The MN National Guard Enlisted Association (MNGEA) participated in the Military Appreciation Day at the Minnesota State Fair this week. It was great to meet fellow veterans and several current and past Minnesota National Guard members. Several of the Minnesota National Guard senior leaders stopped by the booth as well. It was a great opportunity to promote the Enlisted Association to fellow brothers and sisters of the Minnesota National Guard. If you haven’t heard about MNGEA, we are a professional organization that solely advocates for the enlisted members, dependents and retirees of the Minnesota National Guard, Army and Air. If you haven’t heard of us, here is an overview of what MNGEA is about.
WHAT IS MNGEA?
MNGEA is a non-profit Professional Military Organization that represents the interests of the enlisted personnel of the Minnesota Army and Air National Guard. We are the ONLY professional organization that specifically works on behalf of the enlisted members of the Minnesota National Guard, Army and Air.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF MNGEA?
To promote and support adequate security for the State of Minnesota and the United States of America. To foster, improve and advance the status, welfare and professionalism of the Minnesota National Guard and the National Guard of the United States, and generally do all lawful acts and things necessary, proper and suitable to accomplish these purposes. To be affiliated with the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States (EANGUS) and to be subject to the Constitution and By-Laws of that body, insofar as they effect and prescribe the function of the Minnesota National Guard Enlisted Association (MNGEA), but do not conflict with the articles of incorporation, and the laws of the State of Minnesota.
Bottom line – MNGEA works specifically on benefits and quality of life issues/concerns that affect the Minnesota National Guard enlisted force structure (Army and Air), their dependents and our retirees, in addition to coordinating efforts with our National Office (EANGUS) and officer association (NGAUS) to help secure future missions and address equipment, manpower, and resource issues impacting our readiness for federal and state missions. One of our main objectives is to lobby on legislative initiatives affecting the Minnesota enlisted Soldiers and Airmen at both the State Capitol in St. Paul and on Capitol Hill in Washington DC.
OUR PROGRAMS
Scholarships – MNGEA offers scholarship opportunities ranging from $500 to $1000 through our Auxiliary each year. Several chapters throughout the state also offer chapter scholarships. Our national organization (EANGUS) also has several scholarships available each year at prestigious universities (University of Phoenix, Grantham University, Grand Canyon University, Colorado Technical College, and more), several are full 4-yr scholarships.
Assistance – EANGUS We Care For America Foundation® is a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization created to help our Soldiers and Airmen on the National Guard. The program is dedicated to providing emergency financial assistance to the men and women of the National Guard and their families. Each day, across the 54 States and territories, our National Guard members are working hard to support their communities and protect our Nation and we want to be there when they are affected by a catastrophic personal hardship, a declared national disaster, or a nationwide-pandemic. This program is offered to all members of the National Guard, regardless if you are a member of the association or not.
Recognition – MNGEA annually recognizes our State Airmen and Soldiers of the Year.
Legislative – As stated above, MNGEA serves as the enlisted voice at the State and National levels for our Soldiers and Airmen, working to better the quality of life of its members, dependents and retirees. Over the year’s MNGEA has worked tirelessly on many initiatives. Some of the current benefits that were impacted by Enlisted Association advocacy include:
- State Tax Exemption on AGR & Traditional Guard Pay
- IDT Pay protection (Defeated efforts to eliminate the 2 UTA/day pay structure)
- State Tuition Reimbursement up to $10K per year (through MDVA)
- Increased IDT points for retirement
- Burial benefits
- VA Home Loan Program
- Military Leave protection for Federal Technicians
- Post 9-11 GI Bill benefits
- AGR Retirement at highest grade held
- Protection and expansion of tuition reimbursement & FTA programs
- Homeowners insurance protection
- Ability to select State-Sponsored Life Insurance (SSLI) vs. Servicemen’s Group Life Insurance (SGLI) – lower long-term costs
To find out more about MNGEA or to become a member, visit www.mngea.com. Click on ‘JOIN NOW’ to become a member.
