The Minuteman The Monthly Recruiting Newsletter of the Texas Army National Guard
August 2015 TM 13 performs community service in the city of Wimberly in its time of need. TM 13 RRNCOs and RSP Warriors team up to assist Wimberly’s Memorial Day flood victims.
Texas Challenge Academy hosts grand opening for its second location. TCA exands its reach across Texas with the opening of its Eagle Lake location near Houston.
Deploying 136th ESB Soldiers honored by the Houston Astros More than 300 Soldiers were honored on field by the Astros during an on-field deployment ceremony.
TXARNG Command honors 3rd Quarter’s top Regions and Recruiters Recruiters and their families gathered in Corpus Christi to enjoy a bit of relaxation and share their best practices in the field .
Photo Credit: Lucia Briones
Photo by Lucia Briones
Ready. Set. Begin! Soldiers from R&R HQ proudly represent the TXARNG during this year’s Austin Fittest Competition. Photo by Lucia Briones
TXARNG Recruiters Build Relationships at FFA Annual Convention Texas Army National Guard Recruiters spent a week among more than 10,000 high school FFA students and members who were in attendence for the 87th Annual Texas Future Farmers of America State Convention. Valuing “diversity in serving all populations” is mearly one trait the Texas Army National Guard and FFA share in common.
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“Lead from the front.” - Audie Murphy
Photo by Steve Johnson
Texas Challenge Academy Lands in Eagle Lake On July 15th 2015, before an eager crowd that included students, veterans, high ranking military officers and members of Congress, the symbolic purple ribbon was cut and the Texas Challenge Academy at Eagle Lake was formally opened. As the ribbon fluttered to the ground, the lifelong dream of Program Director Lauren Schulman came to life. “Challenge isn’t just a career for me, it’s a lifestyle” she admitted as we took refuge from the Texas heat in her air conditioned office. “I started with the program when I was 19 years old, so for the last 21 years I have had the opportunity to work with all aspects of the program.” Her enthusiasm for the program is infectious and listening to her description of the goals and mission, it’s easy to see why.
Senior TCA Recruiter and retired Staff Sergeant Eliu Rojas shares Lauren’s commitment: “In the field we work in, I feel each and every person could be and more importantly, should be there to help our nation’s youth who, for many reasons, are having a hard time in a traditional high school environment.” However, it’s also personal to Mr. Rojas. “National Guard Youth Programs across the nation are vital to not only the mentoring and education of our young men and women who are at risk; it’s also about the security of the nation. Many of us have known people who needed this type of school and growing up in Galveston; I saw many of my friends who just needed a different type of instructional environment… so yeah, you could say it’s very personal for me.”
The Texas Challenge Academy is designed to target at risk 16 to 18 year olds, and offer them structure, discipline, life and leadership skills in a 22 week, quasi-military setting , one of 35 such locations in the US and the second in Texas. After a rigorous application and interview process, the students are admitted to the 150 bed facility. Once there the program hits them full force, with the days starting with physical training at 05:00 and ending with lights out at 20:45.
It’s important to note that while the TCA is targeted to at risk youth; it is not a juvenile detention center, court-ordered boot camp or a drug or alcohol treatment center. It is not affiliated with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice or the Texas Youth Commission, nor is military service required from cadets.
During the 15 hour day, in addition to standard school curriculum, the students are trained in conflict resolution, resume preparation, job application processes, communication skills, college financial aid programs and financial management. As an accredited high school, the Texas Challenge Academy is free to the families served and students have the opportunity to study and take the GED exam. Additionally, the TCA program doesn’t end once the cadets leave the 5 ½ month program either. After graduation, cadets meet with a mentor every week for 12 months to keep their resolve to change their lives for the better.
www.nationalguard.com
MG John Nichols delivers welcom address to TCA Staff and community leaders
From the Commander
Always Ready, Always There The 2015 Memorial Day floods reaked havoc across the Great State of Texas leaving hundreds of thousands of families without everyday essentials such as food, water, and shelter. Team 13’s Recruiters and RSP Warriors were ready to lend a hand and help serve one of the communities hit hardest by the floods.
Photo Courtesy of Team 13
Warriors unload boxes of cleaning supplies in preparation to begin
Community Service cleanup efforts around the flood stricken town of Wimberly, TX. In the wake of the Memorial Day floods, more than 80 TXARNG Recruiters and RSP Warriors volunteered to assist the town of Wimberley during its recovery. On the early morning of June 19th, Teams 12 and 13 began unloading donations and equipment and continued to do so for the remainder of the day.
is truly about. It’s not just about serving your country when called to go abroad, but really about being there for your local community when disaster strikes.” - SFC Melissa Bellman
“For [RSP] Warriors to have the opportunity to be involved with an important mission such as this, it gives them a sense of what being a part of the Texas Army National Guard
www.txarng.com www.facebook.com/texasarmynationalguard www.twitter.com/texasguard www.flickr.com/photos/txarng_recruiting
By MAJ August T. Murray, Ph.d Commander, TXARNG Recruiting and Retention BN
August Focus: Prior Service Recruiting Throughout the month of August the recruitment focus is on the Prior Service Market. Operation ‘Answer the Call’ runs the entire month. Regions, Teams, Recruiters and the Staff will be working ETS Rosters, IRR lists, DD-214s and marketing efforts to generate leads and work with prior service prospects and applicants. Please note the flyer included in this issue of the Minuteman, and become familiar with the benefits and incentives that we can offer to prior service Army, Navy, Marine, Air Force and Coast Guard personnel. Work with our strategic partners in DPS, TX Workforce Commission, Texas Veteran’s Commission and military recruitment fairs statewide to get the word out! We have hundreds of E4 to E6 positions to fill, and the National Guard always welcomes the experience and diversity that our Prior Service Veterans bring with them. Prior Service Veterans make GREAT National Guard Soldiers - let’s do our part to keep Texas Strong!
Recruiting & Retention HQ Hosts SMAC V Regional Conference On June 24th, RRAC V Chairman, LTC Keith Varner, conducted SMAC V training at Camp Mabry. RRAC V Commanders and SGMs were given the opportunity to discuss important issues such as best practices among recruiters, strategies to increase Youth Challenge enlistments, implementing a lead-generating smarphone app, and how to create more recruiting events at NG units.
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Lights!
Camera!
Say “CHEESE!”
A new initiative through the National Guard’s Professional Education Center (PEC) is now offering National Guard Soldiers the opportunity to pose for their state’s own marketing advertisements!
Have you ever known a recruiter that “joked” about one day being the poster child of the Texas Army National Guard? Maybe deep down, at some point, the same thought crossed your mind.
Currently, images of Recruiters in the new OCP and PT uniforms are sparse, therefore, in high demand around the nation.
Poses range from standing fast, at ease, tactical movements, with or without expressions, etc. For Soldiers who are scheduled to take courses Soldiers are even welcome to pose in business at PEC in Arkansas, that outcome is now a casual attire with props such as books, maps, definite possibility. mobile devices, and even sports gear. All photos are stored on the ANG Media Collec- TXARNG Soldiers who have their photos taken tive website and can be accessed by the state’s at PEC are asked to alert S5 Marketing to be on Marketing departments. the lookout for their photoshoot online.
Several TXARNG RRNCOs have since been featured on banners and flyers across the US
Rec. & Ret. Headquarters Journey to Washington D.C. for FY16 Clarificaton Throughout FY15, TXARNG witnessed many regulatory and fiscal changes which unfortunately in some cases, adversly affected its marketing strategies in the field. In order to ensure our Recruiters are properly equipped with the assets and programs needed to deliver their message, staff from Operations , Marketing and Budget visited with the National Guard Bureau. Once finalized later next month, an itemized list of “Do’s and Don’t’s” concerning sports packages and services will be made available to the field. Until then, if you have any questions concerning a possible campaign, please contact Marketing S5 with your concerns.
www.nationalguard.com
Staff from TXARNG’s Recruiting and Retention Command had the opportunity to take a tour of the White House during their three day, NGB site visit in Washington D.C.
Promotions & Badge Upgrades Congratulations are in order for the following Soldiers for their advancements within the Recruiting and Retention Battalion:
Accolades
Job Well Done!
Recruiting Badge Upgrades SFC Justin Frasier - Expert SFC Kristina Stefanos - Expert SGT Amber Minnick - Expert SSG Victor Cruz - Senior SSG Marcial Sepulveda - Senior Promotions SSG Tyrus Chongulia SSG Crystal Frietag SSG Justin Grandmont SSG Valerie Leamon SSG Rafael Martinez Special Recognition 1SG Sutherland successfully completed Sergeants Major Academy
MAJ Murray congratulates TXARNG Region 1SGs for their team’s achievements during the 3rd Quarter Awards Ceremony in Corpus Christi, TX.
Top BSM
Top RSP Sites
Quality Boots
Top RRNCOs
TXARNG’s top performing RRNCOs and Region Leaders awarded top honors during 3rd Quarter Awards and Retreat in Corpus Christi, TX. The RRNCOs, First Sergeants, and Region Commanders whom excelled in accessions during the third quarter, were invited, along with their families, to attend a three day weekend in Corpus Christi, TX. Soldiers and their families had the opportunity to enjoy the sights and attractions Corpus Christi, while also taking some time to share their recruitments best practices with one another. The awards ceremony took place at Landry’s Seafood Restaurant. Special Guest, COL Michelle Voorhees, was in attendance and shared past experiences and words of advice on how to maintain a successful path as a recruiting in the TXARNG.
COL Michelle Voorhees, Army G1
Photos of this event can be found at: www.flickr.com/photos/txarng_recruiting/
COL Ulis Makes Special Trip to Camp Mabry In July, NGB’s Chief GSS, COL Monie Ulis, paid a special visit to Camp Mabry and spoke to Recruiting and Retention’s Commanding Officers, NCOICs, and Staff. COL Ulis discussed upcoming plans, budgets, and quotas set for FY16 Texas’ region leaders were able to provide updates and input directly to the Chief GSS.
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R&R / BSM POCs
Commander MAJ August T. Murray (512) 782-1383 Executive Officer MAJ Jim Carney (512) 782-5404
Command Sergeant Major CSM Kristopher Dyer (512) 782-5163 BSM SGM SGM Richard Grantham (512) 782-5444 Strength Manager Assistant MSG Eric Miles 512-422-6958 72nd IBCT SSG Jimmy Smith (936) 205-2258 56th IBCT SFC William Pyles (512) 537-4841 36th CAB SFC John Homan john.a.homan4.mil@mail.mil
Operation
“Answer the Call” During the month of August, Recruiting and Retention’s target campaign will focus on increasing Prior Service accessions from within all U.S. Military branches.
answer the call Prior Service Members of the Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard who enlist in the TXARNG are eligible to receive the following benefits:
• Up To $15,000 Bonus
* Six year enlistment, AFQT 31 or higher, MOS qualified
• Tuition Assistance Federal - Up to 16 Credit Hours Fiscal Year State - Up to $9,000 Per School Year * Benefits can be stacked but not exceed 100%
• Post 9/11 Montgomery G.I. Bill • Medical and Dental Benefits • Retain Prior Service Rank * E7 and above require grade determination
• Monthly Drill and Two-Week Annual Training Pay • Retirement Program and Benefits Prior time and service will count towards your reserve retirement with the TXARNG
71st BFSB SSG Bryan Calhoun (210) 787-9127 176 th EN SFC Craig McCarty (512) 565-8849 DOMOPS (JTF-71/136 MEB) SFC James Banks (512) 517-6742 36th SUS SFC Chaz Patterson (254) 424-1039 TRP CMD / JFHQ / R&R / 36ID (Vacant) (512) 964-1361 RCT / IST SFC Veronica Torres (512) 782-1471
www.nationalguard.com
NATIONALGUARD.com
Marketing
Marketing will email this flyer and physically produce posters and distribute them among all regions. Please contact S5 for more information.
Recruiters should utilize the following entities in order to maximize their potential of Prior Service prospects:
Veteran job fairs Texas Workforce Commission Texas Veterans Commission Department of Public Safety National Guard Association of Texas Texas Association of Broadcasters
TXARNG and FFA Join Forces Once Again!
The Houston Astros host 300 National Guard members and their families on July 18th, 2015, as they conduct an on-field offical deployment ceremony.
Houston Astros Host Deploying Signal Guardsmen
For the second year in a row, the Texas Army National Guard is teaming up with Texas FFA Organization in efforts to recruit Texas’ brightest students. Active FFA members share and practice many of the same values as the Texas Army National Guard such as Duty, Respect, and Selfless Service. New program guidlines will be made available to all RRNCOs NLT 1OCT2015.
Story by: SGT Elizabeth Pena, PAO
HOUSTON — Friends and family of the Texas National Guard’s 136th Expeditionary Signal Battalion gathered at Minute Maid Park in Houston, Texas, July 18, 2015, to give their final blessings as the unit prepares to depart for Kuwait and surrounding areas for a nine-month deployment. The farewell ceremony, hosted by the Houston Astros, took place just before game two of their Lone Star Series against the Texas Rangers. The 136th ESB is a Houston-based signal battalion that belongs to Joint Task Force 136 (Maneuver Enhancement Brigade), headquartered in Round Rock, Texas. During their deployment, the unit will be responsible for providing voice and network capabilities to other military assets across seven countries, including Kuwait, Jordan, The United Arab Eremites, and Egypt. The battalion is made up of approximately 300 Soldiers from the Texas and Alabama National Guards and will fall under the regular Army’s 160th Strategic Signal Brigade while overseas.
TXARNG Recruiters and Staff Head to the Range
The ceremony featured the casing of the battalion colors, an Army tradition that is used to demonstrate an organization moving to a new theater of operations. The colors, which represent the 136th ESB’s mission and lineage, are carried wherever the unit goes and are kept safe by the senior enlisted member. In this case, that responsibility falls to the battalion command sergeant major, Command Sgt. Maj. Jeffrey Collins. “We are always ready to be on the move, it’s a part of our training,” said Spc. Raven Lewis, a logistics coordinator for the 136th ESB. “We make sure that we remain proactive in case we have to go support someone else.” This ceremony gives Soldiers one last opportunity to give their give their loved ones final hugs and kisses before stepping on the plane for the middle east. “It’s pretty cool to have the support from back home,” said Lewis. “Not only do you have your family with you but you have your support from people that live in the general area that want to see you return safely with the troops.”
Soldiers from the Texas Army National Guard’s Recruiting and Retention Battalion recently received M9 weapons familiarization at Camp Swift and Camp Bullis. This is in accordance with a directive given by Texas Governor Greg Abbott, following the attack on a recruitment center in Chattanooga, TN.
Soldiers Prove Texas Sized Strength At AFM’s Austin Fittest Competition
Photo by Lucia Briones
Photo by Lucia Briones
TXARNG Returns to GOT! Lead Potential The cities of Bryan and College Station, in collaboration with Texas A&M University, hosted nearly 30,000 student athletes, parents, and coaches during the 2015 Texas Amateur Athletic Federation’s Games of Texas. Students from all over Texas, ranging from ages 6 to 18, competed in more than a dozen events. National Guard Recruiters and RSP Warriors were on hand at
Texas Army National Guard returned to College Station, TX to assist in hosting the Texas Amateur Athletic Federation’s 2015 GAMES OF TEXAS. all events, either to assist with athletic events or answer questions about possibly joining the Texas Army National Guard. By the end of the weekend, strong leads were generated from motivated athletes and new relationships were established with COIs and VIPs. For the next two years, the Games of Texas will be hosted in McAllen, TX.
Michael Neu / Special to The Eagle
CSM Weedon delivers welcome address during Games of Texas Opening Ceremony
HQ’s Fight For Air Climb Photo by Lucia Briones
The sun was out, the air was hot, however, three
Community Awareness
Soldiers from R&R HQ, CPT Feather Wright, SFC Ryan
Texas Army National Guard Soldiers and staff members climb 31 flights of stairs to raise funds and awareness for victims of lung disease.
Hammet, and SSG Chris Gojanovich, persevered and gave it their all during AFM’s Annual Fittest Competition. Contestants, ranging from 19 to over 60 years of age, competed in 13 different obstacles, testing their agility, aim, speed, and strength. Fellow Soldiers showed their support stood close by to cheer them on throughout the day.
The Fight for Air Climb is one of the American Lung Association’s Signature fundraising events. With events in more than 65 cities, participants climb to raise funs in support of the mission to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease. Representing the Texas Army National Guard, members from Recruiting and Retention’s budget and marketing depart-
Photo by Lucia Briones
ments joined up and raced the 660 steps to the top of Austin’s Frost Tower building. In keeping with the National Guard’s standards and values, physical training and teamwork were two key elements which lead to the teams success. SFC Thibodeaux came in first with the quick time of 6:55. RRNCOs are welcome to share their team building activities with S5 Marketing.
Photo by Lucia Briones