To: EANGUS Members
From: EANGUS National Office
Please share the following Roll Call: Drill Weekend Talking Points with other unit members
Providing additional Benefits to National Guard Servicemembers performing State Active Duty
(H.R. 4247)
Representative Stephanie Bice (OK-5) recently introduced H.R. 4247 which would amend Titles 10 and 38 of the United States Code, to extend certain benefits to members of the National Guard who incur disabilities while performing State Active Duty (SAD).
National Guard Servicemembers faithfully answer our nation’s call whether it is for an overseas deployment or for a domestic operation in support of Hurricanes, floods, wildfires, or civil disturbance. Unfortunately, when these Servicemembers are on State Active-Duty performing a domestic operation, they are not entitled to typical benefits that would be associated with other servicemembers under a different mobilization authority such as under Title 32 U.S. Code § 502(f). One of the largest gaps with State Active-Duty authorization orders is when these Servicemembers get injured.
Currently, State Active-Duty Orders do not entitle National Guard Servicemembers to any type of VA benefit or compensation if they are injured during this period of service. H.R. 4247 would enable National Guard Servicemembers who are injured or become disabled while serving on State Active-Duty orders to be eligible for VA health care and DoD disability pension for their injuries sustained in the line of duty.
SGM (Ret) Matthew Krenz, the Executive Director for the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States was quoted in Representative Stephanie Bice’s news release and stated, “Ensuring National Guard members are well cared for after a severe injury is a top concern, regardless of the type of order or status our National Guard servicemembers are working under if they are injured it is our nation’s responsibility to ensure they are well cared for, and receive the proper VA benefits. We thank Rep Stephanie Bice for recognizing our needs and introducing this legislation.”
EANGUS supports this legislation and believes that It is critical that National Guard Servicemembers receive the proper compensation for injuries incurred, regardless of what authority they are being utilized under.
National Guard Cybersecurity Support Act H.R. 2982
Cyber threats on critical infrastructures are a vulnerability in each state and may pose a severe national security risk. National Guard Cyber teams are trained and ready to make cyber vulnerability assessments and protect networks from cyber-attacks. DoD previously used policy memorandums to guide National Guard personnel and equipment to assist state and local governments in protecting critical infrastructure. Still, these policies are insufficient to meet the current threat.
H.R. 2982, known as National Guard Cybersecurity Support Act, aims to help meet the cybersecurity needs of state and local governments by explicitly authorizing support from the National Guard in protecting critical infrastructure. The text authorizes the National Guard to provide cybersecurity support services at the request of a state governor, to be performed as training duty upon approval by the relevant service secretary. This bill is a companion to S.70.
Currently, Title 32 allows for federal funds to be used for the National Guard to support state governors for certain missions when authorized by the President, the Secretary of Defense, or their designate. This Bill aims to modify title 32 U.S. Code § 502(f) to allow for governors to authorize cyber missions and other needed training.
EANGUS will celebrate its 50th Anniversary Conference in Alburquerque, New Mexico in August 2021. This year’s conference will include special recognition of our history and other commemorative activities that our members, National Guard leaders, and guests won’t want to miss. We hope you will join us in the Land of Enchantment!
MEMBERSHIP MATTERS
UPDATE: Phase 4, We Care for America COVID-19 Emergency Relief Grant:
The WCFA COVID Emergency Relief Fund was established to provide financial assistance to current and former National Guard members who are experiencing financial hardship due to having lost their primary income, or who have an increased financial burden as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic. We appreciate the generous donations from USAA that supported this program. At this time, all available grant funds have been distributed for Phase 4 and this program is now closed. Should additional funds become available, we will announce the next phase on our website and all social media platforms.
Has the COVID-19 Pandemic hit you?
The EANGUS We Care for America Foundation may be able to help with a zero-interest loan. Loans are available in amounts from $500 to $2,000. See the link below for the application process and more information.
OPERATION VETCARE
Operation VetCare was established in 2017 by EANGUS is a program designed to assist Military Service Members, Veterans, and their families who faced special issues or challenges associated with military service. This program has continued to grow over the last several years. Assistance provided through this program may vary based on the limited funds available but may assist by providing support in the form of gift cards for food, clothing, and other necessary items during a service-related crisis. Through this program, EANGUS has been able to assist hundreds of people during a time of significant need. Click button for more information on how you can support this initiative through donations or to request assistance.
ReMEMBER Your Membership
We all lead very busy lives and are often involved in many activities, busy in our careers, families and much more. Sometimes, our busy lives cause us to simply forget about aspects of our lives that are so easily taken for granted.
As we approach our annual EANGUS conference, I encourage each of us to pause and literally remember EANGUS.
Do you remember why you joined this organization and why you became an active member?
Simply pausing to remember is sometimes enough to inspire increased involvement.
Now think about the many individuals who have not joined EANGUS and who might not be aware that this organization exists. Can you think of someone in your professional circle, your personal family, office partner, or a retired Guard Member that isn’t currently an EANGUS member?
I believe we can all reach out to someone that isn’t a member and simply ask them to join.
Sometimes, it’s the simple messaging that gets the best result. Ask someone to join today.
If you have any questions concerning Membership Opportunities, please email: membership@eangus.org. We look forward to hearing from you.
Thank you for your continued membership and support!