winter 2012 ngat official online magazine

NGAT NEW PROPERTY Page 6

MEMBERSHIP DRIVE 4

AROUND TEXAS Page 18

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE NATIONAL GUARD ASSOCIATION OF TEXASF o u n d e d 1 9 5 9 • V o l u m e 5 2 • N u m b e r 4

Winter 2012

Happy

375th

Birthday

National

Guard

http://www.usaa.com/insurance

W W W . N G A T . O R G H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H 3

ON THE COVER: Photos celebrating 375 years of the National Guard

NGAT NEWS (USPS 015-752) IS PUBLISHED QUARTERLY BY THE NATIONAL GUARD ASSOCIATION OF TEXAS, 3706 CRAWFORD AVENUE, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78731-6308 PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT AUSTIN TX 78710 AND ADDITIONAL OFFICESPOSTMASTER: SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO: NGAT NEWS, 3706 CRAWFORD AVENUE, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78731-6803MEMBERS MAY EMAIL ADDRESS CHANGE TO: [email protected]

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4/ Letter from the President

5/ Members Spotlight

6/ NGAT New Property Announcement

7/ Key Leadership Changes

National Guard’s 375th Birthday

8/ Deployments

10/ Legislative Update

12/ Around the World with the Guard

14/ NGAT Membership Drive

15/ Military License Plates

16/ Camouflage & Christmas Lights

17/ Opt in for NGAT News Printed Copies

18/ Around Texas with the Guard

20/ 2012 NGAT Conference Information

NGAT Scholarship Deadline

NGAT Awards Program

21/ TXMF at the World Series

22/ TAPS/Sponsors

24/ NGAT 2011-2012 Planning Calendar

8/ 1/143rd & 3/124th Deploy

16/ Holiday Times

18/ Around Texas with

the Guard

President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Justin Perryman

President-Elect . . . . . . . . . . . . . Charles Chavers

Vice-President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Daniel Quick

Secretary-Treasurer . . . . . . . Dewayne Naumann

HQ, TXMF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gerold Gamble

ARNG Troops . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Johnny Hairgrove

36th ID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John Crawson

72nd IBCT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Les Edwards Paula Daigle-Hutchins

56th IBCT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Craig Normand Jeremy Amis

36th Sustainment Bde . . . . . . . . . .Gene Cummins

36th CAB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ashley Bloom

176th Engr Bde . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Delmas Vandine

71st BfSB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . James Dula

136th CSB (ME) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Artis Harden

HQ, TANG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ian Manire

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

147th RW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Henry Wiley

136th AW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scott Wedel

TX State Guard Rep . . . . . . . Dewayne Naumann

Retired Rep – Region I . . . . . . . . . . Stan Kitzman

Retired Rep – Region II . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vacant

Retired Rep – Region III . . . . . . . . .Bill Abernathy

Family Readiness Rep . . . . . . . . . Deborah Evans

Publisher . . . . . . . . . . . . www .medianation .net

Editors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Theresa Billeck-ZunigaReid Douglass

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

NGAT NEWS

3706 Crawford Ave.

Austin, TX 78731

(512) 454-7300

1-800-252-NGAT (6428)

NGAT HOME PAGE

www.ngat.org

NGAT [email protected]@ngat.org

[email protected]@[email protected]

2 0 1 1 - 1 2 Board of Directors

H H H H H H H H H

4 H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H W W W . N G A T . O R G

P r e s i d e n t ’ s R e p o r t

ONE THING NO ONE CAN EVER ACCUSE THE TEXAS GUARD OF is complacency. Texas

Guard units are either preparing to deploy, currently deployed or returning from deployment. You

can’t turn on the television or radio without hearing about our Guardsmen serving the nation, state

and community in some manner, somewhere — near or far. Texas Guardsmen have served in some

capacity in every continent on the planet except Antarctica, and for all I know we may have been

there as well. While they are deployed and in harm’s way, we can be there for them back on the home

front. Your association, NGAT, is proud to be part of that effort.

Many of you have received our magazine while deployed and seen a familiar face on those colorful

pages prepared by MSG (Ret) Theresa Billeck-Zuniga. Some of you have been lucky enough to

receive an NGAT care package of snacks, sweets and other goodies. For most of us, however, it was the peace of mind that

NGAT insurance would provide payments to dependents as fast as twenty-four hours after any misfortune.

NGAT does ask something in return, and in the last issue of the NGAT magazine I requested that you help us by contacting

your elected officials concerning their support of military legislation. The process can’t be easier. Simply go to www.NGAUS.

org or www.EANGUS.org and click on the Legislative Action Center or Legislative Alerts tabs. All you need is your address

and a few minutes to make a big difference in our military benefits and laws.

Since then, NGAT members have responded in volumes! NGAUS reported that Texas was ranked third in the nation in sending

electronic letters to Congress with over 10,000. We trailed Tennessee and Georgia, and with a little more effort we can be

NUMBER ONE! You may ask, “What does that mean to you and me?” The answer is simple — our elected representatives in

Washington received over 10,000 requests to vote on legislation benefiting the Guard, military, warfighter and veteran.

We all know changes are coming to our armed forces over the next decade. We will be asked to do more with a lot less.

Natural disasters don’t care about budget deficits and national debt. Our enemies won’t run out of ambition simply because

our national desire for limited wars is growing. Benefits will have to be cut, but with the support of our members we can have

our voices heard in Washington and Austin. Complacency won’t do

in this battle because the enemy is the desperation of legislatures

trying to make ends meet. NGAT is happy to lead the fight, but we

need each and every one of you to join us in some capacity.

NGAT is pleased to thank MG Eddy Spurgin for his outstanding

leadership of the 36th Infantry Division during its successful

deployment to Iraq. We look forward to our former NGAT

President BG James “Red” Brown taking the reins of the division

in January. We wish him and his staff the best of luck in that

monumental task.

The 53rd Annual NGAT Conference will be held in Austin on

March 23-25, 2012. In 2013 we will be in Dallas and in 2014

in Houston. This year’s conference is more family friendly than

ever. Please bring your family for a Texas size great time.

Thank you for your continued support of our

Association, and please join us making your association

the best ever!

MAJ Justin D. Perryman

President, NGAT

NGAT President MAJ Justin Perryman (left) enjoys a Rangers Baseball game during the World Series in Arlington with MAJ Warren Kostencki. Read more about the Texas Guard at the World Series on page 21.

http://www.NGAUS.org

http://www.NGAUS.org

http://www.EANGUS.org


M E M B E R S S P O T L I G H T

BRONZE STARS AWARDED

LONE STAR DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDAL

KNIGHT OF THE HONORABLE ORDER OF SAINT MICHAEL

Congressman Pete Olson (center), 22nd Congressional District, honors Bronze Star recipients during a Hometown Heroes Salute ceremony. Pictured left to right are MSgt Thomas Taylor, CMSgt Brian Wilhelm, MSgt Brian Brasher, and MSgt William Taylor. These Airmen were awarded the Bronze Star while assigned to a US Army unit in Afghanistan and working to set up communications infrastructure while exposed to direct and indirect enemy fire. They are all members of the 272nd Engineering and Installation Squadron and NGAT. H

BG James K. “Red” Brown (left), former NGAT President, and LTC Michael P. Dietz (right), Deputy Director of Government Affairs, were inducted into Army Aviation’s Knight of the Honorable Order of Saint Michael at the 1-149th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion’s annual dining out held at NASA’s Space Center Houston. COL Rick Adams (center), 36th Combat Aviation Brigade Commander and State Aviation Officer, presented both officers with the Knight Award for their exceptional contributions to Army Aviation, which included modernization efforts to field the TXARNG with the Army’s latest attack helicopter, the AH-64D “Longbow” Apache. All are Life Members of NGAT. H (Photo by Mr. Ronald Plante)

Commander of the Texas State Guard Ray Peters (center) presents Nancy Tressa (left) with Yellow Roses on the occasion of her husband COL Paul Tressa’s (right) retirement from the Texas State Guard. During the ceremony COL Tressa was also presented with a Texas Outstanding Service Medal. Both BG Peters and COL Tressa are Life Members of NGAT. H

Chaplain (Col) Farrar Bentley (NGAT Life Member) receives a certificate of retirement signed by Governor Rick Perry and is commissioned an Admiral in the Texas Navy on the occasion of his retirement from the Texas State Guard. Mrs. Maryann Bentley was commissioned a Yellow Rose of Texas for her selfless support of her husband during his years of military service. Presenting the award is the Commander of the Texas State Guard MG Ray Peters (left) and the Adjutant General of Texas Maj Gen John Nichols (right). H

COL PAUL TRESSA RETIRES

COL FARRAR BENTLEY HONORED

BG Joyce Stevens, Commander of the Texas Army National Guard, presents MSG Adam C. Munro with the Lone Star Distinguished Service Medal for his over 23 years of dedicated military service during his retirement ceremony at Camp Mabry. Both are Life Members of NGAT. H

9 January 2012

SUBJECT: Official Call of the 53rd Annual Conference, National Guard Association of Texas The 53rd Annual Conference of the National Guard Association of Texas, held jointly with the TAG Commanders’ Conference, will be held on 23-25 March 2012 in Austin, Texas. The conference hotel is the Radisson Hotel & Suites, Austin, Texas. Please make your hotel reservations directly with the hotel by calling 512-478-9611 or 800-333-3333. The hotel rates are $104 for single/double accommodations. Please make your reservations prior to 24 February 2012 to receive the conference room rates. All joint conference participants are invited to all sessions of the Commanders’ Conference unless it is noted as a closed session. Joint conference participants are also invited to attend the NGAT Annual Business Meeting scheduled for Saturday, 24 March 2012. Registration information, appropriate attire, and administrative instructions can be found on page 20 of the NGAT News Magazine or online at the NGAT website at www.ngat.org. Registration forms can be downloaded from the NGAT website. All Association members and friends of the Guard are encouraged to sponsor a soldier or airman’s registration and lodging fees for the conference by becoming a Patriot Sponsor. To become a Patriot Sponsor simply enclose an additional $350 with your conference registration fees. All Patriot Sponsors will be recognized in the NGAT Conference Program. We look forward to seeing you at the conference.

Respectfully, Ray Lindner Executive Director

National Guard Association of Texas 3706 Crawford Avenue Austin, Texas 78731 (512) 454-7300 (TX) 1-800-252-NGAT FAX: (512) 467-6803 www.ngat.org


TEXAS MILITARY FORCES LEADERSHIP CHANGES

As you can see by this photo, the property NGAT is considering buying is right next door to our current location.

This is a front view of the

property NGAT is

considering buying.

Come by and visit the NGAT office. We are located at 3706 Crawford Ave just one mile from Camp Mabry.

NGAT PROPERTY PURCHASE

AS MANY OF YOU KNOW, NGAT has been conducting operations at its offices at 3706 Crawford Ave for over 35 years. Several years ago, the Board of Directors set up a committee to investigate options for remodeling, rebuilding, or relocating our office. After close review of the rebuilding requirements of the city, that option was eliminated as unfeasible due to the reduced footprint we would have given stringent parking requirements. Remodeling our office remains an option, but there are many expensive and constraining requirements to meet ADA standards. The committee has been actively searching for alternative building locations for several months, but has not found anything that matches our current location.

Recently the opportunity arose for us to purchase the property immediately adjacent to our property on Crawford Ave., and which would significantly expand our land footprint. The combined lots will give us over 1/3 acre in total real estate, large enough to build a new office building after meeting all building code and parking requirements.

The Property Committee is currently negotiating the purchase, and hopes to secure Board approval and close before the end of January 2012. Most importantly, the Association will not be taking on any

debt to complete the purchase.

A new committee will now be tasked with planning for future development of the property. While any new construction is likely several years off, the Association has secured its future at our current site.

We are excited about this unique opportunity to secure the Association’s future, and look forward to sharing with you our future building plans. H


TEXAS MILITARY FORCES LEADERSHIP CHANGES

Brig Gen Kenneth W. WisianCdr, Texas Air National Guard

Assistant Adjutant General — Air

COL Bill HallCdr, HQ 136th CSB (ME)

Brig Gen Brian C. NewbyVice Cdr and Chief of StaffTexas Air National Guard

LTC Benjamin S. JohnsonChief of Staff

36th Infantry Division

LTC Amy CookPublic Affairs Officer

THE NATIONAL GUARD’S 375TH BIRTHDAYBORN FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS ON DECEMBER 13, 1636, our National Guard has served admirably throughout our Nation’s history — in both peace and war. From the first muster in Salem, Massachusetts, through today, the National Guard has been steadfast in its service to our Republic by defending us against foreign enemies and assisting in domestic emergencies.

For 375 years, our nation’s Citizen Soldiers have sacrificed, struggled and triumphed at home and abroad. As a dual mission operational force requiring only a small portion of defense funds, the Guard can provide a solution to today’s challenges.

Since 9-11, the National Guard has transformed from a strategic to an operational force. Our Citizen Soldiers have developed unsurpassed tactical expertise, as well as displaying amazing courage and commitment. Through resolve, resilience and readiness, the Guard continues its proud legacy.

On this occasion, we pay tribute to the courage, compassion, and sacrifice of all Citizen-Soldiers and their Families, past and present, whose dedication and commitment help make the Guard the “Strength of our Nation.” We commend all of you who have been “Always Ready, Always There.”

H A P P Y B I R T H D A Y !

John H. Steele, SPHRExecutive Director

Texas ESGR


1/143RD DEPLOY TO AFGHANISTAN Story by CPT Adam Musil

AT THE CAMP MABRY PARADE FIELD, approximately 400 Soldiers of 1st Battalion (Airborne), 143rd Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division participated in a deployment ceremony for their upcoming mobilization to Afghanistan. “It’s going to be a dangerous mission — some of the areas that we are going into are literally like the wild wild west — but these Soldiers are well trained, and I know they will serve confidently and with honor,” said LTC Shawn McGrath, Commander, 1st Battalion (Airborne), 143rd Infantry Regiment. The unit’s primary mission will be to provide security for the Provincial Reconstruction Teams in Afghanistan. Provincial Reconstruction Teams are civilian-military organizations designed to improve security, extend the reach of the Afghan government, and facilitate reconstruction in priority provinces. The unit will conduct 10 weeks of additional training at Camp Atterbury, Indiana, before heading to Afghanistan early next year. The 1st Battalion (Airborne), 143rd Infantry Regiment is the only airborne unit of its kind in the Texas National Guard and has a lineage dating back to 1917. As the 49th Armored Division was transitioned into the 36th Infantry Division, leadership wanted to ensure the legacy of the 143rd Infantry Regiment lived on. As a result, the unit uncased its colors in 2009 and has companies in not only Texas, but Rhode Island and Alaska. This will be the first deployment for the current incarnation of the unit. H

HH HH

3-124TH CAV HEAD TO HORN OF AFRICA

FAMILY MEMBERS AND FRIENDS proudly watched as members of HHT 3-124 CAV conducted a ceremony to officially encase their colors and to say goodbye to family and friends. They will be joined by other Texas units to form a larger task force that is being deployed to the Horn of Africa in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. According to unit leaders, this task force will be the final National Guard group to serve in that location. During their approximate one-year stay, the soldiers will provide security and support for the larger Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) that is already in that country. The CJTF-HOA conducts operations in the East Africa region to build partner nation capacity in order to promote regional security and stability. H

A Soldier from the 1st

Battalion (Airborne),

143rd Infantry Regiment,

gives his wife and son

a hug and kiss after the deployment ceremony at

the Camp Mabry parade

field. (Photo

by SGT Katie

Danielson)

CSM (Ret) Jimmy Broyles gives his son SFC Jason Broyles a knife and advice prior to deployment.

LTC Shawn MacGrath speaks to a gathering of

the entire 1st Battalion on Dec. 2, 2011, at Camp

Atterbury, IN. (Photo by

SSG Tim Chacon)

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L e g i s l a t i v e Update

Guard Achieves Historic Victory in December, 2011THE GUARD ACHIEVED AN HISTORIC VICTORY IN DECEMBER when President Barack Obama signed legislation giving the Guard’s senior officer, the Chief of the National Guard Bureau, a permanent seat on the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The provision in the NDAA enables the NGB chief to sit with the heads of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines — none of whom have ever served in the Guard — and provide the Guard, for the first time, permanent representation among the nation’s senior military officers. The NDAA also creates a new three-star position of NGB Vice Chief and provides permanent funding to the Guard’s State Partnership Program with democratic nations around the world.

However, there is increasing uncertainty facing the future of Guard force structure and equipment, as well as personnel benefits. The Budget Control Act of 2011 included a sequestration process that takes effect on January 15, 2012, in order to reduce discretionary and mandatory spending by $1.2 trillion, $600 billion of which must come from the Defense budget. Now more than ever, we need NGAT members to ensure their voices are heard by directly lobbying their senators and representatives to refuse to cut key Guard force structure and personnel benefits.

This year we will focus on protecting key benefits from being reduced or eliminated, and on ensuring the Texas National Guard is adequately resourced to do its mission. The list is short, but important.

F O R C E / FA M I LY I S S U E S •SustainTexasNationalGuardforcestructureandadvocateforselectiveexpansion •Creditallpost-9/11activedutyservicetowardGuardearlyretirement •Restoretaxdeductionforout-of-pocketexpensesfordrilltravelof50milesormore •CreatenewincentivesforemployerstohireandretaindrillingGuardmembers •Protectfundingforcommissary/exchangeandfamilysupportprogramsH E A LT H C A R E I S S U E S •Avert30%Medicare/TRICAREpaymentcutandfixstatutoryformulatoimprove

access to care •Protectagainstdisproportionateincreases

in TRICARE fees •OpposeenrollmentfeeforTRICAREFor

Life or curtailment of TFL coverageV E T E R A N / R E T I R E M E N T /S U R V I V O R I S S U E S •Opposemilitarybenefitchangesthatare

inconsistent with service career sacrifices •Preservefull-inflationcost-of-living

adjustments (COLAs) •Authorizepre-taxpaymentofhealth,

dental and long-term care premiums

Last year, NGAT members sent over 10,000 messages to Congress in support of key legislation such as the Guard Empowerment Act. This year, we need not only to surpass last year’s number of messages, we need also to increase the number of individual participants who send emails and call congressional offices.

Please do your part!

Congressman Lamar Smith meets with SSG Jason Colbert (left), BG William Smith and MAJ Jana Tobias (right) from the 36th Infantry Division of the Texas National Guard. Congressman Smith met with members of the Texas National Guard’s 36th Infantry Division, who recently returned from a year-long tour in Southern Iraq. Members of the division shared their observations on the current situation in Iraq and National Guard operations and deployments.

General Craig McKinleyChief of the National

Guard Bureau

A Happy 375th Birthday to the National Guard!

“From the Best Citizens Come the Best Soldiers.”


A R O U N D T H E W O R L D w i t h t h e T E X A S N A T I O N A L G U A R D

Members of Joint Task Force 71 met with the Coast Guard and emergency response organizations during a tour of the Port of Houston on Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2011. JTF-71 participated in the ship channel tour to continue building relationships with the emergency response agencies responsible for protecting the area.

Snow greets the paratroopers of 1-143 INF Rgmt at Camp Atterbury, IN.

Soldiers with Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) Paktya search a room during training at Camp Atterbury Joint Maneuver Training Center, Indiana. The soldiers are with Company D, 1st Battalion, 143rd Infantry Regiment (Airborne) and will provide security for the PRT in eastern Afghanistan. (Photo by SSG David Bruce)

SGT Abran Mejia of the 436th Chemical Detachment assists with

the cleanup of debris from the wildfires in Bastrop, Texas.

Exhausted warriors battle through the final obstacle during the Spartan Race sponsored by the Air

National Guard at Glen Rose, Texas. At the finish line, each warrior was given a medal for completing the

grueling race. (Photo by MSgt Elizabeth Gilbert)

Members of the International Visitor Leadership Program (ILVP) visit Camp

Mabry. ILVP members from Spain, Hungary, the Slovak Republic, the

Czech Republic, the United Kingdom and the Republic of Macedonia were

all represented in the program, which is the U.S. Department of State’s premier

professional exchange program. The ILVP is a professional exchange program

that seeks to build mutual understanding between the U.S. and other nations.


A R O U N D T H E W O R L D w i t h t h e T E X A S N A T I O N A L G U A R D

A hostess prepares traditional Japanese cuisine and serves soldiers from the 3rd Battalion, 141st Regiment during the cultural day event at Camp Fuji, Yamanashi, Japan. Culture day is held on the fourth and final day of functional training during Orient Shield and provides soldiers a chance to experience Japanese culture. (Photo by SGT Charlie Helmholt)

SPC Josiah Johns, a member of Texas Agribusiness Development Team (ADT) V, reaches out to a child in Jaghatu District, Afghanistan. This was the first time in almost two years Coalition Forces were able to visit this area. (Photo by 1LT Rebekah Frost)

SSG Raymond Boswell, partnership project manager and heavy equipment operator with Task Force Roughneck, 111th Engr Bn, uses his translator to mentor engineers from the Afghan National Army 209th Engineer Corps during a partnership construction project at Camp Shaheen, Afghanistan. TF Roughneck engineers were assigned to instruct Afghan engineers on specific construction techniques and procedures. (Photo by SFC Glenn Sierra)

Swedish Army Capt. Fredrik Brandberg (left) with the Swedish 3rd Cavalry Regiment, Military Assistant of Operations, from Sverige, Sweden, thanks SSG Kevin Pruitt, a construction project manager with the 111th Engr Bn, for his efforts during their preconstruction survey in Jowzjan Province, Afghanistan. (Photo by SFC Glenn Sierra)

SPC Christian Perez, a member of the

111th Engr Bn, works on a B-hut (wood

structure building) at the Balkh Province,

Afghanistan.

Soldiers of the 3rd Battalion, 141st Infantry Regiment headquartered out of Weslaco, Texas marched onto Kita-Fuji Training Area, Japan as the Japanese ground self-defense forces applauded their entrance to the bi-lateral Orient Shield exercise between the two forces. (Photo by SGT Ryan L. Twist)


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WE NEED YOUR HELP with an NGAT MEMBERSHIP DRIVETHIS IS A CRITICAL TIME IN THE HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL GUARD. Our men and women, our Soldiers

and our Airmen are looking to us to lead them through these times of change. When you hear words like

redeployment, pay freezes, increased TRICARE fees, budget cuts, what do those words all have in common?

They are opportunities for leadership.

Our job is to serve as the full-time professional link between our members and the political process to ensure you know

what’s happening in the State Capitol and on Capitol Hill, and what you can do to influence that process. Every leader

and member of the Guard must ensure that every Guardsman is somehow connected to NGAT. There is power in

numbers, and when issues arise that affect Guardsmen past, present and future, having the ability to communicate

with you as a member will ensure that all Guardsmen are informed about important issues and are able to take action

as they see fit.

NGAT is running a membership drive from 1 Sep 11 through 31 Aug 12.

During this period units are encouraged to sign up new members and

spread the word about what NGAT does.

U N I T S W I L L B E A W A R D E D $5.00 for each new annual member

$10.00 for each new life member at the $100-$125 rate

$25.00 for each new life member at the $150-$200 rate

Membership applications can be downloaded from our website at

www.ngat.org.


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IF YOU SERVE OR HAVE SERVED in the U.S. armed forces, you can support your service by displaying military or veteran plates. There is no additional cost other than basic registration fees for most military specialty plates. See the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles website for guidelines, including fees because fees vary per individual military or veteran plate. Applicants must have been honorably discharged if no longer a member of the service. The surviving spouse of a person who would be eligible for a military or veteran specialty license plates (except for Disabled Veteran plates due to ADA requirements) can continue to register one vehicle with the specialty license plate as long as the spouse remains unmarried. Download application from http://www.txdmv.gov/whatyouneed/forms/license_plates.htm#gov, and turn it in to your county Tax-Assessor Collector office. Proof of eligibility must accompany the application. There are a multitude of military and veteran specialty license plates available to Texas veterans including “Texas Guard” plates.

For a complete list visit www.txdmv.gov/vehicles/license_plates/qualifying/military.htm H

Military and Veteran License Plates Bronze Star U.S. Air ForceBronze Star – Valor U.S. Air Force AcademyDesert Storm Veteran U.S. ArmyDisabled Veteran U.S. Marine CorpsEnduring Freedom Veteran U.S. Military Academy – West PointLegion of Merit U.S. Navy Operation Iraqi Freedom U.S. ParatrooperPurple Heart Recipient Vietnam VeteranSilver Star Recipient Women VeteranTexas Guard World War II Veteran

Here is a sampling of available plates:

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Art & Humanities | Business | Education | Management Public Safety & Health | Science & Technology | Security & Global Studies

Rebecca Roch | SPC, USA School of Security & Global Studies

Our military roots run deep. AMU is dedicated to educating those who serve. With access to quality courses, unrivaled support, and a book grant for undergraduates, we stand behind our community— 60,000 military members strong.

Learn More at www.amuonline.com/NGAT

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otos

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oD.

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AFGHAN CHRISTMASSSG Jon Martinez (left) and SFC Edward Borgeson of the Texas Agribusiness Development Team 5 display their homemade Christmas tree in FOB Ghazni, Afghanistan.

WHO’S THERECW4 (Ret) Elmer Hanhart gets caught red-handed by the Grinch during the Camp Mabry Holiday Open House. (Photo by MSG (Ret) Theresa Billeck-Zuniga)

TEXAS GUARD SINGER SONGWRITER PERFORMS AT CAMP MABRYCW3 Darby Ledbetter, a member of the Recruiting and Retention Battalion, sings “I Won’t Let My Guard Down” for the crowd in attendance at the Camp Mabry Christmas tree lighting ceremony. In 2010, Darby co-wrote the National Guard tribute song “I Won’t Let My Guard Down,” with Nashville music industry veteran and producer Jeff Teague. For more information about CW3 Darby Ledbetter visit his website at www.darbyledbetter.com. (Photo by Laura Lopez)

YES WE CANThe girls with the red handkerchiefs show visitor’s at the Camp Mabry Holiday Open House that “YES THEY CAN” make a difference. Pictured from left to right are Crystal Clarke, SSG Noemi Cottle, and SSG Michele Tumino. (Photo by MSG

(Ret) Theresa Billeck-Zuniga)

FAMILY TIME WITH SANTASFC Lachelle Robinson shares a moment with Santa and her two children Brody (left) and Luck (right) at the Operation Green Santa event held on Camp Mabry.

TRAINING FIT FOR A GLADIATORGladiator, aka SSG Greg Fox of the 36th Infantry Division, does the Superman during crossfit drills at Camp Mabry on Halloween.

HERE COMES SANTA CLAUSSanta arrived via C-130, courtesy of the 136th Airlift Wing, delivering gifts to members of the unit during their holiday celebration.

CROSSFIT CAMP MABRYMembers of Crossfit Camp Mabry pose for a photo before their training session starts on Halloween. For more information about Crossfit Camp Mabry, visit their Facebook page.


OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE NATIONAL GUARD ASSOCIATION OF TEXAS

F o u n d e d 1 9 5 9 • V o l u m e 5 2 • N u m b e r 3

Fall 2011

NGAT MAGAziNe

ChANGes Page 5

NGAUs CoNfereNCe Page 14

eANGUs CoNfereNCe

Pages 18-19

NGAT CoNfereNCe

Pages 20-21

2011 Fall NGAT News.indd 1

10/26/11 9:07 AM

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A R O U N D T E X A S w i t h t h e T E X A S N A T I O N A L G U A R D

HORN OF AFRICA IN SIGHTS

Capt Yves Raoelina (left) and MSgt Roy Martinez of the Texas Joint Counterdrug Task Force celebrate with Shamu the Killer Whale and Pete the Penguin from Sea World at the start of the Edgewood Independent School District’s Red Ribbon week kick-off event. Red Ribbon week is celebrated in memory of slain Drug Enforcement Administration Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, who died while fighting the “war on drugs.” (Photo by MSgt Gerold Gamble)

SPC James Cutbirth, along with his fellow Texas National Guardsmen, takes aim. The soldiers from the Site Security Team, Charlie Troop, 3-124 Cavalry out of Terrell, Texas, are practicing their marksmanship skills in preparation for their deployment to the Horn of Africa. (Photo by SSG Malcolm McClendon)

176TH ENGINEER BRIGADEAWARDED THE MERITORIOUS UNIT COMMENDATION

The Meritorious Unit Commendation is a unit award of the U.S. Army that is presented to units for exceptionally meritorious conduct in performance of outstanding services for at least six continuous months during the period of military operations against an armed enemy. The unit must show outstanding devotion and superior performance of exceptionally difficult tasks in a manner that sets them above other units with similar missions. The 176th Engineer Brigade commanded by BG Lester Simpson was recently awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation for exceptionally meritorious service.

During the period 16 August 2010 to 6 July 2011, Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 176th Engineer Brigade displayed exceptionally meritorious service during combat operations in the North Engineer Region of Afghanistan from headquarters locations at Forward Operating Base Sharana, Bagram Air Base, Forward Operating Base Marmal, and the Kabul Area International Airport. The unit command and control of engineer units executing route clearance, sapper and construction missions was instrumental in providing security, supporting governance and enabling development for the people of Afghanistan. The efforts of the Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 176th Engineer Brigade significantly enhanced the effectiveness of the United States Coalition and Afghan Force.

RED RIBBON WEEK

3-144TH INFANTRY CHANGE OF COMMAND

Soldiers from the 3rd Battalion, 144th Infantry Regiment participate

in the battalion change of command in Fort Worth, Texas. Family and

friends were on hand to show support as command of the

battalion passed from LTC Michael K. Houston to LTC John Herrera.

(Photo by SSG Jennifer D. Atkinson)

TEXAS MARITIME REGIMENT DIVERS RECEIVE CERTIFICATION

Members of the Texas Maritime Regiment (TMAR) 2nd Battalion’s Dive, Rescue and Recovery (DR&R) teams achieved diver second class status by completing the requi site dive training evolutions as well as attaining the advanced open water civilian certification. The stepped up recognition means two new elite teams have made a giant step towards fulfilling one of TMAR’s pri mary missions — supporting Texas Parks and Wildlife officers on state lakes and rivers. Pictured: Petty Officer 1st Class John Arnn and Gunnery SGT Clayton Cormack adjust Senior Chief Petty Officer Gary Wilson’s equipment. (Photo by Ensign Frank S. Hooton)


A R O U N D T E X A S w i t h t h e T E X A S N A T I O N A L G U A R D

VETERAN’S DAY PROMOTION COMMUNITY SUPPORT

WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA

PREPARING FOR DEPLOYMENT

Texas Military Forces Soldiers and Airmen with the 6th Civil Support Team volunteer at the Capitol Area Food Bank in Austin, Texas, helping them prepare for the upcoming Christmas holidays. The unit, headquartered in the area, provides defense support to civilian authorities in times of need. (Photo provided courtesy of the Capitol Area Food Bank)

SPC James Cutbirth from the Site Security Team, Task Force Raptor, listens as he is given instruction on rappelling. The soldiers from the Site Security Team are tightening up on their rappelling skills at Fort Bliss in preparation for their deployment to the Horn of Africa. There they will train closely with Air Force Para Rescue Jumpers in personnel and/or sensitive item recovery. (Photo by SSG Malcolm McClendon)

SSG Alex Lopez, a member of HHD 536th Support Battalion, participates in the National Wreath Ceremony in Houston, Texas, with the Lone Star Veterans Association (LSVA). LSVA participated in Wreaths Across America, which is a program to place wreaths at every veteran’s gravesite for the holidays at National Cemeteries. At the Houston National Cemetery, 31,400 wreaths were placed.

WARRANT OFFICER CONFERENCE

Texas Army National Guard Warrant Officers from across the state gathered in San Antonio for the 4th Annual Warrant Officer Conference.

Engineers leadership and old friends gathered on Veterans Day in Dallas for the promotion ceremony of 1LT Jacob Patterson to the rank of Captain. Pictured left to right are COL (Ret) Garry Patterson (CPT Patterson’s father); BG Lester Simpson, Commander, 176th Engineer Brigade; CPT Jacob Patterson, 176th Engineer Brigade; BG (Ret) Larry Patterson (CPT Patterson’s uncle), Former Commander of the Engineer Brigade; MG (Ret) Robert Halverson, Former Commander, 49th Armored Division; and BG Stephen Sanders, 36th Infantry Division Deputy Commanding General-Support.


The 53rd NGAT Conference will be held 23-25 March 2012 at the Austin Convention Center and Radisson Hotel & Suites, Austin, TX.

Registration

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

Meal Packages• Early Bird Registration fee is $90 and closes on 31 January 2012.

• Regular Registration fee is $100 and closes on 9 March 2012.

(Please note that the deadline for meal packages is 9 March 2012.)• Meals packages will not be available to onsite registrants.

• All cancellation requests must be received in the NGAT office prior to 16 March

2012. An administrative fee of $10 per registration will be subtracted from the

refund amount .

Hotels• Radisson Hotel & Suites Austin Downtown, 111 Cesar Chavez, Austin, TX 78701.

• Make your reservations with the hotel directly at: 800-333-3333 or

512-478-9611 (central reservations).

• Hotel rate: $104 single/double plus tax.

(NGAT cannot guarantee rooms after 24 February 2012)Visit www.ngat.org to reserve your hotel online!

AttireCommanders Conference: Army-ACU/Air-Blue Shirt, open collar

NGAT Business Session: Business Casual

NGAT Dinner: Blue Army Service Uniform/Army Mess for Army, Mess Dress for Air,

Business Suit/Evening Formal Wear for civilians; After-Five Attire for spouses

THE NATIONAL GUARD ASSOCIATION OF TEXAS EDUCATION FOUNDATION announces its annual scholarship competition. Educational grants for attendance at college or university will be awarded to Active or Life Members of NGAT and/or their spouses, sons or daughters. The deadline for receipt of all applications is 15 February 2012 in the NGAT office.

Download an application at www.ngat.org.

THE NGAT AWARDS PROGRAM is designed to recognize NGAT members, members of the Texas Military Forces, government officials, and organizations for heroic actions, outstanding achievements, and periods of meritorious service to the Texas Military Forces and/or the National Guard Association of Texas. The deadline for receipt of all award recommendations is 15 February 2012 in the NGAT office.

Complete submission requirements and criteria are at www.ngat.org.

Scholarship Deadline15 Feb 2012

The NGAT Awards Program

H H H Join us in Austin at the NGAT Conference!H H H

Download the Conference registration form and additional conference information at www.ngat.org.

Conference Optional EventsOptional Activities on Friday will include some new activities along with Fun Run, Texas Hold’em Poker Tournament, Wine Tasting, and Skeet & Trap. New optional events this year include a 42 Tournament, Painting with a Twist, Zumba dance and workout event, and Texas Capitol and Bob Bullock Texas History Museum Tours.• Golf Tournament — Shotgun start, Florida scramble with low net/ low gross competition. • Skeet & Trap Tournament — To be held in Troy, Texas .• Painting With A Twist — An enthusiastic local artist will lead you step by step through

the process of recreating the featured artwork . www .paintingwithatwist .com • Zumba, Intro to Zumba Fitness — Latin-inspired dance-fitness program that blends

red-hot international music and contagious steps to form a “fitness-party” that is downright addictive . www .zumba .com

• 9th Annual Silent Auction — Come take advantage of the great bargains .• NGAT Welcome Party — The NGAT Welcome Party will take place at the Radisson Hotel

& Suites. Come prepared to visit with friends. The evening will include a casino night and musical entertainment with a cash bar . This version of the traditional welcome party will allow everyone time to get into some casual wear and head out to Austin’s famed 6th Street to sample the variety of music venues and restaurants .

• Enjoy a leisure lunch at the Spouses Luncheon on Saturday . Registration fee includes lunch, entertainment and prizes .

• Come reconnect with old friends at the Retiree Luncheon on Saturday . • Saturday Dinner — Dinner presentations include the Minuteman and Scholarship awards .

After dinner, guests will have an opportunity to visit hospitality suites .• Hospitality Suites will be located at the Hotel . Units will compete for best suite .• 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 .

http://www.ngat.org/

http://www.ngat.org/

http://www.ngat.org


WITH MORE THAN 50,000 PEOPLE IN ATTENDANCE at the Ballpark Stadium in Arlington, Texas, and millions more watching at home, members of the Texas Military Forces joined the Texas Rangers in their battle for the Major League Baseball World Series title on Oct. 22 and Oct. 23. Over the course of two games, Soldiers and Airmen performed on the field, and two CH-47 Chinook helicopters flew high above the ballpark, displaying both the American and Texas flags. Members of the Texas Military Force also assisted in the unfurling of the United States flag. Service members from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines also assisted in this pregame tradition. In game three, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Darby Ledbetter of the Recruiting and Retention Battalion Headquarters performed “God Bless America” during the seventh-inning stretch. Texas Air National Guard member MSgt Erika Stevens of the 531st Band of the Gulf Coast performed the same song on Sunday, Oct. 23, while the 36th Combat Aviation Brigade conducted a two ship CH-47 helicopter flyover following the conclusion of the national anthem. With a short lead time to execute the flyover mission for millions to see, it took nine crew members on the aircraft, two Soldiers coordinating from inside the stadium, and five additional mechanics to prepare the aircraft back at the aviation facility eight miles away in Grand Prairie. Forced to sharpen their focus and create a plan for execution, this is one mission some Soldiers will soon not forget. H (Photos by MAJ Adam Collett & SSG Eric Wilson)

Texas Military Forces Perform During World Series in Arlington


TA P S (as of 01/03/12)

N G AT C O R P O R AT E M E M B E R S A N D S P O N S O R S

Recruiting & Retention

*SPC Cory D. Brown, HHC 56th BSTB, Dallas

SGM Ralph W. Chambers, Life Member #8758, Retired, Neches

Mr. James T. Donovan, Life Member #6975, Decatur

MAJ Francis J. Feeney, Retired, San Antonio

Mr. Cristobal V. Flores, Life Member #7170, Retired, Victoria

LTC John F. Hafner, Retired, Katy

Mr. David A. Hill, Retired, Dallas

SFC Melton Kiddy, Life Member #7032, Retired, Arlington

SSG Steve W. LaGrone, Life Member #20579, Retired, Carthage

CCMsgt Michael D. Land, Retired, Casper WY

Col Malcolm R. McDaniel, Life Member #3048, Retired, Houston

1SG Eric Melendez, Life Member #21254, Retired, Temple

Mr. Joseph A. Mustacchio, Life Member #18899, Retired, San Antonio

MSgt Otto J. Mutina, Life Member #286, Retired, Houston

CSM (TX) George A. Peterson, Life Member #811, Retired, Georgetown

*2LT Kevin S. Petit, HHC 3D BN 141st INF, Edinburg

TSgt John F. Reilly III, Life Member #21727, Retired, Houston

MSG Danniel L. Richards, Life Member #767, Retired, Weatherford

SGT Alan M. Segura Sr., Life Member #15501, Retired, Shamrock

Mr. Jose Trevino, Life Member #3918, Retired, Bristow VA

MSgt Frank U. Viagran, Life Member #16667, Retired, San Antonio

SMSgt Lloyd H. Westervelt, Life Member #122, Retired, San Antonio

*Had NGAT Life Insurance

If you are aware of the passing of a current or former

National Guard member please notify us by phone, a

letter to our office or by email at [email protected].

mailto:[email protected]

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www.humana-military.com

Proud to serve the National Guard & Reserve.Exclusively for the National Guard & Reserve: 877-298-3408

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

NatioNal Guard associatioN of texas

NGAT PLANNING CALENDAR(As of 9 Jan 2012)

2 0 1 2

20 Feb President’s Day (NGAT Office Closed)

25-26 Feb Area IV EANGUS Mid Winter, St Louis, MO

27 Feb NGAT Board Meeting, Austin

22 Mar NGAT Board Meeting, Austin

23-25 Mar 53rd ANNUAL NGAT CONFERENCE, Austin

28 Apr 2nd Annual TXMF Senior NCO Reunion, Waco

7 May NGAT Board Meeting, Austin

28 May Memorial Day (NGAT Office Closed)

14 Jun U.S. Army Birthday/Flag Day

4 Jul Independence Day (NGAT Office Closed)

6 Aug NGAT Board Meeting, Austin

26-29 Aug EANGUS Conference, Long Beach, CA

9-12 Sep NGAUS Conference, Reno, NV

H HAPPY NEW YEAR H

winter 2012 ngat official online magazine

Documents

texas page

texas guard units

ngat membership drive

birthday national guard

texas guardsmen

ngat home pagewww

ngat new property page

ngat new property announcement