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February 27, 2014
3706 Crawford Ave
Austin, Texas 78731-6308
512-454-7300
It’s NGAT CONFERENCE TIME!!
HAVE YOU REGISTERED?
What are you waiting for?
Join us March 21-23, 2014 at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Houston.
All conference events and meetings will be held in the Hyatt Regency.
ONLINE REGISTRATION IS AVAILABLE!!
http://www.ngat.org/ngatconf.php
A $25.00 late fee will be added to all registrations received after
March 7, 2014. Only Onsite registrations will be accepted after
March 16, 2014.
NGAT NEWS NUGGETS
The HOTEL DISCOUNTED RATE of $95.00 expired on February 26, 2014 but
the online link still seems to be working so if you have not made your hotel
reservation get online NOW! At this point we can no longer guarantee the hotel
rate. Click here to book a room.
PUT YOUR GAME FACE ON AND
JOIN US AT THE CASINO
NIGHTS DURING THE NGAT
CONFERENCE.
Page 4
SEATS STILL AVAILABLE FOR THE
TEXAS HOLD’EM TOURNAMENT.
Fri, 22 Mar 2013, 0900-1200
Conference Breakouts
Session 1, 1300 - 1330 hrs
NCO Professional Development: Promotion Board Insights - Come hear a member of
previous boards share the priorities and checklist for promotion. Do you know what the key
words on your EER are that advance your career - or end it? Don't think others are managing
your career - that's your job!
Officer Professional Development - There is a new OER system and it will definitely impact you. Also, receive in-
sight on COB/Promotion Boards - stay a step ahead and protect and secure your career!
Transitional Assistance Advisors - Starting to look at life beyond the Guard? Then this is the class for you. Bring your
questions and your planning notebooks for information, insight, and advice.
Finance 101 - Finances are the number one strain on marriages and a major reason troops get into trouble during their
careers. If you want to make sure you are financially literate, this is the place to be!
Genealogy 101 - Do you like puzzles? Do you have a secret detective streak in you? Then have a fun time learning how
to get started tracing your family roots. Many records are now online, making your search much easier - and conse-
quently more fun! Who knows what secrets you may uncover?
Session 2, 1345 - 1415 hrs
EANGUS - The Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States is a key player in giving a national
voice to Guard issues. If you aren't a member, you aren't pulling your weight in the most important fight the Guard is
fighting - protecting our force structure and our benefits. Come learn how you can become part of fighting the fight.
Junior Officer Forum - Have questions about your profession or just want to hear some valuable insights from sea-
soned Guard leaders who were once in your shoes? This is the place to be if you want to grow professionally.
Insurance 101 - Are you and your family covered? When are benefits paid? Will I have enough money in time to cover
funeral costs? Which is better - term or life? Can I keep my NGAT insurance after I retire or separate? Come get the
answers to these and more critical questions.
Scream Free Marriage - This breakout is obviously not for you - your marriage is perfect! But sneak in to learn how to
counsel some of those you know and love on how to be better communicators and partners.
TRICARE - Medical benefits are the cornerstone of active and veteran benefits. But you have to know how to access
them and use them in order to derive the greatest benefit from them. Have questions - bring 'em on!
Page 5
Conference Breakouts
Session 3, 1430 - 1500 hrs
Funding Your Education - Let's face it, education is expensive, but there are ways to cut costs and supplement your
war chest with grants and loans. Don't spend your money if there is an alternative. This session may pay for itself!
Unit Legislative Activities - Your unit is the best way to reach out to congressmen and state legislators. This class will
teach you what is allowed and how to do it effectively. Start being a prized asset to your command and your legislators!
Apps to Leverage Your Time - Do you see those folks walking around with smart phones and iPads and seemingly
well-organized and digitally versed? Come get some pointers and key apps that will help you get started and keep mov-
ing swiftly down the virtual highway.
Resources for Your Troops and Families - Don't let your troops and families struggle during times of crisis, or even
day to day. There are many ways to assist during a crisis or tough times. Come ready to expand your knowledge of how
to steer your folks to safe havens.
Digital Scrapbooking and Beyond - Are you overwhelmed by hundreds of photos on your phone, tablet and computer?
Wondering how to save and organize them? Do you need tips on sharing your digital photos with friends and family?
Come ready to learn ways to get organized, edit, store, and share your photos.
Page 6 NGAT NEWS NUGGETS
CASINO WELCOME PARTY & DANCE
DINNER - BLACKJACK - TEXAS HOLD’EM - CRAPS
ROULETTE - DANCING - FELLOWSHIP
ON YOUR MARK,
GET SET,
GO!!!
NGAT FUN RUN
Friday
21 March 2014
See You There!
PLAY TO WIN SOME GREAT PRIZES. EVERYONE GETS FREE
CHIPS TO START. RUN OUT OF CHIPS NO PROBLEM.
NGAT WILL BE SELLING ADDITIONAL CHIPS WITH THE
MONEY GOING TO THE NGAT EDUCATIONAL
FOUNDATION!
COME SHOW US
YOUR POKER FACE!
So Poker is not your thing. No
problem bring your dancing
shoes and dance to some great
music from the 36th Infantry
Division band.
NGAT PRAYER BREAKFAST
Join us on Sunday, March
23, 2014 for the NGAT
Prayer Breakfast. Come
enjoy some Food, Faith and
Fellowship!
WE NEED YOUR HELP!!!! The National Commission on the Structure of the Army Act of
2014, that forms a commission to study the Army’s force structure,
and prevents the transfer of Army National Guard aircraft and the
reduction of the Army National Guard’s end strength. We believe
the Texas National Guard will bear a disproportionate loss of both
end strength and aviation assets under this plan, and we urge you
to join us in blocking this action!!!
CLICK HERE TO TAKE ACTION NOW!
AVOID LATE FEES REGISTER
BEFORE MARCH 7, 2014.
NGAT NEWS NUGGETS Page 7
NGAT GOLF TOURNAMENT Support the NGAT Educational Foundation by playing in the
NGAT Golf Tournament at Tour 18 Golf Course in Humble,
TX Imagine yourself playing on carefully simulated holes
from some of the greatest golf courses in America. This
collaboration of incredible replicas offers players a
memorable experience of walking in the footsteps of some
of the great legends before them. Shotgun, Florida
scramble with low net/low gross.
FRIDAY - 21 MARCH 2014
NGAT Silent Auction
ONSITE DONATIONS
GLADLY ACCEPTED
LOTS OF GREAT
ITEMS TO BID
ON AT ALL
BUDGET LEVELS!!!
SIGN UP FOR THE WINERY TOUR
Come enjoy a tour of the Bernhardt Winery and it's Tuscan
-style tasting room where you sits on top of a beautiful hill
overlooking endless hills and valleys, much like Tuscany.
This is a small mom and pop boutique winery producing
classic varietals and unique blends. They can produce ap-
proximately 6,000 gallons of wine each year. Your tour in-
cludes transportation, wine tasting and a wonderful lunch.
We still have seats available. This tour will be conducted on
Fri, 21 Mar 14 from 1000-1330.
NGAT WINE TASTING
Don’t want to leave the area to do
your wine tasting. Then join us for
wine tasting at the hotel on Fri,
21 Mar 14 from 1100-1200. This
session is almost full so if you want
to attend you need to sign up soon!
SPIRITS TASTING
Come sample some spirits
and learn a little about the
history, production, and
pleasures of many classic
spirits. The session will
feature several delicious selections displaying a variety of
characteristics and flavors. This will be held at the hotel
on Fri, 21 Mar 14 from 1230-1330.
COME TO THE NGAT SPOUSES LUNCHEON
Do you have a computer and phone full of pictures that you don’t know what to do
with or even how to get started in organizing them? Well come to the NGAT
Spouses luncheon and explore Digital Scrapbooking and Beyond. Let our guest
speaker show you easy and creative way to use your photos and get organized.
Page 8 NGAT NEWS NUGGETS
Texas Property Tax Exemption For Disabled Vets
Veterans who have a service-connected disability rating from the VA can receive a reduction, or total waiver, of their prop-
erty taxes. The discounts are based on your disability rating and are expressed below:
10%-30% First $ 5,000 of appraised value
30%-50% First $ 7,500 of appraised value
50%-70% First $ 10,000 of appraised value
70% & over First $ 12,000 of appraised value
100% Rating or Individual Unemployability = 100% of appraised value.
Additional eligibility: Surviving spouses and minor children who are unmarried and under 21 years of age of a person who dies
on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces are eligible for an exemption of the first $5000 on the appraised value of their prop-
erty. A veteran who has a disability rating of 10% or higher and who is 65 years or older is entitled to the maximum property
tax exemption.
A veteran whose disability consists of the loss of use of one or more limbs or total blindness in one or both eyes is entitled to
the maximum exemption of $12,000. The surviving spouse of a deceased veteran, who at the time of death had a compensable
disability and was entitled to an exemption, is also entitled to that exemption if the surviving spouse is unmarried but cannot
receive 100% exemption. The exemption
applies to the property until it changes
ownership or the person’s qualification for
the exemption changes.
To get started, Fill out Form 50-135 and
send to your County Appraisal District.
The deadline for filing for a disabled
veteran's exemption is between January 1
and April 30 of the tax year. However, you
may file for a disabled veteran's exemption
up to one year from the delinquency date.
To file for a disabled veteran's exemption,
you must complete the Application for
Disabled Veteran's or Survivor's
Exemptions form.
For more information email [email protected]
Page 9
At 9-years-old, he should be doing what kids do and not worrying about things like cancer. Fate had a different plan. Damon Billeck, a San Antonio boy recently diag-
nosed with Osteosarcoma bone cancer got a surprise message from Pharrell
Williams. "Happy" is a song performed by singer and producer Pharrell Williams, from the Despicable Me 2 soundtrack album. The song was written and produced by
Williams. Click here is watch the San Antonio Kens 5 News Report on Damon.
DAMON BILLECK GETS SPECIAL MESSAGE
Original story by Jeff Anastasio/KENS 5 San Antonio
At 9-years-old, he should be doing what kids do and not worrying about
things like cancer. Fate had a different plan. Damon Billeck, the nephew
of NGAT Membership Director, MSG (Ret) Theresa Billeck-Zuniga was recently diagnosed with Osteosarcoma bone cancer, is going through
tough times now. The entire family is. Still, Damon keeps his spirits up
by listening to his favorite song “Happy” by Pharrell Williams. It’s the catchy tune that just hit No.1 on Billboard’s Hot 100. With that in mind,
family friend Mark Landis hatched a plan. Writing on his Facebook page,
he hoped to further lift Damon’s spirits by getting an autographed photo of Pharrell for the boy. Mark, VP of Programming with L&L Broadcasting
called in a favor never imagining what would happen next.
Pharrell left a amazing personal message of love and support on Youtube. In the video Pharrell commended Damon on his bravery and urged him to
enhance the present. “The past you can’t change, the future you can only
contemplate, the present is malleable, “ Pharrell said. “That’s why it’s a gift because you can do whatever you want with it. So my suggestion to
you is to take this moment right now and recognize this is the new you.”
The music star told Damon he’s welcome at any show and encouraged the boy to keep fighting. “This is your moment right now and your life is just
beginning.” Brain Billeck, Damon’s dad says the entire family is over-whelmed and humbled by the support as they take the next stages in treat-
ment. “I’ve never seen anyone, let alone a 9-year-old have such a positive
outlook on something so horrible. He’s my hero!” Brian wrote on Face-book.
Pharrell will sing his hot song on the Academy Awards this Sunday night.
You never know, Damon just might get a personal shout-out in front of millions.
A fund has been set up to help with Damons medical bills and treatments.
Donation can be made payable to Damon Billeck Benefit Fund. Mail donations to:
Frost Bank, Damon Billeck Benefit Fund
P.O. Box 2503
Universal City, TX 78148
Thank you to LTC Scott Kingsley of the 36th Combat Aviation Brigade for the tour he gave Damon Billeck of the new Armed Forces Reserve Center attached to the Austin
Bergstrom International Airport.
Like us on Facebook at National Guard
Association of Texas or the NGAT
Annual Conference and get up to date
information about NGAT functions and
the conference .
Page 10 NGAT NEWS NUGGETS
Hi,
My name is Jack and I am
your new writer for the Pet
Corner. Look forward to
sharing with you exciting and
helpful pet tips in the NGAT
News Nuggets. Have fun at
the Conference.
Jack
Page 11 NGAT NEWS NUGGETS
OBAMA SIGNS DEBT LIMIT MEASURES INTO LAW, RESTORES MILITARY BENEFITS
President Barack Obama signed separate measures into law to lift the federal debt limit and restore benefits that had been cut
for younger military retirees. Obama signed the bills during a weekend golf vacation in Southern California.
The debt limit measure allows the government to borrow money to pay its bills, such as Social Security benefits and federal
salaries. Failure to pass the measure, which the Senate passed 67-31 earlier sent to Obama for his signature, most likely would
have sent the stock market into a nosedive.
The Treasury Department is now free to borrow regularly through March 15, 2015, meaning lawmakers won't have to revisit the
issue until a new Congress is sworn in after the November elections. Separate legislation
passed in December would have held annual cost-of-living increases for veterans age 62 and
younger to 1 percentage point below the rate of inflation, beginning in 2015. The measure was
designed to hold the line on the soaring cost of government benefit programs, which have
largely escaped trillions of dollars in deficit cuts over the past three years.
The cuts were enacted less than two months ago, with a projected savings to the government
of $7 billion over a decade. Veterans groups and some lawmakers said the cut was a mistake,
and they began campaigning to have the benefits restored. The pensions go to veterans who
retire after 20 years of service, regardless of their age. Nearly 2 million retirees currently
are eligible, including about 840,000 under age 62, according to the Pentagon. For a sergeant
first class who leaves the service at age 42 after two decades, the bill passed in December would have meant an estimated
$72,000 in reduced pension payments.
Quick action by lawmakers on this year's debt limit bill stands in contrast to lengthy showdowns in 2012 and last fall, when Re-
publicans sought to use the must-pass bill as leverage to win concessions from Obama. They succeeded in 2011, winning about $2
trillion in spending cuts. But Obama has been unwilling to negotiate over the debt limit since his re-election in 2012.
The bill he signed is the third consecutive debt measure to pass Congress without concessions from the White House.
Republicans also have been less confrontational since a 16-day partial government shutdown last October sent the party's poll
numbers skidding.
