MNGEA representatives, Soldiers and Airmen attended the 50th annual EANGUS (Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States) last month in Albuquerque, New Mexico. MNGEA Past President Mark Wasserbauer and Frank Bucar (MNGEA Chapter 48) attended as Minnesota delegates along side five Soldiers and one Airman who attended Professional Development curriculum. The Minnesota Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Adjutant General, CSM Brian Soper also attended parts of the EANGUS conference while also attending a CSMAC conference. Six soldiers and airman were selected by their unit leadership to attend Professional Development courses at the conference. While there, they got an opportunity to hear from most NGB leadership through Army and Air Breakout Sessions, NGB Senior Leaders Panel, Keynote Speakers, and more. Among those that spoke were General Daniel Hokanson (National Guard Bureau Chief), Lt Gen Jon Jensen (Army National Guard Director), Lt Gen Michael Loh (Air National Guard Director), CMSgt Tony Whitehead (SEA to CNGB), CSM John Sampa (CSM of the ARNG), CMSgt Maurice Williams (CCM of the ANG), CMSgt (Ret) Denise Jelinski-Hall (former SEA to CNGB), CMSgt (Ret) Richard Smith (former CCM of ANG), Congressman Steven Palazzo (R-MS) and many more. Several legislative resolutions were discussed and brought forward to the floor to be voted on. See a list of those below.
MNGEA / EANGUS is the Army and Air National Guard’s only professional military enlisted organization designed specifically to advocate for Guard priorities, equipment, benefits, and quality of life initiatives. As a member of the Military Coalition, EANGUS fights alongside 32 other professional military organizations on important topics such as affordable Tricare (through programs such as Tricare Reserve Select, Tricare for Life), State Tuition Reimbursement programs, equality in active duty entitlements (early retirement credit under 12304B orders), Veteran Status for T32 Guard retirees, equality for the Chief of the National Guard Bureau as a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, GI Bill benefits for dependents, and so much more.
Membership is crucial when advocating for our Soldiers and Airmen. If you are not a member, please consider joining MNGEA. Annual memberships are only $30. This gets you a membership in both MNGEA and EANGUS. A dual Life Membership is only $210!
Just being a member speaks volumes when our organizations work legislative initiatives with local, state and national congressional delegates. If are a member, help spread the word about MNGEA. Talk to you Soldiers and Airmen and encourage them to become a member today!
