apr may 2013 thg

Tarheel Guardsman

April/May 2013

Are Your Bags Packed?

See pages 6-7 for more

information. (Hurry —

registration ends

15 April 2013!)

Please join us for the 2013 NCNGA and NCNG Combined Event!

When? 25 – 27 April 2013

Where? Winston-Salem, NC

There is so much to see

and do in Winston-Salem; we hope to see

you there!

– Tarheel Guardsman — April/May 2013

TAG’sCornerMaj. Gen. Gregory A. Lusk

Adjutant General of NC

NC Adjutant General – MG Greg Luskhttp://www.facebook.com/NCAdjutantGeneralhttp://twitter.com/NCTAG

NC Assistant Adjutant General Air – Brig. Gen. Todd Kellyhttp://facebook.com/NCAirAAGhttp://twitter.com/NCAirAAG

NC Senior Enlisted Leader – Command Sgt. Maj. John Swarthttp://www.facebook.com/NCCSMhttp://twitter.com/NCSCSM

— CONTACT INFO —

óó

NC Command Chief Warrant Officer Rick Comerhttp://www.facebook.com/pages/NC-Command-Chief-Warrant-Officer/261726843901458http://www.twitter.com/NCCWO

NC Command Chief Master Sergeant Chief Master Sgt. Bruce Picketthttp://www.facebook.com/pages/NC-State-Command-Chief-Master-Sergeant/330777956943662http://www.twitter.com/NCCmdChief

TAG email contact: [email protected]

As I look ahead to the next few months, I know I can count on the continued commitment and resiliency of our

force. Our organization is determined and focused on providing the most ready, reliable, relevant and responsive military force to our State and Nation. Sequestration, which has dominated most of the recent headlines presents a challenge, but also offers us an opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to serving our fellow citizens. This sequestration uncertainty combines with the effects of operating under a Continuing Resolution (due to lack of a current Defense Budget) and may cause heightened concerns. With that being said, the operational ability of the NC National Guard to fulfill our vital, dual mission requirements in support of our State and Nation will not be diminished. I say these things to remind us all to be cognizant of the fiscal challenges that may directly affect our ability to train and maintain our readiness. We, however, may soon find ourselves postponing planned events until such a time that the requisite fiscal resources and authorities exist that will enable their occurrence. In spite of these challenges, however, the approaching spring season is abundant with planned activity. As the seasons change, our state is also going through some exciting changes as well. We have celebrated working with our new legislative counterparts and government leaders over the last few months. I am very excited to mention, as well as extend an invitation to all of our Soldiers, Airmen and their families, to attend our first ever “National Guard Association and NCNG Combined Event”, which will be held at the Twin City Quarter in Winston-Salem, 25-27 April. The NCNG Association has put together

a magnificent event, and I encourage our Soldiers, Airmen and their families to come out to this social event in record numbers and enjoy the fellowship that comes with serving in the North Carolina National Guard. As I have said many times, we cannot forget the contributions that our civilian employers provide. We have enjoyed overwhelming support from the employers of our Service members and they continue to be a vital part of our team that we will recognize throughout 2013. I highly encourage all of our Soldiers and Airmen to honor their employers by submitting them for ESGR awards. It only takes a few minutes, but will go a long way towards showing our support and thanks for the important role they play in the security of our state and our nation. Again, thank you all for what you do in adding value to our communities. I look forward to visiting with as many of you as I can this spring. Don’t hesitate to contact me, Air Guard Commander Brig. Gen. Todd Kelly, State Command Chief Warrant Officer CW5 Rick Comer, State Senior Enlisted Leader CSM John Swart or Air Guard State Command Chief, Chief Master Sgt. Bruce Pickett with any concerns or attaboys. You can find us on Face Book, if nowhere else. Always Ready, Ready Team!

Tarheel Guardsman — April/May 2013 —

Officers Executive Council

Teri Foster, Editor

APRIL/MAY 2013 Volume 47 Number 2Official publication of the North Carolina National Guard Association

NCNGA:Legacy Bridge Program 4Convention Information 6,7Legislative Update 92013-14 Executive Council Candidates 13In Memoriam 14By-Law Amendments 14

NC National Guard:New License Plate 8NC State Senator Joins NC Guard 10514th Trains with Robots 12

Contents:

TARHEEL GUARDSMAN

The Tarheel Guardsman, (ISSN 10618392) is published bi-monthly for the Army and Air National Guard of North Carolina, by the North Carolina National Guard Association, 7410 Chapel Hill Road, Raleigh, NC 27607-5047. Periodicals postage paid at Raleigh, NC 27676-9651. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Tarheel Guardsman, 7410 Chapel Hill Road, Raleigh, NC 27607-5047. The Tarheel Guardsman is the official publication of the North Carolina National Guard Association, a non-profit organization. The publication’s mission is to promote the general welfare of the NCNGA, assist in increasing the readiness of the NC Army and Air National Guard of North Carolina and serve as a vehicle of expression for members of the National Guard. Members receive the publication free with their membership. The annual subscription rate for non-members of the Association is $15.00. Please include your old address when requesting change of address. Deadline for submitted material to the Tarheel Guardsman is the 5th of the month, two months preceding the calendar date of issue. Manuscripts and photographs on subjects of general interest are invited. Unless otherwise indicated, material may be reprinted provided credit is given to the Tarheel Guardsman and the author where listed. Articles and photos will not be returned, unless requested. (USPS 533-640) Advertising is accepted. For details contact the Association headquarters. Advertising, including political ads, published in this publication does not represent the endorsement or approval of the North Carolina National Guard Association.

President Ronnie Honeycutt

Vice PresidentJohn Atkinson

Past PresidentFisk Outwater

Secretary-TreasurerAdene Tyler

Judge AdvocateRick Fay

ChaplainCharles Morrison

30th HBCTBobby LumsdenJoey Douglass

130th MEBRobert HollandDavid Lewczyk

60th Troop CommandDale Baker, Jr.Tom Holcomb

449th TABStephen DavisMark Pickett

113th Sustainment BDEStephen McCormick

Scot HeinemanJFHQ-NC

Wes MorrisonJeremy Davis

139th Regiment (CA)Steve Boyles

John ByrdAir Guard

Scott HarrellWarren NewellAssociate Class

Al RoseBob Suber

STAFFExecutive Director

Adene TylerInsurance Administrator

Teri FosterAssistant Insurance Administrator

Rhonda ArndtExecutive Assistant

Kathy FordNCNGA Educational Foundation

AdministratorPeggy Robinson

Combined Event 2013 —Come Early and Enjoy the Activities!

Thursday - NCNGAEF Golf Tournament NCNGAEF Reverse DrawingFriday - Explore Winston-Salem NCNGA Business Session Corporate Members and Exhibitors Hospitality Rooms Dance - casual dressSaturday - NCNGA Business Session (electionofofficers) Corporate Members and Exhibitors Combined Event Ball

Memorial Day is a United States federal holiday that is observed on the last Monday of May. It was formerly known as Decoration Day. This holiday commemorates US men and women who died in military service for their country.

Address changes or questions? Contact us at

1-800-821-6159 or 919-851-3390 [email protected] or www.ncnga.org


Legacy Bridge Program

Last year, Active Associate Representative Al Rose introduced a program that is designed to

financially carry the Association through our present fiscal transition period. As we move from a system where we depended on our investments and insurance premiums to pay our Association’s expenses to one that will rely on new revenue sources to cover our budget, the Legacy Bridge Program will provide the interim funds to meet budget costs until the transition is complete. Our projection is that this should occur within 2-3 years, and as such it is a closed end program. The short-term plan is to use the income from the Legacy Bridge Program until our new revenue sources come on-line allowing us to insulate our investments so that they are allowed to grow over the long-term. At the end of 2-3 years, the new revenue sources, along with insurance premiums, will

NCNGA LEGACY BRIDGE PROGRAM DONATION

Name:

Mailing Address:

City: State: Zip:

Phone: ( ) NCNGA Life Member: Yes No

Unit: Rank:

E-Mail Address:

$100 Donation (Donations are not tax deductible)$25 Quarterly Installments _____ $100 Full Payment __________ Check _____ Money Order _____ Master Card/Visa (Add $2 credit card fee)Credit Card Information:Acct #__________________________________________ Exp Date: ___________ 3-digit Sec Code:__________ Signature: ____________________________________

Return Application & Payment To:

NCNGA ATTN: Legacy Bridge Program7410 Chapel Hill RoadRaleigh, NC 27607-5047

( ) I would like to make this donation in honor of ( ) in memory of ( )

be our main income sources and the Legacy Bridge Program will close. Long-term, we hope to reach an investment fund goal of $3 million. At that point, even at a modest 4%, the Association could survive indefinitely should our insurance and new revenue sources take a hit during lean times. Please consider joining us in the Legacy Bridge Program. And, if you would like to remember or honor someone, please consider making a donation in their name. Take a few minutes to fill out the application and to write a check. Al and his team have started us in the right direction. It is up to us now to make it happen. Questions? Please call us at 919-851-3390.

*As of press time

241. Carl L. Peoples242. Barrie S. Davis243. Diana Stumpf244. Ben Willis

*Our Newest Members of the Legacy Bridge Program:


As we prepare for the upcoming NCNGA and NCNG Combined

Event, I reflect back on the past year since our last Convention, and wonder where the time has gone. Your committees and full-time staff have been very busy these past 12 months ensuring our Association is relevant and strong. With your support, their efforts have allowed the Association to sustain our member benefits, in spite of looming budget deficits and cuts and have created advancements in our Social Media and Finance so important in today’s fast paced and fiscally restrained world. During the 52nd convention business sessions, I will present a report detailing where we are as an organization, what our Association has accomplished this past year and what we must do to remain one of the strongest state associations in the nation. Our past, our present and our future all indicate that it is a time for us to reach out to all members, both civilian and uniform wearing members of our North Carolina National Guard, and encourage them to get involved with their Association. If anyone tells you that they cannot afford to be involved, I would counter that being involved is something that they must afford. While this is my last composition to you as your President, I will continue to be present and vocal for you as we move forward together. That is simply who I am. Thank you for the trust you have bestowed upon me and for this truly wonderful opportunity. God Bless you all!

Association Report

By Ronnie Honeycutt, NCNGA President

Albermarle, NC — Soldiers assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 20thSpecialForcesGroup(Airborne),recentlytrainedwithfiveMoldovan Special Operations Battalion Soldiers. The Moldovan military and North Carolina National Guard have shared a strong joint-training relationship since 1999, as part of the State Partnership Program(SPP).TheStatePartnershipProgramlinksUSstateswithpartner countries for the purpose of supporting US security coopera-tionobjectives.Theprogram'sgoalsreflectanevolvinginternationalaffairs mission for the National Guard using the unique civilian-mili-tary nature of the Guard to interact with both active and reserve forces of foreign countries. (US Army Photos by Sgt. Lindley Bess, 382nd PublicAffairsDetachment)

Six soldiers from North Carolina National Guard’s 210th Military Police Company (L-R Spc. Kyle Barnett, Staff Sgt. Robert Randolf, Staff Sgt. Antonio Stringham, Mr. Tazagul Hussein, Staff Sgt. Gur-visBrooks,Sgt.JohnLambert,Sgt.ChristopherCabana)poseforaphotographinthefinalphaseofanintensesixweekDarilanguageand Afghan cultural training course at NC National Guard’s 139th Training Brigade Training Center at Fort Bragg, NC. The 210th, based in Franklin, NC, is scheduled to deploy to Afghanistan this spring. (US ArmyPhotobyMaj.MatthewDeVivo,NorthCarolinaPublicAffairs)

Special Forces Train with Moldovan Military

210th Soldiers Learn New Language


COMBINED EVENT REGISTRATION FEES

Retirees & Spouse/Guest (based on rank at retirement)

By 31 MarchPer person

*After 1 AprilPer person Total

E1-E4 & Spouse/Guest $20 $30 $

E5-E7/WO1-WO2/O1-O2 & Spouse/Guest $35 $45

All other ranks & Spouse/Guest $40 $50

Non-Military $35 $45

Child(ren) (meal only) $20 $30

Credit Card Fee $3

TOTAL $

Registrant’s Name _____________________________________ __________ Yes No Yes No

Spouse/Guest Name ___________________________________ __________ Yes No Yes No

Address ________________________________________________________ Unit: City_______________________________ State________ Zip____________ ______________________ Telephone ____________________________E-mail_____________________________________________

NC National Guard Association & NCNG Combined Event Registration Twin City Quarter, Winston-Salem, NC

25-27 April 2013

Method of Payment: ____Check enclosed (payable to NCNGA) ____Charge my: ____MasterCard ____Visa

Account #________________________________ Expiration date ____________3 digit security code ______

Authorized Signature ____________________________________________________________________ There will be a $23 Fee for Returned Checks.

Complete & Return To:NCNGA, 7410 Chapel Hill Rd. Raleigh, NC 27607 (Or Fax to: 919-859-4990 Or Call: 919-851-3390)

_____Joint Force Headquarters

_____145th Airlift Wing

_____60th Troop Command

_____130th MEB

_____30th Armored Bde Combat Team

_____449th Theater Aviation Brigade

_____113th Sustainment Brigade

_____139th Regiment (Combat Arms)

_____Retirees

_____Open Seating

Attending Business Session: Member: Friday Yes No Saturday Yes No

Seating Preference (if any)

Attending Friday Dance: Member: Yes No Spouse/Guest: Yes No

*We are unable to accept registration AFTER 15 April 2013

AssociationMember

FirstConventionRank

Links to on-line registration and hotel registration are available on our website at: http://www.ncnga.org/CombinedEvent2

Saturday Dinner Choices Attendee: Spouse/Guest: Beef Beef Chicken Chicken Vegetarian Vegetarian


Thursday, 25 April 2013 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Educational Foundation Golf Tournament - Tanglewood Golf Club, Clemmons, NC

6:30 p.m. - until Educational Foundation Reverse Drawing - Winston-Salem Armory

Friday, 26 April 2013

11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Registration/Exhibitors/ Silent Auction 2:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. First Business Session 52nd Annual Convention

4:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Enlisted/Junior Office Forum

6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Hospitality Rooms Open

8:30 p.m. - 12:00 a.m. Dance/DJ/Cash Bar

Saturday, 27 April 2013 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Registration/Exhibitors

8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Silent Auction

8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Second Business Session Awards & Installation Ceremonies

11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. NCNGA Auxiliary Business Session

11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Unit Representative Workshop

12:00 noon Enlisted Awards Luncheon

2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Educational Foundation Annual Meeting

4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Social Hour/Cash Bar/Hosp. Rms

5:45 p.m. - 12:00 a.m. Dinner/Dance/Cash Bar

NC National Guard Association&

NC National Guard

Combined Event25-27 April 2013

Tentative Schedule of Events

COMBINED EVENT INFORMATION

Hotel info:

Marriott Hotel - 1-800-320-0934

The North Carolina National Guard Association’s Annual Convention, and the Enlisted Ball and Officer Ball are

joining forces in April for a special weekend of fun, fellowship and camaraderie. This event will be held 25-27 April 2013 at the Twin City Quarter in Winston-Salem, NC. What is the Twin City Quarter? It is comprised of the Marriott Hotel, Embassy Suites Hotel and Benton Convention Center — all connected with a covered walkway and in beautiful, downtown Winston-Salem. For one registration price, you can attend the Business Sessions and learn about YOUR Association, attend the Friday night hospitality rooms and dance — and then attend the grand finale: The Combined Event Ball. If you are able to come on Thursday, you can participate in the NCNGA Educational Foundation’s golf tournament and later that evening, try your luck at winning $4,000 at the Foundation’s annual Reverse Drawing (ticket required). Then you will have most of Friday to enjoy a visit to Old Salem, the downtown arts district, the Winston Cup Museum for race fans, the Children’s Museum of Winston-Salem, shopping, or golf before joining the Association for their activities on Friday afternoon/evening. Are you a regular attendee to the NC National Guard Association Annual Convention? If so, don’t worry — this is going to be a unique event and a lot of fun. There will be a lot of attendees for the dinner and dance on Saturday evening, and the dress will remind those of you that have been attending for quite a few years of the “old times” when we used to dress up for the Saturday evening event. It is going to be fun and different — come early and don’t miss this event! Already registered, but didn’t indicate you would be joining us on Friday for the Business Session or dance? Give us a call at 1-800-821-6159 — we hope you will join us for the whole event!


On April 25-27, 2013, the North Carolina National Guard Association will conduct its 52nd Annual Convention at the Twin City Quarter, Winston, NC. A retiree group will again sponsor a retiree hospitality room which will be located in the Marriott Hotel, one of the two event facilities. This initiative will provide us an opportunity to maintain connectivity between active guardsmen and those of us who are retired. We are again excited about continuing a retiree hospitality room for the third straight year, but it takes money and volunteer help to continue this event. The purpose of this article is to request your support. We would like you to consider a donation of $10 to $25. Checks may be made payable to: Retiree Hospitality Room—2013 and mail to the

Association office at 7410 Chapel Hill Road, Raleigh, NC 27607 no later than April 15 in order for us to begin serious planning. If you are planning to attend the convention and would be willing to assist in the setup, operation of and cleanup of the area, please include a note along with your donation. Our association has provided many benefits for our membership over the years. We enjoy the benefit of the State Retirement Plan every month! Please seriously consider sending a donation today, and come have a great time and make our hospitality room the place to be. Please feel free to contact those listed below if you have any questions or concerns.

John Atkinson Kerney Peoples 910-739-3567 919-389-7725

Al Rose Gene Ray 704-491-4797 [email protected]

Steve Blackwood 919-724-0625

ATTENTION RETIREES!

The Soldiers and Airmen Assistance Fund, Inc. is proud to announce that the updated design for our “In God We

Trust” license plate is now available in NC. The new design features “In God We Trust” (the official motto of the US), the American Eagle (the national emblem, symbol of freedom, authority and power), the US Flag (representing our expression of patriotism), the letters S and A (Soldiers and Airmen), a white background behind the numbers and North Carolina in red (representing the energy and strength of our great state). The “In God We Trust” is the most patriotic specialty license plate in North Carolina. Of the extra $30 annual fee for the specialty tag, $20 goes to Soldiers and Airmen Assistance Fund to support the citizen soldiers of the North Carolina National Guard. “The theme of this plate is a true expression of our patriotism. Our goal was to design a plate that every North Carolinian would be proud to put on their vehicle. We now have a plate that is attractive, with the right colors, that stands out and makes people notice. We hope everyone will help us honor our Guardsmen, our veterans and those presently serving our country,” said Dennis Roach, retired Sergeant Major and Director of the SAAF.

Visit our website www.saaf-nc.com/license-plate for ordering information or visit www.ncdot.gov/dmv. Click Online Services Tab, Order Personalized & Specialized Plates, order Special Plate, click “I” to locate “In God We Trust” plate and click on the image. You will need your vehicle registration card to order. Do you have the plate with the yellow ribbon on it and would like the new one? If so, stop in at your local DMV office and ask them to order you the new “In God We Trust” plate. Make sure you tell let them know if you want to keep your same number or change it.

NC National Guard Convention 26-27 April in Winston SalemThe first one hundred to purchase the

“In God We Trust” license plate while attending the convention, will receive a free Baqubah print. Plus, $20 of

your purchase is tax-deductible.

NEW: “IN GOD WE TRUST” LICENSE PLATE - NC


This past February the North Carolina National Guard Association had the opportunity to host approximately

15 State Senators, 37 State Representatives, numerous Legislative Staffers, members of the North Carolina National Guard, and Association members. (Legislators that attended are listed on back cover of magazine.) The Association held the annual breakfast in the North Carolina Legislative Building Cafeteria. Due to the beginning of the State Legislature’s Long Session, the timing of the breakfast provided the Association with the best opportunity to reach the state legislators with our courses of action. The breakfast was opened by Association President Ronnie Honeycutt, who welcomed everyone and thanked them for their attendance and attention. We then had the opportunity for our Adjutant General, Major General Greg Lusk, to also welcome the legislators, and thank them for their past and continuous support. Following Major General Lusk’s comments, I had the opportunity to speak to the legislators about the two main issues the North Carolina National Guard Association is pursuing: A return of the Tuition Assistance Program to pre-Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom deployment funding levels, and an increase to the North Carolina National Guard Pension for qualifying North Carolina National Guardsmen. For the Tuition Assistance Program, the North Carolina National Guard Association is requesting a current increase of $978,000, which would return it to a pre-911 level of $2,841,000. This would provide most members of the North Carolina National Guard the opportunity to enroll in higher level education, and provide North Carolina National Guard recruiters a tool to encourage individuals interested in the National Guard further reason for their affiliation. Next is a proposed increase in the North Carolina National Guard Pension. The Association is proposing raising the North Carolina Pension benefit approximately $20 for the minimum affiliation upon retirement, or from $95 to $115 per month, to a maximum benefit of $230 per month. An increase to the pension benefit would require an increase to the North Carolina National Guard Pension Fund of $2,187,672. The increase would benefit the state by encouraging current members of the North Carolina National Guard to continue their affiliation with the North Carolina National Guard beyond the minimum,

and thereby provide superior knowledge skillsets to state leadership to support the people of North Carolina. The members of the state legislature were very appreciative of the opportunity to interact with the members of the North Carolina National Guard Association and members of the National Guard, and pledged to do their best to meet the logical needs of members of the North Carolina National Guard. However, they also relayed an honest opinion to the current fiscal environment of the state. As the Chairman of the Legislative and Resolutions Committee, the opportunity to address our elected legislature concerning two issues of such importance indicates that if the opportunity presents itself, our members of the state legislature will do their best to insure that we continue to have the tools, to recruit and retain the best and brightest of North Carolina to support the citizens of the state. To the men and women of the North Carolina National Guard, if given an opportunity to speak with your state legislator, please speak to these two issues. These two items will impact not only you, but potentially your neighbors as well.

2013 NCNGA Legislative BreakfastBy Marshall Collins, Legislative Committee Chairman

Lawmakers Plan to Enhance Guard RetirementNGAUS Washington Report

(Feb. 12, 2013) Members of Congress in both chambers are planning to introduce legislation long supported by NGAUS that will give National Guardsmen proper credit toward retirement benefits. Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., and Sen. Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., will join Rep. Tom Latham, R-Iowa, as sponsors of bills that would overturn the current policy regarding early retirement credit for members of the reserve component. The current policy from 2008 allows the minimum retirement age for reserve component members to be moved up three months for every 90 days they spend on overseas deployments. (The 2008 National Defense Authorization Act directs that age 60 shall be reduced by three months for each aggregate of 90 days of active duty service performed supporting a contingency after Jan. 28, 2008. The total reduced shall notbebelow50yearsofage.) However, all of those 90 days must fall within one fiscal year. If circumstances beyond the control of the reserve member cause those 90 days to cross into two fiscal years, no credit toward retirement is earned.The legislation not yet introduced would correct this technicality. “This is bad policy and unfair to the men and women who serve in harm’s way,” said Pete Duffy, the NGAUS acting legislative director. “Consistent with our longstanding resolution, we will push hard for this legislation to become law once it has been introduced.” Duffy said NGAUS will distribute a Legislative Alert to association members once the bills are introduced. See more at: http://www.ngaus.org/newsroom/news/lawmakers-plan-enhance-guard-retirement#sthash.SnPoI0zu.dpuf.


RALEIGH, NC – Dan Soucek is used to the halls of power. He interacts with legislative staff as a North Carolina state senator representing the 45th district and is an expert in international relief with Samaritan’s Purse, meetings with business and civic leaders and other constituents and even breakfast with North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory. Wednesday, February 13, 2013 at the North Carolina National Guard Joint Force Headquarters, he had a very different experience - meeting his commanding officer. “I always respected those in the legislature who served in the military,” said Soucek. He met his new commander, Army Maj. Gen. Greg Lusk, the adjutant general of North Carolina at his office. They shook hands and spoke about Soucek’s experience with Young Life, a nonprofit youth organization, and Samaritan’s Purse. “We (the Guard) want you to stay connected with our youth, they are our future leaders,” said Lusk. The conversation soon changed to international affairs - an area where both men share expertise. “You will have plenty of opportunities with our state partners in Botswana and Moldova,” said Lusk. “Commanders will be looking for economical and experienced forces. That’s where we come in.” Before taking on these tasks from his commander, Soucek needed to swear into the NCNG. He stood at attention, raised his right hand and recited the oath to uphold the

constitutions of the United States and North Carolina. “It is important that the legislature has first-hand knowledge of the Guard,” said Soucek. Soucek, served previously as an Army aviator for eight years on active duty, resigning his commission in 1999. He will drill as a leader in the NCNG recruiting and retention battalion. Soucek brings not only vast civilian experience and an officer’s leadership to the Guard but is also a valuable tie between government, military and community. “It is great to have a legislator in the Guard and serving in the Guard will help me there,” said Soucek. Truly a citizen-soldier, Soucek, after being sworn in by Maj. Gen. Lusk, asked a leader in his new battalion for permission to come to the next drill at headquarters right after the legislature adjourned for the day.

With a stroke of the pen, North Carolina State Senator Dan Soucek joined the North Carolina National Guard ashisnewcommandingofficerArmyMaj.Gen.GregLusk, adjutant general of North Carolina, looks on. Capt. Soucek will drill as a leader in the NCNG Recruiting and Retention Battalion. “At the capitol I’m a legislator, here a captain,”said Soucek. Soucek served previously as an Army aviator for eight years on active duty; resigning his commission in 1999. (US Army Photo by SFC Robert Jor-dan,NorthCarolinaNationalGuardPublicAffairs)

NC State Senator Joins NC National GuardBy SFC Robert Jordan, NCNG Public Affairs

CHARLOTTE, NC – The uniform of retired NCNG Captain Jared Rorrer is on display inside of “Boots on the Ground: Charlotte Perspectives on the War in Iraq” exhibit at the Levine Museum for the New South. Retired NCNG Captain Jared Rorrer took many photos during his deployment which are on display thru July 2013. ThephotographsandstoriesoffiveCharlotteresidents, including Rorrer, paint the walls of a room onthesecondfloorinsidetheLevineMuseumoftheNew South and offers visitors a unique opportunity to see thru the eyes of Soldiers, see what they saw, feel what they felt, and lived with and without on a daily basis. The photographs and stories depict life from the perspective of a Soldier, a newspaper reporter and an Iraqi National in a war-torn nation during Opera-tion Iraqi Freedom II in 2004. (By Tech. Sgt. Brian E.Christiansen,NCNGOfficeofPublicAffairs)

NCNG Soldier and other Charlotte Residents Share Pictures of Iraq War


Friends and family of the 230th Brigade Support Battalion, 30th ABCT of North Carolina National Guard invite you to become a permanent part of a memorial honoring our fallen Soldiers of the North Carolina National Guard who have given the ultimate sacrifice. On 22 October 2011, one of our fellow Officers and Soldiers was killed during combat operations in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan. The assault force she was supporting triggered an improvised explosive device. 1LT Ashley Irene White was assigned to the 230th Brigade Suport Battalion, 30th ABCT, North Carolina Army National Guard located in Goldsboro, NC. 1LT Ashley White served as an Evacuation Platoon Leader. While serving as a member of the Cultural Support Team attached to a Joint Special Operations Task Force, Ashley White

selflessly served and her actions exemplify the highest commitment to duty, honor and country. Ashley was not only a Soldier, she was a beloved daughter, sister, and wife. She loved to run, workout, spend time with her family, play with her Siberian Husky, drink coffee, and be in the company of friends. Her passionate and caring self will be deeply missed. Please consider purchasing a brick to help support this memorial in honoring our fallen Hero or a fallen Hero of your own. A memorial will be constructed at the Unit’s Armory located in Goldsboro, NC. If you are interested in supporting this great cause and to honor our fallen service members who have given the ultimate sacrifice, you can either purchase a Memorial Brick that will be added to the Memorial by going to this website at https://www.brickrus.com/order/whitememorial and chose from one of our 12 designs. Memorial Bricks are $150 without a logo and $158 with a logo. With the purchase of a brick, you will receive a certifiate with the name of your loved one you have chosen to honor. You can go to http://honorourhero.com/home_page.php to veiw the brick choices. Not interested in a brick? That’s ok, too! You can send donation amounts in the form of a check or money order to the: NCNG AWS Fund, c/o 230th BSB, ATTN: SFC Steven Flowers, 700 US Highway 117 BYP South, Goldsboro, NC 27530. Thank you so much for your support in honoring our hero 1LT Ashley White, and fellow service members who have dedicated their lives to freedom! If you have any question, please contact : [email protected].

Our Hero — 1LT Ashley I. White

“For God and Country - Still Serving Proudly.”

The North Carolina Department of the American Legion

Thanks You for Your Service to Our State and Nation!

We invite you to visit any of our 334 Posts, statewide, visit our website

www.nclegion.org, email us at [email protected],

or call 919-832-7506.

"Proud To Be An American Day"Walstonburg Celebration

Date:

April 20, 2013Location:

Walstonburg American Legion, 102 South Main Street

Walstonburg, NC

This is our 5th year. An event to honor our Veterans, Military,

and fallen Heroes. All branches of service are invited. Active and

Retired Personnel.

Please come and invite someone."HELP US PASS THE WORD"

For more information:

Ray Holloman

[email protected]

Gary Langston

[email protected]


BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan – On Jan. 24 to 26, 90 members of the N.C. National Guard’s 514th Military Police Company received a standard robot operator’s familiarization course by the Joint Robotic Repair Detachment (JRRD). The MP unit has been stationed at Bagram for almost six months, but recently received orders to learn how to operate the PackBot 510 FasTac robot for potential use on future missions. “We aren’t exactly sure when we’ll have the opportunity to use these robots in the field,” admits Spc. Samuel Starling, “but my experiences have taught me that it’s always better to have the training and not use it than to need that knowledge and never have received it.” The MPs are preparing to provide convoy security during retrograde missions, which will entail moving supplies from various forward operating bases back to Bagram. “We can already tell that the PackBots will allow us to search under and inside vehicles without us physically having to approach it, so that capability will definitely come in handy if it’s ever needed.” Bagram’s JRRD, or Robot Shop as it’s commonly known, pulls double-duty as a counter-improvised explosive device (C-IED) training facility as well as one of five robot repair facilities in Afghanistan. “Our technicians teach groups here at the shop at least twice a month,” said Sgt. 1st Class Guerra, Theatre PEO Ground Combat Systems NCOIC. “But if they can’t come to us, we’ll send the technicians out to their locations from one of the different shops to ensure our service members are utilizing the robots to their fullest capabilities.” During the fighting season, the Robot Shop can receive anywhere from 60 to 100 robots a week in need of repair and although that number drastically decreases to 20 robots a week in the off season, that is still a lot for their staff of twelve. The majority of the repairs consist of replacing an arm or gripper part after being

strained from picking up too much weight or replacing camera component. “All robot repair facilities in theater operate with the same capabilities, but Bagram’s shop serves as the main hub,” states Guerra. “We operate 24/7 because the missions are carried out around the clock.” Making themselves available at any time is just one of the many ways the Robotic technicians are supporting the warfighters.

In addition to the training, the JRRD engineers and technicians will sit down with the operators after missions to gather feedback and recommendations that ultimately allow the robots to better support the C-IED missions. “We can do a lot here in the shop, but if it’s out of our realm, we’re quick to contact the different manufacturers and let them know what alterations should be made to their designs,” said Guerra. “We try to gather as much input as possible because that’s the

only way we’re going to be able to improve our mission.” As the 2014 withdrawal of NATO forces approaches and troop levels decrease, robotics use has been steadily rising. “During the first part of our tour the only people who used robots on their missions were EOD technicians,” recalls Samuels. “The robots themselves can be a part of any route clearing mission as much as any team member, dragging or lifting up to 100 pounds, but the robots are a lot easier to replace than a service member so we’re really excited to gain this capability.”

514th MP Co Trains with RobotsBy Erica Fouche, Combined Joint Task Force Paladin

NCNGA Educational Foundation Combined Event Activities:

Thursday, 25 April 2013 - Golf Tournament - Tanglewood Golf Club, Clemmons, NC - Application on web site - http://ncnga.org/combined-event-2/

Thursday - 25 April 2013 - Reverse Drawing - Winston-Salem Armory, 2000 Silas Creek Pkwy. Tickets are $40 each for a chance at winning $4,000 - dinner for two is included in price of ticket

Friday - Saturday - 26-27 April 2013 - Silent Auction - Marriott Hotel

Saturday evening - 27 April 2013 - Drawing for $2,000 raffle ticket

Tickets can be purchased from any NCNGAEF Board member or by calling Peggy Robinson at 1-800-821-6159 ext 5.

(Youdonothavetobepresenttowinforanyofthedrawings/raffles.)


Candidates for the 2013-14 NCNGA Executive Council

President: Bobby Lumsden – 30th ABCT Vice President: Jeremy Davis – JFHQ-NC Brent Orr - JFHQ-NC

JFHQ-NC (one seat): Steven Johnson - JFHQ-NC Diana Stumpf – JFHQ-NC30th ABCT (one seat): Brian Alkire – HHC 30th STB

130th MEB (two seats): Robert Holland – Det 1 882nd EN CO Chris McCurry – Det 1 878th EN CO

60th TRP CMD (two seats): Dale Baker – Btry B 5-113th FA Velma Evans – 60th Troop Command

449th TAB (one seat): Colby Hammonds – HHC 1-130th ARB Patrick Szvetitz – 449th TAB 113th SUS BDE (one seat): Miriam Gray - HHC 113th SUS BDE

139th RGMT (CA) (two seats): David S. Eaton – 139th RGMT James McKee – 139th RGMTAir National Guard (one seat): Barbara Doncaster – 145th MSG

Junior Council (one seat): Dustin Butcher – HHC 30th ABCT Timothy Stanhope – HHC 113th SUS BDEActive Associate Class (one seat): Larry Hosch – Charlotte, NC

A NGAUS tradition, the annual conference allows members to gather and vote on the top legislative priorities for NGAUS, share information and celebrate the camaraderie of being National Guard and NGAUS members. Join us in Hawaii and network with more than 4,000 fellow National Guard men and women from all 50 States, Guam, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands and the District of Columbia. Members and guests of the NCNG will be staying in the Hyatt Regency Waikiki.• We will host a hospitality suite in

the Hyatt Regency Waikiki for daily meetings and Hospitality Night

• We have 30 rooms blocked at the Hyatt at $159 (+taxes/fees)

• Registration is $200 and includes tickets to the Governor’s Reception, All States Dinner, Convention Center exhibits and events, and daily access to refreshments at the North Carolina National Guard’s hospitality suite.

For more information, contact MAJ Brian McIlvaine, 1636 Gold Star Dr, Raleigh, NC 27607 or 919-791-6419 or [email protected]. (You can also go to www.ncnga.org and click on Membership/NGAUS for more links to the NGAUS website.)

135TH NGAUS GENERAL CONFERENCEHONOLULU, HI

20-23 SEPTEMBER 2013

NGAUS Conference — Join Us in Hawaii!

690th BSB News

On 2 March, the 690th BSB Vipers conducted a Change of Responsibility and Change of Command ceremony in Kinston. Col Jones, 113th SB Commander, and CSM Gill, 113th SB CSM, were present to witness the historical event. Outgoing Battalion Commander, LTC Jones and acting CSM, 1SG Bullins, were replaced by LTC Godwin and CSM Webster.(Submitted by MAJ Eberly, 690thBSBAO/SPO)

It’snottoolateforyoutorunforoffice!Applicationswillbeacceptedinourofficeuntil15April2013.ContactTeriFosteratteri.gregory.foster@gmail.com or 1-800-821-6159 ext 1.

(asof3/7/13)


AMENDMENT #1

Explanation: To amend the By-laws to eliminate the unit delegate system, but maintain the proxy system.

1. Present Wording: Article VIII - Delegates

SECTION 1: Each active National Guard unit shall elect one official delegate who shall be a member of the unit and the Association, to the annual meeting. Delegates selected from the junior membership are encouraged.

SECTION 2: All units shall hold a meeting of the Association members at least sixty (60) days prior to the annual meeting for the purpose of electing an official delegate to represent the unit at the annual meeting, such delegate to be a member in good standing of the Association. A Certificate of Delegate Status shall be forwarded to the Nominating & Credentials Committee thirty (30) days prior to the convention or delivered to the convention site. The certificate must be signed by the Commander or their designated representative.

SECTION 3: Units that cannot have a delegate at the convention because of official training/mobilization/deployment status out of the state

or in-state during the inclusive dates of the convention, may assign voting proxies in accordance with the following procedures:

a. Proxy can be issued on unit basis only.

b. Properly executed proxy certificates must be attached to Delegate Certificate from unit assigning proxy not later than thirty (30) days prior to convention convening dates.

c. Proxy votes are applicable to “ballot” votes only.

SECTION 4: The Associate Class may elect one official delegate who shall be a member in good standing of the Association.

Proposed Wording: Article VIII - Proxies

SECTION 1: Units that cannot have a member at the convention because of official training, mobilization, deployment status out of the state or in-state during the inclusive dates of the convention, may assign voting proxies in accordance with the following procedures:

a. Proxy can be issued on unit basis only.

b. Properly executed proxy certificates must be submitted from unit assigning proxy to the NC National Guard Association not later than thirty (30) days prior to convention convening dates.

c. Proxy votes are applicable to “ballot” votes only.

d. Representatives casting proxy votes must be a member in good standing of the NCNGA. The representative, in addition to the proxy vote(s) cast, is also entitled to vote as a member.

Proposed Amendments — Articles of Incorporation & By-LawsNCNGA — 52nd Annual Convention

In Memoriam Listed below are those members (and non-members), spouses and dependent children that have recently passed away.

Below are individuals not mentioned in the

FEB/MAR issue, that passed away

prior to January 9, 2013:

Brian H. CollinsFayetteville, NC10 January 2013

Foy N. JonesSanford, NC

19 January 2013

James H. RoyallGoldsboro, NC21 January 2013

Jerry W. EckardNewton, NC

30 January 2013

Zachary G. Willetts883rd EN CO – SAPPER

Wilmington, NC2 February 2013

Jimmy O. Huffman, Sr.Rutherford College, NC

13 February 2012

Walter F. PateGoldsboro, NC

13 December 2012

Fredrick M. DudleyJonesville, NC

9 February 2013

James D. HoneycuttCharlotte, NC

9 February 2013

Larry D. Benthall, Jr.Son of Larry D.

BenthallDet 2 Co A 690th BSB

Gates, NC12 February 2013

Anthony G. ButlerFayetteville, NC26 February 2013

If we have missed someone, please contact the Editor, Teri Foster at [email protected] or 919-851-3390 ext 1.


Carowinds/Kings Dominion — Valid at either park - $33.00 for ages 3 & up. (Carowinds opened March 29: Kings Dominion opened March 29) (Carowinds price at gate $56.99/$39.99 - Jr/Sr — Kings Dominion price at gate $61.99/$39.99 - Jr/Sr)

Wet ‘n Wild Emerald Pointe Water Park Adult Tickets-$27.00 for anyone over 48” tall.(Park open May 25 - Sept. 2)

Wet ‘n Wild Emerald Pointe Junior Tickets - $19.00 for anyone under 48” tall. *Tickets can also be ordered online at www.emeraldpointe.com. Call NCNGA for Corporate Code.**

Tickets — *The NCNGA pays for tickets as they are sold; we are unable to provide refunds if tickets are unused.*Tickets are mailed the day the request is received. *Ticket info is also on our website: www.ncnga.org

To order tickets, send check, money order, MasterCard or Visa information to: NCNGA, 7410 Chapel Hill Rd., Raleigh, NC 27607 or call 1-800-821-6159, ext. 2 for Kathy Ford

Mail tickets to: Name: _______________________________________________________________________ Address: _____________________________________________________________________ City: ________________________________ State: _________ Zip code: _________________

2013 NCNGA Discount Ticket Order Form

Type of Payment: ___ Check ___ Money Order ___ Master Card ___ Visa

Make checks or money order payable to NCNGA. A fee of $23 will be charged for any check returned due toinsufficient funds or a check written on a closed account. If checks remain unpaid, Commanders will be notified.

Credit Card Information: Account #_____________________________________________________

Exp. Date _____________________ 3 Digit Security Code:_____________

Name on Card: __________________________________________ Signature _______________________________

When ordering tickets, please allow one week for delivery

Quantity Total $

SubtotalCreditCard Fee +$3.00

Total Due $

ATTN: INSURED MEMBERS OF THE NCNGA —

HAVE YOU CHECKED YOUR BENEFICIARY LATELY?

We have experienced several claims in the past year where ben-eficiaries had not been updated and ex-spouses received the death benefits of the member’s NC National Guard Association Group Life Insurance. Have you had a change in your marital status? If so, please contact us to ensure your beneficiary is who you think it is! Call 919-851-3390 ext 1 (Teri Foster) or ext 2 (Rhonda Arndt)

Busch Garden Ticket Prices had not been determined as of press time. Please check our website for their prices - www.ncnga.org/benefits.

Deadline for submitting articles

for the June/July issue of the

Tarheel Guardsman:

1 May 2013

PeriodicalsU. S. Postage

PAIDRaleigh, NC

Tarheel GuardsmanNC National Guard Assoc.7410 Chapel Hill Road Raleigh, NC 27607-5047

How to reach us:919-851-3390 800-821-6159 (in NC only)[email protected] - emailwww.ncnga.org - website

2013 Legislative Breakfast Attendees

See page 9 for article

Stan BinghamJim DavisKathy HarringtonBrent JacksonGene McLaurinLouis PateEarline ParmonRonald Rabin

Dean ArpMarilyn AvilaC. Robert BrawleyMark BrodyRayne BrownRob BryanDana BumgardnerJustin BurrGeorge ClevelandJohn FairclothCarl FordValerie Foushee

Senators Attending Breakfast

Representatives Attending Breakfast

George GrahamKelly HastingsYvonne L. HolleyCraig HornPat Hurley Bert JonesJames LangdonPat McElraft Deb McManus Chris Millis Larry Pittman Michele Presnell

Bill RabonShirley RandlemanBob RuchoNorman SandersonDan SoucekJerry Tillman Mike Woodard

Joe Sam QueenNathan Ramsey Bobbie Richardson Dennis Riddell Stephen Ross Jason Saine Bob SteinburgJohn Szoka Evelyn Terry Joe Tolson Rena Turner Ken Waddell Harry Warren

The NCNGA thanks all those

that attended and for your support!

apr may 2013 thg

Documents

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