrator Corporate Programs Manager
Administrative Assistant
The Board of Directors would also like to thank the support staff who helped at the NGAT Conference: Fraser Chisholm SFC Mireya Cruz BG (CH/Ret) Charles Edwards SFC (Ret) Chris Evans SFC Omar Marqueses Greg Marshall Devon Michalik SSG Michael Morancie CW3 (Ret) Thomas Peredo SSG Jared Raymond COL (Ret) Guy Schultz Debi Steinhauser Matthew Steinhauser COL (Ret) Frank Zuniga
2022-23 NGAT EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
MAJ Chris McKeag
SFC Mireya Cruz
SGM Gerald Lorance
President
President-Elect
Vice President
CPT Jolene Hinojosa
COL Paul Cerniauskas
LTC (Ret) Marvin Harris
Secretary
Treasurer
Executive Director
Welcome to our incoming NGAT Board of Directors
SGM Amanda Roberts 36th Infantry Division
CPT Wesley Hall 56th IBCT
CSM Marius Pusar 72nd IBCT
Thank you to our outgoing NGAT Board Member NGAT PRESIDENT MAJ CHRIS MCKEAG thanks CSM Clinton Petty for his service on the NGAT Board of Directors at the NGAT Conference Awards Banquet. CSM Petty was a director for the 36th Infantry Division. (Photo by Chris Evans)
S p r i n g 2 0 2 2 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
|
5
CHANGE of Command MAJ GEN THOMAS SUELZER SELECTED AS THE 53RD ADJUTANT GENERAL OF TEXAS Governor Greg Abbott appointed Major General Thomas M. Suelzer as the 53rd Adjutant General of Texas, effective, March 14, 2022. The Adjutant General is commander of the Soldiers and Airmen of the Texas Military Department and reports directly to the Governor in matters pertaining to the Texas Army National Guard, Texas Air National Guard, and Texas State Guard. General Suelzer replaced Major General Tracy R. Norris, whose appointment expired February 1, 2022. “General Norris faithfully served the Texas Military Department with dignity, as Adjutant General beginning in January 2019, as Assistant Adjutant General in 2016, and over her decades of service,” said Governor Abbott. “I thank General Norris for her exceptional service to the State of Texas and am honored to appoint her successor, Major General Thomas Suelzer, as the Adjutant General of Texas. General
Suelzer brings a wealth of military experience to this new role, and I am confident that he will uphold the integrity of the Texas Military Department and exemplify servant leadership throughout every aspect of this position.” Maj Gen Thomas M. Suelzer previously served as the Deputy Adjutant General-Air for the Texas National Guard at Camp Mabry in Austin, Texas. In this position, he served as the principal advisor to the Texas Adjutant General on Air National Guard issues and was responsible for the management and direction of policies, plans, and programs affecting three Wings and more than 3,200 Air National Guard personnel throughout the State of Texas. General Suelzer also served as a Director, Joint Air Component Coordination Element for United States Indo-Pacific Command. General Suelzer graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in 1990 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science. He completed Undergraduate Pilot Training at Williams Air Force Base, Arizona
Major General Thomas M. Suelzer 53rd Adjutant General of Texas and went on to serve in various operational and staff assignments during his ten years of Active-Duty service and seven years in the Air Force Reserve. General Suelzer joined the Texas Air National Guard in 2007 where he served as Deputy Director of Operations for Domestic Operations. He also became a leader in the Homeland Response Force enterprise as Chief of Staff for the 71st Troop Command (JTF-71) and later the 136th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade (JTF-136). He went on to serve as the Texas Air National Guard Director of Operations and the Commander of the 136th Airlift Wing. He has served on two Texas Southwest Border missions and was the military Dual Status Commander for COVID-19 response in Texas. Prior to his appointment as Deputy Adjutant General-Air, General Suelzer was the Director, Joint Staff for the Texas National Guard at Camp Mabry, Austin, Texas. H
GOVERNOR GREG ABBOTT, third from left, speaks in Weslaco in early April. With him on the front row are The Adjutant General of Texas Maj Gen Thomas Suelzer, Department of Public Safety Director Steve McCraw and Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd at far right. (Photo courtesy of the Office of the Governor) 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 S p r i n g 2 0 2 2
KEY LEADERSHIP Update
COL Kevin P. Crawford Commander 176th Engineer Brigade
LTC Christopher Winnek Commander 102nd Info Opn Bn
CSM Andres Canales
Command Sergeant Major 71st EMIB
CW5 Katherine M. Brown
Texas Military Department Command Chief Warrant Officer
CSM Jeremy Scribner
MG RONALD “WIN” BURKETT celebrates his promotion to Major General and assumption of command of the 36th Infantry Division with his wife Molly.
Command Sergeant Major 1/143rd Inf Bn (Abn)
S p r i n g 2 0 2 2 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
|
7
6 3 r d A N N U A L N G AT C O N F E R E N C E O v e r v i e w TORNADO FAILS TO STOP THE 63RD ANNUAL NGAT CONFERENCE The National Guard Association of Texas (NGAT) was excited to be hosting an inperson conference March 24-27, 2022, at the Kalahari Resorts in Round Rock, Texas, after having to cancel the conference the past two years. But dealing with a pandemic was not enough this year. On the evening of Monday, March 21, 2022, the Kalahari Resorts & Conventions had tornado activity around their facility. This caused them to close their facility for 3 days to assess the damages and ensure the resort was safe for visitors. In true National Guard fashion the NGAT Staff got to work on rescheduling hotels, events, contracts, food, and travel for those attending the NGAT Conference all while keeping the attendees informed of the constant changes with the hotel. In the end we lost two days of set up time, but you would have never known it with all the support we received from our attendees, corporate sponsors, and Board of Directors. In all, we had over 500 attendees and 66 exhibitors at the Conference, and “sold out” our room block. Our conference finally got underway when the Kalahari Resorts reopened on Friday, Mar 25, 2022, at 11:00
8 |
am. Even with changes in the schedule we had a good turnout for the popular License to Carry certification class, wine tasting and the NGAT Educational Foundation Golf Tournament. Our Friday night welcome party had to be moved indoors due to tornado damages, but everyone had a great time in their animal prints dancing the night away to music by the Melinda Adams Band. There was plenty of BBQ and time to network with attendees. The NGAT Business Session and General Session were well-attended and fostered very productive ideas and recommendations. The NGAT Board presented the Association’s financial status and discussed legislative initiative. The Army Breakout was conducted by CSM John Sampa and CSM Michelle Thompson. We were honored to have so many exhibitors at this year’s conference, and to be able to hold the business meeting near the exhibit hall benefited everyone. We closed the evening with our Awards Banquet and dance with music by Carbonlily.
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 S p r i n g 2 0 2 2
Despite not having the ever-popular hospitality rooms during the conference this year, it was still a great conference and a lot was accomplished. We will be returning to the Kalahari Resort for our NGAT Conference in 2024. Hope you will join us then! H (Photos by SFC (Ret) Chris Evans)
2022 NGAT Conference Survey Results After reviewing conference survey results here is what we take away from the Conference. Rating 1-5 Registration Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.81% Will Attend NGAT 2023 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97.9% NGAT Annual Meeting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.54% Should have speaker at dinner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52.1% NGAT General Session . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.50% Want to attend a military ball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86.9% Golf Tournament . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.50% Good value for your Money . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92.2% Welcome Party . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.74% Lunch with the Exhibitors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.27% Awards Banquet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.74% Silent Auction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.75% Kalahari Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.81%
What You Liked - Welcome Party Music by Melinda Adams - Exhibitors - Seeing old friends and getting together again
64th Annual NGAT Conference Make plans to attend the 64th Annual NGAT Conference, March 23-26, 2023, at the Irving Convention Center. We will be staying at the Westin Hotel located right next door to the Convention Center and the Texas Music Factory. Hotel room rates are $147 per night and registration will begin in November 2022. The Toyota Music Factory in Irving, Texas, is one of the most expansive and comprehensive entertainment venues in the country. Boasting an incredible array of bars and restaurants and playing host to the best national and international touring music acts, arranged by booking powerhouse Live Nation, there is never a dull moment at Toyota Music Factory. Come see the incredible dining and entertainment space that awaits you with food, movies, music, special events, and more. H
NGAT Silent Auction The NGAT Silent Auction gathered over 140 items and raised over $5,000 for the Texas National Guard Foundation. Thank you to all the bidders and to those who donated items to the auction. It is because of YOU that we can continue to support our foundation. H
What You Did Not Like - No hospitality rooms - Lunch with exhibitors - Hotel costs
What You Want Us to Do For You - Advocate for benefits - Increase membership - Keep us informed
Breakout Sessions - Retirement information - Spouses activities - Interaction with senior leaders Overall, considering all of the last-minute changes we encountered, our comments were very favorable. Due to hotel costs we had to combine the retiree’s and spouse’s luncheon with the lunch with the exhibitors. Hospitality rooms will return at the 2023 NGAT Conference in Irving, Texas.
S p r i n g 2 0 2 2 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
|
9
CCM (RET) PRICILLA LEGER NAMED NGAT 2022 MINUTEMAN AWARD RECIPIENT COMMAND CHIEF MASTER SERGEANT (RETIRED) PRICILLA A. LEGER WAS SELECTED AS THE 2022 RECIPIENT OF THE NGAT MINUTEMAN AWARD IN RECOGNITION OF HER OUTSTANDING MILITARY SERVICE AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE TEXAS MILITARY DEPARTMENT, NATIONAL GUARD ASSOCIATION OF TEXAS (NGAT) AND THE ENLISTED ASSOCIATION OF THE NATIONAL GUARD OF THE UNITED STATES (EANGUS). Chief Leger began her military career by entering the active-duty Air Force on September 18, 1970, and separated on July 28, 1976, to join the Texas Air National Guard’s 272nd EIS, in La Porte, Texas. She later transferred to the 147th Fighter Wing, in Houston, Texas. Throughout her military career at Ellington Air National Guard Base, she held numerous positions of leadership. As Personnel Superintendent from 20012007 she was instrumental in the successful activation of nearly 300 personnel during Operation Noble Eagle, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. She has deployed numerous times in support of the Air National Guard in various positions of responsibility all over the world and has supported multiple hurricane recovery missions throughout her military career. In 2004, Chief Leger deployed as NCOIC of PERSCO for “Cope Thunder” in Alaska which consisted of more than 1,300 participants representing 18 organizations. Cope Thunder was the largest multilateral air combat exercise in the Pacific. Her dedication to the mission and flawless execution of duties contributed to the huge success of this highprofile deployment and brought credit to the Texas Air National Guard.
In 2006, Chief Leger distinguished herself as the Vice Commandant for the Airman Leadership Seminar at Camp Mabry, Texas. In 2007, Chief Leger was selected to represent the 147th Fighter Wing enlisted personnel as the Wing Command Chief. There she served with great confidence in ensuring all enlisted personnel had the opportunity for professional development through Professional Military Education, civilian studies, and mentoring, while also chairing selection/promotion boards at unit and state level. In 2010-2011 Chief Leger deployed to Alpine, Texas, to work with Homeland Security. She was responsible for providing research and intelligence reports for the agents in charge. She supported more than 86 cases and submitted more than 100 subpoenas resulting in a record number of arrests, indictments, and seizures. Her work was praised by Homeland Security leadership and reflected great credit upon the Adjutants General’s Department. In 2014 Chief Leger joined the NGAT Board of Directors and became actively involved with its many programs and initiatives. She served as a Retired Representative and President Elect on the NGAT Board of Directors. In 2019
she became the NGAT President and shortly after that the pandemic began to explode across the country. Despite the many challenges she faced as President during the pandemic the Association remained profitable and active in supporting its members.
Chief Leger has worked diligently to improve the NGAT Bylaws and helped increase participation in the NGAT Silent Auction. As President, she personally donated $500 to NGAT to help in recruiting and improving the association’s membership in a NGAT sponsored recruitment contest. She also regularly supports the NGAT Educational Foundation. She was actively involved in enlisted activities at the national level attending many of the EANGUS Conferences and events. CCM Leger’s distinguished service to both the Texas Military Department and the National Guard Association of Texas uniquely qualifies her for the Minuteman Award. H
NGAT Educational Foundation Golf Tournament Winners FIRST PLACE
THIRD PLACE (TIED)
Team: Mortgage Drip’s Jeff Nance LTC George Hurd Yvonne Coombes SGM (Ret) Chet Miller
Team: No Name MAJ Aaron McKenzie LTC (Ret) William Richards 1SG (Ret) John Sinclair Team: PBO CW4 Jason Brushingham Darin Henningsen CW3 (Ret) Tom Chessnut WO1 Tim Stewart Closest to the Pin 1SG (Ret) John Sinclair Longest Drive WO1 Tim Stewart
SECOND PLACE Team: Texas Guard Needs Salesforce Frank DeGeorge Brian Stults Michael Hauser Andrea Jacobi
10 |
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 S p r i n g 2 0 2 2
SFC MIREYA CRUZ, 2021 recipient of the NGAT Minuteman Award presents CCM (Ret) Priscilla Leger with the 2022 NGAT Minuteman Award at the 63rd Annual NGAT Conference held at the Kalahari Resort in Round Rock, Texas.
(Photos by SFC (Ret) Chris Evans)
The Golf Tournament raised $2,893 for the NGAT Educational Foundation. Thank you to our sponsors: Darley Defense LiteFighter Systems American Military University Choice Hotels International Collins Aerospace CrossCountry Mortgage, LLC Drip Drop Hydration Guaranteed Rate Norwich University Deployed Resources, LLC ESS
OMNI Defense Tech Dixon Golf Randolph Brooks Federal Credit Union
Non-Profit Sponsors
2022-23 NGAT CORPORATE Partners The National Guard Association of Texas thanks our Corporate Partners for helping make our 63rd Annual NGAT Conference a success. Together we will continue to make great things happen.
PLATINUM
Army and Air Force Exchange Service Bellevue University Dallas Baptist University Humana Military IBVI Indiana Tech National University Purdue University Global Texas State Guard
GOLD
SILVER
BRONZE
CORPORATE SPONSORS
S p r i n g 2 0 2 2 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
|
11
CONFERENCE Highlights
Photos by SFC (Ret) Chris Evans
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 Te x a s H S p r i n g 2 0 2 2
Photos by SFC (Ret) Chris Evans S p r i n g 2 0 2 2 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
|
13
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR EVENT SPONSORS
HISTORIC HELICOPTER ON DISPLAY AT MABRY A historic helicopter is now on public display at Camp Mabry in Austin, Texas. The Choctaw chopper was used to transport Presidents Eisenhower and Kennedy during their tenure as Presidents of the United States. Dubbed “Army One,” The chopper was flown from Fort Belvoir, Virginia to the White House and other important locations to shuttle the Presidents and VIPS.
Welcome Party Sponsors Choice Hotels International DripDrop
Coffee Break Sponsors L3 Harris Oakley National University
The unique two-tone paint adaptation of brown and white was featured worldwide in news media reports as the world’s leaders moved about. The aircraft was transferred to the Texas National Guard in 1962 where it was used on several missions including transporting Lyndon Johnson during his post-presidency. It was retired from active duty in November of 1972. The aircraft was restored by the men and women of the Texas National Guard Combined Support and Maintenance Shop #2. Visitors to Camp Mabry can view the helicopter and read the narratives nearby. It can also be seen while driving on MoPac in Austin. H
Patriot Sponsor L3 Harris
PROTECT YOUR VISION THE MELINDA ADAMS BAND performs at the 63rd Annual NGAT Conference on March 25, 2022, at the Kalahari Resort in Round Rock, Texas. (Photo Credit SFC (Ret) Chris Evans)
* Actual photo of three hand-held lasers pointed at Revision LazrBloc lens - not a simulation ©2022 REVISION MILITARY LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. LAZRBLOC®, REVISION® AND
Delivering Soldier First Modernization Frank DeGeorge Senior Account Executive (Army) | Salesforce fdegeorge@salesforce.com 571-888-0805 salesforceforarmy.splashthat.com
14 |
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 S p r i n g 2 0 2 2
® ®
ARE REGISTERED TRADEMARKS OF REYEWEAR ACQUISITION INC.
Legal Update with Doug O’Connell Use of Force in State Active-Duty Situations If you’re required to use force on State Active Duty, you’ll be investigated by a civilian law enforcement agency not the military. More importantly, your actions will be evaluated for compliance with civilian criminal laws, specifically the Texas Penal Code. Any use of force, especially deadly force could subject you to criminal prosecution in state court. These tips are designed to provide some guidance for immediate actions after the use of force — to protect your rights.
Call for Assistance As soon as possible, call for assistance. Take a deep breath and try to report in clear manner. Provide your location as precisely as possible. Make your message clear, for example: “I’m located at checkpoint 7. I just shot 2 men who attacked me.” Once help is on the way, shift to first responder mode.
Render First Aid and Make the Scene Safe Remember in today’s world everyone has a cell phone with a camera. You should assume you are being photographed and videotaped. Ensure all your actions are professional. Once the scene is safe and help has been called, render first aid to anyone injured, including the person or persons on the receiving end of your use of force. The other personnel responding to assist you and or law enforcement officers will be arriving “amped up.” Make sure your weapons are secure or holstered and that you can easily be identified as the “good guy or gal.” Don’t move or touch any of the evidence at the scene, except for securing loose firearms.
I’d like to Speak to My Lawyer
Experienced law enforcement officers never talk about use of force incidents without talking to their lawyer first. Even if you don’t think you did anything wrong, you may fail to adequately articulate the threat you faced which could then risk criminal prosecution. Instead, provide a short, concise statement to the first supervisor arriving at the scene. For example: “My weapon is over there. I shot in self-defense because I feared for my life. I’ll cooperate completely with your investigation; I’d just like to speak with my attorney before answering other questions.” In shooting situations, don’t try to say how many rounds you fired — you’ll likely get it wrong due to the stress of the situation.
Am I being Ordered to Answer Your Questions? Military commanders and NCOs may not be aware that you have an absolute right to remain silent and not answer questions. They likely will be operating in military mode — attempting to rapidly gain situational awareness. If your leaders or supervisors insist that you answer questions, ask that they order you to comply. Under Supreme Court caselaw (Garrity vs. New Jersey) your statements after being compelled to talk cannot be used against you in any subsequent criminal law proceeding.
Afterward Have a buddy take photographs of you after the incident, with a special focus on images of your injuries. Save damaged uniforms and equipment. Provide all these items and your Rules for Use of Force (RUF) card to your attorney as soon as possible. Attorney Doug O’Connell is a NGAT Life Member and partner at O’Connell & West, PLLC. Doug can be reached at (512) 547-7265 or Doug@OConnellWest.com
You have the absolute right to speak with a lawyer before answering questions.
S p r i n g 2 0 2 2 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
|
15
16 |
N a t i o n a l G u a r d A s s o c i a t i o n o f Te x a s H S p r i n g 2 0 2 2
2022 NGAT EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS WINNERS
LEWIS O. KING MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP — $2,000 CAMERON KONGAMNACH Son of SSG Mia Siller
MG (RET) JAMES K. “RED” BROWN LEADERSHIP SCHOLARSHIP — $1,000 HANNAH HAMONTREE Daughter of LTC (Ret) George Hamontree III
NGAT EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP — $7,000 2LT ANGELICA RODRIGUEZ 2-142nd INF BN
NGAT EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP — $5,000 SPC REESE HERBERGER 149th HR CO
LEN AND JEAN TALLAS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP — $5,000 1SG RANDALL BAGWELL B CO 636th EMIB
GLORIA JENELL AND MARLIN E. MOTE ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP — $1,250 KATRINA ALVARADO Daughter of TSgt Salvador Alvarado
TXNG RETIREES ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP — $1,000 SARAH KERR Daughter of Lt Col (Ret) Gary Kerr
USAA SCHOLARSHIP — $1,000 SPC FAITHFUL BOGGS 442nd ENG CO
MG (RET) WILLIAM A. “BILL” HALL & FAMILY LEADERSHIP SCHOLARSHIP — $1,000 GRACE BARROW Daughter of COL (Ret) Gregory Barrow
MG (RET) PATRICK HAMILTON LEADERSHIP SCHOLARSHIP — $1,000 RAEGANN SMITH Daughter of MAJ Charles Peters
NGAT PAST PRESIDENT’S SCHOLARSHIP — $1,000 REGAN NOVOTNY Daughter of COL Jeffrey Novotny
Congratulations to all our winners!
S p r i n g 2 0 2 2 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
|
17
TEXAS GUARD Meet the Future Leaders of the Texas Army National Guard Pictured below (top photo) is the Texas Army National Guard Officer Candidate School graduating Class # 65 who received their commission on Saturday April 9, 2022, at the Texas State Capital House Chamber. Pictured below (bottom photo) is the Warrant Officer Candidate graduating class who received their commission on Saturday, April 16, 2022. Graduating Officers held up their right hand and took the official oath of office before being presented both their certificate and having family or friends pin on their rank. We look forward to these newly commissioned officers doing great things in the future. H
36th Sustainment Brigade The 36th Sustainment Brigade Commander, COL Carrie Perez and Command Sergeant Major Ernesto Castillo uncase the colors of the 36th Sustainment Brigade at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait during their transfer of authority ceremony with the 3rd Infantry Division Sustainment Brigade out of Fort Stewart, Georgia in March of 2022. H (Photo courtesy of the 36th Sust Bde)
Texas State Guard In a unique Change of Command Ceremony, atop a rappelling tower, LTC James Donaghue assumed command of the Texas State Guard’s 4th Battalion from LTC Troy Neasbitt, with BG Robert Hasting, Commander of the Texas State Guard’s 1st Brigade presiding. H
Lt Col Kelly Bean Lt Col Kelly Bean, 147th Force Support Squadron (FSS) commander, is the recipient of the 2022 Brigadier General Wilma Vaught Visionary Leadership Award for her exceptional work and dedication to cultivating an inclusive culture and recognizing the talents all airmen bring to the Air Force. The Brig. Gen. Wilma Vaught Award — named after the most decorated female officer in the Air Force — was created in 2012 to honor service members and civilians who demonstrate visionary leadership, innovation and commitment to inspiring and improving opportunities for women in the Air Force. H
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 Te x a s H S p r i n g 2 0 2 2
TEXAS STATE GUARD RECEIVE A NEW PATCH Out with the old and in with the new! There is a new Texas State Guard patch that is now being distributed. The patch will replace the solid black star/T patch. The new patch emphasizes the “T” for Texas and will carry the Texas State Guard into the new century. National Guard and Reserve Component Personnel will now be issued a DD Form 214. On February 17, 2022, the Department of Defense published DoDi 1336.01, Certificate of Uniformed Service (DD Form 214/215 Series) This updated DoDi mandates that all National Guard and Reserve Component Service members will be issued a DD Form 214 upon completion of their military service, similar to their Active-Duty Counterparts. Our military organizations have been vigorously advocating Congress and the Department of Defense (DoD) to ensure that National Guard and Reserve Component Service members are able to receive a Federally recognized service document that is required in order to access Veteran benefits and entitlements that these Service members have earned.
Read the DoDi here: https://www.esd.whs.mil/.../DD/issuances/dodi/133601p.pdf...
PROTECT IAFTS
INSTALL TIME
SINGLE INTERNAL AUXILIARY FUEL TANK SYSTEM FOR UH-60L/V
10
Min.
USABLE FUEL PER TANK
193
gallons
Robertson continues, to support the National Guard during National Emergencies. We are proud to produce helicopter fuel systems that fulfill critical needs for our military. We continue to support by Extending The Reach Of Freedom .
ORDER NOW! AMCOM CONTRACT NUMBER W58RGZ-21-D-0048 480.337.7050 | robertsonfuelsystems.com
S p r i n g 2 0 2 2 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
|
19
ROAD TRIP TO THE 51st EANGUS BIG DAM CONFERENCE
Time for a road trip this fall to Little Rock, Arkansas, for the 51st EANGUS Big Dam Conference, August 7-10, 2022. Conference registration is $175 until July 1, 2022. After July 1 no refunds will be offered, and conference registration will increase to $200. Onsite registration will be $225. To register to attend visit: https://eangusconference.org/2022-conference-registration/ Conference events include the following:
FRIDAY, AUG 5 • Golf Tournament/Wine Tasting
EANGUS Area IV will be staying at the Little Rock Marriott located at 3 Statehouse Plaza, Little Rock, Arkansas 72201. The conference room rate will be $96.00 per night plus taxes. The Little Rock Marriott is physically attached to the Statehouse Convention Center where the majority of the conference will be held.
To book your hotel room visit the following site:
SATURDAY, AUG 6
https://eangusconference.org/little-rock-hotels/
• 5k Fun Run/Registration/Official travel day
For more information concerning the upcoming EANGUS Conference visit:
SUNDAY, AUG 7
https://eangusconference.org/
• C onference begins/Expo Hall Opens/ Welcome Night event
MONDAY, AUG 8 • Conference Continues/Expo Hall Open/ Industry Day • SEL/Exhibitor Reception/ Junior Enlisted Themed Night
TUESDAY, AUG 9 • C onference Continues/Last Day of Expo Hall/ All Area Hospitality Night
WEDNESDAY, AUG 10 • F inal day of Conference/ All States Awards Banquet
THURSDAY, AUG 11 • Official travel day
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 Te x a s H S p r i n g 2 0 2 2
JOIN US AT THE 144TH NGAUS GENERAL CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION AUGUST 26 -29, 2022 IN COLUMBUS, OHIO. MORE THAN 2,000 ARMY AND AIR NATIONAL GUARD OFFICERS FROM ALL 50 STATES, THREE TERRITORIES AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA WILL GATHER TO CONNECT, NETWORK, AND GET DOWN TO BUSINESS SETTING THE NGAUS UPCOMING LEGISLATIVE AGENDA. Registration is $180.00 per person, and you must be a NGAUS member or guest of a NGAUS member to attend. Recent speakers include congressional leaders, cabinet-level secretaries, Army and Air Forces secretaries and chiefs, and other senior Pentagon officials. Texas will be staying at the Sonesta Columbus Hotel that is connected to the Greater Columbus Convention Center by a walkway, situated in the heart of the Arena District. The conference hotel rate is $128 per night plus tax. Visit the following site to register to attend the conference and to book your hotel room: https://ngat.org/ngaus-conference/
The theme for the Conference will be The National Guard: “At the Heart of it All.” The NGAUS board has decided on the Operational Camouflage Pattern uniform for all business sessions and other meetings. The recommended attire for the States Dinner will be sports jerseys — high school, college, pro or Olympic.
Conference Events are as follows: Thursday, Aug 25 Motorcycle Adventure Ride through the Hocking Hills and Wayne National Forest Friday, Aug 26
Official Travel Day NGAUS Golf Tournament — Bent Tree Golf Club “Chasing the Sun” Fun Run — Run along the scenic Scioto Mile starting at 5 p.m. Company Grade/Warrant Officer/Field Grade Mixer — Huntington Ball Park
Saturday, Aug 27
Company Grade Officer Professional Development Area IV Caucus/First Professional Development General Session Exhibit Hall Opens Governor’s Reception — Center of Science & Industry
Sunday, Aug 28
Religious Services Exhibit Hall Open Second Professional Development General Session Luncheons (Spouse/Warrant Officers/Retirees) Company Grade Officer Professional Development Task Force Breakouts Hospitality Night — Multiple Locations
Monday, Aug 29
Air/Army Separate Sessions Exhibit Hall Closes at noon Third Professional Development General Session Company Grade Officer Professional Development States Dinner and Entertainment — Columbus Convention Center Bring Your Sports Team to Columbus (Wear your favorite sports team apparel)
Tuesday, Aug 30
Official Travel Day
S p r i n g 2 0 2 2 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
|
21
TAPS AS OF 4/30/2022
*LTC Kirk W. Baird, Life Member #27843, Retired, Thorndale
SGT (Ret) Janice Lloyd, Life Member #25583, Temple
Earl J. Baker, Life Member #10351, Retired, Pasadena
Maj Gen Robert W. McDonald, Life Member #2919, Retired, Plano — Former Commander of the Texas Air National Guard
MSG Juan Barragan Jr., Retired, Brownsville SSG Leo H. Barriere Jr., Life Member #23543, Retired, Beaumont MSgt William “Bill” F. Briggs, Life Member #11626, Retired, Houston
SSG Fernando R. Mendoza, Life Member #11127, Retired, Uvalde Mr. Jim H. Miller Jr., Life Member #7112, Lometa SSG Jaime Montiel, Life Member #12868, Retired, Alamo
Byron E. Bryson, Retired, Austin SFC Rodney G. Butler, Life Member #2573, Retired, Weatherford
Mr. Arnulfo Morones, Life Member #3187, Houston BG Bobby Myers, Life Member #2472, Retired, Houston
SSG Jesse Francis Burns, Arlington
**MSG Yolanda N’guojia, GSC, 101st IO Bn, Killeen
SGT Alan Clements, Burleson MSG (Ret) James L. Cragg, Life Member #33603, Sadler
CW3 Frankie Len Parkinson, Life Member #12247, Wichita Falls Chester Martin “Doc” Ransom, Life Member #14374, Glen Rose
SSG Jimmy A. Cribbs, Hillsboro SFC Kenneth R. Denmark, Life Member #6077, Retired, Cedar Park CMSgt Joe E. Dugger, Life Member #2742, Retired, Waxahachie MSgt Larry L. Dyson, Life Member #8056, Retired, Liberty
SGT Clifton Robert Rushing, Texarkana, AR SFC (Ret) James W. Robinson, Life Member #6104, Hillister Mr. James E. Schuberg, Life Member #5715, Pasadena SFC George Summerlin Jr., Austin
*/**SPC Bishop Evans, A Btry 3-133rd FA Rgmt, Operation Lone Star, Arlington
MAJ William L. “Bill” Swail, Life Member #7740, Retired, Austin
CW4 Don Gartman, #4462, Gatesville
COL Zack Swenson, Life Member #2133, Retired, Austin
SSG Norman Getz, Booker
PFC Stephen C. “Rusty” Tabor, Cisco
SGT Robert Green Jr., Life Member #23170, Houston
**SPC Dajuan L. Townes, 272 EN Co, Spring
Mr. Felix Guerra Sr., San Antonio
COL Curtiss R. Waggoner, Life Member #3038, Retired, Lexington
MSG (Ret) J W Harrison, Life Member #20570, DeSoto
CMSgt Hermon Monroe Wallis, Life Member #1905, Retired, Godley
1SG Robert Harrison, Life Member #19760, Retired, Texarkana, Arkansas
MG William “Charlie” Wilson, Life Member #1771, Retired, White Oak, Former Adjutant General of Texas 1989-1993
1SG David Hochstetler, Retired, Mt Vernon, GA SMSgt Anthony “Tony” L. Jackson, Life Member #14481, Retired, Cibilo MSG Theodore R. Jodzio, Life Member #6860, Retired, Tomball
* Had NGAT Life Insurance Policy ** Had No-Cost Active Guard Policy of $1,000
SFC Hollis Jones, Retired, Edgewood
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 Te x a s H S p r i n g 2 0 2 2
Join a 200-Year Legacy of Military Leadership Norwich University is committed to helping you acquire the education you’ve earned. Our military-support team can help reduce your out-of-pocket costs and support your success in online classes.
Use Your GI Bill® Benefits*
The Post-9/11 GI Bill®, Forever GI Bill® and more.
Yellow Ribbon**
Designed by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, this program aims for the VA and degree-granting institutions to pay the difference between what is covered by GI Bill® benefits and the total cost of the program.
Transfer Your Credits
Generous transfer credit policy allows you to make the most of previously earned credit.
20+
Online Programs including: • Business Administration • Civil Engineering • Computer Science • Criminal Justice • Cybersecurity • Data Analytics • Leadership • Military History • National Security • Nursing • Public Administration • Strategic Studies
Military Tuition Assistance* Active Duty, National Guard and Reserve personnel are eligible to receive:
$250 per credit hour for undergraduate degrees online $250 scholarship award each term for graduate degrees online
Learn More
Contact Kelvin Choice, Account Executive | kchoice@norwich.edu | 215-740-1912 * For more information regarding the GI Bill® or Tuition Assistance benefits, contact: Shaun McCaughey, Associate Registrar and VA Certifying Official | smccaugh@ norwich.edu | 802-485-3305 ** We can fund 50% of tuition expenses to Veterans GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
ON LINE . NORWICH. E DU
PERIODICAL
National Guard Association of Texas 3706 Crawford Avenue Austin, Texas 78731-6308
ngat.org
NGAT PLANNING CALENDAR (As of April 30, 2022)
2022 30
May
Memorial Day (NGAT Office Closed)
14
Jun
U.S. Army Birthday/Flag Day
4
Jul
Independence Day (NGAT Office Closed)
6-11
Aug
EANGUS Annual Conference, Little Rock, Arkansas
21-22
Aug
NGAT Board of Directors Meeting, Austin
26-30
Aug
NGAUS Annual Conference, Columbus, Ohio
5
Sep
Labor Day (NGAT Office Closed)
11
Sep
Patriot Day
10
Oct
Columbus Day (NGAT Office Closed)
