2022 Winter NGAT News by MediaNation

Founded 1959 | Volume 61 | Number 4 | Winter 2022

INSIDE

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE NATIONAL GUARD ASSOCIATION OF TEXAS

36th Infantry Division Change of Command

63rd NGAT Conference Update

CSM John F. Sampa’s Farewell

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2021-2022 Board of Directors President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chris McKeag President-Elect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mireya Cruz Vice-President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gerald Lorance Secretary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Richard Newby Treasurer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Paul Cerniauskas Executive Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marvin Harris HQ, Joint Forces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vacant HQ, TXARNG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vacant 71st Troop Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Paul Cerniauskas HQ, 36TH ID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Clinton Petty 56th IBCT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vacant 72nd IBCT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vacant 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 TXARNG Rec & Ret Cmd . . . . . . . . . . . . Gerald Lorance TXANG Rec & Ret Cmd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vacant 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 Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Theresa Billeck-Zuniga Graphic Designer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Terri Sheets, MediaNation.net Publisher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Multicopy Printing Co. Inc.

CONTENTS p8

NGAT CONFERENCE UPDATE

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DUTY | HONOR | TEXAS

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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 NGAT Home Page: www.ngat.org Executive Director: Marvin Harris, CAE – mharris@ngat.org Deputy Executive Director/Membership Director: Theresa Billeck-Zuniga – tbz@ngat.org Insurance Administrator/Corporate Programs: Terri Marshall – tmarshall@ngat.org

NGAT & NGAUS NEEDS YOU!

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

From the President

Legislative Update

6-7

36th Infantry Division Change of Command

NGAT Conference Update

NGAT Scholarships | Awards | Golf Tournament

CSM John F. Sampa’s Farewell

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Duty | Honor | Texas

National Guard Chapel Services

Key Leadership Update

Maintenance Airman

Retiree’s Corner

EANGUS Update

Legal Update

NGAUS Update

NGAT Corporate Sponsors

TAPS

ON THE COVER:

THE TEXAS ADJUTANT GENERAL, MG Tracy Norris, left, passes the colors to incoming commander, MG Charles Aris, during the Texas Army National Guard’s 36th Infantry Division change of command ceremony at Camp Mabry in Austin, Texas, Oct. 30, 2021. MG Patrick Hamilton relinquishes command to Aris. (Photo by MSG Malcolm McClendon).

MEMBERS MAY EMAIL ADDRESS CHANGES TO: membership@ngat.org W i n t e r 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

TO OUR MEMBERS, Happy New Year! It is hard to believe that the start of 2022 is here and is not slowing down. After having to cancel the Annual NGAT Conference the past two years due to the pandemic, your NGAT Board of Directors, and staff, cannot wait to see you this year in person at the 63rd Annual NGAT Conference from March 24-27, 2022 at the Kalahari Resorts & Conventions. We have planned an awesome conference that you do not want to miss. We were able to negotiate a room rate that saves attendees over $200 off the regular room rate and has no resort fee. Plus, each room comes with four passes to the largest indoor waterpark in the US. We are consciously carving out some time in the agenda for you to enjoy this benefit. Please register for the conference at www.ngat.org/ngat-conference. In addition to the fun we’ll have at the resort during the conference, we will be voting in new directors to the NGAT board during the annual meeting. Therefore, it is crucial that we have our delegates present to conduct this important business. Additionally, we’ll present resolutions for consideration and vote. Once again, we want and need to hear from you. Please visit the NGAT website (www.ngat.org/board-of-directors) and contact your MACOM representatives serving you on the NGAT board. We want and need your input as we move forward in making this Association better for our membership. And visit www. ngat.org/legislative to stay current on legislative matters and to write to your representative. It’s hard to believe that it’s been almost one year since I stepped into this role as President. I truly believe in the potential of our Association, and am grateful to be here. We, as your board and full time staff, will continue to press forward in service of you, our members. Please contact me, or any board member, if you have questions or recommendations. I ask you to continue to stay vigilant during the pandemic and the presence of this new variant. Please take care of yourself and your family, and watch out for your fellow Guardsman. Our state leaders continue to strongly encourage those that are eligible, to receive the vaccine and booster, as they are safe and effective. Thank you and please stay safe! H

Chris McKeag President, NGAT president@ngat.org

NGAT WELCOMES CPT MAX PUCKETT to the NGAT Board of Directors. CPT Puckett will represent the 136th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade. 4 |

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Marvin Harris Elected to the NGEDA Board Of Directors In mid-January the National Guard Executive Director Association (NGEDA) met in Columbus, Ohio to conduct the business of the Association. During their annual meeting NGAT Executive Director, Marvin Harris was selected to serve as the 2nd Vice President on the NGEDA Board of Director. The purpose of NGEDA is to encourage and assist, when feasible, each state, commonwealth, territory, and the District of Columbia to organize and maintain a National Guard association. Pictured are the new NGEDA Board of Directors being sworn in: (pictured left to right) President: Jim Simms-KY, Secretary: Maria Kelly-OH, 1st Vice President: Robert Sweeney-WA and 2nd Vice President: Marvin Harris-TX. H (Photo by Michele Mahoney-KS)

NGAT Welcomes Adrienne Williams to Our Staff In late November the National Guard Association of Texas (NGAT) hired Adrienne Williams to serve as our Administrative Assistant. Adrienne will work primarily assisting the Insurance Administrator but will also assist with NGAT Membership. Adrienne is a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserves. She was born in Texas where she has spent most of her life. After High School, she moved to Roswell, NM to attend New Mexico Military Institute (NMMI). While attending NMMI, she worked to achieve the rank of Regimental Adjutant for the school’s Corps while working through her ROTC requirements and remaining active in the school’s administration and student advocacy as a student worker. Williams joined the New Mexico National Guard in December of 2015 to participate in the Simultaneous Membership Program while attending NMMI. She graduated and commissioned into the U.S. Army Reserves out of NMMI in 2017 before moving back to Texas to complete her bachelor’s degree at Texas A&M University in College Station. She graduated with her Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Communication, and minoring in Tourism Management. 1LT Williams currently is assigned to the 300 Sustainment Brigade in Grand Prairie, Texas. Adrienne completed her Basic Officer Leader Course (BOLC) in Fort Jackson, South Carolina in January of 2020. Welcome to the NGAT Team! H

LEGISLATIVE Update National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22) makes historic policy changes that will benefit our service members and their families, while investing in future capabilities for the United States to confront unprecedented challenges facing our nation at home and abroad. The FY22 NDAA promotes resilience, innovation, and the right tools for U.S. success in strategic competition and provides vital quality of life improvements for the backbone of America’s fighting force: our service members and their families. The FY22 NDAA builds on previous attempts to close the pay gap by authorizing support for a 2.7 percent pay increase for our service men and women in uniform, making historic and sweeping changes to the Uniform Code of Military Justice to combat sexual assault in the military, authorizing record funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities, containing measures to ensure our military is diverse and inclusive, makes key investments to address the threat of climate change and bolsters energy resiliency across the Department of Defense, and taking full advantage of our diverse talent pool to meet the complex national security challenges of today and tomorrow.

SOME IMPORTANT HIGHLIGHTS ARE AS FOLLOWS: Increase in Basic Pay

• Supports increase in military basic pay by 2.7%.

Incentive and Special Pays • Requires the military to provide Reserve and National Guard service members incentive and special duty pay at the same rate as their active-duty counterparts.

Diversity and Inclusion

Space Force

• Requires independent review from the Services on the recruitment and retention of Hispanic service members. • Updates outdated diversity training requirements to ensure training includes programming to reduce discrimination and bias based on race, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, and gender identity, among other items.

• The Secretary of Defense will conduct a study to review the overall organization of the reserve component, including the appropriate allocation and use of Space assets in the reserve component, and the consideration of establishing a Space National Guard.

Private Funding of National Guard Activities • Prohibits private funds from being used to fund any State’s National Guard deployment in another state, except for natural disaster emergencies.

Special Trial Counsel • Removes the Commander from decisions related to the prosecution of covered crimes including rape, sexual assault, murder, manslaughter, and kidnapping. • Criminalizes sexual harassment under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. All claims of sexual harassment will be required to be investigated by an independent investigator outside the chain of command. • Establishes judge-alone sentencing and sentencing parameters to increase fairness across the system.

Military Families • Creates a new category of bereavement leave for military personnel that would permit servicemembers to take up to two weeks of leave in connection with the death of a spouse or child. • Increases parental leave to 12 weeks for all servicemembers for the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. • Establishes a Basic Needs Allowance to ensure that all servicemembers can meet the basic needs of their families. H

Education • Requires the Secretary of Defense to allow a covered individual to use Montgomery GI Bill benefits and Department of Defense tuition assistance benefits concurrently.

COVID-19 • Provide that a servicemember who declines the COVID-19 vaccine may only receive an honorable discharge but requires that, during the period between August 24, 2021, and 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, any discharge of a servicemember, on the sole basis that the member failed to obey a lawful order to receive a vaccine for COVID-19, shall be an honorable discharge, or a general discharge under honorable conditions.

GOVERNOR ABBOTT VISITS TEXAS GUARD TEXAS GOVERNOR GREG ABBOTT visits with members of the Texas Military Department and the Texas Department of Public Safety for a pre-Thanksgiving meal in Del Rio, Texas, November 24, 2021. In March of 2021, Abbott launched Operation Lone Star, a joint mission between the departments and other state agencies to address concerns related to security along the Texas-Mexico border. (Photo by 94th Airlift Wing)

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CHANGE of Command 36TH INFANTRY DIVISION CONDUCTS CHANGE OF COMMAND On October 30, 2021, the 36th Infantry Division welcomed their new leader at a change of command ceremony at Camp Mabry in Austin, Texas. Governor Greg Abbott delivered the keynote address as the military division said their goodbye to their commander, MG Patrick Hamilton. He was succeeded by MG Charles Aris, who called the division the best in the country and praised the Texas National Guard. In the same ceremony, CSM Mark Horn exchanged responsibilities with CSM Clinton Petty. During the keynote address, Governor Abbott welcomed the 36th Infantry Division home from their deployment to Kuwait as part of Operation Spartan Shield. The Governor also thanked Texas National Guard members and their families for their service to the State of Texas and for answering the call to keep

BG John “Mike” Wallace

COL John “Brad” Bowlin

Assistant Division Commander Maneuver

Assistant Division Commander Operations

Texans safe. The change of command is a military ritual that marks the passing of authority and responsibility over a division from the outgoing commander to the new commander. In October of 2020, Tennessee’s 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment, headquartered in Knoxville, aligned with Texas’ 36th Infantry Division, headquartered in Austin, Texas for training and possible future deployments under the U.S. Army’s division alignment plan. The purpose is to better prepare National Guard units to deploy and fight in large-scale ground combat operations. Eight divisions headquartered across the United States aligned with subordinate brigades to improve the National Guard’s readiness and their ability to fight together. The alignment also gives high performing

TEXAS GOVERNOR, GREG ABBOTT, addresses family, friends, and Guardsmen at the 36th Infantry Division’s change of command ceremony at Camp Mabry in Austin, Texas. (Photo by MSG Malcolm McClendon) 6 |

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leaders the opportunity to cross train and be assigned to division staff and other units across state lines. The 36th Infantry Division welcomed COL John “Brad” Bowlin who will serve as the Assistant Division Commander—Operations. COL Bowlin is the first Tennessee Guardsman to serve on the 36th Infantry Division’s command team. BG John “Mike” Wallace was selected to serve as the Assistant Division Commander—Maneuver. BG Wallace previously served as the Chief of the Joint Staff for the Texas Military Department. The 36th Infantry Division currently has Soldiers deployed along the southern border to assist with protection efforts. H

THE TEXAS ADJUTANT GENERAL, MG TRACY NORRIS, center, MG Patrick Hamilton, right, and MG Charles Aris conduct MG Hamilton’s final troop review at the 36th Infantry Division change of command ceremony at Camp Mabry in Austin, Texas, Oct. 30, 2021. MG Patrick Hamilton relinquishes command to incoming commanding commander, MG Charles Aris. (Photo by MSG Malcolm McClendon)

MG Charles K. Aris

Commander 36th Infantry Division Major General (MG) Charles K. Aris was commissioned as a Regular Army Armor officer in 1988 following graduation from Texas A&M University, College Station, TX. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Texas A&M, a Juris Doctorate from South Texas College of Law, and a Master of Science in Strategic Studies from the Army War College. MG Aris began his career as a Tank Platoon Leader, Company Executive Officer and Battalion S-4 in the 4th Battalion, 35th Armor, 5th Infantry Division in Fort Polk, LA. He joined the Texas Army National Guard in 1993 and began his National Guard career as a Company Executive Officer in the 4th Battalion, 112th Armor. As a Captain, he has commanded companies in the 4th Battalion, 112th Armor in Rosenberg (Bravo Company) and Bryan, TX (Headquarters and Headquarters Company). He has served as a Battalion S-3. Assistant G-3 Operations, and later as Deputy G-3 in the 49th Armored Division. He took command of 4th Battalion, 112th Armor in September 2004 and deployed to Kosovo as Commander of Task Force Houston in support of the Multi-National Brigade – East, as Camp Monteith’s Commander. In May 2009, he joined the 36th Infantry Division Headquarters (redesignated from the 49th Armored Division) as the Assistant Chief of Staff, G-3. In 2010, he deployed on a short tour with the United States Division—South, 1st Infantry Division as the Assistant G-3 to support Operation Iraqi Freedom. He would later deploy in 2011 as the G-3 of United States Division—South, 36th Infantry Division in support of Operation New Dawn. MG Aris commanded the 72nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team. He then commanded the 56th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. He moved on to serve as the 36th Infantry Division Chief of Staff and in July 2016, MG Aris assumed the responsibilities as the Assistant Division Commander (Maneuver). During his deployment he served as the Commanding General for Resolute Support Train, Advise, Assist Command—South at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan. MG Aris then served as the Commanding General for the 71st Troop Command from April 2018 to March of 2020. He was reassigned to his current position as Commander 36th Infantry Division (Rear). He currently is Partner in a civil litigation firm in Dallas, Texas. He resides in Waxahachie, Texas with his wife Amy Aris of 32 years. They have two children, Matthew who is currently serving at Fort Hood and Kate Aris who is attending Texas A&M University. H

CSM Clinton Petty

Command Sergeant Major 36th Infantry Division Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Clinton Petty hails from Adrian, Texas. He enlisted as an Infantryman in the United States Army in September 1984. He attended Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Benning, Georgia. Upon graduation, he was assigned to the 7th Infantry Division in Fort Ord, CA with follow on assignments with the 8th Infantry Division in Baumholder, Germany, and the First Cavalry Division in Fort Hood, Texas. He joined the Texas Army National Guard in December 1995 and has enjoyed numerous assignments during his tenure. He has served in every leadership position from Infantry Team Leader to Command Sergeant Major. His current assignment is 36th Infantry Division (Rear) CSM and his previous key leadership positions include B Co 949th Brigade Support Battalion 1SG, 949th Brigade Support Battalion CSM, 3-144th INF Battalion CSM, and the 56th Infantry Brigade Combat Team CSM. CSM Petty’s deployments include Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom—Horn of Africa. CSM Petty’s military education includes the Primary Leadership Development Course, Basic Non-Commissioned Officer Course, Advanced Non-Commissioned Officer Course, and the United States Army Sergeant Major Academy. His awards and decorations include Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (2OLC), Army Accommodation Medal (8OLC), Army Achievement Medal (5OLC), Air Force Achievement Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, Texas Medal of Merit, Texas Adjutant General’s Individual Award, Expert Infantry Badge, and Air Assault Badge. CSM Petty is married with four children and three grandchildren. H

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63rd ANNUAL NGAT CONFERENCE Update

$139 Per Nig h Hotel Rate t -N

o Resort Fee - Includes 4 ti ckets to the Waterpark

Expires Feb.

EMBRACE Kalahari Resorts | Round Rock, Texas “Embrace Change” with us at the 63rd Annual NGAT Conference! We are exciting to be holding an in-person conference at the Kalahari Resorts & Convention Center in Round Rock, Texas. Kalahari is located 30 miles from the Austin International Airport and downtown Austin. It’s a great new hotel with so much to offer—you won’t be disappointed. We have an amazing hotel rate of $139 per night with no resort fee. Each room includes 4 tickets to their indoor waterpark. Don’t worry, there will be plenty of time to enjoy the waterpark. Book your rooms fast on our website because they won’t last for long. The conference has something for everyone. Check out the License to Carry Certification class, Fun Run & Walk, Golf Tournament—or maybe wine tasting is more your style. Don’t forget to visit our military trade show with great information on goods and services available to military members both active and retired. We will also be conducting the business of the Association. Join us on Friday night at the Barn at the Kalahari and relax with friends, enjoy some BBQ and the picturesque view surrounding the area. Dance the night away to music by the Melinda Adams Band and outdoor games. Close out the conference with us on Saturday night as we recognize outstanding achievements for those who work so hard for the Association. Then enjoy an evening of dancing with musical entertainment provided by Carbonlily. For more information and to register and book your room visit our website at ngat.org/ngat-conference. We hope to see you there.

It’s going to be a great time!

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22, 2022

N O W A C C E P T I N G N G AT AWA R D S N O M I N AT I O N S The NGAT Awards Program is designed to recognize NGAT members, members of the Texas Military Forces, government officials, and organizations for heroic actions, outstanding achievements, and periods of meritorious service to the Texas Military Forces and the National Guard Association of Texas. The deadline for receipt of all award recommendations is February 25, 2022, in the NGAT office. Complete submission requirements and criteria are available at www.ngat.org/ awards-program. H

FINAL CALL FOR N G AT E F S C H O L A R S H I P A P P L I C AT I O N S The National Guard Association of Texas Educational Foundation (NGATEF) will accept Scholarship applications through February 25, 2022. Scholarships are available to NGAT Members and/or their spouse, sons or daughters. There are scholarships available specifically for NGAT members of the Texas State Guard and/or their spouse, sons or daughters. The foundation will award multiple educational grants of various amounts ranging from $500 to $5,000. High school seniors, college undergraduates, and graduate students will be considered for these educational scholarships. Download the scholarship application at https://ngat.org/ngatef.

Applications must be postmarked no later than February 25, 2022, in order to be considered. H

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C O M M A N D S E R G E A N T M A J O R S A M PA S AYS FA R E W E L L IT’S BEEN 35 YEARS AND THE TIME HAS FINALLY COME FOR ME TO HANG UP MY ARMY UNIFORM AND BOOTS AS A SOLDIER AND AS THE 12TH COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR OF THE ARMY NATIONAL GUARD. As I reflect on those 35 years, my thoughts turn to our Soldiers, their families, and employers who have given so much to meet the needs of their communities and this great nation. My entire family and civilian employer are definitely part of that contribution. I really can’t say thank you enough to my wife of 30-plus years, Carlette, our two adult children, John B. and Julia, my employer of 27 years, the Texas Highway Patrol, or my comrades in the Army and the National Guard for the total support they have provided me throughout my Army career. I leave with a heart full of gratitude, great memories, plenty of friends and with overwhelming joy as a Soldier in the Army National Guard. I am truly a Soldier for life. I did not make a mistake joining the Army National Guard and the United States Army. The dedicated men and women in the National Guard will never stop impressing me with their competence and compassion, and their ability to execute as a team —no matter the task. That execution as a team was displayed for the world to see in January 2021, when 26,000 National Guard members from all 50 states, three territories and the District of Columbia dropped everything in their civilian lives and with a moment’s notice traveled to Washington, D.C., to provide security for the 59th Presidential Inauguration. Because of professionals like them, the National Guard is seen as trusted members of their communities and around the world. I believe that is a true testament to their ability to learn and grow, face threats, overcome all manner of challenges, and their ability to put people first. We are “Always Ready, Always There,” because of THEM. I could not be prouder of their initiative, loyalty, and dedication to service.

CSM JOHN F. SAMPA AND HIS WIFE CARLETTE. CSM Sampa is an NGAT and EANGUS Life Member. We appreciate his continued and unwavering support of all professional associations and wish him well!

That service has enabled us to respond during the past two years in what has been an unprecedented time where we saw the highest Guard activations since World War II. Whether it was supporting COVID-19 response efforts; maintaining or helping to restore peace during civil unrest; or responding in the aftermath of natural disasters—the history books will cite that we supported all those missions—in some cases, simultaneously—while we continued to train and deploy thousands of National Guard Soldiers for overseas missions. Our primary mission is the combat mission. As the combat ready reserve of the Army and Air Force, the Guard’s operational capability and ability to deploy have never been stronger. We are certainly not the National Guard I enlisted into 35 years ago. We continue to modernize our equipment and adapt how we train and how we fight so we are prepared to meet future operational challenges anywhere around the world. I am very proud that I was able to serve as the 12th Command Sergeant Major of the Army National Guard during these unprecedented times and that I am the first African American to serve in this position. It has been humbling, and an honor and distinct privilege, to serve and represent the men and women of the National Guard and their families for the last four years. My Army career has taken me from being an enthusiastic private first class when I graduated from basic training and the Army’s Combat Tank Crewman Course at Fort Knox, Kentucky, to the highest enlisted rank and position in the Army National Guard. During my 35 years of service, I’ve held many different Soldier and leadership positions. I deployed overseas to Bosnia and twice to Iraq. During my 2005 combat tour in Iraq, I was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and the Combat Action Badge. And in February 2003, I was part of the Texas Army National Guard leadership during the space shuttle Columbia search and rescue mission in east Texas. Throughout my career, I was provided great leadership. Providing that same great leadership to the men and women of the Army Guard has always been my number one priority. My leadership style is grounded by my self-designed acronym, OATES— opportunity, accountability, transparency, education, and standards. Every Soldier deserves an opportunity, and every Soldier should be held accountable for his or her actions. We must be transparent in our leadership, and we need to educate ourselves to be the best we can be and maintain the standards. Although challenging at times—especially balancing home life and a civilian career—my family and I have

had an awesome time serving in the Army National Guard and the U.S. Army. Our mission in the Army Guard cannot be accomplished without the support of loved ones, families, and civilian employers. To the families, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. To the employers, especially my own, I truly appreciate and am grateful for the loyal and dedicated support you have provided —thank you! The national security of our nation and allied partners depends on the National Guard and the trust in the National Guard is higher than it has ever been before. You all have contributed to that trust with your unwavering support. As I hang up my uniform and boots, I leave the National Guard with a challenge: I challenge every Soldier, Airmen and leader to ensure your unit has the highest readiness and is as responsive as it can be. Be involved. If you see things in your section that could be improved, do your part to make it stronger. Every Soldier can inspire change. We are a strong force because we are well trained, well-educated, and able to adapt to change. Speak tactfully and thoughtfully, but directly. Ensure everyone is treated with dignity and respect. What we do to enable individuals and the unit to be successful after we’re gone is our legacy. We, as leaders, need to build a legacy. Privates and junior noncommissioned officers can also contribute to building that legacy. You should always ask the question, what can I do for those who come after me? Make sure you stay a strong Soldier while you are serving and even after your service is over. Each leader should provide selfless service through engaged leadership. As an NCO, it has always been my duty to ensure Soldiers were properly trained and informed. These 35 years of service have certainly been an adventure for me and my family. We are a Soldier Family for Life. I am truly proud to be a longtime Texas Army National Guardsman and a Texas Highway Patrolman, serving the great men and women of the State of Texas and the United States of America! H

Reprint from the EANGUS New Patriot Fall/Winter 2021

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Afghanistan Members of the 147th Attack Wing based at Ellington Field JRB, Houston, Texas, came together at an undisclosed location in early November. Members were deployed in support of Spartan Shield and Inherent Resolve. (Photo courtesy of the 147th Attack Wing)

Texas Border

La Porte

Copperas Cove

Texas Air National Guard, Brig Gen Mathew Barker (left), Chief of Staff for the Texas Air National Guard; and Texas Army National Guard, COL John Laing (right), Senior Chaplain for the Texas Military Department, pose in front of the San Jacinto Monument November 13, 2021, following a ceremony. Elected officials, key leaders from the Texas Military Department, and volunteers gathered during an event at the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site to honor all Texans who have given their lives in armed conflict from the Revolution through Afghanistan. Beginning at 6:00 a.m. that morning, more than 1,000 volunteers lit and placed 21,500 luminaries—made of paper bags filled with sand and candles—on the battleground site, representing the 21,500 veterans who lost their lives. (Photo by SFC Elizabeth Pena)

Texas State Guardsman CPT Sean Payton prepares to hand out donated stuffed animals to the students of House Creek Elementary in Copperas Cove, Texas on December 17, 2021. Since 2009, the Texas State Guard has distributed over 500,000 toys across Texas through the “Young Heroes of the Guard” Toy Drive. In 2021, the Texas State Guard donated over 70,000 toys throughout schools, hospitals, daycares, shelters, and nonprofit organizations across Texas. These donations are received through sponsors in the community.

BG Monie Ulis, Texas Military Department Border Commander, and CSM Michelle Thompson, the incoming Texas Army National Guard’s Senior Enlisted Advisor, met with Soldiers and Airmen in late December who were serving in support of Operation Lone Star. The operation, ordered by the Office of the Governor Greg Abbott in early 2021, has Texas Guard Soldiers, Airmen, and State Guardsmen serving alongside Texas Department of Public Safety Troopers to deter criminal activities and bring security to the state’s border communities.

(Photos by SGT Katie Retschulte)

(Photo courtesy of the Texas Military Department)

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Houston

Col Hector Comacho, 147th Attack Wing commander, serves lunch with Senior Enlisted Advisory Council (SEAC) members at the Outstanding Airmen of the Year (OAY) lunch held of Jan. 8, 2022, in Austin, Texas. Each year, Airmen who are recognized for their outstanding achievements and contributions to the Air National Guard compete for the title of OAY at the local, state, and national levels. (Photo by SrA Charissa Menken)

CW5 Stephen White enjoyed his final flight and retirement party with friends and family on November 4th at Ellington field! CW5 White celebrated 7,000 accident-free flying hours, over 35 years of service, and 4 deployments. Congratulations! (Photo courtesy of the 36th Combat Aviation Brigade)

Marietta, GA

Austin

Members of the Texas State Guard pose for a photo at the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum in Austin, Texas, where they celebrated with a gala in honor of the 80th Birthday of the Texas State Guard.

Senior leadership, including Col Keith Williams, 136th Airlift Wing commander; Col David Compton, 136 AW vice commander; and CMSgt Trey McKinney, 136 AW command chief, enjoy the ride home in the wing’s newest C-130J Super Herc that came right off the assembly line out of Marietta, Georgia, October 14, 2021. The aircraft will significantly increase the wing’s capability to serve Texas and our Nation. (Photo by Julie Briden-Garcia)

Austin

W i n t e r 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

C A M P M A B RY O F F E R S S U N D AY C H A P E L S E RV I C E S The Texas Military Department is now offering Chapel Services every Sunday either in-person or via the internet at the Lieutenant General Thomas S. Bishop All Faiths Chapel on Camp Mabry. Historically, the Chapel Services on Camp Mabry were conducted by the National Guard Chaplains on drill weekends, which was one Sunday per month. Now, with the assistance of the Texas State Guard Chaplains, non-denominational services are held each Sunday at 11:00 a.m.

“We emphasize that our services are all-faiths, and we are open to those without faith,” said COL Tom Mohler, Chief of Chaplains for the State Guard. To attend services online using Facebook live go to: https://www.facebook.com/TexasSateGuardChaplains or https:// www.facebook.com/TexasStateGuard H

State Chaplain, Col John Laing, often delivers the message but he also invites other Texas National Guard Chaplains to participate and bring their own messages. The Texas State Guard Chaplains rotate sermons to ensure that every Sunday offers messages to all faiths and those without faith.

CHAPLAIN (COL) TOM MOHLER, Texas State Guard, lights candles in advance of the chapel services at the Lieutenant General Thomas S. Bishop All Faiths Chapel on Camp Mabry.

RESPONSIVE IN ANY SITUATION www.amgeneral.com

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KEY LEADERSHIP Update

MG Carlton G. Smith

BG Anthony Woods

Col David W. Compton

Col Matthew Groves

Commander 136th Airlift Wing

Vice Wing Commander 136th Airlift Wing

Col Sean Brennan

LTC Jared L. Gustin

LTC Christopher Sedtal

Lt Col Benjamin “Showdown” Schill

Commander 71st Troop Command

Commander 147th Medical Group

Acting Commander Texas State Guard

Commander 636th Expeditionary Intelligence Battalion

Commander 136th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade

Commander 149th Operations Group

CMSgt Michael E. Cornitius Jr.

LTC Carlos L. Sigcho

MAJ (P) Stacy J. Rostorfer

Commander 36th Infantry Division, HHB

Commander 1-149th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion

Special Assistant to the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chief of the National Guard Bureau

CSM Michelle L. Thompson

CMSgt Jose Alpizar

CMSgt Trang “Rose” Maxie

Senior Enlisted Advisor Texas Army National Guard

Command Chief 149th Communications Flight

Command Chief 147th Attack Wing

W i n t e r 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

M A I N T ENANCE AIRMAN, C I V I LI A N PILOT E A R N S M I L ITARY WINGS Story by SSgt Ryan Mancuso

An Airman assigned to the Texas Air National Guard’s 149th Fighter Wing received word recently that she had been accepted into the Army’s Aviation Rotary Wing program as a warrant officer, making her dream of flying military aircraft an actuality. “I look at those airplanes and I think ‘wow, I’m really here,” said Senior Airman Amanda Alderete, 149th Fighter Wing maintenance management production analyst, referring to the F-16 Fighting Falcons she maintains daily. “This is my life. This is amazing.” The San Antonio native will never forget her first time walking through the F-16 hangar. It was 2020, and Alderete had just transferred from the Air Force Reserve to the Air National Guard. “There’s nothing like seeing the fleet out there, and the jets take off,” Alderete said. “You realize how big of a mission this is, and you’re this small little piece serving something bigger than yourself.” This newfound daily reality inspired her to get her private pilot’s license with hopes of eventually becoming a military pilot. The seeds of Alderete’s pilot dreams began when she was given a rare opportunity to attend the Air Force’s Squadron Officer School as part of a civilian internship program before she enlisted into the Air Force. “I never had thoughts of joining the military until I got into this program and got to work hand-in-hand with active-duty military and going to Squadron Officer School,” Alderete said. “I was in a room with pilots and (physician assistants) and intel, and it was just an amazing experience.” After enlisting in 2018 and eventually transferring to the 149th FW to work among fighter jets, Alderete began to dream of taking to the skies herself. With her mentor’s advice of, “if you’re going to fail, fail quickly,” in mind, she walked into a civilian flight school and asked how much lessons cost. Since that day in March of 2020, she has been dedicating every possible resource to her goal of flying for an airline and traveling the world. “I’m terrified that I’m going to get into a situation where I wait too long,” Alderete said. She explained that flying requires a lot of muscle memory and is

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SENIOR AIRMAN AMANDA ALDERETE, 149th Fighter Wing maintenance management analyst, poses for a photo at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. (Photo By Staff Sgt. Ryan Mancuso) something that you must continuously practice in order to remain proficient. It is also costly. Alderete confessed that many pilots are “weeded out” during this challenging process, but can’t imagine doing anything else. Through persistence and networking she was able to get a scholarship with Women in Aviation, an organization dedicated to helping women realize their aviation dreams. She attended a conference about women in the aviation industry and the associated career opportunities available to them. The conference was a glimpse of what her reality could be and a chance to meet with several commercial airlines and the Air Force. Alderete credits her success to her team. When she received the opportunity to fill a last-minute Airman Leadership School seat at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, several people across the wing pulled together all the necessary paperwork and funding to get her there. “To have a team that supports you and cares about you enough to go above and beyond, you can’t put a price tag on that,” she said. “I have been given a chance to make a better future for my family and self.” Alderete made the most of the opportunity and earned several awards during her time in Florida. Through connections made from various aviation organizations, she found a flight instructor in Panama City and drove an hour each way after work to fly. Her class unanimously voted to award her the John L. Levitow Award, and the First Sergeant Council awarded her the Commandant Leadership Award

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 W i n t e r 2 0 2 2

based on peer and commandant recommendations. She also received the First Wings Award scholarship from the Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarship Fund, affording her the opportunity to continue pursuing pilot certifications. “Airmen like (Alderete) have a drive to succeed that only needs encouragement and gas to throw on their fire,” said Master Sgt. Adam Storer, Alderete’s maintenance management analysis section supervisor. “I love that. Every time we can lift our people up, it makes us better equipped to lift the next Airman. It’s very exciting to be a part of those moments,” he added. Alderete will now enlist into the Army as a warrant officer to become a Blackhawk helicopter pilot. “I’m actually going to leave the nice, cushy, Air Force job with wonderful benefits to follow my path, my passion, which is flying,” she said. Alderete’s experience illustrates the importance of following through on one’s goals, and this steadfast determination is not lost on her supervision. “She acquires a target and pursues it to mission success,” said Storer. “Hands down, it is that passion that will continue to benefit her, the state of Texas, and the USAF.” H

MG Bodisch Retires from the Texas State Guard Gray Area Retirees Can Get Army Pay Account Gray Area Retirees Now Have a New Avenue to Stay Connected: A New Kind of myPay Account for Army National Guard, Air National Guard, Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve and Air Force Reserve Gray Area Retirees. There is a new avenue to stay connected and informed between the time they stop drilling and the time they start receiving retired pay. This basic “Future Retiree” myPay account provides Gray Area Retirees a convenient way to keep their contact information updated with DFAS during the gray area period, so that they can receive important news from DFAS and from their Branch of Service. With their current contact information, DFAS and their Branch of Service can keep them informed about changes in the laws or policies that may affect them, send them their Services’ Retiree Newsletter and the DFAS Retiree Newsletter, and remind them when the window to apply for retired pay is approaching. In addition, with current contact information in the new myPay account, when DFAS receives a completed Gray Area Retiree application for retired pay from the Branch of Service, DFAS will send email status notifications to the retiree: when DFAS receives the application, when DFAS begins working on the application, and when DFAS completes it. Note: Gray Area Retirees should always work with their Branch of Service to complete their retired pay application.

On Sunday, October 31, 2021, MG Robert Bodisch, Sr., the Texas State Guard Commanding Officer since 2017 retired after 33 years of military service. During his tenure, MG Bodisch doubled the number of full-time staff supporting our guardsmen, restructured the Texas State Guard to align geographically with the Department of Public Safety regions, established a rigorous Professional Military Education program, and increased the number of health, wellness, and resiliency programs available to the State Guard. Most significantly, since March of 2020, he has led the State Guard through their historic commitment to more than 66,000 service member days to the State of Texas. His impact on the Texas State Guard will be felt for generations to come. The Texas Adjutant General of Texas, MG Tracy Norris has named BG Anthony Woods the acting Commander for the Texas State Guard. H

36th Infantry Division Bids Farewell to MG Hamilton

For links to your specific service to sign up visit: https://www.dfas.mil/RetiredMilitary/plan/Gray-Area-Retirees/

How to Get Started with myPay or Access an Inactive Account If you’re not using myPay, it’s easy to get started. myPay is now simpler, streamlined and more mobile-friendly. That means it’s easier to manage your pay account using the web browser on your computer, smartphone or tablet. And your 1099R tax statement is available much sooner in myPay then through postal mail. Plus now, with a current email address in myPay, you can get email status notifications when you request changes to your pay account.

To Get Started: Request an Initial Password If you’ve never used myPay, you can request an initial password on the myPay homepage at https://mypay.dfas.mil using the “Forgot or Need a Password” link. The password will be mailed to the address you have on file with DFAS. Once you receive your password in the mail, you can return to the myPay homepage and log in with your social security number and the password you received in the mail to create your myPay profile.

Reactivating Your myPay Account If your myPay account is in an inactive status because your password has expired, you can easily reactivate your account using the “Forgot or Need a Password” link on the myPay homepage: https://mypay.dfas.mil.

Key leaders from the Texas Military Department, friends, and family members gathered on October 31, 2021, at Camp Mabry in Austin, Texas, to celebrate the retirement of MG Patrick Hamilton, outgoing Commanding General of the 36th Infantry Division with more than 35 years of military service. During his military service, he served in many different positions. Most notable are his service as the Chief of Operations for the U.S. Sector, Operation Noble Eagle, as a Battalion Commander, Operation Enduring Freedom, as the Red Team leader for the 101st Airborne Division, Commanding General and dual-status Commander during the Hurricane Harvey response, and Commanding General for Task Force Spartan in support of Operation Spartan Shield. H (Photo by SFC Elizabeth Pena)

W i n t e r 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

Make your plans to attend the “Big Dam Conference” in Little Rock, Arkansas, on August 7-10, 2022.

Why Join EANGUS?

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Just a short road trip from Texas to Arkansas. Registration is now open at https://eangusconference.org/.

Legal Update with Wesley West Estate Planning Options for Military Service Members If you’ve spent any time in the military, you are no stranger to the Solder Readiness Processing (SRP). You know—that two-day struggle to make your way through the labyrinth of medical and dental visits, personnel stations, records review, and ultimately the attorneys who prepare estate plans to ensure your loved ones get your stuff if the unthinkable should happen. Unfortunately, the rushed and chaotic atmosphere at a SRP is not the ideal environment for serious estate planning. Proper estate planning will reduce pressure and anxiety on those who are left to deal with the permanent absence of the family member, and provide immediate access to assets for burial, continuing to make the house payment, etc.

The Last Will and Testament is the normal method for Soldiers and Airman to dispose of their property to their heirs. It is accepted in all states, and a will can do all things necessary to accomplish disposition. Unfortunately, distributing assets in a Will requires court involvement called “probate,” which often requires additional costs and attorney fees. Probating a will can be even more expensive if there are many heirs, disputes, or worse if there was a technical error in drafting or executing the instrument. Wills are solid tools, but other methods exist to avoid exposing assets to probate courts, and creditors. In 2015, the Legislature enacted the Texas Real Property Transfer on Death Act (TRPTODA) which allows an owner to name a beneficiary to receive real estate located within the State of Texas. The real estate passes to the beneficiary outside the regular probate process by means of a transfer on death deed (TODD). The owner retains the absolute right to revoke the deed or sell, mortgage or otherwise encumber the property. The TODD is a huge win because generally the largest portion of most estates is real property.

Banking and investment accounts may also be disposed in a Last Will and Testament, but there are more efficient ways to transfer outside of probate. Every financial institution that holds depositor’s or investor’s cash has options to transfer decedent assets without the necessity of probate. These types of accounts are normally called “transfer on death” or “payable on death” options. Be mindful to ask your financial representative to ensure that should you expire; the person or persons of your choosing will become immediate owners of those assets without the necessity of court involvement. Estate planning can seem like an arduous task. However, failing to plan can erode what you’ve worked so hard to build, and leave your loved ones in confusing and expensive situations just to maintain the homestead, or have access to your savings account. H Attorney Wesley West is a NGAT Life Member and partner at O’Connell & West, PLLC. Wes can be reached at (512) 547-7265.

W i n t e r 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

N G AT & N G A U S N E E D YO U R H E L P THE ISSUE: H.R.3512, The Healthcare for our Troops Act ACTION: Immediately contact your Representative and ask them to support H.R.3512 www.ngaus.org/legislation/write-congress/zero-cost-tricare

Background NGAT & NGAUS strongly supports H.R. 3512, the Healthcare for our Troops Act. This legislation would provide access to zerocost TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS) and dental coverage to Reserve Component (RC) servicemembers. Additionally, this legislation expands TRS eligibility to RC servicemembers currently working for the federal government in their civilian capacity. H.R. 3512 was introduced by Reps. Andy Kim (NJ-03) and Trent Kelly (MS-01). H.R. 3512 is originally co-sponsored by Reps. Tim Ryan (OH-13), Steven Palazzo (MS-04), Scott DesJarlais (TN-04), Elise Stefanik (NY-21) and Marc Veasey (TX-33). Servicemembers are required to meet medical deployability requirements. An estimated 130,000 Guardsmen and Reservists do not have health insurance under the current disjointed system of thirdparty health contractors and Periodic Health Assessments (PHAs), which greatly impacts the Reserve Component’s medical readiness. Inconsistent healthcare coverage for members of the Reserve Component makes meeting these requirements difficult to achieve. H.R. 3512 Healthcare for our Troops Act ensures servicemembers meet the medical standards required of a deployable force at no cost to them and their families. Additionally, this bill provides coverage for dental care, another common deployability issue experienced by the Reserve Component. These changes would also provide the Department of Defense (DoD) with a powerful recruiting and retention tool, as well as a significant employer incentive to retain talented individuals in gainful civilian employment. Under current law, National Guard and Reserve servicemembers who are federal employees in their civilian capacity are ineligible to enroll in TRS. This creates confusion in coordinating benefits for servicemembers and their families and prevents servicemembers from establishing continuity of care and treatment as they deploy or transition in or out of the federal government. H.R. 3512 strikes the language that disallows servicemembers from accessing TRS simply due to working for the federal government in their civilian capacity. No matter if you’re active or retired, every voice counts. Scan the QR code to fill out the form to contact your congressional leadership in Washington, D.C. H

AFBA NGAUS Active Life Member Scholarship The AFBA NGAUS Active Life Member Scholarship awards two $5,000 scholarships every July to Active Life members of NGAUS or dependents of Active Life members seeking an undergraduate, graduate or post-graduate degree. The applicant must be a full-time student. The application period runs March 1 through June 1. Watch the NGAUS website for additional scholarships that should open up soon. https://www.ngaus.org/membership/member-benefits/scholarships H

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SPONSORS PLATINUM

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NON-PROFIT SPONSORS

W i n t e r 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

TAPS AS OF 1/31/2022

SFC Gary David Aycock, Life Member #28224, Retired, Lewisville

CW4 Paul D. Lewis, Life Member #4778, Retired, Flower Mound

LTC Larry S. Bassett, Life Member #7166, Retired, San Antonio

SGT Lorenzo Lopez Jr, Life Member #18333, Amarillo

CW2 Marcus G. Bourland, Life Member #3068, Retired, Groves

SMSgt Roy J. McRae, Life Member #19159, Retired, San Antonio

SSG Henry P. Carter, Life Member #2075, Eustace

SGT Robert L. Mendez, Life Member #18710, Adkins

CW3 Baltazar C. Casillas, Life Member #1434, Retired, Bandera

SGT Joe Molina, Life Member #15789, Edna

TSgt Joe Casillas, Life Member #6633, San Antonio

MSG James W. Newman, Life Member #989, Retired, Granbury

Mr. Justo Chapa, Life Member #10977, Seguin

SGT William Ojeda, Life Member #12527, Frisco

SPC Eddie Chenault, Retired, Mineral Wells

SGT Larry D. Pirkle, Life Member #2420, Retired, Dumas

**PFC Joshua Cortez, FSC 386th Eng Bn, San Antonio

*SGT John D. Price, Life Member #22835, Ingleside

**SFC John Crutcher, Co B 3-144 IN Bn, Wylie

LTC Charles A. Robinson, Life Member #3097, Retired, Georgetown

SSG Jose L. DeHoyos Jr., HHC 949th BSB, Fort Worth

1SG W. Hilton Robinson, Life Member #7231, Retired, Burleson

**SPC Osagie Emoni, Co D 1-149 Avn, Houston

SSG Gilberto San Pedro, Retired, Cibolo

*SPC Alberto Garcia, Life Member #28376, Retired, Corpus Christi

CMSgt Lloyd H. Seguin, Life Member #3584, Retired, Mount Vernon

COL John J. Garcia, M.D., Life Member #5769, Retired, Canyon Lake

TSgt Joe W. Skelton, Life Member #10683, Retired, Houston

SSG Adam G. Gonzales, Life Member #16039, San Antonio

MSgt Madison J. Smith, Life Member #20883, Alvin

BG Michael H. Harris, Life Member #8890, Retired, Forney,

SGT Michael T Smith, Life Member #15662, Katy COL L. James Starr Jr., Life Member #1336, Retired, Austin

Former 49th Armored Division ADC-S SGT Jerry Ross Harrison, Life Member #12569, Retired, Graford

MG Harry V. Steel, Life Member #11538, Retired, San Antonio

*SSG Franke Hernandez, Life Member # 24323, Retired, Alvarado

*Mr. Kevin D. Tinker, Life Member #20494, Poplar Bluff, MO

SGT Ben M. Hoback, Life Member #18498, Retired, Dallas

SFC Alfonso L. Villela, Life Member #5336, Pecos

**SSG Connie L. Jackson, Region 1 Team A, Abilene

**SSG Chase D. Watkins, HHC 71st Troop Command, Arlington

Mr. Daniel W. Jackson, Life Member #14722, Eastland

** 1LT Charles E. Williams III, Co B 3-144 INF, Rockwall

**PFC Reginald T. Jeffery, A Co 3-144 INF, Mesquite

**SPC Andrew C. Woodard, HHC 3-141 Inf Bn, McAllen

**SPC Jamahl M. Johnson, 133rd Spt Co, Huntsville 1LT Robert J. Klein, Life Member #23637, Retired, San Antonio COL Jimmy F. Landrum, Retired, Austin

* Had NGAT Life Insurance Policy ** Had No-Cost Active Guard Policy of $1,000

IF YOU ARE AWARE OF THE PASSING OF A CURRENT OR FORMER TEXAS NATIONAL GUARD MEMBER, PLEASE NOTIFY US BY PHONE, MAIL OR EMAIL NGATNEWS@NGAT.ORG.

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1 - Waived $1440.00 lender fee available for VA loans that have a triggered RESPA app date as of January 1, 2022, through December 31, 2022 at 11:59pm EST. This offer does not extend to Housing Finance Agency loans. ‘Triggered RESPA’ in accordance with Regulation X, is defined as lender receipt of all six pieces of information received in a secure format; applicant name, property address, home value, loan amount, income and SSN. Not all borrowers will be approved. Borrower’s interest rate will depend upon the specific characteristics of borrower’s loan transaction, credit profile and other criteria. Offer not available from any d/b/a or operations that do not operate under the Guaranteed Rate name. Restrictions apply. 2 - 95% Customer Satisfaction: Data Source: Guaranteed Rate's Client Satisfaction Surveys (Averaged 2020) 3 - “Real Approval” means an automated underwriting system approval based upon credit information supplied by applicant and subject to Guaranteed Rate’s review of loan documents. Applicant subject to credit and underwriting approval. Not all applicants will be approved for financing. Receipt of application does not represent an approval for financing or interest rate guarantee. Restrictions may apply, contact Guaranteed Rate for current rates and for more information. Guaranteed Rate, Inc is a private corporation organized under the laws of the State of Delaware. It has no affiliation with the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, the US Department of Veterans Affairs, the US Department of Agriculture or any other government agency. All information provided in this publication is for informational and educational purposes only, and in no way is any of the content contained herein to be construed as financial, investment, or legal advice or instruction. Guaranteed Rate, Inc does not guarantee the quality, accuracy, completeness or timelines of the information in this publication. While efforts are made to verify the information provided, the information should not be assumed to be error free. Some information in the publication may have been provided by third parties and has not necessarily been verified by Guaranteed Rate, Inc. Guaranteed Rate, Inc its affiliates and subsidiaries do not assume any liability for the information contained herein, be it direct, indirect, consequential, special, or exemplary, or other damages whatsoever and howsoever caused, arising out of or in connection with the use of this publication or in reliance on the information, including any personal or pecuniary loss, whether the action is in contract, tort (including negligence) or other tortious action. Using funds from a Cash-out Refinance to consolidate debt may result in the debt taking longer to pay off as it will be combined with borrower’s mortgage principle amount and will be paid off over the full loan term. Contact Guaranteed Rate for more information. (20211109-818844)

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rate.com/shirleymueller shirley.mueller@rate.com 4903 Woodrow Avenue Austin, TX 78756 NMLS ID: 336103, LO#: CA - CA-DBO336103, CO - 100517384, FL - LO68026, LA - Licensed, MD - 26-43656, OK - MLO24831, VA - MLO-44453VA Guaranteed Rate Inc.; NMLS #2611; For licensing information visit nmlsconsumeraccess.org. Equal Housing Lender. Conditions may apply CA - Licensed by the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act CO - Regulated by the Division of Real Estate, (866)-9347283 FL - Lic# MLD1102 MD - Lic #13181 OK - Lic # ML002651 VA - Guaranteed Rate, Inc. - Licensed by Virginia State Corporation Commission, License # MC-3769

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

ngat.org

NGAT PLANNING CALENDAR (As of January 31, 2022)

2022

136th Airlift Wing Christmas 2021

Feb

NGAUS Legislative Workshop, Washington, D.C.

13-15

Feb

EANGUS Legislative Workshop, Washington, D.C.

Feb

President’s Day (NGAT Office Closed)

12-13

Mar

Battleground 1863, Camp Mabry, Austin, TX

Mar

NGAT Board Meeting, Round Rock, TX

Mar

Defense Symposium, Kalahari Resort, Round Rock, TX

25-27

Mar

63rd Annual NGAT Conference, Kalahari Resort, Round Rock, TX

Apr

Good Friday (NGAT Holiday Observed)

1-2

May

NGAT Board Meeting, Austin, TX

May

Memorial Day (NGAT Office Closed)

Jun

U.S. Army Birthday/Flag Day

Jul

Independence Day (NGAT Office Closed)

6-11

Aug

EANGUS Annual Conference, Little Rock, AR

21-22

Aug

NGAT Board Meeting, Austin, TX

26-29

Aug

NGAUS Annual Conference, Columbus, OH

2022 Winter NGAT News

Articles inside

Legal Update

CSM John F . Sampa’s Farewell

NGAT Scholarships | Awards | Golf Tournament

Maintenance Airman

NGAT Conference Update

Legislative Update

Retiree’s Corner

36th Infantry Division Change of Command

From the President