HISTORY OF THE OHIO NATIONAL GUARD ENLISTED ASSOCIATION
In the spring of 1971, initial contacts were made by SGM Virgil Williams of Mississippi to the CSM of the State of Ohio asking if our state would be willing to form either an NCO or Enlisted Organization and become affiliated with the newly organized Enlisted Association of the United States.
During the late spring and early summer of that same year, several Senior NCOs of Ohio attended various meetings and sessions with the National President and staff, making sure this was a worthwhile venture.
October 1971 brought about the initial meeting, a temporary governing body volunteered to set up and put the Ohio Association into gear. The Association was organized to improve the benefits and to act as a body to support an incentive program for the Guard. Carl Ciulla was appointed President.
On 29 April 1972 the second meeting was held. Up to this time matters were being handled by the Senior NCO Council of Ohio; their feeling was that since this was to be an Enlisted Association, it should be governed by all grades of Enlisted personnel and not be Senior NCO Council. Due to this situation, new officers were elected on a pro-tempore basis as Carl Ciulla had resigned. Nate Monastra, Army Guard, was President protem.
At this time, fundamental committee chairmen were appointed. Also, in order to give the Officers their due rights of office, the Constitution and by-laws were adopted as proposed on a temporary basis, subject to revision. The first state convention was selected for 26 August, NCO Club, Lockbourne AFB, Columbus, Ohio.
Before the conference, Nate met with Colonel James Hill, President of National Guard Officers Association of Ohio. Aims and goals were discussed so that both Associations could be placed on mutual lines of accomplishments. Full cooperation by Officers Association was given. They had also pledged financial support to aid us in the early stages of organization.
The Enlisted Association of the Ohio National Guard was incorporated with the State of Ohio and filed as a NOT-FOR-PROFIT organization with the IRS under 501c19.
Some immediate benefits for card holders at that time were; a quarterly copy of Association’s bulletin, Chapter membership in the National Association, and the right to attend both the Ohio and National Association’s conventions. We were chartered by the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States, 1 June 1972.
At the conference, Nate was re-elected as President, Constitution & By-laws were changed and adopted, several Resolutions were adopted including the opposing of the state income tax law relating to the taxing of National Guard pay, ID cards being issued for use in exchange, and the authorization of expense money for delegates to National Conference.
Nate held office until April 1975. Some of things presented during his term were; Automobile insurance, A National Guard assistance and support for individuals indicted at Kent State, a consumer buying service for Guard members was pursued, L & K Motels honored members ID cards for discounts on motel rooms, services available through Ohio Military Federal Credit Union, support of HB 243 (Exemption from State Income tax) support plans to build and improve training areas within the State of Ohio, AG Department appointment of a committee to investigate ways and means to reduce work load at unit levels, support of HB 195, to provide all guardsmen liability while in the performance of their duties.
Current and Past Presidents of the Ohio National Guard Enlisted Association:
2023, Lance Cole, Air National Guard, was elected president.
2021, Thomas Jones, Air National Guard (Ret), was elected president.
2020, COVID Pandemic – no elections this year.
2018, Yvette Worstall, Air National Guard, was elected president.
2016
2014, Anthony McGraw, Army National Guard, was elected president.
2012, Michael Schaefer, Air Guard, was reelected president. Membership currently stands at 1,650. ONGEA and ONGA are in a legislative battle trying to move Congress to reject the FY13 USAF proposed budget cuts to the Air National Guard. In May 2012, the House and Senate Armed Services Committees voted overwhelmingly to reject the proposed cuts. ONGEA awarded eight, $1000 educational scholarships in 2012. ONGEA membership hit a high of over 1,700 members in 2012. In the Fall, both the US House and Senate voted to delay proposed USAF cuts to the Air National Guard. Over 31,000 emails were sent to Congress through the CAPWIZ online service in support of Ohio ranking Ohio as the #1 state in the nation in Write to Congress in 2012. As a result of legislative efforts, Ohio was spared the major cuts originally proposed by the USAF. The 179th Airlift Wing will convert from the C-27J Spartan back to C-130s and may see an increase in manning. However, the 121st Air Refueling Wing is still slated to lose six of its eighteen KC-135 refueler aircraft. ONGEA sent seven reps to DC for the annual EANGUS Legislative Workshop and Congressional visits from Feb 2-6, 2013. They were able to visit with every Congressional and Senate staff during their visit. ONGEA, along with our auxiliary gave out $9,000 in educational scholarships in 2013 at their annual banquet in July. Nearly 100 people attended as we recognized our soldiers and airmen of the year along with our scholarship winners. At the EANGUS National Conference in Sioux Falls, SD, “the Voice” again won for best publication in EANGUS. A big THANK YOU goes out to our editor, Diane Farrow, for her efforts in putting together this quality newsletter for our organization. In September 2013, membership currently sits at 1150 members.
2010, Michael Schaefer, Air Guard, was elected president. During his first year in office, ONGEA instituted a two-for-one membership initiative that enabled the association to go from a low of 749 members to over 1,000 members. At the EANGUS Conference in 2010, the Voice again was awarded 1st place in its category. In 2011, ONGEA published the first “all-color” copy of the Voice to its membership. In the Fall of 2011, ONGEA again began sending membership cards to its members. This was something that had not been done for a number of years. In 2011, ONGEA, along with the ONGA, supported state House Bill 121 which gave deployed service members more protection regarding child custody issues. In June of 2011, ONGEA and ONGA also urged its membership to contact their state senators in an effort to save the Ohio National Guard Scholarship Program as the state budget was coming under considerable strain. This effort was successful and House Bill 153 was passed and the ONGSP was renewed at the full-rate for the next two years. In 2011, ONGEA joined forces with ONGA and formed a Joint Legislative Task Force. They drafted their 2012 legislative priorities which were dispersed to the membership. At the end of 2011, ONGEA had nearly 1500 members – the most membership of any state in Area 2 and 8th in the nation in total membership! We are also very excited on the passage of the 2012 National Guard Empowerment Act which now places the Chief of the National Guard Burea on the Joint Chiefs of Staff. This was passed as part of the 2012 NDAA and signed by President Obama at the end of December 2011.
2008, Kevin Robbins, Air Guard, was elected president. During his tenure, ONGEA established a separate scholarship winner and state Soldier and Airman of the Year Banquet at the OSU Longaberger Alumni House that continues to this day (2024) in July every year!
2006, Randy Dunham, Air Guard, was elected president.
2006, Steve Brunn, Air Guard, was elected president. Brunn served from June 2006 to September 2006, resigning the ONGEA presidency due to health concerns in his immediate family and his overseas deployment with the 180th Fighter Wing.
2005, Randall Kintz, Army Guard, was elected president. Voted in at the Feb. 8, 2005, ONGEA Executive Board meeting, Kintz took a hands-on approach to the presidency compiling information for several life-member packets, coordinating the 2005 state conference in Marietta, and working to get the first round of Guardmembers to the EANGUS conference on orders in August 2005. With membership a priority, Kintz initiated a 3-month “membership drive” at a reduced cost and switched memberships renewals from Nov. 30 to anniversary-based, allowing full 12-month memberships. Kintz completed his tenure as president while overseas, having deployed in support of Iraqi Freedom in April 2006.
2004, Christopher E. Muncy, Air Guard, was elected president. During his term, ONGEA continued to fill Regional Director and Committee Chair positions with dedicated volunteers, and resolved many ONGEA/EANGUS life membership discrepancies. At the national conference in August 2004, ONGEA’s newsletter, The Voice, won 1st place in its category and also the prestigious “Perpetual Award” for achieving the highest overall score in the EANGUS Publications Contest. ONGEA became a Life Member of Motts Military Museum, entitling all members to unlimited free admission to the museum. Shortly after Muncy was voted ONGEA’s new president, he was selected as Command Chief of Ohio’s Air National Guard, prompting him to step down as ONGEA president to prevent any perceived conflict of interest.
2002, John E. Fleeger, Air Guard, was elected president. During his tenure in office, the Association converted membership applications and renewals to the national office and web-based many items to help ONGEA into the current technological boom. ONGEA hosted the 2003 Enlisted Association of the United States National Conference in Toledo. A record of $7,500 in scholarships were awarded by ONGEA and its Auxiliary during the 2004 State Conference in Cleveland. About 150 Ohio legislators were added to the distribution list for the ONGEA newsletter, The Voice, which was awarded 1st place in its category at the 2003 EANGUS National Conference. Fleeger’s continuing work on legislation, his reputation as an outstanding small business owner, and his efforts in restoring active members in the Executive Council brought ONGEA back in the mainstream.
1999, B. Gordon (Brad) Hesson Army Guard, assumed the presidency and was elected to a two-year term in 2000. During his term in office, the annual ONGEA/EANGUS Auxiliary Scholarship Program increased its funds to $6,000 for each year, made available through various donors. The production of ONGEA’s quarterly newsletter, The Voice, was also restructured, resulting in an improved product as well as cost-savings for the organization.
1997, Linda J. Coyle, Air Guard assumed the presidency. Elected as President in 1998. During her term of office brought about an Insurance PAT consisting of both ONGA and ONGEA to rewrite the administration of the Insurance program. Negotiated a working relationship with U.S.A.A. to fund The Voice publication and a $1000.00 Scholarship award in Ohio. Pushed for and got the bid for the year 2003 EANGUS conference in Toledo. Attended legislative hearing for 100% tuition grant for National Guard for Ohio. She was elected EANGUS treasurer in 1998. Linda resigned the presidency after the 1999 conference.
1996, Larry S. Ice, Army Guard elected president. The installation of a paid office manager position, a flexible budget, membership services which has provided a 13% increase in total membership since last year and an increase to legislative awareness including the legislative breakfast and monthly task force meetings. He also discussed a state dues increase in order to counteract an impending national dues increase. Resigned as president for personal reasons.
1994, Richard A. Sebetto, Army Guard was elected president. This two years had the ONGEA moving from the second floor office on 2nd Ave to a large building complex on 1266 W Third Ave that holds the ONGEA, ONG Officers Association, the Ohio Military Militia Museum, and our Insurance program. Our Insurance program provided free Life insurance coverage for every active member of the Ohio National Guard in the amount of $500.00 paid within 48 hours. Our Legislative program combined with the Officer’s Association hosted legislative breakfast once a year, which paid off in the passage of ONGEA initiated legislation of part time college tuition for Enlisted members of the Ohio National Guard.
1992, Dale Williams, Air Guard was elected president. ONGEA hosted the 1994 Enlisted Association National Guard United States conference in Columbus. Five years of planning came to a climax. Dale and Mike Howley co-chaired this event from the beginning. The Facility Fund board was instituted to control the management of the finances of the ONGA, ONGEA and the Insurance program administrator. Increased legislative efforts were promoted with the ONGA and ONGEA joining into a task force. Ohio’s share of the EANGUS building fund was paid in full.
1990, Phillip Wesley, Army Guard was elected president. His wife Lois was elected president of the Auxiliary. The ONGEA moved it’s office to 577 West 2nd Ave, Columbus. We shared the second floor with the Ohio National Guard Museum and Officer’s Association. During his two years, regarding personal tragedy that struck board members, illnesses, deaths, a war, and not to mention the I.R.S., these were probably the toughest two years any president had to endure and keep an organization together.
1988, Robert A. Behner, Air Guard, elected president. By-laws were changed to elect the president for two years. Behner was re-elected in 1989. The ONGEA office relocated in Groveport, 250 College Street. It included the Officer’s Association and Insurance Administrator. Statesman Mortgage Company introduced a Ohio plan for the ONGEA/ONGA to provide Mortgage loans to members of the National Guard. This program was terminated in 1989 by Statesman as it was ruled illegal in the state of Ohio. Passage of legislation for Auto License Plates for Ohio National Guard members. To be issued starting January 1991.
1986, Ronald E. Jones, Army Guard, became president. re-elected for 1987. This year a permanent office was established for ONGEA in the 1st Service Federal Credit Union. The mailing address changed to P.O. Box 261, Groveport, 43125.
1984, Russell D. Leadbetter, Air Guard elected and re-elected in 1985. Russ was chairman of the first state conference hosted at MOHICAN State Park. He also was ONGEA chairman for the joint Officer/Enlisted conference held in MARIETTA , the birth place of the National Guard. Russ moved to KY with his employment and became president of the KY Enlisted Association, 1994 and 1995.
1983 Frank H. Cartwright, Army Guard, was re-elected as president. ONGEA moved it’s conferences to Camp Perry to benefit the younger Guardsmen attending and to advertise the advantages of Camp Perry to Guard families.
1981 The late Carl S. Bicanovsky, Army Guard, elected president. He served over the years holding many offices within the ONGEA and held the position of Vice President of the Enlisted Association National Guard of the United States.
1980 Thomas F. Foster, the first Air Guard member to be elected president. ONGEA signed a joint contact with ONGA to enter into a Life Insurance program with Statesmen Life Insurance Company of Des Moines, Iowa. The source of income is the major contributor of finances of both organizations to date. He served as EANGUS Area Director and served on committees of EANGUS. In 1989 he received the highest award given by EANGUS, The Minuteman Award.
1979 Sylvester (Wes) Stenger , Army Guard, elected as president. During his year, the introduction of additional projects such as the first ONG statewide Bowling Tournament.
1978 James H. Sebetto, Army Guard, was elected president. Re-organization of the ONGEA took place. New by-laws were introduced, to include a bid and procedures manual to cover conference and projects.
Frank Cartwright, Army Guard was elected as President in April 1976 at Toledo, and served until 1978. The Resolutions worked during his terms were; against elimination of paid military leave for federal employees; supporting retirement at age 55; Passing of HB 228 Educational Grants for Ohio National Guard members; requesting greater emphasis be placed on NCO’s being prime trainers; supporting a plan that would grant annuity to personnel who have served for a period of ten (10) years or more, a section for National Guard members at Memorial Park cemeteries; free hunting and fishing license; H & R Block Income Tax preparation services at a reduced rate; options on exemption from State Gasoline Tax; free admission to all State Camp Grounds; low cost life insurance (USBA); and Passing of HB 1104 – Increase State Active Duty (Emergency) Pay from minimum of $25.00 to $50.00 a day. Membership was at an all time high of over 4800 members in the state.
Gerald Torree, Army Guard, was elected as President, 26 April 1975 at the conference held Stouffer’s University Inn, Columbus. During his tenure in office, much infighting for positions within the Enlisted Association took place. Not much growth in membership or activities.