14
Spring 2020 Naonal Guard Associaon of Kansas 1 Inside This Issue T HE K ANSAS G UARDSMAN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE NATIONAL GUARD ASSOCIATION OF KANSAS Founded 1982 Volume 37 Number 1 Spring 2020 Proposed By-Laws Changes Page 7 Call for Board Nominaons Page 7 2019 Hall of Fame Inductees Page 9

2 National Guard Association of Kansas Spring 2020ngaks.com/pdfs/spring2020.pdf · 2020. 4. 6. · 4 National Guard Association of Kansas Spring 2020 PRESIDENT’S REPORT NGAKS Members,

  • Upload
    others

  • View
    2

  • Download
    0

Embed Size (px)

Citation preview

Page 1: 2 National Guard Association of Kansas Spring 2020ngaks.com/pdfs/spring2020.pdf · 2020. 4. 6. · 4 National Guard Association of Kansas Spring 2020 PRESIDENT’S REPORT NGAKS Members,

Spring 2020 National Guard Association of Kansas 1

Inside

This

Issue

THE KANSAS GUARDSMAN

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE NATIONAL GUARD ASSOCIATION OF KANSAS

Founded 1982 Volume 37 Number 1 Spring 2020

Proposed By-Laws Changes Page 7

Call for Board Nominations Page 7

2019 Hall of Fame Inductees Page 9

Page 2: 2 National Guard Association of Kansas Spring 2020ngaks.com/pdfs/spring2020.pdf · 2020. 4. 6. · 4 National Guard Association of Kansas Spring 2020 PRESIDENT’S REPORT NGAKS Members,

2 National Guard Association of Kansas Spring 2020

Page 3: 2 National Guard Association of Kansas Spring 2020ngaks.com/pdfs/spring2020.pdf · 2020. 4. 6. · 4 National Guard Association of Kansas Spring 2020 PRESIDENT’S REPORT NGAKS Members,

Spring 2020 National Guard Association of Kansas 3

2019-2020 Board of Directors

Officers

President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MAJ (R) Jay Gradinger

1st Vice President . . . . . . . .Maj. Keith Marshall

2nd Vice President . . . . . . .MAJ Nichole Inskeep

Past President . . . . . . . . . . COL Erica Christie

Secretary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LTC Kim Young

Treasurer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MAJ (R) Richard Ripper

Directors

CGO Army . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CPT Adam Beckman

CGO Air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Capt. Celeste Arnold

WO Representative . . . . . . CW4 Mike Whistler

Retiree Army . . . . . . . . . . . . LTC (R) Ray Rhodd

Retiree Air . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Maj. (R) Sheli Sweeney

Member-at-Large Army. . . LTC Wally Wolfe

Member-at-Large Army . . .MAJ Kendrea Shingleton

Member-at-Large Army. . . MAJ Georgia Schafer

Member-at-Large Air . . . . . Lt Col. Joe Deeds

NGAKS The Kansas Guardsman:

125 SE Airport Drive

Topeka, KS 66619

(785) 862-1066

Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mary Ann McBride

The Kansas Guardsman Magazine (Articles & Photos)

[email protected]

NGAKS Home Page: www.ngaks.com

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Col. (Ret) Tony DeJesus

[email protected]

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR: Mary Ann McBride

[email protected]

INSURANCE DIRECTOR: COL (R) Tim Marlar

[email protected]

The Kansas Guardsman is published quarterly by the

National Guard Association of Kansas, 125 SE Airport Road,

Topeka, KS 66619.

MEMBERS MAY EMAIL ADDRESS CHANGES TO:

[email protected]

The Kansas Guardsman

President’s Report 4

Legislative Update 5

KS Adjutant General Appointment 5

NGAKS Conference Update 6

Proposed By-Laws Changes 7

Call for Board Nominations 7

Protecting Our Guard Family 8

Hall of Fame 9

SSLI Insurance Info 10

Retiree Corner 11

Corporate Sponsors 12

NGAUS Annual Conference 13

NGAKS Planning Calendar 14

Page 4: 2 National Guard Association of Kansas Spring 2020ngaks.com/pdfs/spring2020.pdf · 2020. 4. 6. · 4 National Guard Association of Kansas Spring 2020 PRESIDENT’S REPORT NGAKS Members,

4 National Guard Association of Kansas Spring 2020

PRESIDENT ’S REPORT

NGAKS Members,

We are living in uncertain times; times of change and unknown

territory. The news and our lives are influx minute by minute.

The one thing that will not change is that NGAKS is here for you!

You and your families are our priority. Although many counties

and cities in the state are under “safer at home“ orders, the

NGAKS Board of Directors and staff are continuing to work hard

and follow up on program processes and commitments. We are

excited to have Tony and Mary on board to assist us during these

unprecedented times.

Unfortunately, the current Coronavirus situation required cancel-

lation of the NGAKS/EANGUS Joint Conference. There is still work

to be accomplished. Items normally discussed and voted upon at

the conference business meeting will now be conducted by

mail-in ballot. Please read the articles in this publication

regarding proposed By-Law changes and the call for Board of

Director nominations. Watch your mail for time sensitive ballots

and additional information that will be mailed to you via USPS

towards the end of April.

Please take a moment and re-new your

NGAUS/NGAKS membership if you

haven’t done so. Update your contact

information (rank, unit, address and

civilian email) in the NGAUS database

or email any updates to Mary at

[email protected] so we

can keep you informed of the continu-

ous efforts within YOUR association.

We appreciate your support and continued encouragement as we

move forward. You are encouraged to stay active and forward

any recommendations you may have on how we can better serve

you. Watch the NGAKS website and social media pages for

information about all that is happening within the Association.

Hope to see you all soon.

Be safe and be well,

MAJ (Ret) Jay W. Gradinger

NGAKS President

NGAKS Welcomes Two

New Staff Members

The NGAKS office was brought to life this past October with the

part-time hiring of Col (Ret) Tony DeJesus as Executive Director

and Mary McBride as Operations Director. The pair kicked off

their employment at the October Board of Directors meeting.

Tony is a Life Member of the National Guard Association of Kan-

sas and served as President from 2007-2008. He also served for

twelve years to the Board of Directors for the National Guard

Association of the United States in Washington, D.C., serving as

the Area IV Air Representative and a member of the Conference

Committee and the Strategic Planning Committee. He also has

extensive experience in other professional associations and non-

profit organizations throughout Kansas and the United States.

Tony can be reached at [email protected].

Mary brings extensive and diverse experience in the non-profit

realm, having served as Executive Director of several professional

associations and non-profit organizations, as well as the Member-

ship Director for an international organization. She is a leader and

administrative services professional at the state and national

levels, developing grassroots programs to engage members, grow

support, and conduct legislative and community outreach. Mary

can be reached at [email protected]

With a full cadre now of energetic, experienced and passionate

employees, we look forward to taking the Association to the next

level for the benefit of our members, their families, and the

Kansas National Guard. We are stronger together!

Col (Ret) Tony DeJesus Mary McBride

Page 5: 2 National Guard Association of Kansas Spring 2020ngaks.com/pdfs/spring2020.pdf · 2020. 4. 6. · 4 National Guard Association of Kansas Spring 2020 PRESIDENT’S REPORT NGAKS Members,

Spring 2020 National Guard Association of Kansas 5

Legislative Report

On March 16th, NGAKS Vice President Maj Keith Marshall and

EANGKS member TSgt Gene Bradley provided testimony to the Senate

Education Committee for support of Senate Bill 473 to Amend KSA

75-650. This Bill will allow National Guard Members to participate in

the Post Secondary Savings account Incentive program. SB 473 was

introduced into the Senate on Feb 26th and would provide matching

grants for children of Current and Retired National Guard members

whose families contribute to the Learning Quest 529 Savings

Accounts. Maj Marshall informed the committee that this Bill would

support the education of KS National Guard Children and is a cost-

effective investment for the future of Kansas.

Major General Weishaar was appointed by Governor Laura Kelly to be the next Adjutant General upon the upcoming March 31 retirement of MG Lee Tafanelli. “Major General Weishaar is highly qualified and prepared to step up in this very important role.” Kelly said. “His depth of knowledge and years of service and training are just a few of the reasons why he’s an ideal choice to serve as our next Adjutant General. I look forward to working alongside MG Weishaar as we ensure the safety and well-being of all Kansans.”

Major Keith Marshall, NGAKS 1st Vice President, testifies on behalf of SB 473

before the Senate Education Committee.

NGAKS and EANGKS

Delegates met with

Congresswoman Sharice

Davids to discuss the rele-

vance of the 21st Century

National Guard during the

NGAUS Legislative Work-

shop, held February 2020

in Washington, DC.

Major General David Weishaar

appointed as

Adjutant General

UPDATE YOUR INFORMATION!!

Help us keep YOU

Informed of Current NGAKS News and Happenings

Send address and email updates to: [email protected]

Page 6: 2 National Guard Association of Kansas Spring 2020ngaks.com/pdfs/spring2020.pdf · 2020. 4. 6. · 4 National Guard Association of Kansas Spring 2020 PRESIDENT’S REPORT NGAKS Members,

6 National Guard Association of Kansas Spring 2020

C A N C E L E D

14 March 2020

NGAKS Members,

Out of an abundance of caution, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020

state conference. This is not a decision we made lightly, but after consulting with our Board

of Directors, partner organizations, industry partners, and KSNG senior leadership, we

believe this is the most prudent and responsible course of action.

If you have registered already, you will be receiving a refund for your registration fee as

soon as it can be processed. If you have hotel reservations, please contact the hotel directly

to cancel. We are meeting to determine the way forward across several lines of effort. First,

we still need to conduct an annual business meeting as an Association, approve a budget

and reports, and elect new officers. Second, how to select and recognize our annual award

winners. Finally, how to engage with our industry partners to make their relationship with

Kansas fruitful.

Thank you for your understanding and flexibility; stay tuned for updates on those items of

unfinished business.

Maj Keith Marshall

Conference Committee Chair

National Guard Association of Kansas

[email protected]

Page 7: 2 National Guard Association of Kansas Spring 2020ngaks.com/pdfs/spring2020.pdf · 2020. 4. 6. · 4 National Guard Association of Kansas Spring 2020 PRESIDENT’S REPORT NGAKS Members,

Spring 2020 National Guard Association of Kansas 7

It has been almost five years since we last amended our By-Laws, so the Board of Directors

formed the By-Laws Committee to review the NGAKS By-Laws and recommend updates to align

our By-Laws with our current goals and strategic plans. My committee includes MAJ (R) Richard

Ripper, MAJ (R) Wally Wolfe, 1LT Dillon Blake. The most pressing matter for review is the update

to the NGAUS membership dues structure, which consolidates membership dues categories into

three groups. Based on the NGAUS change, we are recommending the following NGAKS Active-

Annual membership dues categories:

O1, W1, O2, W2, O3, W3 = $6;

O4, W4, O5, W5, O6 = $8;

O7, O8, O9, O10 = $10

This replaces the former dues structure which was:

(1) O7 and above - $22.00 (2) O5, O6 - $15.00 (3) O4, W5 - $12.00 (4) W4 - $8.00

(5) O3, W3 - $7.00 (6) O1, O2, W1, W2 - $6.00

Beyond this urgent update, we sought to clarify roles and procedures and better define our processes. To do this, we used

the NGAUS By-Laws as a starting framework and wove in the key points from our current By-Laws. Our proposed By-Laws

for adoption are available for review by browsing to https://www.ngaks.com/pdfs/2020_By-laws_Draft.pdf.

Comments, suggestions, and questions can be emailed to Georgia Schafer at [email protected] by 25 April 2020

for possible inclusion in the final recommended draft.

Proposed By-Laws Changes

MAJ Georgia Schafer Chairperson: By-Laws Committee Nominations Committee

Do you know someone with dedication and determination who is willing to devote some time to serve on the Board of Directors? Are you interested in shaping the future of the NGAKS? Send me a nomination! I have included an example below of what a nomination should include. We have two Army-At-Large positions and one Air-At-Large position that will open at the end of their current incumbent members’ terms. Serving on the Board is a two-year commitment that includes the following responsibilities: attendance at bi-monthly meetings (call-in line available), participation in corpora-tion business decisions at meetings and via email, and planning, preparation, support, and participation at the Annual Conference.

If being a Board Member doesn’t sound like a commitment you can take on right now, what about being a committee member? We have several committee Chairs who would love to have additional members on their committees. If you would like to join a committee, you are welcome to reach out to the Chair of the committee you are interested in partici-pating in, or you can send me an email and I will forward your interest on to the respective Chair.

Please email nominations to [email protected] by 25 April 2020.

SAMPLE NOMINATION To: Georgia Shafer, Chairperson, Nomination’s Committee DD Month YY Subject: Nomination for the NGAKS Board of Directors Nominee’s Name:

Nominee’s Phone Number:

Nominee’s Email Address:

Reason for Nomination:

LT Foresight is a dedicated individual looking to make a difference. He has shown commitment to his Soldiers during his tenure as

Platoon Leader and he is seeking ways to improve company training as an Executive Officer. He will be a quality addition to the

NGAKS Board of Directors and serve the organization well.

Call For Nominations

Page 8: 2 National Guard Association of Kansas Spring 2020ngaks.com/pdfs/spring2020.pdf · 2020. 4. 6. · 4 National Guard Association of Kansas Spring 2020 PRESIDENT’S REPORT NGAKS Members,

8 National Guard Association of Kansas Spring 2020

Protecting Our Guard Family

These are challenging times. Like

everyone, you are concerned about

keeping your family safe and

healthy, and you’re doing your part

to help protect your community

from the effects of the coronavirus.

And if you’re an investor, you must

also address your financial situa-

tion. How should you respond to the

current market volatility and recent

declines in investment prices?

For one thing, try to avoid what many others seem to be

doing: panicking. The market selloff may feel unsettling,

but it appears to be driven as much, or more, by fear and

panic than by economic or financial reality.

Uncertainty is high, but there are reasons – solid, objective

reasons – that provide more confidence in the longer-term

outlook, suggesting that conditions still warrant an even-

tual rebound. U.S. unemployment entered this situation

near a 50-year low, with solid wage growth. We will see a

temporary disruption to the labor market, of course, along

with a decline in economic activity, but households en-

tered this period in generally good shape.

In addition, while further volatility and the potential for

further weakness will likely continue, the steep drops

we’ve already seen indicate that the financial markets

have “priced in” the likelihood of a short-term recession,

which may mean that the worst of the stock market pain

has already been endured, though, of course, there are no

guarantees.

First, though, it seems likely that the investment world will

finally calm down only when the health situation shows

signs of containment. As a country, we have the motiva-

tion, the will, the solidarity and the resources to defeat

the coronavirus and its effects, despite the pain and

trauma it is now undoubtedly causing.

So, back to our original question: What should you do?

Here are a few suggestions:

• Remember why you’re investing. Given the market

decline, you may be tempted to change your

investment strategy. But keep in mind that your

financial goals, such as a comfortable retirement, are

longer-term than the shelf life of the coronavirus.

These goals, not today’s headlines, should guide your

decisions.

• Re-evaluate your risk tolerance. The recent volatility

provides a good test of your ability to weather short-

term swings in your portfolio. If you’re having a hard

time coping with these losses, your portfolio may be

positioned too aggressively for your risk tolerance. If

so, you might want to adjust your portfolio mix to

include more fixed-income securities, which can help

provide more “downside” protection. However, this

would also affect your long-term growth potential.

• Look for buying opportunities. Stocks are now at their

most compelling values in more than a decade – in

other words, there are plenty of compelling invest-

ments out there. You can find many high-quality

investments at very good prices, so you may want to

consider taking advantage of the opportunity.

These are trying times for all of us. But as an investor,

you’ll help yourself greatly if you keep the situation in

perspective, take a long-term view, evaluate your own risk

tolerance and be receptive to new possibilities.

_______________________________________________

Guest Columnist:

COL (R) Mike Erwin is the NGAKS/EANGKS Financial

Advisor with Edward Jones. 785-380-8170

Each issue will feature a difference guest columnist.

COL (Ret) Mike Erwin

It’s Not Easy, But Look Past the Market Selloff

Page 9: 2 National Guard Association of Kansas Spring 2020ngaks.com/pdfs/spring2020.pdf · 2020. 4. 6. · 4 National Guard Association of Kansas Spring 2020 PRESIDENT’S REPORT NGAKS Members,

Spring 2020 National Guard Association of Kansas 9

HALL OF FAME KANSAS NATIONAL GUARD

The Kansas National Guard recognized three National Guard veterans during a Hall of Fame induction ceremony at

Nichols Armory, November 3, 2019. The Hall of Fame is an exclusive membership made up of former Kansas military

service members who positively influenced and brought great credit upon the Kansas National Guard during their

tenure of service. The 41st annual Hall of Fame ceremony brings the total number of inductees to over 120. These

former service members are recognized with their portraits displayed permanently in the Museum of the Kansas

National Guard

CAPTAIN WILLIAM A. SMITH CPT William A. Smith was born December 30, 1888, in Valley Falls, Kansas. After high school he attended Washburn University School of Law, being admitted to the Bar. He enlisted with Company B, 2nd Regiment Kansas Volunteer Infantry on June 22, 1916, serving in Texas along the Mexican American border. He was mobilized in 1917 for World War I with the 139th Infan-try Regiment. His unit participated in the Meuse Argonne offensive, they attacked to the Argonne sector and assaulted the German positions. By October 1, 1918, the 139th was relieved after sustaining 65% casualties. September 27, 1918, the second day of the battle in the Argonne, the going had been tough, all day long Company B lay pinned in their foxholes, covered with mud and water, enemy fire too hot to make the slightest advance. An order came for the Company to be part of an attack on the village of Charpentry. Captain Smith, mud from head to foot, with one shirt sleeve torn off at the elbow, rose to his full stature and with a forward motion of his hand high above his head, yelled, “Come on men, we’re gonna have a helluva fight. Down over the hill he went with Company B, those still able to go, right at his heels. On return from his service during World War I, Smith continued a distinguished legal career. Smith was elected Attorney General of Kansas 1926-30. William Smith then became a Kansas Supreme Court Justice in 1930 where he served for 26 years. He became the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Kansas on March 1, 1956 for 2 years resigning due to health reasons. Smith and his wife Ada, resided in Topeka. Smith passed away July 22, 1968.

COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR C. JOSEPH ROMANS Command Sergeant Major Joe Romans enlisted in October 1969 serving as a Corpsman with the Marine Corps for four years followed by two years with the Navy Reserve. Romans was the first Corpsman to attend USMC NCO School at Camp Pendleton, CA in 1971. He graduat-ed from every level of the Army Non-Commissioned Officer Education System culminating with the Sergeants Major Academy. He then was a Remote USAF Radar Site Civilian Medical Technician in Arctic Alaska serving during the Cold War. He enlisted in the Alaska Army Na-tional Guard Eskimo Scout Battalion in 1982 prior to transferring to the Kansas Army National Guard, serving 22 years. He served as the Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge of the Kansas National Guard Counter-Drug Special Operations Group supporting Federal, State and local Law Enforcement agencies in counter narcotics operations. He served as the lead Instructor and NCOIC of the National Guard Bureau’s Counterdrug Ground Reconnaissance Training School. Romans deployed with the 5th Special Forces Group and SEAL Team 3 as part of the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Arabian Peninsula in Iraq during the surge in 2008. Romans’ many assignments, at every unit level of the Army, culminated as the Command Sergeant Major of 1-635th Armor and the Commandant for the 235th Regional Training Institute. Romans served in the following campaigns or countries. Vietnam era, Cold War era, Operation Desert Shield/Storm, Operation Joint Guardian Operation Iraqi Freedom, Saudi

(Continued on page 12)

CAPTAIN JAMES NAISMITH Chaplain James Naismith was born November 6, 1861, in Almonte, Canada. James Naismith applied to be a Chaplain in the Kansas National Guard in 1916. The motivation for this was the same as that for devising the rules for the game of basketball – to help young people and guide them to their full potential. After quickly obtaining an endorsement as a Presbyterian minister, Naismith was commissioned as a Captain and Chaplain in the 1st Kansas Infantry Regiment. Naismith and the 1st Kansas mobilized at Ft. Riley in late June of 1916 and then spent nearly four months at Eagle Pass, Texas on the Rio Grande River where they assisted in keeping the Mexican American border secure. Naismith’s duties during this time included the traditional roles of a chaplain – conducting services, counseling homesick soldiers, and advising his command on the spiritual needs of the unit. With his expertise in athletics, he organized numerous boxing matches, basketball games, and a baseball league to keep his soldiers occupied during their off-duty time. The 1st Kansas prepared to return home in October 1916. They were released from Active Duty, and Captain Naismith returned to his duties at the University of Kansas, and continued service in the 1st Kansas Infantry. The 1st Kansas Infantry was mobilized in August 1917 for World War I and was reorganized into the 35th Infantry Division. Captain Naismith wanted to continue his military service and applied for a commission as a U.S. Army Chaplain. However, he was 55 years old

(Continued on page 12)

Page 10: 2 National Guard Association of Kansas Spring 2020ngaks.com/pdfs/spring2020.pdf · 2020. 4. 6. · 4 National Guard Association of Kansas Spring 2020 PRESIDENT’S REPORT NGAKS Members,

10 National Guard Association of Kansas Spring 2020

Tim Marlar, NGAKS Ins. Director, provides an insurance briefing to the 190th ARW Chiefs Council.

Insurance: YOU NEED IT What would happen

if you died suddenly?

Would your children have to

drop out of school? Would your

spouse or partner be forced to

drastically cut back on the fami-

ly’s lifestyle? And what about

retirement plans? Life insurance

proceeds can allow them to pay

off the mortgage, continue to

pay for college, and if invested wisely, provide a stream of

income to your spouse or partner for the future.

Most single people believe they don’t need life insurance

because no one depends on them financially, but there are

exceptions. If you provide financial support for aging

parents or siblings, or have substantial debt you wouldn’t

want to pass on to surviving family members if you were

to die prematurely, you may want to consider it.

Many times while I am out presenting the State Sponsored

Insurance program I am asked, “Why do I need insur-

ance?”. The short answer is those counting on you - need

the protection that the policy provides. My friend Dave

Ramsey - he is my friend in the sense that he travels with

me on the radio- is fond of saying “it really bugs me when I

find out someone has died and left their family with no

protection when the protection is so inexpensive”.

The insurance industry itself had surveyed people to find

that 86% say they need insurance but only 62% have it.

In my own personal experience, I find this to be true based

on the number of calls I receive and have to tell the caller

that “I’m sorry but your soldier or airman did not have our

coverage”.

We would like to make sure that we never have to say that

again. The ability to write a check for the death benefit

within 24 hours of notice of death is a benefit that every

Kansas National Guard member deserves. Experience

shows that the hours after the death of a family member

is devastating to those left behind. Many times when the

check we deliver is received, the family tells us know how

much it will help with the unforeseen expenses.

Commanders have relayed, while the loss is tragic, the

check is the first good news they family receives and they

understand they will be able to get through the tragedy of

the untimely death.

As always we are here to serve and would appreciate the

chance to share the program at your unit training

assembly. All you have to do is call and set up a briefing

(316) 288-9496 or email [email protected]

COL (Ret) Tim Marlar,

NGAKS Insurance Director

Page 11: 2 National Guard Association of Kansas Spring 2020ngaks.com/pdfs/spring2020.pdf · 2020. 4. 6. · 4 National Guard Association of Kansas Spring 2020 PRESIDENT’S REPORT NGAKS Members,

Spring 2020 National Guard Association of Kansas 11

RETIREE CORNER

APPLY FOR HEALTH CARE AT VETERANS ADMINISTRATION HEALTH SYSTEM

If you served in the military, please consider enrolling in the VA Health Care System.

Will I be eligible? Veterans with a DD 214, honorable discharge, and active duty service of two years, one enlist-ment, or service during an eligible conflict/war should apply.

How do I apply? Online or in person with application form and required documents.

What if I already have health insurance and a health care provider? Other health insurance coverage does NOT affect eligibility or services provided.

Will I be “taking another veterans’ slot” that needs health care? The VA is funded by Congress, using a formula with number of veterans in the District. You will not be taking anyone’s “slot”.

THE VA OFFERS:

Emergency Room, Fully equipped hospital, Primary Care Case Management, Radiology, Rehabilitation,

Chiropractic, Specialty Care, Behavioral Health, Post-Traumatic Stress Unit, Community Living Center,

Skilled Long-Term Care, Women’s Health, Annual Physicals, Walk in Clinic.

Military Hospitals and Clinics Closing to Retirees and Families

The Department of Defense issued notice in 2018 that DoD-wide more than 18,000 health care provider and Professional positions would be eliminated throughout the military health care system. The effects of this down-size due to budget reductions or constraint is now being felt across military installations throughout the United States. This is the first round of such cuts, but Kansas’ military retirees will be impacted by the reductions. Retirees will have to transition to civilian care in the Tricare network, and may also be required to purchase prescriptions differently. Kansas’s specific changes are noted below, as known on February 7, in the Military.com article. Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, downgrade from ambulatory surgery to an outpatient clinic is a facility slated for downgrade. Fort Riley, Kansas, Farrelly Health Clinic has either already transitioned to active duty-only, or are in process. If you are a military retiree, you may be impacted by these reductions. Contact the clinic directly to identify what impact this change may have on you. Information taken from Military.com, February 7, 2020. https://www.military.com/daily-news/2020/02/07/more-3-dozen-military-hospitals-stop-treating-retirees-families-memo-shows.html

Maj (Ret) Sheli Sweeney

Page 12: 2 National Guard Association of Kansas Spring 2020ngaks.com/pdfs/spring2020.pdf · 2020. 4. 6. · 4 National Guard Association of Kansas Spring 2020 PRESIDENT’S REPORT NGAKS Members,

12 National Guard Association of Kansas Spring 2020

HALL OF FAME Continued

CSM Romans cont. Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq, Kosovo, Macedonia, Japan, Germany and Korea. He takes great pride in earned his Cavalry Spurs (Silver) from 1-635th Armor and his Cavalry Spurs (Gold) from 3rd Battalion, 32nd Armor Regiment in the 1st Cavalry Division in Desert Storm. Romans is descended from an American Revolutionary War soldier and is a member of the Sons of the American Revolution. Romans pursued a career as an EMT, Paramedic and Paramedic supervisor for 5 years. He lived out one of his dreams in professional motor racing as a race car driver. His service to his fellow citizens continues today as a Jackson County Deputy Sheriff in charge of the school protection program and as a volunteer for the Civil Disas-ter Relief Organization “Team Rubicon”. Romans and his wife Nancy reside Hoyt, Kansas and have four children, Kyle, Debbie, Holly, and Joe Jr. and three grandchildren.

(Continued from page 9)

Captain Naismith cont. and was not an American citizen so this option was denied. Naismith found another route by working as a volunteer chaplain for the YMCA. In September 1917, the YMCA sent Naismith to France, where he worked as one of the organiza-tions “overseas secretaries” in the war zone. Based out of Paris, Naismith spent most of his time near the front lines, working to improve the social hygiene of the troops. For this work he was ideally fitted, with his background as a clergyman, medical doctor, athlete, educator, and National Guardsman. He always considered his time in uniform and his work with the soldiers of the U.S. Army to be among his most significant accomplishments. Naismith and his wife Maude had five children. Naismith passed away November 28, 1939.

(Continued from page 9)

Page 13: 2 National Guard Association of Kansas Spring 2020ngaks.com/pdfs/spring2020.pdf · 2020. 4. 6. · 4 National Guard Association of Kansas Spring 2020 PRESIDENT’S REPORT NGAKS Members,

Spring 2020 National Guard Association of Kansas 13

Page 14: 2 National Guard Association of Kansas Spring 2020ngaks.com/pdfs/spring2020.pdf · 2020. 4. 6. · 4 National Guard Association of Kansas Spring 2020 PRESIDENT’S REPORT NGAKS Members,

14 National Guard Association of Kansas Spring 2020

CAMP FUNSTON, Kan. - Soldiers at Camp Funston,

Kansas, are quarantined while recovering from the

Spanish flu in 1918. The flu infected about 500 million

people around the world.

Historic Photo of the National Guard

Membership Renewal is Underway

Renew your NGAKS & NGAUS membership online:

www.ngaks.com or www.ngaus.org

Membership Benefits: • A Legislative Advocate on your behalf

• Networking Opportunities

• An opportunity to be involved

• Educational Scholarships

• Professional Involvement

• Association Activities

These are only a few benefits of membership, visit NGAKS.com

and NGAUS.org for the full list.

2020 CALENDAR As of March 26, 2020

April 23

Comments Due on By-Laws

Revision and Board Nominations

May 4

Ballots due in NGAKS Office

May 6

NGAKS Board Meeting—Museum of the NG

May 25

Memorial Day

June 17

NGAKS Board Meeting—Museum of the NG

July 14

Flag Day /US Army Birthday

August 9-12 EANGUS Annual Conference—

Little Rock, AR

August 19

NGAKS Board Meeting—Museum of the NG

August 28-31

NGAUS 2020 Conference—Boston MA

October 21

NGAKS Board Meeting—Museum of the NG

December 13

National Guard Birthday

December 16

NGAKS Board Meeting—Museum of the NG

The National Guard Association of Kansas 125 SE Airport Drive Topeka, KS 66619

NGAKS.com