H H
H H
Spring 2006
N A T I O N A L G U A R D A S S O C I A T I O N O F T E X A S N A T I O N A L G U A R D A S S O C I A T I O N O F T E X A S
N A T I O N A L G U A R D A S S O C I A T I O N O F T E X A SN A T I O N A L G U A R D A S S O C I A T I O N O F T E X A S
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 4 7 • N u m b e r 1
President George W. Bush bust unveiling at the
National Guard Memorial Building in Washington, D.C.
See article p. 17
© USAA 2006. All rights reserved. 1635:13523
you’ve earned more than our respect
Call 800.531.0483 today to join
or visit usaa.com.
You’ve earned our service. Your commitment to your country earns you respect, admiration and exclusive benefi ts only available through USAA.
USAA has served the military and their families for over 80 years. We are millions of members strong, giving us the power to offer superior insurance and fi nancial products available only through our combined strength.
USAA means United Services Automobile Association and its affi liates. Use of the term “member” does not convey any legal rights, eligibility rights for USAA property and casualty insurance, or ownership rights in United Services Automobile Association..
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 �
PRESIDENTTheresa Billeck-Zuniga
PRESIDENT-ELECTMarcos SantillanVICE-PRESIDENT
Jeffrey MerrillSECRETARy-TREASURER
Michele LittleHQ, TXMF
Aileen PhillipsARNG TROOPS
Art Souza36ID TROOPSJustin Perryman
72ND BDEJuan Medrano
56TH BDEJeff Breor71ST BDE
Vacant36ID DIVARTyLeonard Ruiz
36ID AVIATIONWayne Sinibaldi36ID ENGINEERAnthony Simms36ID DISCOMMichele LittleHQ, TANGTony West149th FWCraig Folts147th FW
Vacant136th FWScott TyrrellREGION I
VacantREGION II
VacantREGION III
Harold MartinTEXAS STATE GUARD
Jerry IcenhowerFAMILy READINESS
Meg McNeelyPUBLISHER
MediaNation, Terri SheetsEDITOR
Frank ZunigaEXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Ray LindnerNGAT News
3706 Crawford Ave.Austin, TX 78731
(512) 454-73001-800-252-NGAT (6428)
NGAT HOME PAGEwww.ngat.org
NGAT [email protected]@ngat.org
[email protected]@ngat.org
2006-07 Board of Directors
Page 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Letter from the President
Page 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36th Infantry Division Change of Command
Pages 6-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NGAT Conference Wrap Up
Page 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NGAT Conference Competition Winners
Pages 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NGAT Conference Awards
Page 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Adjutant General’s Performance Excellence Competition
Pages 12-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Around the World with the National Guard
Page 15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111th Area Support Group Arrives Home
Page 16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NGAT Legislative Task Force – Washington, D .C .
Page 17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bust Dedication with President Bush
Page 19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scholarship Winners
Page 20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Airborne Reunion Announced
Page 22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Muster Day at Camp Mabry
Page 23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NGAT Planning Calendar
NGAT NEWS (USPS 015-752) IS PUBLISHED QUARTERLy By THE NATIONAL GUARD ASSOCIATION OF TEXAS, 3706 CRAWFORD STREET, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78731-6308.
SUBSCRIPTIONS ARE FOR MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL GUARD ASSOCIATION OF TEXAS.
POSTMASTER: SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO: NGAT NEWS, 3706 CRAWFORD STREET, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78731-6803
H H C O N T E N T S H H
36th Infantry Change of Command P. 5 Performance Excellence Competition P. 10 Bust Dedication P. 17
© USAA 2006. All rights reserved. 1635:13523
you’ve earned more than our respect
Call 800.531.0483 today to join
or visit usaa.com.
You’ve earned our service. Your commitment to your country earns you respect, admiration and exclusive benefi ts only available through USAA.
USAA has served the military and their families for over 80 years. We are millions of members strong, giving us the power to offer superior insurance and fi nancial products available only through our combined strength.
USAA means United Services Automobile Association and its affi liates. Use of the term “member” does not convey any legal rights, eligibility rights for USAA property and casualty insurance, or ownership rights in United Services Automobile Association..
� 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
A S S O C I A T I O N N E W S
President’s ReportI want to begin by thanking everyone that attended our 47th Annual NGAT Conference in Austin. We
had a lot of success with many of the changes we made to the conference and yet at the same time
we have identified areas we can improve on. We are using your after action comments to identify
desired improvements to the conference. I am very proud that we were able to accomplish so much
and to discuss association business in an open forum during the business session.
As you heard during the conference, we are always looking for volunteers who are willing to get
involved with our NGAT committees such as the Legislative Committee, Conference Planning
Committee, Membership Committee, and Awards Committee just to name a few. We are also
looking for others who want to be part of our legislative fax/email brigade.
My sincere thanks goes to Mario Alayon, our past president, who went the extra mile to stay active and involved while being
deployed and serving our association as president. Though his vision and that of other recent presidents we have begun to
make changes that are now noticeable and beneficial to this association. This is similar to a change of command, because
even though the leadership comes and goes, the organization continues to march. As I welcome our new NGAT Board of
Directors, I want to thank those leaving the board for all their hard work and dedication.
Each new President comes to office with a vision of what they want to achieve during their tenure. I have four goals for the
next year. First, I want to increase our membership in NGAT and in our national organizations (EANGUS and NGAUS). Second,
I want to rejuvenate our committees and expand participation to all members of the association and create better guidelines
within these committees. Third, I want to continue to improve our robust legislative program. Finally, I would like to identify
and obtain additional benefits we could offer our members of all ages.
I am truly honored to serve you as your President for the coming year. One of my favorite sayings is “No one cares how much
you know until they know how much you care.” I truly care about NGAT and want to hear from you. After all, this is not my
association — it is our association. Feel free to email me your comments or concerns at [email protected].
Thank you again for doing your part, and remember, “WHILE YOU’RE WORKING FOR US, NGAT IS WORKING FOR YOU.”
THERESA M. BILLECK-ZUNIGA
MSG, TXARNG
NGAT President
Theresa Billeck-Zuniga, NGAT President and Francisco Zuniga, NGAT News Editor.
(Photos by Matthew Steinhauser)
Theresa Billeck-Zuniga and CMsgt (Ret) Bill Maginot the 2006 NGAT Minuteman Award winner share a moment.
Theresa Billeck-Zuniga and Rob Casias present Gary Owens of the 56th BCT with the award for 2nd place in the hospitality room competition during the Annual Conference.
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 �
Major General Allen Dehnert Commander Joint Forces Air ComponentGeneral Dehnert is the new Commander of the Joint Forces Air
Component. He will also continue to serve as the Assistant
Adjutant General, Air – a position he has held since November
2002. His military career began in 1970 when he enlisted in the
Texas Air National Guard. He commanded the 254th Combat
Communications Squadron and the 254th Combat Communications Group. He also
served as the Director of Human Resources at the State Headquarters. He replaced MG
Jerry Ragsdale who retired.
Brigadier General Donald D. Harvel Deputy Commander, Texas Air National GuardGeneral Harvel is the new Deputy Commander for the Texas Air
National Guard. He began his military career in 1972 as a cadet
at the United States Military Academy. He is rated as a Command
Pilot and has over 14,000 hours of military and civilian flight
hours. His previous assignment was the Commander of the 136th
Airlift Wing. He also served as an instructor pilot for the wing.
COL (Retired) Mark D. BetoActing Chief of the Joint StaffColonel (Retired) Beto retired from the Regular Army after a 30
year career. His various assignments included tours of duty in
the 1st Armored Division, 4th and 5th Infantry Divisions and the
66th Military Intelligence Brigade. He also serves as the
Texas Military Forces Joint Staff Plans, Policy & Transformation
Officer (J5).
Brigadier General (P) John T. FurlowCommander, 36th Infantry Division General Furlow became the Commander of the 36th Infantry
Division during a change of command ceremony on 9 April 2006.
He will continue to serve as the Assistant Adjutant General,
Army. He entered military service in 1977. He commanded the
136th Signal Battalion; 3rd Brigade, 49th Armored Division, and
served as the Chief of Staff for the 49th Armored Division. He
replaced MG Michael Taylor who retired.
Command Sergeant Major Bruce R. HendryCommand Sergeant Major, 36th Infantry DivisionSergeant Major Hendry is the new Command Sergeant Major of
the 36th Infantry Division. He began his military service in 1967
when he entered basic training at Fort Polk, Louisiana. He has
also served as the Command Sergeant Major for the following
organizations: 71st Brigade, 36th Infantry Division; 3rd Brigade,
49th Armored Division; and Task Force Guardian, Operation
Noble Eagle II. He replaced Command Sergeant Major Roger Brownlee who retired.
36th Infantry Division Change of CommandON 8 APRIL 2006, MG CHARLES RODRIqUEz passed the command of the
division from MG Michael Taylor to BG John Furlow. The ceremony took place
under a beautiful blue Texas sky with gusts of wind that made each staff
bearer work to keep their staff straight.
General Rodriquez thanked General Taylor for his fine leadership in a time
when the Army and the National Guard have all been involved with deploy-
ments all over the world. General Taylor remarked how ironic this was since
he commanded the division when it was the 49th Armored Division and the
36th Infantry Division and this month marked his 49th month in command and
this year marked his 36th year of military service. He also remarked that he
considered himself to be the, “Forrest Gump of Lufkin,” because he had been
able to go all over the world and meet people of all backgrounds throughout
his military career. General Taylor also thanked the troops for their loyal
service and dedication. Lastly, he thanked his wife, Cindy, for being there and
supporting him throughout his career.
The ceremony also served as General Taylor’s retirement ceremony from
military service. General Rodriquez presented General Taylor with a retire-
ment certificate from Governor Rick Perry and a Distinguished Service Medal.
General Rodriquez presented Cindy Taylor with a special award to honor her
many years of volunteerism and leadership. H
Key Leader Changes in the Texas Military Forces
Major General Taylor relinquishes the 36th Infantry Division colors.
Generals Rodriquez and Taylor review the troops during the Change of Command ceremony.
General Furlow accepts the 36th Infantry Division colors.
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A u s t i N , t X
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(Photos by Steve Gamboa)
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NGAT Conference Competition Winners
The following are the winners of the competitions held during the 47th Annual NGAT conference:
GOLF1st place – Johnson team
2nd place – Stickland team
3rd place – Dehnert team
FUN RUNTop male – Michael Long
2nd place male – Patrick Dolan
Top female – Lisa Buckley
2nd place female – Tammy Mays
Top Runner Under 16 – Callie Hall
BOWLINGTop male – Paul Tressa
Top female – Debi Steinhauser
Top overall – Debi Steinhauser
SKEET1st place – Archie Meador
2nd place – Keith Larough
3rd place – George Conwill
TRAP1st place – George Conwill
2nd place – Archie Meador
3rd place – Keith Larough
HOSPITALITY ROOM1st place – Air Guard
2nd place – 56th Brigade
3rd place – 71st Brigade
NGAT CONTRACTOR OF THE YEARMel Hamner – Stanley Vidmar
DISNEY WORLD TRIPShawn Wilson
Silent Auction raised $4,580
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NGAT Conference Awards
NGAT MINUTEMAN AWARD 2006CMsgt (Ret) William Maginot – Texas Air National Guard
CSM (Ret) Don Strickland – Texas Army National Guard
TEXAS AIR NATIONAL GUARDAMN, NCO, SNCO, 1Sgt OF THE YEAR and Jr Officer
Airman: Senior Airman Jake B. O’Brien, 147 Logistics Readiness
Squadron, 147th Fighter Wing
NCO: Technical Sergeant Michelle K. Torres, 136th Mission Support
Flight, 136th Airlift Wing
SrNCO: Master Sergeant Cynthia J. Frank, 147th Mission Support
Flight, 147th Fighter Wing
1st Sgt: Senior Master Sergeant Scot W. Hrbacek, 136th
Aerial Port Squadron, 136th Airlift Wing
Jr. Officer: Junior Officer of the Year, Capt Allen M. Lambright,
Commander, 136th Services Flight, 136th AW
TEXAS ARMY NATIONAL GUARDSOLDIER & NCO OF THE YEAR
Soldier: SPC Conrad Streeter, 1/112 Armor, 36TH Infantry Division
NCO: SSG Benjamin Swank, 136th RTI, Joint Forces HQ
RECRUITING & RETENTION CHIEF 54The FY05 Chief’s 54 is SSG William Hank Thetford from Region III,
Team 9, Bryan, Texas, Recruiting & Retention Command,
Joint Forces HQ.
10 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
Unit MembersEarn *$2,000 for each enlistment.
Unit MembersEarn *$2,000 for each enlistment.
Unit CommandersYour soldiers can earn *$2,000 for each enlistment.
Strength From Within:Thank you to the Texas units with the bestretention rate for the 2nd quarter of FY 2006.1. 5th Battalion, 112th Armor 2. 2nd Battalion, 112th Armor3. 4th Battalion, 112th Armor
The Guard Recruiter Assistance Program (G-RAP) promotes Strength From Withinby recognizing and rewarding those who help the TXARNG achieve its goals.
www.guardrecruitingassistant.com
G-RAP enables the TXARNG to establish its Position of Strengthand return to community based recruiting - GRASSROOTS.
www.TXARNG.com*$2,000 for non-prior service. $1,000 for prior service.
TXC_02._7.375x4.5qxd 4/18/06 12:10 PM Page 1
The Adjutant General’s Performance Excellence CompetitionMajor General Charles G. Rodriguez, the Adjutant General of Texas, is pleased to announce the results of the 2006 Performance Excellence Competition. The
purpose of the TAG’s Performance Excellence Competition is to familiarize organizations with the principles and practices of performance excellence, and to
assess how these principles are being used in units, and to share best practices.
COMPANY/SQUADRON/DETACHMENT LEADERSHIP: Co A 249th Main Support Battalion
STRATEGIC PLANNING: Co B 2-142nd Infantry
CUSTOMER FOCUS: Co E 249th Main Support Battalion
MANAGEMENT, ANALYSIS & KNOWLEDGE SHARING:
Co B 372nd Forward Support Battalion
HUMAN RESOURCE FOCUS: HHD 249th Main Support Battalion
PROCESS MANAGEMENT: Co C 2-142nd Infantry
BATTALION/REGIMENT/BRIGADE/WING CATEGORY: LEADERSHIP: 372nd Forward Support Battalion
STRATEGIC PLANNING: 2nd Battalion, 112th Armor
CUSTOMER FOCUS: Texas Medical Rangers, Texas State Guard
MANAGEMENT, ANALYSIS AND KNOWLEDGE SHARING:
136th Maintenance Group, TXANG
HUMAN RESOUCE FOCUS: NO SUBMISSION
PROCESS MANAGEMENT: 136th Civil Engineer Squadron, TXANG
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Today, more than ever, the men and
women of the Air National Guard
stand vigilant in the defense of
freedom. At Boeing, we’re proud
to stand with the Guard every
day in its vital mission.
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N A T I O N A L G U A R D
2006 Bataan Death March Marathon Team – Texas Army/Air Team – Men’s Military Light Category, White Sands, New Mexico.
Chief Warrant Officer Matthew Smith inspects a UH-60 helicopter engine prior to a flight in Austin. (Photo by CMsgt Gonda Moncada)
SGT Staats and SGT Klein take in the breathtaking view near Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo.
Pro football players from the Pittsburg Steelers, Atlanta Falcons and Seattle Seahawks visit Camp Monteith and soldiers from Task Force Houston in Kosovo.
A French officer instructs soldiers of Task Force Alamo on the use of a French rifle. (Photo by SGT Rowell)
Soldiers in the G4 Section, Task Force
Falcon, proudly display their colors
in Kosovo.
A Texas airman shakes the hand of a Bataan POW survivor, White Sands, New Mexico.
An RC-26B Intelligence Surveillance & Reconnaissance Aircraft returns from a Counterdrug mission sortie with aircrew of the Texas Air National Guard’s 147th Fighter Wing at the controls; its Counterdrug capability dove-tails nicely into Homeland Security.
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N A T I O N A L G U A R DCSM Jeff Merrill, NGAT Vice President, is greeted by
local children at Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo.
CW5 McDonald and CSM Brandt of the Combat Aviation Brigade conduct predeployment site visit to Iraq.
Communications experts serving in Iraq with 1st Platoon, Co A, 136th Signal Bat-
talion (left to right) SPC Elad, 2LT Estrada, SPC Guzman, SPC James, SGT Cranfill,
SPC Sigler. (Photo by: SSG Wojciechowski)
CSM Hendry, SSG Sanders, and MG Taylor visit LTC Schnell and CSM Cordova of the 1/124 CAV in the Sinai.
MSG Wiley and SFC Cox of the 111th ASG are visited by Governor Rick Perry in Afghanistan.
CPT Perryman, NGAT Board Member shows off some sand art
in the Sinai.
While deployed to Afghanistan with 3/141 INF, CPT Franke Gracia submitted several
songs he wrote to “The Songs from the Soul of Service” songwriting contest.
A 3/141 IN soldier watches as he secures a drop zone for a heavy drop of humanitarian
supplies in Ghazni, Afghanistan.
111th Area Support Group is Home!THE 111TH ASG AND THEIR FAMILIES AND FRIENDS recently celebrated the unit’s return with a special worship service at the Grant African Methodist Episcopal
Worship Center in Austin in late March. U. S. Senator John Cornyn was there to thank the soldiers for their service and to thank the family members for their
support and sacrifices throughout the unit’s deployment to Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom.
During a special certificate presentation, Senator Cornyn thanked Colonel Stevens, the 111th ASG’s Commander, for the all the unit’s work improving the lives of
the people in Afghanistan and for bringing every member of the group back home safely. He also presented another certificate to Cinda Johnson and the unit’s
Family Readiness Group. Ms. Johnson led the FRG and it was through her leadership and drive that the FRG was able to raise funds, send care packages, and take
care of the families here in Texas. H
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128th Annual NGAUS General Conference
JOIN US AT THE NGAUS General Conference in
Albuquerque, New Mexico, 14-18 September
2006. Professional development will be avail-
able to leaders of all ranks. Visit the NGAT web
site for a list of attendees and additional infor-
mation. For detailed conference information
visit the NGAUS web site at www.ngaus.org. H
JOIN US AT THE EANGUS Conference in Salt
Lake City, Utah 20-23 Aug 2006. Conference
registration information can be found at
www.eangut.org/conf.reg.html and or visit
the NGAT web site for a list of attendee and
additional information. Please notify the NGAT
office if you register for the conference. H
35th Annual EANGUS General Conference
THE EANGUS MID-WINTER AREA IV CONFERENCE was held at
the Wingate Inn and Conference Center in Round Rock, Texas
17-19 February 2006. Attendees representing the Area IV
states were given a Texas Welcome. Maj Gen Allen Denhert
and EANGUS President CMSgt (Ret) Edwin Brown were fea-
tured speakers at the conference. Off-site events included
a BBQ dinner and an authentic Tex-Mex meal with all the
trimmings. Saturday night’s events were highlighted with
a “Tacky T-Shirt Contest.” CSM Art Souza was the winner
of this contest with his 1982 EANGUS T-Shirt. Special
thanks is extended to USAA and Bayco for sponsoring
conference events. H
EANGUS Area IV Mid-Winter Conference
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MEMBERS OF THE NGAT LEGISLATIVE TASK FORCE visited Washington D.C.
from 7-9 February to meet the Texas Congressional delegation and discuss
key legislation relating to the National Guard. As in previous years, the Task
Force hosted the Texas delegation and members of their staff to an evening
reception in the NGAUS Hall of States
and to a breakfast in the Rayburn
House Office Building. Both events
were well attended and provided
an excellent opportunity for the
Task Force to meet socially with the
delegation. During the course of the
trip, Task Force members visited
every House and Senate office of
Texas Congressmen and discussed
a number of issues identified by the
TAG as critical to the Guard in Texas.
This year the TAG focused on six
priorities: 1) expansion of force
structure for the Texas Army National
Guard, with an emphasis on unit
types that are dual-mission, heavily
dual-gender, and in emerging
mission sets; 2) stop action by
DOD to reduce the size of the Air National Guard; 3) complete fill of critical
mission-essential vehicles; 4) restoration of funding to the Counterdrug Task
Force; 5) authorization for the new light cargo aircraft; and 6) force structure
authorization for a special forces company.
MG Charles Rodriguez, Maj. Gen.
Allen Dehnert, and BG John Furlow
visited in their official capacities.
Members of the task force included
MG (Ret) Don Daniel, CHAP (BG, Ret)
Robert Herring, BG Jerry Icenhower,
COL Robert Casias, COL David Lapori,
Maj Marcos Santillan, Maj Drew
Daugherty, and NGAT Executive
Director Ray Lindner.
The entire Texas delegation was
very supportive of the Guard and
uniformly expressed their pride and
gratitude for your service. They were
most receptive to the TAG’s concerns
and promised their support in the
legislative battles to come. It was a
tremendously successful trip. H
NGAT Legislative Task Force Visit – Washington, DC
W A N T E D :Members who are willing to join the NGAT LEGISLATIVE BRIGADE. Add your name to a list of people we can contact via
email who are willing to call, email or fax their senators and representatives concerning immediate legislative priorities.
Email [email protected] to add your name to the list. Visit the NGAT website www.ngat.org to find links to your senators
and representatives.
Presidential Bust DedicationA BRONZE BUST OF A YOUNG FIRST LIEUTENANT GEORGE W. BUSH, TXANG, was unveiled
on February 9 in a ceremony in the NGAUS Hall of the States in Washington, D.C. President
Bush attended the unveiling, and used the occasion to deliver a major speech on the Global
War on Terror.
The bust was donated by the National Guard Association of Texas, and the ceremony capped
several years of fund raising, casting, and scheduling. CW4(Ret) Lewis O. King, former
Executive Director of NGAT, spearheaded the project, and was on hand with wife Pat for the
ceremony. A number of NGAT members and their wives attended, including MG and Mrs.
Charles Rodriguez.
President Bush is the eighteenth president to have served in the National Guard, and his
bust is now on display in the NGAUS Memorial just outside the Sonny Montgomery
Conference Room. H
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$THE NGAT EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION is planning to host a formal Military
Ball this fall in the October-November timeframe. Proceeds will benefit
NGATEF and the Family Readiness Foundation. More information will be
provided in the Summer NGAT News magazine. H
NGATEF IS LOOKING TO INCREASE THE FUNDS IT CAN OFFER IN SCHOLARSHIPS,
and is launching a five-year campaign to bring our endowment up to
$1,000,000. This would allow over
$50,000 a year to be awarded to
our deserving Guardsmen and
family members. If each member
contributed $10 a year for five
years, we would raise well over
$1,000,000. Do your part today
— write a check to NGATEF and
earmark it for the Million
Dollar Campaign. Is there a
better cause? H
Fall Ball
NGAT Conference Golf Tournament
THE GOLF TOURNAMENT AT THIS YEAR’S
CONFERENCE was one of the best ever. The
Board of Directors and Members of the University
of Texas Golf Club played host and waived all
greens fees in honor and recognition of soldiers
and airmen returning from service overseas.
As a result, the money raised for the Education
Foundation was well over $5,000! Maj Gen Allen
Dehnert was the chairman of this year’s tournament
and deserves a hearty thanks for a fantastic
tournament! H
Million DollarEndowment Campaign
Send donations to the NGAT office
attention Million Dollar Endowment
Campaign.
This is a special offer from Toro Cigar. We are offering 25 INDIAN HEAD CIGARS and CUTTER for $19.95. This is a medium bodied, hand-rolled cigar
with a slightly nutty flavor. They are made in Esteli, the cigar capital of Nicaragua. The filler is 100% Nicaraguan and the wrapper is a Cuban seed sungrown Colorado. At $19.95 for 25 sticks, this is a “whole lotta cigar” for very little denero. These are great cigars to take with you to the golf course or out in the field when you have buddies around who always seem to forget to bring their own.Quantity:______ x $19.95 (per bundle) + $4.95 shipping Total: ____________
Name: _______________________________________________________
Address: _____________________________________________________
City:_____________________________State:________Zip: _____________
Phone:_______________________Email: ___________________________
p Payment Enclosed or p Charge to my Amex or Discover
Card # _______________________________________________________
Name as it appears on card: ______________________________________
Exp. Date:________________________Date of Birth: __________________
Signature: ____________________________________________________Mail to: Toro Cigar • 1079 Spring Mill Dr • Winter Garden FL 34787
WWW.TOROCIGAR.COM You must be 18 to make purchase.
25 Premium Hand-Rolled Cigars and Cutter for $19.95!
P r e s i d e n tL e w i s K i n g
8 4 0 7 G r e e n f l i n t L a n e
A u s t i n , T X 7 8 7 5 9
P ) 5 1 2 - 3 4 6 - 2 2 4 5
F ) 5 1 2 - 3 4 3 - 0 9 8 2
L e w i s @ l o k i n g . n e t
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 1�
We had a great many more applications this year, and the quality of applicants was outstanding. Our congratulations to the winners and their families!
Scholarship Winners
RECIPIENTS OF NGAT EDUCATION GRANTS, 2005-2006
HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR CATEGORY (3 AWARDS)
1st Place ($5,000) Berry Award
Recipient: Charles C. Peck
Son of Mr. Charles Raymond Peck, Life Member since 1989
2nd Place ($2,500) Ready to Serve Scholarship
Recipient: Jamie Wright
Daughter of James A. Wright, Life Member since 1983
3rd PLACE ($1,000) Senior NCO Air Scholarship
Recipient: Steven M. Zuniga
Son of Hector M. Zuniga, Life Member since 1986
COLLEGE UNDERGRADUATE CATEGORY (2 AWARDS)
1st Place ($2,500) Leonard and
Jean Tallas Endowed Scholarship
Recipient: Erica M. Lux
Daughter of Harry E. Lux, Jr., Life Member since 1993
2nd Place ($1,000) Senior NCO Army
Recipient: David Dominguez
Son of John C. Dominguez, Life Member since 1991
GRADUATE STUDENT CATEGORY (1 AWARD)
($500) USAA Scholarship
Recipient: Shannon Covey
Daughter of Michael Hillock Covey, Annual Member 2006
NGAT SPONSORED AN
EXHIBIT BOOTH for the
147th Fighter Wing’s
participation at the
20th Annual Career &
Education Day presented
by the Houston Hispanic
Forum (HHF) on February
4, 2006. The HHF is a
non-profit organization
promoting awareness
of issues affecting the
Hispanic community.
Middle and high school
students attended
panel discussions and
heard presentations on
issues impacting their
education and career paths. Exhibitors at the forum
included potential employers and recruiters like the Air National Guard. H
20 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
THE GUARD MUSTER IS THE PERMANENT REGISTER of Guard men and women,
past and present, who have been enrolled into the Muster by themselves,
or by those who wish to honor them. Names in the Muster are displayed
electronically at a computer kiosk located in the National Guard Memorial
Museum, as well as online on the NGEF website www.ngef.org/muster/index.
asp. Your family and friends will be able to see on-line your registration.
Visitors are invited to search for individual records, which display a person’s
name, state, unit, place of birth and Guard duties performed.
A donation of only $25 is requested for each Muster enrollment, with an
additional $15 to include a photograph. The photograph can be added to the
Muster at any time, and may be either black and white or color, and no larger
than 8”x10.” Anyone who is or has served in the National Guard, the relative
of a Guard member, or is a friend or supporter of the Guard is eligible for
inclusion in the Muster.
This is truly a gift that keeps on giving. Make yourself or your loved one part of
history and enroll in GUARD MUSTER today. H
A REUNION FOR THE 71ST AND 36TH AIR-
BORNE BRIGADES AND COMPANY G, 143d
Ranger Company will be held on August 26,
2006, in Austin at the Red Lion Hotel located
at 6121 North Interstate Hwy 35 @ 290 East.
Rooms have been set aside at a special
rate of $89.00 per night. Rate will remain in
effect until July 25, 2006. To make reserva-
tions call 512-323-5466. Let them know you
are with the “Airborne Reunion.” The Texas Military Forces Museum located
in Bldg 6 on Camp Mabry, will host a special tour for the reunion on the 26th
starting at 2:00 pm. Happy hour will start at 6:00 pm and dinner will be served
at 7:30 pm. A Band will play during and after the evening’s events. A registra-
tion fee of $50.00 per person covers the meal and the band. Mail registrations
to Richard Brito, 2025 Verbena, Austin, TX 78750. With your registration fee
please indicate your choice of dinner — NY strip beef or chicken. Also indicate
if you desire to attend the museum tour. AIRBORNE!!! H
Guard MusterBe Part of the Living Tribute
NGAT Supports the 147th Fighter Wing
New NGAT Dues RatesEffective Date: 1 April 2006
Rank Annual NGAT Annual EANGUS Life NGAT
E1-E6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$15 . . . . . . . . . .EANGUS included . . . . . . $150
E7 – E9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . $20 . . . . . . . . . .EANGUS Included . . . . . . $200
Rank Annual NGAT Annual NGAUS Life NGAT
W1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . $200
CW2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . $200
CW3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . $200
CW4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . $200
CW5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $73 . . . . . . . . . . . . . $200
O1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . $200
O2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . $200
O3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . $200
O4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $72 . . . . . . . . . . . . . $200
O5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $85 . . . . . . . . . . . . . $200
O6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $108 . . . . . . . . . . . . $200
O7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $123 . . . . . . . . . . . . $200
O8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $139 . . . . . . . . . . . . $200
Retired . . . . . . . . . . . . . $20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $200
Associate. . . . . . . . . . . $20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $200
Visit the NGAT website for membership applications.
COME JOIN THE MEMBERS OF THE JOINT FORCES at Ellington Field on Monday
June 5th for the 1st Annual Charity Golf Tournament for STARBASE Ellington
Field. Deadline to enter is May 29th, the tournament is a 4 person scramble,
shotgun start at 1:30. The Golf Tournament will benefit STARBASE, a youth
program that stresses the importance of choosing a drug free lifestyle. For
entry forms contact Major Douglas Wankowski at Douglas.Wankowski@txelli.
ang.af.mil, or 713-208-8841. H
Reunion of Airborne Units of the Texas Army National Guard
STARBASE Charity Golf Tournament
Taps (as of 04-18-06)
Mr. Roland J. Bruns, Retired, Snyder
SPC Angel Cabrera Jr., Co C, 949th FSB, Grand Prairie
Mr. Carlos G. Chapa, Retired, San Antonio
SSG Norman D. Cox, Retired, Brownwood
CW4 Curtis C. Daniel, Retired, Austin
COL Loyd R. Dowd, Retired, Dallas
Mr. Robert Ellison III, Retired, Pampa
*Mr. James S. Farquharson Jr., Retired, Tehachapi CA
Mr. Cecil P. Fleming, Retired, Crystal Beach
CW4 Fidencio E. “Pico” Gonzalez Jr., Retired, Austin
*SPC Bryan C. Graham, Retired, Huntington
SGT Jerry L. Griffin, Det 1, Co B, 949th FSB, Wichita Falls
Mr. John H. Herman, Retired, Pasadena
*SPC Ralpford E. Holcomb, A BTRY, 1/133rd FA, Nacogdoches
*Mr. Jackie H. Holland, Retired, McKinney
Mr. John S. Lanford, Retired, Merkel
MSG Elbert E. Lewis, Retired, Blossom
*Mr. Gabino Lopez Jr., Retired, San Antonio
SGT Daniel L. Lowe, TRP B, 1/124 CAV, Waco
SPC David C. Macomber, Retired, San Antonio
Mr. Larry W. McCreless, Retired, Elgin
Mr. John W. Mitchell, Retired, Houston
Mr. Eloy Morales, Retired, Hebbronville
Mr. James E. Murphy Jr., Retired, Longview
Mr. Marcus S. Oden, Retired, Tye
Mr. Juan B. Patino, Retired, San Antonio
*SGT James R. Prince, Retired, Kyle
*SPC Randall D. Preusse, Co C 176th Engr Bn, Taylor
*Mr. Kenneth D. Schindley, Retired, Mount Pleasant
*Mr. Guy L. Stroud, Retired, Hurst
Mr. Glenn R. Treme, Retired, Troy
PV2 Justin T. Williams, 736th (-) Maint Co, Gatesville
SFC Joe A. Zapata, HHC 3/112th AR, Brownwood
*Had NGAT Insurance.
Receive up to a 60% discount with the Wholesale Benefits Club
Discount Card on Prescription Drugs, Physician and Hospital
Services, Dental, and Vitamins and Supplements. Enter the card
code BX04 in order to view the listings of providers on our website
www.wbclub.net. To receive the NGAT discount through online
enrollment use the BX04 card code and ZBCH as the promotion
code. Call toll free 888-331-7465 for further information.
Please send me additional information including application to:
Name: ___________________________________________________
Address: _________________________________________________
City: ____________________________ State: ___________________
Zip: _____________________________________________________
Return form to: Wholesale Benefits Club, Inc.
Att: NGAT
1717 W. Northern, Suite 200
Phoenix, AZ 85021
NGAT Corporate Members
H e a l t h c a r e D i s c o u n t C a r d
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 21
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22 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
IN A CEREMONY ON FEBRUARY 4, 2006, the Texas Military Forces Museum was renamed the “BG John C. L.
Scribner Texas Military Forces Museum.” MG Charles G. Rodriguez, the Adjutant General of Texas, gave the
dedication address.
MG Rodriguez, BG Scribner, and General Scribner’s two grandchildren, Emma and Nolan, unveiled a new sign.
Approximately 175 people, including several active and retired general officers, attended. For more information
on the museum, visit their new website at www.texasmilitaryforcesmuseum.org. H
AUSTIN, Texas (April 3, 2006) – HOWITZERS ROARED, leaving the acrid smell
of smoke and gun powder in the air. Soldiers faced each other in hand-to-hand
combat and when it was all over, some soldiers surrendered, others were not
so lucky as their bodies lay bleeding, dead or dying, in the dust and grime.
Only yards away children could be observed boarding the train or riding the
Buffalo Soldiers’ horses.
So why did parents allow their children in the vicinity of such fierce fighting?
Because this scenario was part of the 37th Annual Texas Military Forces’
Muster Day here at Camp Mabry. Muster Day harkens back to the 1830s when
once a year militia companies would “muster” to be officially counted on the
rolls. This year, on the weekend of April 1 and 2, military men and women
“mustered” in the tradition of old. History was on display as the two-day event
kicked off with a parade featuring vehicles from by-gone eras and uniforms
from 1835 to the present.
Historical military interpreters showed off weapons, uniforms and other
trappings from the Texas colonization era, Texas Revolution, Civil War (Union
and Confederate), World Wars I and II (Allied and Axis), and the Korean and
Vietnamese conflicts.
The battle re-enactment was performed in what is called the back-forty, a
heavily wooded area behind the museum and ideal from the perspective of
providing two opposing tree lines where the Allied Forces and the German
troops faced each other.
For authenticity, the actors portraying German Soldiers spoke German to each
other, and periodically an officer could be heard calling for a “Panzer,” a Ger-
man tank. The crowd applauded when the German Soldiers surrendered and
the American Soldiers captured the hated Swastika flag.
The battle re-enactment was not the only popular event during Muster Day.
Another time-honored tradition is the Hall of Honor presentation. Tradition-
ally, a retired Air, Army or State Guard member is recognized for their past
performance in the National Guard. This year’s recipients were Brigadier
General Reese L. Harrison Jr. and Colonel William R. Furr, who was honored
posthumously. H
All Photos by Tsgt Gregory Ripps
Thousands Muster at Camp Mabry
Texas Military Forces Museum Dedicated to BG Scribner
By Chief Master Sgt. Gonda Moncada, Texas National Guard Public Affairs
M U S E U M D O N A T I O N C A R D Please clip and mail to:
TMFM
P.O. Box 5218
Austin, Texas
78763-5218
Your generous donations will help maintain the Texas Military Forces Museum and its community programs.
Donation made in honor of: _______________________________________________________________________________
Check enclosed or Charge my credit card for the following amount: $ ____________________________________
Name on card:_______________________________________________Exp. Date: ____________________________
Card #:_______________________________________signature: ___________________________________________
"
NatioNal Guard associatioN of texas
N G AT P L A N N I N G C A L E N D A R(As of 21 April 2006)
200614-17 Apr Easter Observed
13 May NGAT Board Meeting, Austin
4 Jul Independence Day Observed
12 Aug NGAT Board Meeting, Austin
18-23 Aug EANGUS Annual Conference, Salt Lake City, UT
16-18 Sep NGAUS Annual Conference, Albuquerque, NM
4 Nov NGAT Board Meeting, Austin
11 Nov Veteran’s Day Observed
23-24 Nov Thanksgiving Observed
24-31 Dec Christmas Observed
20071 Jan New Year’s Day Observed
12-14 Jan EANGUS Area IV Midwinter Conference, Lawrence, KS
27 Jan NGAT Board Meeting, Austin
6-8 Feb NGAT Legislative Visit, Washington, D.C.
23-25 Mar NGAT 48th Annual Conference, Corpus Christi, TX
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 2�
National Guard Association of Texas
3706 Crawford Street
Austin, Texas 78731-6803