ngat news fall 2015

NGAUS ..................................15

NEWSO 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 S

Founded 1959 • Volume 56 • Number 3 • Fall 2015

2016 NGAT CONFERENCE .........16

EANGUS ................................14

LANDING IN SALERNO ............10

OCS DISTINGUISHED HONOR GRADUATE

www.ngat.org 3

4 President's Report5 Conference Update Letter5 NGAT Holiday Open House6 Members Spotlight7 Legislative Update8/9 Leadership Changes9 Membership Drive 10 Landing at Salerno10 Price of Liberty12/13 Around The World with the Guard14 EANGUS15 NGAUS16 Salute to Retirees18 Around Texas with the Texas Military Forces 19 New Rx Benefit for Members20/21 2016 NGAT Annual Conference22 TAPS/Corporate Members & Sponsors24 NGAT Planning Calendar

NEWS

ON THE COVER (left side photos from top to bottom):

LANDING IN SALERNO - SSG Mac Acosta (left) and SGT Alfred Dietrick (right) shake hands in front of the 141st Infantry Monument in downtown San Antonio. Both are survivors of the Salerno landing and served as the key note speakers at the memorial ceremony, where they shared their experiences and the action they saw on that bloody day 72 years ago.

EANGUS - (left to right) MSgt Anita Blue, NGAT Secretary/Treasurer; Ray Lindner, NGAT Executive Director; CSM (Ret) Clyde Worrell, former State Senior Enlisted Advisor; and MSgt (Ret) Cherilyn Heyliger gather at the EANGUS Welcome Party in Indianpolis, IN.

NGAUS - (left to right) Capt Esteban Elizondo, 1st Lt Paula Palacios, and Col Gerald Williams, all members of the Texas Air National Guard, attend the NGAUS Hospitality Night in Nashville, TN.

Right Side Photo:

OCS DISTINGUISHED HONOR GRADUATE - NGAT President, COL Dan Quick (right) presents 2LT Beau D. Carter with the NGAT Distinguished Honor graduate award at the commissioning ceremony for Officer Candidate School Class #58 at the Texas Capitol on August 15, 2015. NGAT presented 2LT Carter with a engraved clock and a life membership in NGAT. (Photo by MSG Ken Walker)

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 TX 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]

contents2015–16 Board of Directors

President .................................................................Daniel Quick

President-Elect ......................................................... Kenn White

Vice-President .......................................................... Tony Carter

Secretary-Treasurer ................................................... Anita Blue

HQ, TXMF ...............................................................Mark Weedon

ARNG Troops ..........................................................Tyra Swanson

36th ID ...................................................................Mike Wallace

72nd IBCT ........................................................Brian Hildebrand

72nd IBCT .......................................................... Richard Sublett

56th IBCT ........................................................................Jet Hays

56th IBCT ....................................................................Mark Horn

36th Sustainment Bde ................................ Murphy McCardell

36th CAB......................................................................Bob Roark

176th Engr Bde....................................................Calvin Jenkins

71st BfSB ................................................................Patrick Harty

136th CSB (ME) .................................................... John Crawson

HQ, TANG ...........................................................Michael Selheim

149th FW ...........................................................Albert Cardenas

147th RW .............................................................. Leonor Milton

136th AW ................................................................... Doug Clark

TX State Guard Rep .................................... Kristopher Krueger

Retired Rep - Region I ..........................................Priscilla Leger

Retired Rep - Region II .......................................... Jerry Horsley

Retired Rep - Region III ......................................Randy Ransom

Family Readiness Rep ..........................................Miguel Torres

Executive Director ................................................... Ray Lindner

NGAT NEWS3706 Crawford Ave.Austin, TX 78731

(512) 454-73001-800-252-NGAT (6428)

NGAT HOME PAGEwww.ngat.org

NGAT [email protected]@ngat.org

[email protected]@[email protected]

Editor ...........................................Theresa Billeck-Zuniga

Copy Editor ................................................Reid Douglass

Graphic Designer .........................................Kathy White

Publisher ............................. Aus-Tex Printing & Mailing

NGAT News FALL 20154

Well, it is football season in Texas, and the competitive spirit is flowing throughout the State. I want to use that same spirit to encourage continued competition between units and leaders in increasing our NGAT membership numbers. Figures from October 1st put the new Annual Memberships at 1918 and surging. I challenge Texas leaders at all levels to continue the push to introduce NGAT to this generation of Airmen and Soldiers.When asked why the stress on membership, the answer is simple: taking care of Service Members and their Families. Long-time NGAT members understand the importance of our legislative efforts, the support to the military community, and our partnership with other State and National organizations. We must use this window of opportunity created by the current membership drive to educate those who benefit by past efforts. Better weapons and systems, newer equipment, more competitive pay and benefits, and inclusion into the Nation’s Total Force concepts. They often do not realize the tenuous nature of those benefits and how they can be lost in competition to other fiscal priorities.

The EANGUS and NGAUS conferences showcased discussions on Active and Reserve Component “unity,” but the friction caused by the fiscal constraints is palatable. We must continue to maneuver confidently through the current challenges and convince all that a strong and capable Total Force is best for our State and Nation. Association membership and their voice in the process is critical, both now and in the near future. Continue the fight, embrace the competition, and don’t settle for anything less than building the best National Guard Association in the nation.

Daniel QuickCOL, TXARNGNGAT President

President's rePort

NGAT welcomes Caleb Williams as the new NGAT Office Manager. Caleb will also serve as the Program Manager for the Texas Military Forces Family Support Foundation. NGAT is proud to employ another veteran. Caleb served in the United States Navy and was recently commissioned as a 2LT in the Texas Army National Guard. He currently serves as a member of Co D 1-143rd Inf Rgmt.

NGAT NEW OFFICE MANAGER

2015-2016 NGAT MEMbErSHIP CONTEST (CURRENT STANDINGS AS OF 1 OCT 2015)

TOP 3 COMMANDS TOP 3 UNITS56TH IbCT - 340 NEW MbrS 56TH IbCT/HHC 2-142Nd INf rGMT - 104 NEW MbrS71ST bfSb - 220 NEW MbrS HQ 36TH SuST bdE/HHC 36TH SuST bdE - 62 NEW MbrS72Nd IbCT - 217 NEW MbrS 56TH IbCT/HHC 3-144TH INf rGMT - 54 NEW MbrS

VISIT WWW.NGAT.ORG FOR COMPLETE UNIT STANDINGS

At the Annual EANGUS Conference recently held in Indianapolis, IN, NGAT received several honors. The EANGUS Publications committee awarded the NGAT News with 2nd Place for a Combined Association publication, and the NGAT website was awarded 2nd Place in the Non-Commercial Website Division. Many thanks to MSG (ret) Theresa billeck-Zuniga and Kathy White who manage these publications.

NGAT WINS AWARDS AT EANGUS CONFERENCE

NINE AG’S LATER, RITA SANChEz RETIRES

Rita Sanchez (center) proudly stands with a few of her former supervisors at her retirement ceremony at Camp Mabry on August 21, 2015. Rita served 31 years with the Texas Military Forces. She began her career on August 21, 1984, as an Administrative Assistant. In 1995, she transferred to the Command Group Staff, where she served under nine Adjutants General during her tenure until 2013. In 2013, she transferred to the Domestic Operations Task Force and served there until her retirement. Rita has been a huge supporter of the NGAT Golf Tournament for years, and we wish her much success as she starts a new chapter in her life. Pictured left to right are: BG Patrick Hamilton, DOMOPS Commander; Maj Gen Ken Wisian, Assistant Adjutant General and Commander of the Texas Air National Guard; MG (Ret) Wayne Marty, Former Adjutant General; Maj Gen John F. Nichols, current Adjutant General of Texas; and MG (Ret) Charles Rodriguez, Former Adjutant General.

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15 October 2015

DISTRIBUTION FOR: NGAT Conference Attendee

SUBJECT: 57th Annual NGAT Conference Update

1. The 57th Annual Conference of the National Guard Association of Texas will be held on 18-20 March 2016 at the Sheraton Arlington Hotel and the Arlington Convention Center inArlington, Texas. Most conference events will be held at the Arlington Convention Center. Please make your hotel reservations directly with the hotel by calling 1-800-442-7275. The hotel rate is $105.00 plus tax for single/double accommodations. Please make your reservations prior to 15 February 2016 to receive the discounted room rate.

2. All conference participants are invited to attend all sessions of the conference unless it is noted as a closed session. All conference participants are also invited to attend the NGAT Annual Business Meeting. The NGAT business session will take place on Saturday, 19March 2016.

3. Information pertaining to committee meeting times, tentative agenda, appropriate attire, and administrative instructions is available on page 20 of the NGAT News Magazine and on theNGAT website at www.ngat.org.

4. NGAT conference registration is now open. Register now for the early bird special and save some money. The deadline to register for the NGAT conference is 1 March 2016. Only on-site registrations will be accepted after 2 March 2016, and a $25.00 late fee will be added to each registration. Meal packages will not be available to on-site registrations.

5. Scholarship applications are due to the NGAT office by 12 February 2016.

6. All association members and friends of the Guard are encouraged to sponsor a Soldier's or Airman’s registration and lodging fees for the conference by becoming a Patriot Sponsor. To become a Patriot Sponsor, simply enclose an additional $300 with your conference registration fees. All Patriot Sponsors will be recognized in the NGAT Conference Program.

7. We hope to see you at our 57th Annual NGAT Conference, so make sure to reserve your hotel room and register early.

Respectfully,

Ray LindnerExecutive Director

National Guard Association of Texas3706 Crawford Avenue Austin, Texas 78731(512) 454-7300 (TX) 1-800-252-NGATFAX: (512) 467-6803 www.ngat.org

For more information, please call 512-454-7300, email [email protected] or

visit our website at www.ngat.org.

The National Guard Association of Texas invites all members of the Texas Military Forces and NGAT members to attend our Holiday Open House

Tuesday, 15 December 20151030 – 1330

STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP

Proudly SupportingThe National Guard

Association of Texas


Join us in congratulating these NGAT Life Members on their graduation from The US Army War College in Carlisle, PA. Pictured left to right are COL James Pleasant, COL Marvin Johnson, COL Stephanie Purgerson and COL Kevin Countie.

TEXANS GRADUATE FROM ThE ARMY WAR COLLEGE

Once a quarter, 1-133rd FA full-time unit staff does a team building event. Their most recent event was in Galveston Bay on a 4 hour fishing trip. All

together, they caught 16 Bonnet Head Sharks, with each coming in at 4 to 4 1/2 feet in length and 35 to 45 pounds. These events help bind the group, so that everyone gets to know one another and begins having a sense of team.

TEAM BUILDING ONE FISh AT A TIME

The Texas Army National Guard’s Officer Candidate School Class #58 celebrated the graduation of 17 candidates from Co B 2-136th Regiment during their commissioning ceremony held at the

Texas Capitol, on August 15, 2015. These newly commissioned second lieutenants are the future of the Texas Army National Guard. (Photo by MSG Ken Walker)

ThE FUTURE LEADERS OF ThE TEXAS ARMY NATIONAL GUARD

NGAT President, COL Dan Quick presents 2LT Robert Ainsworth with the NGAT Honor Graduate Award at the OCS Class #58 commissioning ceremony. The NGAT Honor Graduate award is an engraved eagle statue and a membership in NGAT. (Photo by MSG Ken Walker)

OCS hONOR GRADUATE

NGATEF/TXNGFSF GOLF TOURNAMENT A SUCCESSOn August 31, 2015, the National Guard Association of Texas Educational Foundation (NGATEF) and the Texas National Guard Family Support Foundation (TXNGFSF) conducted a golf tournament at the Pine Forest Golf Club in Bastrop, Texas. The tournament was a shotgun start with 24 teams participating and over 24 different sponsors. The tournament raised over $4,300.00 to be split between the two foundations.

NGATEF and TXNGFSF would like to thank CMSgt (Ret) Mel Hamner, Rita Sanchez and the NGAT staff for all their support in organizing this tournament. It takes a team, and we have a great one. Hope to see everyone at our next tournament for the Best Warriors Golf Tournament in March. The tournament winners are as follows:

Female Closest To Pin: M.J. Wedding Female Longest Drive: Robin Anderson

2nd Place - Team Family Worship CenterPictured left to right are Caleb William, NGAT Office Manager; Mel Hamner, Tournament Coordinator; and representing the 2nd place team: John Pace. Also on the team but not pictured were Matt Pace, Ross Fisher, and Teddy Thomas III.

3rd Place - Team DefendersPictured left to right are Caleb William, NGAT Office Manager: Mel Hamner, Tournament Coordinator; and representing the 3rd place team: Rodolfo Guerrero, Scott Smith, and Brian Burroughs.

1st Place - Team RowdyPictured left to right are Caleb William, NGAT Office Manager; Mel Hamner, Tournament Coordinator and the 1st place team: Michael Thomas, Ralph Borja, Darren Raucshapt, and Jason Guthrie.

Male Closest To Pin: Michael Thomas Male Longest Drive: Christopher Spahn

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TEXAS GOVERNOR AWARDS TEXAS PURPLE hEART

The fall in Washington brings a new National Defense Authorization Act to fund military activities through the new fiscal year (which began on 1 October). The 2016 NDAA was passed by Congress, but is expected to be vetoed by the President since it provides the funding level he wants, but is not allocated to accounts that give him the flexibility he feels he needs.

The 2016 NDAA reduces the number of soldiers and dual-status technicians in the Army National Guard nation-wide, but it does require the secretary of the Army to submit a report to the congressional defense committees by March 1, 2016, containing detailed options for the replacement of all UH-60A helicopters of the Army National Guard.

This year there will be a capped pay raise for the active force, and there will be no COLA for retirees or Medicare recipients. As expected, military benefits, specifically TRICARE, continue to be eroded. Over the last several years, TRICARE beneficiaries have seen a 23% increase in TRICARE Prime, while inflation over the same period was about 10%. Over the same

period, medication costs have risen 60%. Pharmacy copays have increased, and other policy changes can be expected to increase costs and lessen choice. In October, TRICARE Prime costs rise again, and now all TRICARE beneficiaries must use the mail-order pharmacy system for maintenance medications.

The NDAA adopts some retirement reform recommendations of the Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Commission (MCRMC). However, there is no accommodation made for a self-funded retirement option for M-day Soldiers and Airmen in excess of the current congressionally mandated ceilings on personal retirement accounts. NGAT is working with a couple members of the Texas delegation to address a fix to this issue.

There is a lot of legislation which potentially impacts the Guard and you as a Guard member, retiree, and/or veteran. Please respond to our requests for email support for or against key legislation. Remember, you must continue to guard your hard-earned benefits, especially in today’s environment!

Legislative Report

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and Maj. Gen. William “Len” Smith, left, Deputy Adjutant General and Commander of the Texas Army National Guard, meet with Sgt. Michael Cantu, Spc. James Burkett, Spc. Jose Romo and Staff Sgt. Guadalupe Chapa, after awarding them the Texas Purple Heart at a ceremony held at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Sept. 24, 2015. The Texas Army National Guardsmen were deployed with the 1st Squadron, 112th Cavalry Regiment, which was part of the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) mission in Egypt, when they received their injuries. (Photo by SFC Malcolm McClendon)

LEGISLATIVE UPDATEBy 1st Lt Alicia Lacy

Earlier this summer, the Texas Legislature adjourned its 84th session, after considering thousands of bills and resolutions and pushing the ones passed to Gov. Greg Abbott for his approval or veto. More than 1,000 of those bills have become laws that have gone into effect immediately or on Sept. 1, 2015. Of those bills, several impact the Texas Military Forces, while others have a more indirect effect on operations, as they apply to all state agencies. One significant change includes the way military training and experience is considered when applying for employment with state agencies. With Senate Bill 389, service members will be able to apply their military training and experience in lieu of civilian job requirements for state positions. The bill, which went into effect Sept. 1, 2015, requires the state to research and identify the military occupational specialty codes and Air Force specialty codes to correspond with each position contained in the state’s position classification plan.Another notable bill relates to protecting the confidentiality of state military members, protecting personal information, such as name, service dates, state active duty orders, home address, pay rate, pay grade, official title, length of service, medical records, awards and decorations and deployment locations. The bill, House Bill 2152, is further reaching than the current federal guidelines on military personnel records and information, as it protects personal information forever, said Duane Waddill, director of the Texas Military Department.During this session, legislation was introduced to allow the 36th Infantry Division to have its own state license plate. The law was passed and signed by Abbott. Effective Jan. 1, 2016, HB 923 relates to the issuances of the division license plates and souvenir license plates to those who have served in the division.

GET INVOLVED! WRITE TO CONGRESSwww.ngat.org/legislative.htm


TEXAS MILITARY FORCES LEADERSHIP CHANGES

MG James K. “red” brownDeputy Commanding General

Army National GuardU.S. Forces Command, Fort Bragg, NC

(MG Brown is a former NGAT President)

bG William A. “bill” HallDeputy Director J5 Strategic Plans and Policy/J8 Force Structure Resources &

Assessment, Unified Combatant Command in Stuttgart, Germany

Col Stan JonesCommander

147th Reconnaissance Wing

Col Tim MaddenCommander

149th Fighter Wing

Col Michael reidVice Commander

149th Fighter Wing

Lt Col Travis d. WaltersState Public Affairs Officer

Lt Col frank dominguezCommander

272nd Engineering and Installation Squadron

COL rob WoodmanseeCommander

Texas State Guard2nd Regiment

LTC (TX) Lloyd LietzCommander

Texas State Guard19th Regiment

COL (TX) Alfred SustaitaCommander

Texas State GuardArmy Component Command

CMSgt Michael E. Cornitius Jr. Command Chief

147th Reconnaissance Wing

Congratulations to brigadier General rick Noriega, who was formally promoted in the shadow of the San Jacinto Monument in Houston. His son, Alex, presented the 1-star flag to him while being assisted by CPT Ben Cline (center). His other son, Ricky, presented him with the traditional General Officer’s belt. (Photo by MAJ Randy Stillinger)

MAJ (P) Kurt J. CyrCommander

1st Bn (ABN) 143rd Inf Rgmt

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CPT John M. Melendez, Commander of HHC 2-142nd INF in Lubbock, Texas, goes through his stack of new NGAT members gained during Annual Training. (Photo by SFC Michael Courade)

Proud Supporter ofThe National Guard

Association of Texas

The greater our membership numbers, the more influence NGAT can bring to the political decision-makers and continue the fight on top issues affecting you and your family. Join NGAT today and make a real difference in the fight for your benefits and your future as a member of the Texas Military Forces. Now through March 31, 2016, all E1-E6 can join NGAT for free. Scan the QR code below or visit www.ngat.org to sign up. The current membership drive standings can be found in the President’s Report on page 4.

Visit the NGAT website for complete unit standings. Get

your unit involved today!

HELP US GUARD YOUR BENEFITS

JOIN NGAT TODAY


On September 9, 2015, a memorial service was held in downtown San Antonio commemorating 72 years since the amphibious assault of the landing on Salerno, Italy. The 1st Battalion, 141st Infantry Regiment from Camp Bullis under the command of LTC William R. Davis sponsored the event with the 141st Infantry Regiment Association.

In 1943, the 141st Infantry Regiment sailed for Europe as part of the 36th “Texas” Infantry Division. Landing in North Africa, it was part of the first American invasion of Europe by sea. Over the course of its many campaigns, the men of the 141st Infantry Regiment distinguished themselves in hard won battles throughout Italy.

On September 9, 1943, the 141st Infantry Regiment arrived in Italy as part of an amphibious assault. It fought against overpowering German tanks and artillery on beaches near Salerno, experiencing heavy casualties. In November and December of that same year, the 141st Regiment fought in the Mignano Gap, clearing it of enemy combatants. Immediately pressing forward, they succeeded in taking the Italian village of San Pietro after three attempts.

This memorial ceremony is our way of paying tribute to all our World War II Veterans we lost. “We Shall Never Forget”

(Pictured above) The 141st Infantry Regiment monument stands in downtown San Antonio.

The Texas National Guard Family Support Foundation established the Texas War Memorial Committee to coordinate fundraising for a memorial titled “The Price of Liberty” to honor Fallen Texas service members, Wounded Warriors and Veterans, from all branches of service, who served in the Global War on Terror, after September 11, 2001; and their families. On June 10, 2015, Governor Greg Abbott signed House Concurrent Resolution 70 into law allowing the State Preservation Board to place “The Price of Liberty” Memorial on the Texas Capitol complex.

Helps us build this memorial by making a tax deductible donation on our website at http://TexasWarMemorial.com/donate or mail a check to Texas War Memorial, 3706 Crawford Street, Austin, TX 78731. You can also give a donation “On Behalf Of” or “In Honor Of” someone by noting it at the donation site.

An auxiliary goal of the Texas War Memorial Committee, in addition to building the bronze and granite memorial, is to capture the faces of service members, families in photographs and

the stories of the Veterans and the families that served in the Global War on Terror and

Overseas Contingency Operations. It is our intent to archive the photographs, videos and stories online as a “Living Memorial” of Texans affected by the war after September 11, 2001. It seems only fitting that these stories and photographs be another way to honor

and remember our service members and families and to inform future generations about the tremendous service and sacrifice of Texans during the Global War on Terror. The information will build with each new entry and remain available to anyone and anytime on their computers, tablets and even cell phones.

If you served in The Global War on Terror or were a family member of a deployed service member, please consider contributing to the “Living Memorial.” We welcome submissions by anyone, including Veterans, family members and friends, and civilians (contractors, media, etc.) who served after September 11, 2001. We will tie your story to your hometown, your service branch and the period of the deployment. Posting instructions are at http://texaswarmemorial.com/instructions/

Again, the bronze monument is designed to honor not only the service members but families as well, for their sacrifice and patriotism. The statue portrays a service member and family that must part for an overseas deployment in the Global War on Terror. There is an indication there may be a heartrending outcome, as the service member may pay the ultimate sacrifice. The spouse’s reluctance to let go of her husband’s hand reflects the potential price to be paid. The daughter is holding a triangular funeral flag she may receive in the future. Lady Liberty is separating the family and exacting the “Price of Liberty.” The Liberty figure depicted on the proposed monument was modeled after the statue on the Texas Capitol dome, “The Goddess of Liberty,” making it more authentically Texan, depicting Texas history, patriotism and pride. The granite base will include the service branch seals and have inscribed, “This Memorial is dedicated to Texas Military Members and their Families, who answered their Country’s call after September 11, 2001. They Know All Too Well the Price of Liberty.” The monument will be approximately one and one-half times life size. Without the base, the service member will be approximately 9 feet tall; the Liberty figure approximately 6 feet above the service member.

REMEMBERING THE LANDING OF SALERNO

TEXAS PRICE OF LIBERTY

Like the division itself, SGT Alfred Dietrick was born and raised in Texas. At the age of 93, he shares what happened when his unit landed on the Salerno Bay some 72 years earlier.

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A Texas Army National Guardsmen with Special Operations Detachment - Africa, 71st Troop Command, jump into the waters off of Key West, FL during a training exercise.

AROUND THE W RLD

Lt Col Matthew Jensen, a fighter pilot with the 149th Fighter Wing, competes in the Military Finals of the American Ninja Warrior in San Pedro, CA in the shadow of the USS Iowa Battleship.

SPC Jennings Magargle of C Troop, 1-112th Cavalry Regiment overlooks his sector on the Strait of Tiran from a remote outpost on the Sinai Peninsula. The 1-112th is currently deployed to Egypt as part of the Multinational Forces and Observers mission. (Photo by MAJ Randy Stillinger)

Congratulations to the men and women of the 147th Reconnaissance Wing, who just reached 100,000 flying hours on the MQ-1 Predator! Your duty and dedication to the mission is second to none.

Even in the desert, Texas pride rings true! Members of the 136th Expeditionary Signal Battalion - Minuteman Brigade cheer on their home teams from the Middle East. GO ASTROS! GO TEXANS!

A Soldier in the 442nd Engineer Company, walks patrol in Afghanistan.

MG Les Simpson, 36th ID Commanding General (right), and CSM John Sampa (far right) along with COL Darrell Dement, Texas Army National Guard Chief of Staff (far left), and 72nd IBCT Commander, COL Clarence Henderson (left) visit with Soldiers of the 1-112th Cavalry Regiment who are currently deployed to the Sinai Peninsula of Egypt as part of the Multinational Forces and Observers mission. (Photo by MAJ Randy Stillinger)

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with the TEXAS GUARD

Aviation assets from the Texas Army National Guard’s 36th Combat Aviation Brigade assist with firefighting efforts to extinguish the fires at Hidden Pines in Bastrop County on October 14, 2015. (Photo by SFC Malcom McClendon)

MG Les Simpson, Commanding General of the 36th Infantry Division, and SGM Quentin Kimble (left) met with SPC Jose Romo upon his arrival at Kelly AFB in San Antonio on Sept. 11, 2015. SPC Romo was deployed to Egypt as part of the Multinational Forces and Observers mission on the Sinai Peninsula when the vehicle that he and three other Soldiers were in struck an IED. (Photo by MAJ Randy Stillinger)

Submit your photoS

for Around the

World to

[email protected]

A CH-47 “Chinook” helicopter from the Grand Prairie-based 2-149th General Support Aviation Battalion, lands next to the USS Texas, bringing key leaders from the Texas Army National Guard to Houston for a conference and staff ride. (Photo by MAJ Randy Stillinger)

Members of the 72nd Brigade Special Troops Battalion stand with their Honduran and El Salvadoran counterparts following their four-month mentorship training program at the Honduran Army Signal School in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. (Courtesy photo by Texas Army National Guard)

COL Jim Nugent of the 36th Infantry Division poses with a member of the 36thDivision Association at their 90th Annual Reunion recently held in Austin, Texas.


Roughly 1,000 members of the National Guard gathered in Indianapolis, IN, August 8-13 to attend the 43rd Annual National Conference and Expo of the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States.

The primary mission of EANGUS is to provide a voice for issues facing the enlisted force of the National Guard. At the conference, senior leaders of the National Guard spoke to attendees about the Guard and discussed topics that affect the enlisted force. The conference is an opportunity for Guard members to get a chance to see how senior Guard leaders work at the strategic level, said CMSgt Mitch Brush, senior enlisted advisor to the National Guard Bureau’s chief. The national conference provided a platform for senior National Guard leaders to directly answer questions from the enlisted ranks.

Texas had sixteen members in attendance, with six of them on professional development orders. During the publications committee report, the NGAT News was awarded 2nd Place in the Combined Association category, and our NGAT website received 2nd Place in the Non-Commercial category.

During the awards dinner SrA James Vernier, a member of the 147th Reconnaissance Wing, was awarded the EANGUS Humanitarian Award for lifesaving measure he performed to save an individual’s life at a basketball game on January 10, 2015. It was later determined that the individual had suffered a major cardiac arrest and had it not been for the efforts of SrA Vernier, the individual could have passed away.

EANGUS Finance Committee Chairman and Junior Enlisted Committee Chairman, SSG Mireya Cruz (left) from the 71st TIOG, Texas Army National Guard, hosts the Senior Enlisted Panel at the EANGUS Conference.

SrA James Vernier, a member of the 147th Reconnaissance Wing, is awarded the EANGUS Humanitarian Award for lifesaving measure he performed to save an individual’s life at a basketball game on January 10, 2015.

Join us at the EANGUS Conference

Aug 21-24, 2016 in New Orleans, LA.

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During the area breakouts, 1st Lt Paula Palacios, a member of Headquarters, Texas Air National Guard, was elected as the NGAUS Area IV Company Grade Representative. Delegates approved two changes to NGAUS by-laws by voice vote. Surviving spouses of deceased NGAUS members now have the option to become nonvoting associate members. Also, Guard members who are medically retired due to combat-related injuries will be provided complimentary memberships in the association.

Nearly 90 resolutions were approved to form the legislative agenda next year. Also, the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States (EANGUS) will move its office to the National Guard Memorial, the NGAUS headquarters in Washington, D.C. Retired CMSgt John Harris, the EANGUS president, made the announcement at the conference during his annual report. His board approved the move without dissent.

The conference closed out with it’s annual awards dinner, followed by a private show for all attendees at the Grand Ole Opry, featuring Tracy Lawrence, Ray Stevens, Restless Heart, Charles Esten and Hunter Hayes.

The National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS) hosted it’s 137th General Conference and Exhibition at the Gaylord Opryland in Nashville, TN. Attendees were welcomed by a performance by country-music star Charlie Daniels. The conference offered a strong line-up of speakers, from defense officials to influential lawmakers.

General Mark Milley, Chief of Staff of the Army, gave a rousing speech- at the first business session- that should have pleased National Guardsmen. The general, who took his job a short month ago, said, “I think the world of the National Guard,” and spent about 60 minutes explaining why. In an address both serious and humorous, Milley gave Guardsmen reason for optimism that the man leading America’s largest military service considers the Army National Guard an important part of “one Army.” His entire speech is available on the NGAUS YouTube page.

COL James Pleasant (center) and his wife Linda proudly stand with a Keith Urban autographed guitar that COL Pleasant won from the Military Benefits Association at the NGAUS Exhibition.

1st Lt Paula PalaciosNGAUS Area IV

Company Grade Representative

MUSIC CITY HOSTS NGAUS CONFERENCE

Members of the Texas delagation stop for a photo on their way to the Grand Ole Opry. (Pictured left to right) COL James Pleasant; Linda Pleasant; Carey Quick; Dan Quick, NGAT President; Diane Lindner; Ray Lindner, NGAT Executive Director; Marsha Crow; and COL Robert Crown.

Join us for the 138th NGAUS Conference,

September 9-12, 2016 in Baltimore, MD.


249Th SIGNAL BATTALION REUNION

On Saturday, September 26, 2015, over 80 former members of the 249th Signal Battalion gathered in Dallas, Texas, to share old times and to re-acquaint themselves with each other. Soldiers came from as far as Oregon to attend this event. If you are a former member of the 249th Signal Battalion and want to know about future events, follow them on Facebook at “249th Signal Battalion Reunion” or email [email protected] for more information.

ChECKING OUT ThE UPGRADES

Members of the Ace in the Hole Retirees Association take a tour of the recently remodeled main maintenance hanger for the 147th Reconnaissance Wing at Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base in Houston, Texas.

FORMER 249Th SIGNAL BATTALION LEADERShIP

Former Commanders and Command Sergeant Major’s of the 249th Signal Battalion pose for a photo during their reunion in Dallas, Texas in September 2015. Pictured left to right are: COL (ret) Glenn C. Meadows, COL (Ret) Woodrow “Woody” Gossom, CSM (Ret) Don Strickland, COL (Ret) Ken Browning, COL (Ret) Paul Tressa, CSM (Ret) Delton Hauk, COL (Ret) Ricky Parker, CSM (Ret) Kathy Ellis, COL (Ret) Janice Bruno and COL (Ret) Bob Lindemann. Not pictured but in attendance was COL (Ret) Walter Morosky.

ARE YOU A VETERAN USING THE VA SYSTEM AND NEED A FLU SHOT?

If you are a Veteran patient in the VA system, you may choose to get a no-cost flu shot at a local Walgreens between now and March 31, 2016. No appointment is required; simply go to any Walgreens, tell the pharmacist you receive care at a VA facility and show your Veterans Identification Card and another form of photo ID. Use Group Code# 5933XBAYV. Your immunization record will be updated electronically in your local VA electronic health record.

Recently 65 former service members and their guests gathered at the Southside Meat Market & BBQ in Elgin for the first Central Texas Retiree Reunion hosted by NGAT. Service members in attendance were from various Army and Air National Guard units in the Central Texas area. We were also privileged to have in attendance our former NGAT Executive Director COL (Ret) Dale Pyeatt and former commander of the Texas State Guard MG (TX) Chris Powers.

For more information on future reunions check out our website at www.ngat.org.

NGAT hOSTS ThE FIRST CENTRAL TEXAS NATIONAL GUARD RETIREE REUNION

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NATIONAL GUARD RECRUIT SUSTAINMENT SUPPORT ThE COMMUNITY

TXSG REGIONAL BASIC TRAINING PROGRAM

COL Rob Woodmansee (right), Commander of the Texas State Guard’s (TXSG) 2nd Regiment, pins a Soldier with his TXSG designation on his uniform after his completion of Regional Basic Orientation Training in Austin, Texas, Sept. 19 - 20, 2015. RBOT is held twice a year in different areas across the state to teach new State Guardsmen military customs, basic first aid and CPR, drill and ceremony, land navigation and radio communication skills. The training is broken up into two phases, which take place during monthly drill. (Photo by SFC Malcolm McClendon)

TEXAS STATE INSTRUCTS NEW MEMBERSMembers of the Texas State Guard 8th Regiment held a class for new members to instruct them on proper uniform wear and care. Pictured are NGAT Life Member, SSG (TX) William Miller, standing center, who is joined by new NGAT Members SGT (TX) Tim Caruthers, in ASUs, and SGT (TX) Larry Latterman.

MEET ThE FAB 15

PVT Kamiya Smith of Houston, with the Texas Army National Guard’s Recruit Sustainment Program, volunteers at the boys’ high jump competition on July 31, at the Texas Amateur Athletic Federation’s Summer Games in College Station. About 75 Texas Guard RSP warriors and members of the TXARNG’s Recruiting and Sustainment Command supported the annual, five-day sporting event that hosted hundreds of athletes from around the state for the state’s largest multi-sport event. (Photo by 1st Lt Alicia M. Lacy)

Commander of the 272nd Engineering and Installation Squadron, Lt Col Frank Dominguez (right) receives the 2015 Deployment’s “Battle Banner” from Lt Col Kim Rizo (left) to be

displayed at the unit along with those from previous deployments. This group was known as the “FAB 15” during deployment and a few of them show off their Super Hero shirts under their uniform.

2015 hIGGINS & LANGLEY AWARD WINNERCongratulations to our Texas Army National Guard helicopter crews and our Texas Task Force 1, Texas Department of Public Safety, TEEX - Fire and Emergency Services Training, and Texas

Starflight partners for being awarded the 2015 Higgins & Langley Award for outstanding achievement in the technical rescue discipline of swiftwater and flood rescue at the International Association Water Rescue Professionals conference in South Bend.

2014 AIR FORCE OUTSTANDNG UNIT AWARDCongratulations to the men and women of the 136th Airlift Wing for being selected among the Air National Guard recipients of the 2014 Air Force Outstanding Unit Award.

PARATROOPERS WIN FIRE TRUCK PULLING CONTEST

Paratroopers of the 1st BN (ABN) 143rd IR placed First in the Fire Truck Pull Fundraising Competition Sunday, 30 August 2015, in Round Rock, Texas. The Fire Truck Pull is a Law Enforcement Torch Run event which is the Special Olympics’ largest grassroots fundraiser and public awareness vehicle. Paratroopers participation was a way for them to give back to the community.

www.ngat.org 19

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57TH NGAT CONFERENCE 18-20 MARCH 2016

Sheraton Arlington Hotel and the Arlington Convention CenterArlington, Texas

REGISTRATION All attendees must pay the registration fee.Registration fee is $15.00 per person.

LONE STAR PACkAGE* (E1-E6 only) deadline 5 Feb 2016$300 (includes 2 Registrations, 2 Meal Packages, 2 Nights at Hotel)

MEAL PACkAGES• Early Bird Meal Package fee is $110 and closes on 29 January 2016.• Regular Meal Package fee is $120 and closes on 1 March 2016.

(The deadline for meal packages is 1 March 2016. After this date, meals must be purchased individually as available.)• A $25 late fee will be added to all registrations received after 1 March 2016.• All cancellation requests must be received in the NGAT office prior to 12 February 2016.

HOTEL• Sheraton Arlington, 1500 Convention Center Drive, Arlington, TX 76011 • Make your reservations directly with the hotel at: 1-800-442-7275. Make sure to identify yourself as a member of the National Guard Association of Texas.• Hotel rate: $105 single/double plus tax per night.• Hotel reservations can be made online using the link on the NGAT website. (NGAT cannot guarantee rooms after 15 February 2016)

ATTIRENGAT Business Session: Business CasualNGAT Dinner: Army - Service Uniform/Mess Uniform Air - Mess Dress/Service Dress. Civilians - Business Suit/Evening Formal Wear. Spouses - After-Five Attire.

CONFERENCE OPTIONAL EVENTS• Golf Tournament – Shotgun, Florida scramble with low net/low gross competition. The golf tournament is open to both registered and non-

registered attendees of the conference. Registration includes green fee, cart, continental breakfast, lunch, and award plaques. • 13th Annual Silent Auction – Bid on over 200 auction items and take advantage of some great bargains on gift baskets, jewelry, weekend

getaways, and tickets to music, sports and other entertainment venues.• The annual 5K Fun Run/Walk – Come enjoy a leisure run/walk on Friday morning. The registration fee includes moisture-wicking t-shirt and

refreshments.• Wine Tasting* – Enjoy a delicious variety of Texas wines at our wine tasting. • Spirits Tasting* – Come sample some spirits and learn a little about the history and production of the many classic spirits brands. The session will

feature several selections displaying a variety of characteristics and flavors. • AT&T Stadium Tour – It’s more than the home of the Dallas Cowboys, it’s a world of facts and figures about the world’s largest domed structure, an

art museum, a classroom. • Painting with NGAT* – Come take part in a fun and relaxing painting class with friends and conference attendees. An experienced and local artist

will guide you step-by-step to create your very own work of art. At the end of the session, everyone gets to take home their custom paintings.• Blackjack Tournament* – Come and try your luck at the NGAT Blackjack Tournament. • NGAT Welcome Party – Come enjoy our Six Flags Over Texas party. Enjoy a 200-acre amusement/theme park with more than 50 rides, plus

live bands & family-oriented shows. The Welcome Party menu includes “all you can eat” sliced BBQ brisket or grilled chicken with sides, garden salad, and ice cold refreshments. Come early, bring your whole family, and enjoy the park during the day, and then spend an evening with friends at the NGAT Welcome Party at Six Flags Over Texas. A Six Flags nation-wide season pass voucher is available with each Welcome Party ticket purchased. (The voucher can be redeemed for a season pass for an additional $29.99 at the park.)

• Enjoy a crafty lunch at the Spouses Luncheon on Saturday. Participants can craft a patriotic mason jar lantern then enjoy lunch, entertainment, and prizes.

• Saturday Dinner – Dinner presentations include the Minuteman and Scholarship awards. After dinner, guests will have the opportunity to visit hospitality suites.

• Hospitality Suites will be located at the hotel and units will compete for “Best Suite” award.• The NGAT Social Lounge – Visit and mingle with friends in a more conversation-friendly environment.• Enjoy a delicious breakfast, fellowship, and prayer during the NGAT Prayer Breakfast on Sunday morning.

*Limited Availability. Please make your reservations early.

REGISTER ONLINE by visiting the NGAT website at www.NGAT.org

REGISTER ONLINE AT

WWW.NGAT.ORG

www.ngat.org 21

Please Army Retired Army Air Retired Air State Guard Check: Spouse Guest _____ # Conferences Attended including this one

Rank:_______________________ Name:________________________________________________________________________Unit:_______________________________________ Email Address:___________________________Home Address:_____________________________________________ Daytime Phone:(____)______________________________City/State:_____________________________ Zip:________________ Cell:(____)________________________________________Badge Name:_________________________________ Spouse/Guest Name:___________________________Rank: _____________

Please indicate any special needs (i.e. disability, dietary, etc.) ________________________________________________________

E1-E6: $15 E7-O/CW3: $20 O/CW4-O/CW5: $25 O6-O8: $30 Associate/Retired: $20

Lone Star Package (E1-E6 only) Includes 2 NGAT Meal Packages, 2 Registrations and 2 Nights at Hotel

$300 ea Attendee Lunch (circle one) LE RL SL Spouse/Guest Lunch (circle one) LE RL SL DeadlineHotel Room King Double (NGAT will book the hotel room for this package) 5-Feb-16

Attendee Registration Fee $15 Spouse/Guest Registration Fee $15

$110Ends 29 Jan 2016

$120 Attendee (circle one) LE RL SL Spouse/Guest (circle one) LE RL SL After 29 Jan 2016

Friday Welcome Party Attendee Spouse/Guest $45 eaSaturday Breakfast Only Package (at Arlington Convention Center)

FREE$10 ea

Saturday Lunch Only Package LE - Lunch w/Exhibitors RL - Retiree Lunch SL - Spouses Lunch

Attendee (circle one) LE RL SL Spouse/Guest (circle one) LE RL SL $25 eaSaturday Dinner Only Package Attendee Spouse/Guest $50 eaSunday Prayer Breakfast (Optional Meal) Attendee Spouse/Guest $25 ea

Golf Tournament (Fri) $75 ea Names of Golf Team: Fun Run (Fri) Attendee Spouse/Guest $20 ea

S M L XL XXL S M L XL XXLCowboy Stadium Tour Attendee Spouse/Guest $20 eaBlackjack Tournament Attendee Spouse/Guest $30 eaNGAT Wine Tasting Attendee Spouse/Guest $20 eaSpirits Tasting Attendee Spouse/Guest $30 eaPainting With NGAT Attendee Spouse/Guest $35 ea

FREECHILDCARE

Check Enclosed (Please make check payable to NGAT)Charge my: MasterCard Visa Expiration Date: ____________ Card #: ____________________________________CC Security Code: _______ CC Billing Address Zip Code: _______Name of Cardholder:___________________________________________Signature of Cardholder: _______________________________________ $____________

$____________

ONLY ONSITE REGISTRATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER MARCH 1, 2016MEAL PACKAGES MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE TO THOSE WHO REGISTER AFTER MARCH 1, 2016 OR ONSITE!

Total (Credit Card):

57th NGAT Conference 18-20 March 2016 Arlington Convention Center, Arlington TXConference Registration Form

$____________

SUBTOTAL

_____________________________

Renew Your NGAT Membership Dues Renew my NGAT Membership - NGAT Dues Renewal also available online

NGAT Life Membership Special - Become a life member today for $100.00 - Offer expired 31 Mar 2016NGAT Junior Enlisted Package (Includes registration)

Please select Lunch - LE - Lunch w/Exhibitors RL - Retiree Lunch SL - Spouses Lunch

Welcome Party, Saturday Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Early Bird Price

Meal Packages (Registration fee required with all packages)NGAT Meal Package - Sessions, Exhibits, Hospitality Rooms,

$____________

SubTotal:

$____________

$____________

$____________Total (Check):

NGAT Optional Events (not included in Basic Registration)

$____________Late Fee after 1 Mar 16 (Add $25):

Credit Card Handling Fee (Add 5%):

________________________________________________

Mail to:NGAT, 3706 Crawford Ave, Austin, TX 78731 Fax: (512) 467-6803 Email: [email protected]

ONLINE REGISTRATION AVAILABLE AT WWW.NGAT.ORG For Assistance Call 512-454-7300

NG

AT

Con

fere

nce

Fees

$____________

$____________

Specify T-Shirt Size:

$____________

$____________

(FREE) Breakfast for NGAT Member

(Fri) 0900 - 1200

Registration - All Attendees Must Pay Registration Fee

Please select Lunch - LE - Lunch w/Exhibitors RL - Retiree Lunch SL - Spouses Lunch

Attendee Handicap: ____ Spouse/Guest Handicap: ____

$____________

Donation - NGAT Educational Foundation $____________

$____________

$____________

$____________

$____________

$____________ Non-NGAT Member Breakfast Spouse/Guest Breakfast

$____________

Names/Ages: ____________________________________

$____________

$____________

NGAT Life Member NGAT Annual Member

The unit you wish to sit with at the Dinner:_________________________________________________________________________

$____________

$____________

(Sat) 1330 - 1530(Fri) 1230 - 1330(Fri) 1100 - 1200

(Fri) 0900 - 1200

Childcare will be available on Fri, Mar 18, 2016 from 2200-2400 and on Sat, Mar 19, 2016 from 1800-2400. Please

indicate if you require childcare. YES I NEED CHILDCARE


NGAT CORPORATE MEMBERS AND SPONSORS

*SSG reynaldo Chavarria, Retired, Corpus Christi

MSG Elmer J. Cummingham, Life Member #11662, Retired, Pasadena

MSgt Jesse J. Elizondo Sr., Life Member #12134, Retired, San Antonio

SGT Islao figueroa, Life Member #26651, Retired, Florida

*SSG robert Gaona, Co F 536th SPT BN, San Juan

Mr. Tomas Martinez, Life Member #9451, Retired, Austin

Mr. William T. Neal, Life Member #3698, Retired, Cape Coral FL

LTC Thomas r. Nissen, Life Member #3769, Retired, Weatherford

SGT Paul E. Perez, Retired, New Braunfels

MSgt Wesley A. Pittman, Life Member #6267, Retired, Moore OK

CW3 Emmett L. ragland, Life Member #501, Retired, Austin

Mr. Willie Sassenhagen, Life Member #30168, Retired, Seguin

CPT Jerry C. Tongate, Life Member #4851, Retired, Early

**SPC ulises Torres Jr., HHC 136th MP (I/R) BN, El Paso

SGT robert M. Ybarra, Life Member #20512, Retired, San Antonio

*Had NGAT Life Insurance Policy **Had No-Cost Active Guard Policy of $1,000

If you are aware of the passing of a current or former National Guard member, please notify us by phone, by sending a letter to our office, or by email at [email protected].

TAPS (AS OF 10/13/15)

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References: 1. Braue E, Smith K, Doxzon B, Lumpkin H, Clarkson E. Efficacy studies of Reactive Skin Decontamination Lotion, M291 Skin Decontamination Kit, 0.5% bleach, 1% soapy water, and skin exposure reduction paste against chemical warfare agents, part 1: guinea pigs challenged with VX. Cutan Ocul Toxicol. 2011;30(1):15-28. 2. Braue E, Smith K, Doxzon B, Lumpkin H, Clarkson E. Efficacy studies of Reactive Skin Decontamination Lotion, M291 Skin Decontamination Kit, 0.5% bleach, 1% soapy water, and skin exposure reduction paste against chemical warfare agents, part 2: guinea pigs challenged with soman. Cutan Ocul Toxicol. 2011;30(1):29-37. 3. Hanssen K, Doxzon B, Lumpkin H, Clarkson E, Braue E. Evaluation of decontamination systems challenged with nerve agents. Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD: US Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense; 2004. 4. Bide R, Risk D, Schofield L. Evaluation of the Canadian reactive skin decontaminant lotion and US skin decontamination kit for decontamination of T-2 toxin on guinea pig skin. Final report. Suffield, Canada: Defence Research and Development Canada; 2002. 5. Taysse L, Daulon S, Delamanche S, Bellier B, Breton P. Skin decontamination of mustards and organophosphates: comparative efficacy of RSDL and Fuller’s earth in domestic swine. Hum Exp Toxicol. 2007;26(2):135-141. 6. Snider T, Hayes T, Jar-vis R, Matthews M, Estep J. Assessment of RSDL as a decontaminant against VX and HD: efficacy, equivalence to M291 skin decontamination kit, and com-patibility with fielded materials. Final report. Columbus, OH: US Army Medical Materiel Development Activity and US Marine Corps Systems Command; 2002. 7. Bjarnason S, Mikler J, Hill I, et al. Comparison of selected skin decontaminant products and regimens against VX in domestic swine. Hum Exp Toxicol. 2008;27(3):253-261. 8. Rolland P, Bolzinger MA, Cruz C, Josse D, Briançon S. Hairy skin exposure to VX in vitro: effectiveness of delayed decontamination. Toxicol In Vitro. 2013;27(1):358-366. 9. Data on file. Emergent BioSolutions Inc.

PROTECTED BY EMERGENT BIOSOLUTIONS™ and RSDL® and any and all Emergent BioSolutions Inc. brand, product, service, and feature names, logos, and slogans are trademarks or registered trademarks of Emergent BioSolutions Inc. or its subsidiaries in the United States or other countries. All rights reserved. © 2015 Emergent BioSolutions Inc. RD14007 02/15

201511 Nov Veteran’sDay(NGATOfficeClosed)26-27 Nov ThanksgivingObserved(NGATOfficeClosed)7-11 Dec NGATLegislativeVisit,Washington,D.C.13 Dec NationalGuard’sBirthday15 Dec NGATHolidayOpenHouse,Austin,TX24-31 Dec ChristmasHolidayObserved(NGATOfficeClosed)

20161 Jan NewsYearsDay(NGATOfficeClosed)18 Jan MartinLutherKingDay(NGATOfficeClosed)15-17 Jan EANGUSAreaIVMid-Winter,NewOrleans,LA18 Jan President’sDay(NGATOfficeClosed)1 Feb NGATBoardMeeting,Austin17 Mar NGATBoardMeeting,Arlington18-20 Mar 57thAnnualNGATConference,Arlington

National Guard Association of Texas3706 Crawford AvenueAustin, Texas 78731-6803

NATIONAL GUARD ASSOCIATION OF TEXASNGAT PLANNING CALENDAR

(As of 15 October 2015)

ngat news fall 2015

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