The Sentinel Fall/Winter 2017

THE

Fall/Winter 2017

A PUBLICATION OF THE MISSOURI NATIONAL GUARD ASSOCIATION

GOVERNOR ERIC R. GREITENS Exclusive Sentinel Interview with Missouri’s Commander-in-Chief P. 7

Affordable Housing for Veterans in Poplar Bluff P.4 Two Guard Soldiers Stay Focused on Education Goals P.6

BOARD OF DIRECTORS LTC Scott Zimmerman, President* LTC John Martin, President Elect* COL Charlie Hausman, Past President*

IN THIS ISSUE

The Sentinel Fall/Winter 2017 3

President’s Message LTC Scott Zimmerman shares his vision for the Association and how you can participate.

4

Missouri National Guard Foundation’s New Housing for Veterans The Popular Bluff Villas will provide 48 units of affordable housing for veterans and their families.

Company Grade Representatives Capt Amy Cottrell, Air—Company Grade Representative CPT Rick Branson, Army—Company Grade Representative

6

Models for Staying Goal-Focused Let this story of how two Guardsmen persevered and achieved their goals inspire you.

35th Combat Aviation Brigade LTC Chris Moenster and SSG Herschel Whited

7

Governor Eric R. Greitens Exclusive Sentinel interview with Missouri’s Commander-in-Chief.

12

News in Brief Stay up-to-date on recent award winners, scholarship opportunities, and proposed legislative resolutions.

13

Mark Your Calendar Get involved and stay engaged through annual conferences and the annual Birthday Ball—mark your calendar now for these events.

14

Volunteer at Welcome Home Captain Travis Miller is working to restore the lives of homeless veterans and those at risk of becoming homeless.

16

Missouri National Guard Association Corporate Sponsors We acknowledge and commend our corporate sponsors whose generosity is vital to our success.

Capt Rachelle Thomas, Vice President—Air* CPT Anthony James, Vice President—Army* WO1 Amanda Graham, Secretary* SFC Chris Wilson, Treasurer* MSG Brian Kirkpatrick, Enlisted Committee Chairperson* Dr. Joel Denney, Executive Director*

35th Engineer Brigade MAJ Steven Toft and SSG William Johnson 35th Infantry Division Vacant: Replacements in Process of Appointment 70th Troop Command CPT Erin Sallee and MSG Kaonis Thomas 110th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade CPT Thomas White and SFC Kermit Simmerman 1107th Aviation Group MAJ Adrienne Spadavecchia (Moore) and MSG Charles Cook Joint Forces Headquarters Capt John Quin and MSgt Robert Taggart—Air CPT Anna Gutierrez and MSG Robert Koelling—Army 131st Bomb Wing Capt Amy Cottrell and MSgt Carissa Correll 139th Airlift Wing LtCol Melanie Englert and SMSgt Rachel McCrary Auxiliary Mrs. Jill Blaylock Chaplain MAJ David Spears Enlisted Chairperson Elect MSG Daniel Schaab Retirees LTC (R) Don Koonce *indicates member of Executive Council

Established in 1947, the Missouri National Guard Association is a not-for-profit, Missouri-based corporation. Through its various programs and initiatives, the Association supports the soldiers and airmen, their families, and the retirees of the Missouri National Guard. The offices of the Association are co-located at the headquarters of the Missouri National Guard, Jefferson City, Missouri.

Produced by [2] THE SENTINEL

ABOUT THE COVER The cover features a picture of Missouri Governor Eric Greitens with MG Stephen Danner, Missouri’s Adjutant General, and other Missouri Guard soldiers and airmen during a media announcement. Other pictures from that event are found in this issue starting on Page 7. In October of 2017, Governor Greitens announced that the Missouri Guard would be growing by nearly 800 jobs, with new Guard units being stood up across Missouri.

The jobs will have a positive impact on the state’s economy.

THE Fall/Winter 2017

A PUBLICATION OF

THE MISSOURI NATIONA

L GUARD ASSOCIA TION

GOVERNOR ERIC R. GREITEN S

Exclusive Sentinel Interview with Missouri’s Comm ander-in-Chief P. 7

Affordable Housi ng for Veterans in Popla r Bluff P.4 Two Guard Soldie rs Complete Degre es at Grantham Unive rsity P.6

FROM THE PRESIDENT

I

LTC Scott Zimmerman

am both honored and humbled to serve as President of the Missouri National Guard Association (MoNGA). I am committed to modernizing and extending MoNGA members’ voices amid the normalcy of chaos in a very complex and challenging national defense environment.

I began this journey with enthusiasm, excitement, and some apprehension related to our Association. In this uncertain environment, it is more important than ever to unite as Army and Air National Guard members, along with our retirees and auxiliary, to make our voices heard. We hold the noblest of responsibilities — to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. Ensuring we receive proper funding, personnel allocations, equipment, pay, and benefits commensurate with our active-duty partners best enables us to defend the nation. MoNGA exists to influence those decision makers at the state and national levels who enable us with the tools and resources to both fight and win our nation’s wars and mobilize at a moment’s notice to help our communities here at home when needed.

Taking care of each other and those who comprise our National Guard family is the MoNGA mission. Through MoNGA’s efforts with those in our federal and state governments and with others, the Missouri Guard has directly benefited both professionally and personally. Placing the Chief of the National Guard Bureau on the Joint Chiefs of Staff is an example of

our national influence and collaborations. State tax exemption on military pay is an example of our state influence. I invite you to help us build on our list of achievements and play an active role in MoNGA. There is “power in numbers”; the extent of MoNGA membership (among the Guard, our retirees, and the auxiliary) is an important factor in influencing state and national policy. I am so pleased to be a member of MoNGA, an organization that remains committed to strengthening the National Guard while also being a valuable informational resource for all those who share our goals.

In tandem with my position, a committed and diligent Executive Council and Board of Directors serve MoNGA. They volunteer their time to provide operational leadership to all aspects of the Association. The Executive Council and Board of Directors are driving our Association to ensure both viability and influence for years to come. To do this more effectively, we need you. I encourage you to join MoNGA if you are not already a member. Get involved in the Association and play an active role in MoNGA’s initiatives. Take part in one of our events such as the MoNGA Annual Conference or Birthday Ball. And, don’t forget about the value of national conferences held each year by both EANGUS and NGAUS. Share your “participatory gifts”—you will be renewed and find the experiences rewarding and empowering on various levels!

The Executive Council, the Board of Directors, and I thank you for your support.

The Sentinel magazine is a publication of the Missouri National Guard Association (MoNGA). MoNGA is a Missouri-based, not-for-profit corporation serving the interests of soldiers, airmen, and retirees of the Missouri National Guard and their families. Formed in 1947, MoNGA maintains offices at the headquarters of the Missouri National Guard, 2302 Militia Drive, Jefferson City, Missouri 65101-1203.

Inquiries and comments about the content of The Sentinel magazine should be directed to MoNGA’s Executive Director, denney@mo-nga.org.

The Missouri National Guard Association is governed by its Board of Directors as authorized by MoNGA’s bylaws. MoNGA bylaws can be found at the Association’s website: www.mongaonline.com

Fall/Winter 2017 [3]

MISSOURI NATIONAL GUARD FOUNDATION TARGETS NEEDS OF VETERANS FOR

AFFORDABLE

HOUSING

Construction on a New Facility for Veterans to Start in Poplar Bluff Before Year’s End

IF THE GOALS of the Missouri National Guard Foundation are realized, the housing needs of veterans may soon be a less pressing issue for Missouri. In a major step toward achieving this goal, the Foundation will “turn earth” and start construction on a brand-new structure in Poplar Bluff for veterans before the end of 2017. Construction should be completed in approximately fifteen months after ground breaking.

The Foundation wants to replicate its effort in Poplar Bluff in other areas of the state. As such, Foundation officials are now engaged in talks that could result in housing developments like that in Poplar Bluff in other locations in Missouri that would make available housing for: • Some veterans who are now on a waiting list for a bed in one of the state’s seven Veterans Homes • Veterans who are not on a waiting list but who want service-enriched housing (i.e., [4] THE SENTINEL

housing that may also offer social activities, services such as health screenings, classes on veterans health issues, prescription drugs, Medicare and TRICARE, use of the Internet, and personal finance, and access to fitness equipment and housekeeping) • Spouses of Veterans Home residents who wish to be closer to their loved ones The housing projects as conceived by the Foundation would foster a culture of “veterans watching the backs” of other veterans—a culture quite familiar to those who have served the nation in uniform.

Called Poplar Bluff Villas, the housing development in Poplar Bluff will feature fortyeight units; each of the units will have two bedrooms and two baths. The development will be located on Eugene Boulevard in the immediate vicinity of the John J. Pershing VA Medical Center. While the housing structure will be wholly owned and managed by the Missouri National Guard Foundation, the Foundation is partnering with local not-forprofit entities and private-sector companies to provide wraparound services that are available to all residents of the development. Cape Arrowhead, one of the local nonprofit entities of Poplar Bluff, has agreed to be the lead referral agency and will provide veterans with many of the services for Poplar Bluff Villas.

Financing for Poplar Bluff Villas was possible

as a result of a tax credits application submitted by the Missouri National Guard Foundation to the Missouri Housing and Development Commission (MHDC). Under terms of the tax credits application that was approved by the MHDC, these units are to serve low-to-moderate-income veterans and their families. The Poplar Bluff Villas Project was supported by state legislators who represent Poplar Bluff, the Poplar Bluff City Council, Poplar Bluff veterans organizations, and the Missouri State Veterans Commission.

MAJ (Ret.) Scott Englund, President of the Missouri National Guard Foundation and a former Missouri Guardsman, says he is elated about the Poplar Bluff project. Englund is also Chairperson of the Missouri State Veterans Commission and has an in-depth understanding of housing issues of veterans and their families. The project will clearly assist veterans and will mitigate a prevalent need in the state for veterans housing, Englund says. Englund notes that the Foundation has received overwhelming support for the project in Poplar Bluff and has been strongly encouraged by many in Missouri to replicate that project elsewhere with the continued use of such funding—with support coming from persons who have generally opposed the utilization of tax credits for other purposes.

Englund believes the support for the Poplar Bluff Villas and future similar projects can be explained by two factors: (1) that the projects are

designed to directly benefit veterans and that most people in the Show-Me State understand the need for more affordable housing for veterans and their families; and, (2) that the Missouri National Guard Foundation has an exemplary performance record and efficient management practices. The Foundation is a Missouribased corporation and 501 (c)(3) charitable organization. The Foundation has no paid staff and the five members of the Foundation’s Board of Directors receive no compensation for their service (and perform their duties even without expense reimbursement).

The Missouri National Guard Foundation was formed in 2010, inspired by the vision of The Adjutant General of the Missouri National Guard, Major General Stephen Danner. Danner wanted a suitable place situated at Missouri Guard Headquarters for family members of fallen service men and women to grieve and pay their respects to their loved ones who had given their all for the nation and state. Accordingly, the Foundation was formed and took on as its initial project the raising of funds for the construction of a chapel that could serve General Danner’s desired purpose and that could also be a place to build resilience among military families to the unique challenges they face. The Chapel and Resiliency Center was completed about two years ago, and in July 2015, the facility was formerly deeded to the state of Missouri by the Foundation. The Chapel

Above: Rendering of Poplar Bluff Villas. Right: Chapel and Resiliency Center, Missouri National Guard Headquarters

and Resiliency Center sits on a hill overlooking the Missouri River on the grounds of the headquarters of the Missouri Guard. Funds for the project were totally raised from non-government (state or federal) sources. The Missouri National Guard Association assisted in the fundraising.

Since its inception in 2010 and with the continued inspiration and vision of General Danner, the Missouri National Guard Foundation has expanded its work on behalf of military personnel and their families. This expansion includes not only the provision of affordable housing such as Poplar Bluff Villas, but also the distribution of Foundation funds for drugabuse prevention and addiction interdiction, and building relationships to strengthen educational opportunities for active military personnel, military retirees, and their families.

“The Foundation has received overwhelming support for the project in Poplar Bluff...and... has been encouraged to replicate that project elsewhere.” - Scott Englund Fall/Winter 2017 [5]

MODELS FOR STAYING

GOAL-FOCUSED M AJ TIMOTHY GRENKE AND CSM PHILIP BUTLER LIFE IS BUSY and time management is a constant challenge. That’s a fact. Sometimes it’s easy to put things “on the back burner” that ought to be front and center. Professional advancement and the education that can help achieve it are often priorities that can seem difficult to attain in the midst of competing demands — especially in the life of a soldier or airman. However, higher education might be more attainable for you than you think. Whether you are looking to rise through the ranks or one day transition into the civilian workforce, don’t let opportunities slip away. Two model examples of busy people who achieved their goals are Missouri Guardsmen MAJ Timothy Grenke and CSM Philip Butler. Both men completed degree programs in 2017.

MAJ Grenke, a federal technician, is a full-time soldier in the Guard and in command of the RTS-M. In his off-time from Guard responsibilities, he has served as mayor of the city of Centralia, Missouri, since 2007. A husband, father of nine, coordinator for his local church, and member of several boards and commissions — no one knows better than MAJ Grenke about the value of time. After earning a bachelor’s degree in 2004, he joined the Officer Candidate Program in the National Guard and received his commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in 2005.

According to MAJ Grenke, the significance of this promotion was monumental for him, coming four years after the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Notwithstanding his career success, including his recent promotion to the rank of Major, Grenke’s steadfast quest for advancement and education included earning a Master of Business Administration degree with an emphasis on project management.

“I had completed my military education as far as I could go. In order to continue my selfdevelopment and improvement, I looked at returning to school for my MBA,” says Grenke.

“Grantham University, a very military-friendly institution, seemed to be my best option and fit well with the time demands of my life. Though I was extremely busy, I could fit the Grantham online education solution into my professional and personal schedule. I was honored to be able to [6] THE SENTINEL

degree. After considering several colleges, he chose Grantham University. The school credited Butler with 96 hours after evaluating his joint services transcripts, as well as 42 hours from his prior college transcript. Because of that earned credit, Butler found he only needed to complete 31 more hours to obtain his bachelor’s degree. In 2016, Butler enrolled at Grantham University to “get my college education off my bucket list.” When he was just two hours short of completing his degree and his federal tuition assistance was tapped out, he used the Grantham’s Resiliency Scholarship to finish the degree (which helps cover the gap when tuition assistance has been depleted).

“I have worked 30-plus years in my chosen profession. I have raised a family. I have a very successful military career. And now I have my college degree—achieving all with great gratitude to my family, the tuition-assistance programs from the Missouri Army National Guard, and Grantham University,” says Butler. “With persistence and never forgetting the goal, I completed my Bachelor of Science in Multidisciplinary Studies graduating summa cum laude from Grantham. I like to think that the degree reflects well on my resume and for future employment endeavors. The four-year degree proves that my education goal never died.”

“There are several key life lessons that can be drawn from the examples of MAJ Grenke and CSM Butler,” says Dr. Joel Denney, the Executive Director of the Missouri National Guard Association (MoNGA). “Among the lessons is the importance of lifelong learning and the value of such learning to one personally and professionally.” Denney adds that Tim and Philip are both active members of MoNGA and completed their degrees in 2017 from one of MoNGA’s valued corporate partners in the higher education community—Grantham University.

One of the reasons that MoNGA partners with colleges and universities is to promote quality educational programs to the Missouri Guard.

MAJ Grenke and CSM Butler benefited from that kind of partnership, Dr. Denney notes. “They are certainly excellent role models.”

graduate with distinction.”

CSM Philip Butler is a senior noncommissioned officer in the Missouri Guard. He also works full time as the facility manager for convention services for the city of Kansas City, Missouri. Completing a college education has been a priority for him since his teens.

“Sometimes, sacrifices must be made for the good of the many so priorities can be met,” says Butler. “This is definitely what I experienced when it came down to my college education, but with the premise that someday I would finish what I started.”

Butler deliberately delayed his goal of actively pursuing a college education after realizing as a high school graduate in the 1980s that he needed time to “mature in order to take college studies seriously.”

After joining the Army, CSM Butler found there was little time to do anything except the field training and required Army schools needed for promotion. After four years, he decided to transition from the regular Army and joined the Missouri Army National Guard. During those two years as a Sergeant (E-5) with the Guard, Butler worked a full-time job and went back to college for a business associate’s degree—completing the degree with 52 credit hours.

After promotion to SSG, Butler got married, had two children, and worked long hours, so he delayed completing a four-year degree. However, he also attended all the NCOES schools necessary for promotion to the rank of 1SG, and many leadership and instructional schools.

During a deployment in 2006-08, Butler was promoted to Sergeant Major and started to look at how he could make himself more marketable. “I knew that I still wanted, and needed, to finish my four-year degree but still did not have the time to dedicate to it,” says Butler. In 2012, he completed the U.S. Sergeants Major Academy, which is the last of the NCOES schools the Army has for enlisted personnel.

Above: MAJ Timothy Grenke, City In 2015, CSM Butler decided Government Offices, Centralia. Right: it was time to finish a bachelor’s CSM Philip Butler in academic regalia

THE

COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF AN INTERVIEW WITH MISSOURI GOVERNOR ERIC R. GREITENS

Fall/Winter 2017 [7]

S

ince January of 2017, Eric Greitens has served as Missouri’s 56th Governor and Commander-in-Chief of the Missouri National Guard. At age forty-three, he is the second-youngest governor in the nation. The professional and military accomplishments of Governor Greitens are signicant. In addition to his election as governor of the ShowMe State, his accomplishments include: an earned doctorate degree, author of multiple books, four tours of military duty around the world, service as a Navy SEAL, the rank of Lieutenant Commander, the Bronze Star, and Purple Heart. Governor Greitens graciously consented to responding to the following questions for exclusive publication in The Sentinel magazine.

Sentinel: As a former Naval officer and SEAL, you’ve come to the office as Governor of the state with more military service than most persons who preceded you as Missouri’s Commanderin-Chief. What unique perspectives does your military experience give you in understanding the value of the Missouri Guard?

Governor Greitens: Earlier in life, I had the privilege of serving as an officer in the United States Navy SEALs. I graduated from Officer Candidate School, completed BUD/S (Basic Underwater Demolition/ SEAL) training, and deployed four times in support of the Global War on Terrorism. I wore the uniform proudly and took the oath seriously, and I served with men and women who did the same. All of us signed up for the common mission of protecting and defending the United States of America.

Some things in life you have to experience to truly understand. I think military service falls in that category. I know what it means to sign a will and testament in your 20s. I know what it means to carry a rifle. I know what it means to bury your friends.

Those who serve share a common understanding about those things, and many others. That’s the understanding I bring to this job, and it reminds me, always, of the incredible service and sacrifice [8] THE SENTINEL

of the Missouri National Guard. It’s the honor of a lifetime to serve as their Commander-in-Chief.

From the experience you’ve now had in office, and in particular, your direct experience with activating the Missouri Guard for a state emergency and spending time with Missouri’s Guard men and women, what are your general feelings about the value of the Guard to Missouri?

Missouri is a safer place to live because of the Missouri National Guard. Almost 3,000 Guardsmen have supported state emergencies during the last few months. They’ve helped us to keep the peace in St. Louis. And when we’ve put out the call, our Guardsmen have deployed into ice, torrential rain, and strong winds to keep Missourians safe.

Through your own actions, such as doing physical training with Missouri Guardsmen, how important is it that a Governor actively demonstrates his support for the National Guard?

It’s essential. Every Guardsman ought to know that, as the Commander-in-Chief of Missouri’s National Guard, I will have their backs. We’ve had the privilege of training with some the recruits and sweating

MG Stephen Danner and Governor Greitens

Fall/Winter 2017 [9]

alongside them. And you should know: They are strong, trained, and tough. We were also with a unit recently just before their deployment to the Middle East. I was proud to shake the hands of those young men and women right before they shipped out. You can’t help but be impressed by them.

The fact is, I think leaders have to get out from behind their desks and see what these guys see on the front lines. Because they are quiet professionals, it’s easy to take for granted the extraordinary work the Guard does. It’s a lot harder to do that when you get up early and train with them. I’d encourage everyone to do it. You’ll walk away knowing Missouri is in good hands.

You are one of only ten Governors who serve on the Council of Governors to advise the President and facilitate more state/federal cooperation on homeland security. How does this appointment benefit Missouri?

I’m honored to serve on the Council of Governors.

It’ll help us bring better resources to the Guard in Missouri. In that capacity, I’ve had the opportunity to meet with the leaders of the Department of Homeland Security, the National Guard Bureau, and Army and Air Force senior leadership. We made our mission clear: We want Missouri’s National Guard to be the national model for excellence. And we’re going to make that happen.

In your view, what are some of the most pressing issues impacting the National Guard in Missouri?

I think we need to do everything in our power to make sure that our National Guard has the resources, training, and support they need to keep the people of Missouri safe. Recruitment and retention is at the top of that list, which is why we were proud to announce recently that the Guard is expanding by 800 members here in the state of Missouri. Outside of that, one of our top priorities is making sure that the men and women of the National Guard—and veterans of other branches of the armed forces—have opportunities after they leave the service. That includes things like making sure that certain military certifications carry over to the civilian world. I’ve said it before: If you can drive a truck from Baghdad to Fallujah, then you shouldn’t have to struggle to get a permit to drive a truck from Kansas City to Cape Girardeau.

Clearly, the Missouri National Guard has a positive impact upon the state. How important is the National Guard to jobs in Missouri’s economy?

It’s critical. In 2016 alone, the Guard’s impact on the economy was pegged at more than $1 billion.

The Guard employs more than 12,000 Missourians.

But it’s not just the raw numbers. Guardsmen learn [10] THE SENTINEL

Above: MG Stephen Danner introduces Governor Greitens. Top Right: (Left to Right) MAJ Lindsey Decker; Dr. Joel Denney, MoNGA Executive Director; CPT Chase Phillips; and CCM Joseph Hamlett. Bottom Right: Governor Greitens chats with Guard soldiers and airmen.

skills like aviation, logistics, law enforcement, truck driving, engineer equipment operation, and many others. Those skills often translate in the civilian sector, so the Guard, in its own way, is helping to train Missouri’s workforce. That’s just one small piece of what they do—and it’s a crucial one.

You have been a leader in enhancing the “military friendliness” of Missouri, such as your support of proposed legislation to provide a state tax deduction for pay received

by Missouri Guardsmen. How important is it that Missouri continue to improve its “military friendliness” relative to other states?

We need to take care of the men and women who serve our country. There are sacrifices that come with service. Hours, weeks, months at a time spent

away from home, family, and work. The danger and difficulty of the job itself. The fact that you can be called up on a moment’s notice. Making sure we are a military-friendly state is the least we can do. Today, more than 1,000 Missouri citizensoldiers and airmen are deployed overseas. More than 12,000 Missouri Guardsmen have supported federal deployments since 9/11. And thousands have stepped up to protect their fellow Missourians during state emergencies in the last few months.

We’re going to make sure Missouri’s National Guard is the best in the nation, and we’re going to take care of those who serve.

There are often unique challenges in supporting those who have served in uniform after their military service concludes (in terms

of addressing their physical and emotional needs, providing job opportunities, and housing). What can Missouri do better in meeting the needs of veterans?

Our goal is to make Missouri the best state in the country for veterans. One of the most important lessons I learned after returning from my service is that every veteran I met wanted to continue to serve. They wanted to find work and a way to give back. We need to make it easier for our returning veterans to find quality jobs here in Missouri.

That’s why we’re pushing for some common-sense legislation, like ending business start-up fees for returning veterans and allowing businesses to have a veterans hiring preference. We need to create more jobs and opportunity for the men and women who have served our country.

Fall/Winter 2017 [11]

NEWS IN BRIEF WAYNE WALLINGFORD RECEIVES NATIONAL AWARD

resolutions will be considered for adoption by

received the award on behalf of Battery B at

the (general) MoNGA membership; approved

the 2017 General Conference and Exposition

resolutions will be forwarded to both EANGUS

of the National Guard Association of the US in

five people in the nation awarded the Charles

and NGAUS for study for adoption. Resolutions

Louisville, Kentucky.

State Senator Wayne Wallingford is one of only Dick Medal of Merit in 2017 by the National Guard Association of the US. The award is reserved solely for elected officials who make a significant contribution to the aims of the National Guard.

Missourians who have received the honor in the past include former US Senator and Governor Kit Bond; former US Congresswoman Pat Danner Meyer; former Governor Jay Nixon; current US Senators Roy Blunt and Claire McCaskill; and current US Congressman Sam Graves. Senator Wallingford is Chairperson of the Missouri

for consideration at the MoNGA conference will be received from (a) MoNGA members or (b) MoNGA corporate members. Questions about resolutions

2018 MONGA SCHOLARSHIPS

Application information for the 2018 MoNGA

can be e-directed to MSG Brian Kirkpatrick,

scholarships for members and dependents

bkk175@gmail.com, MoNGA Enlisted Committee

will be announced on our website in December

Chairperson, or the MoNGA Executive Director,

2017. Scholarship applications will be due in

denney@mo-nga.org.

the first quarter of 2018 and recipients will

MISSOURI GUARD’S BATTERY B, 129TH FIELD ARTILLERY REGIMENT NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED

be announced at the 71st Annual MoNGA Conference in April 2018.

UPDATE YOUR INFORMATION

The Missouri Guard’s Battery B, 129th FAR is

Is your mailing address and email in the MoNGA

Military Affairs.

the recipient of the 2017 Pershing Plaque, an

database accurate? To ensure the accuracy of

PROPOSED LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTIONS

award determined by the NGB. Selection is

your profile information in the MoNGA database,

based upon merit during annual qualification

telephone the MoNGA office at 573-632-4240,

firing with assigned weapons. SFC Derrick

or email the MoNGA Executive Director,

Allen and SSG Brandon Sackrey officially

denney@mo-nga.org.

Senate’s (standing) Committee on Veterans and

At the 2018 Annual MoNGA Conference, proposed [12] THE SENTINEL

MARK YOUR

CALENDAR

The Missouri National Guard Association (MoNGA) has announced dates for key events in 2018 and 2019. The calendar notations include: 71st Annual MoNGA Conference April 27-28, 2018 Ramada Plaza Hotel and Oasis Convention Center, Springfield, Missouri

Online registration for the 2018 Annual MoNGA Conference in Springfield will commence no later than March 1, 2018 on the MoNGA website, www.mongaonline.com. Exhibitor and sponsorship information for the conference can be obtained by emailing the MoNGA Executive Director at denney@mo-nga.org.

47th Annual EANGUS Conference August 11-16, 2018 Charleston, West Virginia 140th NGAUS General Conference and Exposition August 24-27, 2018 New Orleans, Louisiana 10th Annual National Guard Birthday Ball December 8, 2018 Tan-Tar-A, Osage Beach, Missouri 72nd Annual MoNGA Conference April 12-13, 2019 Adam’s Mark Hotel, Kansas City, Missouri

(Left to Right) SSG Brandon Sackrey and SFC Derrick Allen with the 2017 Pershing Plaque with MG Stephen Danner

Fall/Winter 2017 [13]

TRAVIS MILLER & WELCOME

HOME

A Model of Volunteerism FOR ACTIVE AND RETIRED Guard men and women, serving as a volunteer with communitybased organizations is pretty much routine.

Volunteer service is just another example of “going

began full-time, active duty employment with the Missouri Army National Guard in 2007. Two years later, Captain Miller was deployed to Afghanistan where he served as a Platoon Leader for a Route Clearance Platoon.

During Captain Miller’s military career, he’s been assigned to various battalions. But, it’s what Captain Miller does coupled with his military career that inspires others and makes him a model.

Since Captain Miller and his wife, Mandy, an attorney and partner at Smith Lewis LLP, moved to Columbia, Missouri, more than fifteen years ago, they have clearly gone above and beyond to help veterans and other military families. While raising two young daughters and fulfilling their respective careers, Captain Miller and Mandy make it a point to find time to give back to others.

They support several charities, including Welcome Home, Patriot Paws, and the Allen-Miller Family Scholarship, which is a scholarship they started at their alma mater, Smith-Cotton High School,

above and beyond the call of duty” for current Sedalia, Missouri. However, Captain Miller says it’s and former Guard personnel. For one Missouri the time he spends at Welcome Home that truly hits Guardsman, this means serving the Show-Me State a soft spot in his heart, as the organization is deeply as a Captain in the Missouri National Guard, while committed to honoring veterans and providing also volunteering his time to serve veterans and services that will help restore the lives of homeless their families who are homeless and those at risk of veterans, and those at risk of becoming homeless. becoming homeless.

“After volunteering at Welcome Home, one Captain Travis Miller started serving the can really see how easy it can be for someone to Missouri National Guard in 2002 as a Combat fall through the cracks, and end up homeless and Engineer with C Company of the 110th Engineer struggling. What I love about Welcome Home is Battalion. Between 2003 and 2004, Captain that they address the most critical and basic need Miller was deployed for a Homeland Security first — shelter in a safe and clean environment,” mission in support of Operation “...Missouri needs to get behind Welcome Home and the Noble Eagle. It was in 2006 he Missouri National Guard Foundation...entities which are received his commission as a both addressing needs of homeless veterans...” — Travis Miller Second Lieutenant. Captain Miller [14] THE SENTINEL

says Captain Miller. Captain Miller goes on to say that the broader community in Missouri needs to get behind and support the initiatives of Welcome Home and the Missouri National Guard Foundation — entities that are both addressing the pressing needs of homeless veterans in exemplary ways.

Captain Miller serves as an avid volunteer and member of Welcome Home’s Development Committee, helping raise awareness for the cause.

Development Director Megan Sievers states, “Captain Miller is one very special soldier and human being. Welcome Home and our community are beyond lucky to have him.”

“On the battlefield, we have a code — no one left behind. We should leave no one behind, or on the streets, as they transition home either,” Captain Miller notes.

To learn more about Welcome Home, visit online at www.WelcomeVeterans.org Above: CPT Travis Miller and Megan Sievers of Welcome Home. Below: CPT Travis Miller in Afghanistan.

MILITARY

HOMEBUYERS DESERVE

A STRONG TEAM IN THEIR

CORNER.

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Fall/Winter 2017 [15]

CORPORATE SPONSORS

Standing with MoNGA in Support of Soldiers, Airmen, Retirees, and their Families It is a fact that the Missouri National Guard Association (MoNGA) is more successful as a result of its corporate partners. Through their generosity, MoNGA’s corporate partners make the Association’s programs and services richer.

The list that follows represents MoNGA’s current Gold Level corporate partner family—annual gifts of at least $1,500. The Association acknowledges the financial contribution these businesses have made to MoNGA. More importantly, the Association expresses its thanks to these businesses for standing with MoNGA in the interests of Missouri Guard soldiers, airmen, retirees, and their families. The gifts of these businesses strongly communicate their belief that the Guard is right for America!

AFBA/5Star Airbus Helicopters AM General American Military University Boeing Capewell Aerial Systems Chris Mears and Associates Columbia College Columbia Southern University Darley Defense Endeavor Robotics EnerSys Esterline Grantham University Massif Tactical Clothing Missouri Life Media Northrop Grumman Raytheon River Region Credit Union Southwest Solutions St. James Winery UnitedHealthcare USAA Veterans United

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