NATIONAL GUARD ASSOCIATION OF WASHINGTON

NOWMAGAZINE

VOL. 1 ISSUE 2 SUMMER 2015

-- State & National Conference --What you missed, what was discussed and what to expect from the National conference in Nashville. NGAW members talk with MG Bret

Daugherty and other leadership during the lunchtime break out session at the NGAW conference. photo by Winterfeld Photography

Benefits for Active-Duty Military Personnel, Reserve, Guard, and Veterans:

• GI Bill Benefits—WGU programs are approvedfor VA benefits under the GI Bill Eligibility andthe amounts available depend upon your years ofservice and other factors.

• Tuition Assistance—The competency-baseddegree programs at WGU are approved for tuitionassistance for active-duty, Reserve, and Guardservice members.

• WGU Military Service Scholarship—This scholarship,valued up to $2,000, is designed for militarypersonnel, retired military, and military spouses whowish to advance their education in business, teachereducation, information technology, or healthcare,(including nursing).

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YOU’RE NO STRANGER TO DISCIPLINE.

YOU’RE READY TO SERVE WHEREVER THERE IS A NEED.

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NOWNATIONAL GUARD ASSOCIATION OF WASHINGTON

MAGAZINE

SUMMER 2015

A non-profit professional organization established in 1891 that is comprised of officer and enlisted members both active and retired and is organized at the state level for the purpose of lobbying for, and securing, the most effective legislation, maximizing Washington State Army and Air Guardsmen benefits and resources.

NOW Magazine is a quarterly publication that highlights the work of the National Guard Assocation of Washington in supporting the Washington National Guard. STATE CONFERENCE REVIEW

The state conference in Spokane brought a lot of interest fromaround the Guard and some big news as well!PG. 5

TABLE OF CONTENTS

A new state operating budget brought the return of the Guard’s

scholarship fund.

PG. 4Nashville here we come! Learn about the national conference

and why attending is important.

PG. 9A visit to the Starbuck

headquarters in Seattle brought new ideas to NGAW.

PG. 7

National Guard Association of Washington (253) 584-5411 ngaw@ngaw.org

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MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

KRISTIN DERDA

NOW - 3

Thank you for your time and commitment to our Washington National Guard and our National Guard Association. As a Guard Member and spouse of a Guard Member, I understand that dedication to our organization isn’t always easy, but it is truly rewarding and an honor to serve our state and nation.

I appreciate your confidence in me to lead the NGAW as your president for the next two years. This responsibility is one I take whole heartedly, and am eager to see the new accomplishments this great organization will achieve with the strength and commitment of our incoming board members.

This is a time of transition for our organization as we begin looking at the future for NGAW. After talking with other states during the national conference, their associations take on larger roles in their states and I truly believe ours can do the same, but it starts with you.

It starts with a little bit of your time, talking with your friends and colleagues about the association.

Tell them about our organization and the benefits the NGAW is working on: tuition assistance for Air Guard Members, free hunting and fishing licenses, free discover passes, and other benefits for our Guard members and families. And don't forget our success story this year when we convinced legislators to reinstate funding for our state National Guard Scholarship. In addition to local benefits, share with them the work we do nationally to fight to protect the force structure of our Army National Guard and upgrade the equipment of some of our Air National Guard units, while we continue to fight to secure cyber missions for our future.

These things don’t happen without NGAW standing beside NGAUS and EANGUS to vocalize the message to our elected officials. That is why it is so important for us to talk about our association; tell each other the importance behind it and why membership matters.

It’s our time now.

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BREAKING NEWS: Education Benefits Reinstated!

At the end of June, Gov. Jay Inslee signed a new two-year state operating budget, avoiding a state government shutdown. Part of the new budget also reinstates funding to the National Guard Conditional Scholarship Program!

Restoring this funding has been the top priority for NGAW for the past two years. This allows $200,000 over the next two years for Washington National Guardsmen to use on their secondary education.

“This couldn’t have happened without State Representative Pat Sullivan and his support,” said Kristin Derda, President of NGAW. “He campaigned for our bill to pass and this is outstanding.”

Over the next few months, NGAW will be working with the Washington Military Department to create a process for Guardsmen to receive this benefit.

NGAW TOP PRIORITY IS PART OF THE BI-ANNUAL OPERATING BUDGET

4 - EVERGREEN MAGAZINE VOL.II // ISSUE 3 MIL.WA.GOV VOL II // ISSUE 3 - 5

WASHINGTON NATIONAL GUARDTHE ADJUTANT GENERALMajor General Bret Daugherty

THE

TAGLINE

Colleagues,

The Pacific Northwest recently took center stage in a national story that swept social media, and was discussed at length on cable news networks. The New Yorker Magazine wrote an in-depth piece on the expected destruction following a rupture of the Cascadia Subduction Zone fault. And while it was well written (though maybe exaggerative…), it failed to highlight the extensive work underway to prepare for such an event.

I’m proud that the Washington Military Department is leading those preparation efforts.We’ve pulled together and led a Joint Planning Team, which developed a state Earthquake Response Plan. That plan continues to be tested – most recently during our Evergreen Tremor exercise. We’ll put it to the test again next year during Cascadia Rising, and will use feedback to make improve-ments. (See page 6.)

Our Emergency Management Division has worked tirelessly to promote and facilitate the Great Washington Shakeout, which encourages people to practice their ability to Drop, Cover and Hold On. Last year, more than 1 million people in Washington state participated, and already, nearly

500,000 have signed up for this year’s event.

Additionally, EMD has worked closely with the coastal communities to install tsunami warn-ing sirens, and construct the nation’s first vertical tsunami evacuation center.

After the State Route 530 landslide, our 66th Theater Aviation Command partnered with the Snohomish County Helicopter Rescue Team to create a more in-depth search and rescue training plan which will be crucial following a CSZ event. The training was beneficial to our state earlier this month when they conducted their first-ever aviation search and rescue mission. (See page 12.)

Earlier this month, we also announced that the 81st Brigade Combat Team would be convert-ing to a Stryker brigade. These vehicles are more versatile and mobile than our heavy tanks

and are expected to play a major response role following a disaster.

This is just a short list. With that said – we can’t do it all.

That’s why it’s critical that you’re taking steps to prepare your-self at home – and encouraging your friends and family to do the same. It doesn’t have to take a lot of time. And it doesn’t have to cost a lot money. There are simple things you can do to increase your readiness – and you can find that information on our website.

Let’s prepare – and not panic. Together we can ensure recovery following ‘The Big One.’

Be Prepared, Not Scared

Maj. Gen. Bret DaughertyThe Adjutant GeneralWashington National Guard

Washington’s Armored Brigade Combat Team to convert to Stryker Brigade

On July 9, the Washington National Guard received confirma-tion that its 81st Armored Brigade Combat Team, which currently operates M1A1 Abrams Tanks and Bradley Fighting Vehicles, will be converted into a Stryker Brigade Combat Team.

“This is a huge win for Washington state,” said Major General Bret Daugherty, the state’s adjutant general and commander of the Washington National Guard. “Our tanks and Bradleys are critical for our federal mission, however, they’re too heavy to move on our local roads making them almost useless following a state disaster. The Strykers are a more mobile, versatile vehicle that will ensure the Washington National Guard can get out into our communities and perform its mission to save lives and protect property here at home. That ability will be especially important following a Cas-cadia Subduction Zone earthquake and tsunami. The conversion also aligns us more closely with our partners at Joint Base Lew-is-McChord, enabling our soldiers to receive unique training to help prepare for any future overseas deployments.”

“This was a huge undertaking that took years of hard work and collaboration,” Daugherty continued. “I met personally with every member of our Congressional delegation to stress the importance of this conversion and appreciate their ongoing efforts to make this happen. Governor Inslee was a strong backer of this proposal and

an important advocate on our behalf. And our state Legislature and local elected leaders and civic organizations helped emphasize the benefits to both our state and nation. I truly appreciate everyone’s assistance and support, and look forward to working with our part-ners to ensure a successful conversion.”

Washington will become just the second state to have a Stryker Brigade within its National Guard, joining the Pennsylvania Na-tional Guard’s 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, which con-verted in 2006.

The 81st Brigade, headquartered in Seattle, is the largest bri-gade-sized element in the Washington National Guard, responsi-ble for more than 3,200 Guardsmen stationed in Washington and 600 in San Bernardino, California. The brigade deployed twice in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (2004-2005, 2008-2009).

The citizen-soldiers and airmen of the Washington National Guard are dedicated to the mission of safeguarding lives and property in Washington state, and serving as sentinels for freedom overseas.

81st ‘Stryker’ Brigade!Story by Capt. Joseph SiemandelWashington National Guard

From the Washington Military Department Evergreen Magazine

STATE CONFERENCE REVIEW

olfing at one of the premier courses in the inland northwest, touring Washington’s oldest distillery, talking with local politicians and learning more about your Washington National Guard highlighted this year’s state conference in Spo-kane. “We wanted to put together a great program and think we did that with this year’s conference,” said Kristin Derda, Vice President, National Guard Association of Wash-ington. “We wanted it to not just be fun but informative to those in attendance.” Members that showed up on Friday morning had the chance to hit the links for the annual NGAW conference golf tournament. Others that showed up later in the day, had the chance to get a private tour of the Dry Fly Distillery; Washing-ton’s first legalized distillery. “It was fascinating to learn about the process the ownership team had to go through to make their dreams happen,” said Drew Nevins, NGAW member. “They had to put in a lot of work to get the laws changed in our state, and that is similar to what we are trying to do in the association.” Working to change laws, and gain benefits for our Guard is the main objective of the association and part of the conference process is talking about initiatives and resolutions that the association will propose in the next year. During the business session on Saturday, NGAW members decided to continue pushing for hunting and fishing

EARLY NEWS ABOUT STRYKERS AND THE NATIONAL COMMISSION WAS JUST A FEW OF THE TOPICS COVERED BY THE PANEL OF GUEST SPEAKERS

G license, discovery pass and college tuition benefits for our Guardsmen. “We made some great strides last year with our state legislature, and we will continue to strive to get the best ben-efits for our Guard,” said Kevin McMahan, NGAW Legislative committee during his brief on Saturday. Saturday also featured a slew of guest speakers including Major General Bret Daugherty, the adjutant general, who discussed the state of the National Guard and assistant adjutants general, Brig. Gen. Wallace Turner and John Tuohy, as they highlighted both the Army and Air National Guard. Major General (ret) Gus Hargett, President, National Guard Association of the United States discussed the work that is happening in Washington D.C. as NGAUS fights to protect equipment and force structure for the 54 states and territo-ries they support.

“We have some great friends on Capitol Hill and NGAUS is really doing some great work

to protect our guard,” - Gus Hargett

Two of the most energetic and passionate speakers though were two local speakers; Mayor David Condon and State Senator Andy Billig.

Photos by Winterfeld Photography

“Spokane is a city that is enriched in military history, we have some of the oldest National Guard units in the state and Fairchild Air Force Base,” said David Condon, Mayor of Spokane and nine-year Army veteran, served both on active duty and in the reserves, was stationed at Joint Base Lew-is-McChord on Sept 11, 2001. “After I finish up here I have to go out and join 100,000 others to celebrate our military during the annual Lilac Parade.” Billig, senator from the 3rd district and part owner of the Spokane Indians baseball team was just as equally sup-portive of the military. “Our Washington National Guard was here before Washington was even a state, it is great to see that for 160 years we have had the tradition of citizen-soldiers that pro-tect our state in times of need.” Besides from the guest speakers; business sessions on both Saturday and Sunday we filled with planning for the upcoming year’s work that includes visiting legislatures during the off-session time, hosting events to increase mem-bers, meeting with corporate partners and planning for both the 2015 NGAUS and EANGUS National Conferences and the 2016 state conference in Bremerton. “The state conference is important, but the best thing for our members to do is go to the national conference,” said Derda. “We have fun and learn a lot about what is happening in the National Guard.”

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR CORPORATE PARTNERS

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Photos by Winterfeld Photography

The NGAUS conference returns to Tennessee!

Music City USA will play host to the National Guard Associ-ation of the United States national conference on September 10-13. This marks the fourth time Nashville has held the conference and first time in six years that the famed Gaylord Opryland Resort welcomes Guardsmen from across the coun-try. “This will be my second national conference, so I am excited to go back and learn more about what is happening across the country,” said LTC Chris Blanco, NGAW Board mem-ber. “I anticipate the new officers that attend will enjoy this experience. Blanco’s mention of learning about what is happen-ing across the country, is in reference to the discussions and guest speakers at NGAUS, which include Gen. Frank Grass, the Chief of National Guard Bureau, Lt. Gen. Tim Kadavy, Director of the Army National Guard and Lt. Gen. Stanley Clarke III, Director of the Air National Guard. Various General officers, elected officials and celebrates make their way on stage as well to address the over 5,000 Guardsmen that are expected to attend NGAUS this year. “Since my days as a second lieutenant, I have missed very few of the annual NGAUS gatherings like the one planned for September in Nashville, Tenn. And I regret missing those few,” said Maj. Gen. Deborah A. Ashenhurst, the Chairwoman of NGAUS and adjutant general of the Ohio National Guard in a letter published in the National Guard magazine. “The

conference offers every National Guard officer an opportunity to reconnect with old friends from around the country, get the latest information on issues important to our force and have some fun at a great location.” The fun starts on day one when attendees tee off during the annual NGAUS Golf Tournament. Also on tap is the Motorcycle Rally to the famous Jack Daniel’s Distillery, a unique event that offers riders the chance to enjoy a two hour ride that ends with a BBQ at the distillery. Company grade officers will trade in their combat boots for cowboy boots at the company grade mixer at the Wild horse Salon, featuring free food and drinks and live music! Friday morning runners will break away from the pack and do the annual conference 5K around the Gaylord Opryland Resort grounds! On top of all that attendees will dress in their west-ern wear on for a special State’s Dinner, which end across the street at the historic Grand Ole Opry for a concert with Country music legend Charlie Daniels! “We are excited to represent Washington this year at the national conference,” said Kristin Derda, NGAW Pres-ident.” Our delegate team is ready to show what makes our state great and bring back information to the rest of the Washington National Guard.”

CAN’T MAKE IT TO NASHVILLE?

PLAN TO ATTEND NGAUS IN THE FUTURE!

138th General Conference Sept. 9 - 12, 2016 in Baltimore

Hosted by the Maryland National Guard

139th General Conference Sept. 7 - 10, 2017 in Louisville

Hosted by the Kentucky National Guard

140th General Conference Aug. 24 - 27, 2018 in New Orleans

Hosted by the Louisiana National Guard

SEPTEMBER 10-13, NASHVILLE, TN

FLYING WITH 141ST ARWNGAW PARTNERS JOIN GUARD FOR AIR REFUELING FLIGHT

On August 20, NGAW partners got the rare chance to fly on a training flight with the 141st Air Refueling Wing, Washington Air National Guard. The flight

was part of a week-long training/VIP flight series with the Spokane based unit.

Representatives from Starbucks, Boeing, Tacoma-Pierce Chamber of Commerce, Cascade Designs, Seattle Mariners and Pierce County Military Business Alliance joined state legislative members, federal congressional staffers and Washington Military Department

employees for multiple refueling flights.

NGAW provided food and beverages for each flight, as well as talked with crewmembers about the

benefits of membership.

Top: An inside lookat the cockpit of a BoeingKC-135R, built in 1959.

Bottom: Crew Chief shows a group of participants the back of a KC-135R.

Top: State Legislative members and 141st ARW crew pose for photo in front of KC-135R.

Below: Professional Expeditionary Airmen, Team Fairchild

NGAW members visitSTARBUCKS

In early August, the NGAW Executive Director Amanda West and members Chris Blanco and Joe Siemandel meet with the Starbuck Military Transition team at their corporate head-quaters in Seattle to discuss how NGAW can partner with Starbucks. “Having been a partner at Starbucks, it is a great place to start a career,” said Amanda, who worked at Star-bucks for more than five years before transitioning to NGAW. “The benefits are amazing and the atmosphere is family orientated.” Starbucks has a comprehensive course that helps mil-itary members build careers within the organization. Look for future engagements with Starbucks and NGAW to learn how Guardsmen can get involved with the company!

Learn more about the Starbucks program at http://www.starbucks.com/careers/veterans

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We want to introduce you to your NGAW Board of Directors and new President and

Vice President!

President: Kristin DerdaVice President: Robert SweeneyTreasurer: Beth CervantesOfficer BOD: Chris Blanco, Lydia ShirleyEnlisted BOD: Alton Huckaby, Enlisted BOD: Pedro Cordoba Enlisted BOD: James Heaney Retiree/State Guard BOD: Doyle BurkeEnlisted Guild Chair: Zachary GerouxRetiree Guild Chair: Greg Allen

New Enlisted Life Members

WELCOME NEW & RETURNING MEMEBERS!

William FarrerDavid HerringBrian WaggonerRussell McDonaldJonathan SokolowskiTrisha Almond

New Officer Life Members

Officer MembersDavid HamiltonSophia Carter Anthony Jimenez Bradley KlippertJoshua BellJordan SembowerRobert LoniewskyAntony BraunJon MillerCarl SteeleSteven Denham Donald Brewer David CaporicciAlexander BroddBen JonesAnthony Lieggi

Enlisted MembersTodd MillerLeonard MiyasatoMike Richmond James HealyGeorge SaratsisJared MorrisonDaniel ReisAaron Smith Dallas NeustelRichard HuyckRod Brady Todd Anderson Christopher ClementeMichael AlseptCharles WarloeAndrew KnowlesMichael RavenJackson Otis Jefrey TaribulAlton HuckabyJeannie Cook Jeff WiyrickVirginia Owens

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A Washington National Guard Blackhawk Helicopter takes off from Chelan Helicopter Base for the First Creek Fire.

The Washington National Guard has the third oldest fleet of Blackhawks in the nation and continue to push the UH-60L to fight the state’s worst wildfire season on record.

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