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October 2012 Presidentially Speaking Presidentially Speaking Presidentially Speaking Presidentially Speaking Last month, fifty-nine NGAA members, spouses and corporate members attended the 134 th General Conference and Exhibition of the National Guard Association of the United States in Reno, Nevada. Many of the attendees took the opportunity to tour the beautiful Lake Tahoe area and neighboring attractions, in addition to trying their luck at the gaming tables. Thanks to the hard work of our NGAA staff, the attendees had breakfast each morning in our state’s hospitality suite and received daily updates on conference activities. Captain Rex Thomen and Major Mike Culley represented the state on the NGAUS resolutions committee and worked to gain favorable consideration on all of the resolutions passed at our April 2012 state conference. Our company grade officers in attendance worked hard to make the third annual Southeast Conference themed hospitality night (an event that Arkansas hosts with other SEC states) an outstanding success. Captain Rex and Wanda Thomen entertained the crowd during the Karaoke competition, and if you missed Major (Ret) James Lamb’s rendition of the song Ring of Fire, you really missed a true showman in action! Thanks again to our corporate members who attended and took an active part in the conference. Thousands of soldiers and airmen experienced an opportunity to listen to the most distinguished military and civilian leaders from the Army and Air Force, including Army Chief of Staff, General Raymond Odierno, and Air Chief of Staff, General Mark A. Welsh III. Both generals graciously accepted questions from the audience at the end of their addresses. Conference attendees also had the opportunity to listen to an address from the Republican presidential candidate, Governor Mitt Romney. Rumor indicated that President Obama would pay the convention an unannounced visit, but the attack on the United States Embassy in Libya prevented this addition to his schedule. The delegates had an opportunity to hear about the exciting plans for the 135 th General Conference and Exhibition of the National Guard Association of the United States next year in fabulous Honolulu, Hawaii. Start saving your dollars now for the convention. The host state has managed to secure hotel rooms at the 2009 hotel rates, so this will be a very affordable trip for you and your family. Later in September we assembled the NGAA executive committee, and several past presidents, including Colonels (Ret) Don and Frankie Sears, Colonel (Ret) Bill Stanton, Colonel Jim Treece and Lieutenant Colonel Shannon Stone along with the state strategic plans officer, Colonel Sherri Sims, to review the NGAA strategic plan, including our mission, vision, values and goals. The group established several objectives to support the goals. I will be asking some of you to serve on committees in the future to turn these objectives into action plans to help us achieve our long term vision for the organization. The committee also heard recommendations from our attorney and accountants regarding suggested changes to our corporate structure that will give us greater flexibility in the future in providing benefits and services to our members. Looking forward, we continue to plan and organize the 60 th National Guard Association of Arkansas Conference and Exhibition to be held in Fort Smith, 12-14 April 2013, at the Holiday Inn and Fort Smith Convention Center. The NGAA staff and volunteers expend many hours and tremendous efforts to make our annual conferences an overwhelming success. We can always use help during the planning and preparation process. If you are interested in lending a hand, please contact your unit’s representative on the NGAA board of directors. Visit the website, www.ngaa.org, and the NGAA Facebook page periodically for information on the 2013 conference. Lieutenant Colonel Damon Cluck President

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Page 1: Presidentially SpeakingPresidentially Speaking · Presidentially SpeakingPresidentially Speaking Last month, fifty-nine NGAA members, spouses and corporate members attended the 134

October 2012

Presidentially SpeakingPresidentially SpeakingPresidentially SpeakingPresidentially Speaking Last month, fifty-nine NGAA members, spouses and corporate members attended the 134th General Conference and Exhibition of the National Guard Association of the United States in Reno, Nevada. Many of the attendees took the opportunity to tour the beautiful Lake Tahoe area and neighboring attractions, in addition to trying their luck at the gaming tables. Thanks to the hard work of our NGAA staff, the attendees had breakfast each morning in our state’s hospitality suite and received daily updates on conference activities. Captain Rex Thomen and Major Mike Culley represented the state on the NGAUS resolutions committee and worked to gain favorable consideration on all of the resolutions passed at our April 2012 state conference. Our company grade officers in attendance worked hard to make the third annual Southeast Conference themed hospitality night (an event that Arkansas hosts with other SEC states) an outstanding success. Captain Rex and Wanda Thomen entertained the crowd during the Karaoke competition, and if you missed Major (Ret) James Lamb’s rendition of the song Ring of Fire, you really missed a true showman in action! Thanks again to our corporate members who attended and took an active part in the conference. Thousands of soldiers and airmen experienced an opportunity to listen to the most distinguished military and civilian leaders from the Army and Air Force, including Army Chief of Staff, General Raymond Odierno, and Air Chief of Staff, General Mark A. Welsh III. Both generals graciously accepted questions from the audience at the end of their addresses. Conference attendees also had the opportunity to listen to an address from the Republican presidential candidate, Governor Mitt Romney. Rumor indicated that President Obama would pay the convention an unannounced visit, but the attack on the United States Embassy in Libya prevented this addition to his schedule. The delegates had an opportunity to hear about the exciting plans for the 135th General Conference and Exhibition of the National Guard Association of the United States next year in fabulous Honolulu, Hawaii. Start saving your dollars now for the convention. The host state has managed to secure hotel rooms at the 2009 hotel rates, so this will be a very affordable trip for you and your family. Later in September we assembled the NGAA executive committee, and several past presidents, including Colonels (Ret) Don and Frankie Sears, Colonel (Ret) Bill Stanton, Colonel Jim Treece and Lieutenant Colonel Shannon Stone along with the state strategic plans officer, Colonel Sherri Sims, to review the NGAA strategic plan, including our mission, vision, values and goals. The group established several objectives to support the goals. I will be asking some of you to serve on committees in the future to turn these objectives into action plans to help us achieve our long term vision for the organization. The committee also heard recommendations from our attorney and accountants regarding suggested changes to our corporate structure that will give us greater flexibility in the future in providing benefits and services to our members. Looking forward, we continue to plan and organize the 60th National Guard Association of Arkansas Conference and Exhibition to be held in Fort Smith, 12-14 April 2013, at the Holiday Inn and Fort Smith Convention Center. The NGAA staff and volunteers expend many hours and tremendous efforts to make our annual conferences an overwhelming success. We can always use help during the planning and preparation process. If you are interested in lending a hand, please contact your unit’s representative on the NGAA board of directors. Visit the website, www.ngaa.org, and the NGAA Facebook page periodically for information on the 2013 conference. Lieutenant Colonel Damon Cluck President

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NGAA Committees 2013NGAA Committees 2013NGAA Committees 2013NGAA Committees 2013

NGAUS General Conference and Exhibition ……………………………………………….………………………….…… Michael Culley

Resolutions ………………………….…………………………..………………………………..……………….… Michael Culley/Rex Thomen

Scholarships ………………………………………………….………………………………………………………. Rex Thomen/Seana Warner

Legislative ………………………………………………………………………………………………………….………………………… James Treece

Corporate Activities and Corporate Membership ……………………….…………………………………………….…… Erica Ingram

Conference Time & Place (2014) ……………………………………..………………………………………………………….… Erica Ingram

2013 NGAA General Conference

NGAA General Conference …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Damon Cluck

Awards/Signs/Banners ………………………………………………………………….……………………. Michael Culley/Tammy Culley

Banquet ………………………………………………………………..……………………………………………….. Fred Lee/Tommie Brasfield

Business Session …………………………………………………………………………………………….... Gerald Robinson/Shelby Heflin

Company Grade Officer Awards ……………………………………………………………………………… Cary Shillcutt/Erica Ingram

Exhibits ……………………………………………..………………………………………………. Lorne Kelley/Jim Garvey/Kevin Truslow

Golf Tournament …………………………………………………………………………………………………..Tenise Gardner/Wes Nichols

Hospitality Suites ……………………………………………………………. Gerald Robinson/Tommy Edwards/Candice Coleman

Nominations ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………Tamhra Hutchins-Frye

Parade of Commanders/Announcer …………………………………............……………..… Noyal Brasfield/Latasha Ketchum

Sergeant at Arms-Business Session ………………………………………………………………..……………………………….… John Hunt

Parliamentarian …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..… Jason Carter

Past Presidents Activities …………………………………………………………………………………..……………………………. Mark Berry

Registration ………………………………………………………………….……………………………………………………………….. James Lamb

Speakers/Guests/Saturday Evening Entertainment ……………………………..…………………… Damon Cluck/Kenny Moix

VIP Escort ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. Anthony Goins

The chairpersons of these committees welcome your ideas and input. The association office (501-758-6422)

can help you contact these individuals. And, if you would like to serve on a committee, contact us!

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Minutes Minutes Minutes Minutes –––– NGAA Board of Directors Meeting NGAA Board of Directors Meeting NGAA Board of Directors Meeting NGAA Board of Directors Meeting October 2, 2012October 2, 2012October 2, 2012October 2, 2012 Absentees CPT Noyal Brasfield (39 BSB) CPT Justin Ferguson (1-151 Cav) CPT Edward Hill (Med Cmd) (TDY) MAJ Marden Hueter (87 Trp Cmd) Maj Fred Lee (188 FW) CW2 Lucien McConnell (871 Trp Cmd) Capt Douglas Smutnick (184 FS) (Deployed) CPT Michael Speight (CMTC)

Guests/NGAA Staff COL Cary Shillcutt, Chief, Joint Staff Col Tamhra Hutchins-Frye, Director, Air Staff Ms. Phyllis Holifield, Priddy & Holifield Accounting Firm Ms. Debbie Robinson, Priddy & Holifield Accounting Firm Mr. Eric Lothian, Priddy & Holifield Accounting Firm LTC Vixen James (representing CPT Speight, CMTC) MAJ James Nolley (representing CPT Brasfield, 39 BSB) CPT William Phillips (representing CPT Ferguson, 1-151 Cav) James Lamb , NGAA Staff Wanda Thomen, NGAA staff Bob Morgan, NGAA staff Judy Shere, NGAA staff

Proper notice of this meeting was given prior to the meeting.

Call to Order

The meeting was called to order at 5:45 p.m., and a quorum was verified. Guests were recognized and welcomed.

Old Business

The minutes of the 7 August 2012 board meeting were reviewed. A motion was made, seconded and carried to approve the minutes as written.

New Business Board Representative Actions Representatives were asked to approve the following board representative changes: CPT Andrew Graham to fill the unexpired term of CPT Brian Lawrenz representing 1-142

nd FA (through April 2014)

CPT Theresa Walker to fill the unexpired term of WO1 Antonio Pouncy representing 217th BSB (through April 2014)

1LT Paul Davis to fill the unexpired term of CPT Nicholas Hoyt representing 875th Engr Bn (through April 2013)

1LT Christopher Hart to fill the unexpired term of 1LT Randal Hobbs representing 1-114th Aviation (through April 2014)

CPT Jeffrey Harrington to fill the unexpired term of MAJ Charles Hartwick representing 1-206th FA (through April 2013)

A motion was made, seconded and carried to approve these appointments. Audit Report, Ms. Debbie Robinson, Priddy & Holifield Accounting Firm Ms. Robinson said Priddy & Holifield has performed the NGAA audit for the past several years. She and her associates met with the NGAA executive committee earlier today and went over the 2012 audit reports for NGAA and the two trusts. A clean opinion was returned on each report. It was a full scope audit with no findings or recommendations required. There was no difficulty and all the necessary information was provided by NGAA staff. Copies of the audits and engagement letters are on file in the NGAA office for review. There were no questions. Major Culley commented that the NGAA staff does a really good job and suggested that the clean opinion is attributed to the hard work of the NGAA staff.

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Finance Report, James Lamb Copies of the finance report as of 31 August 2012 were provided to attendees. Mr. Lamb said the association offices phone system went out last month due to a weather related incident. A new system to include new telephones was purchased. The majority of the cost for the system was paid by insurance. There were no questions and the finance report was approved as presented. Insurance Report, Wanda Thomen There are 5836 policies in force at this time. Death claims to date for the current insurance year total $242,500. LTC Cluck explained the NGAA insurance program for the benefit of the new representatives on the board of directors, saying that NGAA has authority to administer the program and in past years visited units during MUTA’s to offer coverage and review and update current policies with soldiers and airmen. More recently, NGAA attended SRP’s for units being mobilized for that same purpose and now attends PHA’s. LTC Cluck asked Ms. Thomen (ANGAA secretary/treasurer) to report on the upcoming ANGAA auction. She said the event is scheduled on 30 November 2012 at Chappell Armory beginning at 6:00 p.m. This is a fundraiser and everybody is invited to bring items for auction. Last year the ANGAA helped 75 Army and Air National Guard families with the money raised. Some of the proceeds are given to the Camp Robinson chapel and museum and the Minuteman Youth Camp. Membership, James Lamb Spreadsheets listing officers assigned to units as appears in the NGAA database have been sent to board representatives for updating. Some responses have been received. The deadline for paying dues is 5 March 2013 if NGAA is to receive a 5 percent rebate from NGAUS. LTC Cluck said it is the board representatives’ responsibility to update their unit officer rosters with NGAA . Tools for encouraging dues payment include a video that is available at the NGAA website (www.ngaa.org), and slides presented during the ARNG pre-command course this year with information about NGAA. NGAA can make those slides available to board representatives and will be glad to come to the units to make a presentation any time. Strategic Planning Meeting, LTC Cluck The NGAA executive committee, selected NGAA past presidents and an outside attorney and certified public accountant met on Friday, 28 September 2012, to discuss updates to NGAA strategic planning. A copy of the general idea of the meeting was provided to attendees. LTC Cluck discussed at length the association’s goal of maintaining long term financial stability and a possible way to achieve that goal. The discussion raised several questions and more discussion by the board representatives after which LTC Cluck asked the board to approve the restructuring of the NGAA trusts into a 501C3 entity for the purpose of administering funds in the future and to allow the executive committee to spend up to $5,000 toward establishing the 501C3 entity. Setup of the 501C3 entity will be similar to the current trusts board with decisions made by that board. The consensus from the strategic planning meeting was that combining the two current trusts into a 501C3 entity will allow much more flexibility of funds and eliminate tax liability. Following more discussion, a motion was made, seconded and carried to approve the action. NGAA Partners in Patriotism Corporate Member Program, LTC Ingram NGAA Partners in Patriotism benefits information is available at the NGAA website (www.ngaa.org) for each level of corporate membership. LTC Ingram encouraged board representatives to provide leads for potential corporate members. Let the association know of anyone that may be interested in the program. One new corporate member has joined since the last board meeting – Metova, a company that specializes in custom mobile application development. LTC Cluck said NGAA plans to conduct a corporate membership drive in northwest Arkansas during the first quarter of 2013. 2014 NGAA Conference, Maj Culley Representatives were asked to come prepared today to finalize the site (Embassy Suites in Rogers or Holiday Inn in Springdale) and date (in April) for the 2014 state conference. Major Culley said since the last meeting Springdale has made an offer for the 2015 conference, and that offer includes $5,000 from the A&P Commission. Following a brief discussion, Major Culley asked for a motion to approve the Embassy Suites in Rogers, 11-13 April 2014, as the site and date for the 2014 NGAA conference. A motion was made, seconded and carried to approve that site and date in 2014. NGAUS Conference, LTC Cluck LTC Cluck expressed appreciation for the six company grade officers that attended the conference, particularly for their contribution to making the Arkansas hospitality suite a big success and for helping with the SEC event on hospitality night. Those six officers attended the conference on orders and attended officer professional development sessions offered by NGAUS. There were a number of outstanding speakers to include the JCS-Army, JCS-Air; CNGB, CS-US Army, CS-US Air Force, and CS-NGB. Presidential candidate Governor Mitt Romney spoke. It was rumored that President Obama

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would be present as well; however, the U.S. Embassy tragedy in Libya precluded his attendance. The NGAA staff did a great job in taking care of the Arkansas delegation. Major Culley said that he and Captain Rex Thomen sat on the NGAUS resolutions committee and conducted our state’s business at the national level in that capacity. All the resolutions proposed by Arkansas except one moved forward. NGAUS traditionally offers a complimentary registration fee for one company grade officer from each state in return for advertisement of the NGAUS conference in state newsletters and websites. NGAA chose Captain Rex Thomen to receive the complimentary registration at this year’s NGAUS conference, and LTC Cluck presented a check to Mrs. Thomen for her husband. 2013 Conference Committee Meetings Meetings are scheduled 8 January 2013 at 5:45 p.m. (combined with full board meeting), 5 February at 3:30 p.m., and 5 March at 3:30 p.m. 2013 Conference Site Visit, LTC Moix The association officers and selected committee chairs will conduct a site visit on 6 December 2012 to Fort Smith. The purpose of the visit is to look at rooms, decide on hospitality suites, banquet space and menu, etc. Details will be provided later. The 2013 committee listing was provided to board representatives and additional volunteers were solicited for the golf tournament and exhibits committees. Tommy Edwards volunteered to serve on the golf tournament committee and Kevin Truslow volunteered for the exhibits committee. LTC Cluck noted that some changes to the conference are being considered in 2013, one being adding OPD sessions for company grade officers on Saturday afternoon.

Next Meeting The next scheduled board of directors meeting is Tuesday, 8 January 2013, in the NGAA conference room. Dinner will be served at 5:00 p.m., and the meeting will start at 5:45 p.m. A reminder will be sent prior to the meeting date.

Adjournment

There was no further business, and the meeting adjourned.

Forty $750 college scholarships will be awarded by NGAA and EAANG to members and their

dependents for the school year 2013-2014. The scholarships apply to full time or part time enrollment at in-state or out-of-state colleges, four-year colleges, or vocational training. The scholarships may be used for any and all college expenses. Members of the Arkansas National Guard, their dependents, and dependents of deceased members of the Arkansas National Guard may apply. Applicant (or his/her sponsor) must also be a member of NGAA or EAANG (2013 dues must be current) and must be covered under the NGAA state sponsored life insurance (SSLI) program. Scholarship applications may be downloaded from the NGAA website, www.ngaa.org (click on Scholarships), and copies are also available at the NGAA office, Building 8100, Camp Robinson.

Deadline for submission of completed applications is January 15, 2013. Applications must be received

(or be postmarked) by the National Guard Association of Arkansas Scholarship Program, P.O. Box 663,

North Little Rock, AR 72115, by that date.

NGAA/EAANG Scholarships Program 201NGAA/EAANG Scholarships Program 201NGAA/EAANG Scholarships Program 201NGAA/EAANG Scholarships Program 2013333----2012012012014444

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Lieutenant Colonel Kenneth Moix Executive Director

The June issue of the National Guard Magazine has an excellent article about NGAUS and state associations by the legal counsel to the NGAUS board of directors, Major General (Ret) Robert I. Gruber. Following are some highlights from that article as they apply to our state association. Three reasons why every Guard officer should belong to NGAUS and NGAA: 1. It is just part of being a professional. You buy your uniforms. You cut your hair. You join NGAUS/NGAA. It is that simple. 2. It is the right thing to do for the institution. You enjoy benefits gained through the efforts of those who came before you. It is your turn to do the same for those who follow. 3. Answer these two questions honestly. Is it okay to get things if you don’t pay for them, but other people do? Is it really fair that you enjoy the benefits of NGAUS and NGAA and are not a member? General Gruber said it very well. We all need to support NGAUS and NGAA. Here are a few facts about NGAA. Did you know? …

• That thirty-six directors represent the major subordinate commands of the Arkansas National Guard on the NGAA board of directors.

• That these same board representatives travel at their own expense and on their own time to attend quarterly board meetings so that they can provide information back to their units.

• That these representatives work on various committees to ensure the success of the association’s state conference each year and that they are not compensated for their time and work.

• That some other state associations operate from a computer in an officer’s home and have no office space or full or part time staff …. NGAA has an annual operating budget of $360,000, owns its building and has five employees.

• That NGAA provides affordable insurance to all Arkansas National Guard members and their families and currently has approximately 6,000 active life insurance files. • That NGAA enjoys an excellent relationship with the NGAUS board of directors and staff and is in

good standing with NGAUS. • That your association works with the Arkansas National Guard command group and the NGAUS

leadership to further the benefits, equipment and services provided to the men and women of the Arkansas National Guard.

• That NGAA oversees two trust organizations. • That NGAA offers forty college scholarships annually to qualified and selected applicants. • That NGAA is considered an excellent example of an officer’s association by members of other

state associations. • That the current executive director is retired from the Arkansas National Guard and serves on the

executive board of the National Guard Executive Directors Association. • That NGAA has partnered with twenty-five corporate businesses to promote Guard issues.

MembershipMembershipMembershipMembership

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As you can see, we have much to be thankful for and proud of, but these things do not just happen. Many individuals, past and present, have been and are still actively concerned and working to ensure that the National Guard Association of Arkansas remains a strong, viable, informative institution. This association continues to provide and work toward more and better benefits and services for our National Guard families. Are we perfect? By no means. There is much more improvement needed …. notably, membership and attendance at state and national conferences. Just 25 percent of our officers attended the state conference this year, and only three percent attended the NGAUS conference. Attendance at quarterly meetings of the NGAA board of directors averages 67 percent of the board representatives. These are areas in which you can help. Encourage participation. Show that you are concerned and that you want our association to continue providing the benefits it currently is in a position to accomplish. Ask a fellow officer if he/she is an active member of NGAUS and NGAA and remind them that it is time to pay membership dues. As General Gruber indicated, you enjoy benefits from those who came before, and you need to ensure those benefits are enjoyed by those who are yet to lead and serve. We should be thankful for the officers who came before us who had the vision and foresight to enable our association to grow into what it is today. We challenge the current officers to be involved, diligent and persistent in a combined effort to strengthen the association and ensure its strong future. Our annual membership drive is now underway. Unit representatives will be providing information to help with this effort. Please give him/her the opportunity to assist you in renewing or activating your membership. Become a part of the organization that is WORKING FOR YOU!

Come join in the fun …………. The Auxiliary to the National Guard Association of Arkansas invites you to the annual ANGAA Christmas Auction. This event provides an opportunity to raise money to support a Guard family in need at Christmas, the Camp Robinson Chapel, Minuteman Youth Camp, Arkansas National Guard Museum and other ANGAA activities as well. It allows us to get together and enjoy each others’ company while keeping the spirit of the season in our hearts. This year we’re having a chili supper, so get your taste buds ready! Bring the beverage of your choice so everyone has their favorite drink alongside the chili.

Pick out an item that you like and we will auction it off to you or someone you invite to bid against. Bring gifts that make you laugh or that you would like to have around the house …. hidden treasures are a plus! We will auction whatever you bring, but don’t feel that you have to bring anything. All funds raised will be used for good causes. The auction will be at Chappell Armory, Camp Robinson (Rooms 186 and 187), Friday, November 30

th, 2012. Arrival

begins at 6:00 p.m., and the fun and fellowship starts soon afterwards. We hope you will attend and bring your friends along with you …. the more the merrier! If you have questions, please contact the ANGAA president, Mrs. Nikole Brasfield ([email protected]) (Phone No. 870-267-2129) or Mrs. Wanda Thomen ([email protected]) (Phone No. 501-766-5425).

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Company Grade Officers Attend NGAUS OPD Program Six company grade officers were selected by the adjutant general to participate in the NGAUS officer professional development program (OPD) during the NGAUS Conference last month in Reno, Nevada. Those officers are: CW2 Jason J. Boyce, 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team Captain Chaney B. Curtis, First Battalion, 142nd Field Artillery Captain Tommy Edwards, Second Battalion, 153rd Infantry Second Lieutenant Shalin Gieson, 189th Airlift Wing Captain Kenneth Simon, 189th Airlift Wing Second Lieutenant Timothy Smith, 188th Fighter Wing Lieutenant Smith writes of his experience at his first NGAUS Conference: “I want to thank everyone for the opportunity to attend the NGAUS Conference in Reno. The knowledge I gained from

the OPD sessions and the chance to see and hear from so many leaders in the Air Force, Army, and National Guard made

the experience invaluable to me professionally. Being able to network with so many peers and to see first hand the vision

that leaders of the respective branches and leaders of NGAUS have for the future of the National Guard made the time

spent at the conference invaluable. Thanks to all for the encouragement to attend and for choosing me to participate in

the OPD program. It was a great time, and the information gained will help me to develop into a better officer and a

more informed member of NGAA and NGAUS.”

NGAUS NGAUS NGAUS NGAUS Awards RecipientsAwards RecipientsAwards RecipientsAwards Recipients Two Arkansas individuals received National Guard Association of the United States awards at the NGAUS General Conference in Reno, Nevada, last month:

Major General William D. Wofford, Adjutant General, Arkansas National Guard (center), shown here with Major General Frank Vavala, NGAUS chairman of the board, and Colonel Jay Hooper, NGAUS awards committee chairman, received the NGAUS Distinguished Service Medal. This award was established in 1950 as a decoration for distinguished service and was NGAUS’ first major individual award. The Distinguished Service Medal was conceived to provide recognition for an individual who, as a member of the Armed Forces (Active, Guard or Reserve), performed exceptionally outstanding service to the United States, to the Armed Forces of the United States or to the National Guard Association of the United States.

Captain Kenneth O. Simon, 189th Airlift Wing, Arkansas Air National Guard (center), shown with Major General Vavala and Colonel Hooper, was awarded the Theodore Roosevelt Leadership Award for Company Grade Officers. First presented in 2006, this award was established to annually recognize the achievements and dedicated service of Army and Air National Guard junior officers who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and professionalism in their services to country and community.

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Resolutions Adopted at NGAUS Conference …..

Major Mike Culley and Captain Rex Thomen represented the Arkansas National Guard on the National Guard Association

of the United States (NGAUS) resolutions committees at the NGAUS Conference last month. The resolutions fall under

three categories … Joint, Air and Army, and are divided into standing resolutions and draft (proposed resolutions). The

draft resolutions were considered during a joint session and then the committee broke out to the individual components

(Air and Army). Of the resolutions submitted by Arkansas the following were approved:

Joint Draft Resolutions

Secure funding for communications platforms to assist with Homeland Defense Missions

Allowance for personnel to receive credit for State Active Duty (SAD)

Funding for modernization and equipping of Army and Air National Guard

Bonuses for Warrant Officers to increase retention

Requisition of state of the art Radiation and Chemical Detection equipment for CST’s, CERFP’s, and HRF’s

Increases in the Survivor Benefit Program

Equitable benefits extended to all military spouses

Air Draft Resolutions

Continuation of the C-27 program or foreign sales

Upgrades to the C130 fleet - LAIRCM, SA Enhancement Tools, Engine and Prop upgrades

Upgrades to the A-10 fleet - engine upgrades, Communication system upgrades

Federal protection for Mil-Tech employees out to MRA

Continued funding of the Post 9-11 GI Bill

Increase in funding and staffing to combat PTSD, substance abuse and mental health care

Army Draft Resolutions

Recommendation to prevent the retirement of C-23 Sherpa and loss of fixed wing cargo capability in the ARNG

Update to integrated cockpit displays and flight management systems

Acquire Advanced Precision Kill Weapons Systems

Acquire blast mitigation material for combat vehicles

Acquire corrosive covers for vehicles and tackle storage for equipment to protect from environmental conditions

One resolution pertaining to equipment for CSTs and HRFs was combined with a similar resolution with matching

language. All others were passed by committee and accepted into standing resolutions by the States delegates during the

business sessions

Standing resolutions carried over from previous conferences include:

Joint #2 Reduction in Retirement Age

Joint #3 TRICARE Medical Coverage to Increase Readiness

Joint #5 Provide Mental Health Resources to all members returning from

deployments

Joint #9 Implementing military family support programs of deployed Soldiers and Airmen that will meet the

unique needs of National Guard and Reserve families

Joint #38 Increase in military retired pay for Cited Heroes

2013 Call for Resolutions …..

Preparations are already underway for the annual NGAA state conference next April. Part of the order of business at

that time will include consideration of proposed resolutions for submission to the National Guard Association of the

United States. We invite you to consider issues within the National Guard that need to be addressed and then develop and

submit your proposals for resolutions.

Detailed information and an electronic input form are available at www.ngaa.org (click on Legislative). Everyone is

encouraged to participate in the resolutions process …. share your thoughts and ideas about National Guard issues that

need to be addressed at the state and national level.

In addition, visit the NGAUS website (www.ngaus.org) to review all the resolutions approved at the NGAUS Conference last

month.

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� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �-chairs Captain Rex Thomen (ARNG)

([email protected]) or Major Michael Culley (ANG) ([email protected]).

Proposed resolutions must be submitted to the NGAA office ([email protected]) using the electronic input form discussed

above no later than 1 March 2013.

President and CEO of NGAA Headline Corporate Member HDR Environmental retires ………. Recently retired, Mr. Mike Cassio served as president and CEO of HDR Environmental (formerly Engineering Environmental Management, Inc. (e2M)) since 1997 and as chairman of the board since 2000. The company is a charter corporate member of the NGAA Partners in Patriotism program, having joined when the program was established in 2001. Mike is a registered professional geologist and environmental manager. Under his leadership, his company grew from a one-person company to a current staff of over 330. HDR supports military clients from Guam to Kuwait. A strong supporter of the National Guard, the company has supported many deployed employees and their families during extended tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. Mike has personally supported the U.S. military mission for over twenty years in everything from chemical and hazardous waste management to a variety of environmental studies and operations of training ranges. He spent a large portion of his career providing environmental support services to National Guard installations nationwide. He has always put the military mission first and continually works with the National Guard to eliminate any barriers that could impact their day-to-day training activities. Undoubtedly one of the strongest civilian supporters in the country of the soldiers and airmen of the National Guard, Mike has directly contributed to the environmental well being of the services for the past several years. He worked closely with the National Guard Bureau with regard to training programs and execution of various environmental improvement programs affecting all the states and territories. He worked directly with the individual states, with Arkansas targeted as one of the pioneer states, in the early years of environmental improvement and always placed strong emphasis and priority on hiring military veterans and National Guard service members. Mr. Cassio took special interest in the National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS) and personally visited NGAUS Headquarters. He missed just one NGAUS annual general conference and attended every annual general conference of the National Guard Association of Arkansas during the past decade. He was honored by NGAUS headquarters with that organization’s Patrick Henry Award in 2008. We wish Mike every success in his future undertakings and look forward to a continued close relationship with HDR Environmental through our Partners in Patriotism corporate member program.

Page 11: Presidentially SpeakingPresidentially Speaking · Presidentially SpeakingPresidentially Speaking Last month, fifty-nine NGAA members, spouses and corporate members attended the 134

NGAA Board of DirectorsNGAA Board of DirectorsNGAA Board of DirectorsNGAA Board of Directors Welcomes New Welcomes New Welcomes New Welcomes New Retiree Retiree Retiree Retiree RepresentativeRepresentativeRepresentativeRepresentative

Colonel (Retired) Bill Stanton was elected in April of this year to serve as the retiree representative on the NGAA board of directors. He retired from the Arkansas Air National Guard in May 2010 after thirty-seven years of service as both a traditional Guardsman and a technician in the Air Guard. At the time of his retirement, he served as Director of Staff-Air and as J2 (Intelligence) on the Joint Staff. Previous assignments include wing intelligence officer for the 189th Airlift Wing and commander of the 123rd Intelligence Squadron. He is a past president of NGAA, having served in 2003-2004. Prior to that, he represented Headquarters, Arkansas Air National Guard and the geographically separate units (GSU) on the NGAA board of directors.

Colonel Stanton recently shared with us retiree news that we are pleased to communicate not only to current retirees, but to future retirees as well. He writes:

While it is true that NGAA and the National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS) champion the causes of our active Guardsmen, there are also many issues of interest to retirees that are receiving much attention. On the state level, NGAA has been successful in past legislative sessions to promote legislation that has been of great benefit to Guard members. One recent success was to increase the amount of military pay exempt from the state income tax from $6,000 to $9,000. In the upcoming legislative session, NGAA will be working to promote a bill to increase the retired military pay exemption from $6,000 to $9,000 to match the amount exempt for current serving military members.

Last month, I attended the retiree breakout at the 134th NGAUS General Conference in Reno, Nevada. Among the issues receiving attention at the national level are (1) full Space Available Travel (Space A) benefits for reserve component members, their dependents and gray-area retirees and dependents; (2) providing veterans status for retirees with 20-plus years of service who have not served at least 180 days of active duty for purposes other than training; and (3) continuing to support efforts to hold down Tricare fee increases for retirees.

A measure has been introduced in the U.S. Senate to provide full Space A benefits. There is no comparable legislation in the House. The Department of Defense is pushing hard against the proposal, claiming it will result in increased costs. NGAUS disagrees that there will be any cost increase associated with this issue. Veterans’ status legislation has passed in the House but failed to receive Senate approval during the last two terms of Congress. The NGAUS staff believes chances for passage will be better next year in the Senate and encourages retirees to contact their representatives and senators and urge them to support the legislation.

Another area that NGAA and NGAUS would like to improve is life membership in the organizations. While many of you became life members in NGAA/NGAUS while serving in the Guard, some retirees have elected to continue their membership on an annual basis. Many of you may not know that there is a retired life member option. The cost is only $125 for each organization. If you are not a life member, please give this option serious consideration.

The NGAA president, LTC Damon Cluck, has set a goal this year of increasing retiree participation in our association’s activities. Retirees are a great resource and have much to offer. As your representative, I encourage you to remain active and interested in the NGAA and the National Guard as a whole.

Don’t hesitate to contact me or the NGAA staff if you have any questions or concerns about the business of our association. My email address is: [email protected].

Page 12: Presidentially SpeakingPresidentially Speaking · Presidentially SpeakingPresidentially Speaking Last month, fifty-nine NGAA members, spouses and corporate members attended the 134

National Guard Association of Arkansas

P.O. Box 663, North Little Rock, Arkansas

72115

Damon Cluck, Association President

([email protected])

Kenneth Moix, Executive Director ([email protected])

James Lamb, Office Manager ([email protected])

Wanda Thomen, Insurance Administrator

([email protected])

Bob Morgan, Insurance Technician ([email protected])

Judy Shere, Administrative Assistant ([email protected])

Phone: 501-758-6422 FAX: 501-758-2097

www.ngaa.org

Coming Events

NGAA Trusts Board Meeting, 4:00 p.m.

NGAA Board of Directors Meeting, 5:00 p.m.

8 January 2013

NGAA Office, Building 8100, Camp Robinson

60th

NGAA General Conference

12-14 April 2013

Fort Smith Holiday Inn & Convention Center

Fort Smith, Arkansas

NGAA GoalsNGAA GoalsNGAA GoalsNGAA Goals

• Provide services to members

• Promote legislative actions to benefit

members and improve the capabilities of

the Arkansas National Guard

• Establish and maintain a cooperative

relationship with like organizations

• Maintain long term financial stability

• Preserve the history of NGAA

• Educate federal, state and local

communities on the National Guard story

• Improve the communication flow to

membership regarding NGAA and its

programs

NGAA Corporate MembersNGAA Corporate MembersNGAA Corporate MembersNGAA Corporate Members

Headline Corporate Member HDR Environmental, Operations & Construction, Inc.

Coca Cola Enterprises of Arkansas

Pepsi Beverages Company

Platinum Corporate Member Nabholz Construction Corporation

Gold Corporate Member Arkansas National Guard MWR

Ben E. Keith

DRS Technologies

Humana Military Healthcare Services

W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.

Corporate Member Amtech, LLC

Arkansas Blue Cross & Blue Shield

Arkansas Federal Credit Union

BAE Systems, Land & Armaments

The Boeing Company

DHS Technologies LLC (DRASH)

EADS North America

Fort Smith Arkansas Convention Group

GE Aviation

Hog Wild Wines and Spirits, Inc.

Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center, NW Arkansas

Metova

Northrop Grumman Laser Systems

Tyson Foods, Inc.

University of Phoenix

Verizon Wireless