Newsletter of the Enlisted Association National Guard of Arizona

E n l i s t ed A s s o ci at i o n N G o f A Z

The Desert Chronicle

Summer 2013 Volume 4, Issue 2 also start our fund-raising campaign there - Stay tuned...we have some exciting news on this!! Ive served in the AZ Army National Guard since 1991 and work full-time as an Active Guard/Reserve (AGR) Operations NCO for the 1120th Transportation Battalion, Glendale AZ. I perform my drills as the First Sergeant of the 1404th Transportation Company. Being a full-time member of the AZNG, I can see that there are still many enlisted personnel... Army and Air, full-time and MDay/DSG who do not know about EANGUS. My goal is to educate and get our full-time staff involved and members of EANGUS first so that they can spread the word to their unit enlisted personnel - all the way to the lowest ranks. I believe that it is incumbent upon all senior enlisted to join and support professional military organizations like EANGUS. Without these organizations, many of the benefits we currently enjoy will go away; the impacts of sequestration are proof of this. Dont we owe it to those coming behind us to fight to retain our military benefits? I think so if you do, please JOIN or RENEW. We are also willing to come out and give a short educational briefing to your unit about EANGUS. I look forward to working with you! Please feel free to contact me at president@eanga.org

Message from the new AZ Enlisted Association State President: 1SG Bernardo Acosta
Inside this issue:
State Conference Report
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As your new State President, I feel privileged to lead our state association during this exciting time. Are you excited about the 2014 EANGUS National Conference? Although its not until next summer, we are already in full gear making initial plans for this important conference. I think this is a great opportunity to showcase the great State of Arizona and the Valley of the Sun (Phoenix)!. We have the full support of The Adjutant General and our leaders in this endeavor and I want to say thank you in advance to the many chairpersons and volunteers who will be stepping up to assist with planning and executing the conference in August 2014. We cannot put on a conference of this size with just the small core of dedicated members that make up our EANGA Executive Council.we need YOU! I particularly want to thank MSGT EJ Causbie for stepping up to serve as the 2014 Conference Chair - a big job! He will be assisted by our Conference Co-Chair, CSM Michael (Sean) Sojourner. See page 6 of this newsletter for more information and details - check it out! As part of this initial planning, myself and twenty AZ members will attend the 2013 EANGUS National Conference in Sioux Falls, SD to learn what it takes to put on a national conference. Half of our Registration Committee will be going to Sioux Falls and we hope to pre-register up to 400 attendees. We will

AZ AIR NG Airmen of 3 the Year EANGUS Fights for Military Techs Army Guard Motor Sports Amendment Member Spotlight
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Scholarship Winners 5 Membership News 2014 EANGUS Conference

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EANGA Executive Board Meeting Dates:

July - no board meeting August 2 - Tucson September 5 - Phoenix October 3 - Tucson November 7 - Phoenix December 5 - Phoenix Sky Harbor ANG Base DFAC; Annual Membership Appreciation Night and Holiday Potluck
*All enlisted members are invited and welcome to attend.

ARIZONA TO HOST 2014 EANGUS NATIONAL CONFERENCE

In just a short 14 months, the State of Arizona will be host to the 43rd Annual EANGUS National Conference. Over 1000 Enlisted National Guard members from across the U.S. will be in Phoenix from August 10-14, 2014. The conference will be conducted at the Phoenix Convention Center with lodging for attendees at the Hyatt Regency and the Sheraton Downtown Hotel. Attendees gather annually to receive updates from Senior National Guard leaders, establish legislative goals and priorities, conduct Association business, and provide professional development. There will also be a variety of hospitality events; good fun and friends! To put on a successful conference, we are looking for volunteers to join our 2014 Conference Team. See the last page of this newsletter for more information.

Desert Chronicle
The Enlisted Association wishes to extend a big THANK YOU to our sponsors and each of the employers attending the Job Fair! We couldnt have done it without you..

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2013 Arizona State Conference Report

On April 27, 2013, the Arizona Enlisted Association held its Annual State Conference at the Allen Readiness Center, Papago Park Military Reservation in Phoenix. The Business Session began at 1:00pm and was preceded by a Job Fair, as well as a free lunch for attendees, hosted by the University of Phoenix. Over 65 personnel signed in to attend the Job Fair which EANGA organized with the assistance of Employer Support of the Guard/Reserve staff. Logos of our Job Fair employers and sponsors are shown on the left we appreciate their attendance and support! Several of the employers, IPSA Security Systems, PayPal, and Department of Transportation reported that they found several qualified applicants and considered the Job Fair a success. During the Business Session, EANGA was pleased to have State Command Chief Master Sergeant Daniel Irving, State Command Sergeant Major Max Butler, and incoming State Command Sergeant Major Pamela Higgins present to speak to the attendees. Chief Irving spoke about the impacts of sequestration on the AZ Air NG, a new promotion policy for Airmen, and The Adjutant Generals Code of Ethics which is being disseminated widely so that all Soldiers and Airmen know what is expected. CSM Butler also talked about ethics and values alignment, as well as changes coming within the Army NG as we are expected to do more with less and deployments become less frequent. Incoming State CSM Higgins spoke about the importance of retaining quality Soldiers, discipline, and setting the example. She also encouraged attendees to speak to other unit members about EANGUS and the great work this professional military association is doing on behalf of all NG Soldiers and Airmen. EANGA also recognized one of the 2012 Outstanding Soldiers/Airmen of the Year who attended. SSG Josh Steele, 1-158th Infantry, is the 2012 NCO of the Year for the AZARNG; he already received the EANGA Minuteman of the Year Trophy, so President Jack presented him a bottle of our 2012 Commemorative Wine to thank him for attending. CSM-Ret Karen Craig, Area VI Chair, provided a short presentation on behalf of the EANGUS President and showed a video of the March 2013 testimony to Congress by EANGUS Executive Director Al Garver. Mr. Garver testified on the subject of military technician furloughs, and an idea to allow civilian employers to pay the premiums for NG members health care under TRICARE Reserve Select. CMSgt-Ret Dean Miller provided a legislative report discussing EANGAs recent meeting with the AZ DEMA Executive Officer and Legislative Liaison, COL John Burk and assistant, Ryan ODaniel. Key initiatives under discussion are the creation of a State Education Tuition Waiver program to replace the former Tuition Reimbursement Program, and funding for Project Challenge. Four By-Laws changes were reviewed and approved by the members to include: creation of a $15 membership rate for renewals (see more on page 5), a change to make elected Directors voting members of the EANGA Executive Council, a change to reflect EANGAs new incorporation as a 501c(19) Veterans organization, vice the previous 501c(6), and a change to delete the requirement that nominations for office must be submitted 45 days prior to the state conference. Speaking of elections, several Executive Council positions were voted on; those selected for leadership positions in EANGA are as follows: President - 1SG Bernardo Acosta; VP-Army - CSM Michael Sojourner; Treasurer - SMSgt Marta Dominguez; Director Air MSgt Gary Jack, and CSM-R David Austin was reelected as our Retiree Director. Delegates selected for the National Conference are: 1SG Acosta, MSgt Jack, and CSM Sojourner, with an alternate of MSgt David Morgan. Congratulations! We wish to thank all the AZNG enlisted members who attended our State Conference and the Job Fair. We sincerely appreciate your attendance and look forward to seeing you again next year!

Right: TSgt Mary Thompson and 1SG Ben Acosta welcome guests and attendees; President Gary Jack presented a certificate to each employer/sponsor, hes pictured here with Shari Roe, University of Phoenix; and many Soldiers and Airmen visit a variety of employer and resource booths at the Job Fair. (Photos by SGT Edward Balaban, AZNG PAO)

Volume 4, Issue 2

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Congratulations to the AZ ANG Outstanding Airmen of the Year!

The Enlisted Association would like to extend our congratulations to the 2012 Outstanding Airmen of the Year for the Arizona Air National Guard. The competitors and winners were recognized in a spectacular ceremony and banquet held at the JW Marriott at Starr Pass on Saturday, March 9, 2013. Special guest speaker for the evening was CMSgt Retired Richard Smith, the 9th Command Chief Master Sergeant for the Air National Guard. Four of these enlisted winners will also be recognized by the Arizona Enlisted Association in a future ceremony. Airman of the Year SRA Russell Shirley, NCO of the Year SSgt William Reid, Senior NCO of the Year SMSgt David Juergens, and First Sergeant of the Year SMSgt Marclen Polanco will receive an EANGA Minuteman Trophy, Certificate of Appreciation, Coin of Excellence, and a free annual membership in the Enlisted Association.
Right - CMSgt Daniel Irving, AZ State Command Chief Master Sergeant, presents a gift to CMSgt-Ret Richard Smith, guest speaker at the banquet. Left: The 2012 Outstanding Airmen of the Year award recipients are, from left to right: Airman of the Year Senior Airman Russell Shirley, assigned to the 214th Air Reconnaissance Group; Noncommissioned Officer of the Year Staff Sgt. William Reid, assigned to the 107th Air Control Squadron; Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year Senior Master Sgt. David Juergens, assigned to the 162nd Fighter Wing; First Sergeant of the Year Senior Master Sgt. Marclen Polanco, assigned to the 162nd Fighter Wing; Honor Guard Member Staff Sgt. Ty Alan Goeken, assigned to the 162nd Fighter Wing; Command Chief Master Sergeant Award Tech. Sgt. Susan Koncz, assigned to the 161st Air Refueling Wing and the Major General Donald L. Owens Junior Officer of the Year Capt. Matthew S. Hodges, assigned to the 162nd Fighter Wing. (Air National Guard Photo by Tech. Sgt. Hollie Hansen)

IN THE NEWS EANGUS fights for military technicians

As you know, the Pentagon exempted uniformed personnel from sequestration to limit the impact of ongoing budget debates on military readiness. However they did not include the approximately 53,000 National Guard military technicians. These technicians conduct the readiness for troops in preparation not only for the state emergencies but for the federal mission as well. They are part of the Total Force team and wear the uniform of our nation each day to work. If the technicians are not able to be on the job, the training and readiness of the National Guard will suffer. U.S. Representative Steven Palazzo of Mississippis 4th Congressional District, the only enlisted member of the National Guard in Congress, introduced H.R. 1014, a bill that would exempt military technicians from sequestration by including them in military personnel accounts now and in the future. The Department of Defense has reduced the number of furlough days to 11 based upon the funding provided from the latest continuing resolution; however, this is not good enough. We need the National Guard ready to answer the call. The legislation sponsored by Representative Palazzo ensures just that. The President, Congress, and the Department of Defense all agreed to exempt uniformed personnel from the sequester to limit the impact on military readiness. EANGUS believes the furlough of military technicians violates that intent. Furloughing military technicians reduces the National Guard's ability to maintain equipment and train personnel. The loss of personnel for even 11 days will significantly affect readiness. We want to ensure that Governors and the Adjutants General, have the right equipment and the necessary manpower to respond to a emergency on behalf of the citizens of their state. Further, the high level of readiness that the National Guard has achieved in becoming an

To view EANGUS testimony to Congress on the military technician furlough issue, go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qje8_Ep42AY Or search YouTube for MIL TECH Commercial
operational force rather than a strategic reserve was a direct result of the work that military technicians perform. We are asking every EANGUS member to engage with key leaders within their state legislature to encourage their Congressional delegations to co-sponsor H.R. 1014. The Adjutants General Association, National Guard Association, and Enlisted Association strongly support this legislation and have contacted members of Congress. We are continuing to use every avenue possible to make Congress aware of this concern. Bottom line, the fight on this issue continues and we need you to engage. Your voice DOES make a difference.

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Desert Chronicle

CONGRESSIONAL AMENDMENT TO END ARMY GUARD MOTOR SPORTS SOUNDLY DEFEATED

Washington, DC: On June 13, 2013, U.S. Rep Betty McCollum (D-MN) introduced the following amendment (to the 2014 NDAA) on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives: Amendment #21 Prohibits any funds authorized in the bill from being used to sponsor Army National Guard professional wrestling sports sponsorships or motor sports sponsorships. The amendment does not prohibit recruiters from making direct, personal contact with secondary school students and other prospective recruits. During the floor debate, multiple congressional representatives voiced their dissent to this amendment, with nearly all of them citing the joint press release from NGAUS and EANGUS, with the survey that included positive responses from 1,350 EANGUS members. The voice vote on June 13th resulted in the failure of the amendment, and Rep McCollum requested a recorded vote. That vote took place later with 289 voting against her amendment and 134 voting for it. This 155 vote margin was a decisive victory for those who recognize the positive marketing value of these sponsorships. EANGUS and NGAUS were mentioned on the floor speech from U.S Representative Richard Hudson (RNC). His remarks below reflect the sentiments of 289 House members: Mr. Chairman, I rise amongst a broad bipartisan coalition to oppose this misguided amendment offered by my colleague from Minnesota. Mr. Chairman, facts are a stubborn thing. The National Guard has reiterated time and time again the immense value of their recruiting and retention programs in professional motor sports. The facts of this program show a successful return on investment for the taxpayers. To demonstrate the success of this program, I would like to cite three crystal clear numbers which support strong opposition to this amendment: First, 90 percent. In the June 4 letter to House Appropriations, the National Guard Association of the United States and their counterpart, the Enlisted Association of the National Guard, stated that a recent independent study found that 90 percent of the Army National Guard soldiers who enlisted or reenlisted were exposed to the Guard from recruiting or retention materials featuring NASCAR drivers and their cars. That's a real return on your investment, a return on the invest of the American people; Second, 85 percent. Of those who enlisted or reenlisted during that time period, 85 percent agree that professional sports are beneficial to attracting and retaining good soldiers. That's, again, a good return on your investment; And the last number is 400,000. Since embarking on a more robust use of professional sport sponsorships in fiscal year 2007, the Army National Guard has added more than 400,000 new soldiers. That, Mr. Chairman, is a return on your investment. Mr. Chairman, these facts come from sound research and independent study which the National Guard has shared with us, and I will enter into the Record my remarks here today. I submit these facts to my colleagues and encourage them to consider the tremendous return on investment we would be stealing from our Nation's military and hardworking taxpayers if this amendment were to pass. I urge my colleagues to vote ``no.'' EANGUS specifically thanks our 1,350 members who participated in this important survey. Your voice was heard today on Capitol Hill! Al Garver, Executive Director, EANGUS

2013 EANGUS National Conference, Sioux Falls SD

The 42nd Annual EANGUS National Conference will be held on August 18-21, 2013 in Sioux Falls, SD. Several EANGA members attended the recent site visit to Sioux Falls in May, and report that the South Dakota National Guard is planning a great conference with plenty of hospitality...the Welcome Night event will be held at Falls Park (picture above), with the All Area Hospitality Night being held on the grounds of the local J&L Harley Davidson dealership. If youve never attended an EANGUS National Conference before, we encourage you to attend this year. If youre interested in attending and need more information, please contact EANGA President Ben Acosta; he can also put you o n our AZ lodging list to get a room at our assigned hotel - the Holiday Inn City Center at $89 night. The conference registration fee is $125 which includes admittance to all conference events to include the formal banquet on Wednesday evening;. Note that the conference registration rate goes up to $150 after July 1st. Get more information and register on-line at www.eangus.org. You can also contact any one of our AZ Executive Board members for more info (see page 5 for our email addresses).

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT - Senior Master Sergeant Marta Dominguez

SMSgt Marta A. Dominguez is assigned to the 161st Logistics Readiness Squadron as the Material Management Superintendent. She was born and raised in New York City, NY and has been in the military for over 25 years. Her military career began in 1987 with a 4-year tour in the USAF. She transferred to the AF Reserve at Luke AFB in 1991 and was assigned as a Finance Specialist In 1992, she joined the 161st ANG Logistics Readiness Squadron. Throughout her military career, she worked as a trainer and supervisor in many areas, to include Cargo Movement, Receiving, Storage, Delivery, Combat Supply Support Maintenance and Mobility flights. As a Drill Status Guardsman, SMSgt Dominguez is also employed as the Senior Financial Analyst at Banner Health, responsible for over 200 bank accounts and managing monthly movement of over $350M in Arizona and eight Western States. She is active in her community as a football and baseball team mom, and is on the Board of Directors for Ballet Folklorico Esperanza. She has her Community College of the Air Force Associates degree in Logistics Management, an AA degree in Data Processing, a BA in Accounting /Business Management, and a Masters Degree in Business Management, Healthcare Administration. Sergeant Dominguez lives in Litchfield Park with her husband, Thomas, a retired 161st AZ ANG member, 8 children and father in law. SMSgt Dominguez joined EANGUS when a relative sponsored her membership. Finding many other Airmen uninformed about the association, she became committed to inform others and get them involved with EANGA. She believes that this organization is very important to all National Guard Enlisted members. She was recently elected as the Treasurer for our state association and we are happy to have Marta on our team.

Enl i st e d A sso ci a t i o n NG o f A Z
5636 E. McDowell Road Phoenix, Arizona 85008-3495 President: 1SG Bernardo Acosta bernardo.m.acosta@gmail.com or president@eanga.org Vice-President, Air: MSgt Earl Causbie ejcause@hotmail.com Vice-President, Army: CSM Michael Sojourner sean.soj@yahoo.com Vice-President, Jr Enlisted: TSgt Mary Thompson mkt1266@yahoo.com Secretary: CMSgt-Ret Dean Miller deanmiller1@cox.net Treasurer: SMSgt Marta Dominguez marthad18@msn.com Director Air: MSgt Gary Jack azmochadvl@gmail.com Director Army: Vacant Director At Large: 1SG DonCarlos Pagan doncarlos.pagan@us.army.mil Director Retirees: CSM-Ret David Austin csm.austin.ret@gmail.com

EANGUS - LEGISLATIVE FIRST, MEMBERSHIP ALWAYS....

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.

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

Scholarship Winners!
The Arizona Enlisted Association is proud to announce our newest recipients of the EANGA Scholarship Program. This year, EANGA increased the amount for our three scholarships and will award a check for $750 to each winner. A panel of educators reviewed all the extremely qualified applicants, and the following winners were selected: CSM Harry & Mary Hensell USAA Scholarship: Justin Garms Jr, son of TSgt Justin Garms, 162FW, attending Pima Community College. Two CMSgt Gerald Guild Memorial Scholarship: Madison Major, daughter of MSG Michael Major, HHC 158th MEB, AZARNG; she attends Arizona State University. Gabriella Tellez, daughter of SFC-Ret Debbie Tellez, AZARNG, who will be attending the University of AZ. Congratulations to our winners! Additional applications have been submitted to EANGUS for the national level scholarship program; those winners will be announced in August.

~ MEMBERSHIP NEWS ~
Is it time for you to renew your EANGUS membership? If so, we have some good news! One of the actions taken during the recent AZ Enlisted Association State Conference was approval of a By-Laws change that gives a discount to any current member who RENEWS their membership prior to expiration. If you submit your renewal prior to your expiration date the annual membership dues will be only $15, which saves you $5 per year! An updated Membership Application will be sent to you prior to your expiration date, and soon you will be able to enter a special PROMO code on the EANGUS website so that you can pay that discounted renewal rate with a credit card. EANGUS has just transitioned to a new membership database program and will soon be unveiling a new website to better serve you - our members. If youve not been on the website recently, go to www.eangus.org. We encourage you to update your MEMBER PROFILE, by signing in using your log-on and password. Please ensure your home mailing address is correct so that you receive The New Patriot Journal each quarter. Its also very important that we have a good email address on file so that you receive the EANGUS updates, CALL messages asking for action on important legislative actions, and a reminder when your membership is due to expire. We want to CONNECT with you to keep you informed and better serve you! There are many new features coming to you on our new site, but if you have any problems accessing the site or your profile, contact us at memberchair@eanga.org

The Arizona Enlisted Association (EANGA) is preparing to host the 2014 EANGUS National Conference in Phoenix, AZ. The dates of the conference are 10-14 August 2014 and the location is the Phoenix Convention Center, with lodging for attendees at the Hyatt Regency and Sheraton Downtown Hotel. Annually, the EANGUS Conference brings together over 1000 National Guard Enlisted Soldiers and Airmen from across the United States. National Guard Senior Enlisted Leaders, EANGUS members, and other NCOs/Enlisted personnel meet in order to receive updates from National Guard leaders, establish legislative goals and priorities, conduct association business, and provide professional development. So that we can plan and execute a great conference for the attendees, we are currently looking for volunteers from across the state to join our 2014 ARIZONA CONFERENCE TEAM. Although we hope you are a member of EANGUS, membership in the association is not required to volunteer as a team member, and adult family members are also welcome to participate as volunteers. The following Conference Committees are being formed: Administration Committee Auxiliary Committee Communications Committee Facilities Committee Finance Committee Flight Operations Committee Ground Transportation Committee Fund-raising Committee Honor Guard/Band Committee IT/Audio Visual Committee Medical Operations Committee Operations Committee Protocol / VIP Committee Public Affairs Committee Registration Committee Security / Safety Committee Special Events Committee - Hospitality - Welcome Night Event - Junior Enlisted Night Out Event - All Area Hospitality Event - All States Banquet Event

If you have questions or need more information, we can also provide a brief explanation of the duties and responsibilities for each committee..just contact our 2014 AZ Conference Chair, MSgt Earl (EJ) Causbie, at ejcause@hotmail.com or our Conference Co-Chair, CSM Michael Sojourner, at michael.s.sojourner.mil@mail.mil . If you are interested in serving on the 2014 Arizona Conference Team, we ask that you respond NLT June 24th by email to: 2014Conference@eanga.org. Please indicate your desire to volunteer and the committee(s) you feel most qualified to serve on. Please let us know whether youd be willing to serve as a Committee Chair, Co-Chair, or team member. Additionally, all interested personnel are invited to attend an initial organizational meeting which will provide additional information about the conference and discussion of committee assignments. The meeting will be held on Thursday, July 11th at 1700 hours at the Dining Facility, Sky Harbor Air NG Base. We will provide pizza/refreshments and lots of info about the 2014 conference...if you plan to attend, please let us know - we look forward to hearing from you!

Weve Got Your Back in Arizona!