THE BUGLE

Enlisted Association New Mexico National Guard

SEPTEMBER 2011 FALL EDITION

MARKETING YOURSELF FOR A SECOND CAREER

The Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) will be presenting its superb Marketing Yourself for a Second Career lecture on Tuesday, 13 September 2011, at 0830-1100, in the Wing Presentation Center (Bldg 20604) at Kirtland Air Force Base. To reserve a free seat, contact J.R. Romero at 505-853-1701.

N.M. DELEGATION REPORTS FROM NATIONAL CONFERENCE

The Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States held its 40th Annual Conference 14-17 August 2011 in Charleston, W.V. New Mexico was represented by 22 members: President SMSgt Gerard Garcia; Treasurer MSgt Vanessa Rios; Secretary Sandy Diaz; CSM James Rivera, Army Guard Representative; State CCMSgt David Griego, Air Guard Representative; CCMSgt Thomas Sanchez, Air Guard Representative; MSgt Lynda Peterson, Delegate; SSG Tony Olmos, Delegate; 1SG William Griego, Professional Development Attendee; MSgt Tracie Pope, Professional Development Attendee; SSgt Christopher Ortega, Professional Development Attendee; SPC Rosemary Acosta-Ortiz, Professional Development Attendee; CSM Liz Bryant; Auxiliary President CSM (Ret.) Richard Bryant; Past President MSG (Ret.) Theresa Victor, Retired Army Guard Member; CMSgt (Ret.) Vicky Mares, Retired Air Guard Member; Past Vice President 1SG (Ret.) Frank and Minnie Sosa, Retired Army Guard Members; Cecilia and Rod Hanson, Retired Army Guard Members; and MSgt (Ret.) Jonelle Mullin, Retired Air Guard Member. In his written summary of the conference, Ortega said, Attending the EANGUS National Conference for my Professional Development was a humbling opportunity, teaching me the true value and purpose of the Association. I leaned that EANGUS is the voice Congress hears when we have needs that must be addressed via our top Army and Air Guard leadership. Leaders such as CCMSgt Christopher Muncy (Command Chief Master Sergeant to the Director of the Air National Guard at NGB, Washington, D.C.) shared personal experience, briefed current issues, and candidly answered all questions from Airmen and Soldiers, verifying that even the lowest tier has a voice that is in fact capable of promoting change. Throughout the four-day event, our heritage and honor for our combined service in the Guard was flawlessly displayed, concluding in a formal military banquet honoring the success of our joint endeavors and personal accomplishments. I highly encourage every Guard member to take advantage of this exciting and inspirational opportunity. Thank you for the opportunity to attend the EANGUS National Conference for my Professional Development. As an active member of the association, it was an honor to attend such a prestigious event and represent our NMANG. I was able to receive pertinent information regarding strategic goals and initiatives, current ANG issues, mobilization issues and trends, current events, and career mapping. I will share this experience with my fellow Airmen to educate and encourage them as well as increase membership. (Continued on page 2)

Inside this issue:

Fundraising American Legion Veterans Status Campaign Medals Janet Vargas Fund 2 2 3 3 4

Members of the New Mexico delegation pose for a picture at the EANGUS 40th Annual Conference in Charleston, W.V. From left to right are SSG Tony Olmos, MSgt Lynda Peterson, CCMSgt Thomas Sanchez, MSgt Tracie Pope, MSgt (Ret.) Jonelle Mullin, and State President SMSgt Gerard Garcia.

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THE BUGLE

N.M. DELEGATION REPORTS FROM NATIONAL CONFERENCE (CONTINUED)

(Continued from page 1) Along with relevant training and information, I also established lasting camaraderie with our Air and Army brothers and sisters from around our state and country. The conference was a careerenhancing experience which I will use to better our organization. Peterson wrote in her summary, As I reflect on my trip, the recurring thought is that I wish I had started attending these as a junior enlisted member. It is not only a great opportunity to see what happens behind the scenes of potential legislation and the effect of our powerful enlisted corps, but it is a real eye opener on what an impact we can make collectively. It reenergized my pride in being an enlisted member of the National Guard. Don't let the business facade of the conference fool you. You may work hard and have your share of long meetings and formalities, but you play just as hard. It wasn't more than 30 minutes after getting off the plane that I found myself playing softball representing area VI and taking in the sounds of a great live band. The hospitality rooms that were open all hours of the night were reminiscent of some great college parties I've attended. I met many awesome Air Guard and Army Guard people from all over the U.S. and I look forward to seeing them again next year. This was the first of many conferences I plan on attending. I encourage your attendance in Long Beach next year for the 2012 National Conference. Come and take in our enlisted heritage, who we are now, and who we can and will be in the future. As Peterson indicated, next years annual conference is scheduled for 26-29 August 2012 in Long Beach, Calif. Travel days are Saturday, 25 August, and Thursday, 30 August. Actual conference dates are from Sunday, 26 August, to Wednesday, 29 August. The theme will be Roll with California Two Thousand Twelve.

EANMNG CONTINUES FUNDRAISING EFFORTS AT THE JOURNAL PAVILION

Approximately 20 volunteers from the Enlisted Association New Mexico National Guard are working to raise money for the association. They are assisting with alcohol compliance during Hard Rock Casino Albuquerque Presents the Journal Pavilion concerts. The Enlisted Association receives $40 per volunteer per event. State President SMSgt Gerard Garcia said that the volunteers will attempt to match or exceed the $4,000 raised last year at pavilion shows. Last years volunteers worked more than 600 hours. Garcia said that while all of the volunteers are from the Air National Guard, volunteers from the Army National Guard and retirees are welcome. There are currently 17 shows scheduled for this year.

(From left to right) MSgt Jeff Prosch, MSgt (Ret.) Jonelle Mullins, MSgt Val Yara, and SMSgt Miguel Perez are among current volunteers.

ENLISTED ASSOCIATION RECOGNIZES AMERICAN LEGION SUPPORT

The Enlisted Association New Mexico National Guard recently presented an award to American Legion Post 13 in Albuquerque, N.M. The award was presented to Commander Paul Espinosa in appreciation of the Legions support of EANMNG in 2011. EANMNG State President SMSgt Gerard Garcia is encouraging members who are eligible to join the American Legion. The Enlisted Association and the American Legion both lobby Congress on issues affecting current military members, veterans, and retirees. Post 13 is located at 1201 Mountain Road NE, Albuquerque, NM 87102. The post telephone number is 505-2431901. Annual dues are $35. Other American Legion posts can be found at www.legion.org and in local telephone books. Membership is open to all military veterans who served honorably on active duty during a time of war.

MSgt Tracie Pope and TSgt Sammy Flores look on as SMSgt Gerard Garcia presents an award to American Legion Commander Paul Espinosa. (Photo by MSgt Sam Montano)

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SEPTEMBE R 2011

EANGUS TESTIFIES BEFORE CONGRESS IN FAVOR OF VETERANS STATUS BILL

From EANGUS On behalf of the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States, Executive Director Al Garver testified before the Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee of the House Veterans Affairs Committee in strong support of H.R. 1025, the Honor Americas Guard Reserve Retirees Act of 2011. Yesterdays testimony was in fulfillment of EANGUS resolution 10-05, pertaining to the definition of Veteran to include all National Guardsmen with 20 years or more of service and all dualstatus military technicians serving during defined times of war. On March 24th, EANGUS sent out Call 11-2 requesting EANGUS membership to contact their respective Representatives in the House requesting that they cosponsor H.R. 1025. That Call resulted in 1,375 emails to Congress in favor of the bill, and within six days, 32 additional Members of Congress signed up as cosponsors to the Honor Americas Guard Reserve Retirees Act of 2011. As one of highest legislative priorities of EANGUS, H.R. 1025 was introduced by Congressman Tim Walz (D-MN). As a retired Command Sergeant Major in the Minnesota National Guard, with 24 years and the most senior former enlisted man to ever serve in Congress, Congressman Walz knows personally the sacrifice, hard work, and dedication to duty that is required of each and every member of the National Guard. This legislation builds on a similar bill, H.R. 3787, that Congressman Walzs introduced last Congress. H.R. 3787 was brought before the full House of Representatives on September 28, 2010, and passed unanimously under suspension of the rules. Regrettably in the dying days of the 111th Congress, the bill was not taken up in time for consideration by the full Senate. Executive Director Al Garvers testimony highlighted the need for our country to finally recognize Guardsmen, who have served at least 20 years, as veterans. He brought up the personal experience of his father, a World War II veteran who passed away. He was informed of various benefits, such as the opportunity for interment at a veterans cemetery. Mr. Garver then went on to compare his experience to a family of a Guardsman who was informed that their loved one would not be given the same honors since the deceased was technically not a veteran. Following his formal testimony and in response to questions from members of the subcommittee, Al brought up the example of thousands of Guardsmen who provided additional security at our nations airports after 9-11. Because of the Guards unique legal arrest authority, which active duty personnel could not perform because of Posse Comitatus restrictions, only Guardsmen could properly protect and secure our aviation infrastructure in the wake of September 11th. Still, these same Guardsmen would not have the opportunity to be considered veterans for this duty even if they served 180 days or more. For Mr. Garvers submitted written testimony, please visit the following website: http:// memberconnections.com/olc/ filelib/LCNG/email/Library/ Legislative/ HR1025_TESTIMONYGARVER.doc While this subcommittee hearing was the initial step in the committee process, there will be a hearing by the full House Veterans Affairs Committee at some future date. Just prior to full committee consideration of H.R. 1025, EANGUS membership will once again be asked to contact their Congressman in favor of the Honor Americas Guard Reserve Retirees Act of 2011. By timing such an alert to all EANGUS members, we can focus our support for the bill at the optimum time, so stay tuned and thank you for all your efforts in support of veterans status for Title 32 Guardsmen.

DOD ANNOUNCES ADDITIONAL PHASES FOR IRAQ, AFGHANISTAN CAMPAIGN MEDALS

The Department of Defense announced that additional campaign stars are authorized for wear on the Iraq Campaign Medal (ICM) and the Afghanistan Campaign Medal (ACM). The campaign stars recognize a service members participation in DoD-designated campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan. Service members who have qualified for the ICM and ACM may display a bronze campaign star on their medal for each designated campaign phase in which they participated. The stars will be worn on the suspension and campaign ribbon of the campaign medal. The additional campaign phase and associated dates established for the ICM is: New Dawn - Sept. 1, 2010 through a date to be determined. Six other phases, previously identified, include: Liberation of Iraq - March 19, 2003 to May 1, 2003. Transition of Iraq - May 2, 2003 to June 28, 2004. Iraqi Governance - June 29, 2004 to Dec. 15, 2005. National Resolution - Dec. 16, 2005 to Jan. 9, 2007. Iraqi Surge - Jan. 10, 2007 to Dec. 31, 2008. Iraqi Sovereignty - Jan. 1, 2009 to August 31, 2010 The additional campaign phase and associated dates established for the ACM is: Consolidation III - Dec. 1, 2009 through a date to be determined. Three other phases, previously identified, include: Liberation of Afghanistan Sept. 11, 2001 to Nov. 30, 2001 Consolidation I - Dec. 1, 2001 to Sept. 30, 2006 Consolidation II - Oct. 1, 2006 to Nov. 30, 2009 Service members should contact their respective military departments for specific implementation guidance.

ENLISTED ASSOCIATION NEW MEXICO NATIONAL GUARD

47 Bataan Boulevard Santa Fe, New Mexico 87508-4695 EANMNG Executive Contacts: SMSgt Gerard Garcia, President 505-853-2477 SMSgt James Gorman, Vice President 469-9310 MSgt Vanessa Rios, Treasurer 505-846-5620 Sandy Diaz, Secretary dsandra@msn.com SMSgt Miguel Perez, Membership 505-846-6748

The Bugle is the official publication of the Enlisted Association New Mexico National Guard. Opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the Enlisted Association. We welcome comments from our readers about the content of this newsletter as well as ideas for future stories and photographs. Readers are also encouraged to submit their own stories and photographs (with captions) to the editor at the address shown at the left. Submissions may also be e-mailed to the editor at the address below. Douglas.Mallary@us.army.mil Thank you for your interest.

EANMNG RECEIVES THANKS FOR DONATION TO JANET VARGAS MEMORIAL FUND

To the Enlisted Association New Mexico National Guard, Im writing to express our deepest thanks for your recent $250 donation to the Janet Vargas Memorial Fund. Generous gifts from donors like you provide the financial and moral support needed to continue our mission. With your donation, youve demonstrated your deep commitment to our work of providing fun and excitement for the cancer children and their families. Your support has played a key role in our success in helping us to make it possible for the children living with cancer and their families to lead happier and fruitful lives. There is no way to fully express our gratitude for your loyalty. We at Janet Vargas Memorial Childrens Cancer Fund and the members of the New Mexico National Guard are continually inspired by the dedication and generation of donors like you who answer the call to give. Thank you again for your compassionate support. We wish to communicate our Very Big THANKS for your generosity. We look forward to a continuing partnership with you. Sincerely, Tim Harmeson, Colonel 2011 Taco Golf Committee Chairman