founded 1959 | volume 61 | number 2 | summer 2020 official ... news summer... · please contact...

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O F F I C I A L P U B L I C A T I O N O F T H E N A T I O N A L G U A R D A S S O C I A T I O N O F T E X A SFounded 1959 | Volume 61 | Number 2 | Summer 2020

We wear because we care

4 President’s Report

5 NGAT’s Outgoing Board Members

6 NGAT’s Incoming Board Members

7 NGAT’s First Ever Virtual Membership Meeting

8 Key Leadership Update

9 Virtual Silent Auction

10 No Sign of Guard OPTEMPO Slowing

11 Texas National Guard Medics conduct

COVID-19 Antibody Tests

12-13 Duty | Honor | Texas

14 Legal Update

15 EANGUS Conference Dates

16-17 Texas Guard launches TMDx

18 What NGAUS Does for You

19 NGAUS Virtual Conference

20 Walking in the Door: a Recruiter’s Story

21 TAPS

22 Corporate Sponsors

24 NGAT Planning Calendar

CONTENTS

NGAT News (usps 015-752) published quarterly by the National Guard Association of Texas, 3706 Crawford Avenue, Austin, Texas 78731-6308.

Periodicals postage paid at Austin, Texas 78710 and additional offices.

POSTMASTER SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO: NGAT News, 3706 Crawford Avenue, Austin, Texas 78731-6308

MEMBERS MAY EMAIL ADDRESS CHANGES TO: [email protected]

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VIRTUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING

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DUTY | HONOR | TEXAS

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TMDX LAUNCH ON THE COVER: NGAT members wear masks because as current and former military personnel we care about those who are vulnerable in our communities. Wear a mask. Slow the spread. Stay safe!

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2020-2021 Board of Directors

President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Priscilla Leger President-Elect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Christopher McKeag Vice-President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bruce Robison Secretary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Michael Wolff Treasurer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mireya Cruz Joint Forces HQs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gerald Lorance 71st Troop Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . Paul Cerniauskas 36TH ID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mireya Cruz 72nd IBCT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rodney Kelley 56th IBCT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . James Crady 56th IBCT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Clinton Petty 36th Sustainment Bde . . . . . . . . . . . . Samantha Lewis 36th CAB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joshua Bain 176th Engr Bde . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Toby Mendoza 71st EMIB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Christopher Gojanovich 136th MEB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vacant HQ, TXANG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lonnie Dunkin 149th FW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chip Cranon 147th ATKW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kyle Ames 136th AW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nate Norton Retired Rep – Region I . . . . . . . . . . . . Richard Newby Retired Rep – Region II . . . . . . . . . . . Guy Schultz Retired Rep – Region III . . . . . . . . . . . Quentin Kimble Family Readiness Rep . . . . . . . . . . . . Talia McKinnis Executive Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marvin Harris Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Theresa Billeck-Zuniga Graphic Designer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Terri Sheets Publisher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aus-Tex Printing & Mailing NGAT NEWS 3607 Crawford Ave Austin, TX 78731 512-454-7300 1-800-252-NGAT (6428) Submit articles and photos for the NGAT News Magazine to: ngatnews@ngat .org NGAT Home Page: www .ngat .org Executive Director: Marvin Harris – mharris@ngat .org Deputy Executive Director: Theresa Billeck-Zuniga – tbz@ngat .org Insurance Director: Kathy Gallatin – insurance@ngat .org Corporate Programs: Terri Marshall – tmarshall@ngat .org

S u m m e r 2 0 2 0 H N a t i o n a l G u a r d A s s o c i a t i o n o f T e x a s | 3

PRESIDENT’S REPORTNGAT MEMBERSHIP,TEXAS SUMMER HAS ARRIVED. Always remember to have plenty of water & snacks with you, especially when driving. You never know when you may get caught in traffic. While most of us are spending quality time this summer with family to pass the time away, we have a lot of our troops deployed, both abroad and statewide. From supporting the fight against COVID-19 to missions in the middle east, our Texas Guardsmen continue to lead the way. So please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Although our annual conference this year was cancelled, our Silent Auction will still go on. So be on the lookout for our upcoming online “Silent Auction” items on our website and Facebook page. Please contact Theresa Billeck-Zuniga in the NGAT office if you have any items you would like to donate to the Silent Auction. All proceeds go to the Texas National Guard Foundation to support the service members of the Texas Military Department and their families.

As most of you are aware, due to COVID-19 both the EANGUS and NGAUS conferences this year were cancelled. However, NGAUS is having a virtual conference August 28-29. Please go to their website for additional information. NGAUS is also having a virtual Capitol Summit July 19-20 for Army and Air National Guard company-grade officers. This program brings Guardsmen from each state and territory to the nation’s capital for a close look at how the government works and the role NGAUS plays in the legislative process. Texas sent two Air Guardsman to the Capitol Summit and we can’t wait to hear from them about the event.

Now that we have our new Directors on board, we have scheduled a Special Meeting via “Zoom” on August 8 at 10 am to elect officer positions for Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer. To be elected as an officer on the board, you must be an active board member and have served as a member of the Board of Directors for at least one year prior to an elective term of office. These officer positions serve for a one-year term.

Our Board of Directors will meet via “Zoom” on August 23 for our last regular board meeting of this fiscal year. Board member orientation will be conducted, and committees will be updated. You do not have to be a board member to serve on a committee. Please contact Executive Director, Marvin Harris if you are interested in serving on a committee. We will also finalize and approve the budget for next year.

The NGAT staff continues to make strides in promoting membership and supporting our members. If you have address changes or need to update your personal information, please give them a call. Don’t forget to send in pictures and news about your unit and individuals so we can share your stories in our magazine.

We appreciate your support and encouragement as we continue to move forward in these uncertain times. We encourage everyone to stay active and forward us any recommendations you may have.

Stay safe and take care of yourself, family, friends and neighbors. H

Priscilla Leger, CCM, RetiredNGAT President

A1C JYOTI KC, A MEDIC IN THE 136TH MEDICAL GROUP OF THE TEXAS AIR NATIONAL GUARD administers a COVID-19 test to a fellow Texan June 16, 2020 in El Paso, Texas. Texas National Guard troops are committed to supporting Texas communities and plan to stay on mission until the people of Texas are safe, secure and healthy. (Photo by TSgt Lynn Means)

4 | N a t i o n a l G u a r d A s s o c i a t i o n o f T e x a s H S u m m e r 2 0 2 0

LTC Jeff Basa 71st EMIB

LTC Dave Moulton 72nd IBCT

LTC George Hurd 136th MEB

Capt Bruce Robison HQ, Texas Air National Guard

SMSgt Michael Wolff 136th Airlift Wing

Shandra Sponsler Family Readiness Rep

CSM Mike Crummedyo 71st Troop Command

COL (Ret) Jeanne Arnold Retired Rep – Region I

1SG Norman Lloyd 36th CAB

CSM (Ret) Donna Balderston Retired Rep – region II

H Thank You to NGAT’s Outgoing Board Members H

GENERAL SUPPLY UNIT #22, under the leadership of CPT Mario A. Vega and SFC David Wentz, delivered over 2.7 million pounds of food to over 32.2 thousand families in need during the COVID-19 Pandemic response. This incredible feat was accomplished with the support of the 71st EMIB Soldiers, the 149th FW Airmen, and the San Antonio Food Bank Staff. (Photo courtesy of the 71st EMIB)


MSG Christopher Gojanovich 71st EMIB

Capt Nate Norton 136th Airlift Wing

COL Paul Cerniauskas Texas Army National Guard

MSG Gerald Lorance Joint Forces Headquarters

SMSgt (Ret) Richard Newby Retired Rep – Region 1

SFC (P) Joshua Bain 36th CAB

COL (Ret) Guy Schultz Retired Rep – Region 2

TSgt Lonnie Dunkin HQ, Texas Air National Guard

SFC (Ret) Talia McKinnis Family Readiness Rep

H Welcome NGAT’s Incoming Board Members H


ON JUNE 28, 2020, NGAT President Priscilla Leger called a special meeting to conduct the first-ever NGAT “Zoom” virtual meeting of the membership. As you know, this year’s Annual NGAT Conference, that was to be held in Irving, Texas, March 26-29, was canceled because of COVID-19 and, so, the Annual Meeting of the Association was not held.

The Annual Meeting is normally held Saturday morning during the NGAT Conference each year. Association business, such as committee reports and swearing in new directors, is conducted during this time. As per NGAT bylaws, new Unit Directors of the Board are nominated by their unit leadership and elected by the delegates at the Annual Meeting. In order for the Association to conduct its critical business and move forward, it was essential that a Board of Directors was solidified. Therefore, the President called the Special Virtual Meeting with the main purpose of voting on, electing, and swearing in incoming directors.

“The Call” to the Special Virtual Meeting went out to the entire membership via email, social media and the NGAT magazine. However, we only had a little over 30 attendees including three NGAT past presidents.

As per NGAT bylaws, a quorum for the transaction of business at an Annual Meeting or Special Meeting shall be 50% of the 150 delegates needed. So, a quorum for the Virtual Special Meeting would have constituted 75 delegates — but because the Board was caught between outgoing and incoming directors, and the importance of having a Board in place to conduct further NGAT business — the President made “the Call” at the Special Virtual Meeting to continue with voting and electing Unit Directors with plans to ratifyratify the decision at the next Annual Meeting.

All Unit Directors nominated were presented to attendees at the Virtual Special Meeting and unanimously voted in and elected as the new Unit Directors. New Unit Directors in attendance were sworn in by the President and those who were not in attendance will be sworn in at the next Board of Directors meeting. Two new Regional Directors and the new Family Readiness Director, whom all were elected by the Board of Directors, were in attendance and were also sworn in by the President. H

NGAT’s First-Ever Virtual Membership MeetingAs per NGAT bylaws, the Annual Meeting of the National Guard Association of Texas shall be held at a time and place to be designated by the Board of Directors, at which time the new Unit Directors of the Board shall be elected . Special Meetings of the Association may be called by the President, by a majority of the Board of Directors, or by petition of 100 Life or Annual Members to the Board of Directors .

DOWNLOAD THE NGAT APP!Please delete the previous app then search for “NGAT” in the Google or Apple Store.


LTC Rebecca Dupuy Deputy J1

Human Capital Management Officer

LTC Sam Speedy J1/Military Personnel Officer

LTC Mark Gunn Commander

1-112th Cavalry Regiment

CSM Jose Escobedo Command Sergeant Major 1-112th Cavalry Regiment

LTC Zebadiah Miller Director of the Construction and

Facilities Management Office (CFMO)

Ms. Melissa C. Harden State Human Resources Director Office of State Administration

Lt Col Tom Castleman Key Staff Appointed A1

LTC Jonas A. Schorre Commander

136th Military Police Battalion

H Key Leadership Update H

MG Tracy Norris (right) shares a social distancing handshake with BG Amy Cook (left) following her recent promotion ceremony. BG Cook will serve as the Assistant Adjutant General for Manpower & Personnel. This newly established position will integrate Army, Air, and State Guard Manpower & Personnel initiatives, policies, and services. Additionally, the State Human Resources Office and Texas State Guard will integrate into this group in the future. (Photo courtesy of the Texas Military Department)

MAJ (P) Brandon Colicher is joined by his family following his Change of Command Ceremony where he assumed command of 3-133rd Field Artillery Battalion. Pictured left to right: Alice Colicher (Mother), Amy Colicher (Spouse), Cadence Colicher (Daughter), MAJ (P) Brandon Colicher and CJ Colicher (Son). (Photo by SPC John Espresion)


EXTENDING THE EDGE NETWORKING THE FORCE

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SILENT AUCTION VIRTUAL EVENT Join us on Facebook August 10-17, 2020 for the NGAT Silent Auction benefitting the Texas National Guard Foundation. Here are the details:• Bidding will start Monday, August 10, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. and will end on Monday, August 17, 2020

at 9:00 a.m. The highest bidder at that the end of the auction will be the winner.

• To bid visit the NGAT Silent Auction page on Facebook and place your bid. Be sure to increase your bid in the increments noted.

• Winners will be notified at the completion of the auction to coordinate final payment for their items. Payments must be made in form of a credit card and all payments will incur a 5% processing and handling fee.

• NGAT is not responsible for unclaimed auction items. Once the winners have been notified, they will have 24 hours to respond. If they fail to respond, the item will be offered to the next highest bidder.

• All sales are final. NGAT is not responsible for lost gift cards or certificates. These items cannot be replaced so treat them as cash.

• Auction items are in the form of gift cards and certificates that will be mailed to the winner at the end of the auction. Our main item is a PIT BOSS Pellet Grill with pellets and grill cover that must be picked up at the NGAT office.

SOME OF THE AUCTION ITEMS INCLUDE: Tiff’s Treats • Chuy’s Dinner • Magnolia Café Dinner • Joe’s Bakery • Movie TicketsCheesecake Factory • Alamo Drafthouse • XGO Combat Shirt (Flame Retardant)

Freytag’s Florist • Zoo Tickets • Car Wash • Bowling • Wine TastingWestin Hotel • Menger Hotel • Hilton • Hyatt • Marriott • and more!

BID ON THIS PT BOSS PELLET GRILL!


The coronavirus pandemic and recent civil disturbances were the two big sources of the mobilizations. There have also been floods in Michigan, wildfires in Kansas and tornadoes in Tennessee along with global military operations.

But with COVID-19 cases on the rise in some states, no reduction to worldwide operational commitments and hurricane season just started, the retiring chief of the National Guard Bureau said he sees no reduction in operations tempo in the months ahead. “It has been a crazy year, and it’s just July,” General Joseph Lengyel said during a Brookings Institution webcast July 2 titled “The Force America Needs: Lessons of 2020 and the Future of the National Guard.”

On May 30, 2020, Governor Greg Abbott activated additional Texas Military Department (TMD) personnel in support of the Texas Department of Public Safety to provide safety and protection to the citizens of Texas in Austin, Dallas, and Houston. Texas Military Department personnel were used to support local law enforcement and protect critical infrastructure necessary to the well-being of local communities. Texans are entitled to their first amendment rights to freedom of speech and assembly, and the Guard mission will not interfere with those rights.

In support of the mission, Texas activated Joint Task Force 136th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade (MEB), which consists of 1,000 Soldiers and Airmen. The additional TMD personnel were placed onto state active duty within 24-hours and their presence made a huge difference in deterring violence and looting at the onset of the protesting.

The JTF 136th MEB is comprised of military police, Air Guard security forces, and Infantry Soldiers. Civil unrest is the most difficult domestic mission the National Guard perform, but the Adjutant General of Texas, MG Tracy Norris said, “Our Soldiers and Airmen are well disciplined and trained for these tasks.”

As for other missions, over 1,150 Texas Soldiers and Airmen are serving on the Texas Border mission, the 36th Infantry Division Headquarters is deep into their training

associated with their pending deployment to Kuwait, and 686 Texas Soldiers and Airmen are deployed outside the United States on other mission.

The Texas Guard continues to excel in the fight against COVID with three Joint Task Forces covering the six regions across the state. Additionally, they have one Mobile Testing Coordination Center, which consist of one Call Center, 50 Mobile Testing Teams, and an additional three Static Testing sites. H

The president and the nation’s governors have called out roughly 120,000 National Guard soldiers and airmen for duty across the country and around the world . The National Guard has a record 66,722 troops engaged in domestic operations across the United States making this the Guard’s largest domestic response since Hurricane Katrina .

SOLDIERS AND AIRMEN from the Texas National Guard provide security on the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge in Dallas, Texas following protest sparked after the death of George Floyd. (Photo courtesy of the 136th Airlift Wing)

TEXAS CITIZEN AIRMEN support local COVID-19 testing in El Paso, TX. They are currently mobilized with the Texas Military Department’s Mobile Testing Team operations in El Paso, Texas to provide the latest COVID-19 testing across the state. (Photo by SSgt Sean Kornegay)

TEXAS AIR NATIONAL GUARSDSMEN with the 147th Attack Wing take a break at their COVID-19 testing site in Austin, Texas, as part of the Texas Military Department’s COVID-19 pandemic response. (Photo by SSgt Matthew Giles)

MILITARY POLICE SOLDIERS attached to the Texas Army National Guard’s 136th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade support local law enforcement during a protest in Austin, Texas, on May 31, 2020. On May 30, 2020, Governor Greg Abbott activated elements of the Texas National Guard to augment law enforcement throughout the state in response to civil unrest. (Photo by Charles E. Spirtos)

No Sign of Guard OPTEMPO Slowing


READY NOW. WHEN IT’S NEEDED THE MOST.

The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.

MEDICS CONDUCTED COVID-19 ANTIBODY TESTS for Operation Guardian Support (OGS) service members June 19, 2020, at the Weslaco Armory. Testing was conducted for service members with symptoms or potential or known exposure to someone being tested for the coronavirus.

“Today we had roughly 30 service members who were waiting for COVID-19 testing out in the local facilities,” said Maj. Vicente Bautista. “We had testing available, so we went ahead and did the testing ourselves. What we did was antibody testing, which gave us results in about 15 minutes.”

Before testing, the service members fill out paperwork for the medics to track exposure, symptoms and personal data. “The test itself is a finger prick with a lancet,” said SPC Joshua Leonard, with the COVID-19 Preparedness and Response Team. “It just needs a few drops of blood from the fingertip. That is then placed into a prepared testing card. The blood is then mixed with a serum designed for this test. The two mix and the reaction will show a line on the test if the antibodies are present.”

Service members then discuss the results with the Task Force physician’s assistant.

“Should a service member’s test positive, it does not necessarily mean they are still ill with COVID,” Leonard said. “It only means they have been exposed to the virus and their body has formed a defense against it.” Bautista said he hopes to test more service members. H

Texas National Guard Medics conduct COVID-19 Antibody Tests

SPC MARITSSA QUINTANILLA, a combat medic specialist assigned to Operation Guardian Support

draws blood from a soldier at the Weslaco Armory in Weslaco, Texas, June 19, 2020. Service members who

were exposed to someone who tested positive to coronavirus had the opportunity to get a COVID-19

antibody test. (Photo & Article by SSG. DeJon Williams)

We invite you to make plans to attend the 2021 NGAT Conference

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Registration opens in late

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TEXAS NATIONAL GUARD AIRMEN from the 136th Airlift Wing were recently honored with a proclamation by the City of Fort Worth for their continued dedication and support of operations at the Tarrant Area Food Bank. (Photo courtesy of the 136th Airlift Wing)

MG TRACY NORRIS, Adjutant General for the Texas Military Department, presents her coin to David Cabrera, regional director with the Texas Department of Public Safety, during her visit to the Texas State Capitol in Austin, Texas, June 19, 2020. The Texas Military Department activated guardsmen to support state and local law enforcement in protecting the safety of citizens and property during the protests that followed the death of George Floyd. (Photo by SSG Michael Giles)

THE 36TH COMBAT AVIATION BRIGADE, in partnership with the Texas A&M Task Force 1, conducted a rescue swimmer hoist training in Austin, Texas, on June 24, 2020. This training is conducted once a month and allows the members of the Texas National Guard as well as state agency partners to retain optimal readiness to conduct search and rescue operations during a natural disaster or severe weather event. (Photo Courtesy of 36th Combat Aviation Brigade)

NATIONAL GUARDSMEN with Joint Task Force 176’s Task

Force Capitol show professionalism

and self-discipline as they guard the

Texas State Capitol during June 19th demonstrations.

(Photo by SSG Michael Giles)

AUSTIN

AUSTIN

AUSTIN

FORT WORTH


MEMBERS OF THE 272ND ENGINEERING AND INSTALLATION SQUADRON locate and fix problem cables on Ellington Field. Good on the job training replacing stainless cases, encapsulating, re-splicing, trouble shooting and metering copper cable. (Photo courtesy of the 272nd Engr & Install Sq)

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE NEWEST WARRANT OFFICERS in the Texas Army National Guard. L-R: WO1 Anessa L. Harvey (MI) – AGR, WO1 Kory J. Briggs (ADA), WO1 Daniel H. German (FA), WO1 Michael J. Russell (CY), WO1 Steven R. Berry (AV), WO1 Jacob A. Erickson (SC). Congratulations Chiefs! (Photo courtesy of the Texas Military Department)

THE 36TH INFANTRY DIVISION COMMANDER, MG Patrick Hamilton (front) and CSM Mark Horn participate in pre-mobilization training at Camp Bowie to prepare for their upcoming deployment. (Photo courtesy of the 36th Infantry Division)

MEMBERS OF THE TEXAS GUARD have been coordinating call centers which have booked over 53,128 appointments! These appointments enable Texans in rural counties to get tested for COVID-19. SPC Cody Keefe, a member of the 71st EMIB assists a caller at a call center. Guard members assist over 2,000+ caller on a daily basis. (Photo courtesy of the 71st EMIB)

MEMBERS OF THE TEXAS NATIONAL GUARDSMEN help the San Antonio Food Bank with sorting, packing and distributing food in Floresville, Texas. (Photo by TSgt Agustin Salazar)

BROWNWOOD

RURAL TEXAS

HOUSTON

AUSTIN

SAN ANTONIO

HOUSTON

THE COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR of the Army National Guard, Texas’ very own CSM John F. Sampa, recently visited the Westheimer Armory to thank Soldiers for all their hard work that they have been doing during the COVID-19 response missions.(Photo courtesy of the Texas Military Department)


Being in a car wreck can be a stressful and confusing situation. The more traumatic the accident, the more taxing the aftermath will be. Here are some tips to help protect your rights if you find yourself dealing with a serious collision.

Your immediate action will be to make sure everyone is safe and being cared for as needed. Make sure you call the police — even if you think someone else may have already called.

GATHER INFORMATION — Write down everyone’s name, contact information, and Insurance Company. Make a notation if the person was a driver, passenger or witness. Try to match people to the vehicles involved. For example: “Felicia Smith, passenger in the Red Honda.” Obtain the police officers names and employee numbers when possible.

MAKE NOTES — Record as much information as you can about the weather, road conditions, traffic volume. Describe the damage to the vehicles. Make note of how many ambulances arrived at the scene, and number of EMS personnel. If you have observations about things like faulty streetlights or turn signals be sure to capture those observations. Did anyone take blame for the accident? If so, try to annotate specifically what they said. Consider using your voice recorder on your phone and try to do this as soon as possible after the accident.

Injuries? Ask people involve if they’re injured. Remember and note who describes injuries and who says, “I’m fine.” Was anyone taken to the hospital?

TAKE PHOTOS! — Use your phone camera to take as many photographs as possible. Try to focus on where vehicles ended up being positioned relative to the other vehicles involved. Photograph vehicle damage as much as possible, and look for skid marks or other indicators of

breaking or lack of breaking. If any of the vehicles appear to be commercial/business vehicles try to capture images that document the business name. Take photos of license plates but make sure the photo identifies the vehicle the plate belongs to.

WATCH WHAT YOU SAY! — You’ll need to contact your insurance company, but if you’re concerned that the accident might be your fault, talk to an Attorney first. When you do speak to your insurance company, understand the call will be recorded. If you are seriously injured and the accident was not your fault, it’s especially important to speak with an Attorney BEFORE you talk to any insurance company representatives.

NGAT Life Member Doug O’Connell is an Attorney representing Guardsmen in serious personal injury cases. If you have questions please contact Doug at [email protected] or (512) 547-7265.

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Make plans to attend future Make plans to attend future EANGUS ConferencesEANGUS Conferences

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AUSTIN, TEXAS – AFTER OVER A YEAR OF PREPARATION, the Texas Guard is bringing a unique program to light with the official launch of the Texas Military Department Joint Innovation Unit: TMDx.

The original plan called for a live event at the Austin Texas based Capital Factory, home to TMDx flagship innovation hub; however, recent concerns over COVID-19 forced the program to do exactly what was is designed for — partner, innovate and action a solution. That partnership came in the form of a livestreamed event, hosted by Capital Factory and simulcast across multiple social media platforms, July 15, 2020.

The launch, Hostedhosted by Sean Duffy, VP of partnerships at Capital Factory, featured appearances by Gen. General Joseph Lengyel, Chief of the National Guard Bureau, Maj. Gen.MG Tracy R. Norris, The Adjutant General of Texas and Maj. Alex Goldberg, TMDx managing director.

TMDx will utilize the Texas Guard’s position as the largest state military force in the country to leverage partnerships in industry and academia throughout the Texas innovation corridor in an effort to develop a new framework for military problem solving.

Pilot Training Next, a technology focused pilot preparation course founded in Austin, along with partnerships in construction, software programs and 3D printing technology, was just one of the TMDx noted successes highlighted during the event.

The 3D printing program was a focus of General. Lengyel’s during his remarks as he noted that Texas had won the National Guard Bureau’s national innovation competition. The program will allow F-16 maintainers to print replacement parts for the F-16 fighter aircraft shortening logistical delays for parts and reducing costs.

“No one innovates like the National Guard and especially not like Texans,” said General. Lengyel. “This same technology was also able to print personal protective equipment and ventilator parts that we can use during our COVID-19 response.”

Achieving their vision meant the Texas Guard team had to reach out to the commercial sector on how best to provide solutions during the innovation competition. “How do we leverage all that really cool commercial technology, whether it is artificial intelligence, cyber, augmented reality or 3D printing? The technologies of all of those are really coming out of the commercial sector,” Goldberg said.

“It all comes down to needing to move faster,” said Goldberg. “Our adversaries are moving faster — faster in space, faster in hypersonic and faster in fielding commercial technology.”

Other entries in the National Guard Bureau’s national innovation competition included a Washington Air National Guard video game-like system that maximizes training time for Air National Guard air battle managers, a Massachusetts Air

Texas Guard launches the Texas Military Department Joint Innovation Unit: TMDx

MAJ. ALEX GOLDBERG, managing director for the Texas Military Department Joint Innovation Unit is projected on a screen during the first National Guard Innovation Competition as Charles Crosby, a senior analyst with the National Guard Bureau’s Force, Structure and Assessment Directorate, serves as the emcee for the event at the Herbert R. Temple Jr. Army National Guard Readiness Center, Arlington Hall Station, June 12, 2020. A Texas National Guard innovation team won the competition’s top honor for helping develop advanced 3D printer technology. (Photo by TSgt ech. Sgt. Erich B. Smith)


A TEXAS MILITARY DEPARTMENT HUMMVEE is parked alongside Members of the Texas Military Department pose alongside employees with Essentium, a 3D printers,

Austin, Texas company based in Austin, Texas based company partnered with The department to win the after the company won the 2019 National Guard innovation

competition, beating out entries from across the country.with a concept allowing F-16 parts to be printed at local repair facilities. (Texas Military Department Photo byBy: Kyle Burns)

TEXAS NATIONAL GUARD SOLDIERS view 3D printed vehicle replacement parts during the 2019 National Guard innovation competition. (Texas Military Department Photo bBy: Kyle Burns)

ARMY LTG DANIEL HOKANSON was confirmed Monday, July 20, 2020, as the 29th chief of the National Guard Bureau by the U.S. Senate. Hokanson, who also will be a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, will be promoted to four-star general, the highest-ranking officer in the nation’s oldest military force.

The West Point graduate and former active duty officer also has served as vice chief of the National Guard Bureau, a position re-established and elevated to the three-star level by the 2012 National Defense Authorization Act.

The chief of the National Guard Bureau serves as a military adviser to the president, the secretary of defense and the National Security Council. The chief is the Defense Department’s official channel of communication to the governors and the adjutants general on National Guard matters. He is responsible for ensuring the accessibility, capability and readiness of Guard members to secure the homeland and to provide combat resources to the Army and the Air Force.

Hokanson will succeed Air Force General Joseph Lengyel, the second chief of the National Guard Bureau to serve a full term as a four-star general and member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Lengyel who is a former member of the Texas National Guard will retire later this year after 39 years of service.

The National Guard is a joint activity of the Department of Defense composed of the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard, which are reserve components of the Army and the Air Force. The Guard fights America’s wars, secures the homeland and builds partnerships at home and around the world.

National Guard program that increases efficiency in repairing fastener holes in the F-15 Eagle aircraft, and an Alabama Army National Guard online training system with improved accessibility for Soldiers.

While the Texas Guard team won top recognition, all finalists will receive funding and support for their entries. “Funding for each capability that was pitched is going to be a little different,” Buchholz said. “We will continue to work with each team and fund them as fast as possible.”

The growing presence of near peer threats are considered to be outpacing the U.S. in innovation.

“The status quo is comfortable, but what works today to ensure our national security will not be good enough for the challenges on the horizon,” said MG aj. Gen. Norris. “The military moves slower than we would like and are moving away from a ‘No because’ mindset to a mindset of ‘how do we get to yes?’”

The program’s launch in Austin will be a first step according to Goldberg who shared plans for expansion to San Antonio, Houston, Dallas, Ft. Worth and Eland El Paso.

To watch a replay of the launch and view an innovation panel discussion with members of the Texas Army, Air and State Guard please visit https://bit.ly/3fHEFXG. To learn more on participating in TMDx visit https://tmd.texas.gov/tmdx. H

Army LTG Daniel Hokanson Confirmed as NGB Chief


• Educating Washington on the advantages to the nation, the states and the personnel on the ground of

mobilizing the Guard under section 502(f) of federal Title 32.

• First, there were the 30-day orders — one day shy of qualifying for TRICARE medical coverage. NGAUS

was able to get that corrected with press attention. Then there was the “hard stop” of the mission set

for June 24 — just one day shy for many of the 90-day threshold of some coveted benefits. NGAUS

fixed that by rallying Congress and with a big assist from nations’ governors.

• Currently, they are working on obtaining transitional medical coverage for Guard Soldiers and Airmen

after they leave the COVID-19 front lines. They have legislation in the House (H.R. 6867) and the Senate

(S.3713) to make that happen. The obvious flaws in 502(f) also need to be corrected. Every leader and

member of the Guard must ensure that every officer is connected to NGAT and NGAUS. If you are a

current Guardsman, we’re fighting every single day to train and equip you to the highest level.

What has NGAUS Done for Me?

You make the priorities. We take them to Congress.Obtaining better training and equipment starts at the grassroots level. Help us help your unit and your profession. Renew your NGAUS membership.

www.ngaus.org/renew

Teamwork

http://ngat.org/join_ngaus.htm


142nd NGAUS GENERAL CONFERENCE

AUGUST 28-29, 2020

The 142nd General Conference will be a virtual experience in the wake of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic — which means you can welcome guest speakers and connect with old friends from the safety and comfort of your living room. Listen to presidential candidates, help NGAUS set its priorities for the coming year and learn more about current and future efforts within the National Guard.

In honor of the year NGAUS was founded, 1878, NGAUS is offering conference registration for only $18.78. Every registration includes this year’s commemorative challenge coin, designed to look like a laptop and mailed to your home.

Help craft NGAUS priorities for fiscal 2022 budget deliberations. Learn the way ahead. Enjoy some state and Guard pride. You won’t want to miss it. This year’s events will take place Aug. 28-29, with NGAUS staff leading the abbreviated virtual conference from Washington, D.C.

REGISTER NOW: https://www.ngaus.org/events/142nd-general-conference

NGAUS CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

RESOLUTIONS TRAINING AND COMMITTEE MEETINGS

Friday, August 28, 2020 | 10:00 am - 1:00 pm ESTCommittees meet to review and vote on resolutions that

will become a part of the NGAUS agenda for the upcoming legislative cycle. (Closed meeting/invitation only)

GENERAL SESSIONFriday, August 28, 2020 | 2:00 - 3:30 pm EST

Opening remarks and association business.

GENERAL SESSIONSaturday, August 29, 2020 | 12:00 - 5:00 pm EST

Roll Call of States, keynote speaker and National Guard leadership.

This year NGAUS will be hosting a virtual Fun Run. Attendees can participate in either a walk or run 5K.

The 5K can be completed any time from August 21-28. Runners can simply register and input their time through the virtual fun run website.

Registration for the Fun Run opens Saturday, August 1st and the fee

to register is $30.

Runners will receive an NGAUS Virtual 5K 2020

runners medal by mail.


WHEN IMAGINING A MILITARY RECRUITING STATION, and the service members who work as recruiters, some stereotypes abound. The belief that recruiters are focused solely on meeting a quota, or reporting high enlistment totals, has generated the idea of the pushy recruiter full of promises just to get your name on the contract. Recruiters know about this disparaging image and seek to change the way the military and public see them.

SGT Daniel Pearson, a Texas Army National Guard recruiter assigned to Region One — Fort Worth, says that fellow Soldiers often imagine recruiters to be paper pushers, confined to their offices, when this could not be further from the truth.

Hoping to dispel these stereotypes and offer a fuller perspective on the difficult — and necessary job that recruiters hold within the military, Pearson volunteered to be a participant in the Texas Military Department’s 2020 Best Warrior competition, an annual four-day challenge designed to test tactical and technical expertise through scored events across a wide range of skills.

Through his participation in Best Warrior, Pearson hopes to display that recruiters are professionals maintaining the same warrior ethos found across the Army.

From a young age, Pearson grew up learning what this warrior ethos was. The son of Major John R. Pearson, J33 current operations officer (CUOPS) for the Texas Army National Guard, he grew up wanting to follow in his father’s footsteps.

“Joining the Army was something I knew I always wanted to do,” said Pearson. “Seeing the military from early on and what it does in the lives of people, really made me want to join.”

Pearson enlisted as soon as he turned seventeen, while still a junior in high school. This meant that he had to get permission from his parents first, a moment his father still remembers. “I was 33 when I first enlisted in the Army, a few years later I joined the Texas Guard,” said Pearson’s father. “Signing that consent form for Daniel when he was seventeen made me as proud as I could possibly be.”

Both Pearsons agree that it is a deep privilege to be able to serve together, knowing that very few fathers and sons have had the honor of a similar shared experience like military service.

Pearson originally trained as an aviation technician. Upon returning home after deploying overseas, he decided to change his career path and graduated from the Army Infantry School.

Pearson credits the military with allowing him to develop as a Soldier and as an individual, saying that his experience in the Guard has molded him for life.

Finding the Guard to be extremely beneficial to his life, Pearson decided that one weekend a month, two weeks a year was not enough, and sought out opportunities to serve full-time as an Active Guard/Reserve (AGR) member.

“I love [the Guard] so much, and it’s amazing what the Army has done for me. How many twenty-two-year olds can say that they own their own home, they don’t have college debt, and they’re in a job they love?” said Daniel. “I searched for AGR positions and came across the position as a recruiter.”

Sharing his positive experience of being in the Army National Guard is what motivates Pearson as he seeks to help other young people like himself find their own path to service. He takes pride in matching his recruits to careers which not only allow them to effectively serve the Guard but allow them to develop as individuals as well.

He is fortunate to be assigned to his former school district said Pearson. “It’s great to be able to recruit in my high school,” said Pearson. “I know all these teachers and counselors, and when I am talking to students about my experiences, I think it adds to my credibility since I’ve stood in their exact place.”

As his first class of recruits is returning from a year of training, Pearson looks forward to guiding them back into the Guard and their civilian lives. He expects this experience to be as rewarding as their enlistment.

“Walking [the Soldiers] into colleges, helping them apply to college and join the ROTC [Reserve Officer Training Corps], and even just watching them perform in their jobs — that feeling is awesome,” said Pearson.

Recruiting in the Guard is different from the active duty component because all Guard recruiters explicitly volunteer for the position, a difference that lets the Guard find recruiters who are passionate and dedicated to their career said Pearson. H

Walking in the Door: a Recruiter’s Story Story by Charles E. Spirtos

SGT DANIEL PEARSON completes a weapons challenge in a tear gas environment as part of the Best Warrior 2020 competition. Best Warrior is an annual four-day challenge designed to test tactical and technical expertise through scored events across a wide range of skills. (Photo by SPC Jason Archer)


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(As of 07-14-20)

T A P SSFC Robert Abbott, Life Member #12709, Retired, El Paso

Maj Frederick “Fred” R. Ackerman, Life Member #2902, Retired, Yoakum

SFC Ronnie L. Anderson, Life Member #19696, Retired, Caddo, OK

MSG Thomas E. Baca, Life Member #12022, Retired, Cypress

*SGT Larry L. Bassett, Life Member #28550, Retired, Dallas

SSG Jeffery L. Byrd, Life Member #11050, Retired, Sweetwater

SMSgt Jerry S. Burroughs, Life Member #543, Retired, Beaumont

1SG Kenneth D. Callens, Life Member #23560, Retired, Kilgore

Mr. Ray A. Crump, Life Member #259, Retired, Rusk

*/**SGT Michael C. DaSilva, B Co (-) 2-149 AVN Regiment, Grand Prairie

Mr. Arthur L. Dent III, Life Member #5226, Retired, Delray Beach FL

SSG Charlie “Gilly” Gillium, Retired, Austin SSG Edwardo J. “Moe” Gomez, Life Member #8805, Retired, Brownsville

SMSgt Paul G. Heckendom, Life Member #6121, Retired, Dickinson

COL William “Bill” Johnson, Life Member #33280, Retired, Terrell

Lt Col Edwin Joseph “Jay” Keneson, Retired, San Antonio

*/**SFC Tranquille L. Kinney, 136th MEB, 6th CBRN Task Force, Hearne

SMSgt Alan R. Kosub, Life Member #8374, Retired, Adkins Maj Romeo F. Laurel, Life Member #144, Retired, Santa Fe

SSgt Richard A. Leggett, Life Member #8218, Retired, Houston SFC Ralph Loran, Life Member #6387, Retired, Weatherford

**SPC Geordan S. Lynch, 1CD MCP-OD, Carrollton

SSG Johnny J. Martinez, Retired, San Antonio

Mr. Teddy “Ted” Wayne McCulloch, Retired, Cisco

Mr. Don Morrison, Life Member #9922, Retired, Henderson

SGT George Murphy Jr., Life Member #29598, Harker Heights

CSM Harold R. Pack, Life Member #1001, Retired, Cedar Park

*/**SPC Marco A. Revilla, 606th MP CO, Tornillo

MSgt Leonard J. Ripps, Life Member #2859, Retired, Boerne

CMSgt Jeffery J. Robinson, Life Member #32943, Retired, Houston

Mr. Leonard Leon Scarcella, Retired, Stafford

SSG Johnie R. Skains Kopyar, Life Member #8453, Retired, Pearland

*SSG Bryant D. Valencia, Retired, Cedar Park

IF YOU ARE AWARE OF THE PASSING OF A CURRENT OR FORMER TEXAS NATIONAL GUARD MEMBER, PLEASE NOTIFY US BY PHONE, MAIL OR EMAIL [email protected].


corporate partnersDuring this time of social distancing due to the Coronavirus we invite you to visit our website for

links to learn more about our corporate partners. These organizations play a vital role in supporting NGAT’s vision and mission to provide the best services and benefits to our members.

SPECIAL THANKS TO RITE IN THE RAIN FOR THEIR PRODUCT DONATION TO SUPPORT TEXAS SOLDIERS AND AIRMEN.

Explore the different ways you can partner with us. NGAT has multiple opportunities to help you advertise your company. Contact CW4 (Ret) Terri Marshall for more information at 512-454-7300 or email her at [email protected].


Member death benefits provided by AFBA are underwritten by 5Star Life Insurance Company (a Lincoln, NE company) with an administrative office at 3706 Crawford Avenue, Austin, TX 78731This member benefit is offered only to its National Guard Association members in the state of Texas.

Policy series GNG-060103NGATX ADR0218 2/18

AFBA and 5Star Lifeare proud to support NGAT and its members

The SSLI program provides a member death benefit with no combat or terrorism exclusions. Contact the National Guard Association of Texas at www.NGAT.org or (800) 252-NGAT to learn more.Photo by Maj. Randall Stillinger / 36th Infantry Division (TXARNG)

n g a t . o r g

National Guard Association of Texas3706 Crawford AvenueAustin, Texas 78731-6308

PERIODICAL

PLANNING CALENDAR(As of July 20, 2020)

2 0 2 010-21 Aug NGAT Virtual Silent Auction (On Facebook)23 Aug NGAT Virtual Board of Director Meeting 28-29 Aug NGAUS Virtual Conference 7 Sep LaborDay(NGATOfficeClosed)11 Sep Patriot Day12 Oct ColumbusDay(NGATOfficeClosed) 1 Nov Registration for NGAT Conference 2021 opens 3 Nov Election Day (GO OUT AND VOTE) 11 Nov Veteran’sDay(NGATOfficeClosed) 26-27 Nov ThanksgivingBreak(NGATOfficeClosed) 13 Dec National Guard’s Birthday 24-31 Dec ChristmasBreak(NGATOfficeClosed)

1 Jan NewYearsDay(NGATOfficeClosed)25-28 Mar 62nd Annual NGAT Conference, AllenDue to COVID-19 events may be rescheduled. Watch the website, Facebook and the NGAT App for updates.

2 0 2 1

founded 1959 | volume 61 | number 2 | summer 2020 official ... news summer... · please contact...

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