ngat news summer 2014

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

LEGISLATIVE .................. 8

Founded 1959 • Volume 55 • Number 2 • Summer 2014

2015 CONFERENCE .......... 20

HALL OF HONOR ............ 10

ANNUAL TRAINING .......... 14

BG LESTER SIMPSON TAKES COMMAND OF 36TH ID

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1 98% based on member data from 2008–2012.

Use of the term “member” or “membership” does not convey any eligibility rights for auto and property insurance products, or legal or ownership rights in USAA. Ownership rights are limited to eligible policyholders of United Services Automobile Association. “Honorably served” means a discharge type of “honorable.” Membership and product eligibility and underwriting restrictions apply and are subject to change. Eligible former dependents of USAA members may purchase auto or property insurance if the member obtained USAA auto or property insurance. Automobile insurance provided by United Services Automobile Association, USAA Casualty Insurance Company, USAA General Indemnity Company, Garrison Property and Casualty Insurance Company, USAA County Mutual Insurance Company, San Antonio, TX, and is available only to persons eligible for P&C group membership. Each company has sole financial responsibility for its own products. © 2014 USAA. 201814-0214

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7.25 in.

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E. Cunanan A. Hazen J. Thomas D. Usteski C. Richardson

Army Aviation; MOAA-AL Huntsville Chapter Newsletter (The Sentinel); NGA-TX-NGAT News Newsletter

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Revision

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130614

2/0 No Charge

USAA_P&C

Various - See Below

5/1/14

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7.25 9.75

Internal

www.ngat.org 3

2014-15 Board of DirectorsPresident ........................................................... Charles Chavers

President-Elect ........................................................Daniel Quick

Vice President .......................................................... Kenn White

Secretary/Treasurer .............................................Ashley Bloom

Joint Forces Hqs ............................ Michael Courade (Enlisted)

TX ARNG ................................................. Terri Marshall (Officer)

176th Engr Bde.....................................Calvin Jenkins (Officer)

36th Infantry Division .....................Kenneth Henry (Enlisted)

72nd IBCT ........................................ Brian Hildebrand (Officer)

72nd IBCT ................................................Tony Carter (Enlisted)

56th IBCT .........................................................Jet Hays (Officer)

56th IBCT ..................................................... Jim Horn (Enlisted)

36th CAB....................................................Bob Roark (Enlisted)

71st BfSB ................................................ Patrick Harty (Officer)

36th Sustainment Bde ..............Murphy McCardell (Enlisted)

136th MEB .............................................John Crawson (Officer)

HQ, TANG ..........................................Michael Selheim (Enlisted)

136th AW ..................................................Doug Clark (Enlisted)

147th RW ...................................................Anita Blue (Enlisted)

149th FW ................................................. John Pollard (Officer)

TX State Guard Rep .....................Kristopher Krueger (Officer)

Retired Rep - Region 1 .................................................... Vacant

Retired Rep - Region 2 .......................................... Jerry Horsley

Retired Rep - Region 3 ........................................Buck Allbright

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

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

Copyeditor ...................................................Laura Bianco

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

Publisher ..................................................Ames Printing

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4 President’s Report

5 Members Spotlight

6 36th ID Change of Command

7 Border Mission/Key Leadership Changes

8 Legislative Report

10 Hall of Honor

12 Around the World with the Texas National Guard

14 Annual Training with the Texas Military Forces

17 Texas State Guard Gonzales Cup

18 Salute to Retirees

20 2015 NGAT Conference

21 Around Texas with the Guard

22 TAPS/Corporate Members and Sponsors

24 NGAT Planning Calendar

NEWS

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

Command Chief Master Sergeant, Texas Air National Guard, CCMSgt Kevin O’Gorman (left) and BG Pat Hamilton, Commander of the Domestic Operations Task Force (right), speak with Congresswoman Kay Granger of Texas’ 12th Congressional District during a NGAT sponsored legislative reception recently held in Washington, D.C. (Photo by 2LT Sharon Calderon)

Pictured left to right: CCMSgt (Ret) Harold Higgins and wife Anita, CSM (Ret) Clyde Worrell and wife Dorothy, Johanna & MG (Ret) Robert Halverson and Maj Gen (Ret) Charles “Rex” Driggers and his wife poses for photos following the Texas Military Forces Hall of Honor induction ceremony at Camp Mabry in Austin, Texas.(Photo by MSG Ken Walker)

SPC Luis Palacios drives SGT Ruben Molinar while he fires the M2A1 .50 Cal during the 1-124 CAV Gunnery Table VI Crew Certifications at Fort Hood, Texas.

Right Side Photo: BG Lester Simpson addresses the Soldiers and visitors following assuming command of the 36th Infantry Division. (Photo by MAJ Randy Stillinger)

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 78731-6803

MEMBERS MAY EMAIL ADDRESS CHANGES TO: [email protected]

contents

NGAT News Summer 20144

NGAT Board of Directors members and NGAT staff participate in a strategic planning session in Round Rock, Texas to plan the future of the association.

President's Report

Follow Us!

Judging by the rising temperatures and the lowering lake levels, summer has arrived in Texas. And as I sit in my air-conditioned office, my attention turns towards my tenure on the NGAT Board of Directors and our struggles to grow our association. Like most experiences in life, I have seen four distinct phases in the attempt to expand NGAT’s influence across the state: 1. Some could not allow another entity like NGAT to be their voice. (Rejection of shared authority)2. Many people simply allow NGAT to be their voice without any questions (Blind acceptance) 3. Today some feel that NGAT has lost touch with the individual wings and brigades (Skepticism)4. And lastly, many have found that NGAT is the best option to protect the resources and personnel for the military forces of Texas (Corporate acceptance)

It is in this fourth area that I want all of our soldiers and airmen to find themselves. This past May, the Board of Directors met to review our mission statement and to readdress the message that NGAT relays to both our current and potential members that we represent. We have struggled in the past to find ways to motivate potential members to join our state and national associations. During our strategic planning meeting, it was obvious that our new Board of Directors is ready to find viable ways to represent the needs of our current membership while simultaneously attracting younger members into the association. With the budget turmoil in Washington, D.C., our Guard structure in Texas is at a crossroads and NGAT stands ready to meet the challenges that will present themselves in the coming months. NGAT, EANGUS and NGAUS stand at the ready to protect the welfare of the National Guard and the men and women of the Texas Military Forces. Speaking of EANGUS and NGAUS, the annual EANGUS conference will be held in Phoenix, AZ from 10-14 Aug., and NGAUS will be held in Chicago, IL from 22-25 Aug. NGAT will have Board members there along with personnel selected to attend in professional development status. Both conferences encourage positive change within the military system, and I know that Texas will have a strong showing at both events. I am also hopeful that those individuals selected as professional development attendees will see the importance of our state and national associations and share their conference experiences with others in their units. It is through activities like these that the men and women of the Texas Military Forces will reach the corporate acceptance phase for NGAT and our national associations. As always I ask for your help in growing our association. Get involved and share our message. If there is anything I can do for you, let me know. Have a great summer.

Charles ChaversPresident, NGAT

SSG Michael Courage, a member of the NGAT Board of Directors, mans a booth at the American Heroes Day event to encourage Soldiers and Airmen to become NGAT members.

Are you receiving emails from NGAT? Are you receiving mail from NGAT? If not, send your email address and

home address to [email protected] and update your records TODAY!!?

www.ngat.org 5

CMSgt Ellen Adler is presented a gift from Col Kevin Turnbo, 254 CCG’s Commander, during her retirement ceremony at Hensley Air Guard Station in Dallas, Texas. Both are NGAT Life Members.

Eleventh Command Chief Master Sergeant of the Air National Guard CCMSgt James W. Hotaling (center) visits with 149th Fighter Wing CMSgt Richard Pena (left) and CCMSgt George Longoria (right) at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. Hotaling discussed health, moral, and welfare issues affecting National Guard members. (Photo by TSgt Wilson)

AIR NATIONAL GUARD COMMAND CHIEF VISITS TEXASCHIEF ADLER RETIRES

NGAT Life Member COL Richard Jordan addresses friends and family at his retirement ceremony from the Texas Army National Guard after 32 years of military service. (Photo by SFC Daniel Griego)

SALUTING 32 YEARS OF MILITARY SERVICE

Congratulations to NGAT Life Member Juan Medrano, left, who was recently promoted to CW4 by LTC Lambert DeVries. Chief Medrano is a former member of the NGAT Board of Directors and currently serves on the Military Affairs Committee.

MEDRANO MAKES CW4

Commander, HHC 1-143rd Inf Rgmt, MAJ Max Krupp (right) pins the senior parachutist badge on SFC George A. Lloyd at a ceremony held at Camp Swift.

SENIOR PARACHUTIST BADGE AWARDED

Fellow Soldiers, family and friends recently gathered to bid farewell to LTC Michael Cain on the occasion of his retirement from the Texas Army National Guard after serving our state and nation for the past 32 years. LTC Cain is shown with a parting gift presented to him from members of the G1 staff.

LTC CAIN, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE

HONOR GRADUATE

BG Johnny R. Miller, Assistant Adjuant General-Army, Illinois Army National Guard (left), presents OC Caleb Williams with the Honor Graduate Sword at the Phase III OCS Graduation at Ft. Lewis, WA.


The servicemen and women of the 36th Infantry Division gathered with their unit flags, streamers and guidons on the Camp Mabry parade field on 21 June 2014, to welcome a new commander and bid farewell to a seasoned leader during a change of command ceremony. Maj Gen John F. Nichols, Adjutant General of Texas, praised outgoing commander, MG James K. “Red” Brown for his hard work and dedicated leadership during his service with the Texas Army National Guard.

“We cannot shy away from change,” said Nichols, “therefore we embrace it. The 36th Infantry Division has been an exemplary standout in our organization and I am confident they will continue to do great things for Texas.”

MG Brown assumed command of the division in Jan. 2012 and commanded the 56th Brigade Combat Team during Operation Iraqi Freedom III from Jan. through Dec. 2005. For his next assignment, MG Brown will serve as the deputy commanding general-operations for First United States Army based in Rock Island, IL. MG Brown is a former NGAT president and an NGAT Life Member.

BG SIMPSON TAKES COMMAND OF THE 36TH INFANTRY DIVISION

BG LESTER “LES” SIMPSONCommanding General36th Infantry Division

BG Lester “Les” Simpson received his commission in the Army National Guard in 1980 through the University of Texas, Arlington Reserve Officers Training Corps. After completing Infantry Officer Basic course, he served in many leadership and command assignments. He served as Commander, 3rd Battalion, 144th Infantry Regiment; Commander, 142nd Rear Operations Center; and in 2011 he served as Commander, 176th Engineer Brigade during major combat operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. In October 2012, General Simpson served as the Assistant Adjutant General – Army, Texas National Guard and Commander, 71st Troop Command. In May 2013, he assumed the duties of Special Assistant Director, Army National Guard at the Pentagon. BG Simpson recently retired from United Parcel Service (UPS) of North America after 33 years of dedicated service. General Simpson and his wife Antoinette have a blended family of four adult children, Lester Jr., Solomon, Nathan and Morgan.

Incoming Commander BG Lester Simpson thanked Brown for continuing the legacy of the 36th Infantry Division and promised to continue to build on it. Simpson comes to the 36th Infantry Division after serving as Special Assistant to the director of the Army National Guard at the Pentagon.

BG Simpson becomes the 17th commanding general in the history of the unit. The 36th Infantry Division was originally organized at Camp Bowie near Brownwood, Texas on 17 July 1917, and was called the “Texas Division” and the “T-Patchers.”

(Photos by MAJ Randy Stillinger)

www.ngat.org 7

TEXAS MILITARY FORCES LEADERSHIP CHANGES

COL Patrick M. Hamilton, Commander Domestic Operations,

smiles as his wife Beverly Hamilton, and his mother Sara Hamilton pin new shoulder boards on his uniform during his promotion to the rank of Brigadier General in

the Texas Army National Guard (TXARNG). (Photo by SSG Jennifer D. Atkinson)

CSM James Guzman

Command Sergeant Major102nd General

Support Battalion

CSM Gary A. Krpec

Command Sergeant

Major71st

Battlefield Surveillance

Brigade

CSM Jose H. Cazares

Command Sergeant

Major36th Combat

Aviation Brigade

GOVERNOR PERRY ACTIVATESTEXAS NATIONAL GUARD TO SOUTHERN BORDER

Governor Rick Perry announced on 21 July, the activation of up to 1,000 Texas National Guard troops on state active duty orders to the southern border in support of the Texas Department of Public Safety’s Operation Strong Safety.

The following is a message from the Adjutant General of Texas:

Col Dan SteinerChief of Staff

Texas State Guard

Governor Perry tasked us to increase our support to the Texas Department of Public Safety’s Operation Strong Safety. The Texas National Guard will work in full support of this state-led border security surge operation to deter criminal activity along the Texas-Mexico border. Within the next 30 days we will send additional forces to the border who will act as force multipliers for the state. We are not strangers to this mission. Our forces will enhance security efforts by amplifying the visible presence on the ground and along the river; working alongside commissioned law enforcement officers to detect and prevent criminals from infiltrating through the international border, and helping to ensure the safety of our fellow Texans. We have performed similar roles in support of various state and federal operations along the border since 2006. To our Texas Guardsmen already engaged in border support missions, thank you for your selfless service and dedication to this important effort.

To those whom we will send, the state and nation once again need you. In times of crisis, our civilian leaders call upon us without hesitation. For many, I know this is not the first call; you’ve been called in the past to serve our state and nation. Now the Governor of Texas is calling you to help secure our homeland. Times of great need are why we wear the uniform and serve. Times like these are why the Texas Guard exists.

The citizens of Texas continue to honor us with their absolute trust and confidence. They do so because they understand what I see every day: you stand ready and willing to serve, whatever the call may be. And I couldn’t be more proud of you. This is a critical moment in our state and nation. I’m thankful that at moments like this, Texas can rely on you for its safety and security. Texas Strong! John F. NicholsMajor General, TXANGAdjutant General

MG James K. “Red” BrownCommanding

General - OperationsFirst United States Army

Rock Island, IL


National Defense Authorization Act 2015 The House has passed its version of the NDAA, and the Senate version is awaiting a vote from the Senate. Following passage of the Senate bill, a conference committee will settle the differences and present a new version to be approved by both chambers.

Both bills establish a National Commission on the Future of the Army to assess the Army’s active and reserve components size and force mix and requires the submission of its findings and recommendations by 1 Feb 2016.

The House bill freezes the transfer of Army National Guard AH-64s and end strength levels until a Comptroller General study on the Army’s structure plan is completed. The Senate bill freezes the transfer of all but 48 Army National Guard AH-64s and end strength levels through Fiscal Year 2015.

The Senate bill includes a provision that would require the Air Force to submit both a complete fielding plan for the C-130 aircraft and specific details of the Air Force’s plan to maintain intra-theater capacity within both the active and the reserve components, including its modernization and recapitalization plan for all C-130H and C-130J aircraft.

The House bill includes a provision that would require DOD to report to the congressional defense committees on the readiness and cost impacts, both immediate and long-term, of reductions in funding on ESGR and the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program.

The House bill includes a provision requiring the Chief of the National Guard Bureau to submit a report on the progress made by the Army National Guard to establish 10 Cyber Protection Teams no later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.

The House bill includes a provision that would require the Secretary of the Army to submit to the Committees on Armed Services a report on the

requirement of the Army that members of the Army may become eligible for the Army’s tuition assistance program only after serving for a period of one year after completing certain training courses. The report would evaluate the impact the one year waiting period will have on recruitment for the National Guard and an explanation of the extent to which the qualities of the National Guard, including the role of college student and college bound students in the National Guard, were considered before reaching the decision on eligibility.

The Senate bill includes a provision that would amend Title 10, United States Code to clarify that qualifying days of service under that section to reduce the age at which a service member may receive reserve retired pay may be accumulated between two consecutive fiscal years.

Armando Martinez, Texas district 39 representative, holds an M4 used by soldiers from the 3-141 INF Rgmt, at the Weslaco Armory. The representative and other state legislative staff members visited the armory to learn more about the mission and capabilities of the Guard unit. (Photo by 2LT Alicia M. Lacy)

Legislative ReportNGAT is actively monitoring several federal legislative issues. Our Write to Congress efforts to freeze Army movement to reduce the size of the Guard and to move Guard AH-64s to the active force helped alert Congress to the problem, and through the efforts of many people resulted in language being inserted into the NDAA to freeze those moves. NGAT hosted a reception for the Texas Congressional delegation and staff during this critical time, and ensured that the Texas Guard leadership and legislative office was able to follow up with Members and their staff in a more relaxed environment.

Here are the critical pieces of legislation still pending:

The Adjutant General of Texas, Maj Gen John F. Nichols, walks across the Camp Mabry parade field with Senator John Cornyn during American Heroes Day events.

www.ngat.org 9

Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Commission The Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Commission, established by the NDAA FY2013, is conducting a review of military compensation and retirement systems and is charged with making recommendations by Feb. 2015. While current serving soldiers and airmen should be protected, the potential impact on the Guard is enormous.

Veterans Affairs

Legislation intended to improve healthcare services through the Veterans Affairs department is encountering problems as accountability issues cloud funding levels. While lawmakers have described the bill as must-pass legislation, partisan bickering is hindering movement.

CPT David C. Sullivan, commander, Headquarters Company, 1-149th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, explains the features of an AH-64D Apache helicopter to State Senator Leticia Van de Putte, senate district 26, during her visit to Ellington Field JRB in Houston. State Senator Van de Putte was with the Senate Veterans’ Affairs and Military Installations Committee to learn about the 147th Reconnaissance Wing and the 1-149th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion missions.

Help NGAT GeT your voice HeArd.

WriTe To coNGreSS at www.ngat.org/alerts.php


Texas Military Forces 2014Hall of Honor Inductees

MG (Ret) Robert L. HalversonFormer Commander

49th Armored Division

MG (Ret) Robert L. Halverson, former commander of the 49th Armored Division, served in the military for more than 38 years, beginning in 1963. He made an extraordinary and positive difference in the continual transformation of the TXMF by instituting divisional staff training and implementing active duty military doctrine in preparation for the 49th Armored Division’s deployment as the first integrated active and reserve component headquarters in Bosnia.

MG (Ret) Halverson changed the outlook and focus of the organization by thoroughly integrating the Guard into the active Army, interfacing with Headquarters, U.S. Army Europe and subordinate commands while accomplishing numerous civic projects that set the standard for future Guard deployments to Bosnia.

He also shaped the organizational environment for the future by training Guard divisions for future deployments to Bosnia and Kosovo, which set the stage for other Army National Guard Divisions to be mobilized and deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan. Additionally, as a result of the successful mission to Bosnia, Army Training schools began accepting more National Guard Soldiers into the military occupational skills producing courses, resulting in a more trained and ready Guard force nationwide.

Maj Gen (Ret) Charles “Rex” DriggersFormer Commander

Texas Air National Guard

Maj Gen (Ret) Charles “Rex” Driggers, former commander of the Texas Air National Guard began his military career in 1955 and served for over 37 years. He made an extraordinary contribution to the transformation of the TXMF by initiating and commanding the introduction of the C-130 Hercules tactical aircraft at the 136th Airlift Wing in Fort Worth.

Maj Gen (Ret) Driggers changed the outlook and focus of the Texas Air National Guard when he instituted combat training and encouraged closer cooperation with the active duty Air Force. He led Texas ANG aircrews and support personnel from the 136th to participate in Red Flag combat training exercises.This training outlook improved coordination between the active duty and guard air forces, and was a foundation that was built upon during aerial operations during the Gulf War. This was instrumental in achieving mission success.

During his time as Texas ANG Commander, Driggers elevated the role and contributions of the Air Guard into TXMF statewide operations. He oversaw the development and construction of the Air Guard’s state headquarters building at Camp Mabry. This led to increased cooperation and missions involving Texas ANG units and the TXMF leadership team.

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CCMSgt (Ret) Harold L. Higgins Jr.Former State

Command Chief Master Sergeant

CCMSgt (Ret) Harold L. Higgins Jr., former State Chief Master Sgt, Texas Air National Guard, served his state and nation for more than 30 years, beginning in 1965. He had a profound impact on the TXMF by promoting the professional development of all Airmen. Serving as First Sgt., Wing Command Chief and ultimately the Texas State Command Chief, his focus was to provide senior leadership with a professional and capable enlisted force to meet the ever increasing demands, both domestic and deployed. CCMSgt (Ret) Higgins promoted a joint environment at every opportunity, working closely with the State Senior Enlisted Advisor, while also working nationally with the Air National Guard Command Chief Master Sgt. During his tenure, the first Command Chief/Command Sergeant Major Conference was established to understand the unique, as well as common issues and seek opportunities for benchmarking successful resolutions.

He was appointed as a region coordinator on the ANG Enlisted Field Advisory Council representing eight states. As such, his actions touched all ranks, from Airman to Chief Master Sgt., by instituting programs such as a the Enlisted Performance Feedback, the National Command Chiefs Orientation Course and a distance-learning program.

CSM (Ret) Clyde WorrellFormer State

Command Sergeant Major

CSM (Ret) Clyde Worrell, former State Command Sergeant Major, Texas Army National Guard, served his state and nation for more than 40 years, beginning in 1965. He made an extraordinary and positive difference in the continual transformation of the TXMF by instituting a promotion process in Texas establishing noncommissioned officer promotion boards at the battalion, brigade, division and state level for different ranks, producing a more professional NCO corps promoted on the basis of stringent qualifications and performance.

CSM (Ret) Worrell changed the outlook and focus of the organization by instituting a requirement for NCO education to be tied to rank progression, and lobbied successfully at the national level for the creation of Guard/Reserve-friendly courses to be completed locally and during drill periods.

He also shaped the organizational environment for the future by implementing a National Guard Bureau requirement to select, train, promote and assign enlisted personnel through statewide implementation of meetings and processes designed to make this requirement Texas-specific and soldier-friendly, producing a generation of trained and ready NCO leadership.

The Hall of Honor was created as a permanent tribute to recognize members of the Texas Military Forces who have made lasting contributions of an outstanding nature to the Texas National Guard. This is the first time in four years that the TXMF has inducted anyone into the Hall of Honor. Induction into the Hall of Honor is the highest form of recognition the Texas National Guard can bestow on an individual and is widely recognized as the crowning achievement of a distinguished career.

NGAT is honored to have funded the materials and construction of the new Hall of Honor wall located in Building 8 on Camp Mabry. Each year that someone is inducted into the Hall of Honor, they will have their photo and narrative displayed on the wall in Building 8 for a year before moving it to its permanent home in the TXMF Museum. It is truly a honor for NGAT to help preserve and recognize the leadership and history of the Texas Military Forces. We are also proud to report that all inductees are NGAT Life Members.


Soldiers with the 1st Battalion (Airborne), 143rd Infantry Regiment parachute onto the Teton Drop Zone at Camp Guernsey in Wyoming, during the Golden Coyote training exercise. (Photo by SPC Donald E. Williams)

AROUND THE W RLD with

The Texas National Guard marathon team poses for a photo at the NGB marathon in Lincoln, NE. Pictured left to right are: TSgt Adam Bernal, LTC Michael Diaz, CW3 Lisa Buckley, SFC Noah Mitchell, CW3 Michael Long, SFC Agatha Hebbe, TSgt Kelaita Johnson and SSG Joseph Ollebidez.

A Tactical Air Control Party Airman with the 147th Reconnaissance Wing prepares to perform close air support while at a field training exercise with Czech forward air controllers in the Czech Republic.

CMsgt Del Atkinson and MSgt John Hawkins, both from the 136th Airlift Wing, traveled to France to parachute jump into the Normandy hedgerows to commemorate the 70th anniversary of D-Day. Atkinson and Hawkins, members of the Liberty Jump Team, made several jumps in Normandy on the original World War II drop zones to honor Veterans.

Texas Army National Guard Soldiers from 236th Engineer Company pose with local school children during their travels to Guatemala. Soldiers provided much-needed engineering improvements to three area schools located near Zacapa, Guatemala as part of Beyond the Horizon 2014. (Photo courtesy of 236th Engineer Company)

Members of the 71st Theater Information Operation Group stand in front of a V-22 Osprey

at Hurlburt Field in Florida during Emerald Warrior. Emerald Warrior is an annual Joint

exercise to train special operations, conventional and partner nation forces in combat scenarios

designed to hone special operations air and ground combat skills.

(Photo by CPT Joshua Amstutz)

www.ngat.org 13

the TEXAS NATIONAL GUARD

MAJ Anthony Hall (left) and SPC Sarah Olivares of the 36th Infantry Division review reports during a Warfighter training exercise in Fort Leavenworth,

Kansas. This exercise evaluated the units acting at their designated level, and the additional units

training participated by filling in as higher and complimentary levels of command and support to

test their battlefield skills. (Photo by SFC Suzanne Ringle)

TSgt Shonda Winkler (left) and SrA Katie Steadman

(middle), 531st Air Force Band, Band of the Southwest, invite Elena

Bedner, a services business manager, to sing as they

perform for customers at The Exchange on Barksdale

AFB in Louisiana. (Photos by MSgt Charles

Hatton)

CPT Abe Alvarenga, a member of Task Force Larimar, speaks with a local citizen to inform him of upcoming medical readiness training exercises (MEDRETES) during the 2014 humanitarian civic assistance mission at Batey Cinco, Dominican Republic. (Photo by SGT True Thao)

CPT Joshua Edgington, a jump master for the 1st Battalion (Airborne), 143rd Infantry Regiment, performs the Jump Master Personnel Inspection for SGT Oscar Moreno, a parachute rigger with

the 294th Quartermaster Company Jumpmasters, at Camp Guernsey in Wyoming. (Photo by SPC Donald E. Williams)

MAJ James Nelson, 71st Theater Information Operations Group (71st TIOG), is greeted by citizens at the newly-built structure at the Fidelina Feliz-Matos

public primary (kindergarten through eighth grade) school in La Guazara, Dominican Republic as part of Beyond the Horizon 2014.


Soldiers from the 342nd ENGR Co, 176th ENGR Bde work on renovating the public running track at Camp Mabry. (Photo by CW1 Cary Wintz)

PVT Carsten Requenez (left), SPC Terrell Davenport (center) and SGT Juan Rueda, all members of Able Company 1-143rd INF Rgmt, conduct 120mm mortar net training on a new fire control system during training at Fort Hood, Texas.

Members of Co A 141st INF Search and Rescue Team (SAR) undergo training with the San Antonio Fire Departments’ technical rescue team in New Braunfels. 141st INF is home to one of only two SAR units in the Texas Army National Guard.

A CH-47 “Chinook” helicopter from B Co., 2-149th GSAB executes airborne resupply operations during training events at Fort Hood, Texas. (Photo by MAJ Randy Stillinger)

SPC Justin Stewart, a member of Co F 2-149th GSA, trains on an air traffic control simulator at Martindale Army Airfield in San Antonio, Texas in preparation for their upcoming deployment to Kuwait later this year.

Members of Co H FSC of the 3-144 INF BN perform sling-load operations to drop Class I supplies to the units during annual training at Fort Hood.

SPC Katelynn Sweeney of the 136th Military Police Battalion prepares to fire the MK19 during the unit’s annual training at Camp Swift. The training period focused on integrating crew serve weapons systems such as the MK19 and the M48 .50 cal with their armored security vehicles (ASV) as part of a long-term certification program.

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SSgt Cary Heath (back), SSgt John Johnson (middle), and A1C Victor Williams of the 136th Maintenance Squadron guidance and control shop perform an operation check on a C-130 Hercules mock-up flight director and auto-pilot system stand to ensure proper functioning of critical components after repairs have been carried out, at Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base, Texas. (Photo by MSgt Charles Hatton)

SSgt Evan Lawson (right), an RF transmission systems supervisor with the 147th Air Support Operations Squadron, explains how to encode and decode communication to SrA Terry Johnson, a knowledge operations manager with the squadron, during a field training exercise at Camp Swift in Bastrop, Texas.

A firefighter with the 147th Civil Engineer Squadron, out of Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base in Houston, critiques a fellow firefighter during their Annual Training exercise. As part of the exercise, the firefighters conducted training on dragging hoses, executing search patterns, helping downed firefighters and handling civilian casualties.

TSgt Courtney Bosh, 147th Medical Group, assesses AIC Anthony Morris’s simulated injury during a mass casualty scenario as part of an Operational Readiness exercise, at Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base in Houston, TX. The scenario tested the Medical Group’s ability to respond to a real-world emergency.

An Airman with the 136th Civil Engineers at Camp Mabry in Texas, works on a joint project with the Army National Guard rebuilding the track for the Soldiers and Airmen on post.

An Airman with the 147th Air Support Operations Squadron waits for other members from the squadron to track him during land and vehicle navigation training at the squadron’s field training exercise, at Camp Swift, Texas.


Texas State Guard Training

Members of the Texas State Guard 39th Composite Regiment direct bikers at a checkpoint during the 2014 Bike MS 150-mile Cactus & Crude ride from Midland to Post, Texas.

Texas State Guard 4th Regiment Chaplains prepare to visit the troops during Annual Training in Denton, Texas.

Soldiers in the Texas State Guard 19th Regiment provide color guard support at the Van Zandt County Memorial Day ceremony in Canton, Texas.

SSgt Andrew Sandoval, a member of the 149th Communications Flight, and SrA (TX) Ivy Girard, a member of the 449th Air Support Group, 5th Air Wing, Texas State Guard (TXSG), participate in communications training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. (Photo by TSgt Eric L. Wilson)

SSG (TX) Bud Naylor (left) and PFC (TX) Hunter Becker (right), from the 19th Regiment Texas State Guard, rescue a victim from a collapsed building due to a mock tornado in a warehouse in Grapevine, Texas during a Search and Rescue (SAR) exercise.

Members of the Texas State Guard 19th Regiment conduct a simulated plane crash that leads to utilizing a grid search for the teams in finding victims and parts of the plane. (Photo by 1LT (TX) Jamey Guariscio-Cosper)

Members of the Texas State Guard process in volunteers at the Balch Springs Recreation Center in Balch Springs, Texas during a shelter management exercise that required them to set-up, process and manage a shelter. Volunteers act as role players in the exercise.

Texas State Guard Training

www.ngat.org 17

The first annual Captain’s Cup, a competition to promote camaraderie amongst services at Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base was held on 18 July 2014. Events

included a volleyball game, push-ups, sit-ups, pull-ups, relay racing and tug of war. The Airmen of the 136th Airlift Wing took second place with the Navy taking first.

Congratulations to members of the Texas State Guard 19th Regiment for winning the Gonzales Cup two years in a row. Top teams from the 4th, 8th and 19th Regiments competed in Stephenville, Texas in physical fitness, land navigation, leadership reaction course, first aid and rescue, and marksmanship events. The 19th Regiments winning team (see photo to the left) is pictured left to right: SGT (TX) Sean Mounger,

CPL (TX) Nicholas Sanders, CPL (TX) Jonathan Kelley, PFC (TX) Jonathan Turner, SGT (TX) Kenneth Clayton, SPC (TX) Christopher Parrish, OC (TX) David Park and CPL (TX) Brian Nail. Members of the 19th Regiment also took top honors, respectively 1st, 2nd and 3rd, for the highest scores individually. The individual winners were OC (TX) David Park, CPL (TX) Jonathan Kelley and SGT (TX) Kenneth Clayton.

Texas Military Forces State Family Programs Golf Tournament

4-Person Teams or Individuals $70.00 per person

$5.00 MulligansSponsor a Hole!!! – $200.00 Tax Deductible Donation

Hole in One, Longest Drive, Closest to pin prizes and much more!

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT TO OUR TEXAS

MILITARY FAMILIES!

Register at www.ngat.org

Hosted by the National Guard

Association of Texas &

Pine Forest Golf Club,

Bastrop, Texas

Pine Forest Golf Club, Bastrop, Texas8 Sept. 2014 / 8:30 a.m. Shotgun Start

136TH AIRLIFT WING TAKES 2ND IN CAPTAIN’S CUP

(Photos by SMSgt Elizabeth Gilbert)

19TH REGIMENT TAKES GONZALES CUP 2ND YEAR IN A ROW

Scan this code to register online for the golf

tournament.


AIR GUARD FRIENDS CELEBRATE THE 4TH OF JULY TOGETHER

Old Texas Air National Guard friends who served together in the 136th Airlift Wing celebrated the 4th of July together with a BBQ and fellowship. Pictured left to right are CMSgt (Ret) Bill Strouse, CMSgt (Ret) Johnny Jones, SMSgt (Ret) Charley McKenzie, CMSgt (Ret) Dennis Tubb and the current State Command Chief, CCMSgt Kevin O’Gorman.

FORMER TAG AND STAFF OFFICERS MEET

An impromptu reunion was recently held at a wedding on 31 May when these three old friends ran into each other. Pictured are NGAT Life Members, Former Adjutant General of Texas, LTG (Ret) Daniel James (center) and two of his former staff members, BG (Ret) Bill Goodwin (right) and COL (Ret) Jack Taliaferro (left).

COMMAND GUIDANCE

LTG (BVT) (Ret) Don O. Daniel (left), former commander of the 49th Armored Division, congratulates BG Lester Simpson on his assumption of command of the 36th Infantry Division following the change of command ceremony. (Photo by MAJ Randy Stillinger)

TEXAS ARMY NATIONAL GUARD RECRUITING & RETENTION REUNION

About 40 former and current Texas Army National Guard Recruiters gathered at the Camp Mabry picnic area on 19 July 2014 for their first reunion. It was a chance to reconnect with old friends and make new friends. Several former commander and command sergeant majors from recruiting were in attendance. To reconnect with current and former TXARNG recruiters, join their group on Facebook: Texas Army National Guard R&R Force (Fmr & Present). For more information about future reunions, email COL (Ret) Dwain James at [email protected].

MINI RECRUITING REUNION

These guys are calling this a mini TXARNG recruiting reunion but it looks more like a good reason to have drinks with some good friends. NGAT Life Members pictured left to right are SGM (Ret) Ed OKane, MSG (Ret) Abel Martinez, SGM (Ret) Mike Clements and SFC (Ret) Irving Morales.

www.ngat.org 19

*As reported by Military Times/Edge Magazine

Image Courtesy of the DoD.

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F l o o d l i g h t t o w e r S y S t e m

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Meal Packages• EarlyBirdRegistrationfeeis$95andcloseson30January2015.• RegularRegistrationfeeis$110andcloseson2March2015. (Thedeadlineformealpackagesis2March2015.Afterthisdate,mealsmustbepurchasedindividuallyasavailable.)

• A$25latefeewillbeaddedtoallregistrationsreceivedafter2March2015.• AllcancellationrequestsmustbereceivedintheNGATofficepriorto13February2015.

Hotel• OmniCorpusChristiHotel,900N.ShorelineBoulevard,CorpusChristi,Texas,78401• Makeyourreservationsdirectlywiththehotelat:1-800-843-6664.Makesuretoidentifyyourselfas amemberoftheNationalGuardAssociationofTexas.• Hotelrate:$107single/doubleplustaxpernight.• HotelreservationscanalsobemadeonlineattheNGATwebsite. (NGATcannotguaranteeroomsafter20February2015)

attIRe • NGATBusinessSession:BusinessCasual • NGATDinner:Army-ClassA/ServiceDress/MessDress;Air-MessDress/ServiceDress; Civilians-BusinessSuit/EveningFormalWear;Spouses-After-FiveAttire.

confeRence oPtIonal events• golf tournament–Shotgun,Floridascramblewithlownet/lowgrosscompetition.Thegolftournamentisopentobothregisteredandnon-registeredattendeesoftheconference.Registrationincludesgreenfee,cart,continentalbreakfast,lunch,andawardplaques.

• 12th annual silent auction–Bidonover200auctionitemsandtakeadvantageofsomegreatbargainsongiftbaskets,jewelry,weekendgetaways,andticketstomusic,sportsandotherentertainmentvenues.

• Wine tasting-EnjoyadeliciousvarietyofTexaswinesatourwinetasting.• spirits tasting-Comesamplesometequilaandlearnalittleaboutthehistoryandproductionofthemanyclassictequilabrands.Thesessionwillfeatureseveralselectionsdisplayingavarietyofcharacteristicsandflavors.

• texas Hold’em tournament-Howgoodisyourpokerface?Doyouhavewhatittakestogoall-in?ThentryyourluckattheNGATTexasHold’emTournament.

• ngat Welcome Party –ComeenjoyourMargaritaville-themedpartyatBrewsterStreetIceHouse.TheWelcomePartymenuincludesbeefandchickenfajitastationswithallthetrimmingsandice-coldrefreshments.Liveentertainmentwillbeprovided,sobringyourdancingshoesandenjoyyoureveningwithfriendsattheNGATWelcomeParty.

• Enjoyaleisurelylunchatthespouses luncheononSaturday.Registrationfeeincludeslunch,entertainment,andprizes.• saturday Dinner–DinnerpresentationsincludetheMinutemanandScholarshipawards.Atthisyear’sdinnerattendeesgettochoosefromthreedifferententrées:CorianderPorkTenderloinMedallions,TeriyakiGlazedChicken,orGrilledSalmonwithPecanButter.Alloftheentreesincludechef’schoiceofseasonalvegetables,icedteaandStarbuckscoffeealongwithsaladanddessert.Pleasemakeyourentréeselectiononyourregistrationform.Afterdinner,guestswillhavetheopportunitytovisithospitalitysuites.

• Hospitality suiteswillbelocatedatthehotel,andunitswillcompetefor“BestSuite”award.• the ngat social lounge–Visitandminglewithfriendsinamoreconversation-friendlyenvironment.• Enjoyadeliciousbreakfast,fellowship,andprayerduringthengat Prayer BreakfastonSundaymorning.

RegIsteR onlIne by visiting the ngat Website at www.ngat.org

56th annual ngat conference 13-15 March 2015

omni corpus christi Hotel ~ corpus christi, texas

Registration (onlIne RegIstRatIon noW avaIlaBle)all attendees must pay the registration fee of $15.00 per person.

www.ngat.org 21

SLING-LOAD TRAININGCELEBRATING THE 4TH OF JULY

SGT Lakisha Fredericks of HHC, JTF-136 (MEB) affixes American flags to a unit humvee in preparation for the Sertoma July 4th Parade in Round Rock, Texas. (Photo SFC Daniel Griego)

Tactical Air Control Party members from the 147th Air Support Operations Squadron 147th Reconnaissance Wing perform helicopter sling-load operations with a USCG Air Station Houston, Texas HH-65 Dauphin during a domestic training exercise at Texas Parks and Wildlife, Galveston Island State Park.

MARCH FOR FALLEN HEROES

SSG David J. Mendiola leads the way at the start of the 8th annual March for Fallen Heroes event. Dozens of Soldiers, Veterans, and family members marched to the Texas State Capitol as part of the March for Fallen Heroes during Memorial Day weekend. SSG Mendiola started the event eight years ago to honor fallen military members. (Photo by CPT Adam Musil)

TEXAS STATE GUARD GRADUATE PERSONNELFROM THE COMMAND AND GENERAL STAFF

COLLEGE

On Saturday, 14 June 2014 the Command and General Staff College (CGSCG) graduated its first class of twelve graduates from the Texas State Guard. The CGSCG is a graduate-level program for senior officers with the enduring purpose of supporting Leader Development and Education. Professional Military Education ensures the professional vitality of officers by preparing them to discharge their duties in the service to the state of Texas. Pictured left to right in the front: MAJ (TX) J. Michael Spraggins, LTC (TX) Kristopher K. Krueger, LTC (TX) Phyllis Brooks, LCDR (TX) Robert W. Finley, MAJ (TX) Donna V. Lary, MAJ (TX) Wendell C. Sadler, LTC (TX) Kevin J. Lilly. Back Row, left to right: MAJ (TX) Benedict J. Boerner, BG (TX) Brian K. Smallwood, COL (TX) Edwin A. Grantham, LTC (TX) James Ray Hays and MAJ (TX) Jose L. Garcia.

A TEXAS STATE GUARDSMAN CARRIES THE LOAD

SGT (TX) Ken Clayton, a Civil Affairs team leader with the Texas State Guard, was among the top 15 finishers in the Dallas Memorial Day “Carry The Load” event. SGT (TX) Clayton raised more than $14,000, placing him among the top five individual fundraisers, and assisted the Texas State Guard 19th Regiment in raising

$18,210, finishing 9th in team fundraising. He also completed the 79-mile course carrying a 40-lb load in 20 hours and 14 minutes.


NGAT CORPORATE MEMBERS AND SPONSORS

SSG Angela Joy “AJ” Arcos, Retired, Mechanicsburg, PA

SSG Albon L. Buffington, Life Member #10563, Retired, Woodville

SGT Johnny K. Carver, Life Member #31085, Retired, Celina

MAJ William A. Day, Life Member #6085, Retired, Abilene

SSG John V. Dudley, Life Member #1560, Retired, Abilene

*SSG Linda M. Duncum, Life Member #17643, Retired, Alpine

SFC Jerry L. Fohn, Life Member #7397, Retired, Red Rock

*SGT Federico F. Fuentes, Co E (FSC) 536th SPT BN, San Antonio

LT Rene R. Garcia, Life Member #2051, Retired, Alice

MSG William L. “Bill” Jenkins Jr., Life Member #1231, Retired, Dripping Springs

CMSgt James D. Johnston, Life Member #2882, Retired, San Antonio

Mr. Richard W. Karstetter, Life Member #12861, Retired, Palmyra, PA

1SG Shannon B. “Bubby” McMakin, Life Member #2981, Retired, Taylor

SMSgt William Morgan, Retired, Rosanky

CW4 Jimmy D. Nunnery, Life Member #3618, Retired, Austin

MSgt Cornelius Ripps, Life Member #2491, Retired, San Antonio

*SMSgt Kenneth L. Russell, Life Member #13691, Retired, Arlington

SSG Fernando D. Solis, Life Member #7882, Retired, Laredo

MSG Jody L. Shank, Life Member #11528, Retired, Walder

MSG Donald O. Starr, Life Member #7806, Retired, Mesquite

MSG Harry P. Stumpf, Life Member #1680, Retired, Spearman

Mr. Terry W. Tatum, Life Member #5655, Retired, Kaufman

Mr. William L. Tharp, Life Member #992, Valley Mills

CW4 James G. West, Life Member #3319, Retired, Round Rock

*Had NGAT Life Insurance

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 07/07/14)

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

201410-14 Aug EANGUS Conference, Phoenix, AZ18 Aug NGAT Board Meeting, Austin22-25 Aug NGAUS Conference, Chicago, IL1 Sep LaborDay(NGATOfficeClosed)11 Sep Patriot Day13 Oct ColumbusDay(NGATOfficeClosed)27 Oct NGAT Board Meeting, Austin11 Nov Veteran’sDay(NGATOfficeClosed)27-28 Nov ThanksgivingObserved(NGATOfficeClosed)13 Dec NationalGuard’sBirthday24-31 Dec ChristmasHolidaysObserved (NGATOfficeClosed)

20151 Jan NewYearsDay(NGATOfficeClosed)19 Jan MartinLutherKingDay(NGATOfficeClosed)3-5 Feb NGATLegislativeVisit,Washington,D.C.13-15 Feb EANGUSAreaIVMid-Winter,Oklahoma12 Mar NGAT Board Meeting, Corpus Christi13-15 Mar 56thAnnualNGATConference,CorpusChristi

NATIONAL GUARD ASSOCIATION OF TEXASNGAT PLANNING CALENDAR

(As of 1 Aug. 2014)

ngat news summer 2014

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