Founded 1959 | Volume 59 | Number 2 | Summer 2018
O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E N AT I O N A L G U A R D A S S O C I AT I O N O F T E X A S
Annual Training
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inside
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Mobilizations/ Homecomings
Around the World with the Guard
NGAT Conference Sneak Peek
2018-19 Board of Directors President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . President-Elect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vice-President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Secretary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Treasurer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joint Forces HQs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71st Troop Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36th ID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72nd IBCT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56th IBCT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56th IBCT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36th Sustainment Bde . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36th CAB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176th Engr Bde . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71st EMIB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136th MEB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HQ, TANG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149th FW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147th RW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136th AW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TX State Guard Rep . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Retired Rep – Region I . . . . . . . . . . . . Retired Rep – Region II . . . . . . . . . . . . Retired Rep – Region III . . . . . . . . . . . Family Readiness Rep . . . . . . . . . . . . . Executive Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Kenn White Priscilla Leger Albert Cardenas Bruce Robison Michael Wolff Vacant Mike Crummedyo Mireya Cruz Dave Moulton James Crady Merrill Skinner Toni Savely Norman Lloyd Jimmy Leonard Charlie Weissenborn George Hurd Bruce Robison Albert Cardenas Kyle Ames Michael Wolff Robert Finley Jeanne Arnold Donna Balderston Quentin Kimble Shandra Sponsler Marvin Harris
CONTENTS p10
AROUND TEXAS WITH THE GUARD
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President’s Report
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Veteran Honor Program
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Key Leadership Updates
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Leadership Changes
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Around Texas with the Guard
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Around the World with the Guard
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Legislative Report
ANNUAL TRAINING
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NGAT Home Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.ngat.org NGAT Email Meeting and Marketing Director – Rob Casias . . . . . . . . rcasias@ngat.org Insurance Director – Kathy Gallatin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . insurance@ngat.org Membership Director – Theresa Billeck-Zuniga . . membership@ngat.org NGAT News Magazine (Article & Photos) . . . . . . . . . . . . ngatnews@ngat.org
Chief Master Sergeant Castle
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Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Theresa Billeck-Zuniga Graphic Designer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MediaNation.net Publisher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aus-Tex Printing & Mailing NGAT News 3706 Crawford Ave Austin, TX 78731 512-454-7300 1-800-252-NGAT (6428)
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Annual Training
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2nd Annual Bat Cruise/Humvee Airdrop
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Salute to Retirees
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NGAT Conference Sneak Peek
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Taps/Corporate Sponsors
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NGAT Planning Calendar
Follow us on NGAT News (usps 015-752) published quarterly by the National Guard Association of Texas, 3706 Crawford Avenue, Austin, Texas 78731-6308. Periodicals postage paid at Austin, Texas 78710 and additional offices. POSTMASTER SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO: NGAT News, 3706 Crawford Avenue, Austin, Texas 78731-6308 MEMBERS MAY EMAIL ADDRESS CHANGES TO: membership@ngat.org
2ND ANNUAL BAT CRUISE On the Cover: During annual training at Fort Hood, gunnery team “Knight” received the first ever “Top Gun” distinction for the 36th Infantry Division Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion. Their teamwork, skills and consistency allowed them to exceed expectations. Battalion Commander, LTC Eric Martinson (right), awards SPC Richard Ashcroft (left) and SPC Adan Saenz (center) with a battalion coin for their achievement. Also receiving a coin but not pictured was SPC Tony Garza. S u m m e r 2 0 1 8 H N a t i o n a l G u a r d A s s o c i a t i o n o f Te x a s |
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PRESIDENT’S REPORT Summer is in full swing as another year of successful annual training events have come to a close. I am happy to report that your association is going strong! This August, NGAT is proud to host its 2nd Annual Bat Cruise for our members. We are glad to be able to host fun events that bring our members together! The finance committee has been hard at work, finalizing the FY19 budget for the board’s consideration during our August board meeting. I am proud to report that last year, NGAT showed end of year NET balance of $1.7 for the 2017 year ending (August 17). This has been consistent over the past several years, in large part due to our Insurance program, and rental property. As a result, we can provide events like the Bat Cruise free of charge for our life members. We also purchased our own membership card machine, upgraded IT platforms and supported requests by several units to support various events. Our tax forms are available for review to any NGAT member. If you are interested in seeing this document, please contact Marvin Harris our Executive Director for details. Earlier this year NGAT sent two officers to the NGAUS Professional Development Summit in Washington, D.C.. You can read about their visit on page 14. The annual EANGUS and NGAUS conferences are also quickly approaching. Our EANGUS delegation is much smaller than anticipated, but on the other hand our NGAUS delegation is larger than expected. Both conferences we will be represented by several board members as delegates. Each year, our delegates can weigh in on important topics at the National Level. Our attending board members will represent NGAT during each of the breakout session in an effort to champion ON JUNE 12, 2018, BG TRACY NORRIS (far right) joins State causes such as the National Guard Promotion Accountability Rep. Dan Flynn (R-2) (center) at the Texas State Capitol on the 70th Anniversary of the Armed Forces Women’s Armed Services Act that will improve processes for Federal recognition of the Integration Act. promotions of Army and Air Guard commissioned officers by clarifying the effective date of their promotion. NGAT is also looking at other Federal and State issues as well, ensuring that we stay synchronized with the Adjutant General’s Legislative efforts. Organizations like EANGUS and NGAUS are important to Texas. If you are not a member, please consider joining so Texas can have a stronger voice at the national level. I hope you continue to have a safe and fun summer. I am blessed and proud to serve as the NGAT President!
Kenn White, LTC NGAT President
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MAJ (P) GEORGE HURD, COL SCOTT MACLEOD AND LTC PATRICK NOLAN wait patiently in the Round Rock Express dugout at the Dell Diamond in Round Rock, Texas prior to the Change of Command Ceremony where MAJ Hurd assumed command of the 6th CBRN-TF from LTC Nolan.
LOCAL HOSPITAL INTRODUCES VETERAN RECOGNITION AND HONOR PROGRAM WE HAVE ALL HAD MOMENTS IN OUR LIVES WHEN WE THOUGHT “I CAN’T BELIEVE THIS IS HAPPENING!” For NGAT Life Member, MAJ (Ret) Troy Evanovich, it was experiencing the death of a dear family friend and Navy Veteran Seaman Donald Easterbrook, and the subsequent lack of honor, respect and dignity he received. The lack of this honor, respect and dignity for a fellow veteran got him to thinking there must be a better way for our veterans to be treated during their stay in a hospital. He further stated, “this is not right, and something needs to be done to prevent this from happening!” He then proposed the development and implementation of a program to recognize and honor veterans for their patriotic commitment, dedication and service to our nation, and presented it to the senior nursing supervisor, Kristi Stephenson at Ascension/Seton Medical Center Williamson (SMCW) in Round Rock, Texas on that fateful day when Seaman Easterbrook passed away. After receiving MAJ (Ret) Evanovich’s recommendations, the Ascension Regional Hospital President, Kate Henderson, put together a task force led by the Ascension/SMCW Director of Nursing and Veteran, Gary Williams, to further develop the program. In less than 60 days, and on May 25, 2018 in advance of Memorial Day, Ascension SMCW introduced their new program in a ceremony to recognize and honor patients who are veterans and unveiled a Veterans Memorial Garden as a direct result of MAJ (Ret) Troy Evanovich’s program recommendations.
Red, white and blue flowers surround the garden along with two custom granite benches donated by The Seton Circle and Beck Funeral Home. In addition, four parking spaces adjacent to the memorial are designated as “Veterans Only” spaces with two designated specifically for disabled veterans. The curbs and parking space are painted red, white and blue. Lastly, in special honor of this program, MAJ (Ret) Troy Evanovich started a 501(c) (3) tax exempt, non-profit corporation called, “Easterbrook Veterans Honor Fund,” specifically designed to raise money to help offset implementation costs of this program for hospitals, clinics and skilled nursing facilities where veterans may be located. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to this honorable cause. If you have any questions regarding this program, please contact MAJ (Ret) Troy Evanovich at 512-790-8786. Donations may be mailed to Easterbrook Veterans Honor Fund, 2961 Donnell Drive, Round Rock, Texas 78664.
The event marked the beginning of the “Honor the Red, White and Blue” program, which recognizes veterans who are patients at the hospital. When a patient is identified as a veteran, the charge nurse of the program will be notified, and will deploy their “Veterans Kits” and activate the necessary protocols to recognize the patient. This includes obtaining the patient’s and/or family’s consent to participate in the program. This program further includes: • Information sheet about program given to patient describing commitment to honoring veterans • A red-white-and-blue flag motif wristband • A magnetic American flag attached to the patient’s doorframe designation their veteran status • An American flag sticker placed on the veteran’s medical chart If a veteran patient passes away at the hospital, they will receive a special tribute called a “Final Salute,” which includes: • Special stars-and-stripes cart cover • Voluntary Honor Guard escort with hospital chaplain to the funeral home • 15 seconds of “Taps” played overhead • Available staff will line the hallways and stand reverently as procession passes • Veteran will be transported through the front of the hospital • Upon reaching the van, the chaplain may say a few words as the deceased is being loaded in the van Ascension/SMCW’s new Veterans Memorial Garden pays tribute to the sacrifices veterans have made. The sidewalk in front of the memorial is a “walkway of honor” etched and painted with five military emblems and the presidential seal.
PARTICIPATING IN THE RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY TO THE VETERANS MEMORIAL GARDEN LEFT TO RIGHT ARE: Kristi Stephenson, BSN, RN, Janet Klocke, Kate Henderson,
Ascension/Seton Hospital Regional President, Representative John R. Carter (R-TX-31) and MAJ (Ret) Troy J. Evanovich. S u m m e r 2 0 1 8 H N a t i o n a l G u a r d A s s o c i a t i o n o f Te x a s |
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TEXAS MILITARY DEPARTMENT
KEY LEADER UPDATE Meet the newest members of the Texas Military Department Joint Staff.
The Joint Staff assists The Adjutant General of Texas in accomplishing objectives and providing a mission capable force for domestic and international responses as needed by the governor or president. The Joint Staff is composed of Army and Air National Guard personnel working together to develop professional Airmen and Soldiers.
COL Amy Cook Chief of the Joint Staff
Col Susan M. Dickens J1, Director of Manpower & Personnel
Col Michael J. Lovell J2, Director of Joint Intelligence
LTC Robert Eason J3/7, Director of Operations and Training
COL Marvin D. Johnson J4, Director of Logistics
LTC Robert Crockem J5, Director of Strategic Plans & Policies
Lt Col Travis Walters J8, Director or Resource Management
COL Andrew Rochstein State Aviation Officer
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LEADERSHIP CHANGES
COL Monie Ulis Commander 136th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade (Former NGAT President)
COL Joanne MacGregor Commander 36th Combat Aviation Brigade
MAJ (P) George D. Hurd Commander Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Task Force (CBRN-TF)
MG BILL HALL ASSUMES COMMAND IN VIRGINIA MG WILLIAM A. “BILL” HALL assumed command of Joint Task Force Civil Support from MG Richard Gallant during a Change of Command ceremony held at Seay Plaza on Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, on June 29, 2018. He is responsible for leading the nation’s only standing Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Joint Task Force (JTF) ready to deploy within 24 hours. If called upon, JTF-CS provides command and control of 5,200 federal military forces located at more than 36 locations throughout the nation acting in support of civil authority response operations. MG Hall is a former member of the Texas Army National Guard. H
TEXAS STATE GUARD PROMOTES ARMY COMPONENT COMMANDER BG ROBERT HASTINGS, JR., was officially promoted to the rank of brigadier general in the Texas State Guard during a promotion ceremony held at Camp Mabry, Austin, Texas, July 8, 2018. In an Assumption of Command ceremony which immediately followed the promotion ceremony, Hastings received the colors of the Texas State Guard Army Component as the unit’s new commander from MG Robert Bodisch, Jr., Interim Commander, Texas State Guard. Hastings had served as Interim Commander, Army Component, since January, 2018. Congratulations! H
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Chief Master Sergeant Christopher P. Castle
Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Texas Air National Guard CHIEF MASTER SERGEANT CHRISTOPHER CASTLE is the Senior Enlisted Leader of the Texas Air National Guard, Camp Mabry, Austin, Texas. He is the principal enlisted advisor to the Air National Guard Commander for more than 2800 assigned enlisted personnel. His responsibilities include advising the commander on all matters affecting the readiness, training, professional development and effective utilization of assigned enlisted personnel and coordinating with the headquarters staff, commanders, and senior personnel on administration and implementation of command policy. CMSgt Castle began his military career with the Louisiana Air National Guard in November 1985. He attended technical training as a Jet Engine Mechanic at Chanute Air Force Base (AFB), graduating in October of 1986. In May 1987, he transferred to Active Duty service and was assigned to Moody AFB, Georgia and later Kadena Air Base, Japan. In 1992, he retrained as a C-130 Flight Engineer and was assigned
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to the 772nd Tactical Airlift Squadron, Dyess AFB, Texas. In Feb 1997, he transferred to the 181st Airlift Squadron, Texas Air National Guard. In 2002, he retrained into the Cyberspace career field, joining the 136th Communications Flight, Carswell Field, Texas, serving as Chief of Cyber Operations from 2008 to 2011. From December, 2011 to March of 2017, Chief Castle was assigned as the Command Chief Master Sergeant for the 136th Airlift Wing. While serving in that position, Chief Castle served as Group Superintendent of the 370th Air Expeditionary Advisory Group at Baghdad Diplomatic Support Center, Iraq, in support of OPERATION INHERENT RESOLVE. Chief Castle has served in a variety of positions with increasing responsibilities throughout his career. He has participated in Operations DESERT SHIELD, DESERT STORM, SOUTHERN WATCH, UPHOLD DEMOCRACY, JOINT ENDEVOR, and JOINT GUARD. In September 2005, he deployed to New Orleans, participating in relief efforts in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Prior to assuming his current position, Chief Castle served as the Chief Enlisted Manager for the National Guard Bureau All Hazards Coordination Center in Tyler, Texas. H
MOBILIZATIONS TASK FORCE ALAMO ARRIVE IN DJIBOUTI
LTC Sean Ibarguen, Commander, 1st Battalion 141st Infantry Regiment, known as “Task Force Alamo,” salutes for the playing of the national anthem, during the transfer of authority ceremony on Camp Lemonnier, July 5, 2018. Task Force Alamo is taking over authority and command from Task Force Bayonet. This unit traces its lineage back to 1823. The battalion will be partnering with more than ten nations to promote regional stability and prosperity. They will be responsible for rapidly deploying in response to any crisis threatening U.S. personnel or property throughout Combined Joint Task Force — Horn of Africa, an area nearly half the size of the continental United States. (Photo by SrA Scott Jackson)
SPC Isaac Trevino of Del Rio, kisses his wife Miriam, after the 1-141st Inf Rgmt conducts its deployment ceremony at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News)
Members of Delta Company 3rd Battalion 141st Infantry Regiment enjoy a game of Bingo at the USO on Camp Lemonnier after arriving in the Horn of Africa.
HOMECOMINGS CPL Oscar Ontiveros, a member of Co A 3-141st Inf Rgmt, embraces his son after his return from Africa at the United States Armed Forces Reserve Center in Brownsville. The unit departed in September to assist in operations and peacekeeping missions in the Horn of Africa. (Photo by Miguel Roberts/The Brownsville Herald)
Members of Delta Company 3rd Battalion 141st Infantry Regiment are treated to a send-off dinner at the Texas National Guard Armory in Victoria, Texas. (Photo by Evan Lews/Victoria Advocate)
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AROUND TEXAS FIRE FIGHTING FROM ABOVE OPERATION LONE STAR
1LT Lisa Garcia, Texas State Guard Medical Brigade, examines a patient at Juarez-Lincoln High School, La Joya ISD, City of Mission, TX during Operation Lone Star, July 24, 2018. Operation Lone Star, led by Texas Department of State Health Services, is real-time large-scale emergency preparedness exercise that provides service and disaster recovery training, while addressing the medical needs of thousands of underserved Texas residents. (Photo by SSG Gregory Illich)
TEXAS STATE GUARD CARRIES THE LOAD
A Chinook helicopters assigned to the 36th Combat Aviation Brigade drops water on hot spots on the east flank of the Surprise Fire in Palo Pinto County, July 5, 2018. The surprise fire started on July 2 and destroyed 4,500 acres and took multiple agencies 9 days to contain.
BG Robert Hastings, Army Component Commander, joined a team of 50 Texas State Guard soldiers and family members, raising money for the Carry the Load — Dallas Memorial March. Carry The Load’s flagship event is a two-day embodiment of the values Carry The Load hopes to further — a celebration of heroes, remembrance of the fallen, and education in respectful observance. 10 | 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
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WITH THE GUARD D-DAY REMEMBERED
On June 6, 2018 in remembrance of D-Day SFC, (Ret) Richard “Stretch” Allen traveled to the Central Texas Wing, Commemorative Air Force San Marcos to take a ride in a Living History Flight experience on a U.S. Army Air Force WWII transport aircraft known as “That’s All, Brother” that led over 800 aircraft and dropped 13,000 paratroopers behind enemy lines on D-Day, on June 6, 1944. The C-47A aircraft was named “That’s All, Brother” as a personal message to Adolf Hitler that, with the Allied invasion of Europe, his plans were done.
OUTSTANDING AIRMEN OF THE YEAR
Texas Outstanding Airmen of the Year winners showcase their awards for the respective categories. Pictured left to right: MSgt Emily Martinez, 147th Attack Wing, First Sergeant of the Year; SSgt Desiree Ng, 149th Fighter Wing, NCO of the Year; SSgt Brian Kelps, 149th Fighter Wing, Airman of the Year; Capt Jennifer Marrs, 136th Airlift Wing, Junior Officer of the Year. (Photo by TSgt Mindy Bloem)
During SFC (Ret) Allen’s visit to the Central Texas Wing Commemorative Air Force he had the distinct pleasure of meeting Lt Col (Ret) Richard “Dick” Cole. Cole who was part of a group known as the “Doolittle Tokyo Raiders” named for James “Jimmy” Doolittle. This group had been assigned to plan the mission and lead the raid on April 18, 1942, to bomb the Japanese city of Tokyo as retaliation for the attack on Pearl Harbor, and begin the process of defeating Imperial Japan. Cole served as Doolittle’s co-pilot. Lt Col (Ret) Cole at the age of 102 is the only man left of the 80 who flew the famous Doolittle Raid over Tokyo in 1942. SFC (RET) RICHARD “STRETCH” ALLEN chats with Lt Col (Ret) Richard “Dick” Cole on the 74th Anniversary of D-Day in San Marcos, Texas.
FORCE MULTIPLYING EMPLOYER
The 36th Infantry Division commanding general, MG S. Lee Henry (left), recognized Laura Mills, Ph.D., with the Austin Regional Clinic, for her support to her Arrowhead employee on June 9, 2018 during annual training at Fort Hood, Texas. Mills received the award for facilitating training for CPT Judith Chedville (right), a medical provider with Company C, 949th Brigade Support Battalion, to become a certified CPR instructor. The certification allows Chedville to be a force multiplier utilizing her skills to train both civilian medical professionals and National Guard medics. The division’s annual training ensures Soldiers remain ready and relevant for any assigned mission at home and abroad. (Photo by SSG Michael Giles)
LT COL (RET) RICHARD “DICK” COLE, the last surviving member of the famed World War II Doolittle Tokyo Raiders, is help to a seat in a C-47 cargo plane at the Commemorative Air Force’s San Marcos facility as part of the organization’s D-Day ceremonies. (Photo by William Luther/San Antonio-Express News) S u m m e r 2 0 1 8 H N a t i o n a l G u a r d A s s o c i a t i o n o f Te x a s |
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AROUND THE WORL PICTURED IS A GROUP OF RESERVE COMPONENT CAREER COUNSELORS at the Garden of the Gods public park located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The group was attending class at Fort Carson, CO. Pictured left to right: SSG Isaac Casso (TXARNG), MSG Randell White, SFC Grant Williamson, CPT Anthony Perez (TXARNG), SFC Raymond Faucette, SFC Omar Marqueses (TXARNG), SFC Brian Cates, MSG Paul Ritchie, SGM Thomas Martin, CPT Marcello Digerlando, CW2 Jerry Harper and SSG Megan Palestino.
SRA SIERRA MURPHY (LEFT), A STRUCTURES TROOP WITH THE 149TH CIVIL ENGINEER SQUADRON, headquartered at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, is taught how to reload a nail gun by SMSgt Simon Guerra, the CES operations superintendent July 16, 2018, during a training exercise at Canadian Forces Base Goose Bay, Canada. (Photo by A1C Katie Schultz)
MAJ THERESA LONG, LTC JEFFREY LONG, MAJ CRAIG NEELEY AND MAJ CARISA KIMBRO are presented the Army Aviation Association of America 2017 Aviation Unit of the Year trophy from the president of the North Texas Chapter Army Aviation Association of America, COL (Ret) Steven Mathias at the Army Aviation Solution Summit held in Nashville, TN. The award is presented annually to an Army National Guard aviation unit that have performed or contributed commendably to the field of aviation during the awards period. (Photo by CPT Penelope Haussler)
SSGT DAVID RIVERA, A PAVEMENTS AND EQUIPMENT CRAFTSMAN WITH THE 147TH CIVIL ENGINEERING SQUADRON, sprays texture to the walls of a building June 6, 2018, at Helemano Plantation, Wahiawa, Hawaii. The 147th CES is part of an Innovative Readiness Training that provides hands-on, real-world training for military members to improve readiness and survivability in contingency environments. (Photo by SSgt Daniel J. Martinez)
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CONGRATULATIONS TO SSG CALLIE RIOS, 39TH REGIMENT, ARMY COMPONENT, TEXAS STATE GUARD for being named the 2018 Outstanding Disabled Veteran of the Year for her work with disabled veterans! Rios received the award at the DAV National Convention, Reno, Nevada, July 14, 2018.
D WITH THE GUARD SSGT MICHAEL PATE, A MEDICAL TECHNICIAN FROM THE TEXAS AIR NATIONAL GUARD’S 136TH MEDICAL GROUP, checks eye pressure for a patient June 20, 2018, at one of four health-care clinics in Eastern Kentucky. Members of the Air National Guard and U.S. Navy Reserve are conducting Operation Bobcat, which provides military healthcare troops with critical training in logistics and field operations while providing lasting benefits to the civilian community. The clinics offer no-cost medical screenings; dental cleanings, fillings and extractions; vision exams and no-cost eyeglasses.
ENGINEERS FROM THE 836TH ENGINEER COMPANY, work alongside soldiers from the Indiana National Guard, the Czech Republic and Slovakia in support of Operation Toxic Lance, a search and rescue exercise involving a chemical warfare scenario, at Training Area Lest in central Slovakia. The soldiers were brought together as part of the National Guard Bureau’s State Partnership Program that focuses on building interoperability and strengthening international relationships through military-tomilitary exchanges. (Photo by SSG Steven Smith)
(Photo by TSgt Lynn Means)
LT COL ADAM TURNER, an F-16 instructor pilot assigned to the 149th Fighter Wing, Air National Guard, headquartered at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, prepares MSgt Mary Watkins, assigned to the 149th Operations Group, for her familiarization flight at Cáslav Air Base, Czech Republic, June 22, during Sky Avenger 2018. (Photo by TSgt Mindy Bloem) ARIP SALIM MANAR (LEFT), A MEMBER OF THE QATAR SPECIAL FORCES, presents a gift to MAJ Nancy Lewis (U.S. Army Reserves), LTC Starr with the Defense Logistics Information Service and MAJ Justin Perryman (TXARNG) following two days of required training at Doha, Qatar. MAJ Perryman, a former NGAT President, explained under congressional rules of foreign military assistance and sales the benefiting country is required to receive law of war, rules of engagement, and human rights law training by lawyer certified by the Defense Institute of International Law.
SPC CARLEY FRAZIER, A MEDIC WITH HHC 3-144TH INF RGMT, sets flowers on the grave of Pilot Officer Lawrence Maguire, during a Memorial Day ceremony at the Djibouti New European Cemetery, Djibouti, May 28, 2018. The U.S. Embassy to the Republic of Djibouti along with the Texas Army National Guard and Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, celebrated Memorial Day by honoring Maguire, the only known American military member buried on the Horn of Africa. (Photo by SrA Scott Jackson)
CO A, 1-141 INFANTRY REGIMENT AND U.S. ARMY INFANTRY SOLDIERS, assigned to the 10th Mountain Division deployed to Combined Joint Task Force — Horn of Africa, conduct joint training on the use of the M41 tube-launched, optically tracked, wireless guided family of missile, Improved Target Acquisition System, on Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, July 20, 2018. The training better prepares both Active Duty and National Guard Soldiers for partnership operations worldwide. (Photo by SrA Haley D. Phillips)
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NGAUS Holds Summit for Company Grade Officers RECENTLY TEXAS SENT TWO OFFICERS to attend the NGAUS Officer Professional Development Summit in Washington, D.C. 1LT Stephanie Enloe/111th MEB Bn and Capt Jennifer Marrs/136th AW were selected to attend this summit to broaden the perspective of company grade officers to the national level and provide them with the tools that will prepare them for the challenges to come as they progress in their military career. In addition, each company grade officer from each state had the opportunity to bring up issues that they see and hear at the unit level. By bringing up these issues from the field is gives the leadership at the top opportunities to consider changes that could help the entire force. Gen. Joseph L. Lengyel, the chief of the National Guard Bureau, advocated for NGAUS when he addressed the Guard companygrade officers at the National Guard Memorial, the association headquarters. “I have come to see this organization works for us,” he NATIONAL GUARD COMPANY GRADE OFFICERS from across the United States tour the U.S. Capitol during the NGAUS Officer Professional Development Summit in Washington, D.C. said. “And nobody but us works for us.” The Summit was an event sponsored by NGAUS that brings company-grade officers from each state and territory to the nation’s capital for a quick up-close look at the federal government. This is the third year for the event that is held twice each year. The Guardsmen arrived Sunday and attended a barbecue at Lengyel’s home on Fort Lesley McNair in Virginia. The agenda includes a visit to the Capitol, the Pentagon and the Herbert R. Temple Jr. Army National Guard Readiness Center.
1LT STEPHANIE ENLOE, a member of the 111th MEB Bn, poses for a photo in the NGAUS Conference room while attending the NGAUS Officer Professional Development Summit in Washington, D.C.
Lengyel said he hopes someone from the group will be speaking as bureau chief in 20 years. “We are a better organization compared to when I joined 27 years ago,” he said. “And we became better by developing a culture of respect, candor and integrity.” Retired Col. Mike Hadley, the NGAUS legislative director, talked about the association’s priorities in Congress, but also stressed the impact each Guardsman can have as a member of NGAUS. “Don’t believe you don’t have input on Capitol Hill, because you do,” he said. “Grassroots organization is the strongest voice in advocacy here.” H
Why Consider TERM LIFE INSURANCE IS THE BEST BUY IN THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY. And, the NGAT insurance is better than the best. As the name implies, term insurance provides protection for a specific period and generally pays a benefit only if you die during that period or “term.” Term periods typically range from one year to 30 years, but in the case of the NGAT Group Term Life Insurance Policy, it covers you until you are 65 years old and at 65 years old, you are offered conversion to a whole life policy, without having to prove your insurability. This way you would always have life insurance coverage. “The initial evaluation, when looking at a life insurance policy, is to look at the premium or monthly cost and compare it to the long term,” said Larry Todd, longtime insurance agent and retired Texas National Guard member. “For example, NGAT has a $20,000 insurance policy that is only $7.00 per month. That is only $84.00 dollars a year. If the Guard member keeps the policy for thirty years, he has paid only $2,520 for the $20,000 pay off in case of death. That is phenomenal and shows the benefit of a great coverage opportunity. Other insurance agents for other companies are amazed when they see the low-cost of the 14 | 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
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Life Insurance? NGAT life insurance,” noted Todd. “They are shocked when they find out the premium on the group term policy never increases.” NGAT insurance costs as little as $3.66 per month/$43.92 a year for a $10,000 policy or up to $17.00 a month/$204 a year for a $50,000 policy. The death payment is paid no matter the cause of death and no matter the location of the death. Payment is normally made within 24 hours and NGAT does not require a death certificate before payment can be issued. Soldiers and Airmen must take out the NGAT Group Term Insurance Policy while serving in the Guard and may keep the insurance when they leave the Guard. They can also obtain insurance for their spouse and dependents for an additional fee. “Unfortunately, when one dies, the bills such as rent, car payments, utilities and other debts keep on coming for those you leave behind. This insurance is a special way for you to protect the financial integrity of your survivors” said Todd. H
ANOTHER YEAR, ANOTHER ANNUAL TRAINING IN THE BOOKS ANNUAL TRAINING CONDUCTED BY THE TEXAS ARMY AND AIR NATIONAL GUARD AND THE TEXAS STATE GUARD is designed to give military commanders the opportunity to take their staff and units to the field to hone service members’ proficiency and maintain a high level of mission readiness. Additionally, annual training conducted in a joint environment with local and state agencies enables the Texas Military Department to test its ability to react and help improve communication and coordination with its civilian partners. “We pride ourselves in standing ready to serve the citizens of Texas when needed and called upon,” said Texas Adjutant General Maj Gen John Nichols. “We are thankful to the citizens for welcoming us into their communities and could not be successful without their continued support.” Over the last decade, the Texas Military Department has trained and mobilized more than 31,000 Soldiers across the State of Texas in support of combat operations and natural disaster relief.
GUARDSMEN WITH THE 372ND COMBAT SUSTAINMENT SUPPORT BATTALION, TEXAS ARMY NATIONAL GUARD, hosted an employer’s visitation day during their three-week annual training June 22, 2018 at Fort Hood, Texas. About 30 employers visited their employee Guardsmen out in the field for a day of range tours, weapons demonstrations and an airborne jump as part of the Department of Defense’s Employer Support for Guard and Reserve program. (Photo by SPC Christina Clardy) S u m m e r 2 0 1 8 H N a t i o n a l G u a r d A s s o c i a t i o n o f Te x a s |
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Past Divison Leaders Observe Annual Training Events
The Guard – Right Place – Right Time
THE 36TH INFANTRY DIVISION hosted a former senior leaders reunion during annual training on June 10, 2018 at Fort Hood, Texas. The event allowed past leaders to see the advancements in technology within the military and talk with soldiers about their past experiences in the service. Pictured left to right: LTG (Ret) Don Daniel, MG (Ret) Sam Turk, MG (Ret) Darren Owens, MG James K. “Red” Brown, BG (Ret) Jim Bisson, MG S. Lee Henry, CSM (Ret) Jim Broyles, MSG (Ret) Charles Macalik, BG Patrick Hamilton, SGM (Ret) Elwood Imken. H (Photo by SSG Michael Giles).
ON JUNE 21, 2018 A FAST-MOVING RV traveling east attempted to merge into the right lane to avoid construction ahead, as signs had instructed the driver to do. Unable to control speed, the RV crashed into the rear of a big rig. The result was the driver being pinned inside the RV and the passenger ejected onto the roadway. Traffic was instantly halted. Members of the 442nd Engineer Company, 386th Engineer Battalion was one of the first vehicles to arrive upon this fatal vehicle accident on their way home from conducting annual training. When a reporter arrived on scene, two life-flight helicopters were lifting off from the pavement. Amongst the wreckage, a number of uniformed soldiers were calmly running about. They were taking orders from their chain of command to put on gloves, grab brooms, and to be safe as they helped to clear the scene of debris. One soldier commented in passing that it was “just another day on the job.” Soldiers assisted in putting a fire out, they provided first aid to a patient that had been ejected from their vehicle, and assisted in extricating a gentleman that was pinned inside of his RV. Soldiers then provided him with first aid until EMS arrived noted, CPL Darryl Hart of the Gonzales County Sheriff’s Office. “He needed trauma first aid, and these National Guard Soldiers were literally first responders on scene. And they handled it. They handled it admirably.” Our condolences to the family of the occupants killed in this tragic accident. H
COL RAUL ROSARIO, the Commander of the 149th Operations Group, headquartered at Joint Base San AntonioLackland, Texas, gets lifted into a Blackhawk helicopter as part of a water survival training exercise June 9, 2018, at Canyon Lake in Comal County, Texas. (Photo by A1C Katie Schultz)
ANNUAL TRAINING CONTINUES FOR SCOUTS of the 1-143rd Infantry Regiment in Grafenwoehr, Germany. Soldiers conduct buddy team and squad live fire training alongside Bastion Company from the 54th Brigade Engineer Battalion (BEB) out of Vicenza, Italy. These soldiers are training abroad in support of Saber Strike 18, offering Soldiers amazing opportunities to practice their skills alongside allies and other partners from across Europe.
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Transportation Company Sets New National Guard Gun Crew Record
THE 249TH TRANSPORTATION COMPANY, 372nd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion set a new National Guard record as of June 2018 for being the only sustainment unit to have 32 qualified mounted gun crews. The 36th Infantry Division, Texas Army National Guard transportation company set this new record during their annual training at Fort Hood, Texas. (Photo by SPC Christina Clardy)
THE 249TH TRANSPORTATION COMPANY, 372nd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion of the Texas Army National Guard set a new National Guard record as of June 2018 during their annual training. “As it stands right now, no sustainment unit has qualified 32-gun crews in the National Guard,” said CPT Aaron Sanders, Commander of the 249th Trans Co, out of Killeen, Texas. “We started the training in January moving through the process up to our blank fire exercises in February.” These 32 vehicle-mounted crew-served weapon crews are part of larger changes in the U.S. Army and the missions for each type of unit creating new training requirements for transportation units. “Under the U.S. Army’s new modular system, a combat arms unit will no longer be allocated to provide convoy security to logistics convoys,” explained Sanders. “So, the new unit requirements allot for logistics and sustainment units to be given their own crew-served weapons to provide their own security on convoys. This means that my 39-gun crews in my two transportation platoons will provide their own convoy security as they move people, containers and equipment from point A to point B.” The three-person crews completed their next two levels of exercises during their March, April and May drill weekends. These blocks of training consisted of day and night fire missions with live ammunition.
“These crews have been putting in extra drill days and our annual training is 21 days this year when normally it’s only 15 days,” said 1SG Jason Coates, first sergeant of the 249th “Road Hogs” Trans Co. “They’ve had to do a lot of work, and training in things they have never done before. These Soldiers have gone from zero: never doing anything like this, to qualified gun crews in under six months.” The sixth block of training is the qualification level. The minimum score to qualify is 700 points. A score over 800 is “Superior” and a score over 900 is “Distinguished.” By June 22, the company had qualified 32 mounted gun crews and set a new record in the National Guard. “For a bunch of the crews, day fire was really hard but we all still qualified,” said PFC Daniel Hughes, a gun crew gunner in the 249th Trans Co. “However, my gun crew specifically rocked the night fire. I love being on a gun crew and I love doing this kind of training.” In February, the 249th was officially identified as a focused readiness unit and given a deadline of the end of June 2018 to meet the readiness standard. An FRU is a National Guard unit that has been placed at a higher state of readiness and will have a shorter time on the mobilization platform when called up. The unit must maintain this higher readiness level and status so that if called upon, the unit can mobilize and be deployed within 30 days. H S u m m e r 2 0 1 8 H N a t i o n a l G u a r d A s s o c i a t i o n o f Te x a s |
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MAKE PLANS to join NGAT and your National Guard friends on the 2nd Annual NGAT Bat Cruise on Lady Bird Lake with Capital Cruises at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Austin, Texas. Come see the bats swoop out from under the bridge for their nightly dinner run. Underneath the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge lives the largest urban bat colony in North America. When they emerge in the evening during “bat season,” it’s like a cloud flying toward the east. Ticket prices include the cruise and complimentary beverages and snacks. Register at the NGAT office or online at www.ngat. org. Seats are limited so don’t delay in registering. You may bring your own food and drinks on the cruise as well. Last year we had over 60 attendees and already have seats filled for this year’s trip. Ticket prices are as follows: NGAT Life Member Free Guest of NGAT Life Member $15.00 NGAT Annual Member $20.00 Guest of NGAT Annual Member $20.00 Non-NGAT Member $30.00 Guest of Non-NGAT Member $30.00
HUMVEE MAKES HISTORICAL AIRDROP FOR THE TEXAS MILITARY DEPARTMENT The 294th Quartermaster Company and the 136th Airlift Wing partnered to execute the first heavy airborne drop of a High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (Humvee) in the Texas Military Department’s history. Cheers could be heard from Soldiers on Fort Wolters near Mineral Wells, Texas when the C-130 Hercules dropped the Humvee and two perfect canopies opened and the Humvee landed safely on the ground. This was the first mission of its kind in the Texas National Guard and only the second time any state’s National Guard unit has successfully completed the mission. (Photo by SFC Robb Miller)
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149TH REFULING SPECIALIST STILL GOING STRONG Pictured is a recent gathering of the “Who The Hell” POL 149th Fighter Wing, Texas Air National Guard Refueling Specialist Retirees. They get together on a regular basis and are still going strong! If you would like more information about their gatherings follow them on Facebook on the 149th Fighter Wing Alumni page. H
NEWBY HONORED BY TXNG JUDGE ADVOCATE COUNCIL Members of the Air National Guard Judge Advocate Council pose for a photo July 14, 2018, at the Capitol Building in Austin, Texas. The council came together to honor Maj Gen Brian C. Newby (center) on the occasion of his retirement ceremony. H (Photo by TSgt Lynn Means.)
RODRIGUEZ RECEIVES BREVETED PROMOTION LTG (Ret) Manuel A. Rodriguez, VII, was officially breveted to the rank of lieutenant general in the Texas State Guard during a promotion ceremony held at Camp Mabry, Austin, Texas, July 8, 2018. Texas Governor Greg Abbottsigned the promotion order on June 1, 2018. LTG Rodriguez served as the Commander, Texas State Guard, from 2012 until his retirement in 2014. H
COOKING UP A WIN CCMSgt (Ret) Don Smither recently competed in the 3rd Annual Blast into Summer Chili Cook-off held at the Katy Elks Lodge #2628 in Katy, Texas. Although the competition was fierce, Chief Smithers finished in 1st Place with his distinctive design cooking stove and secret ingredients. All proceeds from the benefit goes to the Katy Elk Lodge #2628 Community Support Program. H
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE MAJ Patrick Hardy (right) receive a Texas flag from LTC Raymond Cooper during his recent retirement ceremony in San Antonio, Texas. During his ceremony MAJ Hardy was recognized with numerous awards and was honored by the 71st EMIB with a very special Officer’s Saber for his 33 years of outstanding and faithful service. Congratulations! H
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The Board of Directors of the National Guard Association of Texas request the honor of your presence at the
Texas National Guard Reunion Luncheon Friday, March 29, 2019 | 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The American Bank Center 1901 North Shoreline Corpus Christi, Texas 78401
Save the Date
Tickets are $25.00 per person We encourage you to also participate in our NGAT 60th Anniversary Conference activities. Registration opens in October.
Join Us In Celebrating NGAT’s 60th Anniversary Come celebrate the last 60 years of NGAT with friends, old and new at the 60th Annual Conference of the National Guard Association of Texas in Corpus Christi, March 29-31, 2019. The conference will be held at the American Bank Center and the host hotel will be the Omni Corpus Christi Hotel. Friday’s events will include our Annual Golf Tournament that raises funds for the NGAT Educational Foundation Scholarship Program. The golf tournament will be held at the Northshore Country Club. Registration will include a taco breakfast, BBQ lunch, two drink tickets, goodie bags and a chance to win a new vehicle if you are lucky enough to get a hole in one on the designated hole. Those who want to feel the breeze is their hair can sign up for the Fun Run/Walk along Shoreline Blvd. Our Bowling Tournament is back for all those who like to bowl. Our wine tasting will be held at the Omni Hotel and will feature two tasting times. Because this is our 60th Anniversary we will be hosting a Texas National Guard Reunion lunch on Friday at the American Bank Center. This is a fantastic opportunity for you to get your friends together to meet up and spend some time together and enjoy our discounted food & hotel rates. We are working on a speaker and several other surprises for this event. Please share this with your network of Guard friends. Back by popular demand is the License to Carry Certification that will be taught on Friday. This class is free to all registered attendees of the
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conference. The trade show will start at noon on Friday so take some time and check some of the booths out early. This will be a huge trade show this year and you’re not going to want to miss it. Items for our Annual Silent auction that benefits the Texas National Guard Foundation is currently being accepted at the NGAT office. We will close out our first day of activities with our Welcome Party on the USS Lexington. Your welcome party ticket will allow you to visit the USS Lexington anytime between Mar 29-31, 2019. On the ship you will enjoy a “Surf & Turf” meal of shrimp and steak, musical entertainment for dancing and of course the opportunity to roam freely about the ship to explore all it has to offer. Be sure to check out the flight deck of this huge aircraft carrier for some great sunset photos on the bay. Saturday we will start bright and early with our Membership Breakfast and Annual Membership Meeting followed by a general session with guest speakers. The trade show will continue along with multiple opportunities for professional development classes. We will again host our retiree and spouses luncheon separate from our lunch with the exhibitors. Our final event of the evening will include a very special guest speaker and musical entertainment at our Annual Awards Dinner where we will announce the NGAT Minuteman of the Year. Dinner will include a meal of steak or chicken along with wine to celebrate our 60th Anniversary. Please make plans to attend. H
MESSAGE FROM THE EANGUS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
WHY BE PART OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATIONS (EANGUS & NGAUS) If you have ever lived, worked, or visited Washington D.C., you know there are many monuments and museums that exist here. Those monuments and museums are a testament to history and a guide to the future. One monument visible from the NGAUS Building and now also the home of EANGUS is the U.S. Capitol Building. One museum I encourage all Guardsmen to visit when in the D.C. area is the National Guard Memorial Museum, located in the NGAUS Building, across the street from the National Postal Museum and next door to Union Station. All of these monuments and museums co-exist independent of each other, but united in purpose – to tell the story of America. Likewise, just as there are many monuments and museums, there are many military and veteran service organizations, of which EANGUS and NGAUS are part of. Each of these organizations is independent, has its own governance and by-laws, has its own vision and mission, and peacefully co-exists with thousands of others who have similar altruistic goals. One of the enduring alliance to which EANGUS and NGAUS belong to is The Military Coalition (TMC). Thirty-three military and veterans service organizations comprise TMC. Do we always agree on each issue? No. But for issues on which we do agree there is strength and power in numbers to influence policy makers who are in Congress. Over the years, EANGUS has been closely aligned on issues with NGAUS (although not lockstep). On Capitol Hill, there is power in delivering a united message to lawmakers from the two associations that solely represent the National Guard on relevant issues affecting the Guard. Both EANGUS and NGAUS are able to speak in terms that the National Guard Bureau, Army National Guard, and Air National Guard leaders are restricted from saying. To this day, I recall what then NGB Chief, LTG H. Steven Blum said to me when I retired and went to work for EANGUS. He said, “I need for you to say the things I can’t on the Hill.” And that’s what we strive to do when we convey what the Guard needs without NGB saying it. The best part about what we do here in D.C. is that it is non-partisan. That means we don’t affiliate ourselves with any political party. Since the Guard is in every zip code in America our message resonates with every one of the 535 elected members of Congress, their personal staff, the professional staff, other associations, and DOD agencies. Everybody loves the Guard (some have extreme Guard-envy), and so do we. Our message is compelling and those hearing it usually ask the question. What more can we do?” Being a member of your state association (NGAT) is a key step that you can further by joining EANGUS or NGAUS. The national associations provide you with additional opportunities to shape the future of today’s force. Your voice will join with those of your fellow Guardsmen to ensure the needs of the Guard continue to be met. The next time you come to D.C., and maybe meet with your elected delegation, be proud of being affiliated with the Guard, and don’t be afraid to share your story. Your story is a testament to your experience and is instrumental in formulating policies for the future.
Frank Yoakum, SGM (Ret) EANGUS Executive Director
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TAPS As of 07/24/18
SFC Terry L. Benford, Life Member #20342, Retired, Terrell
Mr. Bobby G. Pratt, Life Member #6065, Retired, Paris
SSG Toby G. Blaylock, Life Member #19036, Retired, Horseshoe Bay
SSG Joe Sanchez, Life Member #19864, Retired, Odessa
MSgt Gregory A. Bodine, Life Member #20112, Retired, Montgomery
*SFC Ruben M. Sanchez, Retired, San Antonio
CSM Bobby J. Brewer, Life Member #2654, Retired, Orange
Mr. William A. Sherrer, Life Member #5420, Retired, Powderly
CW2 Billy G. Coe, Life Member #2465, Retired, Paris
MSG Albert Torres, Life Member #18433, Retired, Plainview
COL John C. Cole, Life Member #936, Retired, Flint **MSG Fredrick Crawford, HHC 172nd BEB, Elgin
*Had NGAT Life Insurance Policy
SFC Paul R. Dailey, Life Member #4587, Retired, Houston
**Had No-Cost Active Guard Policy of $1,000
SFC Oscar L. English, Life Member #21853, Retired, Marshall Mr. Richard C. Grimmett, Life Member #2980, Retired, Austin Former NGAT Conference Photographer **SSG Zachary C. Johnson, HHB 1st 133rd FA BN, Richmond PFC Vaclav K. Kure, Life Member #9214, Retired, Needville *SGT Eduardo A. Mar, Life Member #25033, Retired, Elsa
IF YOU ARE AWARE OF THE PASSING OF A CURRENT OR FORMER NATIONAL GUARD MEMBER, PLEASE NOTIFY US BY PHONE, MAIL OR EMAIL NGATNEWS@NGAT.ORG.
Mr. Harold L. Mills, Life Member #4968, Retired, Paris
CORPORATE SPONSORS
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AFBA and 5Star Life are proud to support NGAT and its members
The SSLI program provides a member death benefit with no combat or terrorism exclusions. Contact the National Guard Association of Texas at www.NGAT.org or (800) 252-NGAT to learn more. Photo by Maj. Randall Stillinger / 36th Infantry Division (TXARNG)
Member death benefits provided by AFBA are underwritten by 5Star Life Insurance Company (a Lincoln, NE company) with an administrative office at 3706 Crawford Avenue, Austin, TX 78731 This member benefit is offered only to its National Guard Association members in the state of Texas. Policy series GNG-060103 NGATX ADR0218
2/18
PERIODICAL
National Guard Association of Texas 3706 Crawford Avenue Austin, Texas 78731-6308
ngat.org
PLANNING CALENDAR (As of July 31, 2018)
2018 11-16
Aug
EANGUS Conference, Charleston, WV
17
Aug
NGAT Bat Cruise, Austin, TX
19-20
Aug
NGAT Board of Director Meeting, Georgetown, TX
24-27
Aug
NGAUS Conference, New Orleans, LA
3
Sep
Labor Day (NGAT Office Closed)
11
Sep
Patriot Day
8
Oct
Columbus Day (NGAT Office Closed)
12
Nov
Veteran’s Day Observed (NGAT Office Closed)