National Guard Association of Kansas Winter 2018 The Kansas Guardsman

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1 National Guard Association of Kansas Winter 2018 The Kansas Guardsman Inside this issue: - Presidents Report - Insurance Report - Warrant Officers - Warrant Officers Corps. Birthday - Officer Professional Development - Legislative - National Conference

2 President s Report By Capt Naomi Hume As I sit down to write this quarter s president s article, I feel especially grateful to be part of this exceptional organization, and especially proud to be a member of the Kansas National Guard. During our board meeting on December 19th, LTC Ray Rhodd, our Continuity Committee chairperson, asked if we were going to put some information in the newsletter about the events commemorating the 50th anniversary of 69th Brigade mobilization. When I think about this historical event, two key words come to mind, sacrifice and professionalism. On April 11, 1968, a Presidential Order mustered 12,867 Army guardsmen, from 17 states into Federal Service for two years. Their task was to support the buildup of forces in Southeast Asia. What s profound about this event, is how our Kansas Army National Guard The Kansas National Guard Museum will host a display after the beginning of the year, and there will be several events to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of this significant part of our State s history. To participate check our website for dates. I hope to see many of you at the events! Other significant events that are on the horizon is the Legislative Workshop in Washington D.C. and the State Hill Day. Both of these events are happening in February, and as always, we are looking for volunteers to storm the hills with us. If you have questions about our priorities, or are interested in talking with your state and federal legislators, please contact Capt Jody Cope or CPT Nichole Inskeep. As always, they continue to work hard for our soldiers and airmen, and your help is always welcome. Lastly, I want to executed its part of this mission. Once mobilized, over 230 guardsmen were administratively activated, completed refresher training, prepared and moved several hundred tons of equipment via convoy and rail, and on the 45th day, drove a 75 vehicle convoy onto Fort Carson, Colorado. via convoy and rail, and on the 45th day, drove a 75 vehicle convoy onto Fort Carson, Colorado. This is understating the task, as you can imagine the number of moving parts it took to execute the mission so rapidly. Furthermore, this was only the beginning of the sacrifice these citizen soldiers endured as they spent the next two years away from family and civilian careers. Their sacrifice and professionalism was extraordinary, but not surprising for the best National Guard in the Country! 69th Infantry Brigade Fort Carson, Co let our membership know about a fairly new opportunity. Last year, Major Jason Inskeep and LTC Larry Leupold created a Community Leadership Scholarship. This allows any active NGAKS member to apply online for a communitybased leadership course of their choice. To be selected, find a leadership course that you would like to attend in your community, and complete the application on our website. Applications will be reviewed by the current board members and the recipient will be notified. Please contact me for more details, as we are looking to choose another recipient soon! I hope that all of you have had a great Holiday Season and a Happy New Year. As always, I am proud to serve as your President and please feel free to contact me at ksu1girl@gmail. com with any questions or suggestions you have. NGAUS Legislative Priorities and Issues 1 Enhance Domestic Operations 2 Expand State Partnership Program 3 Fund Guard Cyber Force 4 Funding for Equipment and modernization 5 Leverage the Cost-Effective Guard 6 Military Construction 7 Personnel & Benefits 8 Preserve an Operational Force 9 Representation in Defense Reviews Association Information NATIONAL GUARD ASSOICATION OF KANSAS 125 SE Airport Drive, Topeka, KS ngaks@aol.com Board of Directors Officers Capt Naomi Hume, President LTC Erica Christie, 1st Vice MAJ (Ret) Jay Grandinger, 2nd Vice MAJ Teresa Bingham, Secretary 1LT Joshua Loreman, Treasurer MAJ Jason Inskeep, Past President Members MAJ Terresa Riedel CPT Benjamin Moore Capt Jenn Vogt Capt Celestial Arnold Capt Matthew Lucht CPT Travis Zeigler LTC (Ret) Ray Arnold 1LT Tam Tram CW3 Andrew Laffery Full Time Staff Michelle Henry, Executive Director Tim Marlar, Insurance Admin The official birthday of the Army Warrant Officer Corps is July 9, 1918 when an act of congress established the Army Mine Planter Service as part of the Coast Artillery Corps. Implementation of the Act by the Army was published in War Department Bulletin 43, dated 22 July 1918 The National Defense Act of 1920 provided for Warrant Officers to serve in clerical, administrative and bandleader positions. This act also authorized 1,120 Warrant Officers to be on active duty. In 1921, Warrant Officer Francis Leigh organized and led the band that was created for the 1921 internment of the World War I Unknown Soldier. He was known as a highly respected and competent musician within the Army music system. He was also the first musical leader of the United States Army Band Pershing s Own from January 26 - September 6, He led the band in its first public appearance on April 27, In 1938 a building at Fort Leavenworth, KS was named for WO Francis Leigh and dedicated by Brig. Gen. Lesley McNair, the general for 2017 NGUAS Officer Professional Development Conference By Capt Brett StarbuckKansas Air National Guard 190th Air Refueling Wing In August, I was awarded an opportunity to attend the 2017 NGAUS Officer Professional Development Conference in Washington DC. Upon arrival at the host hotel, I was greeted by my roommate over the next few days from the 116th Air Control Wing at Robins Air Force of the Army National Guard, discussed the strategic vision for the Army National Guard; and LG Scott Rice, Director of the Air National Guard, outlined his leadership priorities for Airmen, (1) more training time, (2) funding and manpower, and (3) new and updated equipment. Base, GA. We quickly realized how small our ANG community can be as we discussed people we knew from each s respective units. Our Representatives from NGUAS also presented their 2018 priorities which included increasing conversation was short lived as we were quickly full-time manning, proportional equipment rushed onto a bus escorting attendees to dinner hosted at the home of General Joseph Lengyel, Chief, National Guard Bureau and his spouse. During dinner, Mrs. Lengyel and I conversed about the positive and negative perceptions of funding equal to our activity duty counterparts, USERRA student protection, Tricare eligibility for military technicians, and how to retain service members as we transition to the new Blended Retirement System. spouse travel in their current roles. Our last day, attendees were able to learn more The following day attendees received briefings regarding the NGAUS Fellowship Program; BG Robert Moore, Special Assistant to the Director about our National Guard history during tours of National Guard Museum and National Guard Readiness Center. To finish out the conference Vestibulum dictum sodales dolor, quis elementum est molestie et. Quisque mattis orci dui, vel rhoncus ante tempus ac. Mauris sed tempor sem. Curabitur ultricies whom Fort Lesley McNair in Washington D.C. is named for. On May 12, 1921, a distinctive insignia was approved for Warrant Officers. It consisted of an eagle rising with wings displayed, adapted from the great seal of the United States. The eagle is standing on two arrows, which symbolize the military arts and sciences. The eagle rising is enclosed within a wreath. Warrant Officers of the Tank Corps were the first to wear this new insignia. we quickly toured the U.S. Capitol and the Pentagon and the opportunity to pay our respects to the lives lost at the 9/11 memorial. I am thankful I was provided this opportunity to network with peers from both services as well as our advocates at NGAUS. The conference highlighted the importance of advocacy, collaboration and how our voices support and secure our military quality of life presently and for our future.

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4 This year s NGAKS conference will be in Message From The Warrant Officer Commitee We proudly support The Ronald McDonald Houses, where families can go while still being close to their children that are hospitalized. Greetings, and thank you for another great year. I am honored to be the Warrant Officer Representative for Kansas, and I have learned many great things during my time with NGAKS. For many years the Kansas Warrant Officers have performed community outreach events during the Kansas Conference. We proudly support The Ronald McDonald Houses, where families can go while still being close to their children that are hospitalized. These spacious, comfortable environments have small kitchens, dining areas, laundry facilities and a family conversation area with televisions. Showers and quiet rooms are also available for parents convenience. The Ronald McDonald Houses have helped members of my family on multiple occasions and it means a lot to me to be able to give something back. Lawrence. Currently, the Warrant Officer Steering Committee is researching locations that we could support for our community outreach event. If you have a suggestion please feel free to contact me and we will take it into consideration. CW3 Michel E. Whisler has been voted on by the Warrant Officer Committee to be the next Warrant Representative. Mr. Whisler and I have started working together and have been discussing multiple topics. One of the topics was how we could get information out to the Warrants in the state. We discussed the possibilities of WO yearly meetings, adopt a highway activity in the Salina area, yearly gathering/ BBQ with beverages, and are welcoming other suggestions. The Warrant Officer 100th birthday is July 9, We are looking for ideas to make the 2018 conference the best conference possible, with a celebration to go down in the history books. We d like to celebrate this 100 year birthday with as many Warrant Officers as possible. Please make plans to attend the 2018 Conference and celebrate with the Warrant Officer Community both retired and currently serving. Please share your questions, concerns, or issues with me, CW3 Andrew M. Laffery, as the Warrant Officer Representative to the board. I hope to be able to shed light on issues that we need addressed, and move them forward at the board, state and federal levels as we are able. I can be reached at or andrew.m.laffery. mil@mail.mil. Thank you!! Hill Day 2018: The Time is Now to Make a Difference: Continues By: Jody Cope, Capt, NGAKS Legislative Chairperson Before the initiation of this legislative session, KSNG leaders worked endlessly to include the necessary amount of funding for STA into the state budget at the fully funded rate. Currently STA is recommended to be fully funded in the 2019 Governor s Budget under the title National Guard Educational Assistance. Come join us for this momentous opportunity- -make a difference for our current and future Kansas National Guard members! A confirmed agenda for the day will be available closer to Hill Day. Until then, please contact your NGAKS Legislative Chairperson, Jody Cope, at jodymccready@hotmail.com. They Work Hand In Hand By Timothy Marlar, State Sponsored Life Insurance Administrator There are two life insurance programs that most members of the Kansas National Guard have in their risk management portfolio. The Service Members Group Life Insurance(SGLI) policy and the State Sponsored Life Insurance (SSLI) policy complement each other. The SGLI is the Daddy Rabbit policy that most are enrolled in by their Recruiter upon enlistment or appointment into the Kansas Guard this costs the member over $25.00 per month depending on the coverage.. The SSLI policy is the policy that is provided to every member of the Kansas National Guard. Yes, you are reading this correctly, the first $1,000 of coverage underwritten by the Kansas National Guard Association and American Equity Insurance Company. What could be better than that, the SSLI pays to the beneficiary within 24 hours of notification of death. The last phase is why you need both policies. The SGLI policy can take 8 weeks to 6 months for the beneficiary to receive payment. The SSLI provides funds immediate for the needs that arise until the Daddy Rabbit SGLI death payment arrives. Both policies can have varied face amounts of coverage. Both can include coverage for spouse and children. Only the SSLI will pay death claims for all covered by the policies within 24 hours. The SSLI policy is the only policy that you can be guaranteed to take with you when you leave the Kansas National Guard. Yes, if you leave with 20 years you can convert the SGLI to VGLI. If you want to change your coverage for SGLI, you can see your unit administrative personnel. If you want to change your coverage for SSLI, you can go to and click on the Insurance icon or call (316) ; there is also a toll free number (800) Do you need a presentation at your unit on both policies for your profession development sessions or just want to provide awareness for your unit members and families? Please give me a call at to set a time for me to come. The briefing usually last for minutes; I stay around after the briefing to make sure everyone has a chance to check their beneficiary and coverage. Our coverage is designed to get money in the beneficiary s hands within 24 hours of the untimely death of their loved one. Virtually everyone in the Kansas National Guard is eligible to apply for up to $50,000 of coverage, spouse coverage up to $25,000 and dependent coverage up to $10,000. Call me if you have any questions Hill Day 2018: The Time is Now to Make a Difference By: Jody Cope, Capt, NGAKS Legislative Chairperson Mark your calendars now for February 19, 2018 to attend NGAKS s and EANGUS s Hill Day at the State Capital. Attendees will have the opportunity to discuss the importance of securing full funding for the National Guard Educational Assistance (State Tuition Assistance) with leaders of the Kansas House of Representatives and Senate. Attending members will be able to meet personally with their elected representatives throughout the day to advocate for the importance of supporting the Governor s recommendation to fully fund the National Guard Educational Assistance program. The day will conclude with a reception at the Celtic Fox from 5:00-7:00 pm. This year there is a significant momentum behind fully funding State Tuition Assistance (STA)* for both Air and Army Kansas National Guard service members. While state law calls for a 100% of funding for tuition and fees for qualified KSNG service members, historical increases to tuition and institutional fees have decreased the funding levels to approximately 51% for participants. RETIREE BRIEFING AND LUNCH! On March 3, 2018, at the Museum of the Kansas National Guard, NGAKS and the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of Kansas will sponsor a Retiree Briefing for all Kansas National Guard Retired/Separated members who wished to attend. It will be a great time to see old friends, make new friends and learn about military retirement. NGAKS and EANGKS leadership will attend and offer information as will representatives on other topics like Tricare, Prescriptions, Dental, Hospice and Nursing Home Care; Federal Long-Term Care Insurance programming; VA health benefits and eligibility; Assistance from the Kansas Commission on Veterans Affairs including Kansas Military cemeteries, markers, nursing homes; Military ID cards, military records and inheritance and gift taxes; KPERS; Armed Forces Vacation Club and Space-A Travel 190th ARW (Forbes) & McConnell AFB and more! The highlight of the event will be a briefing by the Adjutant General s Office on the State of the Kansas Guard, Command Structure & Commanders, Units and Unit Locations, Staff Office Locations & Contacts, Future Plans for the Kansas Guard. The NGAKS and EANGKS Continuity Committee members are planning the event, and will sponsor a luncheon. If you and/or your spouse would like to attend, please RSVP to Sheli Sweeney at shelisweeney@hotmail.com or Ray Rhodd at rhoddrl2@gmail.com. WHERE: MUSEUM OF THE KANSAS NATIONAL GUARD 125 SE Airport Drive Forbes Field, Topeka, KS WHEN: Saturday, March 3, :00am to Noon, with lunch to follow LUNCH: No charge for lunch, but must make a reservation!

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9 NGAKS / NGAUS 2018 Membership Application and Renewal Form (for the period of 1 January - 31 December, 2018) Instructions: Please complete, print and mail your membership application or renewal. Rank * Choose one option only. For information on affiliate membership or questions about membership options not offered here, please our Executive Director at NGAKS@aol.com thanks WO1 (NGAKS $6 / NGAUS $26 / Total $32) CW2 (NGAKS $6 / NGAUS $35 / Total $41) CW3 (NGAKS $7 / NGAUS $46 / Total $53) CW4 (NGAKS $8 / NGAUS $59 / Total $67) CW5 (NGAKS $12 / NGAUS $73 / Total $85) O1 (NGAKS $6 / NGAUS $30/ Total $36) O2 (NGAKS $6 / NGAUS $45 / Total $51) O3 (NGAKS $7 / NGAUS $59 / Total $66) O4 (NGAKS $12 / NGAUS $72 / Total $84) O5 (NGAKS $15 / NGAUS $85 / Total $100) O6 (NGAKS $15 / NGAUS $108 / Total $123) O7 (NGAKS $22 / NGAUS $123 / Total $145) Life Membership ($800) Life Membership - Installment ($200 x 4 payments) Retired Life Membership ($150) WO1 / O1 / New National Guard Officer 1 Year Complementary membership ($0) Name * (Last name, first name, middle initial) Address * Street Address Apt, Suite, Bldg. (optional) City State / Province / Region Postal / Zip Code Country Phone (Home or Cellular) * Phone (Work) Unit of Assignment * Address *