2011 Fall NGAT News Magazine

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE NATIONAL GUARD ASSOCIATION OF TEXASF o u n d e d 1 9 5 9 • V o l u m e 5 2 • N u m b e r 3

Fall 2011

NGAT MAGAZINE CHANGES

Page 5

NGAUS CONFERENCE 4

EANGUS CONFERENCE Pages 18-19

NGAT CONFERENCE Pages 20-21

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W W W . N G A T . O R G H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H 3

ON THE COVER: Photos from the EANGUS Conference held in Charleston, WV and photos from the NGAUS Conference held in Milwaukee, WI. (Photos by 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 AUSTIN TX 78710 AND ADDITIONAL OFFICESPOSTMASTER: SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO: NGAT NEWS, 3706 CRAWFORD AVENUE, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78731-6803MEMBERS MAY EMAIL ADDRESS CHANGE TO: [email protected]

co

nte

nts

4/ Letter from the President

5/ NGAT News Format Change Announcement

6/ Members Spotlight

7/ Conference Update

Medal of Valor

8/ Legislative Update

9/ Wisian Appointed New ATAG

Air Guard Gets New Command Chief

Key Leadership Changes

10/ 176th Engr/36th ID Return Home

11/ Close Assault 1944/Nike Missile History

12/ Around the World with the Guard

14/ NGAUS Conference Recap

16/ Around Texas with the Guard

18/ EANGUS Conference Recap

19/ Cruz Re-Elected to EANGUS Exec. Council

20/ 2012 NGAT Joint Conference Information

NGATEF Scholarship Competition

The NGAT Awards Program

21/ 2012 NGAT Joint Conference Registration

22/ TAPS/Sponsors

24/ NGAT 2011-2012 Planning Calendar

10/ Homecomings

14/ NGAUS Conf. Recap

18/ EANGUS Conf. Recap

President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Justin Perryman

President-Elect . . . . . . . . . . . . . Charles Chavers

Vice-President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Daniel Quick

Secretary-Treasurer . . . . . . . Dewayne Naumann

HQ, TXMF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gerold Gamble

ARNG Troops . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Johnny Hairgrove

36th ID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John Crawson

72nd IBCT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Les Edwards Paula Daigle-Hutchins

56th IBCT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Craig Normand Jeremy Amis

36th Sustainment Bde . . . . . . . . . .Gene Cummins

36th CAB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ashley Brown

176th Engr Bde . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Delmas Vandine

71st BfSB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . James Dula

136th CSB (ME) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Artis Harden

HQ, TANG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ian Manire

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

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

136th AW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scott Wedel

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

Retired Rep – Region I . . . . . . . . . . Stan Kitzman

Retired Rep – Region II . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vacant

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

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

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

Editors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Theresa Billeck-ZunigaReid Douglass

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

NGAT NEWS

3706 Crawford Ave.

Austin, TX 78731

(512) 454-7300

1-800-252-NGAT (6428)

NGAT HOME PAGE

www.ngat.org

NGAT [email protected]@ngat.org

[email protected]@[email protected]

2 0 1 1 - 1 2 Board of Directors

H H H H H H H H H

4 H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H W W W . N G A T . O R G

P r e s i d e n t ’ s R e p o r t

OUR RECORD TEXAS SUMMER HEAT finally appears to have abated, and even 80 degree weather now feels

positively fall-like! And through the heat, the Guard kept up its own blistering operational pace. A large number of

Soldiers and Airmen have recently returned home from deployment, and many more are preparing for deployment this

fall and winter. Others have been responding to the fires that have devastated large areas of the state, underscoring once

again the broad mission set of our National Guard.

This past summer NGAT was well represented at the EANGUS Conference in Charleston, WV, with 45 attendees,

including 10 Soldiers and Airmen on professional development orders. This year’s NGAUS conference was in

Milwaukee, WI, and we had 47 attendees, including 9 Soldiers and Airmen on professional development orders.

Speakers at these two conferences included General McKinley, Chief of National Guard Bureau; Lt Gen Wyatt, Director

Air National Guard; MG Carpenter, acting Director of Army National Guard; and numerous other military, state and

political dignitaries. I would recommend that every NGAT member attend at least one EANGUS or NGAUS Conference during your career. There

is no better place to mingle and network with the movers and shakers of the National Guard. The hospitality suites aren’t bad either. Next year’s

EANGUS conference is in Long Beach, California, and the NGAUS conference is in Reno, Nevada. NGAT will be there, so please join us.

The underlying theme of the NGAUS and EANGUS conferences was that tomorrow’s military force will have to do more with less. The day of

unlimited budgets and carte blanch military benefits is over — at least for the near term. Associations such as NGAT, NGAUS, and EANGUS will

have to fight hard to retain those benefits we have secured over the past decade of war. Every benefit is on the table — retirement, education, health —

and nothing is safe. We cannot hope to protect these benefits without the membership and support of each and every soldier and airman in the Texas

National Guard. Strong membership undergirds our message, and validates our claim to represent you in Washington. We need each of you to help by

recruiting your fellow Guardsmen to join NGAT.

In addition, we need you to assist us in contacting your elected officials with your support of military legislation. This is very easy for you to do by

using CAPWIZ on either the NGAUS or EANGUS website. Simply go to www.NGAUS.org or www.EANGUS.org and click on the Legislative Action

Center or Legislative Alerts tabs. All you need is your address and a few minutes to make a big difference in our military benefits and laws.

It may be hard to believe, but the 83rd Texas Legislative Session is already in the planning stage. Military and veteran communities have been solicited

for potential legislation to present in the next session. Don’t hesitate to contact our NGAT office with your suggestions for new military and veteran

benefits, as well as those you want preserved. NGAT will be working hard to make the 83rd Session the most effective in our history, but we need

your support and assistance. Together we can accomplish a great deal.

This issue of the NGAT News Magazine will be the last paper issue provided to our entire membership. We will continue to publish the magazine

electronically, but the high cost of paper and mailing make it prohibitive to continue a printed copy. However, we realize that some of our members

rely exclusively on the printed page, so we are providing an opt-in provision for those people who wish to continue to receive a printed magazine.

Please see page 5 for details.

The 53rd Annual NGAT Conference will be held in Austin on March 23-25, 2012. In 2013 we will be in Dallas and in 2014 in Houston. This year’s

theme is more family-friendly than ever. Please bring your family for a Texas size great time.

Thank you for your continued support of our Association, and please join us in making your association the best ever!

Justin D. Perryman

MAJ, JA, TXARNG

President, NGAT

NGAT Past President

Col (Ret) Ed Komandosky and his wife

Susan enjoy a lobster dinner in Portland, Maine, while attending

continuing education for his

position as an insurance agent

for NGAT.

Members of the NGAT Board of Directors gathered for a strategic planning session at Camp Mabry to map out the association’s vision and goals for the future. (Photo by MSG (Ret) Theresa Billeck-Zuniga)


p YES, I would like to continue receiving a printed copy of the NGAT News Magazine.

p YES, I would like the NGAT News Magazine emailed to me.

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PLEASE PROVIDE NGAT WITH YOUR CURRENT EMAIL

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AVAILABLE FOR VIEWING WITHOUT YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS!

Mail Below Form to: NGAT • 3706 Crawford Ave. • Austin, TX 78731Please provide your name, address and email address to opt-in on the printed magazine.

THE NGAT NEWS IS GOING ELECTRONIC!

For the last several years, NGAT

has produced both a written and

electronic magazine. However,

starting with the next issue, NGAT

will be distributing printed copies

of the NGAT News Magazine only

to those members who opt-in to

receive the printed magazine.

THIS WILL BE YOUR LAST PRINTED MAGAZINE UNLESS YOU REQUEST TO RECEIVE THE PAPER COPY OF THE NGAT NEWS MAGAZINE.

If you would like to continue to receive a printed copy of the NGAT News Magazine, please contact NGAT to opt-in on the printed magazine in one of the following ways:

Call membership at

(512) 454-7300 or 1-800-252-NGAT

Email us to opt-in at

[email protected]

Fax us this request to

(512) 467-6803

Mail the form below to the

NGAT office


M E M B E R S S P O T L I G H T

OWENS RETIRES

STANDING PROUD

NGAT LIFE MEMBER STARTS HER MILITARY CAREER

NGAT Life Member MG Darren Owens (right) receives the Texas Superior Service Medal from the Adjutant General of Texas Maj Gen John Nichols at his retirement ceremony recently held at Camp Mabry while his wife Lori looks on. (Photo by SGM (TX)

Steve Gamboa)

Proud grandfather CSM (Ret) Bob Dashman (right) proudly stands with his grandson, PVT Mikeal Wyatt, after PVT Wyatt’s USMC graduation at USMC Recruit Depot in San Diego, CA. The comments from the commandant at graduation were memorable, telling the parents: 1. You will now hear your son saying words that sound odd coming from him, words like Sir and Ma’am. 2. When you feed him dinner, he will eat everything on his plate. 3. Regardless of what he says, he really does know how to make his bed. And finally, the one that got the loudest cheer of all: 4. I can assure you that he now knows the proper way to wear his pants!

PFC Portia Grant (NGAT Life Member) recently graduated from basic training at Fort Sill, OK. She

is now attending her Advanced Individual Training (AIT) at Fort

Sam Houston in San Antonio, TX to become a 68W (Health Care

Specialist). PFC Grant is a member of Co C 949th BSB and the daughter of NGAT Life Member SFC (Ret) Bill

and Kathy Grant.

CMSgt Marcus W. Falleaf was presented a DoD Meritorious Service Award by the Society of American Indian Government Employees (SAIGE) at the Cherokee Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Tulsa, OK during the annual conference. CMSgt Falleaf is one-half Delaware/Kaw Indian and the State Human Resource Advisor for the 147th Fighter Wing. He is also a former member of the NGAT Board of Directors.

Members of the 272nd Engineering and Installation Squadron, Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base, Houston, Texas, received the Bronze Star Medal for exceptionally meritorious service during combat operations while deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Pictured left to right are 147th Reconnaissance Wing Commander Col Jack Daniel, CMSgt Brian Wilhelm, MSgt Thomas Taylor, MSgt Lee Brasher and TSgt William Taylor. These airmen were assigned to the United States Army’s 359th Theater Tactical Signal Brigade in Afghanistan. All are members of the National Guard Association of Texas. (Photo by SSgt David Porcelle)

“CHIEF” RECEIVES NATIVE AMERICAN AWARD

BRONZE STARS AWARDED

Lt Col Gordon Niebergall (NGAT Life Member) of the 149th Fighter Wing is chasing his dream. The 42-year-old dirt bike racer qualified for the largest amateur motocross race in the world, the 30th Annual Red Bull AMA Amateur National Motocross Championships at Loretta Lynn’s Ranch in Hurricane Mills, TN. Niebergall took on over 20,000 hopefuls from across America to earn one of just 1,386 qualifying positions. Competing in the Senior 40 Plus division, he finished 32nd overall at the National Motocross Championship. Lt Col Niebergall is the Commander of the 149th Operations Support Flight and is an F-16 instructor pilot.

NGAT MEMBER WINS SPOT AT MOTOCROSS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP


15 October 2011

DISTRIBUTION FOR: NGAT Conference Attendee

SUBJECT: 53rd Annual NGAT Conference Update

1. The 53rd Annual Conference of the National Guard Association of Texas will be held jointly

with the TAG Commanders’ Conference on 23-25 March 2012 at the Austin Convention

Center and Radisson Hotel & Suites Austin Downtown in Austin, TX. The conference hotel

is the Radisson Hotel & Suites, Austin, TX. Please make your hotel reservations directly

with the hotel by calling 800-333-3333 or 512-478-9611. The hotel rate is $107 plus tax for

single/double accommodations. Please make your reservations prior to 24 February 2012 to

receive the discounted room rate.

2. All joint conference participants are invited to all sessions of the Commander’s Conference

unless it is noted as a closed session. Joint conference participants are also invited to attend

the NGAT Annual Business Meeting.

3. The NGAT business session will take place on Saturday, 24 March 2012.

4. Information pertaining to committee meeting times, tentative agenda, appropriate attire and

administrative instructions will be available on the NGAT website after 15 Nov 2011 at

www.ngat.org.

5. The deadline to register for the NGAT Conference is 9 Mar 2012. Meal packages will

not be available to on site registrations.

6. Scholarship applications are due to the NGAT office by 15 February 2012.

7. All Association members and friends of the Guard are encouraged to sponsor a Soldier or

Airman’s registration and lodging fees for the conference by becoming a Patriot Sponsor. To

become a Patriot Sponsor, simply enclose an additional $300 with your conference

registration fees. All Patriot Sponsors will be recognized in the NGAT Conference Program.

8. We hope to see you at our 53rd NGAT Conference, so make sure to reserve your hotel room

and register early.

Respectfully, Ray Lindner Executive Director

National Guard Association of Texas

3706 Crawford Avenue Austin, Texas 78731

(512) 454-7300 (TX) 1-800-252-NGAT

FAX: (512) 467-6803 www.ngat.org

RAYBURNS RECEIVES TEXAS MEDAL OF VALOR 26 YEARS AFTER LIFE-SAVING MISSION

NGAT LIFE MEMBER SGM LARRY RAYBURN, Information Operations Sergeant Major with the 36th ID headquarters in Basrah, Iraq, received the Texas Medal of Valor from MG Eddy M. Spurgin, 36th ID Commanding General. Rayburn earned the second highest Texas award for his actions during an ill-fated training exercise in 1985 when he was a lead scout with 2nd Platoon, Company G, 143rd Infantry (Airborne Ranger). During a training exercise in Germany on a cold day in January, Rayburn was one of two men of a five-man “stick” who escaped injury during an All-Weather Delivery System parachute jump, and he battled through the bitter cold and limited visibility to recover gear and his severely injured teammates. This was the first such jump for members of the Texas Army National Guard. The Lone Star Medal of Valor is presented to members of the Texas Military Forces for extraordinary acts of courage while in service to the Texas Military Forces. H

MAKE MONEY FOR YOUR UNIT!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. Applications for advertising can be found on the NGAT web site conference page.

GET YOUR BUSINESS NOTICED!While our tradeshow consists mainly of military related products and hardware, we are attempting to increase the number

of non-military related exhibitors and vendors. If you offer a product or service for sale that our Guardmembers could use, we invite you to exhibit at our conference. Whether you’re selling books or homemade pies, make-up, clothing or crafts, we think you could be a good addition to our show. We are offering a 10x10 complimentary exhibit space over the dates of our conference. We have a limited number of these complimentary exhibit spaces and will be offering them on a first-come-first-served basis. Download additional information on the NGAT website conference page.

Corporal Larry Rayburn in 1985.


L e g i s l a t i v e Update

Military Retirement and Health Benefits Under AttackAS THE NATION’S LEGISLATORS STRUGGLE to find ways to cut the federal debt, both military retirement and health benefits have been targeted for cuts in multiple proposals. The GI Bill is also undergoing scrutiny, and there are proposals to scale back the monthly benefits dramatically.

It is imperative that NGAT have your email address so we can alert you to impending legislation that may reduce benefits. Please email us at [email protected] to make sure we have your current email and street address. Please use a private email address, and not your government issued email address. Include your full name on the message to ensure we do not incorrectly post an address. H

Guard Empowerment Update• Sixty-five senators now sponsor legislation that would give the Guard’s

senior officer, the chief of the National Guard Bureau, a seat on the Joint Chiefs of Staff. To date, neither Sen. Hutchison nor Sen. Cornyn has signed on to sponsor this legislation.

• Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., and Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., introduced the National Guard Empowerment and State-National Defense Integration Act of 2011 (S. 1025) in late May.

• The House approved a similar proviso in May, meaning it now only needs Senate approval to be sent to the president, who committed to a Guard “seat at the table” in his 2008 campaign booklet, The Blueprint for Change:

Barack Obama’s Plan for America.

• Please contact these two senators and ask them for their support. You may use either ngaus.org or eangus.org to use their legislative alerts to send your message. H

U.S. Representative Charlie Gonzalez (TX-20) of San Antonio visits members of the Texas Air National Guard’s 149th Fighter Wing at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. (Photo by SSgt Phil Fountain)

Pictured left to right are LCDR (TX) Tim Kleinschmidt, LCDR (TX) Larry Gonzales, CDR (TX) Dan Flynn and BG (TX) Robert Bodisch as they pose in front of the Texas State Capitol following Flynn’s keynote address marking the anniversary of the Bataan Death March. Kleinschmidt, Gonzales and Flynn are all members of the Texas legislature and the Texas State Guard. (Photo by LT (TX) Dale Laine)

TEXAS NATIONAL GUARD MARKS DECADE OF POST-9/11 SERVICETEXAS ADJUTANT GENERAL MAJ GEN JOHN NICHOLS cuts the ribbon on the “9-11 and Beyond: The Texas National Guard in the War on

Terror” exhibit at the Texas Military Forces Museum while many of his senior officers, the TXMF Historical Foundation executive board members,

museum staff and volunteers, and political leaders look on. A special ceremony preceded the opening of the exhibit, with Maj Gen Nichols being

joined by Lt Gov David Dewhurst, U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul, State Senator Kirk Watson and Austin Mayor Lee Leffingwell, in addition

to Austin’s police and fire chiefs and many other distinguished politicians, to commemorate the tenth anniversary of 9-11 and pay tribute to the men

and women of the Texas Military Forces. The exhibit is the largest and most expensive in the museum, and includes displays on the Texas National

Guard’s support to Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, major Texas National Guard deployments, and many interactive

displays and presentations. H


WISIAN TAKES CHARGE OF THE TEXAS AIR NATIONAL GUARDTHE ADJUTANT GENERAL OF TEXAS

is pleased to announce that Governor

Perry has appointed Colonel Kenneth

W. Wisian to serve as the Texas Military

Forces Assistant Adjutant General for Air.

Colonel Wisian is the former Commander

of the 147th Reconnaissance Wing at

Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base in Houston, and has

been serving as the Acting Assistant Adjutant General for Air since

9 May 2011. Colonel Wisian received a bachelor’s degree in physics

from the University of Texas and a doctorate degree in geophysics

from Southern Methodist University. He holds a Master Navigator

rating in the Air Force and has logged more than 3800 flight hours

in a variety of aircraft. Colonel Wisian is a graduate of the Squadron

Officer School, the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School and the Air

Command and Staff College, and holds a master degree in strategic

studies from the US Army War College. H

Maj Gen John F. Nichols, Texas Adjutant General; CCMSgt Kevin O’Gorman, 136th Air Wing; and Col Kenneth W. Wisian, Assistant Texas Adjutant General for Air, face the audience as they prepare for the traditional “Passing of the Colors” at the Assistant Texas Adjutant General for Air change of command. Col Kenneth W.

Wisian took command of the Texas Air National Guard from outgoing, and now Texas Adjutant General, Maj Gen John F. Nichols at a ceremony at Camp Mabry in Austin,

TX, Sept 9, 2011. (Photo by SSG Malcolm McClendon)

OGORMAN NAMED TEXAS AIR NATIONAL GUARD COMMAND CHIEFCHIEF MASTER SERGEANT KEVIN J. O’GORMAN has been

named the Command Chief for the

Texas Air National Guard and will be replacing

retiring CCMSgt Sam Davis in January. He is the Command

Chief Master Sergeant for the 136th Airlift Wing. He

currently is a Flight Squadron Engineer Supervisor working

with the 181st Airlift Squadron in Fort Worth, Texas.

Chief O’Gorman entered the United States Air Force in

January 1974, and attended Aircraft Maintenance Specialist

School at Sheppard AFB, Texas. In September 1984, he

joined the Texas Air National Guard. Chief O’Gorman

was forward deployed in support of Operation Volant Oak

(Central & South America), Operation Southern Watch

(Oman), Operation Desert Shield/Storm (Saudi Arabia), and

Operation Provide Comfort (Iraq/Turkey). He also attended

Flight Engineer training and Instructor School at Little Rock

AFB, AR. Chief O’Gorman has deployed six times to five

different locations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom

(Afghanistan) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (Iraq). In two

of those locations, he not only flew combat lines, but was

assigned as the Deployed Operations Group Chief (Acting). In

April 2009, Chief O’Gorman assumed the duty as the 136th

Airlift Wing Command Chief Master Sergeant. H

Col Jack DanielCommander147th Reconnaissance Wing

CSM Richard Milford

Command Sergeant Major

Texas Army National Guard

Soldiers and airmen with Joint Task Force 71 participate in a change of command ceremony in Bryan, Texas, on Oct. 14, 2011. JTF-71 recently completed a National Guard Bureau evaluation for certification as the Homeland Response Force for FEMA Region VI. Outgoing commander COL Bill Hall transferred command to COL Lee Schnell (right), who received the unit’s colors from the Adjutant General of Texas Maj Gen John F. Nichols during the change of command ceremony. (Photo by SPC Andrew Oeffinger)

MG Eddy Spurgin (right), 36th ID commander, passes the 72nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team colors to COL Charles “Chuck” Aris during a change of command ceremony in San Antonio, Texas. The ceremony formally marked the 72nd IBCT’s transfer of leadership from retiring COL Mark Campsey to COL Charles Aris. (Photo by SGT Suzanne Carter)

TEXAS MILITARY FORCES LEADERSHIP CHANGES


HH

H HHH

36TH ID HOME FROM IRAQTHE 36TH INFANTRY DIVISION HEADQUARTERS returned to Central Texas, fresh from their command in southern Iraq. The Austin-based unit is only the third National Guard division headquarters to command reserve and active-duty troops in Iraq since the beginning of combat operations in Iraq and the subsequent reduction of U.S. military personnel. The 36th Infantry Division Headquarters’ 700 soldiers trained at North Fort Hood’s First Army Division West before deploying to Iraq in September 2010. They took command of the country’s U.S. Division-South in January.

The Guardsmen began returning last month, after relinquishing their command to the 25th Infantry Division of Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. The Texas soldiers worked to transfer military responsibilities to the Department of State and oversaw training of Iraqi security forces while in southern Iraq. Now that the Citizen-Soldiers of the 36th Infantry Division have successfully completed their historic one year mission, it’s time for most of them to become . . . citizens again. They return home to their families and their jobs with unique memories of Iraq and its people, and a better understanding of the world and its many cultures far outside the borders of Texas. H

36th Infantry Division band member SPC Carlos Meda reunites with his wife Erica at Fort Hood following their year-long separation while he supported Operation New Dawn in southern Iraq.

MG Eddy M. Spurgin (left), commander, 36th Infantry Division, and CSM Wilson Early case the 36th Infantry Division colors during a ceremony at Contingency Operating Base Basra signifying the completion of the 36th Infantry Division’s mission as command and control headquarters for U.S. Division – South. (Photo by SPC Brittany H. Gardner)

A proud father hugs his daughter upon her return from deployment with the 36th Infantry Division.

SFC Myron Rodriguez (left) and SSG Brandon Ramirez of the 176th Engineer Brigade step off the aircraft that brought them home from a year-long deployment to Afghanistan. (Photo by SFC Daniel Griego)

176TH ENGINEER BRIGADE RETURN HOME FROM AFGHANISTAN(Original Story by SFC Daniel Griego)

THE UNIT INSIGNIA OF THE 176TH ENGINEER BRIGADE proudly proclaims, “Quod Incepimus Conficiemus,” latin for, “What we have begun, we will finish.” The accomplished soldiers of the 176th Engineer Brigade recently returned home from a year-long deployment to Afghanistan. The brigade’s mission included humanitarian construction projects and road-clearing as U.S. forces continue to stabilize the region. The flight from Afghanistan routed through Germany and Illinois before finally touching ground at the Robert Gray Army Air Field on Thursday, July 7. This deployment was the first official mobilization for the Grand Prairie-based unit, although many of its soldiers have deployed previously with other units. While in Afghanistan, the brigade put their skills and training to the test as they supervised and directed all engineer efforts throughout the northern half of the country.

“It was an excellent mission,” said BG Lester Simpson, commander of the 176th Engineer Brigade. “It gave us an opportunity to work with Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine service members. More importantly, we worked with the Afghan National Army engineers, teaching them engineer fundamentals, as well as combat engineering.”

Now that the mission is complete and the unit is home again, the soldiers of the brigade will begin the process of family reintegration and returning to their home lives. These actions include family assistance gatherings such as yellow ribbon events, which offer focused guidance for soldiers and families following deployment. H

Family Members look on during the 176th Engineer Brigade welcome home ceremony held at the Gatesville High School gym in Gatesville, TX. (Photo by MSG (Ret) Theresa Billeck-Zuniga)

SPC Steven Ahrens is all smiles as he is greeted by his wife Annette and 8 month old daughter Summer, who was born during his deployment to Afghanistan with the 176th Engineer Brigade. (Photo by MSG (Ret) Theresa Billeck-Zuniga)


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CLOSE ASSAULT 1944COME JOIN THE TEXAS MILITARY FORCES MUSEUM at Camp

Mabry on November 12-13 for Close Assault: 1944! This hour-

long program focuses on the equipment of U.S. and German forces

in World War II and culminates in a reenactment of an attack on a

German strongpoint. Admission is free. For more information, please

visit www.texasmilitaryforcesmuseum.com or call 512-782-5659. H

NIKE MISSILE STORY COMING TO THE TEXAS MILITARY FORCES MUSEUMAS PART OF AN EXPANDED EXHIBIT on the

Cold War, the

Texas Military

Forces Museum

is planning

a display to

tell the story

of the Texas

Army National

Guard’s NIKE Missile

batteries. The museum is seeking photographs, paperwork, written or

oral histories and artifacts (uniforms, equipment and other items) to

help fill in the story of the batteries. In addition, anyone interested in

helping the museum fund this new exhibit is encouraged to contribute to

the cause. Those who have information or materials related to the Texas

National Guard NIKE Missile story can contact the museum at 512-

782-5659, or email Museum Director Jeff Hunt at [email protected].

mil or Deputy Director Lisa Sharik at [email protected]. H

http://www.texasmilitaryforcesmuseum.com

mailto:[email protected]




A R O U N D T H E W O R L D w i t h t h e T E X A S N A T I O N A L G U A R D

A member of Texas State Guard

Maritime Regiment 3rd Battalion works

on diving rescue techniques under

the instruction of a Texas Parks & Wildlife safety

diver during Annual Training in Houston,

TX. (Photo by LCDR (TX)

David Faltot)

CMSgt Joe Gipson (right) and TSgt Marcus Nevarez (far left) of the 136th Airlift Wing discuss C-130 engine problems with Chilean Soldiers during training in Santiago, Chile.

Members of Texas Team Alpha proudly display some of the medals they won during the 2011 Military Advisory Council V Combat Marksmanship Competition held at the Greenlief Training Center in Hastings, Nebraska. Pictured left to right are SGT George “Buddy” Holley (Joint Task Force 71), 1LT Robert Lee (101st FSB), MAJ John Conley (JFTX) and TSgt Donnie Hicks (147th RW). (Photo by Tanya Lippincott)

The 531st Air National Guard Band of the Gulf Coast from NAS Fort Worth JRB, Texas, poses for a group photo before performing at Redondo Beach Pier, Redondo Beach, CA. The band joins the 562nd Air National Guard Band of the Southwest for their 2011 tour in Camarillo, Woodland Hills, Anaheim, West Minster and Redondo Beach. (Photo by TSgt Charles Hatton)

SPC Don Comstock with the 111th Engr Bn leads a bulldozer through a fire break during firefighting efforts in Bastrop, Texas, on September 7, 2011. (Photo by SSG Malcolm McClendon)

SrA Luz Rivera, an aerospace medical technician with the

149th Fighter Wing, prepares an ambulance

before training operations begin at

the Texas Air National Guard 204th Security

Forces Squadron at Fort Bliss, Texas. (Photo

by SSgt Phil Fountain)


A R O U N D T H E W O R L D w i t h t h e T E X A S N A T I O N A L G U A R D

Sergeant Major of the Army Raymond F. Chandler III (right) poses for a picture with SPC Andrew Deason of A Co, 36th DSTB, at COB Basara, Iraq. (Photo by

SPC Brittany H. Gardner)

NGAT Life Member MAJ Michael and Holly Singleton enjoy a ride on a elephant in

Phuket, Thailand.

Members of the Texas Agribusiness Development Team 5 model the new “MultiCam” fire-resistant Army Combat Uniform issued to troops deploying to Afghanistan. Pictured left to right are NGAT Life Members CPT James Fields III, MAJ James Carney, SFC Edward Borgeson and CPT Chol Chong.

Task Force Commander LTC Timothy Senecaut (left) and CSM Bryan Senkirik uncase the colors of the 111th Engineer Battalion on FOB Deh Dadi 2 in Afghanistan to symbolize the operational control of the unit’s new area of operations.

The Wilkins family poses for a photo during their deployment together in Basra, Iraq, with the 36th Infantry Division. Pictured left to right are SPC Eldridge Wilkins Jr., SGT Roslyn Wilkins and MSG Eldridge Wilkins Sr. (Photo by PVT Andrew Slovensky)

36th Infantry Division Soldiers enjoy front-row entertainment as Chaka Khan performs at the old Post Exchange on Contingency Operating Base Basra. (Photo by SPC Brittany H. Gardner)

CW3 Rodney Hammack (left) and CW2 Xlenske Sampson, 36th Infantry Division, slice a birthday cake at Contingency Operating Base Basra, Iraq, to celebrate the Army Warrant Officer Corps’ 93rd birthday. (Photo by PVT Andrew Slovensky)


NGAT President MAJ Justin Perryman (right) presents an NGAT coin to 2Lt Kristopher Bartels (center) for finishing 2nd in the NGAUS Fun Run for his age group. He also presented 2Lt Alyson White (left) with an NGAT coin for conducting the roll call for Texas at the NGAUS conference. (Photo by MSG (Ret) Theresa Billeck-Zuniga)

BG Lester Simpson and his wife Antionette are ready to roll at the NGAUS Governor’s Reception held at the Harley-Davidson Museum. General Simpson and his wife also attended a unique event at this year’s conference: the “Freedom Ride.” The “Freedom Ride” was a motorcycle road trip from the streets of Milwaukee to the scenic countryside of Holy Hill. (Photo by MSG (Ret) Theresa Billeck-Zuniga)

2Lt Kristopher Bartels poses for a photo with Chip Foose, a hot rod shop owner, automotive designer and fabricator, and former star of the reality TV series Overhaulin’ on TLC, at the NGAUS conference.

MARK YOUR CALENDARSeptember 9-12, 2012 - Reno, NV

133rd NGAUS ConferenceMilwaukee, WisconsinTHE 133RD NGAUS CONFERENCE was held in

Milwaukee, WI. Despite the intrusion of Hurricane Irene,

the conference went on as planned in the city famous for beer,

brats and bikes — the motor kind, specifically those named Harley-Davidson.

While Hurricane Irene prevented one advertised speaker from appearing and

forced another to appear by video, the 133rd General Conference maintained

the association’s reputation for bringing substantive guests to the gathering to

address serious issues.

Most speakers addressed the conference theme, The National Guard: Right

for America, and covered a number of military and homeland security issues

affecting the Guard, including overseas operations, domestic missions, and

the impact of the current fiscal challenges on the defense budget.

Another matter of interest during the conference was a bill on Capitol Hill

that would elevate the NGB chief to the Joint Chiefs of Staff. With passion,

eloquence and more than a smidge of anger, MG Frank Vavala, the chairman

of the NGAUS board, implored more than 2,000 National Guardsmen at

the Conference to raise their voices and make a strong push now to put the

National Guard on the Joint Chiefs of Staff. “It’s up to all of us here and

every man and woman in our ranks,” said Vavala, the Adjutant General of

Delaware. “We can get this done.”

Speaking in a forceful voice and pounding the podium for emphasis, Vavala

said the Guard has never been closer to putting the chief of the National

Guard Bureau on equal standing with the heads of the Army, Air Force, Navy

and Marines. In fact, Vavala noted, the Marines are a smaller force than

the National Guard, yet have a seat on the JCS and five four-star generals

to the Guard’s one. “I’m damned mad and you should be, too,” he said in

the opening session of the three-day conference. You can help “Write to

Congress” by using the link on the NGAT website. Every voice counts!! www.

ngat.org/alerts.php H

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hot_rod

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reality_TV

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overhaulin%27

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TLC_(TV_channel)

http://www.hgiaustin.com


A R O U N D T E X A S w i t h t h e T E X A S N A T I O N A L G U A R D

REMEMBERING SEPTEMBER 11TH

GIRL POWER

F-16 GETS A NEW PAINT JOB TEXAS STYLE

GULF OF MEXICO JOINT EXERCISE

COUNCIL OF RETIRED EXECUTIVES FORMED AT CAMP MABRY

FINAL EQUIPMENT CHECK

Former general officers attend the inaugural conference of the Council of Retired Executives in the Texas Military Forces Museum at Camp Mabry, Texas. The Adjutant General of Texas proposed the idea of the senior mentor team comprised of retired military leaders, who will lend their experience and guidance for the benefit of the Texas National Guard. A long-term relationship with former general officers ensures that their years of knowledge will not be lost and will remain available to Texas Military Forces. (Photo by SPC Praxedis Pineda)

Soldiers from 101st IO Group in Austin, TX participated in the Texas Firewalkers 10 year memorial to commemorate the lives of those who died on Sep 11, 2001. Each participant was assigned an accountability tag for one of the 343 New York Fire Department firefighters that lost their life responding to the twin towers. The following Soldiers climbed in their honor (left to right): SGT Raul Gonzalez, 2LT Sabrina Zowada, CPT David Pattillo, SSG Ushave McKinney, SPC Cynthia Vargas, MSG Susan Haley and SSG Carlos Peralez.

Texas National Guardsmen from C Co, 3-124th CAV, check their gear prior to airborne ops. The Soldiers jumped out of a CH-47 during their drill weekend. (Photo by SSG Malcolm McClendon)

The Audie Murphy Warrant Officers Association conducted a 100-mile Relay Race in early October at Camp Mabry to raise money for their scholarship program. The winning team was named “Girls Can’t What?,” with a winning time of 16 hours 24 min. Members of the team left to right are: 1LT Crystal Garcia, CPT Melva Rivera, CPT Laura Cross, CPT Yael Rackley, MAJ Laura Jane Stephens, LTC Sharon Henderson, MAJ Heather Flores, Carol Sutherland-Spencer, SSG Millie Henderson and SSG Daisy Prieto.

USAF F-16C block 30 #87-0255, the flagship for the 149th Fighter Wing at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, was unveiled with a special livery on 1 October 2011. Known as the Lone Star Gunfighters, the 149th FW’s specialty scheme graphically shows the unit’s connection to the state of Texas and is part of a year-long celebration leading up the unit’s 65th anniversary in October 2012. (Photo by SSgt Phil Fountain)

The joint efforts of the 19th Special Forces, the 627th Engineer Dive Detachment, the 294th Quartermaster Company and the 108th Aviation Task Force led to the successful completion of a water jump and hazard familiarity exercise in Corpus Christi, Texas. (Photo by SSG Melissa Bright)


A R O U N D T E X A S w i t h t h e T E X A S N A T I O N A L G U A R D

Protecting our SoldierS Anytime, Anywhere. With over one million hard body armor inserts and over 15 million load carrying components fielded and proven, BAE Systems provides affordable, versatile solutions to suit all of your mission needs. From lightweight personal protection equipment to aircrew survivability, BAE Systems is a trusted partner for the National Guard.

181st Special Operations Weather Team (SOWT), Texas Air National Guard, rehearse their checklist prior to jumping out of a C-130 belonging to the 136th Airlift Wing at Naval Air Station Fort Worth, Joint Reserve Base, Texas, on Aug. 26, 2011. The SOWT are combat trained meteorologists who are part of special operations. (Photo by SMSgt Elizabeth Gilbert)

CHECKING THE WEATHER TRAINING FOR MOBILIZATION

SOLDIERS HELPING SOLDIERS

SPC Jaime Rios (far right), along with fellow Guardsmen, pulls an injured soldier to safety. The Texas National Guardsmen from Alpha Troop, Task Force Raptor (3-124 CAV), have been brushing up on their soldiering skills during Pre Mobilization Training at Camp Swift, Texas. (Photo by SSG Malcolm McClendon)

Soldiers from HHC 136 MP BN stop for a photo during the Country For Our Country Benefit Concert on 24 September in Tyler, TX. Country For Our Country is

a non-profit, all volunteer organization that raises money for Wounded Soldiers and Veterans. More info is available at www.countryforourcountry.org. Pictured right to

left are CPT Chris Sanders, SGT Scotty Smothermon, SPC Cody Smothermon and SPC Elizabeth Neiderauer. During the event SPC Cody Smothermon re-enlisted for

6 years on stage in front of the crowd.


NGAT Sponsored Airmen chat with Air National Guard Command Chief CCMSgt Christopher Muncey (center) at the EANGUS Conference. Pictured left to right are SSgt Patrick Watson, TSgt Klaus Riel, Chief Muncey, NGAT President-Elect CMSgt Charles Chavers and TSgt Michael Wolff.

40th Annual EANGUS Conference Charleston, West Virginia THE 40TH ANNUAL EANGUS CONFERENCE was held in early August in Charleston, West Virginia. Guardsmen attending the annual conference got a chance to meet various vendors, as well as listen to senior leaders touch on the Guards ever expanding role in defending the country. One of the highlights of the conference was when EANGUS presented the “NGAT News” with the award for the

best publication of a combined association. This is the third year in a row that the NGAT News has received this honor, thanks to the tireless efforts of our editors MSG (Ret) Theresa Billeck-Zuniga and Reid Douglass.

Join us for the EANGUS Area IV Mid-Winter Conference scheduled for 25-26 Feb 2012 in St. Louis, MO. Registration forms are available on the NGAT website. Mark your calendar and plan to attend the 41st Annual EANGUS Conference scheduled for 26-29 Aug 2012 in Long Beach, CA. H

Members of the Texas delegation take a break for a photo with CCMSgt W. Allen

Usry (in the white shirt), NORAD and U.S. Northern Command Senior Enlisted

Advisor, at an EANGUS Conference hospitality room.

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

CCMSgt (Ret) Richard A. Smith (left) was the ninth Command Chief Master Sgt. to the Director, Air National Guard, National Guard Bureau. He takes a moment to talk with former NGAT President and former Texas Command Chief CCMSgt (Ret) Bill Maginot during hospitality night at the EANGUS Conference.


NGAT has partnered with Life Line Screening, the nation’s largest mobile vascular screening provider in the country. Anywhere our members are located, Life Line Screening has local presence through community events at various locations and times of the year, which you can take advantage of through our discounted member program.

Life Line Screening offers painless, noninvasive ultrasound screenings for stroke and vascular disease. These are tests that are often not part of routine physicals and can only be ordered by your doctor if symptoms are present, and by then, many times it can be too late. Prevention is key.

The 4-test package includes:1. Stroke Screening/Carotid Artery $60 Screens for buildup of fatty plaque in the carotid artery, the #1 cause of stroke. 2. Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening $60 Screens for the existence of an aneurysm (enlargement) in the abdominal aorta that could lead to a ruptured aortic artery.3. Peripheral Arterial Disease Screening $60 Screens for peripheral arterial disease in the lower extremities, which is linked to coronary artery disease.4. Atrial Fibrillation Screening $60 Screens for the most common irregular heart beat, which increases the risk of stroke 5-fold.

NGAT members & family: sign up for all 4 tests and pay member price of only $135.

Additional tests include:• Heart disease risk• Osteoporosis risk• Elevated C-reactive protein• 6 for Life• High cholesterol • Type 2 diabetes• Elevated liver enzymes

View the Life Line Screening schedule on-line at www.lifelinescreening.com or call to find the next event in your area 1-866-964-5845. Please mention priority code: CSMS-011 when calling to get our special price.

SGT MIREYA CRUZ (center in the green shirt) of the Joint Forces Headquarters is sworn in as the EANGUS Area IV Chair. This will be SGT Cruz’s second time to serve as the EANGUS Area IV Chair. As a member of the EANGUS Executive Council, she will participate in the general supervision of the affairs of the Association between General Conferences. She will also oversee the two area directors, act as a representative of the Association, and provide liaison between the Association and the states in her respective area through visits and by providing information and advice on Association matters. EANGUS Area IV consist of state associations from AR, KS, LA, MS, MO, OK and TX. H (Photos by MSG (Ret)

Theresa Billeck-Zuniga)

SGT Mireya Cruz (center) discusses EANGUS issues with the Texas Senior Enlisted Advisor CSM Bradley Brandt (right) and Texas Command Chief CCMSgt Sam Davis (left) at the EANGUS Conference.

JOIN EANGUS BEFORE DUES INCREASEOn December 30-31, 2011, the EANGUS online membership application function will be turned off for the purpose of updating the new Annual Dues rates for EANGUS. The online application function will be turned back on January 1, 2012, reflecting the new national level Annual dues increase from $9.00 to $11.00 per year. Save some money and renew your EANGUS dues for 2 or 3 years prior to December 31, 2011, on the NGAT website.

Cruz Elected to Another Term on the EANGUS Executive Council


The 53rd Joint Conference will be held 23-25 March 2012 at the Austin Convention Center and Radisson Hotel & Suites, Austin, TX.

Registration

All Attendees must pay the registration fee.Registration is $15.00 per person.

Meal Packages• Early Bird Registration fee is $90 and closes on 31 January 2012.

• Regular Registration fee is $100 and closes on 9 March 2012.

(Please note that the deadline for meal packages is 9 Mar 2012.)• Meals packages will not be available to onsite registrants.

• All cancellation requests must be received in the NGAT office prior to 16 March

2012. An administrative fee of $10 per registration will be subtracted from the

refund amount .

Hotels• Radisson Hotel & Suites Austin Downtown, 111 Cesar Chavez, Austin, TX 78701.

• Make your reservations with the hotel directly at: 800-333-3333 or

512-478-9611 (central reservations).

• Hotel rate: $104 single/double plus tax.

(NGAT cannot guarantee rooms after 24 February 2012)

AttireCommanders 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

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 2012 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 2012 in the NGAT office.

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

Annual Scholarship Competition

The NGAT Awards Program

H H H Join us in Austin at the NGAT Conference!H H H

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

Conference Optional EventsOptional Activities on Friday will include some new activities along with Fun Run, Texas Hold’em Poker Tournament, Wine Tasting, and Skeet & Trap. New optional events this year include a 42 Tournament, Painting with a Twist, Zumba dance and workout event, and Texas Capitol and Bob Bullock Texas History Museum Tours.• Golf Tournament — Shotgun start, Florida scramble with low net/ low gross competition. • Skeet & Trap Tournament — To be held in Troy, Texas .• Painting With A Twist — An enthusiastic local artist will lead you step by step through

the process of recreating the featured artwork . www .paintingwithatwist .com • Zumba, Intro to Zumba Fitness — Latin-inspired dance-fitness program that blends

red-hot international music and contagious steps to form a “fitness-party” that is downright addictive . www .zumba .com

• 9th Annual Silent Auction — Come take advantage of the great bargains .• NGAT Welcome Party — The NGAT Welcome Party will take place at the Radisson Hotel

& Suites. Come prepared to visit with friends. The evening will include a casino night and musical entertainment with a cash bar . This version of the traditional welcome party will allow everyone time to get into some casual wear and head out to Austin’s famed 6th Street to sample the variety of music venues and restaurants .

• 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 . • Saturday Dinner — Dinner presentations include the Minuteman and Scholarship awards .

After dinner, guests will have an opportunity to visit hospitality suites .• Hospitality Suites will be located at the Hotel . Units will compete for best suite .• The NGAT Social Lounge — Visit and mingle with friends in a more conversation-friendly

environment .• Enjoy a delicious breakfast, fellowship and prayer during the NGAT Prayer Breakfast on

Sunday morning .

http://www.ngat.org/

http://www.ngat.org/

http://www.ngat.org


Please � Army � Retired Army � Air � Retired Air � State Guard

Check: � Spouse � Guest _____ # Conferences Attended

Rank:_______________________ Name:________________________________________________________________________

Unit:_______________________________________ Email Address:_________________________________________________

Home Address:_____________________________________________ Daytime Phone:(____)______________________________

City/State:_____________________________ Zip:________________ Cell:(____)________________________________________

Badge Name:_________________________________ Spouse/Guest Name:___________________________Rank: ___________

Please indicate any special needs (i.e. disability, dietary, etc.) ______________________________________________________

� Renew my NGAT Membership E1-E6: $15 E7-O/CW3: $20 O/CW4-O/CW5: $25 O6-O8: $30 Associate/Retired: $20

Junior Enlisted Package (E1-E6 only)$250 ea

� Attendee Lunch (circle one) LE RL � Spouse/Guest Lunch (circle one) LE RL SL DeadlineHotel Room � King � Double (NGAT will book the hotel room for this package) 1 Feb 2012

� Attendee Registration Fee $15� Spouse/Guest Registration Fee $15

$90 ea$100 ea

� Attendee (circle one) LE RL SL � Spouse/Guest (circle one) LE RL SL

Saturday Breakfast Only Package� Attendee Breakfast � Spouse/Guest Bkft $20 ea

Saturday Lunch Only Package� Attendee (circle one) LE RL � Spouse/Guest (circle one) LE RL SL $30 ea

Saturday Dinner Only Package� Attendee � Spouse/Guest $50 ea

Golf Tournament (Fri) $75 ea Names of Golf Team: Wine Tasting (Fri) $15 ea

Fun Run (Fri) � Member � Spouse/Guest $20 ea

Skeet & Trap Shoot (Fri) Gun not provided � Member � Spouse/Guest $40 ea

TX Hold'em Tournament (Fri) � Member � Spouse/Guest $30 ea

Painting With a Twist (Fri) 2 hr Painting Class � Member � Spouse/Guest $45 ea

42 Tournament (Fri) Dominoes � Member � Spouse/Guest $10 ea

Capitol/Bob Bullock Museum Tour (Fri) � Member � Spouse/Guest $25 ea

Zumba - Intro to Zumba Fitness (Sat) � Member � Spouse/Guest FREE

Prayer Breakfast (Sun) � Member � Spouse/Guest $25 ea

� Check Enclosed (Please make check payable to NGAT)Charge my: � MasterCard � Visa Expiration Date: ____________Card #: ____________________________________________________Name of Cardholder:___________________________________________Signature of Cardholder: _______________________________________

SubTotal: $____________

$____________$____________

Please select one - LE - Lunch w/Exhibitors RL - Retiree Luncheon SL - Spouses Luncheon

The unit you wish to sit with at the Dinner:_______________________________________________________________________

53rd NGAT Conference 23 - 25 March 2012 Austin Convention Center/Radisson Hotel Downtown

Joint Conference Registration Form

$____________

SUBTOTAL

$____________

Renew Your NGAT Membership Dues

Total (Credit Card):

Join

t Con

fere

nce

Fees

________________________________________________

$____________

Welcome Party, Saturday Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner (After 1 Feb 2012)

Meal Packages (Registration fee required with all packages)Full Meal Package Includes - Joint Sessions, Exhibits, Hospitality Rooms, (Early Bird Special)

Select a time 1230-1330 ______ 1400-1500 ______

� Member Handicap: ____ � Spouse/Guest Handicap: ____

Registration - All Attendees Must Pay Registration Fee

$____________

$____________

$____________

$____________

$____________

$____________

$____________

$____________

$____________

MEAL PACKAGES WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE TO THOSE WHO REGISTER ONSITEMail to NGAT: 3706 Crawford Avenue, Austin, Texas 78731 or Fax to: (512) 467-6803 or Email to: [email protected]

$____________

Total (Check):

NGAT Junior Enlisted Package (Includes registration)

Includes 2 Full Meal Packages, 2 Registrations and 2 Nights at the Radisson Hotel $____________

Donation - NGAT Educational Foundation $____________

Credit Card Handling Fee (Add 4%):

Specify T-Shirt Size:

$____________

$____________

NGAT Optional Events (not included in Basic Registration or Meal Packages)

$____________

$____________

$____________$____________

S M L XL XXL S M L XL XXL

53rd NGAT Joint Conference H 23-25 March 2012Austin Convention Center/Radisson Hotel Downtown


TA P S (as of 10/15/11)

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

Recruiting & Retention

Mr. Mike R. Arevalo, Life Member #23954, Retired, San Antonio

Mr. Hershell L. Barnes, Life Member #4915, Retired, Dallas

SGT Robert Bonitto, C Co 1/141 INF, Hondo

SGT L.B. Bradley, Retired, Waco

Mr. James R. Buckhannan, Life Member #10603, Retired, Beaumont

MSG Larry C. Carns, Life Member #3393, Retired, Bullard

MAJ Richard G. Carpenter, Life Member #3969, Retired, Bonham

CW2 Howard J. Cook III, 171st AVN, San Antonio

SGT Raymond L. Curry, Life Member #18673, Retired, San Antonio

Col Richard G. “Dick” Fenner, Life Member #3685, Retired, Houston

SSG Oscar Flores, Life Member #32387, Retired, Corpus Christi

Mr. Gerald W. “Jerry” Fritsche, Retired, Austin

MAJ James M. Hargett, Life Member #11750, Retired, Austin

Mr. Donald J. Hollinger, Life Member #14236, Retired, Waco

Mr. Larry W. Kitchens, Life Member #19064, Retired, Victoria

CMSgt Billy B. Lamar, Life Member #212, Retired, La Porte

CMSgt Mike “Mikey” Menting, Retired, Cub Run KY

TSgt Irwin “Bill” Murmer, Retired, Dickinson

PV2 Dudley E. Nickel Jr., Life Member #16868, Retired, Fort Worth

*SGT Terric M. Neighbors, Co G 372nd BSB, Beaumont

LTC Larry W. “Red” Reeves, Life Member #3196, Retired, Lewes DE

MSG Richard A. Reinert, Retired, Austin

SSG Norman R. Ringer, Life Member #20622, Retired, McGregor

CSM Anthony Sandoval, Life Member #5924, Retired, West Point

SSG Horace L. Stewart, Life Member #14807, Retired, Spring

1SG John F. Sweeney, Life Member #10854, Retired, Jermyn

SSG Robert W. Thomas Sr., Life Member #29206, Retired, Gilmer

Col Maurice H. Udell, Life Member #4780, Retired, Friendswood

*Mr. James S. Vail, Life Member #16241, Retired, Ore City

SGM Morris D. Wallis, Life Member #435, Retired, Austin

TSgt Robert E. Yandell, Life Member #13975, Retired, Maypearl

*Had NGAT Life Insurance

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

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

our office or by email at [email protected].


Thank You forProtecting Property and Saving Lives in Texas

Thank You

National Guard Association of Texas3706 Crawford AvenueAustin, Texas 78731-6803

NatioNal Guard associatioN of texas

NGAT PLANNING CALENDAR(As of 15 October 2011)

20117 Nov NGAT Board Meeting, Austin, TX

11 Nov Veterans Day (NGAT Office Closed)

24-25 Nov Thanksgiving Holiday Observed (NGAT Office Closed)

13 Dec National Guard Birthday

26-30 Dec Christmas Holidays Observed (NGAT Office Closed)

201216 Jan Martin Luther King Jr. Day (NGAT Closed)

20 Feb President’s Day (NGAT Office Closed)

25-26 Feb Area IV EANGUS Mid Winter, St Louis, MO

27 Feb NGAT Board Meeting, Austin

23-25 Mar 53rd ANNUAL NGAT CONFERENCE, Austin

28 Apr 2nd Annual TXMF Senior NCO Reunion, Waco

7 May NGAT Board Meeting, Austin

28 May Memorial Day (NGAT Office Closed)

14 Jun U.S. Army Birthday/Flag Day

4 Jul Independence Day (NGAT Office Closed)

6 Aug NGAT Board Meeting, Austin

26-29 Aug EANGUS Conference, Long Beach, CA

9-12 Sep NGAUS Conference, Reno, NV

2011 Fall NGAT News Magazine

Documents

Transcript of 2011 Fall NGAT News Magazine