1. law, govt and politics
2. armed forces
3. army

THE
ENLISTED
ECHO
Spring 2015
2THE ENLISTED ECHO
SPRING 2015
SOUTH DAKOTA NATIONAL GUARD ENLISTED ASSOCIATION
2014‐2015 EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
Position
Name
Rank
Email
President
1st Vice President
* Jerry Eisenbraun
* Nancy Ausland
CSM (Ret)
SMSgt
2nd Vice President
* Andy Meyers
MSgt
Past President
Treasurer
* Bob Funk
* Andrew Heymans
SMSgt
SSG
jerrye@upperdeckarchitects.com
nancy.ausland@ang.af.mil
andrew.meyers@ang.af.mil or andrewfrank27@hotmail.com
robert.funk@ang.af.mil or gnbfunk@alliancecom.net
andrew.t.heymans.mil@mail.mil
Courtney Tyrrell
Bruce Anderson
SGT
CMSgt (Ret)
courtney.r.tyrrell2.mil@mail.mil
banderson@siouxfalls.org
Secretary
Executive Director
Phone
H: 605‐787‐4861 or C: 605‐484‐9624
W: 605‐988‐5946
C: 605‐350‐1763
W: 605‐988‐5876 or C: 605‐261‐7136
C: 605‐787‐3786
W: 605‐737‐6103 C: 605‐730‐0654
C: 605‐940‐0526
Committee Member at Large
W: 605‐737‐6330 or C: 605‐430‐7502
C: 605‐350‐4794
C: 605‐415‐0615
605‐940‐6259
W: 605‐988‐5918 or C: 605‐480‐1928
Area 1
Area 2
Area 3
Area 4
*
*
*
*
Eric Jennings
Tabitha Carr
Todd Rose
Will Hangman
SGM
SGT
CSM
SFC
eric.r.jennings2.mil@mail.mil
tabitha.a.carr4.mil@mail.mil
todd.s.rose.mil@mail.mil
willis.a.hangman.mil@mail.mil
Area 5
* Kelsey Lambert
SSgt
lambertkm@live.com
Squadron Representatives
MDG
LRS
* Amber Bekaert
* Sarah Powell
TSgt
TSgt
aabekaert@gmail.com
sarah.powell@ang.af.mil
MXG
* Chris Portice
Battalion Representatives
JFHQ
* Chad Hartley
SSG
chad.a.hartley2.mil@mail.mil
109th RSG
* Dalene Link
SSG
dalene.r.link.mil@mail.mil
152nd CSSB
881st Trp Cmd
HQ 196th RTI
196th MEB
*
*
*
*
MSG
SGT
1SG
SGT
chadwick.d.schmitz.mil@mail.mil
kayla.a.morris8.mil@mail.mil
scott.d.rosenkranz.mil@mail.mil
mark.a.jensen22.mil@mail.mil
1st Bn 147th FA
139th BSB
153rd En Bn
* Shane Wilkinson
* Shawn Siemonsma
* David Peck
SSG
SFC
SSG
shane.m.wilkinson.mil@mail.mil
shawn.p.siemonsma.mil@mail.mil
david.m.peck8.mil@mail.mil
Junior Enlisted ‐ Air
* Regan LaBore
SSgt
Junior Enlisted ‐ Army
* Cami Bloomgren
SGT
Retired Air
* David Frock
CMSgt (Ret)
regan.labore@ang.af.mil
jstme37@gmail.com or camillia.m.bloomgren.mil@mail.mil
def59browns@yahoo.com or david.e.frock.civ@mail.com
Retired Army
* Robert Aiken
CSM (Ret)
robertaiken@spe.midco.net
605‐645‐8760
W: 605‐737‐6507 or C: 605‐359‐2083
605‐772‐4050 or 605‐
391‐2513
Chadwick Schmitz
Kayla Morris
Scott Rosenkranz
Mark Jensen
christopher.portice@ang.af.mil
605‐695‐7872
605‐988‐5915
W: 605‐988‐5829 or C: 605‐310‐6075
605‐737‐6758
W: 605‐430‐9741 or C: 999‐3827
W: 605‐773‐2476 or C: 605‐723‐5205
605‐696‐5442
W: 605‐737‐6468
605‐261‐0231
W: 605‐882‐9325 or C: 605‐216‐8315
605‐696‐5404
605‐357‐2949 ECHO Editor
Historian
Legislative Officer
Membership Officer
Parliamentarian
Sarah Callies
SSgt
sarah.callies@ang.af.mil
605‐941‐1548
Donavon List
Eric Kinslow
Gordy Kotab
CSM (Ret)
SFC
CSM (Ret)
dmlist@vyn.midco.net
eric.w.kinslow.mil@mail.mil
kotabgmc@rushmore.com
Webmaster
Kim Chase
SSG (Ret)
kimberly.k.chase.ctr@mail.mil
605‐665‐5924
H: 605‐415‐1759
605‐720‐5906
W: 605‐696‐5416 or C: 605‐651‐5829
Auxiliary President
State Conference Laison
Gayle Funk
Shelley Reeder
CIV
1SG
gnbfunk@alliancecom.net
shelley.d.reeder.mil@mail.mil
2015 State Conference Chair
Shane Wilkinson
SSG
shane.m.wilkinson.mil@mail.mil
605‐582‐3705
605‐280‐1923
W: 605‐882‐9325 or C: 605‐216‐8315
State CCM
State CSM
* = Voting Members
James Welch
Susan Shoe
CMSgt
CSM
james.m.welch34.mil@mail.mil
susan.a.shoe.mil@mail.mil
605‐415‐0958
605‐737‐6608
SPRING 2015THE ENLISTED ECHO
FROM YOUR PRESIDENT
Upcoming Events
FUTURE STATE
CONFERENCES
April 2015 - Watertown, S.D.
April 2016 - Rapid City, S.D.
(Co-located with Officers)
April 2017 - Pierre, S.D.
April 2018 - OPEN
April 2019 - Sioux Falls, S.D.
(Col-located with Officers)
FUTURE NATIONAL
CONFERENCES
August 2015 - Indianapolis, IN
August 2016 - New Orleans,
LA
FUTURE EXECUTIVE
COUNCIL MEETINGS
April 16, 2015 - Watertown, SD
FUTURE BLACK HILLS
VETERANS HONOR MARCH
September 19, 2015 (tentative) - Deadwood, S.D.
NEXT ECHO DEADLINE
Summer 2015 - Deadline for
submissions is 15 May 2015
The ECHO is produced three
times a year by the South Dakota National Guard Enlisted
Association, 8004 E Callies
Place, Sioux Falls, SD 57110
Letters to the Editor, articles
and state association items
should be forwarded to the
Sarah Callies, 8004 E Callies
Place, Sioux Falls, SD 57110.
“The Enlisted ECHO” is published by and for members
of the SDNGEA. Opinions
expressed herein do not
necessarily reflect those of
the United States Army or Air
Force or the South Dakota
National Guard, Army or Air.
Please send all e-mail changes
to SDNGEA, Attn: Nancy Ausland, 517 N. Euclid Ave. Sioux
Falls, SD.
nancy.ausland@ang.af.mil
ECHO Editor: Sarah Callies,
8004 E Callies Place, Sioux
Falls, SD 57110. sarah.callies@
ang.af.mil
3
Submitted by: CSM (Ret) Jerry Eisenbraun
In April I will have completed one term as your
Enlisted Association President. At that time I set goals for
myself as well as the Association when I decided to run
for this position. I strongly believe that I am and should be
harder on myself than any of you could be. There is much
more going on in this organization than many of us are
aware of and I believe that we, as a state organization, have
succeeded in this endeavor because of the efforts of so
many. It takes the effort of all of us within the state to pull
our resources and strive for that common goal. There are
areas that we continue to do very well; we have relooked
and revamped how we coordinate the state conferences
and by doing that I believe it will run much smoother. We
are communicating more often between our “scheduled”
council meetings than in the past; this ensures that information is extended to you the member
better than before. We have room for improvement however. I have stressed in the past that if
we could all select and do a small part in what we do for this organization, and we do that task
well, then it becomes easier to complete if we all share in that overall goal; only you can decide
to give of yourselves. With our falling enlisted numbers and a smaller group of volunteers, our
voice continues to reduce as well.
I recently had a conversation with an enlisted Soldier who was adamant about why
they were not a member of the association and that we never change. Their voice was strong,
and it is voices like that that we need to have on our team. It is those voices that that can change
the organization, it is those voices that can improve this organization, and it is those voices we
need to hear from so that we know what you want and what direction you want us to take. If
you desire a change in the benefits you receive or you desire a change in this organization, then
we welcome your voice. We encourage you to stand up, to volunteer, and to share your voice;
together and with enough voices, we can change anything.
I encourage you all to review the Association’s by-laws http://www.sdngea.com/wpcontent/uploads/2013/05/2013-Constitution-and-By-Laws.pdf regarding the duty positions
and committee assignments. At our upcoming state conference in Watertown on April 17-18,
we will be renewing and re-appointing new positions within the organization. As all positions
are open to new election or appointment, we know that we will have a vacancy to fill in the
membership chairperson as Eric Kinslow has elected to step down from this position. Should
you be interested in this position, please feel free to contact me at any time for information. Eric
has done a fantastic job for us and I would like to thank him for his hard work and his dedication.
Are you an E-6 or below? Are you interested in finding out what the South Dakota
National Guard Enlisted Association does and how it operates on the state and national level?
Consider becoming involved with The Rising Six or formerly known as the Junior Enlisted
Council (JEC). This committee is vital to the future of our organization! Contact Cami
Bloomgren – Army or Regan LaBore – Air.
In closing, my sincere thank you to the past presidents and individuals who have
provided me guidance in this first year, your input and your reprimands (however subtle) have
guided my path and helped to improved my leadership. To all those council members either
elected or appointed; you continue to do an outstanding job, your efforts to improve increases
the success for those that follow behind you; leave it better than when you took the position. To
all the members of the South Dakota National Guard Enlisted Association; thank you for the
opportunity to lead your organization, you have entrusted me to lead and I strive for perfection
knowing that it can never be reached.
4THE ENLISTED ECHO
SPRING 2015
FROM YOUR 2ND VICE ANDY MEYERS
I hope the holidays were good and the winter hasn’t been too tough to handle. It will be spring
soon and the winter coats will be in the closets where they belong.
We are happy to have heard, for the first time since September 11th, that all of our South Dakota
Soldiers and Airmen are home! This is a new era we enter into as Soldiers and Airmen, with a war
winding down and ISIS on the rise. It is very important to keep our readiness high and be prepared
for our next mission, whether at home fighting floods or tornados or abroad. We need to stay at
the highest readiness possible.
We just had the winter Enlisted Association meeting in Pierre a couple of weeks ago. It was a
long, sometimes heated meeting, which means people are getting involved and passionate about
what we are doing and where we are headed. The National Guard Memorial Museum is under a
new board and headed in a good direction, so if you are in Pierre stop in and check it out.
General Reisch briefed us on some legislation currently going on in Pierre. One thing to be
excited about is after many years you will see a new look to your National Guard license plates. A
few details are still being worked out, but the new plate should be available in July.
April 11th is the enlisted dining out in Sioux Falls at the Holiday Inn downtown. I highly suggest you check it out and come be
a part of the night. The state conference will follow in Watertown April 17-18. If you have not been to a conference you should
come check it out. We are even offering some sponsorships to new comers to help off set the costs and to help our next generation
see what we do and get involved. Get ahold of me if you or someone you know is interested in a sponsorship.
The scholarship deadline is approaching fast. All members of the Enlisted Association and their dependents are eligible for
the scholarships. This year there are three $1,000 scholarships and one $100 scholarship. One application can get you or your
dependent applied for all scholarships. Get the combined application on our web site at SDNGEA.COM.
I hope this finds you all in fine health and good times. If I can answer any questions on the scholarships or anything association
wise, my contact information is on the web site. Just give me a call. I hope to see you all in April!!
FROM YOUR WING COMMAND CHIEF MASTER SERGEANT
114th FW Command Chief Master Sgt. Dean Hillberg
Greetings to all! A
couple of weeks ago I
attended the SDNGEA midwinter meeting. I am always
amazed and appreciative of
the folks that lead our Enlisted
Association. Their dedication
to the enlisted force and the
SDNG is greatly appreciated.
The 2015 Outstanding
Airmen of the Year (OAY)
selections have been made for
the SDANG. Congratulations
to the following who will be
recognized at the state enlisted
conference; SrA Jorie Hart (AMN) Security Forces, MSgt
Paul Lupkes (NCO) Security Forces, SMSgt Jeremy Lehman
(SNCO) Operations Group, MSgt Shawn Greer (First Sergeant)
Medical Group. These airmen are great representatives of the
SDANG and will also be forwarded for the Air Force OAY
competition.
2014 was truly a bench mark year for the 114th Fighter
Wing Junior Enlisted Council (JEC). They helped the Family
Volunteer Group host the base Easter Egg hunt, held a base
morale fundraising event after drill in August and served a meal
at the Sioux Falls Banquet in November. Thank you so much
to their out-going officers (SSgt Reggan LaBore, SSgt Alex
Oppold, SSgt Bryce Haviland, SrA Rebecca Reid) who really
stepped up and brought the JEC to a new level at the SDANG.
The newly elected officers (SSgt Andy Dellman, SSgt John
Whalen, SSgt Amos Kittelson, SrA Caitlyn Samuel) are off
to a great start in 2015. When a sub-committee reviewed the
JEC charter, they addressed a problem area with membership.
Prior practice was to not allow E-6 members with more than 12
years of service to serve in an elected JEC position. The subcommittee recommendation was to drop years of service as a
qualifier and equally represent all grades E-1 thru E-6. Along
with that change, they recommended a name change from
‘Junior Enlisted Council” to “The Rising 6”. The changes
were approved by the voting body and are now in place. Future
“Rising 6” endeavors are a spring “Habitat for Humanity”
event and possible morale fund raiser in the summer. We all
look forward to seeing The Rising Six continue to develop
within the 114th FW.
The Chief’s Council and The Rising Six are excited about
the upcoming state enlisted conference in Watertown, SD. We
are looking forward to the meetings, events and sharing with
other SDNG members.
See you in Watertown and thank you for your service.
SPRING 2015THE ENLISTED ECHO
5
FROM AUXILIARY PRESIDENT, GAYLE FUNK
The SDNGEA Auxiliary is conducting its annual membership drive. I invite all SDNGEA spouses
to renew membership or become a new member of the SDNGEA Auxiliary. If you are an SDNGEA
member get your spouse signed up as an Auxiliary member and join yourself as an Associate member.
Membership dues for 2016 are now being accepted through December 31, 2015. Here are examples
of how you can participate in the SDNGEA Auxiliary.
1) Join and show your support for your spouse and all National Guard members. 2) Participate
actively in voicing a position on legislative issues concerning National Guard member benefits,
services, and programs by answering “The Call” for action on legislation. 3) Attend the annual
Legislative Dining Out and network with state representatives. 4) Attend the SDNGEA state
conference and participate in Auxiliary meetings. 5) Support the SDNGEA Auxiliary Scholarship
program by helping with fund raising events. 6) Encourage eligible family members to apply for
the Auxiliary scholarship opportunities. 7) Provide assistance in planning and carrying out activities
for SDNGEA and SDNGEA Auxiliary events during the year. 8) Run for office to serve as an officer
on the SDNGEA Auxiliary Executive Council.
If you haven’t visited the EANGUS web-site lately, take a look. I have been very pleased with the timely up-to-date general
and legislative information on the site. There is a section on the site that lists the number of responses that have occurred yearto-date from individual states for answering “The Calls”. I think it is great to have this information, but was disappointed to see
the low level of response for South Dakota. I wrote a note to Scott Bousom, Legislative Director for EANGUS inquiring about
the accuracy of the numbers and to find out if the process for getting “The Calls” to the membership is working. Mr. Bousom
responded as follows.
“…many EANGUS members use their .mil email addresses as a primary means of communication. Since EANGUS
is a lobbying entity, all emails from the EANGUS domain are blocked by Department of Defense IT. Many EANGUS
members do not receive my emails in their inbox and those that do often receive emails with lines of code instead
of text...”
In order to receive “The Calls” and act on them, your personal e-mail address is necessary. It’s easy to answer “The Calls” and
the more of us responding to “The Calls” the more influence we can have on pending legislation that will impact National Guard
members.
The March 15 deadline for the SDNGEA Auxiliary Scholarship program is approaching quickly. This year one $1,000 scholarship
will be awarded. All of the application materials are available on the SDNGEA web-site. It’s time to sign up for our annual
state conference which will be held in Watertown on April 17 and 18. The theme is “Heroes: In and Out of Uniform. Costumes
portraying your favorite hero or heroine are not required, but it is fun to participate. We are asking for donations for the annual
Silent Auction. In the past, we have had themed basket donations only. Baskets are still welcome, but handmade or homemade
items would be great too. Drop your items off at the conference registration desk. Proceeds go towards the Auxiliary Scholarship
program. I am looking forward to a productive and fun Conference. Hope to see you there!
STATE CONFERENCE SPONSOR PROGRAM
Minimum Qualifications:
Background: This program is made possible by donations from the South
Must be assigned to the SDNG, SDANG
Dakota National Guard Enlisted Association and is established to encourage
E-1 through E-5’s to attend State Conferences. This program will pay for the
Must be in the rank of E-1 to E-5
fee’s associated with the attendance of the State Conference to include: Room
Must never have attended any SDNGEA State
accomodations, banquet ticket, and predetermined amount of spending money.
Conference
After attending the State Conference, individuals selected for the sponsor
Must posses the “right stuff” and be able to benefit
program agree to write a short article for the state publication “The ECHO.” In
and report on their attendance at the conference.
this article, the sponsor will give his/her impression about the conference and
Application Procedures:
their honest opinion as to the relevance of the business conducted. This article
To apply for this program, applicants must be
will be submitted to the Executive Director for publication.
submitted by any (paid) member of the SDNGEA;
preferably somebody in their chain of command. A phone number for contacting the applicant is all that is needed. Names
will be taken up to the first week before the conference. If there are 3 or more applicants, the Executive Director will draw
by lot, those who will attend. As a minimum, the Association would like to have 2 (1 Army/1 Air) and a maximum of 4 (2
Army/2 Air) members attend. All applicants will contact the Executive Director as soon as possible or any Executive Council
member. See contact information as published in the ECHO.
6THE ENLISTED ECHO
SPRING 2015
LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE REPORT
By Donavon J. List
SDNGEA Legislative Chairman
Bill Status at South Dakota’s 90th Legislative Session
There are several Bills of interest that have been introduced
in the current Legislative Session, these include:
• the words “active warrant officer” will be added on the
application for military specialty plates and the plate will
contain a symbol indicating if the owner is a current or
retired member of the National Guard;
• allow the spouse of an active duty military person to
qualify as a resident for a temporary permit to carry a
concealed weapon;
• veterans seeking employment by veteran’s preference
must also be citizens of the United States, in addition to
being a citizen and resident of the state and school districts
provide veterans a preference in employment;
• extend resident tuition eligibility to spouses and children
of active duty military personnel and of qualifying
veterans;
• revise the definition of a veteran, revise certain provisions
concerning the administration of benefits provided to
veterans; the county veteran’s service office works under
the direction of the Department of Veterans Affairs;
• repeal certain outdated and unnecessary statutes and
rules related to the Department of Veterans Affairs;
A couple Bills have passed both Houses but haven’t been
signed by the Governor; we’ll give the final outcome of all
Bills in April. During the Session there are Cracker Barrel
meetings in several cities and are very informative; attend
if you can and ask questions. You can also contact your
respective legislators in Pierre with your concerns.
We received CALLs regarding passing the National Defense
Authorization Act, the Omnibus Appropriations Bill and
Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act.
The Pentagon renewed its commitment to retiring the Air Force
A-10 Thunderbolt ground attack aircraft and closing excess
military bases in the US and their proposal to establish a new
Base Re-Alignment and Closure Commission (BRAC); these
will be a top priority with the Defense Department in hearings
on the 2016 defense budget.
Legislative Goals of Congress for 2015 – Their Bucket List
includes a few of the following:
• ensure active duty, Guard and Reserve force sizes meet
mission requirements;
• credit all Post-9/11 active duty service toward Guard and
Reserve early retirement;
• block the consolidation of TRICARE health plans into a
single plan providing less choice;
• preserve full inflation cost of living adjustments (COLAs);
• end the deduction of VA disability compensation from
military retired pay;
• eliminate VA claims backlog and improve quality,
efficiency and transparency of claims processing.
In 1933, an amendment to the National Defense Act of 1916
created a separate reserve component of the Army called the
Army National Guard of the United States. Since 1933 all
National Guardsmen have been members of both their State
National Guard and the National Guard of the United States.
Today the South Dakota National Guard is comprised of 40
Army Guard units and detachments and 17 Air Guard units.
There are new members in Congress after the recent election;
contact our South Dakota folks in Congress with questions and
concerns that are of interest to you or regard military matters.
National Guard Associations
of South Dakota Insurance Program
DAVID BURR, ADMINISTRATOR
605-569-6860
OPTIONAL LIFE INSURANCE BENEFITS
UNDERWITTEN BY:
American Equity
Investment Life
Insurance Company
Des Moines, Iowa
Monthly Premiums (Guard Members)
SPOUSE INSURANCE
COVERAGE
PREMIUMCOVERAGEPREMIUM
$10,000$ 3.66$ 5,000$2.00
$15,000$ 5.33$ 10,000$4.00
$20,000$ 7.00$ 15,000$6.00
$25,000$ 8.67$ 20,000$7.00
$35,000
$12.00 $50,000
$17.01
$ 25,000
$8.67
(Life Insurance for dependent children also available)
SPRING 2015THE ENLISTED ECHO
TALKING POINTS ON HB 1179
From the AG’s Office
- The SDNG supports House Bill 1179
- It's important to remember, that HB 1179 only deals with
the state's statutory definition of veteran for purposes of
entitlement to a few very limited benefits:
- The ability to purchase veteran's license plates
- The ability to claim veteran's preference when applying for
certain jobs
- The ability to apply for admission to the state veterans
home
(again, based on income limitations).
- A very modest ($100) burial marker for those whose income
is below $9,000 at their time of death.
- HB 1179 does not attempt to transfer any of the respect,
prestige or benefits associated with service members who
have served combat tours to those who have not.
- The state's current definition of "veteran" (SDCL 33A-21) has no mention whatsoever of combat duty associated
with it. It only requires that an individual has served on
continuous federalized active military duty for a period of at
least ninety days for reasons other than training; and has been
separated or discharged from such service honorably or under
honorable conditions.
- Serving in the National Guard and Reserve during a time
of war is a big deal, and the modest benefits associated
with being considered a veteran in the eyes of the state
certainly seem warranted for those who stand ready to deploy
anywhere in the world and to risk their lives when our
nations needs them.
Bring your Constitution and By-law
changes and Resolutions to the State
Conference for presentation!
7
CONSTITUTION & BY-LAWS CHANGE
Article II Membership, Section 2. C. Life Membership
Currently reads: Life Membership: Upon application, and
payment of the prescribed amount, a person who is qualified
to be an annual member, may be issued a life membership.
Retention of life membership will be contingent on current
membership in the South Dakota National Guard or as a
retired member of the South Dakota National Guard. The
prescribed dues shall be the difference between 50 and the
individual’s age – times the annual state and national dues
based on E-6 rank, plus application fee for both the state and
national association. For those members over age 50, dues
shall be $325.00, which includes state ($75.00) and national
($250.00) life membership.
2015 Constitution & By-Laws Proposed Change 1
Change to read: Life Membership: Upon application, and
payment of the prescribed amount, a person who is qualified
to be an annual member, may be issued a life membership.
Retention of life membership will be contingent on current
membership in the South Dakota National Guard or as a
retired member of the South Dakota National Guard. The
prescribed dues shall be a flat rate of $140.00 for SDNGEA
life dues plus EANGUS life dues of ten times the current
annual EANGUS membership rate.
2015 Constitution & By-Laws Proposed Change 2
Change to read: Life Membership: Upon application, and
payment of the prescribed amount, a person who is qualified
to be an annual member, may be issued a life membership.
Retention of life membership will be contingent on current
membership in the South Dakota National Guard or as a
retired member of the South Dakota National Guard. The
prescribed dues shall be a flat rate of $190.00 for SDNGEA
life dues plus EANGUS life dues of ten times the current
annual EANGUS membership rate.
BLACK HILLS VETERAN HONOR MARCH & MARATHON
Save the Date!
19 September 2015
The 12th Annual Black Hills Veterans Honor March and Marathon is scheduled for 19 September 2015.
Get your team registered early and save some money. Registrations
received before 1 May 2015 will be at a reduced price and will go up
on 2 May 2015.
Log on to sdngea.com and follow the link to the registration page.
Challenge your fellow Guard members, build a team and have some
fun honoring all our veterans.
There is a category for everyone to participate or volunteer your
services.
We look forward to seeing you on the 19th of September.
8THE ENLISTED ECHO
SPRING 2015
EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
February 5, 2015
Ramkota, Pierre, SD
Meeting was called to order at 1400 hours. Pledge of Allegiance
was led by President Jerry Eisenbraun.
ROLL
Roll was taken and the following members were present: Jerry
Eisenbraun, Nancy Ausland, Andy Meyers, Bob Funk, Andrew
Heymans, Eric Jennings, Tabitha Carr, Ben Lamp proxy for
Will Hangman, Kelsey Lambert, Amber Opitz, Charles Fincher
proxy for Sarah Powell, Chris Portice, Chad Hartley, Pat Jones
proxy for Kayla Morris, Scott Rosenkranz, Mark Jensen, Shane
Wilkinson, Cami Bloomgren, David Frock, and Robert Aiken.
Enough were present for a quorum.
MINUTES
Minutes of the Executive Council Meeting at Cadillac Jacks
in Deadwood, SD were presented. Motion to receive minutes
as presented by Don List and seconded by Cami Bloomgren.
Motion carried.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Treasure’s report was presented and passed around by Andrew
Heymans. Copies of the report were filed with the minutes
of this meeting. Motion to accept this report as presented by
Andrew Heymans and seconded by David Frock. Motion
carried.
Committee Member At Large – Area 1 Eric Jennings has
contacted all full time personnel of the units in his area and has
worked with Eric Kinslow to ensure that strength numbers are
reporting correctly. Stated that command emphasis is needed
to get our numbers up. Motion to accept the report. Approved.
Committee Member At Large – Area 2 Tabitha Carr stated
she is working with Eric Kinslow to ensure accuracy of
membership reporting. Report attached. Motion to accept the
report. Approved.
Committee Member At Large – Area 3 Not Present
Committee Member At Large – Area 4 Ben Lamp, proxy for
Will Hangman. Report attached. Motion to accept the report.
Approved.
Committee Member At Large – Area 5 Kelsey Lambert stated
that she is utilizing her budget to encourage membership.
Report attached. Motion to accept the report. Approved.
Membership report was presented by Courtney Tyrrell, proxy
for Eric Kinslow. Army has 1783 out of 2642 paid and Air
has 569 out of 920 paid with a state percentage of 66%. There
was much discussion on payment methods and the possibility
of taking Credit/Debit Cards for dues payments as well as
command emphasis to encourage paying dues. It was also
brought up that the Senior Enlisted Leader needs to send out
the membership form in August instead of November via the
e-mail distribution lists to all full-timers and then start the drive
at that time. Membership spread sheet with totals was passed
out and report is attached. Motion to accept the report. Approved.
The Legislative report was presented by Don List and he spoke
about the bills introduced in the current Legislative Session. Copy
of the report was filed with the minutes of this meeting. Motion to
accept the report. Approved.
The Ways and Means report was presented by Pat Jones, proxy for
Kayla Morris. Report is attached. Motion to accept the report.
Approved.
The Resolutions and By Laws were presented by Bruce Anderson.
One new resolution was submitted on the concurrent use of GI Bill
and Federal Tuition Assistance. Please send more resolutions to
the committee before the April Conference. There was discussion
about where the proposed resolutions go to after approval at the
State Conference and if there is possibly a better way to reach the
Legislative Session. By Laws report is in the works and hopes to
have a product ready for approval by the April Conference. Motion
to accept both reports. Approved.
Publications Report was presented by Sarah Callis.
attached. Motion to accept the report. Approved.
Report is
Young Hero’s Report was presented by Nancy Ausland. Report is
attached. Motion to accept the report. Approved.
Awards Report was presented by Nancy Ausland. This program is
available to give awards to those people within our organization and
deserve recognition. Awards criteria is listed on the website. Motion
to accept the report. Approved.
The Scholarship report was presented by Andy Meyers. Only one
application has come in, please push this info out so that we can
grant all three scholarships. Motion to accept the report. Approved.
The Investment Committee Report was presented by Bruce Anderson.
Report is attached. Motion to accept the report. Approved.
The State Conference Sponsorship Committee Report was presented
by Bruce Anderson. Two Army and two Air Guard members will be
sponsored by the SDNGEA to attend the state conference. Report is
attached. Motion to accept the report. Approved.
The South Dakota National Guard Insurance report was presented by
Dave Burr. Dave Burr has filed the appropriate documents to ensure
establishment of 503c tax status. He has 15 new enrollees and hopes
to get more. He will also have a display set up at SRP’s. The South
Dakota National Guard Insurance Program will also sponsor the
SDNGEA State Conference with a $500 donation. Motion to accept
the report. Approved.
ESGR representative, Ron Mielke, presented information about the
Employer Support Group. There is currently an ESGR position
vacant in Sioux Falls but the other areas are covering that area until
the position is filled. Please keep in contact with the ESGR if you
have unemployed or underemployed Soldiers or Airmen.
OLD BUSINESS
Black Hills Veterans March report was presented by Ben Lamp.
221 registered and 175 finished the 2014 event. Three states were
represented, Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota. There
SPRING 2015THE ENLISTED ECHO
MINUTES CONTINUED
were 137 veterans competing. There will be a new website on
1 April 2015. The 2015 event will be on the 19th of September.
Registration will open soon. The Black Hills Veterans March will
close their current bank account and re-open another one to avoid
confusion at the bank. Motion to accept the report. Approved.
The Conference Committee report was presented by Shane
Wilkinson. Heroes United Event will be held at the Dakota Sioux
Casino and the only hospitality room will also be at the Dakota
Sioux Casino. There will be transportation provided between
the armory and two motels. Currently there are 62 registered for
the conference. Many corporate sponsors have committed and if
anyone has any other leads on sponsors please let Shane Wilkinson
know. Copy of the report was filed with the minutes of this
meeting. Motion to accept the report. Approved.
the Officers Conference.
2020 State Conference location and chair is still open.
2015 National Conference will be in Indianapolis, Indiana 8-13
August.
2016 National Conference will be in New Orleans, Louisiana 2025 August.
2017 National Conference will be in Charleston, West Virginia
12-17 August.
2018 National Conference will be in Utah date TBD.
ADJOURNMENT
The date and time of the next Executive Council Meeting will be
at the Dakota Sioux Casino and Hotel in Watertown, SD on 16
April 2015 at 1600 hours.
With nothing further to discuss, Ben Lamp motioned for
adjournment and Eric Jennings seconded. The meeting adjourned
at 1700 hours.
NEW BUSINESS
Chaplain Lynn Wilson presented information about the state food
drives that he has lead. He asked for a donation of $550 to make
barrel covers for food collection. The body discussed and decided
not to donate.
Looking Ahead!
Major General Timothy Reisch addressed the group. Changes
on the national level were discussed to include the debate over
removing the Combat Aviation from the National Guard, reduction
of the National Guard end strength, and the budget constraints in
the future years. He also spoke about the bills proposed to the
Legislative Session House Bill 1035 correcting the verbiage on the
current South Dakota National Guard license plate along with new
designs. There have also been some changes with the South Dakota
National Guard museum and Major General Reisch touched base
on the changes and how the board of advisors will now work for
the museum.
President Eisenbraun indicated that Nancy Ausland will be added
to the bank accounts at the Sioux Falls Federal Credit Union in
Sioux Falls, S.D. and Past President Bob Funk will be removed.
Life membership Committee was presented by Ben Lamp.
EANGUS changed their Life Membership and in turn SDNGEA
needs to update our life membership fees. Report is attached with
two proposals to be voted on at the State Conference. Motion to
accept the report. Approved.
State SDNGEA Conference will be held in Watertown, SD 17-19
April 2015 with executive council meeting at 1600 on 16 April
2015. President Eisenbraun asked for anyone who plans on
attending to make sure you are registered.
2015 Area V Caucus will be held in Indianapolis in 1-3 May 2015.
2015 State Conference will be held in Watertown, SD 17-18 April
2015. Chair is Shane Wilkinson.
2016 State Conference will be in Rapid City, SD co-located with
the Officers Conference. Chair is Dallas Vallery and Andrew
Heyman.
2017 State Conference will be in Pierre, SD.
2018 State Conference location is still open.
2019 State Conference will be in Sioux Falls, SD co-located with
9
Save the Dates for your next SD
Enlisted Association Conferences:
22-23 April 2016 - Rapid City Ramkota
21-22 April 2017 -Pierre Ramkota
10THE ENLISTED ECHO
SPRING 2015
SOUTH DAKOTA NATIONAL GUARD ENLISTED ASSOCIATION
56th ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Watertown, South Dakota
April 17-18, 2015
(DRAFT AGENDA)
THURSDAY, APRIL 16th
1200-1800
1600-1800
1600-1730
1800-2400
1800-2400
Registration
Executive Council Meeting
Auxiliary Council Meeting Hospitality Room
Committee Meetings
FRIDAY, APRIL 17th
0800-1200Registration
0800-TBD
Auxiliary Silent Auction Begins
0800-1100
Committee Meetings Position Evaluation Meeting
1100-1200
Retiree Enlisted Luncheon
1230-1430
Business Session Opening Ceremony
• Posting of Colors
• Pledge of Allegiance
• Invocation
• Guest Speakers
• TAG Address
• 20 Year Certificates and Pins
• Welcome by Association President
• Welcome by Auxiliary President
• Legislative Update
• Life Insurance Report
• Museum Report
• Proxy Letters
1430-1500
1500-1700
1500-1700
Break – to be held in the registration area
Auxiliary Business Session
1st Business Session • Roll Call of Executive Council
• Approval of Minutes from 55th Annual Conference
• State Conference Sponsorship Report
• Audit Committee Report
• Treasurers Report
• Ways & Means Committee Report
• Membership Committee Report
• Time and Place Report Preliminary Report
• Nominations – Preliminary Report
• Resolutions – Preliminary Report
• Administrative Announcements
• Credentials Committee Report
• Time and Place Committee Report
SPRING 2015THE ENLISTED ECHO
• Position Evaluation Committee Report
• Constitution & By-Laws Committee Report
• Budget Committee Report
• Resolutions Committee Report
• Young Heroes Committee Report
• Legislative Committee Report
• Athletics Committee Report
• Publications Committee Report
• Veterans Honor March
• Junior Enlisted: Army/Air
1700
1700 -1930
1700 – 1930
1930-2200
2200- TBD
Recess 1st Business Session
Hospitality Room
Committee Meetings Social
Hospitality Room SATURDAY, APRIL 18th
0700-0800
0830
0830
1015 - 1030
1030
Past President’s Breakfast Auxiliary Meeting
Business Session Re-Convenes
• Sr. Enlisted Advisor James Welch Address
• President’s Report
• Nominations Committee Report
• Resolutions Committee Report
• Next Year’s Conference Host
• Unfinished Business
• New Business
Break
Auxiliary Silent Auction Ends
1030 -1200
1030
Auxiliary Brunch
Business Session Reconvenes
• Standing Proud Awards
• Scholarships Announced
• Airman / Soldier / NCO of the Year Awards
• Nominations and Election of Officers
• Installation of Officers
• Administrative Announcements
• Benediction
• Retire the Colors
1200
Adjourn 56th Annual Conference
1200 -1800
Hospitality Room
1300
1800-1900
1900-2100
2100-TBD
Afternoon Activities
TBA
Social Hour Heros – In and Out of Uniform – dress as your favorite Comic Book Hero
Hospitality Room
11
12THE ENLISTED ECHO
SPRING 2015
2015 SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION
Submitted by Andy Meyers
It’s that time of year again for yourself and
your dependents to be thinking about applying for
the MANY scholarship opportunities you have as
members of the South Dakota National Guard Enlisted
and Officer’s Association. Our website, sdngea.com,
will give you information on how to apply for the
Major General Duane “Duke” Corning Scholarship
(available to both enlisted and officer association
members and their dependents), and also the USAA
and Darren Mallow scholarships that are available
only to enlisted members. The deadlines for all of these
is fast approaching, so please take the time to review
the information and get your applications in. We have
two $1,000 Corning scholarships available this year
as well as one USAA $1,000 and one Mallow $100
scholarship available. All three of these scholarships
can be applied for on one application found at sdngea.
com.
Several EANGUS scholarships are also available to you.
Scholarships include the CSM Virgil R. Williams Scholarship
(deadline-June 1, 2015), three full-tuition University of
Phoenix scholarships (deadline-March 17, 2015), a full fouryear scholarship for undergraduate or graduate education
with Grantham University (deadline-July 8, 2015. Visit
http://www.eangus.org/?page=GrantsScholarships for more
information on these additional opportunities. Don’t let this
money go undistributed because you didn’t take the time
to apply! Questions can be directed to SDNGEA 2nd Vice
President, Andrew Meyers andrew.meyers@ang.af.mil.
Visit our website, sdngea.com
2929 West Main Street, Suite 1, Rapid City, SD 57702
SPRING 2015THE ENLISTED ECHO
SDNGEA AUXILIARY SCHOLARSHIPS
13
EANGUS AUXILIARY
SDNGEA Auxiliary Boosts Scholarship to $1000
Children and grandchildren of the members of the SDNGEA Auxiliary should be applying for the
possibility of winning the 2015 auxiliary scholarship,
newly increased to $1000. The auxiliary voted to raise
the amount of the scholarship at the 2014 Enlisted
Conference in Deadwood.
Memberships must have been paid by December
31st, 2014 in order for a child or grandchild to be eligible
for the 2015 scholarship. The Auxiliary encourages
all Enlisted Association spouses to join the Auxiliary
before December 31st, 2015 to be eligible for the 2016
scholarship. Memberships can be obtained by contacting
Auxiliary Membership Chairman Diane Kafka - 616
West 7th, Pierre, SD 57501, Phone: (605) 280-3030 or
by email at youcan@pie.midco.net.
Scholarship applications are now available from
the scholarship chairman, Marlene Kotab, 1405 Pine
View Drive, Sturgis, SD 57785, Phone: (605) 347-1375
or by email at kotabgmc@rushmore.com. In addition,
all information about the eligibility requirements are
found on the SDNGEA website.
College Bound? eKnowledge
Offers Free $250 SAT and ACT Test
Preparation Programs.
There will be three EANGUS National
Auxiliary Scholarships, one in the amount of $1,250
and two in the amount of $1,000 each and one USAA
scholarship of $1,000 available to high school seniors
or college students. Full-time students as well as parttime students enrolled for at least 8 accredited hours
may apply. Previous Auxiliary scholarship winners
are not eligible.
The following individuals are eligible to apply:
•Unmarried children/step children, grandchildren/
step grandchildren, up to age 26, of Annual and Life
EANGUS Auxiliary members;
•Spouses of EANGUS Auxiliary members;
•EANGUS Auxiliary members.
Be sure that the parent/step parent, grandparent/step
grandparent or spouse is an Auxiliary member and
Auxiliary membership dues must have been paid by
December 31, 2014 to be eligible for the scholarships.
Applications are available from Marlys List, Auxiliary
Scholarship, 705 James Place, Yankton, SD 57078;
telephone 605-665-5924; e-mail dmlist@vyn.midco.
net.
2015 WALLLEYE TOURNAMENT
Dates: July 25-26, 2015
Location: Pierre, SD Deadline for Entries: July 1, 2015
Entry Fee: $80.00 per 2 man team
One member of the two person team must be a current member, a retired member or a prior service member
that has completed their service obligation with the SDNG. The other person can be his/her guest.
For more information please contact Gary Kafka at gary.kafka@pie.midco.net or call 280-9684.
14THE ENLISTED ECHO
SPRING 2015
2015 Enlisted Association State Conference
Watertown Readiness Center
Watertown, South Dakota, 17 - 18 April 2015
Name: _____________________________________________
Rank/Title: _____________
Address: ____________________________________________________________________
Unit: ________________________________
Guest(s): _____________________________
SELF
GUEST
TOTAL
Registration - $45.00 per person
______
______
$_________
Registration postmarked after 27 March 2015 - $55 per person
Cost includes snacks, hospitality room, transportation cost, one ticket to standup comedy by former B
Btry 1-147th FA SGT Juston Sangster and friends on Friday evening, and cost of the meal at the Heroes
United event on Saturday evening. Costumes are not required, but they are behooved!
Additional comedy ticket(s) for individuals not attending
the conference - $10.00 each
______
$_________
Grand Total $_________
Special Events & Prices (TBD at registration). Possible events include (please mark if interested):
Bowling
______
______
Golf (weather permitting)
______
______
Texas Hold’em
______
______
Redlin Art Center Tour
______
______
Clay Shooting (weather permitting)
______
______
Geocaching Event (weather permitting)
______
______
Paint and Pour Event (learn canvas painting & drink wine)
______
______
Auxiliary Brunch, Retiree Luncheon, Past President’s Breakfast*
*Payment made at location of event. See registration table for information.
Around Watertown: Shopping, Redlin Art Center, Bramble Park Zoo, Univerzal Lazer Arena, Codington
County Heritage Museum, Goss Opera House & Gallery, Veterans Memorial & more.
For hotel reservations under the National Guard Enlisted Conference, contact Dakota Sioux
Casino at 605-884-1700 or Country Inn & Suites at 605-886-8900. Rates are available April 16-18.
Rooms will be released 19 March 2015.
Make checks payable to: 2015 SDNG Enlisted Association Conference. Mail registration and
payment to: 2015 SDNG Enlisted Association Conference, ATTN: SSG Shane Wilkinson, HQ 1th
147 FA, 1951 N. Hwy 20, Watertown, SD, 57201-7228. For more information, contact 605-882-9325
or send an e-mail to: shane.m.wilkinson.mil@mail.mil.
SPRING 2015THE ENLISTED ECHO
ENLISTED ASSOCIATION STATE CONFERENCE RAFFLE
Grand Prize‐ Winner’s choice of one of the three listed ATV’s or $5000.00 Cash! ‐2015 Polaris Sportsman ®570 ‐ 44hp ProStar® Engine ‐Available in two colors ‐2015 Honda FourTrax Rancher ES ‐420cc Engine with electric shift ‐available in two colors ‐2015 Can‐Am 450 Outlander L ‐450 Rotax® Engine ‐5 year warranty ‐available in two colors Second Place‐ Winner’s choice of one of the three listed items or $700.00 Cash! 3. ‐Beretta A300 Outlander Shotgun 1. ‐Daniel Defense DDM V2 ‐12 Gauge semi‐auto ‐300 AAC Blackout ‐MAX 4 Camo Package ‐Magpul Stock 2. Two Pistols, Compact Glock 42 and Glock 17 ‐Glock 42 Compact chambered in .380 auto ‐Glock 17 9mm Full Size Gen 3 w/accessory rail Third Place‐ Guided Fishing Trip in NE South Dakota or choice of $400.00 Cabelas or Scheels Gift Card Tickets are limited! Only 1500 will be sold. Drawing to be held
at the South Dakota Enlisted Association State Conference on
April 18th 2015. $10/ticket or 5 Tickets for $40. Need not be
present to win! See your unit/battalion/squadron EA
representative for tickets.
15
16THE ENLISTED ECHO
SPRING 2015
BLACK HILLS VETERAN HONOR MARCH & MARATHON