The Minuteman - July/August 2015

Photo by Lucia Briones

Photo Credit: Lucia Briones

Recruiters and their families gath-ered in Corpus Christi to enjoy a bit of relaxation and share their best practices in the field .


The Monthly Recruiting Newsletter of the Texas Army National Guard

TXARNG Recruiters Build Relationships at FFA Annual ConventionTexas Army National Guard Recruiters spent a week among more than 10,000 high school FFA students and members who were in attendence for the 87th Annual Texas Future Farmers of America State Convention. Valuing “diversity in serving all popu-lations” is mearly one trait the Texas Army National Guard and FFA share in common.

Ready. Set. Begin!

TM 13 performs community service in the city of Wimberly in its time of need.

Texas Challenge Academy hosts grand opening for its second location.

Deploying 136th ESB Soldiers honored by the Houston Astros

TM 13 RRNCOs and RSP Warriors team up to assist Wimberly’s Memorial Day flood victims.

TCA exands its reach across Texas with the opening of its Eagle Lake location near Houston.

More than 300 Soldiers were honored on field by the Astros during an on-field deploy-ment ceremony.

August 2015

The Minuteman

TXARNG Command honors 3rd Quarter’s top Regions and Recruiters

Soldiers from R&R HQ proudly represent the TXARNG during this year’s Austin Fittest Competition.

Photo by Steve Johnson

“Lead from the front.” - Audie MurphyThe Minuteman

www.nationalguard.com

Texas Challenge Academy Lands in Eagle Lake

MG John Nichols delivers welcom address to TCA Staff and community leaders

On July 15th 2015, before an eager crowd that included students, veter-ans, high ranking military officers and members of Congress, the sym-bolic purple ribbon was cut and the Texas Challenge Academy at Eagle Lake was formally opened. As the ribbon fluttered to the ground, the lifelong dream of Program Director Lauren Schulman came to life. “Chal-lenge isn’t just a career for me, it’s a lifestyle” she admitted as we took refuge from the Texas heat in her air conditioned office. “I started with the program when I was 19 years old, so for the last 21 years I have had the opportunity to work with all aspects of the program.” Her enthusiasm for the program is infectious and listening to her description of the goals and mission, it’s easy to see why.

The Texas Challenge Academy is designed to target at risk 16 to 18 year olds, and offer them structure, discipline, life and leadership skills in a 22 week, quasi-military setting , one of 35 such locations in the US and the second in Texas. After a rigorous application and interview process, the students are admitted to the 150 bed facility. Once there the program hits them full force, with the days starting with physical training at 05:00 and ending with lights out at 20:45.

During the 15 hour day, in addition to standard school curriculum, the students are trained in conflict resolution, resume preparation, job ap-plication processes, communication skills, college financial aid programs and financial management. As an accredited high school, the Texas Challenge Academy is free to the families served and students have the opportunity to study and take the GED exam. Additionally, the TCA program doesn’t end once the cadets leave the 5 ½ month program either. After graduation, cadets meet with a mentor every week for 12 months to keep their resolve to change their lives for the better.

Senior TCA Recruiter and retired Staff Sergeant Eliu Rojas shares Lauren’s commitment: “In the field we work in, I feel each and every person could be and more importantly, should be there to help our nation’s youth who, for many reasons, are having a hard time in a traditional high school environment.” However, it’s also personal to Mr. Rojas. “National Guard Youth Programs across the nation are vital to not only the mentoring and education of our young men and women who are at risk; it’s also about the security of the nation. Many of us have known people who needed this type of school and growing up in Galveston; I saw many of my friends who just needed a different type of instructional environment… so yeah, you could say it’s very personal for me.”

It’s important to note that while the TCA is targeted to at risk youth; it is not a juvenile detention center, court-ordered boot camp or a drug or alcohol treatment center. It is not af-filiated with the Texas Depart-ment of Criminal Justice or the Texas Youth Commission, nor is military service required from cadets.

By

MAJ August T. Murray, Ph.d

Commander, TXARNG

Recruiting and Retention BN

August Focus: Prior Service Recruiting

Throughout the month of August the recruit-ment focus is on the Prior Service Market. Operation ‘Answer the Call’ runs the entire month. Regions, Teams, Recruiters and the Staff will be working ETS Rosters, IRR lists, DD-214s and marketing efforts to generate leads and work with prior service prospects and applicants.

Please note the flyer included in this issue of the Minuteman, and become familiar with the benefits and incentives that we can offer to prior service Army, Navy, Marine, Air Force and Coast Guard personnel. Work with our strategic partners in DPS, TX Workforce Commission, Texas Veteran’s Commission and military recruitment fairs statewide to get the word out! We have hundreds of E4 to E6 positions to fill, and the National Guard always welcomes the experience and diversity that our Prior Service Veterans bring with them.

Prior Service Veterans make GREAT National Guard Soldiers - let’s do our part to keep Texas Strong!

Photo Courtesy of Team 13

Recruiting & Retention HQ Hosts SMAC V Regional Conference

In the wake of the Memorial Day floods, more than 80 TXARNG Recruiters and RSP Warriors volunteered to assist the town of Wimberley during its recovery.

On the early morning of June 19th, Teams 12 and 13 began unloading donations and equipment and continued to do so for the remainder of the day.

“For [RSP] Warriors to have the opportunity to be involved with an important mission such as this, it gives them a sense of what being a part of the Texas Army National Guard

is truly about. It’s not just about serving your country when called to go abroad, but really about being there for your local community when disaster strikes.” - SFC Melissa Bellman

Warriors unload boxes of cleaning supplies in preparation to begin cleanup efforts around the flood stricken town of Wimberly, TX.

The 2015 Memorial Day floods reaked havoc across the Great State of Texas leaving hundreds of thousands of families without every-day essentials such as food, water, and shelter. Team 13’s Recruiters and RSP Warriors were ready to lend a hand and help serve one of the communities hit hardest by the floods.

Always Ready, Always There

Community Service

www.facebook.com/texasarmynationalguard

www.txarng.com

www.twitter.com/texasguard

www.flickr.com/photos/txarng_recruiting

From the Commander

On June 24th, RRAC V Chairman, LTC Keith Varner, conduct-ed SMAC V training at Camp Mabry. RRAC V Commanders and SGMs were given the opportunity to discuss impor-tant issues such as best practices among recruiters, strate-gies to increase Youth Challenge enlistments, implement-ing a lead-generating smarphone app, and how to create more recruiting events at NG units.

From the Commander

Currently, images of Recruiters in the new OCP and PT uniforms are sparse, therefore, in high demand around the nation.

Poses range from standing fast, at ease, tactical movements, with or without expressions, etc. Soldiers are even welcome to pose in business casual attire with props such as books, maps, mobile devices, and even sports gear.

TXARNG Soldiers who have their photos taken at PEC are asked to alert S5 Marketing to be on the lookout for their photoshoot online.

Have you ever known a recruiter that “joked” about one day being the poster child of the Texas Army National Guard? Maybe deep down, at some point, the same thought crossed your mind.

For Soldiers who are scheduled to take courses at PEC in Arkansas, that outcome is now a definite possibility.

All photos are stored on the ANG Media Collec-tive website and can be accessed by the state’s Marketing departments.

A new initiative through the National Guard’s Professional Education Center (PEC) is now offering National Guard Soldiers the opportunity to pose for their state’s own marketing advertisements!

Say “CHEESE!”

Throughout FY15, TXARNG witnessed many regulatory and fiscal changes which unfortunately in some cases, adversly affected its marketing strate-gies in the field. In order to ensure our Recruiters are properly equipped with the assets and programs needed to deliver their message, staff from Operations , Marketing and Budget visited with the National Guard Bureau.

Once finalized later next month, an itemized list of “Do’s and Don’t’s” concerning sports packages and services will be made available to the field. Until then, if you have any questions concerning a possible cam-paign, please contact Marketing S5 with your concerns.

Rec. & Ret. Headquarters Journey to Washington D.C. for FY16 Clarificaton

Staff from TXARNG’s Recruiting and Retention Command had the opportunity to take a tour of the White House during their three day, NGB site visit in Washington D.C.

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Several TXARNG RRNCOs have since been featured on banners and flyers across the US

Camera!Lights!

Recruiting Badge Upgrades

SFC Justin Frasier - ExpertSFC Kristina Stefanos - ExpertSGT Amber Minnick - ExpertSSG Victor Cruz - SeniorSSG Marcial Sepulveda - Senior

TXARNG’s top performing RRNCOs and Region Leaders awarded top honors during 3rd Quarter Awards and Retreat in Corpus Christi, TX.

The RRNCOs, First Sergeants, and Region Com-manders whom excelled in accessions during the third quarter, were invited, along with their families, to attend a three day weekend in Corpus Christi, TX. Soldiers and their fami-lies had the opportunity to enjoy the sights and attractions Corpus Christi, while also tak-ing some time to share their recruitments best practices with one another.

The awards ceremony took place at Landry’s Seafood Restaurant. Special Guest, COL Mi-chelle Voorhees, was in attendance and shared past experiences and words of advice on how to maintain a successful path as a recruiting in the TXARNG.

Congratulations are in order for the following Soldiers for their advancements within the Recruiting and Retention Battalion:

MAJ Murray congratulates TXARNG Region 1SGs for their team’s achievements during the 3rd Quarter Awards Ceremony in Corpus Christi, TX.

Accolades

Job Well Done!

Promotions & Badge Upgrades

Promotions SSG Tyrus ChonguliaSSG Crystal FrietagSSG Justin GrandmontSSG Valerie LeamonSSG Rafael Martinez

Special Recognition1SG Sutherland successfully completed Sergeants Major Academy

Photos of this event can be found at:www.flickr.com/photos/txarng_recruiting/

COL Ulis Makes Special Trip to Camp Mabry In July, NGB’s Chief GSS, COL Monie Ulis, paid a special visit to Camp Mabry and spoke to Recruiting and Retention’s Com-manding Officers, NCOICs, and Staff.

COL Ulis discussed upcoming plans, bud-gets, and quotas set for FY16

Texas’ region leaders were able to provide updates and input directly to the Chief GSS.

Quality Boots

Top RSP SitesTop BSM

Top RRNCOs

COL Michelle Voorhees, Army G1

answer the callanswer the call

• Up To $15,000 Bonus* Six year enlistment, AFQT 31 or higher, MOS qualified

• Tuition AssistanceFederal - Up to 16 Credit Hours Fiscal YearState - Up to $9,000 Per School Year * Benefits can be stacked but not exceed 100%

• Post 9/11 Montgomery G.I. Bill

• Medical and Dental Benefits

• Retain Prior Service Rank * E7 and above require grade determination

• Monthly Drill and Two-Week Annual Training Pay

• Retirement Program and BenefitsPrior time and service will count towards your reserve retirement with the TXARNG

Prior Service Members of the Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard who enlist in the TXARNG are eligible to receive the following benefits:

NATIONALGUARD.com

R&R / BSM POCs

Veteran job fairsTexas Workforce CommissionTexas Veterans CommissionDepartment of Public Safety

National Guard Association of TexasTexas Association of Broadcasters

During the month of August, Recruiting and Retention’s target cam-paign will focus on increasing Prior Service accessions from within all U.S. Military branches.

Operation “Answer the Call”

Marketing will email this flyer and physically produce posters and distribute them among all regions. Please contact S5 for more information.

Marketing

Commander MAJ August T. Murray (512) 782-1383

Executive OfficerMAJ Jim Carney(512) 782-5404

Command Sergeant MajorCSM Kristopher Dyer(512) 782-5163

BSM SGMSGM Richard Grantham(512) 782-5444

Strength Manager Assistant MSG Eric Miles512-422-6958

72nd IBCT SSG Jimmy Smith(936) 205-2258

56th IBCT SFC William Pyles(512) 537-4841

36th CAB SFC John [email protected]

71st BFSBSSG Bryan Calhoun(210) 787-9127

176 th ENSFC Craig McCarty(512) 565-8849

DOMOPS (JTF-71/136 MEB)SFC James Banks(512) 517-6742

36th SUSSFC Chaz Patterson(254) 424-1039

TRP CMD / JFHQ / R&R / 36ID(Vacant)(512) 964-1361

RCT / ISTSFC Veronica Torres(512) 782-1471

The Minuteman


Recruiters should utilize the following entities in order to maximize their potential of Prior Service prospects:

HOUSTON — Friends and family of the Texas National Guard’s 136th Expeditionary Signal Battalion gathered at Minute Maid Park in Houston, Texas, July 18, 2015, to give their final blessings as the unit prepares to depart for Kuwait and surrounding areas for a nine-month deployment. The farewell ceremony, hosted by the Houston Astros, took place just before game two of their Lone Star Series against the Texas Rangers.

The 136th ESB is a Houston-based signal battalion that belongs to Joint Task Force 136 (Maneuver Enhancement Brigade), headquartered in Round Rock, Texas. During their de-ployment, the unit will be responsible for providing voice and network capabilities to other military assets across seven countries, including Kuwait, Jordan, The United Arab Eremites, and Egypt.

The battalion is made up of approximately 300 Soldiers from the Texas and Alabama National Guards and will fall under the regular Army’s 160th Strategic Signal Brigade while overseas.

The ceremony featured the casing of the battalion colors, an Army tradition that is used to demonstrate an organization moving to a new theater of operations. The colors, which represent the 136th ESB’s mission and lineage, are carried wherever the unit goes and are kept safe by the senior enlisted member. In this case, that responsibility falls to the battalion command sergeant major, Command Sgt. Maj. Jeffrey Collins.

“We are always ready to be on the move, it’s a part of our training,” said Spc. Raven Lewis, a logistics coordinator for the 136th ESB. “We make sure that we remain proactive in case we have to go support someone else.”

This ceremony gives Soldiers one last opportunity to give their give their loved ones final hugs and kisses before stepping on the plane for the middle east.

“It’s pretty cool to have the support from back home,” said Lewis. “Not only do you have your family with you but you have your support from people that live in the general area that want to see you return safely with the troops.”

Story by: SGT Elizabeth Pena, PAO

Houston Astros Host Deploying Signal Guardsmen

TXARNG and FFA Join Forces Once Again! For the second year in a row, the Texas Army National Guard is team-ing up with Texas FFA Organization in efforts to recruit Texas’ brightest students. Active FFA members share and practice many of the same values as the Texas Army National Guard such as Duty, Respect, and Selfless Service. New program guid-lines will be made available to all RRNCOs NLT 1OCT2015.

TXARNG Recruiters and Staff Head to the Range

The Houston Astros host 300 National Guard members and their families on July 18th, 2015, as they conduct an on-field offical deployment ceremony.

Soldiers from the Texas Army National Guard’s Recruiting and Retention Bat-talion recently received M9 weapons familiarization at Camp Swift and Camp Bullis. This is in accordance with a directive given by Texas Governor Greg Abbott, following the attack on a recruitment center in Chattanooga, TN.


The sun was out, the air was hot, however, three

Soldiers from R&R HQ, CPT Feather Wright, SFC Ryan

Hammet, and SSG Chris Gojanovich, persevered

and gave it their all during AFM’s Annual Fittest

Competition.

Contestants, ranging from 19 to over 60 years of age,

competed in 13 different obstacles, testing their

agility, aim, speed, and strength. Fellow Soldiers

showed their support stood close by to cheer them

on throughout the day.

Soldiers Prove Texas Sized Strength At AFM’s Austin Fittest Competition

HQ’s Fight For Air Climb

The Fight for Air Climb is one of the American Lung Association’s Signature fundraising events. With events in more than 65 cities, participants climb to raise funs in support of the mission to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease.

Representing the Texas Army National Guard, members from Recruiting and Retention’s budget and marketing depart-

ments joined up and raced the 660 steps to the top of Austin’s Frost Tower building. In keeping with the National Guard’s stan-dards and values, physical training and teamwork were two key elements which lead to the teams success.

SFC Thibodeaux came in first with the quick time of 6:55.

Community Awareness Texas Army National Guard Soldiers and staff members climb 31 flights of stairs to raise funds and awareness for victims of lung disease.

RRNCOs are welcome to share

their team building activities

with S5 Marketing.

TXARNG Returns to GOT!Lead Potential Texas Army National Guard returned to College Station, TX to assist in

hosting the Texas Amateur Athletic Federation’s 2015 GAMES OF TEXAS.

The cities of Bryan and College Station, in collaboration with Texas A&M University, hosted nearly 30,000 student athletes, parents, and coaches during the 2015 Texas Amateur Athletic Federation’s Games of Texas.

Students from all over Texas, ranging from ages 6 to 18, com-peted in more than a dozen events.

National Guard Recruiters and RSP Warriors were on hand at

all events, either to assist with athletic events or answer ques-tions about possibly joining the Texas Army National Guard.

By the end of the weekend, strong leads were generated from motivated athletes and new relationships were estab-lished with COIs and VIPs.

For the next two years, the Games of Texas will be hosted in McAllen, TX.

CSM Weedon delivers welcome address during Games of Texas Opening Ceremony

Michael Neu / Special to The Eagle

Photo by Lucia BrionesPhoto by Lucia Briones



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The Minuteman - July/August 2015