From the President

AS I STEP INTO THE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT, I would like to take a moment to thank our immediate past president, Priscilla Leger. I appreciate her dedication to the organization and her leadership to the Board of Directors and Executive Committee.

To say this last year has been historic would be an understatement. Our organization, along with others throughout the state and world, faced new challenges in how to conduct business. We have adjusted our practices, including our first planned virtual conference. We appreciate you attending and making that event the success it was. As we look forward to getting back to conducting business in person, we will not forget the lessons learned throughout this last year.

Our strength has, and always will be, our membership. The Board of Directors and the NGAT staff are dedicated to the service of that membership. The question remains, are we meeting your expectations? Regardless of the answer, have you talked to your Board representative?

As of May 1, you have a new way to do that. First, with the Board of Directors, and eventually with the Committee Chairs. The new NGAT web page is now live and operational. As part of that redesign, you will see each of the unit representatives on the Board of Directors listed with an email address that goes to the individual serving in that position. Please reach out to them. Taking it a step further, are you willing to actively participate in the association? The work of 11 people can make a touchdown, but it takes a team of 48 ACTIVE players to win the game. As this next year continues, I ask that each of you look to see what time and talents you are willing to bring to the table. With only three full time staff, and a volunteer Board of Directors, we can only do so much. However, if we had your help, we could do much more.

I am excited about the charge in front of me as I take the helm. I am proud of our Association and our members. I believe the Board of Directors and the NGAT staff want to grow not only our membership numbers but also the services and value to that membership. I am hopeful about your participation in our organization, the National Guard Association of Texas. H

SMSGT BENNIE BELLVIN (LEFT), president of the Texas Senior Enlisted Advisory Council (SEAC) presents CCMSgt Christopher Castle with a retirement gift on behalf of the SEAC and the Outstanding Junior Officer of the Year (OJOY) Council. Chief Castle most recently served as the Senior Enlisted Advisor for the Texas Air National Guard. He retires from the Guard with over 35 years of military service. CCMSGT (RET) PRISCILLA LEGER proudly displays the NGAT President’s eagle that was presented to her on behalf of the National Guard Association of Texas (NGAT) for her untiring dedication to NGAT. Chief Leger has served on the NGAT Board of Directors since 2014 and has served the past two years as your Association President.