2022 Summer NGAT News

SUMMER 2022

Founded 1959 | Volume 62 | Number 2

O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E

NATIONAL GUARD ASSOCIATION OF TEXAS

Texan Takes “Soldier of the Year” at Region V Best Warrior Competition

INSIDE

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Chief Master Sargeant Matthew Crawford Selected as Senior Enlisted Leader

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Memorial unveiled honoring member of Co E, 2-141st Inf Rgmt

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Texas Best Warrior Competition Builds Partnerships, Improves Readiness

2022-2023 Board of Directors President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chris McKeag President-Elect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mireya Cruz Vice-President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gerald Lorance Secretary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jolene Hinojosa Treasurer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Paul Cerniauskas Executive Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marvin Harris HQ, Joint Forces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vacant HQ, TXARNG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vacant 71st Troop Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Paul Cerniauskas HQ, 36TH ID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amanda Roberts 56th IBCT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wesley Hall 72nd IBCT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marius Pusar 36th CAB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joshua Bain 176th Engr Bde . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jolene Hinojosa 71st EMIB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ruben Wilson 36th Sustainment Bde . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tielow-Taneesha Henson 136th MEB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Max Puckett HQ, TXANG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lonnie Dunkin 136th AW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nate Norton 147th ATKW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Emily Martinez 149th FW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bryan Shreve Air Rec & Ret . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vacant Army Rec & Ret . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gerald Lorance Retired Rep – Region I . . . . . . . . . . . . . Richard Newby Retired Rep – Region II . . . . . . . . . . . . . Guy Schultz Retired Rep – Region III . . . . . . . . . . . . Oliver Mintz Family Readiness Rep . . . . . . . . . . . . . Talia McKinnis Army Jr Enlisted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vacant Air Jr Enlisted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vacant Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Theresa Billeck-Zuniga Graphic Designer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Terri Sheets, MediaNation.net Publisher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Multicopy Printing Co. Inc.

CONTENTS p5

Texas Military Forces Museum News SPEC’S DONATION

p16

BEST WARRIOR COMPETITION

p20

NGAT NEWS 3706 Crawford Ave Austin, TX 78731 512-454-7300 1-800-252-NGAT (6428) Submit articles and photos for the NGAT News Magazine to: ngatnews@ngat.org NGAT Home Page: www.ngat.org Executive Director: Marvin Harris, CAE – mharris@ngat.org Deputy Executive Director/Membership Director: Theresa Billeck-Zuniga – tbz@ngat.org Insurance Administrator/Corporate Programs: Terri Marshall – tmarshall@ngat.org

UNIT SPOTLIGHT

POSTMASTER SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO: NGAT News, 3706 Crawford Avenue, Austin, Texas 78731-6308

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EANGUS Committee Update NGAUS Sets Social Activities Duty | Honor | Texas Legal Update with Oliver Mintz Company E Memorial Dedicated Texas Best Warrior Competition Texan Takes “Soldier of the Year” M-Day Pre-Retirement Briefings Salute to Retirees Unit Spotlight: 36th Sustainment Brigage Thank you to our Corporate Partners TAPS New NGAT Life Insurance Program NGAT Planning Calendar

ON THE COVER: SPC Nickalus Johnson, a member of the Texas Army National Guard’s 836th Sapper Company, tackles the Slide of Life obstacle during the Army National Guard National Best Warrior Competition in Tennessee.

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.

4 From the President 5 NGAT Highlights 6 Key Leadership Update 7 Crawford Selected as Senior Enlisted Leader 8 Woods/Harlan Appointments

Follow us on

(Photo by Tennessee National Guard)

MEMBERS MAY EMAIL ADDRESS CHANGES TO: membership@ngat.org S u m m e r 2 0 2 2 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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FROM THE PRESIDENT Dear Members, It is that time of year again for our participation with our National Level partners, the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States (EANGUS) and the National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS). These are organizations where the independent state associations consolidate in order to push our initiatives at the federal/ national level. Just as we encourage and value your participation in Texas, we really need your participation in the national level discussions as well.

In a normal year, the Texas Guard receives a vast majority of its funding from the federal level.

Now this has not been a normal year, and with all the potential changes at the national level, we must not lose focus. Rather, we should do all we can to make sure that the needs of the Guard are in the national-level conversations.

Looking beyond that, we will soon be approaching the next Texas Legislative session. As stated previously, there has been an unprecedented requirement for our Guardsmen and women within our state to participate in state-funded missions. That requirement highlights the need for our legislature to create parity between the Citizen-Soldiers and other state-level employees participating in state emergency management, first responder roles, and law enforcement agencies that support the same, or similar, missions as our service members.

The board, and the full time NGAT staff, are working hard to find ways for the organization to increase our communication effectiveness before the start of the legislative session, so we can keep you, our members, better informed and energized to engage with our Texas lawmakers throughout the session. Our service members will need you involved!

Respectfully,

Christopher McKeag President National Guard Association of Texas president@ngat.org

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THE NATIONAL GUARD ASSOCIATION OF TEXAS wishes SFC Mireya Cruz good luck as she runs for reelection to serve as the EANGUS National Secretary. Elections will be held during the EANGUS Annual Conference, August 6-10 in Little Rock, AR.

THE NGAT BOARD OF DIRECTORS welcome COL (Ret) Oliver “Ollie” Mintz to the Board of Directors. Mintz will serve as the Retired Representative for Region III.

NGAT Highlights SPEC’S DONATES TO THE TEXAS NATIONAL GUARD FOUNDATION In March, 2022, the Texas National Guard Foundation was selected as the Spec’s Charity of the month partner and was awarded $13,590 from donations in stores throughout Texas. For over 60 years Spec’s has felt an obligation to the community and has supported hundreds of activities from the American Heart Association, Camp Hope, Texas Children’s Cancer Hospital, and many more. We are proud to have the Texas National Guard Foundation added to the list of organizations they have supported.

The original Spec’s opened in 1962 in Houston, Texas. Carroll B. “Spec” Jackson and Carolynn Jackson founded the store. “Spec” Jackson wanted to work for himself and make enough money so Carolynn wouldn’t have to work.

The store’s name, Spec’s, originated from his nickname that referred to his spectacles. “Spec” Jackson spent $7,000 to open his first store.

In 1971, the Jackson’s daughter, Lindy, and her husband, John Rydman, joined the business after graduating from college. Lindy and John learned

the business from the ground up.

Together the Jacksons and Rydmans put Spec’s in the world’s spotlight.

With the introduction of wines in 1974, John Rydman created even more excitement about Spec’s with the breadth of wine selection and pricing offered in Houston.

Spec’s entered the food business in the late ’80s with po’ boy sandwiches, crackers, and cheese to satisfy customers’ requests. It was only the beginning of what was to become a huge selection of gourmet items from all over the world.

In 2007 Spec’s made some major expansions.

Spec’s opened three stores in the Austin area.

Spec’s then expands to San Antonio, Killeen, El Paso, Dallas, Fort Worth, Lubbock and all across Texas within the next few years!

For over 60 years Spec’s has been a Texas go-to for good times and gourmet foods. Now, with more than 100 stores across Texas, and more on the way, they are bringing savings and selection to every corner of the Lone Star State.

NGAT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, LTC (RET) MARVIN HARRIS (right), receives a check from Spec’s as part of their Charity of the Month program. NGAT has worked with Spec’s for many years utilizing their sommeliers at many of our NGAT Conference for our wine tasting events.

MG (RET) CHARLES K. ARIS LEADERSHIP SCHOLARSHIP The National Guard Association of Texas Educational Foundation announces the MG (Ret) Charles K. Aris Leadership Scholarship. This scholarship is in recognition of MG Charles Aris’ leadership and 34 plus years of distinguished service to the Great State of Texas, the United States Army, and the United States of America. This scholarship was created to be awarded annually to a Soldier serving in the Texas Army National Guard’s 36th Infantry Division who demonstrates outstanding leadership qualities in service to their families, communities, and the military and are seeking financial assistance for higher education to better serve the Texas National Guard, The State of Texas, and the United States of America. To make a donation to this scholarship go to https://ngat.org/ngatef/.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT NGAT would like to thank the outdoor maintenance crew from Medxcel for the exceptional service they provide to NGAT on a monthly basis. We appreciate your service and support.

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KEY LEADERSHIP Update

COL Robert S. Crockem, Jr.

COL Steven T. Rivera

Texas National Guard Director of the Joint Staff

Commander 72nd IBCT

Lt Col James Cobb

LTC Charlton J. Mosley

Texas National Guard Counterdrug Task Force Coordinator

Commander 172nd BEB

THE ADJUTANT GENERAL OF TEXAS, MAJ GEN THOMAS SUELZER

administers the oath of office to MG Jerry F. Prochaska during his recent promotion ceremony at Camp Mabry. MG Prochaska serves as the Deputy Director for Joint Forces Development & Design Center, J-7, Joint Staff, Suffolk, Virginia.

LTC John R. Pearson

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MAJ Dashiell M. Ballarta

Commander 3-144th Inf Bn

Commander 1-133rd FA Bn

MAJ Robert Chamberlin

CSM Frederick M. Heard

Commander 1-141st Inf Bn

Command Sergeant Major 71st Troop Command

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EMBRACE YOUR FUTURE. IT’S WAITING.

CHIEF CRAWFORD NAMED TEXAS AIR NATIONAL GUARD SENIOR ENLISTED LEADER In April Chief Master Sergeant Matthew Crawford was selected to serve as the Senior Enlisted Leader of the Texas Air National Guard (TXANG), Camp Mabry, Austin, Texas. He is the principal enlisted advisor to the Deputy Adjutant General – Air for more than 2800 assigned enlisted personnel. His responsibilities include advising the Deputy Adjutant General on all matters related to readiness, training, professional development, and effective utilization of assigned TXANG personnel and coordinating with the headquarters staff members, commanders, and senior personnel on administration and implementation of command policy.

Chief Crawford began his military career in 1988 in the U.S. Air Force as a personnel craftsman

serving at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., and later overseas assignments in the United Kingdom at Royal Air Force Greenham Common, and RAF Chicksands. In 1994, he joined the Arkansas Air National Guard with the 223rd Combat Communications Squadron (CBCS) as a communication systems technical controller.

In 2007, Chief Crawford transferred to the 221st CBCS Texas Air National Guard where he worked in several positions within the CBCS community.

Chief Crawford traveled and supported numerous operations throughout his career including Operations Enduring Freedom, Bright Star, Freedom Sentinel, as well as served as the C4I Planner for the European Deterrence Initiative.

During his ANG tenure as a Drill Status Guardsman, the chief gained 25 years of experience in civilian information technology fields within the airline, defense, and

telecommunications industries serving in roles as Senior Field Manager and program management. His current civilian role for a Defense Contracting firm is Senior Field Manager for the Distributed Common Ground Systems (DCGS) Sustainment programs supported by on-site system administrators and system engineers. In this position, Chief Crawford provides factory oversight and technical support to multiple field team engineers that maintain and operate U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard DCGS network hardware and software capabilities within the Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance community supporting 15 locations while managing 94 personnel. Prior to assuming his current position, Chief Crawford served as the Chief Enlisted Manager for the 221st CBCS, Hensley Field, 136th Airlift Wing, Grand Prairie, Texas. H

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BG ANTHONY WOODS APPOINTED COMMANDER OF THE TEXAS STATE GUARD On June 18, 2022, Texas Governor Greg Abbott appointed BG Anthony Woods as the Commanding General of the Texas State Guard for a term to expire at the pleasure of the Governor. BG Anthony Woods of Frisco was serving as the Acting Commanding General of the Texas State Guard.

He received an early commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army in 1984 through the ROTC program at the University of Texas at Arlington. He served as Battalion Executive Officer during Operation Noble Eagle which was the first deployment of troops to protect America’s infrastructure from Terrorist attacks after 9-11. In 2005, BG Woods became the first African American Commander of the 1-112th Armor, leading his unit in the first American training exercise in the country of Romania after the fall of the Soviet Union. He has served in numerous leadership positions throughout his 37 years of military service.

Additionally, he has extensive experience in security and border operations both as a former Dallas Police Officer and a Special Agent (SA) with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and through his military service. He served as Deputy Commander for Operation Jump Start, an initiative to secure the Southwest border, and as Deputy Commander of the Joint Interagency Task Force designed to support Law Enforcement during a disaster in Texas. As a Special Agent he served in the Los Angeles Field Division before moving to the Houston Field Division Waco Resident Office in 1999. In 2005, Woods transferred to the Houston office where he served on several High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area teams (HIDTA) before moving to the technical group. BG Woods retired from the DEA in June 2018.

BG Woods received a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Texas Christian University and a Master of Science in Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College. H

TEXAS STATE GUARD NAMES CSM HARLAN THOMPSON SENIOR ENLISTED ADVISOR Effective June 25, 2022, the Commanding General of the Texas State Guard, BG Anthony Woods appointed CSM Harlan L. Thompson to serve as the Senior Enlisted Advisor for the Texas State Guard. CSM Thompson was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and graduated from Judson High School in Converse, Texas in 1986. He began his service in the Texas State Guard in August of 2003, when he enlisted as an E-1 in the Texas State Guard Air Component.

After completing Initial Entry Training, CSM Thompson was assigned to the various units in the 4th Air Wing in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.

In 2014, he transferred to the 5th Air Wing in San Antonio and was the Logistics NCOIC (A-4). In 2016, he transferred to the Component Headquarters, where he held the positions of Operations NCOIC (A3), Administration and Personnel NCOIC (A-1), Component Recruiter, and Security Forces Manager. His last position at the Air Component Command was as the Senior Enlisted Advisor.

When the Texas State Guard reorganized in January of 2020, CSM Thompson transferred to the 1st Brigade where he served as the NCOIC of the Reception and Training Unit, and later served as the Security Support Unit Coordinator for the 1st Brigade. CSM Thompson then transferred to the T-7, where he served as the NCOIC of the Direct Commission Officer Orientation Course. CSM Thompson is a graduate of the Airman’s Leadership Course, Basic NCO Leadership Course, Advanced NCO Leadership Course and the Texas State Guard Senior Leader Course. H

TEXAS MILITARY FORCES MUSEUM PUTTING YOUR HANDS ON HISTORY The Texas Military Forces Museum conducted a “Hands on History” event on July 2.

Hands on History included uniformed re-enactors who displayed weapons like muskets, bazookas and machine guns from the Texas Revolution through Vietnam and weapons currently used by the National Guard today. The entire museum was open for visitors to explore. Attendees were able touch and hold the weapons as well as climb up inside aircrafts and armored vehicles and TOUCH HISTORY. It was a very educational experience for the entire family! This is a program that the museum holds every year so if you missed this event keep an eye on their website for future events. For more information visit their website at www.texasmilitaryforcesmuseum.org. H 8 |

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THE MUSEUM IS NOW ACCEPTING INTERNSHIP APPLICATIONS FOR FALL 2022 The Texas Military Forces Museum intern will be intimately involved in learning the operations of a large museum with a small staff. The intern will engage in all aspects of museum work including cataloging, collections management, exhibit design and construction, special and educational events, fulfilling research requests, giving guided tours, administrative duties to include non-profit retail management, and operational management of the museum. The intern will become well-versed in use of the Past Perfect curatorial database program used by all military and Federal museums. At the end of the internship the successful candidate will be well-grounded in the curatorial, exhibit, operational and education components of museum operation. The museum is open to additional requirements that may be required by faculty for intern to receive course credit. H

For more information or to apply visit www.texasmilitaryforcesmuseum.org/?p=852

EANGUS COMMITTEE UPDATE The Committees of EANGUS are working hard for you. Once a quarter, they have a committee meeting with all the Committee Chairs to discuss what is going on in their committees. All of the committees are doing their part for EANGUS. The Legislative Committee is pushing hard to get all the legislative initiatives completed and pushed to the House and Congress. They want to make sure everything that you as a member are asking for, gets pushed to those that can make a difference. We need you to keep pushing those thoughts that can make a difference for every member of the National Guard. The only way we can make a difference is if you as members think of something that can make change.

The Ways and Means Committee are working to help us bring in more revenue. They have reviewed and are trying to revamp what we sell on the EANGUS store which is online on the EANGUS web page. Go out and get your EANGUS “swag” now or let us know what you think we should have in the EANGUS store.

The Time and Place Committee is working to review submissions of packets that have been submitted for National Conferences over the next few years. We have one that needs to be discussed at the National Conference for the year 2025.

The Membership Committee has been brainstorming and coming up with ideas on how

By CSM (Ret) Dean Kennebeck, EANGUS Vice-President

to bring in more members. Ultimately, it is up to each state to go out and bring in new members and each state has been doing great on increasing membership. To assist with these membership challenges, a Bylaws change was submitted by the National Guard Association of Michigan. This proposed change is one of two proposals which will be reviewed by the Bylaws Committee during conference. The Michigan proposal recommends that EANGUS establish a new Membership Category that provides a complimentary oneyear membership for new accessions joining the National Guard. This proposal would provide a sustained annual population of new National Guard enlisted members who State Associations can offer a free membership to, without the obligation to pay any annual dues to EANGUS for that member. These new National Guard members will be eager to learn about their new service and we believe that becoming a member of the only professional association that supports enlisted members of the Army and Air National Guard will be appealing to them.

Additionally, by educating and exposing these new National Guard members to what our State Associations and EANGUS does for them, there is a strong possibility that a percentage of these members will elect to renew their membership on their own upon reaching the end of their complimentary membership. Membership also drives our finances. The membership dues that

each State Association submits to EANGUS are a substantial part of our annual budget and projected revenue.

The national dues we receive help pay the salaries of our National Office staff, the services that they provide to each member, our legislative efforts on Capitol Hill, and publication of the “New Patriot Magazine.”

With increasing costs nationwide and recent supply chain issues, it should be no surprise that our overall cost of doing business has increased over the last few years. To help address this, the Hawaii National Guard Enlisted Association submitted a Bylaws change that proposes a $2 increase in national dues (from $11 to $13) to be effective 1 January 2023. We have found that most professional associations review/update their dues every three-five years. The last EANGUS dues increase was passed 12 years ago during the 2010 National Conference in St. Louis, MO, with an effective date of 1 January 2012.

Although statistics regarding inflation provided by the U.S. Department of Labor would support an even higher dues increase, we understand that our State Associations also utilize the dues they collect to support their local activities.

The Special Committee on Fitness has done a great job getting people involved and getting them to get out and work out. They have also worked with the Arkansas Guard to host a 5K walk/run during the conference.

The Junior Enlisted Committee (JEC) is looking for assistance in their committee. The JEC is requesting someone from Texas to be a part of their committee. This is one of the committees that we really need to get going. If we cannot get Junior Enlisted involved, our Association will not continue. WE NEED to keep them involved.

Please keep looking through your ranks to find those that will be the next Area Director, or at least someone that will work hard for EANGUS. For information on participating on a EANGUS Committee contact the NGAT Membership Director at membership@ngat.org or 512-454-7300. Let’s keep working to take care of and look out for National Guard Soldiers and Airmen. H

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W O R L D ’ S # 1 M I L I TA R Y B O O T

ROCKYBOOTS.COM

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NGAUS SOCIAL ACTIVITIES SET The 144th NGAUS General Conference & Exhibition will be held Aug 26-29 in Columbus, Ohio. Online registration is still open at https://ngat.org/ngaus-conference/. A limited number of rooms are still available. If you would like to attend, please contact the NGAT office as soon as possible.

The Motorcycle Ride is scheduled for August 25. It will take riders from Columbus to the Rocky Boots factory in Nelsonville, Ohio, and back through Hocking Hills and the Wayne National Forest. Cost is $25 per rider.

Currently there is a wait list to participate in the Golf Tournament scheduled for August 26.

The ”Chasing the Sun” Fun Run will be on August 26 and consist of a 2.5 mile route along the scenic Scioto Mile in downtown Columbus.

The Company Grade/Warrant Officer, Senior Warrant Officer and Field Grade Mixer will all be held at Huntington Park, the home of the Columbus Clippers,

the Triple-A farm team of baseball’s Cleveland Guardians on August 26.

The Governor’s Reception is set for August 27 at the Center of Science and Industry in Columbus. The unique 321,000-square-foot facility features 13 major “learning world” exhibits, including a planetarium.

At the Spouses Luncheon on August 28, attendees will hear from Jeni Britton Bauer, the founder and CEO of Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream, headquartered in Columbus.

Eat Dessert First is the theme.

Hospitality Night will be held on August 28 in multiple conference hotels and in many local bars and restaurants in the Short North and Arena districts which is known as the “art and soul” of the city.

The conference concludes with the States Dinner on August 29. “Bring Your Sports Teams to Columbus” is the theme. Sports jerseys are the recommended attire — college, pro or Olympic.

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TWENTY-TWO SOLDIERS, Noncommissioned Officers and Leaders of the 36th Infantry Division’s Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion attended a Ruck Out of Darkness event during Annual Training June 16, 2022, at Camp Mabry in Austin, Texas. Organized by the battalion’s Unit Ministry Team, CPT (CH) Angel Newhart and SGT Jason Mackey, leaders from the battalion, the division headquarters, the Texas Military Department, and Master Resiliency Trainers, gathered to share new resources, stories, encouragement and show support at every level in order to support suicide prevention awareness and to build stronger teams as part of the division’s mission to promote Soldier resiliency, and mental, physical and spiritual readiness.

(Photo by SGT Christina Clardy)

OKLAHOMA

CAMP MABRY

TXANG CIVIL ENGINEERS from the 149th Fighter Wing in action in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. Airmen are building homes for Cherokee Nation low-income or homeless veterans as part of an Innovative Readiness Training that offers skill-set training specific to their Air Force career field as well as a way to provide meaningful support to these communities.

HOUSTON RIO GRANDE THE TEXAS NATIONAL GUARD LONE STAR TACTICAL RESPONSE UNIT (TRU) conducts security operations alongside TXDPS on the Rio Grande River. The TRU blocks against illegal crossings and interdicts criminal elements along the Texas-Mexico border as part of Operation Lone Star.

THE COLOR GUARD FOR 2ND BRIGADE, Texas State Guard, was honored to lead the 30th Annual Villages Independence Festival Parade, Houston, Texas, July 4th, 2022. The color guard escorted the lead float representing Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8790 and joined them for fellowship and a meal immediately after the parade. (Photos by CWO Gregory Illich)

PUERTO RICO FORT HOOD ARMOR IS BACK HOME IN THE TEXAS GUARD! In early June 36th Infantry Division VIP’s were on hand for the first M1A1 Abrams tank and M2A2 Bradley Fighting Vehicle live fire exercise in more than 16 years. Members of the 3/278th Armored Cavalry Regiment qualified crews and demonstrated the precision and lethality they bring to the battle field.

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TSGT EDITH LOZANO FROM THE 147TH ATTACK WING assists the 156th Wing in San Juan, Puerto Rico in developing strategies to help streamline various processes and taskings on base. This planning is part of a joint effort to assist the Puerto Rico Air National Guard in various taskings, and to facilitate cross-training between units on hurricane protocol. (Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Hannah Kirschman)

DALLAS MEMBERS OF THE 36TH INFANTRY DIVISION BAND perform on July 2, 2022 at the Klyde Warren Park in Dallas, Texas. (Photo courtesy of the 36th ID Band)

WESLACO MG WIN BURKETT, the Texas Military Department-Operation Lone Star Commander, welcomed Governor Greg Abbott, to a Mass Migration Response rehearsal planning session June 17, 2022, in Weslaco, Texas. The Texas DPS, TDEM and other interagency partners were in attendance. The Governor and interagency partners also toured the Anzalduas International Bridge area. (Photo courtesy of the Texas Military Department)

FT. WORTH ELLINGTON FIELD THE 147TH ATTACK WING COMMANDER, Col Andrew Camacho and his Command Chief, CMSgt Rose Maxie, along with unit members hosted a Congressional Staff Delegation visit July 14, 2022, at Ellington Field JRB, Texas.

The Congressional Delegation was able to speak with members of the 147th Attack Wing and learn about the capabilities and objectives of the wing. (Photo courtesy of the 147th Attack Wing)

ON MAY 22, 2022, BRIG GEN MATT BARKER, Headquarters TXANG Chief of Staff, and SrA Christopher Gangeme, a member of the 136th Airlift Wing, represent the Texas Air National Guard and Texas Military Department at the Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, Texas. Brig Gen Barker also enlisted a group of new airmen into the United States Air Force during the event.

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Legal Update with Oliver Mintz CORRECTING MILITARY RECORDS You may find yourself in a situation where you have been the victim of an injustice at the hands of the military. This injustice may be an unfair investigation or punishment, or an uncorrected error because of an administrative process. If you have exhausted all administrative remedies to correct the problem, you may still have recourse.

The Army Board for Correction of Military Records (ABCMR) is part of what is known as the Army Review Boards Agency and is the highest administrative board in the Army. The Air Force equivalent is The Air Force Board for Correction of Air Force Records. All other services are also required to have similar processes to correct military records within that branch. The two purposes of the ABCMR are to correct errors in military records and to remove injustices from any military record. This is included, but not limited to, awards, separations, promotions, retirements, and pay. The actual Board consists of civilians with a Regular Board consisting of three civilians and a Formal Board consisting of five civilians. At the end of the process, a final decision is made by the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army.

The Board begins with a presumption that everything has been done correctly and it is your burden to provide evidence to the contrary. There are time constraints to apply for a correction by the ABCMR. You must file your initial complaint withing three years of learning about the error or injustice, and any appeal from an ABCMR ruling must be filed within one year of the decision you

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TENTS & SHELTERS

wish to appeal. Remember, to appeal a decision of the ABCMR you must provide a new argument or new evidence that was not included in your original request.

The ABCMR has a reputation for fairness as they are not affiliated with any organization or command channel. They also have broad authority to correct injustices including awarding back pay and allowances, adjusting dates of rank, and many other equitable remedies to make the aggrieved service member whole again. Army Regulation 15-185 is the governing regulation for Soldiers and will provide a great starting place to learn about the process. As always, the process begins with submitting a form (in this case Form DD149) and then providing supporting information.

If you feel there are injustices or errors in your military record the ABCMR may provide you a path to getting them corrected. Remember that you have a limited window of time to submit your case and be prepared to present supporting evidence. H Oliver Mintz is an Attorney with O’Connell West, PLLC law firm. Ollie is a retired TXARNG Colonel and NGAT Life Member. Ollie can be contacted at (512) 5477265 or Oliver@OConnellWest.com.

PREMIER COMBAT AND TATICAL BATTERIES

A L W AYS R E A DY.

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Company E Memorial Dedicated in Downtown El Paso Honoring Mexican-Americans

THE COMMANDER OF HQ 3-133RD FIELD ARTILLERY REGIMENT, LTC Mark Fitzgerald (center A SIDE VIEW OF THE STATUE OF MEN OF COMPANY E depicting the names of the Soldiers who served was unveiled at a ceremony in downtown El Paso on June 30. (Photo courtesy of KFOX14/CBS4)

A young soldier on the battleground pulls his comrade up by the shoulder straps with his left hand, his right firmly clutching his rifle. Two more soldiers lay on the ground nearby, watching for the enemy as another stands and points troops onward.

The statue depicted in “The Treacherous Crossing,” shows the Men of Company E’s crossing of Italy’s Rapido River in 1944, one of the most dangerous missions of World War II with the ultimate goal of liberating Rome. The 14-by-8-foot memorial statue by borderland artist Julio Sanchez de Alba was officially unveiled at Cleveland Square in Downtown El Paso on June 30.

Company E was the military’s first and only unit composed entirely of Mexican-Americans — the vast majority from South El Paso. During World War II, the company was at the frontlines of the Rapido River battle in Italy. Most were killed by German troops.

The memorial lists the names of El Paso soldiers who were part of Company E, 2nd Battalion, 141st Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division deployed from Camp Edwards in Massachusetts to Italy, in April 1943, as well as all soldiers listed on the original memorial. The Treacherous Crossing” include names of some Company E members who weren’t necessarily from El Paso or Mexican-American but

right) and unit members 1Lt Luis Herrera (far left), CPT William Coates Jr. (center left) and 1LT Grant Howk (far right) attend the unveiling of “The Treacherous Crossing” statue in downtown El Paso on Jun 30. HQ 3-133rd Field Artillery Regiment is located in El Paso, Texas.

who nonetheless made the same sacrifice.

That first memorial, “The Men of Company E,” also

by Sanchez de Alba, was unveiled at Delta Park in South Central El Paso in 2008. On one side, the memorial depicts members of Company E trying to cross the Rapido River. The other side lists the names of 142 company members from El Paso.

Company E was formed in 1923 as a small Texas National Guard Unit comprising all MexicanAmericans primarily from El Paso’s Segundo Barrio.

The company became part of the 2nd Battalion, 141st Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division. In 1941, the 36th Division was sent to Camp Bowie, a new facility in Brownwood, Texas, where the men of Company E were led by SGT Lorenzo M. Luna and Capt. John L. Chapin.

Under Chapin, Company E was sent to Europe in 1943 to help liberate Rome from the Germans. Company E suffered numerous casualties in various attacks and deaths due to illness. Along the way, the men were replaced by troops — not all of whom were MexicanAmerican — bolstering the unit to about 160 enlisted men, according to various historical reports.

a tragic mission to cross the Rapido River. Amidst World War II, the river was heavily fortified by the German Army, making it what some historians describe as one of the most insurmountable missions of World War II. Tragically, the Men of Company E, now referred to as the Fallen Sons of El Paso, were either killed, captured or wounded in the attempt to cross a waterway under heavy artillery fire, saturated with barbed wire, and riddled with mines.

After World War II, Company E was assigned to be the new National Guard unit of Corpus Christi. “No other attempts were ever made by the Texas National Guard to create a unit similar to Company E,” Jorge Rodriguez said in his 2010 University of Texas at El Paso Master of History dissertation.

“It seemed that there was no longer a need to do so since so many Mexican-Americans had served honorably in integrated units in all branches of the military. Thus, Company E will always be known in history as the first and only distinctly MexicanAmerican unit to have served in the U.S. Army and military in general.” H

On the night of January 21, 1944, a group of young soldiers from El Paso were sent to Southern Italy on

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Story by SrA Hannah Kirschman

TEXAS BEST WARRIOR COMPETITION BUILDS PARTNERSHIPS, IMPROVES READINESS BASTROP, Texas–The Texas Military Department (TMD) hosted its annual Best Warrior Competition (BWC), which brings Texas Army and Air National Guardsmen together to build teamwork and showcase their capabilities.

The three-day competition held at Camp Swift in Bastrop, Texas, May 3-5, 2022, challenged Airmen and Soldiers from across the TMD to test their tactical and technical skills, including professional military knowledge, marksmanship, land navigation and physical fitness.

“The goal of the Best Warrior Competition is to be an inclusive event–and by that, I mean any service, any gender, any MOS, and it’s a friendly competition to showcase what our Soldiers and Airmen can do,” said CSM Michelle Thompson, Senior Enlisted Advisor of the Texas Army National Guard.

In 2013 the TMD was the first National Guard state to establish a joint-force BWC. Since then, the initiative set a precedent for future competitions to highlight the importance of inter-agency training between the sister branches.

Through joint competitions like these, members of the TMD can improve their skills and build on existing intraagency relationships, so that every Texas Guardsman is prepared when called upon to respond to a crisis.

The competition affords the opportunity for Soldiers and Airmen to showcase how their training has helped them develop the knowledge and skills relevant to today’s operational environment. The competition not only tests the aptitude of these warriors, but also pushes servicemembers to continue to improve their skills and to set new standards of excellence. H

A1C RODNEY MORALES, A MEMBER OF THE 147TH AIR SUPPORT OPERATIONS SQUADRON, is presented the Army Commendation Medal by BG Monie Ulis and CMSgt James Meadows for being selected as the Junior Enlisted winner of the Texas Military Department Best Warrior Competition.

Thank you to the many sponsors who supported the Texas Military Department Best Warrior Competition: Adjust (Chiropractic Care – Bastrop) Jason Alley Bastrop County Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative Burns & Ross, LLC City of Bastrop Geoffrey S. Connor, Attorney Crosshairs Texas Kerry Fossler Dianna Greenwood Mel Hamner – Bastrop CC Hunt Companies Line 204 LiteFighter Systems MA Partners Military Forces Conference Foundation MVBA Law NGAT National Guard Association of Texas Rocky Brands Roscoe State Bank Southside Market and Barbeque SWS Vidmar Lista Texas Capital Area Chapter – AUSA The Nitsche Group – Giddings, TX USAA

THE TEXAS MILITARY DEPARTMENT RECOGNIZES THE WINNERS of the Best Warrior Competition.

Pictured L-R: SPC Nickalas Johnson of the 836th Sapper Company was runner up for the Junior Enlisted Best Warrior and will move on to compete in the Army National Guard Regional Competition. A1C Rodney Morales, a member of the 147th Air Support Operations Squadron, was the winner of the Junior Enlisted Best Warrior. SSG Eric Rodriguez, a member of the Texas Army National Guard Recruiting and Retention Command, was the winner of the NCO Best Warrior and will move on to compete at the Army National Guard Regional Competition. SSG William Ryder, a member of the 836th Sapper Company, was the runner up for the NCO Best Warrior.

Texas Military Department Best Warriors NCO Best Warrior: SSG Eric Rodriguez, Recruiting and Retention Command

NCO Best Warrior Runner-Up: SSG William Ryder, 836th Sapper Company Junior Enlisted Best Warrior: A1C Rodney Morales, 147th Air Support Operations Squadron

Junior Enlisted Best Warrior Runner: SPC Nickalus Johnson, 836th Sapper Company

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SGM DANIEL JOHNSON (LEFT) AND MSG CANDICE WADE (RIGHT) CHEER ON SSG ERIC RODRIGUEZ as he completes the final stretch of the 10-mile ruck march during the Texas Military Department Best Warrior Competition. At the completion of the competition SSG Rodriguez a member of the Texas Army National Guard Recruiting & Retention Command was selected as the Texas National Guard Best Warrior in the NCO category. (Photo by SPC Danielle Rayon)

Texan Takes “Soldier of the Year” at Region V Best Warrior Competition SSG Michael Lincks, Missouri Army National Guard, and SPC Nickalus Johnson, Texas Army National Guard, were named the winners of the National Guard Region V Best Warrior Competition in a ceremony in Oklahoma City, May 20.

The competition, held at the Regional Training Institute in Oklahoma City, and Camp Gruber Training Center, near Braggs, Oklahoma, May 15-22, was a contest between six states in the region: Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana, Nebraska, Missouri and Arkansas which challenged and tested the Soldiers both mentally and physically. The Soldiers competed in eight events including marksmanship, an obstacle course and land navigation, all culminating in a 12-mile ruck march.

SSG Lincks, a combat medic who works as a civilian registered intensive care nurse, was named the Region V Noncommissioned Officer of the Year and said he was confident in his abilities, but he was still able to learn throughout the competition.

SPC Johnson, the Soldier of the Year winner enlisted into the Texas National Guard as a high school junior and was part of the split training option program which allows 17-year-old juniors to join the Guard, with parental consent, while still in high school. Johnson went to school in Gruver, Texas, a town of about 1,200 people. He spent his time working on his family’s cattle ranch and playing football.

preparation for the challenges of being in the Best Warrior Competition and as a leader in the National Guard.

Lincks and Johnson will move on to the next level and compete against National Guard Soldiers from across the 54 states and territories at the National Guard Best Warrior Competition in late July. H

Because of his performance with the 836th Sapper Company, Johnson was able to attend Sapper Leader School, a 28-day course designed to create “elite” combat engineers. “During my first annual training, I was named the MVP of my team, which earned me an opportunity to attend Sapper School” Johnson said. “Sapper School was definitely the hardest thing I’ve done, so far.”

Johnson’s endless determination has earned him many opportunities in the military. His training at the Sapper Leader Course, and military experiences have contributed to Johnson’s

SPC NICKALUS JOHNSON of the Texas Army National Guard receives a trophy for being named Junior Enlisted Soldier of the Year for Region V at the Best Warrior Competition held at Camp Gruber, Oklahoma on May 22.

SPC Nickalus Johnson Competes at the National Best Warrior Competition The National Best Warrior Competition kicked off, July 24, 2022 with an opening ceremony aboard the General Jackson Showboat in Nashville, Tennessee. Fourteen National Guard Soldiers competed in the All-Guard National Best Warrior Competition July 22-29, 2022.

The top Soldiers and noncommissioned officers from the New York, Rhode Island, West Virginia, Maryland, Tennessee, Minnesota, Texas, Nebraska, Wyoming, Oregon, Hawaii and Utah National Guards competed in more than 30 events that tested their military skills, physical strength and endurance. The annual Army National Guard Best Warrior competition determines which junior enlisted Soldier and NCO from the United States of America’s 54 states and territories will represent more than 330,000 guardsmen at the Army Best Warrior competition this fall.

The National Best Warrior Competition best noncommissioned officer was SGT Tyler Holloway, HHB 115th FA Bn, Wyoming National Guard and the best junior enlisted Soldier was SPC Spencer Fayles, 144th Area Support Medical Company, Utah National Guard.

During the competition Texas senior leadership was there encouraging SPC Johnson along the way. He completed all obstacle and gave the competition his best effort and is still a winner in our books. Congratulations to all that completed this grueling competition. H TEXAS NATIONAL GUARD LEADERSHIP visit with SPC Nickalus Johnson during the National Best Warrior Competition in Tennessee.

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Texas Guardsmen Honor MG Tracy Norris at Retirement Ceremony CSM Michael Bland Retires After 32 Plus Years of Service

LTC Leslie Edwards (left) congratulates CSM Michael Bland (right) at his retirement ceremony held on June 12, 2022, at the Texas Military Forces Museum on Camp Mabry. Family and friends came together to present him awards and gifts and to congratulate him on his 32 plus years of military service. His last assignment was as the Command Sergeant Major for the 4th Battalion, 54th Security Forces Assistance Brigade in Dallas, Texas. (Photo Courtesy of the Texas Military Department)

It’s Never to Late to Say Thank You On June 24, 2022, the Legion of Merit was presented to CSM (Ret) Timothy Hardman (center) and LTC (Ret) Duane Hale (right) for their dedicated service to their country and the State of Texas. CSM (Ret) Hardman served from 1994 to 2018 and retired from the National Guard after serving two years as the Command Sergeant Major for 1-112th Cavalry Regiment. LTC (Ret) Hale served from 1996-2019 and completed his tenure serving for three years as the Squadron Commander for 1-112th Cavalry Regiment. MAJ Neil Rackley (left) joined the awardees for a photo following the ceremony. The men exemplified Soldier care and People first, leaving a legacy for those that served with them. Always Ready, Always “Rarin to Go.” (Photo courtesy of 1-112th Cavalry Rgmt)

On May 13, 2022, BG Carlton Smith presented MG Tracy Norris with her Certificate of Retirement in front of fellow Soldiers and Airmen, family and friends. MG Tracy Norris served as the 52nd Adjutant General of Texas from January 1, 2019 to March 1, 2022. She was the first female in Texas history to have ever served as the Adjutant General of Texas. MG Norris previously served as the Assistant Deputy Adjutant General for the Army as well as Director of Construction and Facilities Management for the Texas Military Department. During her three-decade career she served the Army National Guard in Georgia, Florida, Massachusetts and at NGB Washington D.C. She earned many decorations and awards, including the Bronze Star Medal, the Legion of Merit and Humanitarian Service Medal for her service during Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita.

CW5 Metcalf Retires After 40 Years of Service The former Adjutant General of Texas, MG Tracy Norris (right) attended the retirement ceremony of CW5 Earnest Metcalf (left) on May 14, 2022 to present him with the Texas Superior Service Medal for his 40 years of military service.

CW5 Earnest Metcalf previously served as the Command Chief Warrant Officer for the Texas Army National Guard.

Have you recently transitioned out of the National Guard or are planning to retire soon and are preparing for the next chapter of your life? Let Portraits For Patriots® create portfolio-quality images for you that showcase your strength and determination free of charge. The Portraits For Patriots® program empowers those who have faithfully-served our nation to feel confident in their personal brand while transitioning to the American work force. Spouses and Gold Star families are always welcome. The company is based in Colorado Springs, CO and powered by volunteer photographers across the nation. They service many major metropolitan areas and military communities through mobile studio activations and in-studio sessions. Portraits For Patriots™ is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization. To sign up for a session go to www. portraitsforpatriots.org or find them on Facebook.

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The 36th Sustainment Brigade, Headquartered in Temple, Texas is commanded by COL Carrie Perez and CSM Ernesto Castillo. The Brigade Headquarters is currently deployed to Camp Arifjan, Kuwait.

UNIT SPOTLIGHT Texas Army National Guard 36th Infantry Division 36th Sustainment Brigade COL Carrie Perez Commander

CSM Ernesto Castillo Command Sergeant Major Soldiers from the 36th Sustainment Brigade and the Kuwait Naval Forces (KNF) celebrate the partnership that enabled the return of a historic naval boat to Muhammed Al-Ahmed Naval Base on the east coast of Kuwait, June 24, 2022. “Kuwait hosts the 4th largest deployment of U.S. forces in the world,” said COL Carrie Perez, commander of the 36th Sustainment Brigade. “Projects like this help strengthen the bilateral partnership we share with Kuwait.”

(Photo courtesy of the 36th Sustainment Brigade)

SPC Jasmine Aragon and medical professionals with the 36th Sustainment Brigade receive cross training from a team of Veterinary professionals with the 169th Medical Detachment Veterinary Services. The team gave an amazing hands-on training with life like Dogs to be able to provide accurate information on the similarities and differences of treating soldiers and military working dogs.

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On May 20 at 2250 hours, 250 Soldiers stepped off to take on the Norwegian Ruck March, an 18.6 mile road march while carrying a 24 lb. pack in under 4 hours and 30 minutes. A handful of the participants were there representing 36th Sustainment Brigade. All completed the march but only four of them met the mark to receive the badge worn on the dress uniform.

Congratulations to SPC Cameron Burkett, SPC Junior Mbakwa, SSG Steven Kuczera, and SFC Michael Castro.

Members of the 36th Sustainment Brigade celebrate the 4th of July in Kuwait.

During their festivities they received a surprise visit from the 36th Infantry Division Commander, MG Win Burkett.

2022-23 NGAT CORPORATE Partners The National Guard Association of Texas thanks our Corporate Partners.

Together we will continue to make great things happen.

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TAPS AS OF 7/31/22

MSgt Lamar L. “Bo” Beauchamp, Life Member #5739, Retired, Odessa

Mrs. Janie S. Marty, spouse of our 48th Adjutant General of Texas, MG (Ret) Wayne D. Marty, San Antonio

CSM Robert Cardenas Molina, Life Member #2000, Retired, Orange CPT Julie Montes, Texas State Guard, Dallas SSG Francisco Cimental, Life Member #14757, Retired, Gonzales SSG Burnis K. Nearn Jr., Life Member #4421, Forsyth, MO SGT Ronald Crosby, Life Member #17910, North Richland Hills **SPC Pedro Perez, HHC 156th BEB, Plano SFC Linda Lee Cuellar, San Marcos **COL Jayson Potts, 136th Operations Support Squadron, Colleyville */** SSG Jose Del Cid, 442nd ENG, Seabrook COL Maurice Quigley, Life Member #3867, Retired, Austin *SFC James J. Devno, Life Member #13986, Retired, San Antonio MSgt Jackie Robinson, Life Member #29611, Retired, Arlington */** SGT Bishop Evans, A Btry 4-133rd FA, Arlington **SSG Alex Juan Rios Rodriguez, Co D 536th BSB, San Antonio CMSgt Monroe D. Fischer Jr., Life Member #2332, Retired, San Antonio SGM Curran Price Rogers III, Life Member #6805, Retired, Lockhart SGT Steven Galvan, Retired, Agua Dulce LTC David W. Ross, Life Member #30531, Retired, Georgetown Mr. Ezequiel Garza, Life Member #7662, Laredo SSG Adam Schroeder, Dallas SGM Gary L. Hester, Retired, Life Member #2275, Austin MAJ Lee Dan Stone, Life Member #1057, Retired, San Antonio SGM Rodney D. Germer, Life Member #7525, Retired, Lockhart Col Daniel R. Steiner, Retired, Burnet MSG Eugene Gloria, Life Member #9048, Retired, San Antonio SSG Henry D. Stratton, Life Member #22666, Retired, Altus, OK **MSgt John Gries, 149th Security Forces Sqn, Seguin TSgt Brent E. Strickland, Life Member #31829, Retired, Argyle **SSG Abiy Hagos,Iowa Colony, A Co 386th ENG BN SSG Piedad Tristan, Life Member #11577, Manchaca SGM Hugo Hatheway, Life Member #9988, Retired, Cedar Park SGT Michael Frank Tusa, Life Member #18522, Waco BG Kenneth A. Holt, Life Member #3016, Retired, Burnet Mr. Richard Virgen, San Elizario SMSgt David E. Howard Jr., Life Member #239, Retired, Deer Park SFC Richard P. Zitkus, Retired, Copperas Cove

IF YOU ARE AWARE OF THE PASSING OF A CURRENT OR FORMER TEXAS NATIONAL GUARD MEMBER, PLEASE NOTIFY US BY PHONE, MAIL OR EMAIL NGATNEWS@NGAT.ORG.

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You know what it means to serve and protect. You also know what it means to have others depend on you. AFBA survivor benefits are funded by life insurance underwritten by 5Star Life Insurance Company. Eligibility: All current and former military, federal employees and contractors, government groups, first responders, and spouses between the ages of 50-75 are eligible to apply with coverage continuing through age 121.

To learn more visit www.ngat.org or contact us at 512-454-7300 or at insurance@ngat.org

PERIODICAL

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NGAT PLANNING CALENDAR (As of July 31, 2022)

2022 21-22

Aug

NGAT Board of Director Meeting, Austin

26-29

Aug

NGAUS Conference, Columbus, OH

5

Sep

Labor Day (NGAT Office Closed)

11

Sep

Patriot Day

10

Oct

Columbus Day (NGAT Office Closed)

27-30

Oct

AFBA Conference, Nashville, TN

31

Oct

Happy Halloween — Send us your Halloween Photos

1

Nov

Registration for 2023 NGAT Conference opens

11

Nov

Veteran’s Day (NGAT Office Closed)

24-25

Nov

Thanksgiving Break (NGAT Office Closed)

13

Dec

National Guard’s Birthday

26-30

Dec

Christmas Break (NGAT Office Closed)

2023 2

Jan

New Year’s Day Observed (NGAT Office Closed)

Due to COVID-19 events may be rescheduled. Watch the website, Facebook and the NGAT app for updates.