EANGUS

&nbs= p;

= E= ANGUS

38TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE

AUGUST 9-12, 2009

RAH-RAH-ROCHESTER

<= o:p>

Legislative Workshop & Awards Ceremony =

March 2-4, 2009 in Alexandria, Virginia =

= EANGUS MINUTEMAN UPDATE

February = 26th, 2009

This is= an official publication of the Enlisted Association of the National Gu= ard of the Unite= d States. Feel free to forward and share this information. EANGUS is non-partisan. We report the facts - you decide on your position.<= o:p>

Quote of the Week-- <= /p>

"Trust is the m= ost valuable thing you'll ever earn."

TO ALL RECIPIENTS OF THIS UPDATE: =

We are experiencing many kickbacks and undeliverable email addresses from these updates. We apologize in advance, but if you = want to continue to receive these updates, we respectfully ask you to sign up for it again. The steps are simple and wi= ll take less than 5 minutes of your time.

Go to our web site, click on LEGISLATIVE, and enter your email address in the Sign Up for Minuteman Updates box and hit GO. On the next scr= een, reenter your email address and hit SUBMIT. An email will be s= ent to your inbox.

When you open the em= ail, click on the link "Update Your Profile", and on the next screen check the box that says "Minuteman Update e-letter&= quot; and then hit SAVE PROFILE CHANGES and close the window. =

On March 2, we will only use the Minuteman Update e-letter = mail list to send out these updates. We will delete the General Interest list altogether. IF YOU DON'T WANT TO RECEIVE THESE UPDATES, DO NOTHING, AND THEY WILL STOP ON MARCH 2nd.

Thanks for your help! We hope you find these updates valuable enough to remai= n on our mailing list and make the changes outlined above.

EANGUS and FACEBOOK

Yes, we are now on Facebook, a social networking site on the internet.=

In our first week on FACEBOOK, over 180 people joined our group!

You can too--point y= our browser to www.fac= ebook.com, search for EANGUS on groups, and join us in cyber-space!=

New Air Guard Command Chief 3D"CCM <= o:p>

Chief Master Sergeant Chris Muncy is the newly named Command Chief for the Air National Guard. He will replace Command Chief Dick Smith in Spring 200= 9 when Chief Smith retires. Chief Muncy currently serves as the Comm= and Chief, Ohio Air National Guard.

Chief Muncy, a nativ= e of Ohio, enlisted in the U.S. Air F= orce in October 1977 and entered the Ohio Air National Guard in 1979 with the 269th Combat Comm Squadron at Springfield. He has completed many tours and exercises in = Puerto Rico, Honduras, Turkey and Korea.

He moved to the 178th Communications Flight in 1995; in December 1995, he was the first COMSEC Manager for the 4400th Ops Squadron Taszar AB, Hungary for Operation Joint Endeav= or (Bosnia): in 1997, he moved to the 251st Combat Comm Group as Chief of Current Operations. On Oct 6, 2001, Chief Muncy assumed the duties of Chief, US Air Forces in Europe Theater Aero= space Operations Support Cent= er - A6 Current Ops, Ramstein Air Base, Germany for Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan). February 2003, he became the Chief, USAFE Liaison team to USCENTAF/C6 Combin= ed Air Operations Center, Prince Sultan AB, Saudi Arabia for Oper= ation Iraqi Freedom.

In August 2004, Chief Muncy became the Ohio Command Chief. Chief Muncy is the Chairman of= the Air National Guard's Enlisted Field Advisory Council (EFAC) and tea= ches the Air National Guard's Chief's Executive Course.

We at EANGUS congratulate Chief Muncy on his selection and wish the very best to Chief Smith and his family.

Fiscal 2010 Defense Budget<= br>
Bits and pieces of news have been leaking out about the revised 2010 defense budget. Defense Secretary Robert Gates required, on Monday this week, that senior generals, admirals and civilians who = were working on the 2010 budget sign a non-disclosure confidentiality document to prevent the release of budget information to the press.=

In this (FY 2009) fiscal year, the base defense budget is $513.3 billion, plus $65.9 billion for war costs. The revised budget request from the President will include another $75.5 billion for t= he war this year. For next fiscal year (2010), the defense budget will be around $534 billion, with another $130 billion for the war.=

The latest request would bring the war total to about $141.4 billio= n, the lowest amount for war spending since fiscal 2006 when Congress approved $121.5 billion. Congress approved $171 billion for fiscal = 2007 and $187 billion for fiscal 2008. That was the highest level since = the September 11 terrorist attacks.

The revised 2010 defense budget is due to be released in mid-April.=

NCOs Head to Capitol Hill 3D"NC= <= br>
Senior noncommissioned officers are now eligible to join officers a= nd Army civilians on Capitol Hill in the Army Congressional Fellowship Program and the Army Congressional Orientation Program, the Army's chief of Legislative Liaison said in an interview last week.

Maj. Gen. Bernie Champoux announced that in honor of the Year of the NCO, two senior NCOs have been selected to take part in the year-lo= ng fellows program and work in Congressional and Senate offices as par= t of their staffs.

"The intent of the program is to expose members of the uniform= ed services in active, Guard and Reserve (positions), and certain civilians, to allow them to have an opportunity to understand how Congress works and bring that appreciation and understanding back to the Army," said Champoux.

The year-long program involves a competitive selection and board process and rates a permanent change of station to Washington. Soldiers incur a s= ervice obligation and a two-year utilization assignment. Officials at the Office of the Chief of Legislative Liaison are still trying to determine the best follow-on assignments for NCOs, but say they are also adding senior NCO positions to their House and Senate Liaison Divisions, which would be good options.

In contrast, ACOP lasts only for 89 days and is primarily to familiarize Soldiers and civilians on the Army staff in the National Capital Region with how Congress works. Soldiers don't incur additi= onal requirements, and return to their regular duties at the end of the three months. Two senior NCOs can participate in this program each quarter.

In both cases, Soldiers must participate in an orientation -- months for the fellows program; just a week for ACOP. They must prepare civilian resumes and actually interview with congressmen and senato= rs before joining a member's staff.

From that point until the end of the fellowship, Soldiers work for those members. They wear civilian clothes and may do anything from writing legislation to attending hearings to responding to constituents' concerns. They may even act as a military expert for = the member.

According to Debra A. R. Billington, chief of the Support Operations Division at OCLL, the program carefully manages which members can h= ave Army fellows. She said it's important to maintain a balance between Democrats and Republicans and the House and Senate. Members also mu= st be on a Defense-oversight committee, an intelligence committee, or = the Committee on Foreign Affairs, the Committee on Homeland Security, t= he Committee on Foreign Affairs or the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

Senior NCOs who are interested in the fellows program should contact their assignments noncommissioned officer at Human Resources Comman= d. According to Col. John Leggieri, the program's manager, HRC will se= nd out a message announcing the fiscal year 2011 program in March. Interested Soldiers can forward their packets and a board will meet= in October to make selections. Right now, there are two NCO slots out = of 25 positions, but Champoux said he hopes to expand this number.

Suzanne McCollum, manager of the ACOP program, said she sends announcements to the Army staff about every three months requesting nominations for that program, so NCOs in the Washington, D.C., area should let their supervisors know if they're interested. Candidates must interview for the program, and she said she takes i= nto account how many participants a particular division may have had in= the past.

New CALLs Posted

We need your help in contacting your lawmakers in DC. Although EANGUS has a paid legislative staff to lobby Congress, they prefer to hear from you, their consituent (voter).

We've put thirteen legislative alerts (we refer to them as The CALL) on our CAPWIZ web site. To access it, simply go to our website (www.ean= gus.org) and hit the link at the top of the main section of the home page (<= /span>it's in RED). On the next page, you'll see the list of alerts we have out there, and then a Write To Congress box. Just put your zip code in that box and hit the = GO button. It will open our CAPWIZ site.

Select the issue that you wish to respond to, edit the message if you want to , and fill = in your personal info. When you hit the send message button, it = will automatically send the letter to your Senator or Representative.&nb= sp;

When you get to the = next screen, at the top left of the white space, you'll see a link that = says Legislative Alerts and Updates. Click on that link, click on = the next issue you wish to address, edit the letter if you like, and th= en hit the send message button again. It remembers all of your address info.

You can do all of our alerts in less than 5 minutes. You can do this! Please = do.

Mullen: What I Have Learned About the Army<= br>
Our Army is the center of gravity for the U.S. military - and t= his center includes the Guard and Reserves. It is the best and mo= st combat-hardened Army that the nation has ever known - indeed, the w= orld has ever known. And we must do all we can to make sure it stays that way.

Let me take you through some of the things I have learned about our Army, which we all serve. Some of these things might surprise you, = most probably will not, but I thought you might be interested in how this Sailor has come to see it.

The first thing I learned about the Army is hooah.

There are 1,000 or 10,000 or 100,000 different ways to say hooah. B= ut I learned that it is more than just a battle cry; it is a way of life= . It says that you will never quit, never surrender, never leave your bu= ddy. It says that you are proud of the hardships you have endured because there is deep meaning in every one of them.

Go stand atop one of those hills in the = Korengal Valley in Afghanistan, where I was last February and July, with paratroopers assigned to t= he 173d Airborne Brigade Combat Team. Look around at the utter desolat= ion of the place and the spartan conditions that these young people are living in. You cannot help but come back a little thick in the thro= at.

I awarded a Silver Star to a young officer there, Capt. Greg Ambros= ia, who placed himself in the line of fire to direct his men to safety.= I pinned on some Bronze Stars, Commendation Medals, and Purple Hearts= as well. These troops had been out there 14 months and seen a lot of t= ough fighting. They lost a lot of good Soldiers. We often forget the imp= act of war on those who were alongside our fallen. That loss impacts th= em for the rest of their lives.

When those Soldiers yelled "Hooah!" after the ceremony, I understood that it was not because they were proud of their new med= als; it was because they were proud of the difference they knew they were making together, as a team-as an Army.

The second thing I have learned is that our Army has become a world-class counterinsurgency force in an extraordinarily short time.<= br>
In Iraq, I wal= ked down the streets of Sadr= City, and visited an outpost in Mosul. Th= ese were places where, just a few weeks before, we could not have visited at all. Al Qaeda is clearly on the run in Iraq, and the surge a= nd Anbar Awakening and even Muqtada al Sadr's ceasefire all helped to = make that happen. But what really turned it around was the counterinsurg= ency tactics that our troops embraced and perfected.

Think about it: As late as the winter of 2007, when President Bush announced the surge, attacks were averaging nearly 180 a day, the highest level since major combat operations ended. A new national intelligence estimate predicted that Iraqi leaders would be hard pr= essed to reconcile over the next year and a half.

But look where we are now. Our commitment to counterinsurgency warf= are worked. That meant sharing risk with the Iraqis, which in turn mean= t a whole lot of courage on the part of our Soldiers. Yet they prevailed because they learned, adapted, and most of all believed.

Third, I learned that it is irresponsible to neglect the continual improvement of our conventio= nal capabilities. I was struck during one of my first visits as chairman to an Army base - Fort Sill - by how few young artillery officers had earned their basic qualifications because th= ey had so often deployed outside their skill set.

Now, as the Chief of Naval Operations who deployed upwards of 12,000 Sailors to work on the ground in the U.S. Central Command theater, I understand the benefit for people to develop themselves. We need mo= re balance in the way we think, train, and resource ourselves. Very re= al threats still exist from regional powers who possess robust conventional and, in some cases, nuclear capabilities. We must rest= ore some of the more conventional and expeditionary expertise that we w= ill require in the uncertain years ahead.

It is difficult to modernize while fighting a war. But there is als= o an argument that a combat footing generates the energy and sense of urgency that allow us to meet the pace of change. The essential tru= th is that we are at war - and it is a war that is moving at lightning speed.

And that brings me to my fourth observation: our peacetime processes are not adapted to a wartime reality. We simply have not kept pace with the demands that this war requires of our wounded, fallen, and their families.

Some wounded servicemembers are waiting too long to receive disabil= ity ratings and transition out of the military, leaving them and their families in limbo. Indeed, servicemembers tell me that their most precious resource is time. They want their lives back. They want to move on.

I know that we have launched a pilot program with the Department of Veterans Affairs designed to streamline the transition process, but= we are still not moving quickly enough. And I hope that we are able to expand it as rapidly as possible.

Recent studies suggest that as many as 20 percent of today's troops= may suffer from post-traumatic stress brought on by combat in Iraq and Afghanistan. Many are understandably wary of the stigma attached to mental health issues = - a problem we can alleviate by making everyone undergo screening, so no one has to raise his or her hand.

I recently had the chance to visit the VA hospital in Palo Alto, Calif., and talked with about 30 mostly active-duty PTS patients from every service. It bothered me to see what they had to go through just to = get help - essentially bottoming out, like they were in an alcohol or a drug rehabilitation program.

The families of the fallen and the wounded never lost the American dream. They still want to work; they want to send their kids to sch= ool; they want to get an education; they want to own a piece of the rock. Indeed, they have earned it. And it is up to us to ensure that they= get the chance.

Finally, I have learned th= at the Army, above all, is a learning organization. = From rapid development and adaptation of doctrine, to command organizati= on, to movement of brigade combat teams and modular headquarters, to the way people are promoted, the Army is constantly changing and adapti= ng to meet the challenges of the day.

We are seeing people succeed, grow, and lead. We are seeing people unafraid to challenge assumptions or old ways. Our mid-grade noncommissioned officers and young captains love what they do. They have led in combat. They are remarkably resilient, and they do us a= ll proud.

Junior officers and enlisted men and women need to know that it is right to question the direction of their service and seniors. In fa= ct, they should be rewarded for it. That sort of feedback is healthy, a= nd it foments the kind of change we need. As General George Marshall o= nce quipped, "Soldiers are intelligent. Give them the bare tree; l= et them supply the leaves."

I have certainly seen the forest for the trees here, and have learn= ed a lot about the Army. Most importantly, I have learned from the Army.=

(Adm. Michael G. Mullen serves as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. This article first appeared in the Joint Force Quarterly magazine, First Quarter 2009 edition.)

President Obama Reaches Out to Senior NCOs<= span style=3D'font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";color:black'><= br>
President Barack Obama met with Sergeant Major of the Army Kenneth = O. Preston and the senior enlisted advisors of other services to hear concerns from a boots-on-the-ground perspective in the Oval Office January 30th.

The initial White House meeting was an opportunity for Obama to establish relationships with the most senior enlisted noncommission= ed officers of the military, Preston said. This was reportedly the first time a commander in chief held an official meeting with senior enlisted leaders. Previous presidents normally met with the military's Joint Chiefs of Staff. After already holding his meeting with the Joint Chiefs, Obama reac= hed further to enlisted leaders.

"I don't know of any other president sitting down with the sen= ior enlisted advisors," Preston= said. "It sends a big message of his support of the military and rea= lly shows that he wants to connect with all our servicemembers out there."

Preston told Obama his biggest concern i= n the Army was stress on the force. "For the fourth consecutive year, we have seen suicides increase," = Preston said. "PTSD, domestic violence, sexual assault and acts of misconduct increased this past year are all indicators of increased pressures in the daily lives of our Soldiers and families."&nb= sp;

Preston also said Soldiers ask him all t= he time "when will we see something more than 12 months of dwell = time between deployments?" According to the Sergeant Major of= the Army, the year of dwell time does not provide a whole lot of time at home, and he emphasized this to Obama. "He was very posi= tive and attentive and understood what the 12 months of dwell time really means to Soldiers and their families," = Preston said.

There was a candid, open discussion with Obama about the impact of = the current economy on Army families. According to Preston, due to the state of the economy, frequent mobility of Army families= who have mortgages has resulted in them being stuck with high mortgages that exceed the value of their homes, increasing their debt. Preston said the president understands how = the economy has affected the military and its families. "He's able to reach out and really understand the economic impact on Sold= iers and their families."

The conversation with the president highlighted the success of retention in the Army. Fourth Infantry Division is at 96 percent of= its annual retention mission four months in the 2009 fiscal year for example, he said. Preston = also acknowledged the selfless service and sacrifice Soldiers and their families make through re-enlistment. "Soldiers are re-enlisting and staying with the team," he said. "We can all be very proud of Soldiers and their supporting families as they continue to volunteer and serve our country."

The president will continue to periodically meet with Preston and o= ther military senior enlisted leaders, and this is an opportunity to tell the Soldier story, Preston said. Preston said it was coinci= dental but good his initial meeting with Obama happened during this "= Year of the NCO" in the Army.

"It speaks to what we're trying to do in the Army to recognize= the value and the contributions of our noncommissioned officers," = he said. "It's not just me or the person that's in this position = as the Sergeant Major of the Army; it's the value and contributions of= our noncommissioned officers and what they provide to our officer leadership across the Army."

3Dinte= The Internet Makes Money for EANGUS

&= nbsp;

What if the EAN= GUS "We Care For America" Foundation earned a penny every time you searched the Internet? Or how about if a percentage of every purchase you made online went to support our cause? Well, now= it can!

GoodSearch.com is a new Yahoo-powered se= arch engine that donates half its advertising revenue, about a penny per search, to the charities its users designate. Use it just as you wo= uld any search engine, get quality search results from Yahoo, and watch= the donations add up!

GoodShop.com = is a new online shopping mall which donates up to 37 percent of each purchas= e to your favorite cause! Hundreds of great stores including Amazon, Tar= get, Gap, Best Buy, eBay, Macy's and Barnes & Noble have teamed up w= ith GoodShop and every time you place an order, you'll be supporting yo= ur favorite cause.

Just go to www.goodsearch.com and be sure to enter EANGUS We C= are For America Foundation as the charity you want to support. And be s= ure to spread the word! You can easily load the GoodSearch Bar to = your Web browser.

We need your help so we can continue to help our National Guard soldiers and Airmen. It cost nothing but a click on your comp= uter to use the GoodSearch.com search engine.

Book your travel where it makes a difference! Vi= sit the EANGUS travel site at www.= eangustravel.org. You'll get great travel prices and help EANGUS raise money at the same time.

EANGUS Travel Advant= age Deal of the Week--follow this link:

<= /span>

Travel = deal of the Week

= EANGUS Merchandise

This is the official website to order your custom EANGUS apparel. www.com= panycasuals.com/eangus<= o:p>

<= o:p>

For further information, call AdPro Graphics 208-938-0660.<= o:p>

<= o:p>

For a full line of other products visit our site: www.com= panycasuals.com/adpro<= o:p>

&nbs= p;

= E= ANGUS

38TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE

AUGUST 9-12, 2009

RAH-RAH-ROCHESTER

<= o:p>

Legislative Workshop & Awards Ceremony =

March 2-4, 2009 in Alexandria, Virginia =

REGISTRATION & INFORMATION

= EANGUS MINUTEMAN UPDATE

February = 12th, 2009

Quote of the Week--

"I want to...th= ank all of the men and women in uniform who are represented here. They = are the best that this country has to offer. One of my duties as Presid= ent is going to be to make sure that you have what you need to accompli= sh your missions."

- President Barack Obama

TO ALL RECIPIENTS OF THIS UPDATE: =

Thanks for your help! We hope you find these updates valuable enough to remai= n on our mailing list and make the changes outlined above.

EANGUS Makes It Into the 21st Century! =

Yes, we are now on Facebook, a social networking site on the internet.=

This week we established a Facebook group page for EANGUS. If you = are on Facebook, go out and become a fan. If you are not on Faceb= ook, join!

While you are out on Facebook, check out the Junior Enlisted group page as well. Y= ou may find a link to them on the EANGUS group page.=

NCO Corps 'heart and soul' of Army Guard<= br>
As a way to highlight the role and accomplishments of its NCOs, the= Army has designated 2009 as the "Year of the NCO."

The leadership of the Army National Guard has also embraced the yearlong celebration of the NCO corps, which has many events and initiatives planned throughout the year to showcase the role of NCO= s.

"For 372 years, our noncommissioned officers have been the backbone of the Army National Guard," said Command Sergeant Ma= jor John D. Gipe in a letter announcing support of the Year of the NCO. "Since 9/11 though, they have particularly proven to be its ve= ry heart and soul."

Being the heart and soul of the organization is something that othe= rs have recognized about the NCO corps.

General George Casey Jr., the Chief of Staff of the Army, expressed= a similar sentiment. "As the Secretary (of the Army) and I looked around the Army, it was clear to us that the noncommissioned office= r is the glue that is holding this Army together at a critical time and = many accomplish the near-impossible everyday."

And that glue comes as at time that finds the military in protracted overseas operations to include combat duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. After more than seven years of combat operations, many feel that the NCOs of the Army Guard are among the best in the Guard's history. <= br>
"Our ranks consist of the most talented pool of professional N= COs ever to muster," said Gipe. "Their unique depths and tale= nts, forged in their communities, bring to the force the ability to oper= ate, maintain, administer, manage, train, lead, fight, dominate and win = on today's battlefield."

And the "Year of the NCO" comes with a special significan= ce for the Guard with the naming of Staff Sergeant Michael Noyce-Merin= o of the Montana Army National Guard as the U.S. Army's NCO of the Year.=

"(Staff) Sergeant Merino exemplifies the professionalism, skill and knowledge that are the hallmarks of National Guard NCOs and we = are immensely proud of this great American," said Air Force General Craig McKinley, Chief of the National Guard Bureau.

As part of the celebration, the Army Guard has several events plann= ed for the year to highlight the contributions of the NCO, including m= any events that will feature Noyce-Merino. Each month is scheduled to f= ocus on the achievements and contributions in everything from combat operations to daily training activities.

For more information about the "Year of the NCO" go to: http://www4.army.mil/yearofthenco/home.php

[Story by Army Staff Sgt. Jon Soucy, National Guard Bureau]

New CALLs Posted

We need your help in contacting your lawmakers in DC. Although EANGUS has a paid legislative staff to lobby Congress, they prefer to hear from you, their consituent (voter).

You can do all of our alerts in less than 5 minutes. You can do this! Please = do.

Scholarships for Military Family Members<= br>
There are a couple of scholarships for military family member
that are currently accepting applications:

American Freedom Patriot Scholarship Award for Military Dependent Children<= o:p>

If you have a child = who will be attending college or vocational school during the 2009-2010 school year, click here to learn more.

http://www.homefrontamerica.org/

The Joanne Holbrook Patton Military Spouse Scholarship Program, administered by the National Military Family Coalition, has extended the deadline for applications from the spouses of wounded and fallen military members until February 16th.

http://www.nmfa.org/site/PageServer?pagename=3DSpouse_Scholarship
The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation offers scholarships to the children of
current and former Marines.

http://www.mcsf.com/site/c.ivKVLaMTIuG/b.1696095/k.9BB0/for_Student= s.htm

Remember: Not applying for scholarships is like turning down free money.

New Army Program Opens New Doors<= o:p>

The Army offers a new innovative vocational program focusing on high demand careers desig= ned to provide additional ways to expand vocational training opportunit= ies and prepare for transition.

All Active Duty Soldiers, including National Guard and Reserve Sold= iers on extended active duty, are now eligible to enroll in the Army Vocational/Technical (AVOTEC) Soldier Program. The focus of t= he AVOTEC program is on occupational training, not college degrees, in high demand career fields identified by the Department of Labor. Th= is program is not restricted to individuals leaving the Army, but may = be especially beneficial for transitioning Soldiers. Additionally, the program is open to Wounded Warriors and officers. Officers who take advantage of the program will not incur additional service obligation for participation. This is not a program for veter= ans and interested individuals must enroll in courses prior to separati= ng from the Army.

Active-duty Soldiers= participating in the program must choose programs from the schools listed at AVOT= EC website. In addition Soldiers must be in a non-degree program, which cannot be longer than 18 months, and all cost for instruction, certification, or license must be paid by September 30, 2009.<= /o:p>

Congress approved $19 million for the pilot program as part of the Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act of 2009. The Army will pay for the program directly to the participating schools. The GI Bill or other existing educational benefits are not used for the AVOTEC program. Soldiers enrolled in college courses are restricted = to the maximum of $4,500 per fiscal year in tuition assistance. = This program may be utilized in conjunction with traditional tuition assistance, as long as the total does not exceed $4,500.=

For example, if a Soldier has used $1,000 for a traditional college program this year, the remaining $3,500 may be used for the AVOTEC Program.

Community Colleges, Vocational and Trade Schools from across the country have submitted and are continuing to submit programs for inclusion on the AVOTEC website. Programs of instruction last from a few class contact hours to several months. Career offerings include computer certification, health care, leisure and hospitality, event planning, food service, construction, transportation, law enforcement, financial and real estate, geriatr= ic and child care professionals and mechanics. The program is designed to lead to a certification or license that Soldiers can us= e in civilian life. These means that AVOTEC programs should prepare Sold= iers to take an exam for state or national license or certification. Soldiers completing AVOTEC programs that do not include the certification test can apply for those certifications through AVOTEC providing they are still on Active duty at the completion of the program.

Enrollment in this program is open through September 30, 2009 or un= til the funds are exhausted whichever comes first. Soldiers interested in enrolling in the program should visit the AVOTEC website and consult an education counselor as soon as possible. New schools and program offerings are added to the website weekly. Soldiers who do not find a program that meets their needs or interest, and know of an accredited community colleg= e or vocational school that has the program they are interested in, may refer the school to the AVOTEC website.

Next Step:
Whether you want a second career as a chef, in construction or computers, there is a program out there for you. Don't miss t= his opportunity to try a career field you have always dreamed of.<= /o:p>

https:/= /www.hrc.army.mil/site/education/VOTEC_Program.html

3Dinte= The Internet Makes Money for EANGUS

&= nbsp;

What if the EAN= GUS "We Care For America" Foundation earned a penny every time you searched the Internet? Or how about if a percentage of every pu= rchase you made online went to support our cause? Well, now it can! =

GoodSearch.com is a new Yahoo-powered se= arch engine that donates half its advertising revenue, about a penny per= search, to the charities its users designate. Use it just as you would any search engine, get quality search results from Yahoo, and watch the donations add up!

GoodShop.com = is a new online shopping mall which donates up to 37 percent of each purchase to your favorite cause! Hundreds of great stores including Amazon, Target, Gap, Best Buy, eBay, Macy's and Barnes & Noble = have teamed up with GoodShop and every time you place an order, you'll be supporting your favorite cause.

Just go to www.goodsearch.com and be sure to enter EANGUS We C= are For America Foundation as the charity you want to support. And be s= ure to spread the word! You can easily load the GoodSearch Bar to = your Web browser.

We need your help so we can continue to help our National Guard sol= diers and Airmen. It cost nothing but a click on your computer to u= se the GoodSearch.com search engine.

Book your travel where it makes a difference! Vi= sit the EANGUS travel site at www.= eangustravel.org. You'll get great travel prices and help EANGUS raise money at the same time.

EANGUS Travel Advant= age Deal of the Week--follow this link:

<= /span>

Travel = deal of the Week

= EANGUS Merchandise

This is the official website to order your custom EANGUS apparel. www.com= panycasuals.com/eangus<= o:p>

<= o:p>

For further information, call AdPro Graphics 208-938-0660.<= o:p>

<= o:p>

For a full line of = other products visit our site: www.com= panycasuals.com/adpro<= o:p>

&nbs= p;

= E= ANGUS

38TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE

AUGUST 9-12, 2009

RAH-RAH-ROCHESTER

<= o:p>

Legislative Workshop & Awards Ceremony =

March 2-4, 2009 in Alexandria, Virginia =

REGISTRATION & INFORMATION

= EANGUS= MINUTEMAN UPDATE

February = 5th, 2009

Quote of the Week--

"One thing we have known for many months is that = the spigot of defense spending that opened on 9/11 is closing."&nb= sp;

Defense Secretary Robert Gates

TO ALL RECIPIENTS OF = THIS UPDATE: =

We are experiencing many kickbacks and undeliver= able email addresses from these updates. We apologize in adva= nce, but if you want to continue to receive these updates, we respectfully ask you to sign up for it again. The st= eps are simple and will take less than 5 minutes of your time.

Go to our web site, click on LEGISLATIVE, and ent= er your email address in the Sign Up for Minuteman Updates box a= nd hit GO. On the next screen, reenter your email address and hit SUBMIT. An email will be sent to your inbox.

When you open the email, click on the link "Update Your Profile", and on the next screen check the box that says "Minuteman Update e-letter" and then hit SAVE PROFILE CHA= NGES and close the window.

On March 2, we will only use the Minuteman Update e-le= tter mail list to send out these updates. We will delete the Gener= al Interest list altogether. IF YOU DON'T WANT TO RECEIVE THESE UPDATES, DO NOTHING, AND THEY WILL STOP ON MARCH 2nd.

Thanks for your help! We hope you find these upd= ates valuable enough to remain on our mailing list and make the changes outlined above.

3D"MG= New Air Guard direc= tor promoted in Pentagon ceremony

Lt. Gen. Harry M. Wyatt III became Director of the Air National Gua= rd and was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General by Air Force Chief of Staff General Norman A. Schwartz and Air Force General Craig McKinl= ey, Chief of the National Guard Bureau, in a ceremony held at the Penta= gon Monday, February 02, 2009.

Wyatt, who previously served as The Adjutant General of the Oklahoma National Guard, succeeds McKinley, who served as the Air Guard's Director for more than two years until becoming Chief on No= v. 17, 2008.

In this position, Wyatt will be responsible for formulating, develo= ping and coordinating all policies, plans and programs affecting more th= an 106,800 Air Guard members in more than 88 flying wings and 200 geographically separated units throughout the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam and the Virgin Islands.&nbs= p;

"This is a special day for members of the Air National Guard," said McKinley. He added that among the current Adjutants General, Wyatt was often the go-to person on many issues affecting the Air Guard.

Wyatt, who also served as Commander of the 138th Fighter Wing in Tulsa and= as the Oklahoma Guard's Chief of Staff for its Joint Force Headquarters, s= aid he was humbled by the promotion. "I'm actually just Bud, from = Oklahoma= ," he said after receiving his third star.

He entered the Air Force in 1971 and has flown aircraft such as the F-100 Super Sabre and the F-16 Fighting Falcon.

Wyatt also said he looks forward to the challenges of his new posit= ion. "I look forward, sir, to being a part of your team," he s= aid to McKinley. "I'm humbled to be here and ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work."

[Story by Army Staff Sgt. Jon Soucy, National Guard Bureau]

Letter to Editor:&n= bsp; National Guard Is Prepared!

Michael O'Hanlon stated: "The country's military still has lim= ited capacity for rapid response for domestic emergencies." (Washin= gton Times, "Homeland security agenda," Voices, Jan. 26).=

While we must always work to improve, the American people can be assured that the National Guard is the best trained, best equipped,= and most prepared force in the world capable of providing support follo= wing a disaster.

The National Guard has made great improvements over the past six ye= ars. We have developed and delivered an impressive and unmatched array of critically needed response capabilities. This transformation has le= d to faster, more efficient interstate support, and the National Guard is being put to the test every day.

Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, in his written testimony to the Senate Armed Services Committee on Jan. 27 noted that "the 'man-days' that Guardsmen have spent fighting fires, performing res= cue and recovery, and other duties increased by almost 60 percent in 20= 08 as compared to 2007."

An example of the National Guard providing support and coordinating= on all levels is the recent presidential inauguration. The National Gu= ard from 33 States and the District of Columbia formed a joint task force of = more than 10,000 personnel who provided communications, transportation, traffic control, medical and logistical support, helping to ensure a record number of citizens had a safe and enjoyable 2009 inaugural ceremony.

On any given day, multiple governors call out their National Guard = and quickly respond to natural disasters such as fires, winter storms, hurricanes, earthquakes and floods, or to perform search-and-rescue missions, or conduct counterdrug operations.

Last fiscal year, the 53 certified Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Teams executed 281 support missions. Our Chemical, Biologic= al, Radiological, and Nuclear Enhanced Response Force Packages (CERFPs) participated in numerous "real world" deployments.

The National Guard has a 372-year record of serving our country in times of war and peace and remains ready to respond across the full spectrum of operations here at home, and abroad.<= /span>

GEN. CRAIG R. McKINLEY, Air Force, Chief, National Gua= rd Bureau, Arlington<= /p>

Washington Times, February 4, 2009, Pg. 20

Free Tax Consultati= on and Filing Services 3Dtax=

Military OneSource is pleased to announce that beginning Monday, January 19, 2009, Military OneSource began providing free tax consultation and filing services to military service members and th= eir families during the tax season.

As in the three previous years, users will have free online access = to the TaxCut Basic program.

A brief overview of the program:

* Users must register for Military OneSource and log on to the site= for access to the online TaxCut program. A separate logon for the TaxCut site is required.

* Those eligible for the program are active duty, Guard and Reserve (regardless of activation status), spouses and dependent children (authorized in DEERS), family members handling the affairs of a deployed service member, DoD employees working in support roles (Ar= my Community Services, Fleet & Family Services, Family Support Cen= ter, Marine Corps
Community Services), and severely injured service members or family members handling their affairs.

* Participants will have free access to the H&R Block Basic Tax= Cut program. Those with more complicated returns may incur charges if t= hey upgrade to the H&R Block TaxCut Premium program.

* Participants can e-file one state resident return for each federal return that they e-file with TaxCut Online.

Find out more about the program by visiting the Military OneSource = home page at http://www.militaryonesource.com/skins/MOS/home.aspx; call 800-342-9647 (MilitaryOneSource); or 800-730-3802 from 7a.m.-11p.m. EDT for a tax consultant.

2009 Defense Budget= 3D"money

In the fall of each year, the Defense Department prepares the follo= wing fiscal year budget, to be presented on Capitol Hill the first Monda= y in February of the following year. For example, in late 2008, the Defense Department prepared the fiscal 2010 budget to be presented = to Congress on February 2, 2009, to take effect on October 1, 2009.&nb= sp;

Because of the election of a new President, and not knowing what his fiscal priorities for Defense would be while in the planning and preparation stages, the Defense Department put together a place-hol= der budget for 2010 in late 2008. That budget amounted to $584 billion, a 19.7% increase-the reason for the incredible increase is= the Administration's decision to reduce supplemental appropriations by = folding into the base Pentagon budget the non-war-related spending that has cropped up in supplemental bills.

However, now that the Administration has changed, and a new Preside= nt has been sworn in, the Office of Management and Budget has given the Pentagon new guidance for its fiscal 2010 budget--$527 billion, onl= y 8% above the $487.7 billion the Defense Department has in fiscal 2009.=

In addition to the base budget, Defense Secretary Robert Gates submitted to Congress an additional war-related supplemental of $69= .7 billion.

Admiral Mike Mullen, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, who, like Ga= tes, is a Bush appointee, has long advocated large increases in base def= ense spending. He champions the idea of pegging the defense budget to 4 percent of the gross domestic product. Along with conservatives in Congress, Mullen believes that number is feasible and could ensure steadily increasing investments, at least when the economy was growing. In contrast, most economists and defense budget expe= rts believe defense spending should be based on the need and the threat= - not an arbitrary economic figure.

The full fiscal 2010 Defense budget will be released in March or Ap= ril, according to estimates.

UPS Delivers Valentine's Day Greetings 3DVal=

Many local UPS Stores across the country are participating in the program Operation: Sealed With a Kiss (SWAK) to deliver Valentine's= Day greetings to members of the U.S. Armed Forces.

Each participating store offers free first-class postage now through Feb. 14. 2009 to people sending valentines to U.S. military personnel stationed overseas and in Veterans Affairs hospitals. Eligible mail must be addressed to a specific U.S. serviceman or woman at an
assigned APO/FPO address, or a specific veteran residing in a VA hospital, and must bear a valid return address.

Contact your local UPS Store for details.<= /p>

Fatherhood Award 3Dfath=

Heads up for an exciting opportunity - the National Fatherhood Institute - Lockheed Martin Military Fatherhood Award. This award is given each year to a military father who goes above and beyond his duties - both as a serviceman and as a dad! - to make sure he and h= is family stay connected throughout the stresses of military life.&nbs= p;

The awardee is chosen from a pool of nominations by moms, wives, ki= ds, friends, and others from across the country and around the world!&n= bsp; This year's awardee will be brought to Washington D.C. with his family and will be recognized at a special ceremony on Jun= e 9, 2009.

You can get more information and nominate a father you know at
http://www.fatherhood.org/Gala/MilitaryAward/. Please note - nominations are only accepted until February 27th!

We encourage you to nominate a dad you know, and also pass this opportunity on to friends, family, and colleagues - it's a great wa= y to honor any devoted military dad!

DoD Releases 2009 Quadrennial Roles and Missions Review

The Department of Defense released today the 2009 Quadrennial Roles= and Missions Review (QRM) Report to Congress in accordance with the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008. Altho= ugh the department has completed similar reviews in the past, this was = the first review conducted with the intention of establishing a framewo= rk for performing roles and missions analysis on a recurring basis eve= ry four years.

Within the 2009 QRM review, the DOD defined its core missions and c= ore competencies. In addition, the department reviewed recent effo= rts undertaken across the force to improve its ability to conduct joint operations in several evolving mission areas.

The department defined its core mission areas as "missions for which DOD is uniquely responsible, provides the preponderance of capabilities, or is the U.S. government lead as established by national policy." The D= OD's core mission areas are: homeland defense and civilian support; deterrence operations; major combat operations; irregular warfare; military support to stabilization, security, transition and reconstruction operations; and military contribution to cooperative security.

In order to link DOD core mission areas with its capabilities development processes, the department identified nine core competencies: force application; command and control; battlesp= ace awareness; net centric; building partnerships; protection; logistic= s; force support; and corporate management and support.

The 2009 QRM review also describes how the department reviewed the rapidly-evolving roles, missions, and capabilities associated with irregular warfare, cyberspace operations, unmanned aircraft systems, and intratheater airlift. The report discusses ways the depart= ment is working to enhance operations in these areas, as well as opportunities to improve whole-of-government approaches to solving problems in today's complex security environment.

The department will continue initiatives to establish the right bal= ance between winning today's wars while preventing tomorrow's conflicts.=

The report can be found at http://= www.defenselink.mil/news/Jan2009/QRMFinalReport_v26Jan.pdf. = ;

Military OneSource Career Coach<= br>
This program is offered through Military OneSource at no cost to yo= u. A few sessions with a professional coach can assist you in exploring = and planning your career direction and employment goals. The program can all take place in the comfort of your own surroundings at times most convenient for you. All you need is a computer and telephone. =

Go to: http://= www.readyminds.com/mosc.html.

3Dinte= The Internet Makes Money for EANGUS

What if the EANGUS "We Care For America" Foundation earned a penny every time you searched the Internet? Or = how about if a percentage of every purchase you made online went to sup= port our cause? Well, now it can!

GoodSearch.com is a new Yahoo-powered se= arch engine that donates half its advertising revenue, about a penny per= search, to the charities its users designate. Use it just as you would any search engine, get quality search results from Yahoo, and watch the donations add up!

GoodShop.com is a new online shopping mall which donates up to 37 percent of each purchase to your favorite cause! Hundreds of great stores including Amazon, Target, Gap, Best Buy, eBay, Macy's and Ba= rnes & Noble have teamed up with GoodShop and every time you place an order, you'll be supporting your favorite cause.

Just go to www.goodsearch.com and be sure to enter EANGUS We C= are For America Foundation as the charity you want to support. And be s= ure to spread the word! You can easily load the GoodSearch Bar to = your Web browser.

We need your help so we can continue to help our National Guard sol= diers and Airmen. It cost nothing but a click on your computer to u= se the GoodSearch.com search engine.

Book your travel where it makes a difference! Vi= sit the EANGUS travel site at www.= eangustravel.org. You'll get great travel prices and help EANGUS raise money at the same time.

EANGUS Travel Advant= age Deal of the Week--follow this link:

<= /span>

Travel = deal of the Week

= EANGUS Merchandise

This is the official website to order your custom EANGUS apparel. www.com= panycasuals.com/eangus<= o:p>

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For further information, call AdPro Graphics 208-938-0660.<= o:p>

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For a full line of other products visit our site: www.com= panycasuals.com/adpro<= o:p>