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NEWS
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE NATIONAL GUARD ASSOCIATION OF TEXAS
Founded 1959
•
Volume 55
•
Number 2
•
Summer 2014
LEGISLATIVE................... 8
HALL OF HONOR............. 10
ANNUAL TRAINING........... 14
2015 CONFERENCE........... 20
BG LESTER SIMPSON TAKES COMMAND OF 36TH ID
Mine was earned in
Vietnam. By my dad.
Barbara Q., USAA member
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Use of the term “member” or “membership” does not convey any eligibility rights for auto and property insurance products, or legal or ownership rights in USAA. Ownership
rights are limited to eligible policyholders of United Services Automobile Association. “Honorably served” means a discharge type of “honorable.” Membership and product
eligibility and underwriting restrictions apply and are subject to change. Eligible former dependents of USAA members may purchase auto or property insurance if the member
obtained USAA auto or property insurance. Automobile insurance provided by United Services Automobile Association, USAA Casualty Insurance Company, USAA General
Indemnity Company, Garrison Property and Casualty Insurance Company, USAA County Mutual Insurance Company, San Antonio, TX, and is available only to persons eligible
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2014-15 Board of Directors
President............................................................ Charles Chavers
President-Elect.........................................................Daniel Quick
NEWScontents
Vice President........................................................... Kenn White
Secretary/Treasurer..............................................Ashley Bloom
Joint Forces Hqs............................. Michael Courade (Enlisted)
TX ARNG.................................................. Terri Marshall (Officer)
176th Engr Bde.....................................Calvin Jenkins (Officer)
36th Infantry Division......................Kenneth Henry (Enlisted)
72nd IBCT......................................... Brian Hildebrand (Officer)
72nd IBCT.................................................Tony Carter (Enlisted)
56th IBCT..........................................................Jet Hays (Officer)
56th IBCT...................................................... Jim Horn (Enlisted)
36th CAB....................................................Bob Roark (Enlisted)
71st BfSB................................................. Patrick Harty (Officer)
36th Sustainment Bde ...............Murphy McCardell (Enlisted)
136th MEB..............................................John Crawson (Officer)
HQ, TANG...........................................Michael Selheim (Enlisted)
136th AW...................................................Doug Clark (Enlisted)
147th RW....................................................Anita Blue (Enlisted)
149th FW.................................................. John Pollard (Officer)
TX State Guard Rep......................Kristopher Krueger (Officer)
Retired Rep - Region 1..................................................... Vacant
Retired Rep - Region 2...........................................Jerry Horsley
Retired Rep - Region 3.........................................Buck Allbright
Family Readiness Rep...........................................Miguel Torres
Executive Director.................................................... Ray Lindner

Editor............................................Theresa Billeck-Zuniga
Copyeditor....................................................Laura Bianco
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President’s Report
Members Spotlight
36th ID Change of Command
Border Mission/Key Leadership Changes
Legislative Report
Hall of Honor
Around the World with the Texas National Guard
Annual Training with the Texas Military Forces
Texas State Guard Gonzales Cup
Salute to Retirees
2015 NGAT Conference
Around Texas with the Guard
TAPS/Corporate Members and Sponsors
NGAT Planning Calendar
Graphic Designer..........................................Kathy White
Publisher...................................................Ames Printing

NGAT NEWS
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ON THE COVER (left side photos, top to bottom):
Command Chief Master Sergeant, Texas Air National Guard, CCMSgt Kevin O’Gorman (left) and BG Pat
Hamilton, Commander of the Domestic Operations Task Force (right), speak with Congresswoman Kay
Granger of Texas’ 12th Congressional District during a NGAT sponsored legislative reception recently held in
Washington, D.C. (Photo by 2LT Sharon Calderon)
Pictured left to right: CCMSgt (Ret) Harold Higgins and wife Anita, CSM (Ret) Clyde Worrell and wife Dorothy,
Johanna & MG (Ret) Robert Halverson and Maj Gen (Ret) Charles “Rex” Driggers and his wife poses for photos
following the Texas Military Forces Hall of Honor induction ceremony at Camp Mabry in Austin, Texas.
(Photo by MSG Ken Walker)
SPC Luis Palacios drives SGT Ruben Molinar while he fires the M2A1 .50 Cal during the 1-124 CAV Gunnery
Table VI Crew Certifications at Fort Hood, Texas.
Right Side Photo: BG Lester Simpson addresses the Soldiers and visitors following assuming command of the
36th Infantry Division. (Photo by MAJ Randy Stillinger)
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3
President's Report
Judging by the rising temperatures and the lowering lake levels, summer has arrived in Texas. And as I sit in
my air-conditioned office, my attention turns towards my tenure on the NGAT Board of Directors and our struggles to
grow our association.
Like most experiences in life, I have seen four distinct phases in the attempt to expand NGAT’s influence
across the state:
1. Some could not allow another entity like NGAT to be their voice. (Rejection of shared authority)
2. Many people simply allow NGAT to be their voice without any questions (Blind acceptance)
3. Today some feel that NGAT has lost touch with the individual wings and brigades (Skepticism)
4. And lastly, many have found that NGAT is the best option to protect the resources and personnel for the
military forces of Texas (Corporate acceptance)
It is in this fourth area that I want all of our soldiers and airmen to find themselves. This past May, the Board of Directors met
to review our mission statement and to readdress the message that NGAT relays to both our current and potential members that we
represent. We have struggled in the past to find ways to motivate potential members to join our state and national associations. During
our strategic planning meeting, it was obvious that our new Board of Directors is ready to find viable ways to represent the needs of our
current membership while simultaneously attracting younger members into the association. With the budget turmoil in Washington, D.C.,
our Guard structure in Texas is at a crossroads and NGAT stands ready to meet the challenges that will present themselves in the coming
months. NGAT, EANGUS and NGAUS stand at the ready to protect the welfare of the National Guard and the men and women of the
Texas Military Forces.
Speaking of EANGUS and NGAUS, the annual EANGUS conference will be held in Phoenix, AZ from 10-14 Aug., and NGAUS
will be held in Chicago, IL from 22-25 Aug. NGAT will have Board members there along with personnel selected to attend in professional
development status. Both conferences encourage positive change within the military system, and I know that Texas will have a strong
showing at both events. I am also hopeful that those individuals selected as professional development attendees will see the importance
of our state and national associations and share their conference experiences with others in their units. It is through activities like these
that the men and women of the Texas Military Forces will reach the corporate acceptance phase for NGAT and our national associations.
As always I ask for your help in growing our association. Get involved and share our message.
If there is anything I can do for you, let me know. Have a great summer.
Charles Chavers
President, NGAT
NGAT Board of Directors members and NGAT staff participate in a strategic
planning session in Round Rock, Texas to plan the future of the association.
SSG Michael Courage, a member of the NGAT Board of Directors, mans a booth at
the American Heroes Day event to encourage Soldiers and Airmen to become NGAT
members.
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4
NGAT News
Summer 2014
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CHIEF ADLER RETIRES
CMSgt Ellen Adler is
presented a gift from
Col Kevin Turnbo, 254
CCG’s Commander,
during her retirement
ceremony at Hensley
Air Guard Station in
Dallas, Texas. Both are
NGAT Life Members. 
MEDRANO MAKES CW4
Congratulations to NGAT Life
Member Juan Medrano, left, who
was recently promoted to CW4
by LTC Lambert DeVries. Chief
Medrano is a former member of
the NGAT Board of Directors and
currently serves on the Military
Affairs Committee. 
AIR NATIONAL GUARD COMMAND CHIEF VISITS TEXAS
Eleventh Command
Chief Master Sergeant of
the Air National Guard
CCMSgt James W. Hotaling
(center) visits with 149th
Fighter Wing CMSgt
Richard Pena (left) and
CCMSgt George Longoria
(right) at Joint Base
San Antonio-Lackland,
Texas. Hotaling discussed
health, moral, and
welfare issues affecting
National Guard members.
(Photo by TSgt Wilson)
SENIOR PARACHUTIST BADGE AWARDED
LTC CAIN, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE
Fellow Soldiers, family and
friends recently gathered to bid
farewell to LTC Michael Cain on
the occasion of his retirement
from the Texas Army National
Guard after serving our state and
nation for the past 32 years. LTC
Cain is shown with a parting gift
presented to him from members
of the G1 staff. 
Commander, HHC
1-143rd Inf Rgmt,
MAJ Max Krupp
(right) pins the
senior parachutist
badge on SFC
George A. Lloyd at
a ceremony held at
Camp Swift. 
SALUTING 32 YEARS OF MILITARY SERVICE
HONOR GRADUATE
BG Johnny R. Miller, Assistant Adjuant
General-Army, Illinois Army National
Guard (left), presents OC Caleb
Williams with the Honor Graduate
Sword at the Phase III OCS Graduation
at Ft. Lewis, WA. 
NGAT Life Member COL Richard Jordan
addresses friends and family at his
retirement ceremony from the Texas Army
National Guard after 32 years of military
service.  (Photo by SFC Daniel Griego)
www.ngat.org
5
BG SIMPSON TAKES COMMAND OF THE 36TH INFANTRY DIVISION
The servicemen and women of the 36th Infantry Division gathered with their unit flags,
streamers and guidons on the Camp Mabry parade field on 21 June 2014, to welcome a new
commander and bid farewell to a seasoned leader during a change of command ceremony.
Maj Gen John F. Nichols, Adjutant General of Texas, praised outgoing commander, MG James
K. “Red” Brown for his hard work and dedicated leadership during his service with the Texas
Army National Guard.
“We cannot shy away from change,” said Nichols, “therefore we embrace it. The 36th Infantry
Division has been an exemplary standout in our organization and I am confident they will
continue to do great things for Texas.”
MG Brown assumed command of the division in Jan. 2012 and commanded the 56th Brigade
Combat Team during Operation Iraqi Freedom III from Jan. through Dec. 2005. For his next
assignment, MG Brown will serve as the deputy commanding general-operations for First
United States Army based in Rock Island, IL. MG Brown is a former NGAT president and an
NGAT Life Member.
BG LESTER “LES” SIMPSON
Commanding General
36th Infantry Division
Incoming Commander BG Lester Simpson thanked Brown for
continuing the legacy of the 36th Infantry Division and promised to
continue to build on it. Simpson comes to the 36th Infantry Division after
serving as Special Assistant to the director of the Army National Guard
at the Pentagon.
BG Simpson becomes the 17th commanding general in the history of
the unit. The 36th Infantry Division was originally organized at Camp
Bowie near Brownwood, Texas on 17 July 1917, and was called the
“Texas Division” and the “T-Patchers.”
(Photos by MAJ Randy Stillinger)
BG Lester “Les” Simpson received his commission in the Army National Guard in 1980 through the University of Texas,
Arlington Reserve Officers Training Corps. After completing Infantry Officer Basic course, he served in many leadership
and command assignments. He served as Commander, 3rd Battalion, 144th Infantry Regiment; Commander, 142nd Rear
Operations Center; and in 2011 he served as Commander, 176th Engineer Brigade during major combat operations in
support of Operation Enduring Freedom. In October 2012, General Simpson served as the Assistant Adjutant General
– Army, Texas National Guard and Commander, 71st Troop Command. In May 2013, he assumed the duties of Special
Assistant Director, Army National Guard at the Pentagon. BG Simpson recently retired from United Parcel Service (UPS)
of North America after 33 years of dedicated service. General Simpson and his wife Antoinette have a blended family of
four adult children, Lester Jr., Solomon, Nathan and Morgan.
6
NGAT News
Summer 2014
GOVERNOR PERRY ACTIVATES
TEXAS NATIONAL GUARD TO SOUTHERN BORDER
Governor Rick Perry announced on 21 July, the activation of up to 1,000 Texas National Guard troops on
state active duty orders to the southern border in support of the Texas Department of Public Safety’s
Operation Strong Safety.
The following is a message from the Adjutant General of Texas:
Governor Perry tasked us to increase our support to the Texas Department of Public Safety’s
Operation Strong Safety. The Texas National Guard will work in full support of this state-led border
security surge operation to deter criminal activity along the Texas-Mexico border. Within the next 30
days we will send additional forces to the border who will act as force multipliers for the state.
We are not strangers to this mission. Our forces will enhance security efforts by amplifying the visible
presence on the ground and along the river; working alongside commissioned law enforcement
officers to detect and prevent criminals from infiltrating through the international border, and helping
to ensure the safety of our fellow Texans. We have performed similar roles in support of various state
and federal operations along the border since 2006. To our Texas Guardsmen already engaged in border support missions, thank you for your
selfless service and dedication to this important effort.
To those whom we will send, the state and nation once again need you. In times of crisis, our civilian leaders call upon us without hesitation.
For many, I know this is not the first call; you’ve been called in the past to serve our state and nation. Now the Governor of Texas is calling you
to help secure our homeland. Times of great need are why we wear the uniform and serve. Times like these are why the Texas Guard exists.
The citizens of Texas continue to honor us with their absolute trust and confidence. They do so because they understand what I see every day:
you stand ready and willing to serve, whatever the call may be. And I couldn’t be more proud of you. This is a critical moment in our state and
nation. I’m thankful that at moments like this, Texas can rely on you for its safety and security. Texas Strong!
John F. Nichols
Major General, TXANG
Adjutant General
TEXAS MILITARY FORCES LEADERSHIP CHANGES
MG James K.
“Red” Brown
Commanding
General Operations
First United
States Army
Rock Island, IL
Col Dan
Steiner
Chief of
Staff
Texas State
Guard
COL Patrick M. Hamilton,
Commander Domestic Operations,
smiles as his wife Beverly Hamilton, and his mother
Sara Hamilton pin new shoulder boards on his uniform
during his promotion to the rank of Brigadier General in
the Texas Army National Guard (TXARNG).
(Photo by SSG Jennifer D. Atkinson)
CSM Jose H.
Cazares
Command
Sergeant
Major
36th Combat
Aviation
Brigade
CSM James
Guzman
Command
Sergeant Major
102nd General
Support
Battalion
CSM Gary A.
Krpec
Command
Sergeant
Major
71st
Battlefield
Surveillance
Brigade
www.ngat.org
7
Legislative Report
NGAT is actively monitoring several federal legislative issues. Our Write to Congress efforts to freeze Army movement
to reduce the size of the Guard and to move Guard AH-64s to the active force helped alert Congress to the problem, and
through the efforts of many people resulted in language being inserted into the NDAA to freeze those moves. NGAT
hosted a reception for the Texas Congressional delegation and staff during this critical time, and ensured that the
Texas Guard leadership and legislative office was able to follow up with Members and their staff in a more relaxed
environment.
Here are the critical pieces of legislation still pending:
National Defense Authorization Act 2015
The House has passed its version of the NDAA, and the Senate version is awaiting a vote from the Senate. Following
passage of the Senate bill, a conference committee will settle the differences
and present a new version to be approved by both chambers.
Both bills establish a National Commission on the Future of the Army to
assess the Army’s active and reserve components size and force mix and
requires the submission of its findings and recommendations by 1 Feb 2016.
The House bill freezes the transfer of Army National Guard AH-64s and end
strength levels until a Comptroller General study on the Army’s structure
plan is completed. The Senate bill freezes the transfer of all but 48 Army
National Guard AH-64s and end strength levels through Fiscal Year 2015.
The Senate bill includes a provision that would require the Air Force to
submit both a complete fielding
plan for the C-130 aircraft and
specific details of the Air Force’s
plan to maintain intra-theater
capacity within both the active
and the reserve components,
including its modernization and
recapitalization plan for all C-130H
and C-130J aircraft.
Armando Martinez, Texas district 39 representative,
holds an M4 used by soldiers from the 3-141 INF
Rgmt, at the Weslaco Armory. The representative
and other state legislative staff members visited
the armory to learn more about the mission and
capabilities of the Guard unit.
(Photo by 2LT Alicia M. Lacy)
The House bill includes a provision
that would require DOD to report to the congressional defense committees
on the readiness and cost impacts, both immediate and long-term, of
reductions in funding on ESGR and the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration
Program.
The Adjutant General of Texas, Maj Gen John F. Nichols,
walks across the Camp Mabry parade field with Senator
John Cornyn during American Heroes Day events.
The House bill includes a provision requiring the Chief of the National
Guard Bureau to submit a report on the progress made by the Army
National Guard to establish 10 Cyber Protection Teams no later than 90
days after the date of the enactment of this Act.
The House bill includes a provision that would require the Secretary of
the Army to submit to the Committees on Armed Services a report on the
requirement of the Army that members of the Army may become eligible for the Army’s tuition assistance program
only after serving for a period of one year after completing certain training courses. The report would evaluate the
impact the one year waiting period will have on recruitment for the National Guard and an explanation of the extent
to which the qualities of the National Guard, including the role of college student and college bound students in the
National Guard, were considered before reaching the decision on eligibility.
The Senate bill includes a provision that would amend Title 10, United States Code to clarify that qualifying days
of service under that section to reduce the age at which a service member may receive reserve retired pay may be
accumulated between two consecutive fiscal years. 
8
NGAT News
Summer 2014
Military
Compensation
and Retirement
Modernization
Commission
The Military Compensation
and Retirement
Modernization Commission,
established by the NDAA
FY2013, is conducting
a review of military
compensation and retirement
systems and is charged with
making recommendations
by Feb. 2015. While current
serving soldiers and airmen
should be protected, the
potential impact on the
Guard is enormous. 
Veterans Affairs
Legislation intended to
improve healthcare services
through the Veterans Affairs
department is encountering
problems as accountability
issues cloud funding levels.
While lawmakers have
described the bill as mustpass legislation, partisan
bickering is hindering
movement. 
CPT David C. Sullivan, commander, Headquarters Company, 1-149th
Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, explains the features of an AH-64D
Apache helicopter to State Senator Leticia Van de Putte, senate district
26, during her visit to Ellington Field JRB in Houston. State Senator
Van de Putte was with the Senate Veterans’ Affairs and Military
Installations Committee to learn about the 147th Reconnaissance Wing
and the 1-149th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion missions.
Help NGAT get your
voice heard.
WRITE TO CONGRESS at
www.ngat.org/alerts.php
www.ngat.org
9
Texas Military Forces 2014
Hall of Honor Inductees
MG (Ret) Robert L. Halverson
Former Commander
49th Armored Division
MG (Ret) Robert L. Halverson, former commander of the 49th
Armored Division, served in the military for more than 38 years,
beginning in 1963. He made an extraordinary and positive
difference in the continual transformation of the TXMF by
instituting divisional staff training and implementing active
duty military doctrine in preparation for the 49th Armored
Division’s deployment as the first integrated active and reserve
component headquarters in Bosnia.
MG (Ret) Halverson changed the outlook and focus of
the organization by thoroughly integrating the Guard into
the active Army, interfacing with Headquarters, U.S. Army
Europe and subordinate commands while accomplishing
numerous civic projects that set the standard for future Guard
deployments to Bosnia.
He also shaped the organizational environment for the future
by training Guard divisions for future deployments to Bosnia
and Kosovo, which set the stage for other Army National
Guard Divisions to be mobilized and deployed to both Iraq
and Afghanistan. Additionally, as a result of the successful
mission to Bosnia, Army Training schools began accepting
more National Guard Soldiers into the military occupational
skills producing courses, resulting in a more trained and ready
Guard force nationwide.
10
NGAT News
Summer 2014
Maj Gen (Ret) Charles “Rex” Driggers
Former Commander
Texas Air National Guard
Maj Gen (Ret) Charles “Rex” Driggers, former commander
of the Texas Air National Guard began his military career in
1955 and served for over 37 years. He made an extraordinary
contribution to the transformation of the TXMF by initiating and
commanding the introduction of the C-130 Hercules tactical
aircraft at the 136th Airlift Wing in Fort Worth.
Maj Gen (Ret) Driggers changed the outlook and focus of the
Texas Air National Guard when he instituted combat training
and encouraged closer cooperation with the active duty Air
Force. He led Texas ANG aircrews and support personnel from
the 136th to participate in Red Flag combat training exercises.
This training outlook improved coordination between the active
duty and guard air forces, and was a foundation that was built
upon during aerial operations during the Gulf War. This was
instrumental in achieving mission success.
During his time as Texas ANG Commander, Driggers elevated
the role and contributions of the Air Guard into TXMF statewide
operations. He oversaw the development and construction of
the Air Guard’s state headquarters building at Camp Mabry.
This led to increased cooperation and missions involving Texas
ANG units and the TXMF leadership team.
The Hall of Honor was created as a permanent tribute to recognize members of the
Texas Military Forces who have made lasting contributions of an outstanding nature
to the Texas National Guard. This is the first time in four years that the TXMF has
inducted anyone into the Hall of Honor. Induction into the Hall of Honor is the highest
form of recognition the Texas National Guard can bestow on an individual and is
widely recognized as the crowning achievement of a distinguished career.
NGAT is honored to have funded the materials and construction of the new Hall
of Honor wall located in Building 8 on Camp Mabry. Each year that someone is
inducted into the Hall of Honor, they will have their photo and narrative displayed on
the wall in Building 8 for a year before moving it to its permanent home in the TXMF
Museum. It is truly a honor for NGAT to help preserve and recognize the leadership
and history of the Texas Military Forces. We are also proud to report that all inductees
are NGAT Life Members.
CCMSgt (Ret) Harold L. Higgins Jr.
Former State
Command Chief Master Sergeant
CSM (Ret) Clyde Worrell
Former State
Command Sergeant Major
CCMSgt (Ret) Harold L. Higgins Jr., former State Chief
Master Sgt, Texas Air National Guard, served his state and
nation for more than 30 years, beginning in 1965. He had a
profound impact on the TXMF by promoting the professional
development of all Airmen. Serving as First Sgt., Wing
Command Chief and ultimately the Texas State Command
Chief, his focus was to provide senior leadership with a
professional and capable enlisted force to meet the ever
increasing demands, both domestic and deployed.
CSM (Ret) Clyde Worrell, former State Command Sergeant
Major, Texas Army National Guard, served his state and
nation for more than 40 years, beginning in 1965. He made
an extraordinary and positive difference in the continual
transformation of the TXMF by instituting a promotion process in
Texas establishing noncommissioned officer promotion boards
at the battalion, brigade, division and state level for different
ranks, producing a more professional NCO corps promoted on
the basis of stringent qualifications and performance.
CCMSgt (Ret) Higgins promoted a joint environment at every
opportunity, working closely with the State Senior Enlisted
Advisor, while also working nationally with the Air National
Guard Command Chief Master Sgt. During his tenure, the first
Command Chief/Command Sergeant Major Conference was
established to understand the unique, as well as common issues
and seek opportunities for benchmarking successful resolutions.
CSM (Ret) Worrell changed the outlook and focus of the
organization by instituting a requirement for NCO education
to be tied to rank progression, and lobbied successfully at the
national level for the creation of Guard/Reserve-friendly courses
to be completed locally and during drill periods.
He was appointed as a region coordinator on the ANG Enlisted
Field Advisory Council representing eight states. As such, his
actions touched all ranks, from Airman to Chief Master Sgt.,
by instituting programs such as a the Enlisted Performance
Feedback, the National Command Chiefs Orientation Course
and a distance-learning program.
He also shaped the organizational environment for the future by
implementing a National Guard Bureau requirement to select,
train, promote and assign enlisted personnel through statewide
implementation of meetings and processes designed to make
this requirement Texas-specific and soldier-friendly, producing a
generation of trained and ready NCO leadership.
www.ngat.org
11
AROUND THE W
RLD with
A Tactical Air Control Party
Airman with the 147th
Reconnaissance Wing
prepares to perform close
air support while at a field
training exercise with Czech
forward air controllers in
the Czech Republic.
Soldiers with the 1st Battalion (Airborne), 143rd Infantry Regiment parachute onto
the Teton Drop Zone at Camp Guernsey in Wyoming, during the Golden Coyote
training exercise. (Photo by SPC Donald E. Williams)
CMsgt Del Atkinson and MSgt John Hawkins, both from the 136th
Airlift Wing, traveled to France to parachute jump into the Normandy
hedgerows to commemorate the 70th anniversary of D-Day. Atkinson
and Hawkins, members of the Liberty Jump Team, made several jumps in
Normandy on the original World War II drop zones to honor Veterans.
The Texas National Guard marathon team poses for a photo at
the NGB marathon in Lincoln, NE. Pictured left to right are: TSgt
Adam Bernal, LTC Michael Diaz, CW3 Lisa Buckley, SFC Noah Mitchell,
CW3 Michael Long, SFC Agatha Hebbe, TSgt Kelaita Johnson and SSG
Joseph Ollebidez.
Texas Army National Guard
Soldiers from 236th Engineer
Company pose with local school
children during their travels to
Guatemala. Soldiers provided
much-needed engineering
improvements to three area
schools located near Zacapa,
Guatemala as part of Beyond
the Horizon 2014. (Photo
courtesy of 236th Engineer
Company)
12
NGAT News
Summer 2014
Members of the 71st Theater Information
Operation Group stand in front of a V-22 Osprey
at Hurlburt Field in Florida during Emerald
Warrior. Emerald Warrior is an annual Joint
exercise to train special operations, conventional
and partner nation forces in combat scenarios
designed to hone special operations air and
ground combat skills.
(Photo by CPT Joshua Amstutz)
the TEXAS NATIONAL GUARD
TSgt Shonda Winkler (left)
and SrA Katie Steadman
(middle), 531st Air
Force Band, Band of the
Southwest, invite Elena
Bedner, a services business
manager, to sing as they
perform for customers at
The Exchange on Barksdale
AFB in Louisiana.
(Photos by MSgt Charles
Hatton)
CPT Abe Alvarenga, a member of Task Force
Larimar, speaks with a local citizen to inform him
of upcoming medical readiness training exercises
(MEDRETES) during the 2014 humanitarian civic
assistance mission at Batey Cinco, Dominican
Republic.
(Photo by SGT True Thao)
CPT Joshua Edgington, a jump master for the 1st Battalion (Airborne), 143rd Infantry Regiment,
performs the Jump Master Personnel Inspection for SGT Oscar Moreno, a parachute rigger with
the 294th Quartermaster Company Jumpmasters, at Camp Guernsey in Wyoming.
(Photo by SPC Donald E. Williams)
MAJ Anthony Hall (left) and SPC Sarah Olivares of
the 36th Infantry Division review reports during a
Warfighter training exercise in Fort Leavenworth,
Kansas. This exercise evaluated the units acting
at their designated level, and the additional units
training participated by filling in as higher and
complimentary levels of command and support to
test their battlefield skills.
(Photo by SFC Suzanne Ringle)
MAJ James Nelson, 71st Theater Information Operations Group (71st TIOG),
is greeted by citizens at the newly-built structure at the Fidelina Feliz-Matos
public primary (kindergarten through eighth grade) school in La Guazara,
Dominican Republic as part of Beyond the Horizon 2014.
www.ngat.org
13
A CH-47
“Chinook”
helicopter from
B Co., 2-149th
GSAB executes
airborne resupply
operations during
training events at
Fort Hood, Texas.
(Photo by MAJ
Randy Stillinger)
SPC Justin Stewart,
a member of Co F
2-149th GSA, trains
on an air traffic
control simulator
at Martindale Army
Airfield in San
Antonio, Texas in
preparation for
their upcoming
deployment to Kuwait
later this year.
Soldiers from the 342nd
ENGR Co, 176th ENGR
Bde work on renovating
the public running track
at Camp Mabry.
(Photo by CW1 Cary
Wintz)
Members of Co A 141st INF Search and Rescue Team
(SAR) undergo training with the San Antonio Fire
Departments’ technical rescue team in New Braunfels.
141st INF is home to one of only two SAR units in the
Texas Army National Guard.
SPC Katelynn Sweeney of the 136th Military Police Battalion
prepares to fire the MK19 during the unit’s annual training at
Camp Swift. The training period focused on integrating crew
serve weapons systems such as the MK19 and the M48 .50
cal with their armored security vehicles (ASV) as part of a
long-term certification program.
PVT Carsten
Requenez (left),
SPC Terrell
Davenport
(center) and
SGT Juan Rueda,
all members of
Able Company
1-143rd INF
Rgmt, conduct
120mm mortar
net training on a
new fire control
system during
training at Fort
Hood, Texas.
14
NGAT News
Summer 2014
Members of Co H FSC of the 3-144 INF BN
perform sling-load operations to drop Class I
supplies to the units during annual training at
Fort Hood.
SSgt Cary Heath (back), SSgt John Johnson (middle), and A1C
Victor Williams of the 136th Maintenance Squadron guidance
and control shop perform an operation check on a C-130 Hercules
mock-up flight director and auto-pilot system stand to ensure
proper functioning of critical components after repairs have been
carried out, at Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base,
Texas. (Photo by MSgt Charles Hatton)
An Airman with the 147th Air Support Operations
Squadron waits for other members from the squadron
to track him during land and vehicle navigation training
at the squadron’s field training exercise, at Camp Swift,
Texas.
TSgt Courtney Bosh, 147th Medical Group,
assesses AIC Anthony Morris’s simulated injury
during a mass casualty scenario as part of an
Operational Readiness exercise, at Ellington Field
Joint Reserve Base in Houston, TX. The scenario
tested the Medical Group’s ability to respond to a
real-world emergency.
SSgt Evan Lawson (right), an RF transmission
systems supervisor with the 147th Air Support
Operations Squadron, explains how to encode and
decode communication to SrA Terry Johnson,
a knowledge operations manager with the
squadron, during a field training exercise at Camp
Swift in Bastrop, Texas.
An Airman with the
136th Civil Engineers
at Camp Mabry in
Texas, works on a
joint project with the
Army National Guard
rebuilding the track
for the Soldiers and
Airmen on post.
A firefighter with the 147th Civil Engineer Squadron, out of
Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base in Houston, critiques a fellow
firefighter during their Annual Training exercise. As part of the
exercise, the firefighters conducted training on dragging hoses,
executing search patterns, helping downed firefighters and
handling civilian casualties.
www.ngat.org
15
Texas State Guard Training
Texas State
Guard 4th
Regiment
Chaplains
prepare to
visit the troops
during Annual
Training in
Denton, Texas.
Members of the Texas State Guard 39th
Composite Regiment direct bikers at a checkpoint
during the 2014 Bike MS 150-mile Cactus & Crude
ride from Midland to Post, Texas.
Members of the Texas State Guard process
in volunteers at the Balch Springs Recreation
Center in Balch Springs, Texas during a
shelter management exercise that required
them to set-up, process and manage a
shelter. Volunteers act as role players in the
exercise.
Members of the Texas State Guard 19th
Regiment conduct a simulated plane
crash that leads to utilizing a grid search
for the teams in finding victims and parts
of the plane. (Photo by 1LT (TX) Jamey
Guariscio-Cosper)
SSgt Andrew Sandoval, a member of
the 149th Communications Flight, and
SrA (TX) Ivy Girard, a member of the
449th Air Support Group, 5th Air Wing,
Texas State Guard (TXSG), participate in
communications training at Joint Base
San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. (Photo by
TSgt Eric L. Wilson)
Soldiers in the Texas State Guard 19th Regiment provide color guard support at the Van
Zandt County Memorial Day ceremony in Canton, Texas.
16
NGAT News
Summer 2014
SSG (TX) Bud Naylor (left) and PFC (TX) Hunter Becker (right), from the
19th Regiment Texas State Guard, rescue a victim from a collapsed
building due to a mock tornado in a warehouse in Grapevine, Texas
during a Search and Rescue (SAR) exercise.
136TH AIRLIFT WING TAKES 2ND
IN CAPTAIN’S CUP
The first annual Captain’s Cup, a competition to promote camaraderie amongst services
at Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base was held on 18 July 2014. Events
included a volleyball game, push-ups, sit-ups, pull-ups, relay racing and tug of war. The
Airmen of the 136th Airlift Wing took second place with the Navy taking first.
(Photos by SMSgt Elizabeth Gilbert)
19TH REGIMENT TAKES GONZALES CUP 2ND YEAR IN A ROW
Congratulations to members of the Texas State Guard 19th Regiment for winning
the Gonzales Cup two years in a
row. Top teams from the 4th, 8th
and 19th Regiments competed
in Stephenville, Texas in physical
fitness, land navigation, leadership
reaction course, first aid and
rescue, and marksmanship events.
The 19th Regiments winning team
(see photo to the left) is pictured
left to right: SGT (TX) Sean Mounger,
CPL (TX) Nicholas Sanders, CPL (TX) Jonathan Kelley, PFC (TX) Jonathan Turner, SGT
(TX) Kenneth Clayton, SPC (TX) Christopher Parrish, OC (TX) David Park and CPL (TX)
Brian Nail. Members of the 19th Regiment also took top honors, respectively 1st,
2nd and 3rd, for the highest scores individually. The individual winners were OC
(TX) David Park, CPL (TX) Jonathan Kelley and SGT (TX) Kenneth Clayton.
Texas Military Forces
State Family Programs Golf Tournament
Pine Forest Golf Club, Bastrop, Texas
8 Sept. 2014 / 8:30 a.m. Shotgun Start
SHOW YOUR
SUPPORT TO
OUR TEXAS
MILITARY
FAMILIES!
Hosted by the
National Guard
Association of Texas
&
Pine Forest
Golf Club,
Bastrop, Texas
4-Person Teams or Individuals
$70.00 per person
$5.00 Mulligans
Sponsor a Hole!!! – $200.00 Tax Deductible Donation
Hole in One, Longest Drive,
Closest to pin prizes and much more!
Register at www.ngat.org
Scan this code
to register
online for
the golf
tournament.
www.ngat.org
17
AIR GUARD FRIENDS CELEBRATE THE 4TH OF JULY TOGETHER
Old Texas Air National Guard friends who served together in the
136th Airlift Wing celebrated the 4th of July together with a BBQ
and fellowship. Pictured left to right are CMSgt (Ret) Bill Strouse,
CMSgt (Ret) Johnny Jones, SMSgt (Ret) Charley McKenzie, CMSgt
(Ret) Dennis Tubb and the current State Command Chief, CCMSgt
Kevin O’Gorman. 
COMMAND GUIDANCE
FORMER TAG AND STAFF OFFICERS MEET
An impromptu reunion was
recently held at a wedding on
31 May when these three old
friends ran into each other.
Pictured are NGAT Life Members,
Former Adjutant General of
Texas, LTG (Ret) Daniel James
(center) and two of his former
staff members, BG (Ret) Bill
Goodwin (right) and COL (Ret)
Jack Taliaferro (left). 
LTG (BVT) (Ret) Don O. Daniel (left), former
commander of the 49th Armored Division,
congratulates BG Lester Simpson on his
assumption of command of the 36th Infantry
Division following the change of command
ceremony. 
(Photo by MAJ Randy Stillinger)
MINI RECRUITING REUNION
TEXAS ARMY NATIONAL GUARD RECRUITING &
RETENTION REUNION
About 40 former and current Texas Army National Guard Recruiters
gathered at the Camp Mabry picnic area on 19 July 2014 for their first
reunion. It was a chance to reconnect with old friends and make new
friends. Several former commander and command sergeant majors from
recruiting were in attendance. To reconnect with current and former
TXARNG recruiters, join their group on Facebook: Texas Army National
Guard R&R Force (Fmr & Present). For more information about future
reunions, email COL (Ret) Dwain James at [email protected]. 
18
NGAT News
Summer 2014
These guys are calling this a mini TXARNG
recruiting reunion but it looks more like a good
reason to have drinks with some good friends.
NGAT Life Members pictured left to right are
SGM (Ret) Ed OKane, MSG (Ret) Abel Martinez,
SGM (Ret) Mike Clements and SFC (Ret) Irving
Morales. 
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7/2/2014 11:06:39 AM
www.ngat.org
19
56th Annual NGAT Conference
13-15 March 2015
Omni Corpus Christi Hotel ~ Corpus Christi, Texas
Registration (ONLINE REGISTRATION NOW AVAILABLE)
All attendees must pay the registration fee of $15.00 per person.
Meal Packages
• Early Bird Registration fee is $95 and closes on 30 January 2015.
• Regular Registration fee is $110 and closes on 2 March 2015.
(The deadline for meal packages is 2 March 2015. After this date, meals must be purchased individually as
available.)
• A $25 late fee will be added to all registrations received after 2 March 2015.
• All cancellation requests must be received in the NGAT office prior to 13 February 2015.
Hotel
• Omni Corpus Christi Hotel, 900 N. Shoreline Boulevard, Corpus Christi, Texas, 78401
• Make your reservations directly with the hotel at: 1-800-843-6664. Make sure to identify yourself as
a member of the National Guard Association of Texas.
• Hotel rate: $107 single/double plus tax per night.
• Hotel reservations can also be made online at the NGAT website.
(NGAT cannot guarantee rooms after 20 February 2015)
ATTIRE
• NGAT Business Session: Business Casual
• NGAT Dinner: Army - Class A/Service Dress/Mess Dress; Air - Mess Dress/Service Dress;
Civilians - Business Suit/ Evening Formal Wear; Spouses - After-Five Attire.
Conference Optional Events
• Golf Tournament – Shotgun, Florida scramble with low net/low gross competition. The golf tournament is open to both
registered and non-registered attendees of the conference. Registration includes green fee, cart, continental breakfast, lunch,
and award plaques.
• 12th Annual Silent Auction – Bid on over 200 auction items and take advantage of some great bargains on gift baskets, jewelry,
weekend getaways, and tickets to music, sports and other entertainment venues.
• Wine Tasting - Enjoy a delicious variety of Texas wines at our wine tasting. • Spirits Tasting - Come sample some tequila and learn a little about the history and production of the many classic tequila
brands. The session will feature several selections displaying a variety of characteristics and flavors.
• Texas Hold’em Tournament - How good is your poker face? Do you have what it takes to go all-in? Then try your luck at the
NGAT Texas Hold’em Tournament. • NGAT Welcome Party – Come enjoy our Margaritaville-themed party at Brewster Street Ice House. The Welcome Party menu
includes beef and chicken fajita stations with all the trimmings and ice-cold refreshments. Live entertainment will be provided,
so bring your dancing shoes and enjoy your evening with friends at the NGAT Welcome Party. • Enjoy a leisurely lunch at the Spouses Luncheon on Saturday. Registration fee includes lunch, entertainment, and prizes.
• Saturday Dinner – Dinner presentations include the Minuteman and Scholarship awards. At this year’s dinner attendees get
to choose from three different entrées: Coriander Pork Tenderloin Medallions, Teriyaki Glazed Chicken, or Grilled Salmon with
Pecan Butter. All of the entrees include chef’s choice of seasonal vegetables, iced tea and Starbucks coffee along with salad and
dessert. Please make your entrée selection on your registration form. After dinner, guests will have the opportunity to visit
hospitality suites.
• Hospitality Suites will be located at the hotel, and units will compete for “Best Suite” award.
• 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.
REGISTER ONLINE by visiting the NGAT Website at www.NGAT.org
20
NGAT News
Summer 2014
CELEBRATING THE 4TH OF JULY
SGT Lakisha Fredericks of HHC, JTF-136 (MEB) affixes American flags to a unit
humvee in preparation for the Sertoma July 4th Parade in Round Rock, Texas.
(Photo SFC Daniel Griego) 
SLING-LOAD TRAINING
Tactical Air Control Party members from the 147th Air Support Operations
Squadron 147th Reconnaissance Wing perform helicopter sling-load operations
with a USCG Air Station Houston, Texas HH-65 Dauphin during a domestic
training exercise at Texas Parks and Wildlife, Galveston Island State Park. 
MARCH FOR FALLEN HEROES
SSG David J. Mendiola leads
the way at the start of
the 8th annual March for
Fallen Heroes event. Dozens
of Soldiers, Veterans, and
family members marched to
the Texas State Capitol as
part of the March for Fallen
Heroes during Memorial
Day weekend. SSG Mendiola
started the event eight years
ago to honor fallen military
members. 
(Photo by CPT Adam Musil)
TEXAS STATE GUARD GRADUATE PERSONNEL
FROM THE COMMAND AND GENERAL STAFF
COLLEGE
A TEXAS STATE GUARDSMAN CARRIES THE LOAD
SGT (TX) Ken Clayton,
a Civil Affairs team
leader with the Texas
State Guard, was
among the top 15
finishers in the Dallas
Memorial Day “Carry
The Load” event. SGT
(TX) Clayton raised
more than $14,000,
placing him among
the top five individual
fundraisers, and
assisted the Texas
State Guard 19th
Regiment in raising
$18,210, finishing 9th in team fundraising. He also completed the 79-mile
course carrying a 40-lb load in 20 hours and 14 minutes. 
On Saturday, 14 June 2014 the Command and General Staff College (CGSCG)
graduated its first class of twelve graduates from the Texas State Guard.
The CGSCG is a graduate-level program for senior officers with the enduring
purpose of supporting Leader Development and Education. Professional Military
Education ensures the professional vitality of officers by preparing them to
discharge their duties in the service to the state of Texas. Pictured left to
right in the front: MAJ (TX) J. Michael Spraggins, LTC (TX) Kristopher K. Krueger,
LTC (TX) Phyllis Brooks, LCDR (TX) Robert W. Finley, MAJ (TX) Donna V. Lary, MAJ
(TX) Wendell C. Sadler, LTC (TX) Kevin J. Lilly. Back Row, left to right: MAJ (TX)
Benedict J. Boerner, BG (TX) Brian K. Smallwood, COL (TX) Edwin A. Grantham, LTC
(TX) James Ray Hays and MAJ (TX) Jose L. Garcia. 
www.ngat.org
21
TAPS (AS OF 07/07/14)
SSG Angela Joy “AJ” Arcos, Retired, Mechanicsburg, PA
1SG Shannon B. “Bubby” McMakin, Life Member #2981, Retired, Taylor
SSG Albon L. Buffington, Life Member #10563, Retired, Woodville
SMSgt William Morgan, Retired, Rosanky
SGT Johnny K. Carver, Life Member #31085, Retired, Celina
CW4 Jimmy D. Nunnery, Life Member #3618, Retired, Austin
MAJ William A. Day, Life Member #6085, Retired, Abilene
MSgt Cornelius Ripps, Life Member #2491, Retired, San Antonio
SSG John V. Dudley, Life Member #1560, Retired, Abilene
*SMSgt Kenneth L. Russell, Life Member #13691, Retired, Arlington
*SSG Linda M. Duncum, Life Member #17643, Retired, Alpine
SSG Fernando D. Solis, Life Member #7882, Retired, Laredo
SFC Jerry L. Fohn, Life Member #7397, Retired, Red Rock
MSG Jody L. Shank, Life Member #11528, Retired, Walder
*SGT Federico F. Fuentes, Co E (FSC) 536th SPT BN, San Antonio
MSG Donald O. Starr, Life Member #7806, Retired, Mesquite
LT Rene R. Garcia, Life Member #2051, Retired, Alice
MSG Harry P. Stumpf, Life Member #1680, Retired, Spearman
MSG William L. “Bill” Jenkins Jr., Life Member #1231, Retired,
Dripping Springs
Mr. Terry W. Tatum, Life Member #5655, Retired, Kaufman
CMSgt James D. Johnston, Life Member #2882, Retired, San Antonio
Mr. Richard W. Karstetter, Life Member #12861, Retired, Palmyra, PA
Mr. William L. Tharp, Life Member #992, Valley Mills
CW4 James G. West, Life Member #3319, Retired, Round Rock
*Had NGAT Life Insurance
If you are aware of the passing of a current or former National Guard member,
please notify us by phone, by sending a letter to our office, or by email at [email protected].
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NGAT News
Summer 2014
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National Guard Association of Texas
3706 Crawford Avenue
Austin, Texas 78731-6803
NATIONAL GUARD ASSOCIATION OF TEXAS
NGAT PLANNING CALENDAR
(As of 1 Aug. 2014)
2014
10-14 Aug
18
Aug
22-25 Aug
1
Sep
11
Sep
13
Oct
27
Oct
11
Nov
27-28 Nov
13
Dec
24-31 Dec
EANGUS Conference, Phoenix, AZ
NGAT Board Meeting, Austin
NGAUS Conference, Chicago, IL
Labor Day (NGAT Office Closed)
Patriot Day
Columbus Day (NGAT Office Closed)
NGAT Board Meeting, Austin
Veteran’s Day (NGAT Office Closed)
Thanksgiving Observed (NGAT Office Closed)
National Guard’s Birthday
Christmas Holidays Observed
(NGAT Office Closed)
1
19
3-5
13-15
12
13-15
New Years Day (NGAT Office Closed)
Martin Luther King Day (NGAT Office Closed)
NGAT Legislative Visit, Washington, D.C.
EANGUS Area IV Mid-Winter, Oklahoma
NGAT Board Meeting, Corpus Christi
56th Annual NGAT Conference, Corpus Christi
Jan
Jan
Feb
Feb
Mar
Mar
2015