February/March 2017
Tarheel Guardsman
A Word from our Executive Director... Craig Lloyd
I write this update as I sit in Louisville, Kentucky at our National Guard Executive Directors annual conference. This conference is a great opportunity for Directors representing all the National Guard Associations across the 50 States and four territories to come together to share best practices as well as challenges facing our membership and Guard as a whole. As you’ve seen from our Facebook post during the conference, we will be bringing back numerous new opportunities to enhance our organization as well as to enhance your membership for years to come. Around the corner is this year’s NCNGA 56th Annual Convention hosted at Sea Trail resort in Sunset beach. The convention will be held the weekend of March 18th & 19th. With a great location, we encourage you to register early and bring a guest. We’ve implemented numerous suggestions received from our membership and conference surveys and look forward to having the best conference to date. Visit www.ncnga.org/convention to register today. With great entertainment, friends and fellowship, we know you will have a memorable time. Craig Lloyd
2017 NCNGA Legislative Initiatives NCNG Tuition Assistance Program Funding Increase
The North Carolina tuition assistance program (NCTAP) is one of our most effective recruiting and retention tools for Soldiers and Airmen allowing them the opportunity for self-improvement. We are currently unable to meet current NCTAP requests from qualified Soldiers and Airmen and are requesting a $500,000 recurring annual increase to cover the projected shortfall.
Capability for Self-contribution by Current and Retired NCNG Soldiers and Airmen to NC State Employee 401K Plan
This allows NCNG Soldiers and Airmen to contribute to a plan which typically provides tax benefits and lower administrative fees and capability to roll-over existing 401k plans.
NCNG Pension: Annuity Monthly Payments Increase
• 20 years of service $115.50 monthly annuity ($10.50 increase) • 30 years of service $231.00 monthly annuity ($21.00 increase) These increases will assist in keeping the NCNG Pension Plan in line with inflation providing an increased retirement supplement for current and future NCNG retirees.
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www.ncnga.org
Tarheel Guardsman
TARHEEL GUARDSMAN
Official publication of the North Carolina National Guard Association FEB/MAR 2017
Volume 51
Contents: NCNGA:
Standing Committee Application Convention Information & Registration Educational Foundation Golf Tournament Info In Memoriam
6 8-11 13 15
NC National Guard:
NC Guardsman follows tradition Hikers Missing for Two Days NCNG Museum Senator Danny Britt Take Oath of Office Officers
Past President Bobby Lumsden Secretary-Treasurer Craig Lloyd Judge Advocate
30th HBCT James McKee Brad Colburn
130th MEB James Andrews David Lewczyk 60 Troop Command Linda Horton Bryan Finch th
449th TAB Mark Pickett Thomas Underwood
Chaplain John Mozzingo
113th Sustainment BDE Kevin Boyles Bernie Williford
STAFF Executive Director Craig Lloyd Associate Director Cindy Basler Associate Insurance Administrator Rhonda Mooring Associate Financial/ Membership Administrator Katie Westbrooks NCNGA Educational Foundation Administrator Ken Tyndall
JFHQ-NC Jeremy Davis Jack Midyette
Katie Westbrooks, Editor Tarheel Guardsman
NCNGA Insured Members — Have YOU Checked Your Beneficiary Lately? Have you had a change in your marital status? Do you know who you have designated as your beneficiary? Active Guardsman & Airmen it is a great time to review your benefits and make increases. Contact us at 919-851-3390
Executive Council
President John Ebbighausen Vice President Shane Evans
4 5 14 15
Number 1
139th Regiment (CA) Rebecca Lynn Godwin David Eaton Air Guard Ronnie Watkins Allan Cecil Junior Council Bryan Cannon Timothy Stanhope Associate Class Ralph Poe John Eudy www.ncnga.org
Address changes or questions? Call us at 919-851-3390 Our email address is info@ncnga.org Our web site is www.ncnga.org
Deadline for submitting articles to the Tarheel Guardsman: FEB/MAR ‘17 issue: 1 JAN 2017 Send articles/photos to Katie Westbrooks, Editor at: (katie@ncnga.org) The Tarheel Guardsman, (ISSN 10618392) is published six times a year for the Army and Air National Guard of North Carolina, by the North Carolina National Guard Association, 7410 Chapel Hill Road, Raleigh, NC 27607-5047. Periodicals postage paid at Raleigh, NC 27676-9651. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Tarheel Guardsman, 7410 Chapel Hill Road, Raleigh, NC 27607-5047. The Tarheel Guardsman is the official publication of the North Carolina National Guard Association, a non-profit organization. The publication’s mission is to promote the general welfare of the NCNGA, assist in increasing the readiness of the NC Army and Air National Guard of North Carolina and serve as a vehicle of expression for members of the National Guard. Members receive the publication free with their membership. The annual subscription rate for non-members of the Association is $15.00. Please include your old address and unit when requesting change of address. Deadline for submitted material to the Tarheel Guardsman is the 5th of the month, two months preceding the calendar date of issue. Manuscripts and photographs on subjects of general interest are invited. Unless otherwise indicated, material may be reprinted provided credit is given to the Tarheel Guardsman and the author where listed. Articles and photos will not be returned, unless requested. (USPS 533-640) Advertising is accepted. For details contact the Association headquarters. Advertising, including political ads, published in this publication does not represent the endorsement or approval of the North Carolina National Guard Association.
FEB/MAR 2017 — Page 3
NC Guardsman follows in family tradition, commits When the youngto a life of service est Thomas of the four Story by Staff Sgt. Mary Junell
RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA - Less than one percent of the American population currently serves in the United States Armed Forces, but for one North Carolina National Guardsman, it is the only life he’s ever known. “Because of my family, this is all I’ve ever known. I don’t really know what it would be like to be a civilian and have that type of commitment outside the commitment to this Nation,” said North Carolina Army National Guard Capt. Timothy Thomas, who currently serves as the logistics officer for the 1-130th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion. “So I read the statistics and I read that number and I honestly don’t know what the rest of America is doing if they’re not signing up to serve.” Thomas, who deployed to Iraq in 2009, is the fourth generation of his family to join the military, continuing a tradition that starts with his greatgrandfather who initially joined the Army Air Corps, which later became the Air Force, and served in WWII and Korea. He retired as a Chief Master Sgt. after more than 26 years as a Petroleum Oils Lubricants Specialist. Thomas’s grandfather, William Thomas, continued the tradition by joining the Army as a Warrant Officer after the start of the Vietnam War. “He joined the Army and went straight to flight school,” said Timothy Thomas. “He came out of flight school and two weeks later was in Vietnam and had a battlefield promotion to 1st Lt., completely skipping 2nd Lt. and that’s his claim to fame, that he was never a butter bar [2nd Lt.].” William Thomas retired as a Lt. Col. in 1992 and over the course of his career was qualified to fly several aircraft, including the Huey helicopter and at one point, from 1979-1982, served as the active duty advisor to the unit where his grandson would later serve. At the time, the 28th Attack Helicopter Company was transitioning to Cobra Helicopters. They would later become the first reserve component to have Apache Helicopters and be known as 1st Battalion, 130th Aviation Regiment, and the unit the youngest Thomas has served in for the past 10 Capt. Timothy Thomas, a North Carolina years. National Guardsman with 1st Battalion, “It’s pretty neat that before 130th Aviation Regiment, stands next to his dad, Brigadier General (Ret.) Kelly Thomas I was born my grandpa advised after they flew together. (Photo courtesy of the unit where I would later serve the Thomas Family) a larger portion of my military career,” Timothy Thomas said. Thomas’s father, Kelly Thomas, remembers his dad going off to Vietnam and the impact it had on him as a young man, leading him to also join the Army as an Aviator. “I didn’t understand what Vietnam was,” said Kelly Thomas, who has served in Grenada, Bosnia and Afghanistan. “I really didn’t understand the war, but I understood the year, two years plus that he was gone and the team of teams that Army Aviators have with all the infantry and all the ground forces. That was what really impressed me about being a tactical helicopter pilot, the respect those branches have on each other.” Kelly Thomas retired as a brigadier general in 2013 and like his father was qualified to fly several aircraft including the Cobra and Kiowa Warrior Helicopters. He said he is proud that his son is the third in the line to become an Army Aviator. “I think the common theme with the three generations of aviators is that we fly something that shoots and that’s what we all take very much pride in,” he said. “Our standard is that it has to hover and it has to have guns on it, besides that, we’ll fly it. I think that’s our proudest tradition.”
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generations qualified as an Apache Helicopter pilot the two previous generations of Thomas pilots were there to congratulate him and pin his newly earned wings to his chest. His father, Kelly Thomas, pinned on the Capt. Timothy Thomas, far right, stands with his wings, which were the father and grandfather after graduating flight same wings his father school at Fort Rucker, Alabama, January 2009. (Photo courtesy of the Thomas Family) pinned onto him. Those wings had the date of all three generations of Thomas pilots on them. “I’m very, very proud of him,” Kelly Thomas said of his son. “It really is a proud day.” The newest Thomas said he could not remember one specific time that started him on his journey to join the service but that it was part of his everyday life. “I just remember always seeing the uniform and thinking it was dad, even if it wasn’t dad,” Timothy Thomas said. “I always thought that the Thomas is a military family and we understand that it’s bigger than us and we’re committed to serve. I think that is the understanding that we can serve and do our part because we know that it is bigger than us and we’re just a small part of that puzzle, but it’s a great feeling.” The commitment to service that runs though the Thomas family has also branched to include Don Ray Thomas, brother to Kelly Thomas, who retired from the Air Force as a Major in 2011. Like his father and nephew, Don Ray Thomas took to helicopters and flew the Pave Hawks as a combat search and rescue pilot serving in Afghanistan and Iraq on multiple deployments. “Even his [Capt. Thomas] sister served as an Army civilian,” Kelly Thomas said of his daughter. “That’s the kind of dedication that this Thomas family has strong ties to, it’s to God and country and we want to continue to serve.” The youngest of the Thomas men currently works full-time for the North Carolina National Guard. He said that growing up he remembers having to move a lot and wanted to be able to raise his family in North Carolina. “It was kind of a blessing that I was hired as Active Guard and Reserve, but the intent was that I was going to be a traditional Guardsmen,” said Timothy Thomas who initially joined 2004 while attending East Carolina University thinking he would just serve one weekend a month and two weeks in the summer like many Guard Soldiers. “But then the opportunity was afforded to me that I could be full-time.” Thomas got the best of both worlds by being able to serve full-time like the generations before him but stay in one location to raise a family. He and his wife reside in Holly Springs, with their two daughters. Although he said he would never pressure his children to join the military, he hopes that he can teach them the commitment to service that he learned from his father and grandfather. “I just want them as kids to understand the service aspect,” Timothy Thomas said. “I feel like the Thomas family, we serve this country. I’ve seen my dad, my grandpa, these dedicated military men and wanted to do that for my country and wanted to do that for my family and carry on the tradition and that honor of being able to serve. So, I want my kids to see that and obviously if they want to continue with serving, then that would be awesome.”
www.ncnga.org
Tarheel Guardsman
HIKERS MISSING FOR TWO DAYS: RESCUED BY NCHART - NC GUARD HELICOPTER CREWS Story by Lt. Col. Matthew Devivo Two hikers missing since Thursday, Jan. 5, 2017, in the Shinning Rock Wilderness Area were rescued Saturday evening by the North Carolina Helicopter and Aquatic Rescue Team (NCHART). The hikers, who were uninjured, used a cell phone to contact authorities on Friday saying they were off the trail and needed to be rescued. The cell phone they used, however, had poor location services, sometimes called a “throwaway phone” making it difficult for authorities to locate them. Over 100 ground based rescuers from two dozen local, state, and federal agencies were searching for the lost hikers day and night, and with serve winter weather fast approaching on Friday night, the chance of finding them alive became less a reality. “With below-zero temperatures expected, time was running out,” said NC Emergency Management Director Mike Sprayberry. Ground search teams did all they could to locate the stranded hikers, but rugged, heavily forested terrain and waist deep snow, made it extremely challenging. By Saturday afternoon, the weather was getting worse and extremely low temperatures were setting in. At 2:00 p.m., Saturday, Sprayberry ordered the NCHART into action to find and rescue the hikers. NCHART is a highly specialized team consisting of North Carolina Emergency Management, NC Guard, and NC State Highway Patrol assets matched with highly-trained local emergency services personnel that form a mission-ready package for helicopter-based rescues. The initial NCHART team comprised of a State Highway Patrol helicopter, a NC Guard UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter and three Charlotte firefighter rescue technicians (on the Blackhawk). The SHP helicopter would locate the hikers using thermal NC Army National Guard LUH-72 Lakota crew, identification based in Morrisville, NC in front of their aircraft. equipment (L-R Chief Warrant Officer Three Joshua and the Guard McMinn - Pilot in Command, Capt. Christopher Arndt – Pilot, John Vislavsy – Maintainer, Staff Blackhawk Sgt. Michael Mercier – Maintainer, Sgt. Joshua would fly in Johner – Maintainer and Staff Sgt. Charles and, using a Woodruff – Crew (not pictured). (Photo by Staff hoist system, Sgt. Brendan Stephens, NCNG PAO/Released) lower the rescue techs and extract the hikers. “Whenever we get the call to execute a NCHART mission, the heart rate goes up a bit,” said Maj. Jack
Tarheel Guardsman
Potvin, a NC Army National Guard UH-60 pilot, and 10-year NCHART veteran. “We train for this mission all the time. In fact just the week prior, we were training extraction techniques.” But this extraction was not an ordinary one, Potvin stated. “The extreme weather (cold and winds), heavily forested terrain, altitude and the pitch black night made this a mission like no other we had in a long time.” Potvin’s Blackhawk helicopter would not be the only Guard aircraft involved in this rescue. It was a NC Guard drill weekend (7-8 Jan.) and NC Army Guard UH-72 Lakota helicopter crews, based in Morrisville at the RDU airport, were scheduled for flight training. In an effort to always be ready and prepared to support NCNG’s state partners, one of the Lakota crew planned a flight to AsheNC Army National Guard UH-60 Blackhawk crew, ville airport and back as a part of based in Salisbury, NC in front of their aircraft. (L-R drill training. Chief Warrant Officer Two Jay Moon – Pilot, Maj. Jack “We knew about the ongoing Potvin - Pilot in Command, Sgt. First Class Robin McDaniel - Crew Chief, Staff Sgt. Edgar T Bowers - Crew search and rescue mission near Chief. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Brendan Stephens, NCNG Asheville,” said Capt. Christopher Public Affairs/Released) Arndt, a NC Army National Guard UH-72 Lakota pilot, and 5-year NCHART veteran. “With our capabilities and experience in NCHART missions, our commander authorized the training flight to fly to Asheville and back, with an intent to be available just in case NC Emergency Management needs us.” By the time Arndt’s Lakota made it to Asheville and refueled, the NC State Highway Patrol helicopter that located the stranded hikers just before sunset, was forced to return to the airport and refuel. The NC Guard Lakota took over the search. “We are fortunate that all these resources were trained and available, and worked together to execute this extremely complicated rescue,” said Sprayberry. “The key to the success of this response was teamwork from all the responders cooperating for the best possible outcome.’’ The outcome may have been a lot different if it were not for the forward thinking of NC Guard Lakota aviators and their commander in Morrisville. “It was extremely cold out and pitch black,” said Arndt. “We all were very anxious to find these guys and get them out of danger. We searched the area the Highway Patrol crew gave us for about 20 minutes, then at 7,500 feet and about two miles away using our thermal identification equipment we spotted a flickering light, like a strobe. When we zoomed in on to that light, we discovered that it wasn’t a strobe. It was a faint Bic lighter flame from the lost hikers” The hikers desperately trying to signal the helicopters were relocated and the NC Guard UH-60 Blackhawk and rescue technicians swooped in and hoisted the hikers out of the forest to waiting ambulances at the Asheville airport. From start to finish the rescue took about one hour from when the NC Guard Lakota got the call to take over the search. “It’s an amazing, exhilarating feeling when the mission is complete and lives are saved,” said Potvin. “NCHART is a proven lifesaving program, and in my opinion, illustrates clearly the team efforts and dedication of our state emergency response partners from emergency management, the Highway Patrol, the Guard and local first responders.” NCHART, the first of its kind in the nation, is in its 14th year serving North Carolina residents. The program is credited with over 80 successful rescues.
www.ncnga.org
FEB/MAR 2017 — Page 5
NCNGA STANDING COMMITTEES 2017-2018
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Several committees have mandatory requirements for committee membership and all committees require that you attend a majority of all duly called meetings in order to remain an active member of that committee. Budget restrictions dictate limiting the number of members on each committee; therefore, we are unable to place every member that wants to serve on a committee. However, every effort will be made to accommodate your request. The majority of all called meetings are usually held at the NCNGA Headquarters in Raleigh. These meetings are held during the day, usually at 10:30 a.m. and last one to two hours, depending upon the amount of work to be done. Members are reimbursed for meals and mileage from their HOR to the meeting site and return. For a full list of the responsibilities of the committess, please visit our website at http://ncnga.org/committees/
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• • • •
DID YOU KNOW?
You can convert your Group Term Policy to Whole Life policy at any time without proving insurability (Whole life rates are based on agethe younger you convert your insurance, the less expensive it is). You may apply for coverage of $7,500 for children (regardless of number), under the age of 18 for only $6.50 if purchased with parent’s Whole Life coverage. Remains in force until age 25, and can then be converted up to 5x the benefit amount to their own Whole Life policy. Whole Life coverage of $2,500 – $100,000 is available (rates based on age) May be purchased between the ages of 18 – 65 Premiums and coverage are level for the duration of the policy and accrues a cash value over time.
Please contact Rhonda Mooring for more information 919-851-3390 ext. 0
APPLICATION FOR APPOINTMENT NCNGA STANDING COMMITTEES If you are interested in participating on a committee this year, please fill out the following information below and for-
ward to the NCNGA Headquarters, 74l0 Chapel Hill Road, Raleigh, NC 27607, no later than 28 February 2017, or turn in to the Registration Desk at the convention. (You can also scan and email the form to info@ncnga.org.) Name______________________________________
Unit______________________________
Home Address_____________________________City____________________State_____Zip________ Telephone No. (Home) ( Mobile (
) _____________________ (Business) (
) ________________________
) ______________________ Email Address: ______________________________________
Committee(s) you would like to serve on. Please indicate order of preference. ( ( ( ( ( ( (
) ) ) ) ) ) )
By-Laws & Credentials Communications Convention Committee Finance Headquarters & Employees Legislative & Resolutions Membership & Benefits
( ) Please check if you plan to run for an Executive Council seat in the near future. ( ) I am interested in serving on an Educational Foundation committee. What is a convenient meeting time for you? _________________________
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Tarheel Guardsman
Help Your Association Run for the NCNGA Executive Council! Qualifications to run for office: you must be a member of the North Carolina National Guard Association and have served on an active committee within the past five years (except Junior Council Members). If you are qualified (see above) and interested in being an important part of your Association, please complete the application below and email it to Cindy Basler (Staff Liaison for the Nominating & Credentials Committee) email cindy@ncnga.org . You can also mail this form to NCNGA 7410 Chapel Hill Rd. Raleigh, NC 27607 or fax it to 919859-4990 attn: Cindy Basler. If you have any questions please contact her by email or at 919-851-3390 ext 1. 2017-2018 Application for Nomination Candidate for the Executive Council North Carolina National Guard Association
Indicate office you want to be considered for: ____President ____Vice-President ____ At-Large
Name Home Address City
State
Deadline for submitting applications: 15 February 2017
Zip
Home Telephone No.
Attach a list of your current/past committee and/or Executive Council involvement.
Business Telephone No. Unit Email address:
NCNGA Educational Foundation Fundraiser Raffle The North Carolina National Guard Association Educational Foundation will have a raffle with the Grand Prize of $2,000 and a second prize of $100.
Tickets $2.00 each or 3 for $5.00 The drawing will be during the 2017 Convention (Winner assumes all responsibility for local, state & federal taxes)
WIN $4000!!
The NCNGA Educational Foundation will be holding a Reverse Drawing on Friday, March 17, 2017 @ 6:00 pm. at the Shallotte National Guard Armory 5050 Main St. South Brunswick, NC 28470 Tickets are $40 per couple & includes dinner for two The last ticket drawn is the winner! The first ticket drawn will receive $40 Every 25th ticket drawn after the first ticket will receive $50. And you do not have to be present to win!
Don’t miss a chance to win the Hardison Wagon in 2017. This not so little red wagon is filled with goodies, including adult beverages, goodies for all ages, lottery tickets and cash!
Only 300 tickets will be sold! Get your ticket(s) today!
To purchase a ticket(s), contact Ken Tyndall at the NCNGA Foundation Office 919-851-3390 ext. 5 or contact a member of the Board of Directors Proceeds go to the NCNGA Educational Foundation Scholarship Fund
Tarheel Guardsman
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FEB/MAR 2017 — Page 7
North Carolina National Guard Association 56th Annual Convention Our North Carolina National Guard Association and Time and Place Committee are proud to announce that this year’s 56th Annual Convention will be hosted at Sea Trail Resort in Sunset Beach between March 18th and 19th. It’s been a number of years since we have been at Sea Trail and the coast, so we are happy to bring it back by popular demand. With the great accommodations and amenities at the resort, we believe this year will surpass previous years’ attendance, so we encourage you to book early. A modification to this year’s convention is we have notified JFHQ of our dates to make sure we do not conflict with drills and other major events. To help even further, we have shifted the Membership Session to a Saturday and Sunday timeframe to minimize conflicts with those on a typical Monday-Friday work schedule. These slight modifications are results of our communication with our members across the State to maximize the potential for attendance and fun. We are currently wrapping up items like our agenda, entertainment and Convention theme. Once we have these locked in, we will post it on our Facebook page and Weekly Guardsman online newsletter. You can sign-up for these resources at www.ncnga.org. We appreciate your support and encourage you to take full advantage of our Early Bird prices.
Photographer for Saturday Evening
Break-Out Sessions The Convention Planning Committee has been working hard to make this Convention one of the best yet. They have put together two break-out sessions. They will be: Photographs for the Saturday Evening event at Convention will be provided by James Shankle. Mr. Shankle provided the photographs for Saturday evening last year. Here is a list of his prices.
Blended Retirement & Financial Planning
Package A---$50----------2-8x10’s, 2-5x7’s and 8 wallets Package B---$40----------2-8x10’s and 2-5x7’s Package C---$30----------2-5x7’s and 8 wallets
We will have more information on these as we get closer to Convention. Please keep an eye on our website to see updates about the Convention.
He takes cash or checks. No credit cards. Page 8 — FEB/MAR 2017
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Tarheel Guardsman
NC National Guard Association
56th Annual Convention Registration Form Sea Trail Resort, Sunset Beach, NC
18-19 March 2017
Register Online at www.ncnga.org and click the Register & view Details button or complete form below *Required *Association *First Member Convention *Registrant’s Name _______________________________________________ Yes No Yes No *Spouse/Guest Name _____________________________________________
Yes No
Yes No
IF there is a guest activity, would the guest like to attend? If so, there may be additional charges onsite for the activity.
_____ YES _____ NO *Address ________________________________________________________
*City__________________________________________ *State________ *Zip____________ *Telephone ____________________________*E-mail___________________________________________
*Attending Saturday Evening Event: Member: Yes No Spouse/Guest: Yes No
*Attending Membership Meeting: Member: Saturday Yes No Sunday Yes No
**No Refunds After 1 March 2017** Early Registration for MEMBERS & thier GUESTS (before 11 February 2017) _____@ $50 = $ Early Registration for NON-MEMBERS & thier GUESTS (before 11 February 2017)_____@ $70 = $
Registration for MEMBERS & thier GUESTS (11 February 2017 and after)
_____@ $60 = $
Registration for NON-MEMBERS & thier GUESTS (11 February 2017 and after)
_____@ $80 = $
Business Session Only
_____@ $0 =
$
Credit/Debit Card Fee
_____@ $3 =
$
TOTAL
=
$
Method of Payment: ____Check enclosed ____Charge my Credit/Debit Card **There will be a $23 returned check fee on returned items **There is a $3 processing charge for credit cards Card #________________________________ Expiration date ____________ Security code ______ Authorized Signature ________________________________________________________________
Complete & return to: NCNGA, 7410 Chapel Hill Rd, Raleigh, NC 27607 or Fax to 919-859-4990 or scan and email to cindy@ncnga.org Questions, please call 919-851-3390 ext 1
For Hotel Reservations:
Sea Trail Resort 75A Clubhouse Rd, Sunset Beach, NC 28468
Rooms Range from $83-$223 per night plus cleaning fee. Please see list and descriptions on next page for details. For floor plans and more detailed descriptions, please visit our website at www.ncnga.org/convention. Group rates are available three days prior and three days post event. Guests may contact the Reservations Department at 1-800-624-6601 no later than February 26, 2017. Please advise guests to identify themselves with NC National Guard Association in order to receive the group rate.
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FEB/MAR 2017 — Page 9
Room Rates at Sea Trail for NCNGA 2017 56th Annual Convention RATES: Group rates are available three days prior and three days post event. Guests may contact the Reservations Department at 1-800-6246601 no later than February 26, 2017. Please advise guests to identify themselves with NC National Guard Association in order to receive the group rate. All units will have towels/linens and amenities in place in the unit upon arrival. For units that may not be equipped with washer/ dryers, a daily towel change service will be included in the stay. A one -time departure cleaning fee will be posted to each unit reservation and will vary based on the unit size. EXCLUSIVE GROUP RATES: Resort Mini Suite $83.00 plus tax per night and one- time departure clean/condo restock fee $30 300 sq. Feet - The resort mini suites offer a kitchenette complete with a microwave, coffee maker, and a refrigerator. These accommodations commonly feature two double beds. Rates include access to the Village Activity Center with indoor/outdoor pools, workout facility and sauna. Complimentary WIFI Premier Mini Suite $93.00 plus tax per night and one- time departure clean/condo restock fee $30.00 480 sq. Feet – The premier mini suites offer a kitchenette complete with a microwave, coffee maker, and a refrigerator. These mini suites typically feature two double or queen beds and all offer elevator access. Premier suites are just a short walk away from the Convention Center. Rates include access to the Village Activity Center, with indoor/outdoor pools, workout facility and sauna. Complimentary WIFI. Deluxe One Bedroom Villa $123.00 plus tax per night and one time departure clean /restock fee $35.00 860 to 1020 sq. Feet - The deluxe one bedroom villa is the most spacious one bedroom villa we offer. These villas include a living room with a separate dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, washer and dryer, iron and ironing board plus a private screened porch overlooking the resort’s natural surroundings. Deluxe one bedroom villas typically feature two double beds. Rates include access to the Village Activity Center, with indoor/outdoor pools, workout facility and sauna. Complimentary WIFI. Champion Premier One Bedroom Villa $133.00 plus tax per night and one time departure clean /restock fee $35.00 820 sq. Feet – The premier one bedroom villa offers a living room with a separate dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, washer and dryer, iron and ironing board plus a private porch overlooking the resort’s natural surroundings. These villas also include elevator access and are just a short walk away from the Convention Center. The bedroom features two queens or two double beds. Rates include access to the Village Activity Center, with indoor/outdoor pools, workout facility and sauna. Complimentary WIFI. Resort Two Bedroom Villa $163.00 plus tax per night and one time departure clean/restock fee $45.00 900 sq. Feet – The resort two bedroom villa is comprised of a resort one bedroom villa with a kitchen area and living room connecting to a guestroom with either 2 queens or 2 twin beds and its own separate bathroom. These villas also offer a private porch overlooking the resort’s natural surroundings. These villas are just a short walk away from the pools and Activity Center. Rates include access to the Village Activity Center, with indoor/outdoor pools, workout facility and sauna. Complimentary WIFI. Premier Two Bedroom Villa $173.00 plus tax per night and one time departure clean/restock fee $45.00 1300 sq. Feet – The premier two bedroom villa offers a spacious living room with a separate dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, washer and dryer, iron and ironing board. Bedrooms commonly have two double beds in each room. The villas also feature a private porch overlooking the resort’s natural surroundings, elevator access, and are just a short walk away from the Convention Center. Rates include access to the Village Activity Center, with indoor/outdoor pools, workout facility and sauna. Complimentary WIFI. Club Villas Resort Three Bedroom Villa $193.00 plus tax per night and one time departure clean/restock fee $60 2020 sq. Feet The Three Bedroom Villas offer a spacious living room with a separate dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, washer and dryer, iron and ironing board. Each bedroom features a King, a Queen or two double beds with a private bathroom. The villa also features a private porch overlooking the resort’s natural surroundings. Rates include access to the Village Activity Center, with indoor/outdoor pools, workout facility and sauna. Complimentary WIFI. Club Villas Resort Four Bedroom Villa $223.00 plus tax per night and one time departure clean/restock fee $75.00 2320 sq. Feet - The Four Bedroom Villas offer a spacious living room with a separate dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, washer and dryer, iron and ironing board. Each bedroom features a King, a Queen or two double beds with a private bathroom. The villa also features a private porch overlooking the resort’s natural surroundings. The villas are individually decorated to provide a unique experience for your stay. Rates include access to the Village Activity Center, with indoor/outdoor pools, workout facility and sauna. Complimentary WIFI
Rates are per unit per night. Above rates are subject to NC State Tax (6.75%) and Local Occupancy Tax (6%). Tax rates may change pursuant to North Carolina State and Local Laws. If reservist paying with government credit cards indicating tax exempt, they will be state tax exempt. Group Rates Individual call in and individual payment basis. Above rates are net non-commissionable, before state and local taxes
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Tarheel Guardsman
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS FRIDAY, 17 MARCH 17 12:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Registration - Osprey 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Silent Auction - Heron A & B 6:00 p.m. – Until NCNGA Educational Foundation Reverse Drawing Shallotte Armory - 5050 Main St, Shallotte, NC Open after Reverse Drawing Hospitality Rooms Air Guard – 60th Troop Command TBD TBD
SATURDAY, 18 MARCH 17
7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Registration - Osprey 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Exhibits - Galley/Promenade 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Silent Auction - Heron A & B 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Unit Representative/Retiree Network Workshop Carolina Ball Room 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Breakout – Blended Retirement - Egret A 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Breakout – Financial Planning - Egret B 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Educational Foundation Annual Meeting - Ibis A & B 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Educational Foundation Board of Directors Meeting - Ibis A & B 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Membership Meeting 56th Annual Convention - Carolina Ballroom 4:00 p.m. – Until Professional Photographer - Location TBD 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Social Hour - Foyer/Pre-Function Carolina 6:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. Dinner/Entertainment - Carolina Ballroom
SUNDAY, 19 MARCH 17 7:00 a.m. – 7:45 a.m. 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. 8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. 9:45 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. 10:45 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
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Sunrise Service - Location TBD Registration - Osprey Exhibits - Galley/Promenade Silent Auction - Heron A & B Auxiliary Meeting - Egret A & B Membership Meeting 56th Annual Convention - Carolina Salon II & III Voting - Carolina Salon I Membership Meeting 56th Annual Convention - Carolina Salon II & III Pick up items from Silent Auction - Heron A & B
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FEB/MAR 2017 — Page 11
“4th Annual Staff Sergeant Mike Sherrill Memorial NCNGA Educational Foundation Scholarship Golf Tournament – In Honor of SFC Neal Nethery Retirement” Format: 4 Man Scramble / Captain’s Choice Where: Lincoln Country Club When: Monday, 24 April 2017 Time: 10:00 Shotgun Start Entry Fee: $60.00 per individual Please make plans to join us on Monday, 24 April 2017 at The Lincoln Country Club for our 4th Annual Staff Sergeant Mike Sherrill Memorial Golf Tournament Fundraiser. This year’s tournament honors SFC Neal Nethery’ s retirement from the NCARNG. SFC Nethery has been a long time supporter of the NCNGAEF and will retire in March 2017. Proceeds from this fundraiser will benefit the North Carolina National Guard Association Educational Foundation (NCNGAEF). The first $1000 raised will go to our 505ECB SSG Mike Sherrill Memorial Scholarship NCNGAEF Fund for the annual scholarship. $500 will be dedicated to the purchase of a brick in the NCNGAEF Walk of Honor in Raleigh in honor of SFC Nethery. All additional funds raised will go to the NCNGAEF General Endowment Fund. We also will be doing a 50/50 raffle at the tournament. Entry fee includes golf, cart, beverages, lunch, door prize tickets, and 2 mulligans. Tickets will be put into the raffle box for door prizes when entry fee is paid. Lunch will be served during the round. Prizes will be awarded for 1st and 2nd place teams. All par 3’s will have a closest to the pin prize and we will also have a long drive prize. Hole sponsorships may be purchased for a $50.00 donation and will include a sign on the course. Fees and donations are tax deductible. Sign up as a foursome or individuals will be paired up. Please make checks payable to Donnie Mote, and mailed to 7846 Adeline Lane, Sherrills Ford, NC 28673. The address for the golf course is The Lincoln Country Club, 2052 Country Club Road, Lincolnton, NC 28092. Phone = (704) 735-1382. Contact Reggie Hill or Donnie Mote with any questions. Player A____________________________________________________________ Player B____________________________________________________________ Player C____________________________________________________________ Player D____________________________________________________________
When the Guns Fell Silent: The Search for North Carolina’s First World War Trophies In 1924, the Secretary of War was directed to distribute among the states a number of captured enemy guns, howitzers, machine guns, mortars, cannons and even vehicles. The number distributed to each state was based on the number of servicemen which that state provided for the war effort. North Carolina was allocated, and received 41 cannons, howitzers and trench mortars, ranging in caliber from 75mm to 245mm. Additionally, the State received 74 vehicles. “When the Guns Fell Silent” is a project we are working on to create a database of known examples of these weapons from “The Great War.” This is where we need your help! You may know of several of these weapons, and can help us build this database. All we ask of you is to look around your cities and towns, and when you discover one of these, take a few pictures of it from different angles (front, rear, side), and forward those photographs, along with the specific location
to us. Please include your name and hometown that we can credit the find to you. Please email photos and information to gary.c.spencer2.mil@mail.mil, or if email isn’t your thing, mail them to: JFHQ-NC NCNG Museum ATTN: SGT Gary Spencer, Curator 4105 Reedy Creek RD Raleigh, NC 27607
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While the number of 41 guns, mortars and howitzers was factual, we know that there were instances in which some of these no longer exist. For example, a captured German cannon was once displayed at the base of the Vance Memorial at Pack Square in Asheville, NC. That is, until 1942, when the gun disappeared, having been removed to be contributed to the scrap drive of World War II. This is not likely a singular example. Nevertheless, we need your help to re-discover these guns. Even if you’re not sure what a captured enemy cannon or trench mortar looks like, but you know it would’ve made a “big boom” when fired, take some photos of it and send it in! We can take it from there.
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PLAY GOLF AND SUPPORT THE NCNGA EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION FORMAT: 18-Hole Captain’s Choice WHERE: Pinehurst Golf Resort, Course #5, Pinehurst, NC WHEN: Wednesday, May 3, 2017 – Shotgun Start at 8:30 AM ENTRY FEE: $100.00 (Checks payable to NCNGA Educational Foundation) DEADLINE FOR REGISTERING: All checks must be received by Friday, April 14, 2017 TEAM PRIZES: 1st Place Team — 4th Place Team MAIL TO: NCNGA Educational Foundation, Inc., 7410 Chapel Hill Road, Raleigh, NC 27607 The fee includes cart and green fee, all prizes e.g., Longest Drive Front and Back Nine, Closest to the Hole, All Par 3’s, Hole in One All Par 3’s, Putting Contest at Conclusion of Round, Door Prizes and Driving Range prior to round. Mulligans can be purchased for $5.00 (3 for $10.00). Money from mulligans is added to the donations to the NCNGA Educational Foundation. Fee for Putting Contest is $10.00. Prize for Putting Contest is 50/50 split the pot with the NCNGA Educational Foundation. Put together your own team or sign up individually and be placed on a team For additional information, contact Terry Westbrook at (984) 664-6298 Open to all golfers and their guests. Proceeds go to the NCNGA Educational Foundation. Check must accompany entry form. Entry fee returned if tournament is cancelled due to rain. To register as a team, all four entry forms must be submitted together with checks totaling $400.00. Name ____________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________ Phone: (home) _________________________ (work) _________________________ Team Captain Email Address _____________________________________________ I declare myself physically able to compete in this event. I waive all rights for claims for injury or illness which may occur during this event. Signature:__________________________
Date:_____________________
NCNGA Educational Foundation estimates the value for each entrant to be $75.00. Charitable contributions are deductible to the extent that they exceed the value of any goods and services received. Your cancelled check is acknowledgement of your contribution.
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www.ncnga.org
FEB/MAR 2017 — Page 13
The North Carolina National Guard Museum and Learning Center of Excellence
By: SGT Gary C. Spencer, Curator/Historian After nearly fifty years of talking about it, the North Carolina National Guard Museum is finally becoming a reality. The museum will be located at the Joint Force Headquarters in Raleigh, in a 14,000 sq ft warehouse. An architectural and engineering (AE) firm has been selected to plan the renovation and conversion to a state of the art museum and research facility. The AE firm of HH Architecture was chosen amongst some stiff competitors. This firm has assembled an incredible team that includes exceptionally talented professionals that will cover nearly every aspect of what we need to open the museum, with exhibit design, landscape design, civil engineers and electrical, too. The museum is also working on outreach to the school systems across our state. We have recently obtained a 12 foot long trailer, dubbed “The History Machine,” a spin-off of Scooby Doo’s famous “Mystery Machine.” It has been specially fitted with display cases custom crafted by our carpenters at JFHQ’s CSMS shop. The History Machine made its inaugural unveiling at Riverwood Middle School in Clayton. On each side of the trailer is a retractable awning, providing shade and shelter. During this event, Museum Director, CPT Sean Daily under the awning of one side, presented a lesson to students about the dual mission of the North Carolina National Guard, and locations of our armories, while SGT Gary Spencer, under the awning on the opposite side of the trailer, provided a lesson on the importance of geography and how it shapes everything we do, and provided examples of important NC battlefields, King’s Mountain and Fort Fisher. Once one group was finished, they lined up and toured the exhibits displayed inside the History Machine, then switched sides. All told, nearly 400 middle school students participated in this event. The History Machine was also at the State Fair in October for all to enjoy. The next event for it will be the Legislative Day at Camp Butner. The beauty of this incredible tool, is that not only can we travel to schools that may not otherwise have the opportunity make a field trip, but that we can tailor our exhibits and lessons based on what the schools would like to learn about. It can be anything from the roots of the North Carolina National Guard to a specific battle or war, and we can even present on our service to our fellow citizens in time of emergency, like Hurricane Matthew or the Charlotte Riots. This brilliant tool was the brainchild of CPT Sean
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Daily, the Museum director, and has tremendous potential for far-reaching and impactful representation of not only the museum, but for the North Carolina National Guard itself. Museum staff has also completed its first staff ride, given to officers of the 60th Troop Command on 10-11 September of the Wilmington Campaign in the American Civil War. The staff ride was preceded with a Preliminary Phase, in which the participants were assigned an important figure from the period, and studied the campaign with suggested, as well as, assigned reading. The Field Study Phase kicked off with 29 participants, beginning with a predawn kayak trip across the Cape Fear River to Bird Island, at which point the geography and terrain were explained. After kayaking back, and conducting personal hygiene, we drove to the state park, and walked about a mile to Sugar Loaf, the site of MG Robert F. Hoke’s position during much of the campaign, and what was at the time, the highest prominence in the area. Next, the group drove to FT Fisher State Historic Site and covered the first and second attacks of Federal forces on Fort Fisher, Sugar Loaf and Battery Buchanan. Following that, we took the ferry across the Cape Fear River and drove up to Fort Anderson to discuss the fall of the last true barrier that was keeping the port of Wilmington under Confederate control. Leaving FT Anderson, the group went on to Wilmington proper, near the Railroad Museum, and wrapped up the campaign with a discussion of the capture of the port city, which effectively closed the last remaining Confederate port, the severing of the “lifeline of the Confederacy,” and the surrender of the last two major Rebel field armies. The following day, the group gathered at the monument just off the beach at FT Fisher to conduct the Integration Phase of the Staff Ride. Going over key points, this brought out the superb critical thinking skills of the officers present. This incredible discussion involved everyone, and tied it all together with parallels and applications to today’s modern army, joint operations, and leadership, and how these points and the lessons learned can be applied to their personal and professional lives. The staff of the North Carolina National Guard Museum hopes to conduct further staff rides with units across our organization that will enable the men and women of the North Carolina National Guard to grow and learn, personally and professionally. With so many fascinating and important historical events that occurred in our great state, in addition to sites across the east coast in which Carolinians participated and shaped battles, the potential for stimulating and productive staff rides are extraordinary.
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NCNGA Retiree Network
North Carolina State Senator Danny Britt, also a North Carolina National Guard (NCNG) Major, takes the oath of office as senator from the 13th District on the floor of the NC Senate at the NC General Assembly, Jan. 11, 2017, in Raleigh. Earlier five NCNG Honor Guard Soldiers presented the US and NC colors at the opening ceremony of the NC House of Representatives at the assembly. All stood as the Soldiers in their neatly pressed Army Service Uniforms marched in the chamber carrying the flags and ceremonial rifles. The team came to attention and presented arms for the singing of the National Anthem as the representatives and staff saluted with hand over heart or military salute. The House membership then recited the Pledge of Allegiance. The ceremony concluded with the singing of “God Bless America” and the retiring of the colors by the team. Later, in the Senate chamber at the assembly, North Carolina State Senator, and Major in the NCNG, Danny Britt took to oath of office as senator from the 13th District. (US Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Robert Jordan, North Carolina National Guard Public Affairs/Released)
If you are retired from NC Air Guard or Army Guard and interested in working for a worthwhile program, the NCNGA Retiree Network may be for you. As part of the Retiree Network, you will have the opportunity to visit units, inform the Soldiers and Airmen of the many legislative accomplishments we have been able to help secure for them as well as go over current initiatives and benefits we provide. Our Retiree Network representatives visit units during their weekend drill and present the benefits of becoming and staying a member of the Association. After a possible brief presentation, they check membership records-ensuring we have the current contact information- whether life/annual members or insured members (also verifying coverage and beneficiaries). Retiree Network representatives are compensated for their time and travel expenses. For more information, please contact Rhonda Mooring with NCNGA 919-851-3390 ext. 0
In Memoriam
Listed below are those members (and non-members), spouses and dependent children that have recently passed away. If we have missed someone, please contact the Editor, Katie Westbrooks at katie@ncnga.org or 919-851-3390 ext 2. Ernest W. Crawford Graham, NC September 15, 2016 Anna Betler-Moorhouse Spouse of Jerry T. Moorhouse New Bern, NC 28560 November 15, 2016 Harold Arrington Midland City, AL November 17, 2016 Freddie Stanley Shallote, NC November 18, 2016 Roy Lane Elizabeth City, NC November 21, 2016
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Frank M. Cothran Charlotte, NC November 21, 2016
Richard M. Butler Garner, NC December 15, 2016
Jamal Toshumba Thomasville, NC November 24, 2016
Howard D. Logan Brasstown, NC December 16, 2016
Patricia Wall Spouse of William T. Wall Willow Spring, NC January 8, 2017
Ira P. Brooks N. Wilkesboro December 2, 2016
Charles Queen Franklin, NC December 20, 2016
Henry L. Cooke Holly Ridge, NC January 9, 2017
Jean Walker Spouse of Deanie Walker Southern Pines, NC December 4, 2016
James Poteet San Antonio, TX December 29, 2016
Billie D. Fish Charlotte, NC January 18, 2017
Joseph L. Jennings Durham, NC January 1, 2017
Sally Dailey Spouse of James N. Dailey Hope Mills, NC January 18, 2017
Virginia A. Vasnus Spouse of Thomas L. Vasnus Elizabeth City, NC December 8, 2016
Thomas N. Hardin, Jr Youngsville, NC January 1, 2017
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Tarheel Guardsman NC National Guard Assoc. 7410 Chapel Hill Road Raleigh, NC 27607-5047
Periodicals U. S. Postage PAID Raleigh, NC
How to reach us: 919-851-3390 info@ncnga.org - email www.ncnga.org - website
PLEASE PLAN TO ATTEND THE NORTH CAROLINA NATIONAL GUARD ASSOCIATION 56th ANNUAL CONVENTION 18-19 March, 2017 Sea Trail Resort, Sunset Beach
Please visit our website at www.ncnga.org/convention to register and to see hotel room floor plans and rates. We look forward to seeing you there!