Brig. Gen. Jon Jensen took command of the Minnesota National Guard's 34th Red Bull Infantry Division from Maj. Gen.

Transcription

1 Spring 2017 VIKANG NEWS Brig. Gen. Jon Jensen took command of the Minnesota National Guard's 34th Red Bull Infantry Division from Maj. Gen. Neal Loidolt during a change of command ceremony, Jan. 7, 2017, in Rosemount. (Minnesota National Guard photo by Sgt. Sebastian Nemec)

2 PRESIDENT S REPORT Colonel James Wentzlaff As NGAMN President, thank you to all who are diligent about informing our members and future members about success and opportunities for NGAUS. NGAUS has been our voice since 1878 on Capitol Hill enhancing our voice to the DoD. Good decisions are made with verified facts, variable courses of action, solid analysis and risk projections. These decision processes require empowerment from the constituents up through our senior military and civilian leaders. NGAUS has worked on our behalf to bring about many successes including; CNGB four-star presence at the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Significant improvements to the GI Bill, Overturning proposed ANG cuts in 2012, Creation of Commission on the future of the Army in 2015, and locally the military retired tax benefit in MN. ideas aimed at enhancing the National Guard s equipment, capabilities and quality of life of our soldiers, airmen and their families. Fifth, participate in State NGAMN and National NGAUS conferences. Sixth, attend and perhaps serve in the monthly NGAMN board meetings. Most importantly, tell a fellow officer about why NGAUS is important to you and help them get registered on -line at Thank you for offering you voice to the future of our operational National Guard. Please mark your calendars and register for the 2017 NGAMN State Conference in Mankato, MN on April at James L. Wentzlaff, NGAMN President NGAUS is actively working current issues including; Enhancing Domestic Operations, Expanding State Partnerships, Funding Cyber Force Structure, Funding Modernization Equipment, Leveraging the Cost-Effective Guard in the Total Force, Preserving an Operational Force and locally supporting enhanced funding for substance abuse and mental health treatment in MN. How can you help preserve and enhance the effectiveness of the National Guard in the Total Force? First, keep your membership current in NGAMN. Second, remain informed of the current strategic issues, future challenges and new opportunities for the MNANG. Third, in your civilian capacity write and inform your legislators of your perspectives for a strong and integrated Total Force MNANG. Fourth, send us your resolution

3 VP Army Chief Warrant Officer 4 Brent Jensen I had the opportunity to attend the National Guard Executive Directors Association (NGEDA) Conference the week of January 16-20, 2017, in Louisville, KY. Kentucky will host the 139th national conference September 7-10, It was my first opportunity to see firsthand what goes into the planning for a national conference, specifically from an executive director s point of view. For me, it gave me a chance to learn more about what happens at the national level and how it impacts each state association. Informational classes were given on how to increase membership, marketing ideas, and potential fund raising activities. Networking with other association leadership was beneficial as well. Many states struggle to maintain or increase membership. Minnesota is no different. At less than 20% membership rate, we must look for ways to increase our membership so our voice can be heard both locally and nationally. One of the easiest ways to do this is simply asking a fellow Soldier or Airman if they are members. If they are not, what would it take for them to sign up? We are only as good as our last accomplishment. Certainly the state income tax exclusion on retired military pay is a step in the right direction. Are there future endeavors that would benefit those in uniform? If so, communicate your thoughts and ideas to your group representative or a member of the board. We are here to represent each of you. Your input is important! Hope to see you all in Mankato on Apr 17 for this year s state conference! V/R CW5 Jensen ALUMNI GROUP BG(R) Tim Kennedy The next Alumni Group hosted dinner will be held on Friday, April 21, 2017 in conjunction with the NGAMN State Conference in Mankato. You can register on the NGAMN website. Please plan to attend. Alumni Group members continue to serve through volunteering. An all Alumni Group is responsible for arranging and conducting a golf fund raiser, Tee It Up for Kids, which supports the Minnesota National Guard Youth Camp. Last year the golf outing raised over $31,000 for Youth Camp. This year will be our 10 th year where we will add to the over $159,000 that has been raised so far. You can help by volunteering, golfing, or helping find sponsors. Sponsors can donate items for the silent auction or raffle, or donate money to sponsor a hole. Help us make 2017 the best year yet. Several Alumni also serve on the board of the Minnesota Military Family Foundation. This organization uses the money it raises to help Minnesota Military families. In 2016, the Foundation paid out grants of over $350,000 to over 100 Minnesota military families. There are several shoots, motorcycle events and golf outings to raise money. Check out their website for how to help out. I am looking for help from current Alumni. There are many officers who retire, or leave the Minnesota National Guard and are not life members so we lose track of them. I would like to invite you to help me reach out to them and invite them to join NGAMN and NGAUS. If you are willing to help, I will send you a list of current Alumni Group members and you can help me by adding people that you know who do not show up on the list. If you are willing to help, contact me at bgrettim@gmail.com. Tim Kennedy President, NGAMN Alumni Group bgrettim@gmail.com

4 Vice President Air Lieutenant Colonel Lyle Rock I would like to say Happy Birthday to the National Guard, recently turning 380 years old. The National Guard is America s oldest military organization and by comparison the Army, Navy and Marines are over 130 years younger. The National Guard Association was founded in 1878, which makes our association 139 years young and more important than any other time in our history. As we begin the New Year, we are asking for more members to make our association stronger and heard at the state and national levels. Our newly updated NGAMN.org website makes it easier than ever to sign up and only takes minutes to do. Below are some of the NGAUS s accomplishments and we need your membership to continue. Recognized veterans status if served honorably for 20 years Military pension Tax relief for MN Residents National Guard Member of the Joint Chiefs Overturning Proposed Air National Guard Cuts GI Bill 2.0 Post 9/11 GI Bill for National Guard Extended TRICARE coverage for Gray Area retirees Doubled from 90 to 180 days the time a Reserve Component member is covered under TRICARE Prime prior to mobilization Prohibition on the transfer of AH-64 Apache aircraft in FY 2015 Prohibition on cancellation or modification of avionics modernization program for C-130 aircraft 4 days pay for 2 days work If you are not a member of the National Guard Association, I urge you to join. We are looking forward to our next gathering in Mankato this April, so don t forget to sign up for the 112 th Annual NGAMN State Conference and Exhibition, taking place April 21 st through 23 rd at the Verizon Wireless Center & Hilton Garden Inn. Our guest speakers will be Matt Penkus (NGAUS) and Congressman Tim Walz, representative for Minnesota s first congressional district. This is a great opportunity to engage on crucial issues facing the Guard and stay in touch with what s happening both in Minnesota and at the national level. We also have a great time together, so I hope to see you there. We are also looking for two Company Grade Air Officers that will volunteer to send on paid status, in attendance of the National Conference, September 7 th -10 th, in Kentucky. Please try and attend the state conference this April, to see if the national conference is of interest to you. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. My contact information can be found at the bottom of the NGAMN.org home page next to Vice President (Air). Respectfully, Lt Col Lyle Rock Visit for more information.

5 2017 Membership Enrollment Form National Guard Association of Minnesota PO Box Plymouth, MN Phone: Name Rank Address City State Zip Home Phone Work Phone Cell Unit Assignment Group Amount Due (See table below) Make check payable to NGAMN send to address above To pay by credit card, fill out the following: Check credit card type: Master Card [ ] Visa [ ] 3 Digit Code: Account Number: Exp Date: Grade O1 O2 O3 O4 O5 O6 O7 O8 WO1 CW2 CW3 CW4 CW5 State $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ National $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ Total $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ Associate Member: $25 Newly Commissioned Officer and Warrant Officers receive free membership for period of one year and any portion of the year in which appointed. Active Life NGAUS Membership: one lump sum payment of $1, or over two years in four $250 installments. Active State Life Membership: one lump sum payment of $250 For Retired Officers: NGAUS Life Member $125 State Life Member $50 GROUPS 1 st Brigade Combat Team 347 th Regional Support Group 34 th Infantry Division/Division Separates 133 rd Airlift Wing 148 th Fighter Wing Joint Forces Headquarters 34 th Combat Aviation Brigade 84 th Troop Command Warrant Officers Alumni Group

6 112th NGAMN State Conference & Exhibition Verizon Wireless Center & Hilton Garden Inn - Downtown Mankato, MN FRIDAY EVENING ALUMNI DINNER MENU CHOICES (Circle Selection) Rank/Name: Herb Cursted Pork $37.00 Chicken Diana $40.00 Guest Name: Herb Cursted Pork $37.00 Chicken Diana $40.00 Rank/Name: SATURDAY EVENING BANQUET MENU CHOICES (Circle Selection) Guest Name: Sirloin $50.00 Chicken Kabobs $47.00 Vegetable Ravioli $42.00 Sirloin $50.00 Chicken Kabobs $47.00 Vegetable Ravioli $42.00 Additional Options Circle Selection(s) Saturday Business Meeting Breakfast Saturday Spouse/Guest Brunch Mankato Brewery Tour Pricing $32.00 $23.00 $32.00 Card Type ( Visa MC Dscvr Amex ) Card # Security Code (3 digit code): Expiration Date (Month/Year): Name on Card: Billing Address: City: State/Zip: Telephone (Work): Telephone (Home): Unit Name: Total to be charged: $ Hotel Options: (Blocks are under "National Guard Association of MN". Rates do not include taxes and fees) 71 rooms (45 Queen Dbl & 26 King) at the Hilton Garden Inn through 29 March 2017 at a rate of $99.00 per night. Call to make reservations. 20 rooms at the Mankato City Center Hotel through 29 March 2017 at a rate of $ per night. Call or to make reservations. Submit registrations online at or PRINT and mail to: NGAMN, PO Box 47132, Plymouth, MN 55447

7 Join us at the 139th NGAUS General Conference & Exhibition in downtown Louisville, KY!!! This year the State s Dinner attire will be Derby Wear, so break out your seersucker suits and bowties. We will once again participate with the Big 10 for Hospitality Night. This year, our location is the Bluegrass Brewing Company, which offers a great view of the downtown area and a truly Kentucky feel. Learn more in Mankato at our State Conference! Marriott Louisville 280 West Jefferson St Louisville, Kentucky Phone: (855)

8 National Guard Association of Minnesota C/O Mark J. Martin PO Box Plymouth, MN Executive Director Major (Retired) Mark Martin A lot has happened in the last few months. We have locked in our hotel for the 139th NGAUS General Conference and Exhibition. The downtown Marriott at 280 West Jefferson Street in Louisville is centrally located and will allow our conference attendees to be close to the HQ hotel and all the great nightlife and sights of downtown Louisville. Everything is within walking distance and should be readily accessible. This year, the States Dinner will be held in Derby Attire, so break out your seersucker suits and bowties! On a different note, this newsletter is a bit late coming to you this year, and I apologize for that. We continue to work to try to bring relevant content to our members in this newsletter, and there are times when it can be quite difficult to gather those articles for your consumption. I trust that this will find you ready and in good spirits for our upcoming State conference in Mankato April. If you are one of our long time readers who chooses not to register online, please fill out the form in this newsletter and send it back as soon as you can. For those registering via this printed form, there will be no time penalty (meaning we will honor the regular price instead of the late fee). Hoping that will encourage you to attend! Thank you to all our membership for your support, and we look forward to seeing you in Mankato!