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 |
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
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
