Fall 2010 National Guard Association of Texas Newsletter

Fall

2010

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE NATIONAL GUARD ASSOCIATION OF TEXAS F o u n d e d 1959 • Vo l u m e 51 • N u m b e r 3

JOIN US FOR A BEACH PARTY AT THE 52 ND ANNUAL NGAT CONFERENCE Pages 20-21

EANGUS CONFERENCE Pages 8-9

TEXAS HOSTS NGAUS CONFERENCE Pages 10-11

2010-11 Board of Directors President . . . . . . . . . . . . . Michele Voorhees-Little President-Elect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Justin Perryman

contents

Vice-President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Charles Chavers Secretary-Treasurer . . . . . . . . . . . Albert Cardenas HQ, TXMF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gerold Gamble ARNG Troops . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Johnny Hairgrove 36 ID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ed Dextraze

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Letter from the President

72nd IBCT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Adam Collett

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Members Spotlight

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . David Parnell

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Deployments/Homecomings

56th IBCT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cathy Stephens

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Capitol Spotlight

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EANGUS Conference Recap

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dave Quine 36th Sustainment Bde . . . . . . . . . Gene Cummins

10/ NGAUS Conference Recap

36th CAB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tanya Cortez 176th Engr Bde . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Charlton Mosley

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Around the World with the Guard

71st BfSB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Doug O’Connell

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Veterans Corner:

136th CSB (ME) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joe Dinkins

TriCare

HQ, TANG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Andrea Marqueses

6/ Homecomings

Free Meals for Veterans

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

Operation Lone Star

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

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Airborne Unit Reactivated

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

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Close Assault/Museum Dance

Retired Rep – Region I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vacant

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Around Texas with the Guard

Retired Rep – Region II . . . . . . . . . . Bennie Brooks

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NGAT Conference Special

136th AW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Charles Chavers

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

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

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

Editors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Theresa Billeck-Zuniga

20/ 22/

24/

Reid Douglass

10/ NGAUS Conference

2011 NGAT Conference Information Conference Registration Form TAPS/Sponsors NGAT Planning Calendar

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

NGAT NEWS

NGAT HOME PAGE

3706 Crawford Ave.

www.ngat.org

Austin, TX 78731 (512) 454-7300 1-800-252-NGAT (6428)

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16/ Airborne Unit Reactivated

NGAT E-MAIL rlindner@ngat.org rcasias@ngat.org membership@ngat.org insurance@ngat.org ngatnews@ngat.org

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ON THE COVER: EANGUS & NGAUS, NGAT Conference. Photos by: Gerry Gonzalez, MSG (Ret) Theresa Billeck-Zuniga.

NGAT NEWS (USPS 015-752) IS PUBLISHED QUARTERLY BY THE NATIONAL GUARD ASSOCIATION OF TEXAS, 3706 CRAWFORD AVENUE, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78731-6308 PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT FORT WORTH, TX 76161 POSTMASTER: SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO: NGAT NEWS, 3706 CRAWFORD AVENUE, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78731-6803 MEMBERS MAY EMAIL ADDRESS CHANGE TO: MEMBERSHIP@NGAT.ORG

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P r e s i d e n t ’ s

R e p o r t

FOR THE PAST THREE YEARS — and especially since March — NGAT staff and volunteers have of spent untold hours preparing for the 132nd Annual Conference of the National Guard Association d complimente Guests success! a What the United States that was held here in Austin in late August.

Texas for its outstanding display of hospitality, and there were only kudos for the entertainment venues, transportation, and the food. Many enjoyed visiting Sixth Street, jogging around Lady Bird Lake, and tasting the variety of food to be found in the downtown area. Everyone loved the rodeo, and certainly time felt that they had gotten a true taste of Texas during their visit. To all of you who volunteered your and talents, thank you!

Fiscal year 2009-2010 was an extremely successful one for the Association, and the Board is exploring ways to invest more in our membership and its needs. Our first priority is expanding our legislative efforts and fully integrating our efforts with the TXMF. NGAT continues to host several legislative events annually, and we will continue to do this as well as find new avenues to get our message out. I encourage each of you to become more involved in our legislative program through participating in emailing legislators through either the NGAUS or EANGUS links to Congress. This election cycle has exposed a raw economic nerve in our country, and I see entitlements not just drying up, but in some cases going away. The military will see this through increased medical premiums and co-pays, and I also see funding for some educational and family programs drying up.

A second priority is addressing our physical building on Crawford Avenue, which has deteriorated considerably over the years and is in dire need of improvement or replacement. We have formed a committee to address the best way forward, and are exploring options that include moving or rebuilding on our current site. We will keep you informed of our progress.

Membership has been growing, particularly in our life membership category. I’d ask each of you to reach out to non-members and encourage their participation. Our annual conference will be held in Corpus Christi in March 2011, and we have fashioned a great package deal for our junior enlisted: $250 for hotel, registration, and a full meal package — for two! This is limited to fifty packages, so you’d better move fast. This would also be a great way for you to sponsor someone to attend, or share sponsorship with three or four of your buddies who are members. What a great way to get

Officer Candidate Jose Pena receives the National Guard Association of Texas’s Honor Graduate Clock from NGAT President LTC Michelle Little during the OCS graduation ceremony. (Photo by SPC April Burge)

someone started!

We bid our 36th Infantry Division headquarters farewell in a ceremony in September, and as many of you know, I will be deploying with the division to Iraq. MAJ Justin Perryman, our president-elect, will be assuming duties as president here in my absence, although I will be able to continue limited participation through electronic media. I am confident that our Board of Directors will continue to direct the Association onwards and upwards.

Members of the NGAT staff present NGAUS Director of Financial Operations Pam Buckler-Bowers (center) with a certificate from Governor Rick Perry commissioning her as a “Yellow Rose of Texas.” Pictured left to right are MSG (Ret) Theresa Billeck-Zuniga (NGAT Membership Director), Rebecca Hinojosa (NGAT Office Manager), Rob Casias (NGAT Meeting Planner), COL (Ret) Cindy Smith and Ray Lindner (NGAT Executive Director).

Michele R. Voorhees-Little LTC, LG, TXARNG

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M E M B E R S

S P O T L I G H T PALADINO NAMED EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE TEXAS VETERANS COMMISSION

SHIFFER HEADED TO US EMBASSY IN IRAQ NGAT Life Member CSM Rock Shiffer receives a gift from COL Pat Stevens, Special Assistant to the Commanding General of HQ JRTC for ARNG affairs, on the occasion of his retirement after 26 years of military service. CSM Shiffer has been hired by a contractor to work for the US State Dept. in the Diplomatic Security Service as Security Manager at the US Embassy in Iraq.

On Oct. 1, 2010, the Texas Veterans Commission welcomed its new Executive Director, COL (Ret) Thomas Palladino (NGAT Member), at the closing session of the 63rd Annual Statewide Training Conference. (Photo by Rachel Howell)

CALLAWAY RETIRES AFTER 27 YEARS OF SERVICE BG Joyce L. Stevens, Commanding General of the Texas Army National Guard, drapes the Lone Star Distinguished Service Medal on CSM Paul D. Callaway.

Callaway retired as the Command Sergeant Major of 1st Bn (Airborne), 143rd Infantry, after serving the Army and the Army National Guard for 27 years. (Photo by

HARVEL AWARDED THE MERITORIOUS SERVICE MEDAL BG Joyce Stevens, Commander, Texas Army National Guard, presents Brig Gen Donald Harvel, Deputy Commander, Texas Air National Guard, with the Meritorious Service Medal during his recent retirement ceremony at Camp Mabry.

SGT David Bryant)

SIMPSON PROMOTED TO BRIGADIER GENERAL NGAT Life Member COL Lester Simpson, Commander of the 176th Engineer Brigade, was promoted to Brigadier General in a ceremony held at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, just prior to his deployment to Afghanistan. He was promoted by the Adjutant General of Texas MG Jose S. Mayorga. Simpson became the first African American in the Texas Army National Guard to hold the rank of Brigadier General. The 176th Engineer Brigade is currently on deployment in Afghanistan overseeing a construction mission. (Photo by SFC Matthew Arrington)

of Texas National Guard Association n, Texas 78731 3706 Crawford Avenue Austi NGAT (512) 454-7300 (TX) 1-800-252.org FAX: (512) 467-6803 www.ngat 15 October 2010 Conference Attendee DISTRIBUTION FOR: NGAT nd Conference Update SUBJECT: 52 Annual NGAT of Texas will be held jointly nd of the National Guard Association ican Bank Center 1. The 52 Annual Conference 25-27 March 2011 at the Amer on rence Confe s’ ander with the TAG Comm rence hotel is the Omni in Corpus Christi, TX. The confe ations directly reserv and Omni Bayfront Towers Hotel your hotel s Christi, Texas. Please make is $89 plus tax for Bayfront Towers Hotel, Corpu or 800-843-6664. The hotel rate 00 87-16 361-8 g callin by with the hotel prior to 25 February 2011 to Please make your reservations single/double accommodations. rate. room nted receive the discou of the Commander’s Conference ipants are invited to all sessions invited to attend 2. All joint conference partic conference participants are also Joint n. sessio closed a as noted unless it is ng. the NGAT Annual Business Meeti ule).

26 March 2011 (see draft sched n will take place on Saturday, 3. The NGAT business sessio and attire priate appro a, agend ive committee meeting times, tentat 4. Information pertaining to enclosed. administrative instructions are NGAT Conference is The deadline to register for the early. in form ration regist 5. Get your registrations. The deadline will not be available to on site when all rooms are 18 Mar 2011. Meal packages or 2011 Package for E1-E6 is 1 Feb for the NGAT Treasure Chest gone. rates is 25 February 2011. the discounted sleeping room 6. The hotel cut-off date for ary 2011. due at this office by 15 Febru 7. Scholarship applications are raged to sponsor a soldier or and friends of the Guard are encou Patriot Sponsor. To 8. All Association members the conference by becoming a for fees g lodgin and ration airman’s regist your conference y enclose an additional $300 with rence Program.

Confe become a Patriot Sponsor, simpl ors will be recognized in the NGAT registration fees. All Patriot Spons hotel room your e sure to reserv nd 52 NGAT Conference, so make 9. We hope to see you at our and register early.

NGAT NEWS MAGAZINE NAMED THE BEST MSG (Ret) Theresa BilleckZuniga, NGAT News Editor, receives the 2009 EANGUS Publication Award from EANGUS President CSM (Ret) Frank Lever (left) and publication committee director CMSgt Jim Hotaling for the NGAT News Magazine, which was named the best Combined Association publication.

Respectfully,

(Photo by SFC Allen Schonberg)

Ray Lindner Executive Director Enclosure (s)

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36th Infantry Division Departs for Operation New Dawn Story and Photo by SSG Daniel Griego

THE 36TH INFANTRY DIVISION held its deployment ceremony at the University of Texas Frank Erwin Center. With this final farewell, the division’s historic headquarters of more than 700 troops deploys into theater for the first time since World War II, and takes with it the hearts and prayers of Texans everywhere.

The division’s mission, titled Operation New Dawn, will establish the outfit as the headquarters of U.S. Division South, where it will provide command and control of both active and reserve units throughout the nine provinces of southern Iraq. The division’s objectives in Iraq include maintaining sustainable security conditions in the region, transferring authority to the new state department consulate in Basra, and the drawdown of American forces.

Members of the 36th Infantry Division Headquarters perform facing movements in preparation for their Deployment Ceremony at the University of Texas Frank Erwin Center in Austin.

Also on hand at the ceremony was guest of honor and keynote speaker Governor Rick Perry, who praised the division for their patriotism and sense of duty. “I believe there is no higher form of public service,” said Perry, “than wearing the uniform of one’s country. You follow a higher calling, rooted in the fundamental values of our nation that flow from the undeniable importance of freedom.”

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SPC Chadwick Chevannes with the Co A 72nd BSTB attends a homecoming ceremony with his godsister Maya Johnson in Pasadena, Texas. (Photo by MAJ

A Soldier with 1-112th Cavalry Regiment reunites with his family in Rosenberg, Texas. Soldiers from the unit’s Charlie Troop returned to the Houston-area after successfully completing a nine-month mission in Iraq. (Photo by CPT Brandon Hohm)

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CPT Greg Brown of the 536th Brigade Support Battalion reunites with his daughter in Bryan, Texas. (Photo by MAJ Adam Collett)

Adam Collett)

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Texas National Guard Family Support Foundation Awarded Grant

Capitol Spotlight Congressman Chet Edwards receives a gift from NGAUS Chairmen of the Board Maj Gen Tod Bunting for speaking at the 132nd NGAUS General Conference.

Congressman Edwards was also recognized for his work to modernize National Guard facilities across the nation. Â

THE TEXAS NATIONAL GUARD FAMILY SUPPORT FOUNDATION was awarded a $160,000 grant from the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) to provide short-term emergency medical and dental funding and to cover health insurance premiums for a period not to exceed one year. Service members who receive assistance through the project will also receive a referral for TVC employment counseling and other TVC services.

Senator Leticia Van de Putte (D-TX) (center) talks with spouses during the TAGs Spouses Luncheon held at the Texas State Capitol during the NGAUS conference. (Photo by

For more information, contact Brandie Cole, Family Assistance Center Specialist, Texas Military Forces, at 512-782-1427 or brandie.cole@ng.army.mil.

Cadet Flores)

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39TH ANNUAL EANGUS CONFERENCE • ST. LOUIS, MO JOIN US AT THE EANGUS AREA IV MID-WINTER CONFERENCE,

18-20 FEB 2011, NORTH LITTLE ROCK, AR. VISIT WWW.NGAT.ORG FOR REGISTRATION FORMS. SGT Mireya Cruz, a member of the Joint Forces Headquarters, was elected to service as Area IV Director and the Area IV Chair at the EANGUS Conference. This will make her the youngest Area Chair in EANGUS history. As area chair, she will oversee activities in AR, KS, LA, MO, MS, OK, and TX. (Photo by MSG (Ret) Theresa Billeck-Zuniga)

NGAT Members SSgt Ken Rushing (left) of the 221st CBCS and MSgt Claude Hoke (right) of the 147th RW pose for a photo with CCMSgt (Ret) Richard A. Smith during hospitality night at the EANGUS Conference. Chief Smith served as the ninth command chief master sergeant for the Air National Guard from 2004-2009. (Photo by MSG (Ret) Theresa Billeck-Zuniga)

The 39th Annual EANGUS Conference was held in St. Louis, Missouri.

Texas brought 37 members and guests to the conference. During the conference, the following EANGUS bylaw change was approved in reference to EANGUS annual membership: EFFECTIVE 1 JANUARY 2012, EANGUS annual membership will increase from $9.00 per year to $11.00 per year.

A change in the life membership fees will go into effect on 1 January 2011. The life membership fee will increase from $100 to $250 at age 50 or over. If under age 50, the fee will increase from $100 to $250, plus the regular annual dues for each year the member is under age 50.

BUY YOUR LIFE MEMBERSHIP BEFORE THE DUES INCREASE! 8

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STAY & MEET IN DOWNTOWN AUSTIN

NEWLY REMODELED!

Stay and meet at Austin's ideal downtown location overlooking scenic Town Lake. We're just two blocks to the Convention Center and a short walk to Austin's unique shopping, dining and entertainment districts.

Enjoy our pool, fitness center, miles of hike/bike trails, T.G.I. Friday’s and Starbucks coffee store.

Check out our beautiful, newly remodeled ballroom, meeting space and guest rooms!

AUSTIN – DOWNTOWN Radisson Hotel & Suites Austin – Town Lake 111 Cesar Chavez @ Congress STAY Austin, TX 78701 • (512) 478-9611 www.radisson.com/austintx • 1-800-333-3333

(Photos by SSgt Patrick Watson & MSG (Ret) Theresa Billeck-Zuniga)

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T E X A S

W E L C O M E D T

THOUSANDS OF ARMY AND AIR NATIONAL GUARDSMEN gathered from around the country in Austin, Texas, to discuss issues that will effect guardsmen’s past, present and future. The National Guard Association of Texas, with its many volunteers and with support from the Texas Military Forces, hosted the 3-day conference. The conference opened with a performance by the Mighty Blue Guard, the award winning drill team from General Douglas MacArthur High School in San Antonio. National Guard leadership from all 54 states and territories were given a big Texas welcome with barbecue and a Texas Rodeo complete with bucking broncos and bull riding, followed by a concert by Rick Trevino. Spouses were given the opportunity to visit and shop in Fredericksburg, San Marcos, San Antonio or Austin as part of the Spouses Adventure. Guest speakers included Governor Rick Perry, Chief of the National Guard Bureau General Craig R. McKinley, Commander US Northern Command Admiral James A. Winnefeld Jr. and Director of the Air National Guard Lt Gen Harry “Bud” Wyatt.

The National Guard:

August 21-23, 2010 Austin, Texas

The conference ended in grand Texas style with members attending the States Dinner dressed in western attire. It was a major success for NGAT, which had been involved with the planning of this conference for the past two years.

(Photos by Gerry Gonzales and MSgt Gerold Gamble)

8/13/10 2:17 PM d 1

NGAUS Covers.ind

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N G A U S

C O N F E R E N C E

Commander US Northern Command Admiral James A Winnefeld Jr (left) and his wife Mary pose for a photo during the Rick Trevino concert with the Adjutant General of Texas MG Jose Mayorga and his wife Maria. (Photo by MSG (Ret) Theresa Billeck-Zuniga)

Texas Air National Guard Band

COL (Ret) Paul Tressa shows off the many NGAUS conference pins he has collected from each state over the years.

LTC James Smith (left), Jonathan Smith and LTC Joe Dinkins get a photo with Rick Trevino after the concert.

(Photo by Gerry Gonzalez)

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(Photo by MSG (Ret) Theresa Billeck-Zuniga)

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AROUND THE

W O R L D with th

CPT Rebecca Dupuy, a member of the 36th Infantry Division, takes a moment to call home from Joint Base Lewis-McCord, Washington, where she is completing premobilization training.

(Photo by LTC Darrell Dement)

1LT Rafael Lantigua (right) of the Texas National Guard shakes hands with General Craig R. McKinley, chief of the National Guard Bureau, during a Ramadan dinner in Washington, DC. Lantigua will become the Guard’s first Muslim chaplain in December 2010.

SFC Allen Schonberg (NGAT Life Member) and NGAT President-Elect Justin Perryman (right) proudly smile under the Gateway Arch at the EANGUS hospitality night event. (Photo by MSG (Ret) Theresa Billeck-Zuniga)

(Photo by SGT Darron Salzer)

MAJ Tim Amerson (NGAT Life Member) and his wife Nicole (right) proudly pose with their son PV2 Tim Amerson II at his graduation from Infantry Basic Training at Fort Benning, GA. Congratulations to newly promoted Specialists Frencis Mendoza, Kayla Sprouse, James Miller, and Justin McIntyre. They received their promotions in formation at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, where the Headquarters, 36th Infantry Division (Forward), is currently preparing for a deployment to Southern Iraq.

MSgt Courtney Hinson (left) and TSgt Steven Williams, Terminal Attack Control Party (TACP) airmen with the 147th Air Support Operations Squadron (ASOS), take part in a training exercise south of San Antonio, Texas. When engaged in combat, TACPs direct close-air support toward enemy targets on the ground. (Photo by MSgt Robert Shelley)

SFC Art Phillips, a member of 5 SF Bn 19 SF Grp C Co, awaits transport after his jump at Canyon Lake to practice airborne water landing procedures.

Major Devlan R. Islas (right), the first commander of the Texas Air National Guard’s 149th Fighter Wing Comptroller Flight, San Antonio, Texas, stands with the members of the ANG unit’s comptroller flight. (Photo by MSgt Robert Shelley) 12

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(Photo by SSG Malcolm McClendon)

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TEXAS NATIONAL

Monkey hangs out, waiting for customs inspection at an undisclosed location in Southeast Asia with members of TX ADT-3, MAJ Stephanie Norwood, MAJ Jason Hart and MAJ William Davis (NGAT Life Member).

GUARD

Texas Air National Guard CMSgt David G. Hayes (NGAT Life Member) and his daughter SSgt Ashley Robinson are both deployed to the 451st Air Expeditionary Wing at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan. (Photo by SSgt Chad Chisholm)

Members of the Texas Agribusiness Team 3 based at FOB Ghazni called “The Ocho� prepare to leave for a mission. Pictured left to right are SPC Charles Gibson, SGT Jeffery F. Palmore, PFC Robert Dickson, SPC James Munoz, SSG J.J. Chapa, SFC Ross Dobelbower (NGAT Life Member), SGT Mark Woodyard and SFC Marc Seal.

(Photo by SFC Ross Dobelbower)

BG Lester Simpson (NGAT Life Member), commanding general of the 176th Engineer Brigade, speaks with Seabees of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 40 at Camp Deh Dadi II, Afghanistan, on their project. (Photo by Michael Watkins) SPC Jaylon Hallford holds an Afghan girl on his arm while he and the Texas Agribusiness Development Team wait for the helicopter to pick them up in Kilan Deh village in Afghanistan. (Photo by

Commander of the Texas Air National Guard Brig Gen John Nichols (center) joined visitors from across the world in Monte Cassino, Italy, to honor World War II veterans of the 36th Infantry Division and the allied forces in a wreath laying ceremony.

1LT Katherine Roling)

NGAT Life Member MSG Gary Cates, a member of Spt Co 386th Engr, stops to check out some motorcycles in Bogota, Colombia.

R E T I R E E S T R AV E L We know that our retired membership travels all over the world. Send us recent photos of your travels to membership@ngat.org. The next issue of Around The World will cover retiree travels.

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OPERATION LONE STAR CONTINUES

TRICARE RETIRED RESERVE LAUNCHES FOR THE FIRST TIME, members of the Retired Reserve who are not yet age 60, the so-called “gray area” retirees, can purchase TRICARE health coverage for themselves and their eligible family members under the TRICARE Retired Reserve (TRR) program which launched on September 1, 2010.

Retired Reservists may qualify to purchase TRR coverage if they are under the age of 60 and are not eligible for or enrolled in the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program. They must also be members of the Retired Reserve of a Reserve component and be qualified for non-regular retirement. For instruction on how to qualify for the purchase of TRR go to www.tricare.mil.trr.

Texas State Guard CPT Alec J. Ross, a registered nurse with the Texas Medical Brigade, provides an immunization shot to an Operation Lone Star (OLS) patient at the Pharr San Juan Alamo site. The annual event is conducted by the joint efforts of the Texas Military Forces, local civil authorities and the Department of State Health Services. OLS provides these agencies an opportunity to exercise medical response, disaster preparedness and Defense Support of Civil Authorities. Now in its twelfth yeah, OLS has provided medical screenings and immunizations to Rio Grande Valley residents and helped to train service providers in mass-care and civil response. (Photo by SSG Daniel Griego)

Below are the monthly premiums for calendar year 2010 and 2011. Premiums will be adjusted annually.

Type of Coverage Member only Member and family

2010 Premium Rates* $388.31 per month $976.41 per month

2011 Premium Rates* $408.01 per month $1020.05 per month

*Law requires members to pay the full cost of coverage under TRR with no government subsidy.

The comprehensive health care coverage provided by the premium-based TRR is similar to TRICARE Standard. After purchasing TRR, members will receive the TRICARE Retired Reserve Handbook, which includes details about covered services, how to get care and who to contact for assistance. For more information visit www.tricare.mil.trr.

FREE DINNER ON VETERANS DAY FROM APPLEBEES THIS UPCOMING VETERANS DAY, Thursday, November 11, 2010, Applebee’s will thank our nation’s veterans and active duty military by inviting them to their neighborhood Applebee’s for a free meal. On this national day of respect and remembrance, Applebee’s is honored to salute veterans and active military for their service to our country. All U.S. veterans and active duty personnel with proof of current or former military service will eat free at all Applebee’s in their respective neighborhoods on Veterans Day, Thursday, November 11, 2010.

FREE “THANK YOU” DINNER FROM GOLDEN CORRAL Texas State Guard SGT Nicholas L. Perkins takes a patient’s blood pressure during day two of Operation Lone Star at the Pharr San Juan Alamo site. (Photo by SSG Daniel Griego)

NOVEMBER 15, 2010, will mark the 10th anniversary of Golden Corral’s Military Appreciation Monday dinner. The free dinner meal is a special “thank you tribute” to any person who has ever served in the United States Military. If you are a veteran, retired, or currently serving in the National Guard or Reserves, you are invited to join us for Golden Corral’s Military Appreciation Monday dinner. To locate a Golden Corral near you, visit www.goldencorral.com/locator.

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Sign up for the NGAT News Nuggets, our E-Newsletter, by sending your email address to membership@ngat.org.

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LaPosadaNGATad_10509horzPRINT.pdf

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THE ONLY NATIONAL GUARD AIRBORNE UNIT RE-ACTIVATED IN TEXAS THE 1ST BATTALION, 143rd Infantry Regiment, commanded by LTC Douglas O’Connell (NGAT Board of Directors), conducted its re-activation ceremony at the Texas State Technical College Airport in Waco, Texas, on Patriot’s Day 2010. The event reinstated the country’s first and only National Guard Airborne unit. The battalion, comprised of paratroopers from units in Alaska, Rhode Island and Texas, will deploy globally in support of U.S. peacekeeping missions in the years ahead.

Special guest speakers for the event included the Adjutant General of Texas MG Jose S. Mayorga, Waco Mayor Jim Bush, battalion commander LTC Douglas O’ Connell, Vice President of the 143rd Airborne Infantry Regiment Association Robert Hawkins, and U.S. Representative Chet Edwards (D-TX), who secured $5 million for the planning and design of a new Battalion headquarters for the Airborne Battalion in McLennan County.

The 143rd Regiment’s history goes back more than a century and a half.

Officially recognized in 1873 in Waco, the 143rd Regiment developed from the Texas militias, which had previously fought for Texas Independence and for Confederate sovereignty during the Civil War. Following its consolidation with the 5th Texas Infantry Regiment in 1917, the 143rd Infantry joined the ranks of the celebrated 36th Infantry Division, serving in World War II. After the 36th Infantry Division’s retirement in 1968, the battalion reactivated with assignment to the 71st Infantry Brigade (Airborne), officially standing as an Airborne outfit. It remained there until 1973, when the 71st Infantry Brigade (Airborne) restructured as the 36th Infantry Brigade (Airborne). The 143rd Infantry Regiment last saw Airborne service as G Company, 143rd Infantry (Long Range Surveillance) in 2001, and now the proud lineage of this regiment will live again as the only Airborne Infantry Battalion in the Army National Guard.

CSM Joseph Haro, the command sergeant major for the 1st Battalion of the 143rd Infantry Regiment (Airborne), cuts the ceremony cake with a bayonet after the reactivation ceremony. (Photo

by SGT Melissa Shaw)

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Accepting Nominations November 1, 2010 - January 17, 2011 at www.FreedomAward.mil

EMPLOYER SUPPORT OF THE GUARD AND RESERVE

ESGR, a Department of Defense agency established in 1972, develops and promotes employer support for Guard and Reserve service by advocating relevant initiatives, recognizing outstanding support, increasing awareness of applicable laws and resolving conflict between employers and service members. www.ESGR.mil

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LTC Douglas O’Connell, the 1st Battalion of the 143rd Infantry Regiment (Airborne) battalion commander, talks with Texas Adjutant General MG Jose S. Mayorga after the reactivation ceremony. (Photo by SGT Melissa Shaw)

1-800-336-4590

9/14/10 1:56:38 PM

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TEXAS MILITARY FORCES MUSEUM PRESENTS “CLOSE ASSAULT: 1944”

Your evening includes: • • • • • • •

Dinner and dessert bar Dancing Valet parking Professional portrait Champagne toast Keepsake glass Bottle of wine

Limited seating for 350 Tickets: $75 per person

THE BG JOHN C.L. SCRIBNER TEXAS MILITARY FORCES MUSEUM will present a reenactment of an attack on a German strong-point 6-7 Nov 2010, at Camp Mabry. There will be two shows daily at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., rain or shine. Come tour the Texas Military Forces Museum, see a Sherman Tank and M3 Halftrack in action, and witness blank weapons firing demonstrations of some of the most famous small arms of World War II. For more information visit www.texasmilitaryforcesmuseum.org.

Feb. 12 • 6:30–11

WWII Allied uniforms or 1940s attire welcome but not required

Dance to 1940s swing music performed by the Sentimental Journey orchestra along with the Memphis Belles, and enjoy a romantic dinner surrounded by WWII history.

Live and silent auction Proceeds benefit the Texas Military Forces Museum and Alamo Honor Flight

For more information or tickets, visit www.texasmilitaryforcesmuseum.org or call (512) 782-5659

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A R O U N D T E X A S w i t h t h e T E X A S N AT I O N A L G U A R D SHOWING OFF THE MODEL A

MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENT RECEIVES FINAL FLIGHT CW4 Kurt Gruner of the 1-149th Avn was honored to fly Medal of Honor recipient 1SG (Ret) David McNerney in an AH-64 “Apache” helicopter on August 7th, 2010. NGAT was honored to have 1SG McNerney attend the 2008 NGAT Conference held in Austin, Texas. We regret to report that 1SG (Ret) David H. McNerney, lost his battle with lung cancer on October 10, 2010, at the DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston, Texas. 1SG McNerney’s valiant actions on 22 March 1967, in Polei Doc, RVN (near the Cambodian border), while serving as 1SG of A-Co, 1/8, 4th Infantry Div, saved the lives of many of his men and eliminated the threat of capture by an NVA battalion. The documentary film Honor in the Valley of Tears by Eric S. Dow relates the unit’s experience and the respect they all share for their First Sergeant. In September 2010, President Obama announced that SSG Salvatore Giunta, who at the time of his actions was serving as the team leader in Company B, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, was named the first living recipient of The Medal of Honor since the start of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The previous seven awards have been posthumous. (Photo by CPT Randy Stillinger)

NGAT Life Member SFC David Willis (right) proudly shows off his 1929 Model A Truck with SGM Wayne Walker at the Texas State Fair.

SCOUTS VISIT HOUSTON ARMORY

GARLAND AIR NATIONAL GUARD STATION CLOSES

SFC Jose Perez of the 72nd IBCT shows an up-armored Humvee to scouts in Houston, Texas. The scouts, from Pack 542 in Katy, Texas, received a community interaction badge for their participation. (Photo MAJ Adam Collett)

PRESCRIPTION DRUG TAKE BACK PROGRAM MSG Juan Casillas, Drug Demand Reduction Administrator for the Texas Joint Counterdrug Task Force (JCDTF), pours a prescription drug bottle of red tablets into a box at a collection site during the Drug Enforcement Administration’s nationwide initiative to collect prescription drugs and remove them as a source of recreational drug use.

JCDTF members participated alongside DEA agents and members of local law enforcement and collected more than 2,000 lbs of prescription drugs in San Antonio.

Current and former members (dating back to 1958) of the 221st Combat Communications Squadron and the 254th Combat Communications Group stand in military formation for a final retreat ceremony marking the closing of Garland Air National Guard Station. The Garland Air National Guard Station has been a vital part of the Texas Air National Guard since 1952. The units in Garland will relocate to Hensley Field in Dallas, Texas.

CHIEF RECEIVES INCENTIVE RIDE CMSgt Jimmy Norman (left), Texas Air National Guard Senior Enlisted Advisor, receives a final brief from Lt Col Thomas Duke prior to take-off in an F-16. Chief Norman received his incentive ride while visiting the 149th Fighter Wing at Lackland AFB, San Antonio, Texas.

Both are Life Members of NGAT. (Photo by SMSgt Mike

(Photo by TSgt Rene Castillo)

Arellano)

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** NGAT CONFERENCE JUNIOR ENLISTED SPECIAL ** Have we got a “whale of a deal” for our junior enlisted personnel who want to attend the NGAT Conference in Corpus Christi, Texas!

The NGAT Treasure Chest Package is being offered on a first-come, first-serve basis to junior enlisted personnel in the rank of E1-E6.

NGAT TREASURE CHEST PACKAGE (Share it with a Spouse, Guest or Buddy)

Package Includes: 2 Conference Registrations 2 Tickets to the Welcome Party @ the Aquarium 2 Saturday Lunches 2 Saturday Dinners 2 Nights Stay at the Omni Bayfront Hotel Joint Sessions, Exhibits, and Hospitality Rooms

All of this for the rock bottom price of $250! Offer expires on 1 Feb 2011 or when 50 packages are sold.

Special does not include optional events.

MAKE MONEY FOR YOUR UNIT!

ToTal SupporT for MiSSion SucceSS.

** SELL NGAT CONFERENCE PROGRAM ADS **

Purchase or sell advertisement space in the NGAT Conference Program and 50% of all sales generated from 1/8 page ads and above will be donated to the unit of your choice or the NGAT Educational Foundation. Do you have a business you want people in the Guard to know about? Put your business card in the NGAT Conference Program for only $25.00. Want to send a message to someone special for $25.00?

Joint Texas Military Applications for advertising in Affairs Conference Austin, TX the conference program can be 26-28 Mar 2010 found on the NGAT web site at www.ngat.org under 2011 NGAT Conference.

GET YOUR BUSINESS NOTICED! ** ADVERTISE IN THE 2011 NGAT CONFERENCE PROGRAM **

www.baesystems.com

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The Joint Conference will be held 25-27 March 2011 at the American Bank Center and Omni Bayfront Towers Hotel, Corpus Christi, TX. All Attendees must pay the registration fee of $15.00 per person MEAL PACKAGES

Dolphin Watching Cruise — Cruise the beautiful Corpus Christi bay while admiring the striking cityscape and watch for Atlantic Bottle Nosed Dolphins. On this hour long cruise, learn about the interesting history of the bayfront, area attractions and local legends.

Deadline for meal packages is 18 Mar 11 • NGAT Treasure Chest includes 2 Full Meal Packages, 2 Registrations and 2 nights at the Omni Bayfront Hotel – $250 (Junior Enlisted Personnel E1-E6 only. This offer expires on 1 Feb 11) • Full Meal Package includes Friday Welcome Party, Saturday Lunch and Saturday Dinner – $90 • Friday Only Meal Package – $25 • Saturday Lunch Only Package – $20 • Saturday Dinner Only Package – $50 All cancellation requests must be received in the NGAT office prior to 15 March 2011. An administrative fee of $10 per registration will be subtracted from the refund amount. Meals packages will not be available to onsite registrations.

8th Annual Silent Auction is sure to be full of assorted gift baskets, framed art, jewelry, weekend getaways, household and outdoor items, and tickets to music, sports and other entertainment venues.

Come take advantage of the great bargains.

NGAT Welcome Party at the Texas State Aquarium. Get a close up look at underwater life at this 9-acre marine life aquarium. Come enjoy some good food and refreshment at our “Beach Party & Luau.” There will be plenty of time to visit with friends, tour the aquarium and network with conference exhibitors.

HOTELS

Jr Officers/Enlisted Breakfast will be the first event on Saturday.

Mingle with our Company Grade Officers and Junior Enlisted Soldiers and Airmen during an informal breakfast.

Omni Bayfront Towers Hotel, Corpus Christi, TX. Make your reservations with the hotel directly at: 361-887-1600 or 800-8436664 (central reservations). Hotel rate: $89 single/double plus tax.

(NGAT cannot guarantee rooms after 25 February 2011.)

Reserve your hotel room using the link on the NGAT web site.

Enjoy a leisure lunch at the Spouses Luncheon on Saturday.

Registration fee includes lunch, entertainment and prizes.

Come reconnect with old friends at the Retiree Luncheon on Saturday.

ATTIRE Commanders Conference: Army-ACU/Air-Blue Shirt, open collar NGAT Business Session: Business Casual NGAT Dinner: Blue Army Service Uniform/Army Mess for Army, Mess Dress for Air, Business Suit/Evening Formal Wear for civilians, After-Five Attire for spouses.

Saturday Dinner — Dinner presentations include the Minuteman and Scholarship awards. After dinner, guests will have an opportunity to visit hospitality suites.

Ten Hospitality Suites will be located at the Hotel. Units will compete for best suite.

CONFERENCE OPTIONAL EVENTS Optional Activities on Friday will include some fun activities!

Don’t miss our Fun Run, Dolphin Watching Cruise and our ever popular Wine Tasting.

The NGAT Social Lounge will operate during the same hours as the hospitality suites. Visit and mingle with friends in a more conversation-friendly environment.

Golf Tournament format will be a shotgun start, Florida scramble with low net/ low gross competition. The golf tournament is open to both registered and non-registered attendees of the conference. Registration includes green fee, cart, range balls, continental breakfast, lunch, trophies and prizes.

Enjoy a delicious breakfast, fellowship and prayer during the NGAT Prayer Breakfast on Sunday morning.

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

THE NATIONAL GUARD ASSOCIATION OF TEXAS EDUCATION FOUNDATION announces its annual scholarship competition.

Educational grants for attendance at college or university will be awarded to Active or Life Members of NGAT and/or their spouses, sons or daughters. The deadline for receipt of all applications is 15 February 2011 in the NGAT office. Download an application at www.ngat.org.

THE NGAT AWARDS PROGRAM is designed to recognize NGAT members, members of the Texas Military Forces, government officials and organizations for heroic actions, outstanding achievements, and periods of meritorious service to the Texas Military Forces and/or the National Guard Association of Texas. The deadline for receipt of all award recommendations is 15 February 2011 in the NGAT office.

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

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Joint Conference 25-27 March 2011 Corpus Christi, TX 52nd NGAT Conference

25 - 27 March 2011 Omni Bayfront Hotel

Joint Conference Registration Form

Army

Please



Check:

 Spouse



Retired Army



Guest

Rank:_______________________



Air

Retired Air





State Guard

Name:___________________________________________________________________

Unit:_______________________________________ Email Address:______________________________________________ Home Address:_____________________________________________ Daytime Phone:(____)______________________________ City/State:_____________________________ Zip:________________ Fax:(____)________________________________________ Badge Name:_________________________________ Spouse/Guest Name:___________________________Rank: _____ The unit you wish to sit with at the Dinner:___________________________________________________________________ Please indicate any special needs (i.e. disability, dietary, etc.) __________________________________________________ Renew Your NGAT Membership Dues  Renew my NGAT Membership E1-E6: $15

E7-O/CW3: $20

O/CW4-O/CW5: $25

O6-O8: $30

SUBTOTAL $____________

Associate/Retired: $15

NGAT Treasure Chest Package (Includes registration) NGAT Treasure Chest Package (Junior Enlisted Personnel E1-E6 only)

Joint Conference Fees

Includes 2 Full Meal Packages, 2 Registrations and 2 nights at the Omni Bayfront Hotel

 Attendee (circle one) LE RL SL  Spouse/Guest (circle one) LE RL SL Hotel Room  King  Double (NGAT will book the hotel room for this package) Registration - All Attendees Must Pay Registration Fee  Attendee Registration Fee  Spouse/Guest Registration Fee Meal Packages (Registration fee required with all packages) Full Meal Package Includes - Joint Sessions, Exhibits, Hospitality Rooms, Friday

$250 ea Deadline 1-Feb-11

$____________

$15 $15

$____________ $____________

$90 ea

$____________

$25 ea

$____________

$20 ea

$____________

$50 ea

$____________

$75 ea

$____________

Welcome Party @ Aquarium, Saturday Lunch and Saturday Dinner Please select one - LE - Lunch w/Exhibitors

 Attendee

RL - Retiree Luncheon

SL - Spouses Luncheon

 Spouse/Guest

(circle one) LE RL SL

(circle one) LE RL SL

Friday Only Meal Package Includes Joint Sessions, Exhibits, Hospitality Rooms and Friday Welcome Party @ Aquarium

 Attendee

 Spouse/Guest

Saturday Lunch Only Package  Attendee (circle one) LE RL SL

 Spouse/Guest

(circle one) LE RL SL

Saturday Dinner Only Package  Spouse/Guest  Attendee NGAT Optional Events (not included in Basic Registration or Meal Packages)  Member Handicap: ____  Spouse/Guest Handicap: ____ Golf Tournament (Fri) Names of Golf Team: ________________________________________________ Wine Tasting (Fri)

1100-1200 ______ 1230-1330 ______ 1400-1500 ______ Select a time for wine tasting

$15 ea

$____________

Fun Run (Fri)

 Member

$20 ea

$____________

$15 ea

$____________

$15 ea

$____________

$20 ea

$____________

Specify T-Shirt Size:

 Spouse/Guest

S M L XL XXL

S M L XL XXL

Dolphin Watching Cruise (Fri) (Seating is limited) Enlisted Breakfast (Sat)

 E1-E6 (No Charge)  E7-E9 $15.00

Prayer Breakfast (Sun)

 Member

 Spouse/Guest

Donation to the NGAT Educational Foundation

 Check Enclosed (please make check payable to NGAT)

SubTotal: Total (Check):

Charge my:  MasterCard  Visa Expiration Date: ____________ Card #: ____________________________________________________

Credit Card Handling Fee (Add 4%):

Name of Cardholder:___________________________________________

Total (Credit Card):

Signature of Cardholder: _______________________________________

$____________ $____________ $____________ $____________ $____________

MEAL PACKAGES WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE TO THOSE WHO REGISTER ONSITE Mail to NGAT: 3706 Crawford Avenue, Austin, Texas 78731 or Fax to: (512) 467-6803 or Email to: membership@ngat.org

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TA P S

(as of 10/13/10)

MSG Charles E. Burks, Life Member #4485, Retired, Amarillo

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

Mr. Bill R. Corbell, Life Member #5374, Retired, Austin

National Guard member please notify us by phone, a letter to

SSG Hargrove B. Cameron, Life Member #7551, Retired, San Antonio

our office or by email at ngatnews@ngat.org.

SFC Manuel P. Cruz, Life Member #1393, Retired, San Antonio Mr. William E. Dunn, Life Member #5512, Retired, College Station Mr. Richard H. Schiebel, Retired, Galveston MSG Charles F. Haley, Associate Life Member #A620, Retired, Baytown PFC Jose G. Hernandez Jr., HHB 3-133 FA, El Paso SPC Andrew Holloway, Recruit Sustainment Program, Gainesville MAJ Raymond S. Logan, Life Member #1707, Retired, Burnet COL Robert T. Mann, Life Member #2889, Retired, Austin *CSM John M. Morgan III, Life Member #11208, HHC 56th IBCT, Shamrock SFC James R. O’Neal, Life Member #3928, Retired, Borger Mr. Vincent J. Spiert Sr., Life Member #9965, Retired, Pataskala OH *SPC Anthony D. Tipps, HHC 136 MP BN, Lindale Mr. Marvin A. Wheat, Life Member #1016, Retired, Fort Worth LTC Samuel P. “Sam” White Jr., Life Member #7869, Retired, Pampa Lt Col Harold E. Williamson, Retired, San Antonio *Had NGAT Life Insurance

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

Amber Waves Marketing, Inc

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Sometimes the best National Guard recruiter is another Guard Soldier.

Get good people to serve in the Guard, and get good money at the same time.

For more details, talk to your recruiter.

National Guard Association of Texas 3706 Crawford Avenue Austin, Texas 78731-6803

National Guard Association of Texas

NGAT PLANNING CALENDAR (As of 21 October 2010)

2010 8

Nov

NGAT Board Meeting, Austin

11

Nov

Veterans Day (NGAT Office Closed)

25-26

Nov

Thanksgiving (NGAT Office Closed)

24-30

Dec

Christmas Holidays Observed (NGAT Office Closed)

31

Dec

New Year’s Eve (NGAT Office Closed)

2011 17

Jan

Martin Luther King Jr. Day (NGAT Office Closed)

21

Feb

President’s Day (NGAT Office Closed)

28

Feb

NGAT Board Meeting, Austin

25-27

Mar

52nd ANNUAL NGAT CONFERENCE, Corpus Christi

2

May

NGAT Board Meeting, Austin

4

Jul

Independence Day (NGAT Office Closed)

1

Aug

NGAT Board Meeting, Austin

14-17

Aug

EANGUS Conference, Charleston, WV

27-29

Aug

NGAUS Conference, Milwaukee, WI