NGAT NEWS NUGGETS Crawford Ave Austin, Texas /1 July 10

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1 NGAT NEWS NUGGETS 3706 Crawford Ave Austin, Texas /1 July 10 Editor - MSG (Ret) Theresa Billeck-Zuniga membership@ngat.org This weekend, we'll celebrate the 4th of July. Amidst the fireworks and family fun, let's reflect on the larger meaning of our nation's birth date. Freedom is a priceless gift we owe those who defend it more than we can ever express. From the beginning, America has served as a beacon of hope for the oppressed. Just ask those who fled political and religious tyranny what America means to them. And America is a work in progress, constantly seeking to overcome its shortcomings. This too reflects our nation's greatness. We know we must always do better to achieve our founder's vision, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights. That among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Happy 4th of July America. NGAT still has a few more hotel rooms left for the NGAUS Conference. If you plan on attending the conference and need a hotel room get your registration form in immediately. Remaining hotel rooms will be issued on a first come, first serve basis. NGAT is offering free NGAUS registration to any officer who is a member of NGAT and NGAUS and registers for the conference by 9 Jul 10. After 9 Jul 10 all attendees will have to pay the $ registration fee. NGAT will continue to accept NGAUS registration forms until 2 Aug 10, however hotel rooms are not guaranteed. NGAUS registration forms are available on the NGAT website at This is an event you don t want to miss. NGAUS Rodeo with entertainment by Rick Trevino National Guard Leadership will address the conference States Dinner is Texas Formal White Shirt and Nice Blue Jeans Lots of Exhibits and Defense Contractors Texas Hospitality For more information tbz@ngat.org

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4 PET CARE ON THE 4TH OF JULY WEEKEND Fourth of July fireworks can traumatize pets. Make sure your pet is inside, preferably in an interior room with a radio or television on at normal volume. Avoid taking a pet to any fireworks display, or leaving it in a hot car, where it can quickly overheat and die, the Humane Society of the United States advises. Shelters see an increase in strays this time of year, typically family pets that have escaped their yard. The shelter even gets some dogs wearing electronic fence collars, because they will do anything, including running through the barrier, to escape the noise. The Fourth of July weekend is usually the worst time to be on vacation and have a pet sitter if your dog is an outdoor dog. Also, many people host cookouts and celebrations at home. There's a lot of foot traffic in and out, and your pet can easily escape. Also, if your pet is shy or a fear biter, it's best to put them in another room and not take any chances." Cats are usually a little smarter and hide, but some dogs will panic and become stressed. Make sure your pet is wearing an identification tag, not just a rabies tag. Rabies tags can be traced to the veterinary clinic that issued them. Know where to take your pet in case on an emergency after hours because most vet clinics are closed during the Fourth of July weekend. HAVE KITTY WILL TRAVEL Kitty is perhaps the most adventurous cat in the world. She is the beloved cat pet of a French couple/explorers, Guillaume and Laetitia who are on a mission to travel from Miami, US to Ushuaia, Argentina purely on foot. Their cat, Kitty, is often seen resting in the backpack carried by Guillaume while they are hiking down the road. They even set up a little umbrella on the backpack to give the kitty some shade from the sun. You can see the updates on their journey and more photos at client=tmpg&hl=en&u=http%3a%2f%2fenfanceart.free.fr%2fmiami_ushuaia%2f&langpair=fr en Ask a friend to join NGAT today! Page 4 NGAT News Nuggets

5 HAVE A KIT READY FOR HURRICANE SEASON You may need to survive on your own after an emergency. This means having your own food, water, and other supplies in sufficient quantity to last for at least three days. Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster, but they cannot reach everyone immediately. You could get help in hours, or it might take days. In addition, basic services such as electricity, gas, water, sewage treatment, and telephones may be cut off for days, or even a week or longer. Recommended Items to Include in a Basic Emergency Supply Kit: Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both Flashlight and extra batteries First aid kit Whistle to signal for help Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food) Local maps Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger Additional Items to Consider Adding to an Emergency Supply Kit: Prescription medications and glasses Infant formula and diapers Pet food and extra water for your pet Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container Cash or traveler's checks and change Emergency reference material such as a first aid book or information from Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. Consider additional bedding if you live in a cold-weather climate. Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes. Consider additional clothing if you live in a cold-weather climate. Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper When diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners. Fire Extinguisher Matches in a waterproof container Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels Paper and pencil Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

6 SESAME STREET USO SHOW Sesame Street/USO Experience for military families will visit installations across the United States. This free show, exclusively for military children and their families, features Elmo and his friends Rosita, Cookie Monster, Grover, and Zoe, as well as free giveaways for families. The tour is part of Sesame Street's Talk, Listen, Connect initiative for military families. These workshops will take place at: NAS Corpus Christi: July 2nd at 3 p.m. and 6 pm., and on July 3rd at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Lackland Air Force Base: July 7th at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. and on July 8th at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Fort Bliss: July 10th & 11th at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. For more information you can go to: Summary of State Benefits for Veterans Available Military.com has developed an online general summary of educational benefits for veterans and their dependents. From veterans pursuing their educational goals to educational benefits for veterans and their dependents, particularly the children of deceased and disabled veterans, benefits can be found in most states. View the full summary by state here: state-veterans-benefits-directory TEXAS SCRATCH-OFF BENEFITS VETERANS The Texas Veterans Scratch Off Lottery Ticket program that was passed by the legislature in 2009 and signed at once by Governor Rick Perry. The first tickets hit the sales locations on 11 November 2009 (Veterans Day). They continue to be sold at stores and service stations. The Texas Veterans Commission is responsible for thee stewardship of the funds that are generated by Lottery ticket sales. The money is used to assist needy veterans of all wars, active service members, and their families. For example, money has gone to help homeless veterans; veterans who need help with food for their families; transportation to VA or Military hospitals for treatment, to name just a few. As of this date the Texas Veterans Commission has provided over Five Million Dollars of Texas Veterans Lottery generated funds to help those with dire needs. Secondly, we need your help to highlight the Texas Veterans Lottery program by speaking with your family members, friends, and neighbors about the program and making sure that all Texans are aware of it and its noteworthy purpose. Also, we ask that you visit your local service station, grocery store, or wherever you purchase lottery tickets and check to see if they sell the Texas Veterans scratch off lottery tickets. In case they do not, request them to consider doing so in the immediate future. Your actions will enlighten many Texans who probably are not aware of the program or its aims but will gladly support it once informed. As we approach the 4 th of July weekend, and the 235 th birthday of our nation, there is no better way to show our appreciation for the service our veterans have provided than to support the Veterans Lottery, which generates funds for those veterans in need. Thank you all very much from all of us, and more importantly, from all the deserving veterans who call NATIONAL GUARD ASSOCIATION OF TEXAS the great state of Texas home! Page 6 NGAT News Nuggets

7 MILITARY DISCOUNT TO SEE THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey is a proud supporter of the Department of Defense s "America Supports You" Program, an ongoing, nationwide campaign that showcases and communicates America s support to men and women serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. As a long-time supporter of America's military community, Ringling Bros. appreciates the sacrifices made by our U.S. Armed Forces and their families. As our way of saying thanks, we are pleased to provide special events and promotions for military families in each city our tours visit. Purchase America Supports You Special Offer tickets through Military ITT/ITR offices (in select markets), at the arena box office with valid Military ID (Active, Reserve, National Guard, Retired) or online using Code "ASY" (excludes Circus Celebrity, Front Row and VIP seating). For show locations and dates visit their web site at Page 7 NGAT News Nuggets

8 eknowledge Donates $32 Million of FREE SAT and ACT Test Prep In alliance with the Department of Defense and supported by patriotic NFL and MLB players, eknowledge is donating $200 SAT and ACT Power- Prep Programs to military Servicemembers and their extended families. eknowledge has donated over 142,000 PowerPrep Programs with a value of $32 Million to military families worldwide. Eligible recipients include Servicemembers from all branches of eth military who are active duty, retired, Veterans, Guard, Reserve, DoD employees, and civilians performing military support. Also eligible are relatives and dependants of anyone who otherwise qualifies from the prior list. Research indicates that there are millions of military Servicemembers who are unaware of the donated educational material. For further information, please contact Lori Caputo at mailto:loricaputo@eknowledge.com or visit When accessing the free SAT/ACT Prep Program, please use sponsorship code: FPRL24881 Texas Governor Funds Health Careers for Vets, Military On June 4, 2010, Texas Gov. Rick Perry announced a $3 million workforce development initiative for military personnel and veterans that will affect those studying allied health occupations at district colleges. Students who have served in any of the Armed Forces will be eligible for college credit for military experience toward degrees in allied health occupations, which are in demand in Texas. Governor Perry contends that the program will accelerate veterans transfer from the military s top-quality training environment into helping Texans.. The program will fund demonstration grants in San Antonio, Houston and Temple-Killeen, three areas of the state with high veteran populations and help with job search assistance and training for military families., To read this article in its entirety, please go to: Join Us for the 2010 EANGUS Conference to be held in St. Louis, MO 7-12 Aug 2010 (including travel days) Registration fees are $ and go up to $ after 1 July Register for the conference at Once registered for the conference, complete the hotel reservation form at the same site listed above and reserve your hotel room. NGAT will be staying at the following hotel Hyatt 315 Chestnut St St. Louis, MO Watch the website for updates on the conference. HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!! Page 8 NGAT News Nuggets