2011 summer ngat news
DESCRIPTION
The official publicatio of the National Guard Association of TexasTRANSCRIPT
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE NATIONAL GUARD ASSOCIATION OF TEXASF o u n d e d 1 9 5 9 • V o l u m e 5 2 • N u m b e r 2
Summer 2011
MEMBERS OF THE 136TH AIRLIFT WING RETURN
FROM DEPLOYMENTPage 5
CSM BRADLEY BRANDT SELECTED AS THE NEW
TXMF SENIOR ENLISTED ADVISOR
Page 6
THE GUARD FIGHTS FIRES IN TEXAS
Page 11
SENIOR NCO REUNION A SUCCESS
Page 21
At USAA, our commitment to serve the financial needs of our military, veterans and their families is without equal. It’s why we save members $450 a year on average1 when they switch to USAA Auto Insurance.
1Average Auto Premiums based on countrywide survey of new customers from 10/1/09 to 9/30/10, who reported their prior insurers’ premiums when they switched to USAA. Savings do not apply in MA. Property and casualty insurance products are available to current and former military members and their former dependents who meet certain membership eligibility criteria. To find out if you are eligible contact USAA. Underwriting restrictions apply. Automobile insurance provided by United Services Automobile Association, USAA Casualty Insurance Company, USAA General Indemnity Company, Garrison Property and Casualty Insurance Company, USAA County Mutual Insurance Company, San Antonio, TX, and is available only to persons eligible for P&C group membership. Each company has sole financial responsibility for its own products. © 2011 USAA. 124913-0411
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He’ll share his father’s love of country. And his auto insurance.
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ON THE COVER: CSM Bradley Brandt (Photo by MSG (Ret) Billeck-Zuniga). A C-130H Hercules from the 302nd Airlift Wing, Colorado Springs Air Force Reserve, equipped with the Modular Airborne Firefighting System prepares to drop a line of fire retardant in West Texas (Photo by SSgt Eric Harris). Members of the 136th Airlift Wing return from deployment (Photos by SMSgt Elizabeth Gilbert). Texas National Guard UH-60 Blackhawk drops water over hot spots. (Photo by SSG Malcolm McClendon) Maj Gen Nichols speaks at the TXMF Retired Senior NCO Reunion.
NGAT NEWS (USPS 015-752) IS PUBLISHED QUARTERLY BY THE NATIONAL GUARD ASSOCIATION OF TEXAS, 3706 CRAWFORD AVENUE, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78731-6308 PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT AUSTIN TX 78710 AND ADDITIONAL OFFICESPOSTMASTER: SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO: NGAT NEWS, 3706 CRAWFORD AVENUE, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78731-6803MEMBERS MAY EMAIL ADDRESS CHANGE TO: [email protected]
co
nte
nts 4/ Letter from the President
5/ Homecomings/Deployments
6/ Key Leadership Changes
8/ Music Awards
Membership Special
Benefits Assistance
11/ Texas Fires
13/ Texas State Guard Pistol Win
14/ Veterans Corner
15/ Houston Light Guard
Family Programs Grant
16/ Around the World with the Guard
18/ Around Texas with the Guard
19/ 2011 NGAUS Conference
21/ NCO Reunion
EANGUS 2011
22/ Taps
Army Demotes Beret
Corporate Members & Sponsors
24/ 2011 NGAT Planning Calendar
8/ Music Awards
15/ Houston Light Guard
16/ Around the World
President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Justin Perryman
President-Elect . . . . . . . . . . . . . Charles Chavers
Vice-President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Daniel Quick
Secretary-Treasurer . . . . . . . Dewayne Naumann
HQ, TXMF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gerold Gamble
ARNG Troops . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Johnny Hairgrove
36th ID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John Crawson
72nd IBCT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Les Edwards Paula Daigle-Hutchins
56th IBCT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Craig Normand Jeremy Amis
36th Sustainment Bde . . . . . . . . . .Gene Cummins
36th CAB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ashley Brown
176th Engr Bde . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Delmas Vandine
71st BfSB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . James Dula
136th CSB (ME) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Artis Harden
HQ, TANG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ian Manire
149th FW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Albert Cardenas
147th RW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Henry Wiley
136th AW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scott Wedel
TX State Guard Rep . . . . . . . Dewayne Naumann
Retired Rep – Region I . . . . . . . . . . Stan Kitzman
Retired Rep – Region II . . . . . . . Russell Malesky
Retired Rep – Region III . . . . . . . . .Bill Abernathy
Family Readiness Rep . . . . . . . . . Deborah Evans
Publisher . . . . . . . . . . . . www .medianation .net
Editors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Theresa Billeck-ZunigaReid Douglass
Executive Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ray Lindner
NGAT NEWS
3706 Crawford Ave.
Austin, TX 78731
(512) 454-7300
1-800-252-NGAT (6428)
NGAT HOME PAGE
www.ngat.org
NGAT [email protected]@ngat.org
[email protected]@[email protected]
2 0 1 1 - 1 2 Board of Directors
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P r e s i d e n t ’ s R e p o r t
SUMMER IN TEXAS HAS ARRIVED, and traditionally it is the most active time in our
Association to expand our membership. The vast majority of our current members are life
members, and I can’t tell you how many people have come up to me and said how happy they are
that they paid for a life membership twenty-five years ago when the price was just $25.
Let’s think a bit about that investment. Since that time, they have gained medical coverage under
TRICARE, protection under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, federal educational benefits, free
tuition program for state universities, and free hunting and fishing licenses — to name just a few.
They have also received 80 issues of the NGAT NewsMagazine (current printing and distribution
cost is about $1.50 per issue). While NGAT can’t claim exclusive responsibility for all these gains,
Association leadership has been instrumental in lining up key federal and state legislative support
for the programs. Now how do you grade that $25 investment in a professional association? Just the free breakfast at this year’s
annual conference almost returned the initial investment!
This year we are offering a special opportunity for soldiers and airmen of both deployed and drilling units to purchase an
NGAT Life Membership for just $100 during certain specific recruiting periods. Given the impact of inflation, this is roughly the
same price that we charged E1-E6 for a life membership in 1980. And as your professional organization, we are committed to
continuing the fight to retain and expand benefits for our soldiers, airmen, and families. Have you shared with other members of
your unit what a bargain membership has been?
Now for some bad news. The deteriorating state and federal fiscal condition has led to proposed and actual cuts in benefits for
the Guard. This year in the state budget we lost $2 million of free tuition for the Guard in the biennium budget. The Secretary
of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff have both said that service medical and retirement benefits are on the
cutting block in the next session. The future definitely bodes ill for the armed forces — and especially the Guard.
While NGAT will join with other state and national associations to combat cuts, we need the full support of all Guard members
in this fight. NGAT membership in the current serving Guard has fallen to under 15% — unbelievable! In order to make our
voice heard, we need to show that we speak for the entire force. To that end, we need your help. Please reach out and recruit
those members of the Guard who are not currently NGAT members, and share with them how important it is that we band
together to ensure our voice is heard. Membership is a very small financial investment in one’s professional future.
Thank you for your continued support of our Association, and please join us in this new fight!
Justin D. PerrymanMAJ, JA, TXARNG
CSM Wilson Early leads the Texas Army National Guard’s 36th ID and supporting units for a 3-mile run in celebration of the Army’s 236th birthday on June 14 in Basrah, Iraq. (Photo by SGT Jeremy Spires)
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Airmen in the 136th Airlift Wing Return HomeA C-130 CARRYING MEMBERS of the Texas Air National Guard’s 136th Airlift Wing rolls down the runway as it arrives at the NAS Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base. Family members and friends gathered on the tarmac to greet their loved ones after their long separation. As service members got off the aircraft, loved ones raced towards them with hugs and kisses to welcome them home from Afghanistan. Many members of the 136th Airlift Wing who deployed to Afghanistan, were in country for their second or third time. H
BAND ON THE RUNMORE ENGINEERS HEAD TO AFGHANISTAN
SECRETARY OF DEFENSE VISITS AFGHANISTAN
Eight members of the 531st Texas Air National Guard Band of the Gulf Coast, a Latin pop/rock group called “Blue Hawk,” prepare to deploy to Southwest Asia this summer. The band is providing troop morale and support throughout the Area of Operation in support of Enduring Freedom and New Dawn. (Photo by SMSgt Elizabeth Gilbert)
On April 11, Soldiers from the 111th Engineer Battalion received a warm send-off in Brownwood on their way out for a year-long deployment to Afghanistan. Prior to their departure to Afghanistan, they will hook up with their counterparts from Stephenville, Texas — as well as Louisiana, Tennessee and Puerto Rico — at Fort McCoy, WI for some additional training. In June they depart for Afghanistan to do a road clearance mission. Upon their arrival to Afghanistan they will fall under the command of their Texas Brigade Headquarters, the 176th Engineer Brigade, which is preparing to return to Texas in early July.
NGAT Life Member BG Lester Simpson receives the Combat Action Badge from Secretary of Defense Robert Gates at FOB Sharana in Afghanistan. BG Simpson is the Commander of the 176th Engineer Brigade, which is preparing to return home to Texas in early July.
(Photos by SMSgt Elizabeth Gilbert)
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TEXAS MILITARY FORCES LEADERSHIP CHANGES
BG William L. Smith Director of the Joint Staff and
Commander of Domestic Operations
BG Orlando SalinasDeputy Assistant Adjutant
General, TXARNG
CSM Michael D. BlandCommand Sergeant Major
HHB 1st 133rd FA
Lt Col Marcos G. SantillanChief, Texas Air National
Guard Staff
CSM Bradley Brandt Selected as the TXMF Senior Enlisted Advisor for Texas
NGAT LIFE MEMBER Command Sergeant Major Bradley C. Brandt has been
selected as the new Senior Enlisted Advisor for the Texas Military Forces. He will
assume this position on 1 July 2011 and will work at Camp Mabry in Austin,
Texas. As the State Senior Enlisted Advisor, he will be responsible for advising
the Adjutant General of Texas on all matters pertaining to enlisted Soldiers/
Airmen of the Texas Army National Guard, the Texas Air National Guard, and
the Texas State Guard. Command Sergeant Major Brandt is also responsible
for Soldier/Airmen welfare and morale, promotion policies, military education,
uniform policies, family readiness/support group operations and the condition and
maintenance of facilities within the Texas Military Forces. Additional information
concerning the newly selected Senior Enlisted Advisor will be in the next issue of
the NGAT News Magazine. H
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ASRAH, IRAQ — Two 36th Infantry Division Band soldiers were recently chosen to receive prestigious awards from the military School of Music, which is the military occupational skill school for band members of all branches of service.
SSG Maurice Kelley, electric and upright bass player, was chosen as the Army Reserve Component Senior Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year for 2010, and SGT Charles Fricker, percussionist, was one of 12 military band members chosen for the first COL Finley R. Hamilton Military Outstanding Musician Award, which acknowledges enlisted musicians from each branch of service in the U.S. Military Forces who show exceptional qualities in military leadership and music.
“I’m very thrilled and humbled to receive the award,” said Fricker, a 32-year-old native of Philadelphia, who works as a grade 6-12 percussion instructor for the Angleton Independent School District. “The process for the award started during pre-mobilization at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA, and the recipients were announced while we were here in Iraq.”
Kelley, a 10-year veteran who also began his service in the Army Reserve, said he agreed that receiving a prestigious award was an honor.
“I’ve been fortunate to drill with many bands, and I know there are a lot of really good NCOs out there,” said Kelley, a 40-year-old native of Sedalia, MO, with a doctorate in music from the University of Nebraska. “People may say, ‘well, but you have your doctorate.’ There are really a lot of NCOs with doctorates in the bands, at least on the reserve component side. So it is pretty humbling, because I know the competition is pretty stiff.” H
SGT Charles Fricker, a percussionist with the 36th Infantry Division Band, practices his drum beats with the 36th ID rock band. (Photo by SGT David
Bryant)
SSG Maurice Kelley, a bassist with the 36th Infantry Division Band, plays some jazz music on his upright bass. (Photo by
SGT David Bryant)
Music to my Ears36th ID Band Soldiers Receive Honors
HOT LIFE MEMBERSHIP
PRICES FOR THE SUMMER
LESS CONFUSION, MORE BENEFITS FROM THE TEXAS
VETERANS COMMISSION
TEXAS VETERANS DESERVE
to get the most from the benefits
they’ve earned, so the state of
Texas created the Texas Veterans
Commission as the official
advocate for Texas veterans. TVC’s
mission is to be the most helpful
place for Texas veterans to receive
assistance with their state and
federal benefits. Highly trained
benefits experts, most of whom
are veterans, provide employment
services, education programs, claims representation, and counseling
at over 140 Texas Veterans Commission offices. Accessing benefits
can feel overwhelming and between medical records, paperwork,
appointments, and busy schedules it can also feel like a hassle.
The Texas Veterans Commission can help. It will manage the entire
process and get veterans and their families the benefits they
deserve. To start receiving assistance today, visit the Texas Veterans
Commission website at www.tvc.state.tx.us for more information. H
Like Cher says: “If I could turn back time!”
Well, here at NGAT we are! From 1 Jul - 31 Aug 11, NGAT will be offering $100.00 life memberships to current members of
the Texas Army National Guard, Texas Air National Guard and Texas State Guard. NGAT has not offered life membership at this rock bottom price since 1980. We need your help to get the word
out to those that are currently serving in the Guard. We need NGAT members to assist us in expanding membership to the next
generation of Guard Soldiers and Airmen.
For a membership application, visit www.ngat.org.
HHH $100 LIFE MEMBERSHIPS END 31 AUG 2011 HHH
FROM FIRST TIME OUT TO RECAP, REPOWER AND RESET, NAVISTAR DEFENSE ROLLS WITH YOU EVERY MILE.CONTACT US AT 331.332.6100, NAVISTARDEFENSE.COM OR [email protected]
New_Ad.indd 1 6/13/11 10:47 AM
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A Texas National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk responds by helping fight the wildfires in North Texas. The helicopters launched out of the Austin Army Aviation Support Facility were equipped with a Bambi Bucket, which carries over 600 gallons of water, to fight fires. (Photo by SSG Malcolm McClendon)
NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERS from four states have supported firefighters and civil authorities in Texas as they assist the Texas Forest Service and firefighters from across the state in efforts to suppress an unprecedented number of wildfires.
The Texas Forest Service has deployed four Incident Management Teams with the assistance of numerous agencies to battle some 810 fires that have burned more than 2 million acres since November. Under the direction of the Joint Forces Air Component Commander from Air Force Northern based at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, four C-130 Hercules aircrafts equipped with firefighting capabilities have responded to the Texas wildfires. Two of the four aircraft are from the California Air National Guard’s 146th Airlift Wing, the third is from the Wyoming National Guard’s 153rd
Airlift Wing, and the fourth is from North Carolina’s 145th Airlift Wing.
The Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System (MAFFS) is a self-contained, reusable aerial firefighting system loaded into the cargo bay of a C-130 aircraft, which effectively turns the airplanes into aerial firefighting tankers. The system can discharge 3,000 gallons of water or fire retardant in less than five seconds, covering an area one-quarter of a mile long by 60 feet wide. Once the load is discharged, it can be refilled in less than 12 minutes.
The Possum Kingdom Complex wildfire — about 70 miles west of Fort Worth — incinerated at least 160 homes in mid-April. The human toll is also devastating, as two firefighters were killed while fighting the blazes. The wildfire burned about 90 percent of the 1,528-acre Possum Kingdom
State Park, mostly consuming heavily wooded areas along the bluff tops that ring Possum Kingdom Lake. The wildfire did not destroy the campgrounds along the shore or much of the park’s infrastructure, saving a store-marina, cabins, an office and the water plant. The park reopened on Memorial Day weekend for business.
Texas has been under a state emergency declaration since Dec. 21, 2010 because of extremely dry weather and wildfires, officials reported. The declaration makes all state resources available to the Texas Emergency Management Agency. Burn bans are in effect all across Texas, and the United States Forest Service is asking the public to be vigilant and report fires, even when they think it is minor. H
Original Story by CMSgt Gonda Moncada
BATTLING TEXAS
Background Photo:A U.S. Forest Service King Air lead plane guides a C-130J Hercules from the 146th Airlift Wing during firefighting operations. The lead planes guide aircraft to ensure that the fire retardant is dispensed where it is needed. (Photo by SSgt Eric Harris)
Below:Airmen from the 146th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, California Air National Guard, wash fire retardant off of a C-130J Hercules after a day of flying in support of firefighting operations at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. The fire retardant is highly corrosive, so it needs to be washed off as soon as possible to prevent damage to the aircraft. (Photo by SSgt Eric Harris)
Texas VFW & The NaTioNal GuardPartners in protecting America and her Veterans
We’re behind you everystep of the way.
For more informationwww.texasvfw.org
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WINNING THEIR SECOND COMPETITION OF THE YEAR, the Texas State Guard’s 19th Regiment marksmanship team took top honors in this year’s 2011 Adjutant General’s Rifle Competition. Earlier this year, the same team won the 30th Annual Texas National Guard Combat Pistol Match. The TXSG has now swept the state military forces competitions that include teams from the Texas Army National Guard, Texas Air National Guard and Texas State Guard.
Texas State Guard soldiers also won the Texas Military Forces Sniper Competition, held 30 April - 1 May at Camp Swift, a training facility near Bastrop. 1LT Douglas George, a staff officer with the J3 Directorate of Training, was the overall individual winner of the 2011 TXMF Sniper Training Competition.
1LT George and LTC Troy Smith, of the Texas Medical Brigade, were recognized as the 2011 top sniper team. Sniper competition is a team event in which both members contribute to the success of each other’s performance. For George and Smith, the keys to being recognized as the best long-range riflemen in the Texas Military Forces were teamwork, training and communication.
The Adjutant General’s Rifle Competition included various stages, with participants firing M16/M4/AR-15-type rifles at targets from as far away as 400 yards. The competition took place 14-15 May at Camp Swift.
The team included CPT Theodore Baroody, SSG Admir Pasalic, SGT Sean Mounger, and CPL Scott Hunt. In the individual competition, Mounger took First Place, while Hunt placed Second.
COL David Erinakes, the commanding officer of the 19th Regiment, said the discipline and commitment needed in the competition reflects the broader training of all guardsmen in preparing for the missions and work of the Texas State Guard.
The mission of the Texas State Guard is to provide highly trained soldiers for Defense Support to Civil Authorities by providing ready military forces during state emergencies to assist State and local authorities in homeland security, community service and with medical services. H
TEXAS STATE GUARD HITS THEIR MARK AND TAKES
TOP HONORS
Members of the Texas Military Forces participate in the 2011 Adjutant General’s Rifle Competition at Camp Swift near Bastrop.
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Free College for Children of Texas VeteransIF YOU WERE LIVING IN TEXAS WHEN YOU JOINED THE MILITARY, your children may be able to get a free college education at a Texas public university. A recent change to the Hazlewood Act provides the option for veterans to pass their Hazlewood benefits to their children. To see if you and your children are eligible, go to http://www.tvc.state.tx.us/Hazlewood.html. The Hazlewood Act provides qualified veterans, spouses, and children with an education benefit of up to 150 hours of tuition and fee exemptions at state supported colleges or universities. The awards are available only for use at a Texas public college or university. H
FREE ADMISSION TO MUSEUMS
FIRST LAUNCHED IN THE SUMMER OF 2010, Blue Star Museums is once again offering free admission to active duty military (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard), National Guard and Reserve members, and up to five immediate family members beginning May 30, 2011, through Labor Day, September 5, 2011. For more information and a list of participating museums by state, go to www.arts.gov/bluestarmuseums. The Blue Star Museums initiative is a partnership among Blue Star Families, the National Endowment for the Arts and more than 1,000 museums across America. H
SHOW YOUR PRIDE WITH A FREE “I SERVED” STICKER
SINCE 2009, OVER 600,000 MEN AND WOMEN who have served courageously in our armed forces have received “I Served” stickers. We want to tell them “thank you.” The vision of Operation Homefront is to give every returning military person who served in Iraq or Afghanistan a FREE sticker that identifies where they served. Free “I Served” stickers are also available to those who served in Desert Storm, Vietnam, World War II and Korea. It is the hope of Operation Homefront that these stickers will encourage others to express a simple “thank you” for serving our country. To request your free “I Served” sticker go to www.iservedsticker.org. H
NEW RED CROSS EMERGENCY NUMBER
ON 13 JUNE, THE AMERICAN RED CROSS moved to a single telephone number for its emergency communication services. Service members and their families will be able to use one toll-free number, 877-272-7337, to send an urgent message to a Service member following the death or serious illness of an immediate family member, the birth of a Service member’s child or grandchild, or when a family faces other emergencies. Additional Red Cross services will also be available. For those people stationed overseas, the three options for calling will remain the same: calling 877-272-7337 direct, accessing the number through a military operator, or calling their local Red Cross station. H
JOHN WAYNE SCRATCH OFF LOTTERY TICKET BENEFITS
TEXAS VETERANS
THE TEXAS LOTTERY COMMISSION released the new John Wayne-themed $2 scratch-off lottery ticket for the Veterans Cash lottery game. Since its introduction on 11 Nov 2009, sales of Veterans Cash scratch-off tickets have provided over $14.5 million to the Texas Veterans Commission Fund for Veterans’ Assistance. Each time you buy a Veterans Cash scratch-off lottery ticket, you help Texas veterans and their families. To locate retailers that sell Veterans Cash lottery tickets, go to www.txlottery.org and click on the Scratch-Off and Store Locator link. H
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www.ColumbiaSouthern.edu/NGAT | 800.977.8449 ORANGE BEACH, AL 36561
MILITARY FRIENDLY ONLINE DEGREE PROGRAMS
Other Degree and Certificate Programs Available
•CriminalJustice•BusinessAdministration•EmergencyServicesManagement
•FireScience•Management•OrganizationalLeadership•AndMore!
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•MaximumTransferCredit•NoScheduledOnlineSessions•TextbooksIncludedThroughCSUBookGrant•TAandVABenefits
•MemberofSOC•NoACT,SAT,GMAT,GREorOtherEntranceExamsRequired•Self-PacedorStructuredLearning
Why CSU?
Earn College Credit for
Military Training
Associate | Bachelor | Master | Certificate
HOUSTON LIGHT GUARD VETERANS ASSOCIATION, INC.
GRANTS AVAILABLE FOR TEXAS NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERSWITH FINANCIAL HARDSHIPThe Texas National Guard Family Support Foundation (TXNGFSF) was awarded a $160,000 grant from the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC). Funds from this grant provide for temporary, emergency financial assistance for TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS) and TRICARE Dental Plan (TDP) for medical and non-medical expenses. Currently enlisted service members in the rank of E1 to E6 are eligible to apply. Service members who receive assistance through this grant will also receive a referral for TVC employment counseling and other TVC services. Service members who are experiencing financial hardship should contact Luann Barron, Family Assistance Center Specialist, at 512-782-1954 or at [email protected] for more information. Applications are also available online at txngfoundation.org.
This program is made possible by a grant from the Texas Veterans Commission Fund for Veterans Assistance. The Fund for Veterans’ Assistance provides grants to organizations who service veterans and their families. Funding for these grants comes from a portion of Veterans scratch-off ticket sales.” www.tvc.state.tx.us; 1-800-252-8387
Pictured is G Company 143d (LRS) at the Houston Light Guard Armory just before they move to Ellington Airfield. Currently this armory is under renovation.
THE HOUSTON LIGHT GUARD was organized in April 1873 under the Militia Act of 1870. Between 1876 and 1903, the Houston Light Guard was mobilized to restore or maintain peace during race crises, political feuds, and labor strikes. The Light Guard entered federal service in 1898 during the Spanish-American War. Tensions with Mexico resulting from the Mexican Revolution caused the company to be activated in 1913, 1914 and 1916, deployed to the Rio Grande valley to protect citizens and property. In 1913, the Light Guard was federalized and served in both World Wars. From 1980 to 2000, the unit made multiple deployments throughout the world and performed joint operations with Ranger Battalions, REFORGER, and NATO partners before being deactivated in August 2001. The Houston Light Guard Association holds an annual reunion in Houston every April 21. The Houston Light Guard armory located at 3816 Caroline St is currently under renovation to be used by the Buffalo Soldiers as their National Museum (buffalosoldiermuseum.com), and the Houston Light Guard Veterans Association will be provided space to display their extensive collection of historical artifacts. For more information about the Houston Light Guard Veterans Association, contact 1SG (Ret) Chris Slade at [email protected]. H
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A R O U N D T H E W O R L D w i t h t h e T E X A S N A T I O N A L G U A R D
1SG Brett Lee of FSC 111th Engr Bn watches over his troops during training at Fort McCoy, WI.
Governor of Texas, Rick Perry, welcomes a small Afghan Delegation to the state. The delegation consists of Afghan representatives from provincial and district levels of government. The visit was part of an agriculture and governance exchange program of the Task Force White Eagle - Ghazni Agribusiness Development Team, established by the U.S. Army and Texas Army National Guard and supported by the Texas A&M System. (Photo by SSG Eric Wilson)
CPT Bruce Balvin (center) of the 176th Engineer Brigade poses for a photo with French Majors Vaur (French Foreign Legion) and Fernex de Mongex in Afghanistan.
Chief Warrant Officer Brandon Edgar (right) and MSgt Michael Whitney of the 214th Engineering Installation Squadron pose for a photo in Afghanistan.
CPT Yves Raoelina, a member of the 101st Forward Support Battalion, visits with a Haitian police officer in L’Estere, Haiti, as part of Operation New Horizon.
MG Darren Owens, special assistant to the director, Army National Guard, helps plant a tree symbolizing cooperation between Afghan government officials and National Guard Agricultural Development Teams during a ceremony at the National Arboretum in Washington, D.C. (Photo by SFC Sean McCollum)
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A R O U N D T H E W O R L D w i t h t h e T E X A S N A T I O N A L G U A R D
SGT Michael Hutsell, a member of the Texas Agribusiness Development Team – IV, enjoys an Easter egg in Afghanistan.
Chief Warrant Officer Brandon Edgar (right) and MSgt Michael Whitney of the 214th Engineering Installation Squadron pose for a photo in Afghanistan.
SPC Courtney Wade, 176th Engineer Brigade combat medic, talks with a young Afghan child during the first women’s consultation held at the Urgun District hospital in Afghanistan. SFC Emmanuel Martinez (center), a Soldier with the 36th ID and a
Basic Life Support instructor for the American Heart Association, teaches Army Reserve Soldiers SPC Lionel Brown (right) and SGT Ruben Gonzalez Jr. (left), both with the 2nd Platoon, 422nd Military Police Company, Bakersfield, Calif., proper breathing and hand placement techniques during an AHA BLS course at the education center on Contingency Operating Base Basra, Iraq. (Photo by SGT James Kennedy Benjamin)
SSG Luis Vega-Maldonado, a medic with the 36th ID in Basrah, Iraq, performs a check up on SGT Juan Arriaga, an infantryman also with the 36th ID. (Photo by SGT David A. Bryant)
SPC Brent Murray (left) of B Co, 36th DSTB, and SPC Joel Wise (center), of HHC 1-12th CAV Regt, present letters of appreciation to musician Toby Keith and his band members after a concert hosted for service members and civilians in U.S. Division-South stationed at Contingency Operating Base Basra, Iraq.
Members of the 36th ID celebrate Cinco de Mayo and Mother’s Day by having a Texas-style cookout and pig roast. This is the second roast of its kind since the division deployed to Iraq in December. (Photo by SGT Jeremy Spires)
SGT Bin Liu, a mechanic with HSC, 36th DSTB, removes the instrument panel on a Light Medium Tactical Vehicle to replace the fuel gauge in Basrah, Iraq. Liu gave up a 15-year career in the Chinese Air Force and the rank of Major to follow his wife to the United States. He said his love of the military lifestyle is what prompted him to enlist in the Texas Army National Guard, and he intends to put in the paperwork to receive a commission once he feels confident enough with the English language to pass the required tests. (Photo by SGT David A. Bryant)
18 H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H W W W . N G A T . O R G
AROUND TEXAS with the TEXAS NATIONAL GUARD
TXMF FAMILY SUPPORT FOUNDATION RECEIVES LARGE DONATION
NATO SECRETARY GENERAL VISITS
NATIONAL EMERGENCY RESPONSE AND RESCUE TRAINING CENTER
Texas Military Forces, Joint Task Force 71 representatives tour the National Emergency Response and Rescue Training Center in College Station, Texas. The task force, headquartered out of Austin, is tasked to provide assistance to civil authorities during emergency situations. The facility provides local, state, and federal jurisdictions with high-quality, hands-on, scenario-driven leadership training, exercises, technical assistance, and strategy development. (Photo by SGT Melissa Bright)
On May 10, 2011, His Excellency Anders Fogh Rasmussen (center left), Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, meets with Maj Gen John F. Nichols (center right), The Adjutant General of Texas, and military personnel from the Texas Military Forces in Austin, Texas. NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen visited with the military members to take questions about the Alliance’s crucial role in global security and how NATO will defend freedom in the 21st century. Pictured left to right: LTC Marvin D. Johnson, SSG Cynthia Alvarez-Cruz, CW5 Earnest Metcalf, SSG John Orchard, SSG Luis Mendoza, and SSG Jose Alvarado. (Photo by SSG Eric Wilson)
SSgt Michelle Jones and TSgt Gabriel Garcia-Diaz, 181st Airlift Squadron, C-130 Hercules aircraft loadmasters, prepare and practice for the low altitude, low cost air drop missions for Afghanistan. (Photo SMSgt (Ret) Patrick Nugent)
Chaplains with the Texas State Guard pose for a picture after being interviewed by the Brownwood News on June 11, 2011, at Camp Bowie. The Chaplains are conducting Annual Training with the Texas State Guard. Some of the training activities for guard members included mass care operations, wide area damage assessment, first aid, land navigation, and command post operations. (Photo by Laura Lopez)
TRAINING FOR DEPLOYMENT
TEXAS STATE GUARD CHAPLAINS
Texas Military Forces Family Support Foundation President Amy Stevens receives a $10,000 donation from Greg Zito of BAE Systems during American Heroes Day at Camp Mabry. The Texas National Guard Family Support Foundation is a non-profit organization founded in 2004 by a group of existing and former Texas National Guard members with the purpose of supporting the needs of those serving our great State of Texas during both peace and wartime. For more information please visit www.txngfoundation.org.
W W W . N G A T . O R G H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H 19
It’s time, once again, to mark your calendars and make plans to attend the NGAUS Conference! This year’s event will be held at the Frontier Airlines Convention Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, August 27th through 29th. The Texas delegation will be staying at The
Hilton Milwaukee City Center on West Wisconsin Ave near the convention center and situated among the many unique downtown shops and pubs offering Old World cuisine,
refreshments and entertainment. Bring your lederhosen and get ready to sing and dance with the oompah bands.
Big on food? You are sure to have a good time as the city boasts diverse festivals, outdoor recreation, shopping and dining on the Riverwalk, professional sporting events, the world’s only Harley-Davidson
Museum, the Potawatomi Bingo Casino, and so much more.
Milwaukee is known for its Friday night fish fry, frozen custard, and gastropubs. From brewing companies to botanical gardens, Milwaukee has a variety of unique activities to keep visitors entertained. The conference promises to be packed with keynote speakers, entertainment,
and access to the largest defense industry trade show, which will showcase all the fun Milwaukee has to offer. For more information about Milwaukee and all it has to offer,
go to www.visitmilwaukee.org.
Download your registration form to attend on the NGAT website at www.ngat.org.
NGAT is proud to have Frost Bank as our Association banker. We find their service to be excellent and tailored to our needs.
Ray Lindner, CAENGAT Executive Director
W W W . N G A T . O R G H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H 21
The Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States (EANGUS)
4 0 T H A N N U A L C O N F E R E N C EAugust 14-17, 2011
Charleston, West Virginia
FORMER STATE SENIOR ENLISTED ADVISOR CSM (RET) CLYDE WORRELL, with the assistance of NGAT, put together the first Texas Military Forces Senior NCO Reunion. The reunion was held on 11 June at the Homewood Suites by Hilton in Waco, Texas. Although retired personnel from the Army and Air National Guard in the rank of E8 & E9 were invited, only retired Army National Guard personnel attended. That did not stop the event from being a success, with 25 retirees and 8 guest/spouses in attendance. “We have been talking about doing this for years but never did anything. The time was right, and we have to start somewhere,” said CSM (Ret) Worrell.
The retirees received an update from the Adjutant General of Texas Maj Gen John F. Nichols, who expressed his gratitude for their service and commended them for looking for ways to continue to serve the Guard. “Retiree reunions offer a great opportunity to maintain connections with those who worked so hard to lay the foundation we build on today,” said Nichols. CSM (Ret) Anthony Sandoval presented a briefing on the Survivor Outreach Services, and MSG (Ret) Theresa Billeck-Zuniga gave an update on NGAT. Discussions were also held on the VA medical claim process, along with a review of insurance benefits by CSM (Ret) Don Strickland.
NGAT sponsored refreshments and a barbecue meal from Rudy’s BBQ. There was also plenty of time to reconnect with old friends and tell a tall-tale or two. Mark your calendar for the next reunion, scheduled for Saturday, April 28, 2012, at the Homewood Suites in Waco. To view photos of the reunion, go to www.flickr.com/photos/52162292@N07/sets. Watch the NGAT website for additional information. H
The 40th Annual EANGUS National Conference “Almost Heaven — Two Thousand Eleven” will be held in Charleston, West Virginia, from 14 August to 17 August 2011, and welcomes Soldiers, Airmen, Retirees and their families from all 54 states and territories! Activities during the conference will include:
• Professional Development training for junior Soldiers and Airmen.• An exciting golf tournament with prizes from numerous sponsors.• An open evening on Monday at the Clay Center (including interactive science exhibits and much more).• Welcome Night Social at Appalachian Power Park (home stadium of the WV Power minor-league baseball team; affiliate of the
Pittsburgh Pirates) with lots of great food, fun and entertainment! • All States Night (Pin Night) at Haddad Riverfront Park with food, fun and a car show on the boulevard.• A formal banquet and awards ceremony to conclude the conference on Wednesday.
For those who choose to extend their stay and enjoy Wild and Wonderful West Virginia on their own, the fun will continue with many exciting vacation options such as:
• $69 White Water Rafting, TreeTops Canopy Tours, Gravity Zip Lines, Mountain Biking, Rock Climbing and Rappelling from Adventures on the Gorge
• Sports-Fest 2011 – 19-21 August 2011
Texas delegates will be staying at the Holiday Inn Express. To reserve your hotel room and for more information, go to the NGAT website and click on the “2011 EANGUS Annual Conference” link. To register to attend the conference, please visit www.eangus.org.
NCO REUNION A SUCCESS FOR THE ARMY
22 H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H W W W . N G A T . O R G
TA P S (as of 06/14/11) REMEMBERING FALLEN HEROES AT THE CAPITOL
N G AT C O R P O R AT E M E M B E R S A N D S P O N S O R S
If you are aware of the passing of a current or former
National Guard member please notify us by phone, a letter to
our office or by email at [email protected].
*SSgt Ronald J. Alleman, Life Member #31906, Retired, Orange
Mr. Marvin W. Black, Life Member #1035, Retired, Dallas
MSgt Don H. Brewer, Life Member #2624, Retired, Marlin
*Mr. Roy W. Choat, Life Member #4086, Retired, Eden
COL Jose A. Eisma, Life Member #8148, Retired, West
SFC Douglas W. Hines, Life Member #21704, Retired, Dallas
CMSgt Bobby E. Ingram, Life Member #693, Retired, Smithville
Mr. Raymond C. Langley, Life Member #680, Retired, Marshall
MSG James R. Oberman, Life Member #8446, Retired, Austin
SPC Blake Owens, HHC 136 MP BN, Tyler
Mr. Joe Passant, Retired, San Antonio
SMSgt A. B. Taake, Retired, Gulfport MS
SGT Roy W. Terry, Life Member #16020, Retired, Bedford
*Mr. Servando Villagomez, Life Member #5956, Retired, Alamo
*Had life insurance
Recruiting & Retention
Story and photo by SGT Jennifer D. Atkinson
FOR MOST AMERICANS, Memorial Day is the unofficial start of summer, a time to hit the lake, barbecue, or buy a new mattress. For the families of fallen heroes attending the Memorial Day Joint Ses sion of the Texas Legislature on May 28, this Memo rial Day was a day of remembrance and sorrow.
Originally known as Decoration Day, this special remembrance was first observed in 1868 when flowers were placed on the graves of both Union and Confederate soldiers. By the end of the 19th century, Memorial Day ceremonies were being held on May 30 throughout the nation, and in 1971 Congress des ignated the last Monday in May as Memorial Day.
Governor Rick Perry served as the keynote speaker during the session where the names of fallen Texans were read on the floor of the legislative chamber. Families able to make the trip to the Capitol for the ceremony were greeted by the governor, and pre-sented with a flag and a copy of House Concurrent Resolution No. 163, designating the special Joint Ses sion of the legislature.
“We will continue to call upon the best and the brightest to stand between us and those who would cause us harm,” said Perry. “Please know the people of Texas genuinely appreciate the service and the sacrifice of your warrior and we lift you up in our thoughts and our prayers.” H
Stanley Vidmar is proud to support the brave men and women of the Texas National Guard.
11 Grammes Road • Allentown, PA 18103 • StanleyVidmar.com
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National Guard Association of Texas3706 Crawford AvenueAustin, Texas 78731-6803
NatioNal Guard associatioN of texas
NGAT PLANNING CALENDAR(As of 1 July 2011)
20114 Jul Independence Day Observed (NGAT Office Closed)
1 Aug NGAT Board Meeting, Austin
14-17 Aug EANGUS Conference, Charleston, WV
27-29 Aug NGAUS Conference, Milwaukee, WI
5 Sep Labor Day (NGAT Office Closed)
10 Oct Columbus Day (NGAT Office Closed)
7 Nov NGAT Board Meeting, Austin, TX
11 Nov Veterans Day (NGAT Office Closed)
24-25 Nov Thanksgiving Holiday Observed (NGAT Office Closed)
26-30 Dec Christmas Holidays Observed (NGAT Office Closed)
201216 Jan Martin Luther King Jr. Day (NGAT Closed)
20 Feb President’s Day (NGAT Office Closed)
27 Feb NGAT Board Meeting, Austin
23-25 Mar 53rd ANNUAL NGAT CONFERENCE, Austin
28 Apr 2nd Annual TXMF Senior NCO Reunion, Waco