NCNGA Weekly Guardsman for November 18, 2021
November 18th, 2021
News | About | Legislative | Benefits | Contact
IN THIS EDITION:
Registration is now open for 2021 Tarheel Retiree Homecoming NCNGA
Registration is now open for 2022 Annual Convention – Register early. NCNGA
Foundation pays off mortgage on Wilmington-area homes of fallen heroes StarNews
Event to provide resources for former military members News Herald
U.S. Army Reserve signs Statement of Support for the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Army.mil
Two Fort Bragg veterans strive to help successful soldiers be successful in business ABC11
EANGUS Minuteman Update EANGUS
Members of the NCNGA, what would you like to see in the future? NCNGA
Tickets-At-Work: Members get Discounts on Tickets NCNGA
This Week in NCNG History NCNG Museum
November 18th — Today in Guard History National Guard
Foundation pays off mortgage on Wilmington-area homes of fallen heroes StarNews
On Veterans Day, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation announced it is paying off the mortgages on the homes of 35 Gold Star families across the country — including one in New Hanover County.
The homes are in 18 different states, stretching across the country and will help families of fallen service members from nearly every branch of military service. In North Carolina, seven families received this gift.
U.S. Army Sgt. Roger Leeroy Adams Jr., of the 120th Combined Arms Battalion, North Carolina National Guard of Jacksonville, was killed in the line of duty on June 29, 2009, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle in Baghdad, Iraq.
Adams, who spent 13 years as an active-duty Marine prior to enlisting in the North Carolina Army National Guard in March 2006, served during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was an emergency medical technician Volunteer Firefighter with the Half Moon Fire Department and was firefighter 1 and 2 certified.
U.S. Army Sergeant Roger Leeroy Adams Jr. and his wife Teresa with their four sons.
Adams is survived by his wife, Teresa, of Wilmington, and four sons, Tyler, Samuel, Maxwell and Baylee.
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has provided the Adams family with a Gold Star Home.
Event to provide resources for former military members News Herald
The Burke County Veterans Service Office will present a “Mini Veterans’ Stand Down” resource fair for local veterans from 2-5 p.m. Wednesday at the Burke County Senior Center at 501 N. Green St. in Morganton.
The fair will feature information on resources such as clothing, employment, health care, the National Guard, senior services and other veterans’ services.
The event is the first of its kind held by the veterans’ service office. Molly Eller, the veterans’ service officer for Burke County, explained the meaning of “Stand Down” in the name.
“It originated during the Vietnam War,” she said. “Soldiers in combat were temporarily relived from duty for a day in order to tend to everyday basic necessities. They were placed in a safe zone, where they could wash their uniforms, write letters to loved ones, bathe, sit down and enjoy a hot meal, get a haircut, etc. – the little activities most people take for granted. These soldiers were told to stand down (take a break) and take a moment to focus on them.”
U.S. Army Reserve signs Statement of Support for the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Army.mil
Maj. Gen. Michael D. Roache, chief of staff, United States Army Reserve Command, and chair members of the North Carolina Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), signed a statement of support here Nov. 2, 2021.
“The Army Reserve pledges to stand proudly with the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve in support of USAR Soldiers; as our service members continue to answer the nation’s call to support our communities at home and fulfill critical missions throughout the world as part of the Joint Force,” Roache said
Army Reserve Soldiers cannot defend and protect us at home or abroad without the commitment and sacrifices of their civilian employers.
“Their sacrifices are essential to the strength of our nation. Thank you for all you do for USAR Soldiers, veterans and family members.”
Roache called Army Reserve and National Guard Soldiers heroes who “find the balance between their careers, families and service.”
Signing the statement of support demonstrates the U. S. Army Reserve’s commitment to and appreciation for ESGR.
Two Fort Bragg veterans strive to help successful soldiers be successful in business ABC11
There is a second battlefield for a soldier that often is more daunting than the first: returning to civilian life.
“We kind of lose our identity,” James Felts, a retired Army Ranger, told ABC11. “When you lose your identity, your task, your purpose, your sense of meaning and belonging, that’s when you start rolling into your dark place.”
Felts’ military career spanned more than 20 years, starting with ROTC at UNC Pembrooke and then nearly two decades at Fort Bragg. He also deployed for an 18-month tour in Iraq with the North Carolina National Guard.
“I was tired of the deployments, tired of the mobilizations,” Felts said of his decision to leave the military. “Even if you’re not deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan or any of these places, you’re still going to the field training and you’re gone from your family for a month.”
What happened next, though, was a mission of self-discovery — and a mission Felts would tackle alone.
“Once the process (of leaving the military) is complete, you’re out. That’s where the struggle starts.”
During the ensuing years Felts would struggle with a job in law enforcement but then find stability as a defense contractor. He would also try his hand in other businesses, but finally found success — and fulfillment — in a new endeavor: he’s the co-founder and co-manager of Joint Task Force 214, a consulting firm whose sole mission is to teach successful soldiers how to be successful in business.
“Service doesn’t end with a contract,” Felts emphasized to ABC11. “Just because you’re not in the military any longer doesn’t mean you’re not valuable or you can’t continue to serve. What we want to do is break the stereotype that we’re all misfit, broken used toys.”
EANGUS Minuteman Update EANGUS
TOP ITEMS
- Senior enlisted leaders tackle challenges facing guard
Addressing challenges facing the National Guard and unleashing the collective experience and knowledge of senior enlisted leaders from across the country to identify solutions drove the agenda at the Command Senior Enlisted Leader training forum Oct. 26-28.
- ChalleNGe Academy initiative gives cadets job skills
Lincoln’s ChalleNGe Academy is reaching beyond academics and offering its cadets vocational job skills and certifications that can help put them on the path to a bright future.
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Beginning Jan. 1, the Army will waive professional military education requirements and extend temporary promotions to all otherwise-promotable noncommissioned officers, Sergeant Major of the Army Michael Grinston and Army personnel officials recently announced.
- Temporary promotions expanding to all NCOs, SMA Grinston says
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- VA extends presumptive period for Persian Gulf War Veterans
The Department of Veterans Affairs has extended the presumptive period to Dec. 31, 2026 for qualifying chronic disabilities rated 10% or more resulting from undiagnosed illnesses in Persian Gulf War Veterans to ensure benefits established by Congress are fairly administered.
EANGUS NEWS
- Scholarship Announcement from our Platinum Partner Sonoran Desert Institute
Scholarship applications for the SDI/EANGUS Scholarship is now open!
Deadline to apply is 11:59 pm Mountain Standard Time on November 30 for the annual award.
Please note: SDI is unable to offer this scholarship to Guard Members who reside in Connecticut, New York, Washington, D.C., Rhode Island, Puerto Rico and Guam. - Get ready for the next Fitness Challenge — Register today!
- 2022 EANGUS ‘Big Dam Conference’
Visit the EANGUS Conference Site for the all things conference.
Information will be updated and posted on all platforms as it becomes available.
Thank you for attending the 2021 EANGUS 50th Anniversary Conference.
2021 EANGUS 50th Anniversary Conference Book
EANGUS Auxiliary 48th Conference Book - Help us help National Guard members and their families in need
Select “EANGUS We Care for America Foundation, Inc.” as your charitable organization in this year’s Combined Federal Campaign.
Donations may also be made directly to WCFA on our website at WCFA Donations.
Thank you for your support! For more information about the We Care for America Foundation, please refer to our website at www.eangus-wcfa.org. Questions can be referred to our office via email at director@eangus-wcfa.org.
Want to help make a difference while you shop in the Amazon app, at no extra cost to you? Simply follow the instructions below to select “EANGUS We Care For America Foundation Inc” as your charity and activate AmazonSmile in the app. They’ll donate a portion of your eligible mobile app purchases to us.
How it works:
1. Open the Amazon app on your phone
2. Select the main menu (=) & tap on “AmazonSmile” within Programs & Features
3. Select “Eangus We Care For America Foundation Inc” as your charity
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to activate AmazonSmile in the mobile app - EANGUS We Care for America Programs
With thousands of National Guard members and their families facing financial hard-ships as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, natural disasters, and other issues, USAA, EANGUS, and WCFA have teamed up to help National Guard members and families in need. For more information on grants and Interest Free Loans programs, go to www.eangus-wcfa.org.
- OPERATION VETCARE
Operation VetCare was established in 2017 by EANGUS as a program designed to assist Military Service Members, Veterans, and their families who faced special issues or challenges associated with military service. This program has continued to grow over the last several years. Assistance provided through this program may vary based on the limited funds available but may assist by providing support in the form of gift cards for food, clothing, and other necessary items during a service-related crisis. Through this program, EANGUS has been able to assist hundreds of people during a time of significant need. Click here for more information on how you can support this initiative through donations or to request assistance.
- National Guard Portrait Available for Purchase
Over a year ago, the EANGUS Executive Council voted to embark on a project to commission a portrait that focused on and honored the extraordinary contributions of the enlisted Soldiers and Airmen of the National Guard. The artist, Larry Selman, created this beautiful full-color painting depicting Soldiers and Airmen serving and protecting our Nation at home and abroad. The Militia Solder and early American flag reflect our roots dating back to when the first regiments of the Massachusetts Bay Colony were established.
- EANGUS Online Store
Purchase EANGUS gear from apparel to water bottles to knives and more.
If your State Association is in need of shirts, coins, or other promotional items, Still Serving Promos offer a vast array of products and services.
Your purchases support EANGUS’ vital work representing our Soldiers and Airmen currently serving in the Army and Air National Guard, their families, survivors, and National Guard Retirees.
Members of the NCNGA, what would you like to see in the future? NCNGA
Your opinions drive NCNGA actions and it’s your continued support that allows us to be successful. These listed benefits are not options, rather a starting point to help you brainstorm! Send us a email at info@ncnga.org – to let us know what you want.
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Registration is now open for 2021 Tarheel Retiree Homecoming NCNGA 
FOR: Army and Air National Guard Retirees
DATE: Friday, December 10, 2021
EVENT REGISTRATION: 0900-1000 HRS
LOCATION: Joint Force Headquarters, 1636 Gold Star Drive, Raleigh, NC 27607
INCLUDES: Mission updates, benefits seminar, various information stations, luncheon, and a social time.
REGISTRATION: If paying by card, complete this form online or call the NCNGA office at 919-851-3390.
Otherwise, send the form in the attached pdf and a check for $10.00 per person payable to “NCNGA” on or before 1
December 2021 to:
NCNGA
ATTN: Tarheel Homecoming
7410 Chapel Hill Rd
Raleigh, NC 27607
NOTE: Seating is limited to 350; please make your reservation as soon as possible.
QUESTIONS: Contact NCNGA at 919-851-3390 or info@ncnga.org.
Registration is now open for 2022 Annual Convention – Register early. NCNGA 
Registration for the 2022 Annual Convention is now open!
We’re excited to partner with Hoovers Sweets and Treats for our upcoming convention! NCNGA 
We’re excited to partner with Hoovers Sweets and Treats for our upcoming convention! They’re offering $2.00 off all Hoovers Milkshakes for any NCNGA members attending the Convention in March, so don’t forget to sign up at www.ncnga.org/events.php.
Tickets-At-Work: Members get Discounts on Tickets NCNGA 
Tickets at Work: The benefits are endless when it comes to being a NCNGA member! Check out our Tickets-At-Work program, where members can get discounts on tickets from Busch Gardens all the way to Disney. For more information, visit https://www.ncnga.org/benefits.php#Discount
This Week in NCNG History NCNG Museum
If you know of anything significant to the NCNG that occurred on any of these dates, and would like it added to our records, please email 1LT Dearie at kory.k.dearie.mil@mail.mil
November 18th — Today in Guard History National Guard
1916
Mineola, New York – Ten JN-4 “Jennies” bi-wing aircraft lift off to undertake a historic flight, becoming the first multi-plane organization to fly a cross-country course totaling about 200 miles. They land in Princeton, NJ, and then return to Mineola the next morning, arriving to find fog and low clouds, however all the planes land safely. Starting just six years after the Wright Brothers made their first flight at Kitty Hawk, NC, in 1903 several Guardsmen in different states started bringing their personal airplanes to drill to teach flying to their comrades. However, it was not until July 16, 1916 that the first National Guard flying unit received federal recognition. New York’s 1st Aero Squadron, commanded by Captain Raynal Bolling, an early flight pioneer, made this nationally recognized flight. In 1917 the unit enters active duty for World War I, but never sees combat, being disbanded with its pilots sent to France as individuals. Bolling himself would die in the war, killed not in a “dog fight” against a German airplane but rather in a pistol fight with an enemy officer after Bolling’s car was ambushed while near the Front. Bolling Air Force Base in Washington, DC, is named for this Guard aviator.
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