NEWSLETTER OF THE ENLISTED ASSOCIATION NATIONAL GUARD OF ARIZONA

The Desert Chronicle

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Presidents Message
I want to thank all the Arizona members who attended the EANGUS National Conference in Long Beach California, August 2529th. For me, the highlight of the conference was accepting five scholarships from USAA and the University of Phoenix awarded to our Arizona EANGUS members or their dependents. I wish to personally congratulate these deserving individuals who are mentioned in the article below. In addition, our own newsletter, The Desert Chronicle, received an award for best non-commercial newsletter among all the state associations across the United States. Thank you and congratulations to our Editor, CSM-Ret Karen Craig. Other information and reports from the conference can be accessed on the EANGUS website at: http://www.eangus.org/ resources/conference_ files_ 2012.aspx. EANGA is pleased to announce our new corporate sponsor, Southwest Truck Driver Training, and we extend a big thank you to Sean Williams, Vice-President and their team. They are showing their support of EANGA and the Arizona National Guard by offering a scholarship program which provides for tuition and enrollment to attend the SWTDT school. Learn more by reading the article on page 3. EANGA will be busy this Fall as we support a number of Soldier and Airmen activities around Arizona. This week, on October 11th, EANGA will provide dinner to the Soldiers competing in the AZARNG Best Warrior Competition, and the following weekend we are proud to attend the Arizona ARNG Outstanding Soldier Banquet where we will present our Minuteman Trophy to the top three enlisted winners. Well be participating in the ARNG Retiree Appreciation Day on October 13th in Phoenix, and the 162d Fighter Wing Family Day on November 4th. We will also be participating with the University of Phoenix at their Veteran Transition Events on November 14th in Phoenix, and November 15th in Tucson. Last, but not least, EANGA will host our annual Holiday Potluck and Membership Appreciation Night on the evening of Thurs, December 6th. Finally, to encourage the involvement of our entire Enlisted Corp, EANGA has kicked off a membership special. Were offering annual memberships for new or renewing members for just $15 from now thru December 15th. Your involvement does make a difference so dont forget to vote in November for all the propositions, State Legislators, and the Presidential Election. Stay safe, aware, and strong Arizona National Guard and get involved! Sincerely, MSgt Gary Jack, EANGA President

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

EANGUS Conference Report Legislative Update New EANGA Scholarship Attention NG Retirees Member Spotlight EANGA Info & Activities Membership Special - $15

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EANGUS Names National Scholarship Winners!

Congratulations are in order for several Arizona EANGUS members or their dependents. During the National Conference in Long Beach, the following announcements were made regarding the EANGUS Scholarship program: Daniel Causbie, son of TSgt Earl Causbie, 162nd FW, is the recipient of the $2000 EANGUS CSM Virgil Williams Scholarship provided by USAA. Daniel received one of ten $2000 scholarships awarded this year. The following Arizona personnel were selected as recipients of the new EANGUS / University of Phoenix scholarship program. It pays to be an EANGUS/EANGA member.of the 8 scholarships available - AZ members won 4 !! The following current University of Phoenix students will each receive a $5000 scholarship:

SSgt Ryan Ramos; pursuing a BA degree in Business

The following personnel have applied as future students at the University of Phoenix and will receive a FULL scholarship:

Tammi Bustamante, sponsor - SGT Anthony Bustamante; she is pursuing a Masters Degree in Nursing. Victoria Gutierrez, sponsor CMSgt Daniel Gutierrez; she is pursuing a BA degree in English.

Mrs Tammy Norton, spouse of TSgt Steve Norton. She is pursuing a Masters Degree in Nursing.

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EANGUS Conference Report - Long Beach 2012

Mississippi, who also just happens to be a SGT/E5 in the MS Army NG. Rep Palazzo spoke at length about the importance of professional associations like EANGUS and key legislative issues facing the military and our NG right now. Although he couldnt be at the conference in person, US Senator Lindsey Graham, South Carolina, sent a video asking EANGUS members to come to Washington DC or write asking Congress to stop sequestration of the budget and to not break our military. Burch, were all on hand and held several open Q&A sessions allowing even the most junior enlisted Soldier/Airmen to ask them questions as part of the Professional Development Program. A highlight of the PD program was a staff ride to the Queen Mary, docked in Long Beach Harbor, which was enjoyed by SGT Benjamin Mason and TSgt Mary Thompson (AZ) along with other junior enlisted at the conference. As part of the Associations business, elections were held for several EANGUS officer positions - those elected to serve a two-year term are: President - CSM John Helbert (MA); Vice-President - CMSgt-Ret Doug Simpson (WA); Secretary - SGM Kate Arizo (HI), and re-elected as Treasurer was CMSgt Daniel Siekawitch (AK). CSM-R Karen Craig (AZ) was re-elected to serve another two-year term as the Area VI Chair, overseeing EANGUS activities for 8 southwestern states. It was a great conference, and its never to early to start planning for next year when well be in Sioux Falls, South Dakota from August 1722, 2013.

AZ members at the EANGUS All States Banquet: on August 29, 2012: Front Row: CSM Michael Sojourner, Kristin Ducat, TSgt Mary Thompson, CSM-R Dave Austin, SMSgt Teresa Denogean. 2nd Row: SGT Benjamin Mason, MSgt Gary Jack, TSgt Earl Causbie, Chantal Wester, CMSgt-R Dean Miller, SFC Craig Wester. Top Row: SFC Bernardo Acosta, Matthew Hurt, Eric Thompson, CSM-R Karen Craig, and Nicole Craig. Also in attendance, but not pictured were: CSM-R Virgil Macklin, Dora Macklin, and MSgt Wes Hudgins.

Nineteen AZ Enlisted Association members and guests attended the 2012 EANGUS National Conference August 25-29, 2012, joining over 1,400 other enlisted personnel and senior NG leaders from across the 54 States and Territories. Our hosts, the California NG and the City of Long Beach, did a great job...the Convention Center, the hotels, conference events, and the sites to see and places to visit in downtown Long Beach were all first rate. There were many guest speakers during the five business sessions, most notably, US Congressional Representative Steven Palazzo,

MG(Ret) Ronald Young, Executive Director for ESG/R, OSD/RA reported that 25% of all junior enlisted members of the Reserve Components are unemployed. Thru his office, the new Hero 2 Hired (or H2H) program is bringing millions of job opportunities to our NG members, their spouses, and retirees. Their mobile H2H jobs van was in Long Beach for EANGUS members to check out; you can go to www.h2h.jobs for more info. National Guard Senior Enlisted Leaders, CSM John Gipe, CMSgt Denise Jelinski-Hall, CMSgt Christopher Muncy, and CSM Richard
the 3-7 year mark of their career, are E5 or E6, and who travel greater than 75 miles to get to drill will actually see a pretty big increase in compensation. Conversely, all members who live within the 75 mile range would see a monthly reduction in pay of about $50.00 per month with a bonus at the end of the fiscal year to make up the difference. Receipt of the bonus, however, is contingent upon the service member being fully worldwide eligible for deployment to include PT and other requirements. Another recommendation of the QRMC states that any member with over 18 years time in service will not get the benefit of early retirement but could see a different compensation package for pay. Another concern is the recommendation to reduce the number of retirement points from four to two for a drill weekend. Half the points means a significant reduction in retirement pay. If the system changes to the 1 for 1 program, then we will have to fight hard for a change in the percentages of pay rate which retirement is

Legislative Update

During the recent 2012 EANGUS National Conference in Long Beach, California, a total of 42 resolutions were submitted to the EANGUS Resolutions Committee, chaired by Arizonas own, Technical Sergeant Earl Causbie. He led a large committee in the review, discussion, and approval or disapproval of the resolutions. Arizona sponsored or co-sponsored 15 of the resolutions, with a good number of them pertaining to the Quadrennial Review of Military Compensation (QRMC). There were 11 resolutions passed that were in support of the language in the QRMC. Most of the resolutions passed are great for the National Guard as a whole, however, according to Chairman Causbie, the problem is if the QRMC recommendations were to become law, discretionary funding (like bonuses and other minor dollar amounts) would need to be fully line-item funded as part of the compensation package. One major point of contention in the QRMC recommendation pertains to drill compensation. The recommendation states that Guardsmen who are in CHRONICLE

based on. If a Guardsman were to do a full 20 years of service, his/her estimated retirement pay would be equal to about 20%. This number is only an estimation as the real numbers have yet to be calculated for public knowledge. Causbie states, I am guessing that this is where they plan to make up most of the $5 billion to $1 trillion per year savings in the future. Another battle has begun and it affects every Soldier and Airman in our National Guard. We must band together to fight this battle. We can do this by increasing our membership in the Enlisted Association. The EANGUS Legislative staff is keeping their eye on this issue and more as the Association works for you! You can help by becoming a new member or by renewing your membership at the discounted annual fee of $15 (through 15 Dec). Do it TODAY and become part of a loud voice that speaks volumes on this most important issue! Join the Enlisted Association National Guard of Arizona, where Weve Got Your Back.

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EANGA Announces a New Scholarship Opportunity

Once the recipient is selected by our scholarship panel, the recipient will go through the SWTDT pre-application process and then be enrolled, and. better yet, youll have a job waiting for you when you graduate and complete all requirements. SHIFT YOUR CAREER INTO HIGH GEAR: The Arizona Enlisted Association is announcing a new scholarship program provided in collaboration with Southwest Truck Driver Training (SWTDT). This new scholarship will provide tuition and enrollment into SWTDTs four-week training program to obtain a Class A Commercial Drivers License (CDL), and job placement as a truck driver. Requirements to apply for the scholarship are as follows: 1) Must be an EANGUS member; 2) Must be a current AZNG enlisted member, or enlisted retiree of the AZNG; 3) Must be able to pass the ADOT Motor Vehicle Division medical exam. An application form and details will be emailed to current EANGA members or can be downloaded from our website at www.eanga.org. Questions may be referred to our Scholarship Chair, CSM Michael Sojourner at: 602-380-4157 or Michael.sojourner@us.army.mil DEADLINE: The complete EANGA/ SWTDT scholarship package must be delivered or mailed to CSM Sojourner, NLT November 15, 2012. SWTDT supports the United States military and the Arizona National Guard! In just 4 short weeks, you can begin earning an annual wage of up to $40,000 while maintaining your National Guard DSG/M-DAY position. If you have any questions concerning SWTDT training or job opportunities, please call TUC: (520) 620-6350 or PHX: (602) 352-0704.

- SWTDT Moving America While Protecting America

RAFFLE: The winner of the EANGA raffle for the Desert Eagle 1911G Pistol is: SMSgt Teresa Denogean, JFHQ Air NG. Congrats..and thanks to everyone who made a donation to support the AZ Enlisted Association!

Attention AZNG Retirees!

Dont let your membership in the Enlisted Association lapse just because youre retiring or getting out of the AZ National Guard your service and support is still needed. CSM-Ret David Austin, former Brigade CSM for the 98th Aviation Troop Command is our EANGAZ Director for Retirees. Contact him at csm.austin.ret@gmail.com for more info on how you can stay involved. Or, visit us at the EANGA booth at the upcoming ARNG Retiree Appreciation Day on October 13th, 9am - 2pm, at PPMR.

AZ 100th Anniversary Wine!

The Enlisted Association is still offering our special 100th Centennial Commemorative Wine thru the end of the year. Bottled by Sonoita Vineyards, we are offering a nice Red wine for $22, and a White wine for just $18 a bottle. With the holidays coming up, this wine, with its unique National Guard and 100th Anniversary label, will make a great gift for your friends and family! We will be at the Retiree event on Oct 13th. and we accept credit cards!

Member Spotlight - SGT Benjamin Mason

We are happy to highlight another outstanding AZ Army National Guard Soldier this month - SGT Benjamin Mason. SGT Mason was selected by State CSM Max Butler to attend the EANGUS National Conference and Enlisted Professional Development Program in Long Beach, CA and we were happy to have him and his fiance Kristin with us at the conference. SGT Mason enlisted in the AZ ARNG in January 2009, and attended Basic/Advanced Training as a 31B, Military Police. He has also completed Airborne training and holds an Associates Degree. SGT Mason works full-time for the AZNG Joint Counter Narcotics Task Force as a Nighthawk Team member. He was selected last year (Oct 2011) as the NCO of the Year for the AZ Army National Guard. Currently assigned to the 860th MP Co in Tucson, he will be deploying to Afghanistan in January 2013. Regarding the Enlisted Association, SGT Mason stated, I have only been a member for a year now but in that year I have been enlightened as to just how much EANGUS does for every enlisted Soldier and Airman in the Guard. It's a relief to know there is someone giving a voice to the masses and fighting for the best interests of Guard members.

Enlisted Association NG of Arizona (EANGA) 5636 E. McDowell Road Phoenix, AZ 85008-3495

President: MSgt Gary Jack, gary.jack@ang.af.mil VP-Army: SFC Ben Acosta, bernardo.m.acosta@gmail.com VP-Air: TSgt Earl Causbie, ejcause@hotmail.com VP-Jr Enl: TSgt Mary Thompson, mary.thompson@dm.af.mil Secretary: CMSgt-R Dean Miller, deanmiller1@cox.net Treasurer: MSgt Heidi Estes, Heidi.estes@ang.af.mil Dir-Army: CSM Sean Sojourner, Michael.sojourner@us.army.mil Dir-Air: Vacant

The Enlisted Association National Guard of the United States (EANGUS) and the Enlisted Association National Guard of Arizona (EANGA), exist to promote the status, welfare, and professionalism of the enlisted members of the National Guard and to promote adequate National Security. The Association lobbies to provide adequate full-time staffing, adequate pay and allowances, adequate health, medical, family and death entitlements, incentive benefits, first line equipment, resources, and weapons systems, and military construction.

IMPORTANT DATES: October 4: EANGA Exec Board Meeting, 5:30pm Mimis Caf, Casa Grande, AZ November 1: EANGA Exec Board Meeting, 5:00pm Phoenix Sky Harbor ANG Base December 6: Annual Holiday Potluck and Membership Appreciation Night, 5:00pm, Phoenix Sky Harbor ANG January 10: EANGA Exec Board Meeting, 5:00pm Tucson ANG Base January 18-20: Area VI/VII Mid-Winter Conference Southpoint Hotel, Casino & Spa, Las Vegas, Nevada

Dir-At Large: 1SG DonCarlos Pagan, doncarlos.pagan@us.army.mil Dir-Retiree: CSM-R Dave Austin, csm.austin.ret@gmail.com Membership Chair: CSM-R Karen Craig, kcraig1955@cox.net or memberchair@eanga.org

Legislative First, Membership Always!

Were on the web! www.eangus.org www.eanga.org

Membership Specialjust $15 thru Dec 15th!

SPECIAL: Its time for our special end of year discount.we want you to join or renew now! And to encourage you to do so, we are offering a special $15 price thru Dec 15th. This is $5 off the normal annual membership dues.but thats not all. we are also giving anyone who joins or renews their membership before Dec 1st a chance to win a prize in our Holiday Raffle. You can download a copy of our membership application and mail it in, or sign up on line at www.eangus.org you will automatically be placed into the raffle which will be drawn on December 6th at our Annual Membership Appreciation Night and Holiday Potluck. Prizes include a pair of .10 carat diamonds (they would make nice earrings and a great Christmas gift!), as well as other electronics items, gift cards, etc. WHY JOIN? There are many professional military organizations out there to choose from but the Enlisted Association (EANGUS) is the only organization whose first priority is the Enlisted Soldier and Airmen in the National Guard. Check out the following legislative initiatives which EANGUS is pursuing Retroactivity for Early Retirement back to 9-11-01; Title 32 AGR eligibility for Post 9-11 GI educational benefits; Early Retirement to age 55; No increase in TRICARE deductibles; Veteran status for traditional Guard members who retire after 20 years of service; AGR and Technician Bonuses; Elimination of BAH Type II; Elimination of the 1/30 rule for incentive pays. If any of this appeals to you, then you need to stand behind the organization that is working hard to make these benefits a reality for you. WIN A TRIP TO LAS VEGAS: While youre at it, why not become a recruiter for EANGUS and ask your friends and other unit members to join as well. See the flyer on the right which explains that the one person in our Area who brings in the most members between now and Dec 15th will win a trip to Las Vegas (two nights stay at the Southpoint Resort, Casino and Spa and airfare)...or $500 cash. If youre interested in participating in this competition,

please contact us and we can provide you with membership applications, brochures, and other information. For more info about the competition, or other membership questions, contact us at: memberchair@eanga.org