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See the graph below for current NGAKS strength numbers by unit. Please help us by getting your peers to renew their 2010 memberships! The Summer issue of the Kansas Guardsman is now available. Click Here, or see “The Kansas Guardsman” under “About Us”. It’s my pleasure to be writing to you today as the newly elected President of the National Guard Association of Kansas. First of all I’d like to thank outgoing President LTC Martin Fries for the outstanding leadership he’s provided over the past year. He has the association pointed in the right direction and we will continue to pursue the initiatives he put into motion. Fortunately, he will continue to be with us as the Immediate Past President for the next year. Continue reading A Message From Your Association President Help us maintain our 100% Membership streak which has gone over 21 years! Renew your membership today HERE. The Board of Directors of the National Guard Association of Kansas for 2010-2011 was sworn in at the 2010 Joint Conference. Review the board and slate of officers here. Together We CAN Make a Difference!!! The Strength of NGAKS/NGAUS for the last 130 years has been its united membership. As the voice of the National Guard on Capitol Hill, and local state government, NGAKS/NGAUS provides a path by which National Guard officers can elevate their local concerns to a national and influential audience in Washington, D.C.. NGAKS/NGAUS members provide the backbone and guidance NGAKS/NGAUS needs as it ensures the National Guard receives the best and latest equipment; maintains readiness through comprehensive personnel initiatives receives proper missions as part of the Total Force; and fights for equitable retirement programs that give Guardsmen the support they’ve earned.
Commissioned officers and warrant officers of the Army and Air National Guard are eligible for NGAKS/NGAUS membership. Historically, nearly all eligible Guard officers have paid their dues and belonged to NGAKS/NGAUS. The strength of NGAKS for the past 56 years has also been our strength in membership. Kansas has been a 100% state for the past 21 years! This means that we have had a strong voice not only at the National level but at our local level as well. NGAKS has a strong legislative committee that is committed to working issues for ALL Kansas Guardsmen. Membership to NGAUS/NGAKS tells our Guard family that you are willing to take a stand for the benefits of everyone! YOU Can See that we have a long way to go! National Guard Association of Kansas 2010 State Legislative PrioritiesThe men and women who make up the Kansas National Guard come from every county in every legislative district in Kansas. They are volunteers who fill a role unique to the National Guard; to support and defend not only the constitution and people of the United States, but also the State of Kansas. Not only have more than 9,400 Kansas National Guardsmen deployed to operating locations all over the world since September 11, 2001, but in just the last four years Kansas Guardsmen have also served over 5,800 man-days of State Active Duty assisting civil authority and the people of Kansas in times of need. The Kansas National Guard works hand-in-hand with State and local agencies to prepare for and respond to the entire spectrum of potential hazards to the people of Kansas; from natural disasters and pandemic influenza to biological and terrorist threats. The National Guard Association of Kansas (NGAKS) is made up of over 1300 officers of the Army and Air National Guard. The mission of NGAKS is to support the Army and Air National Guard and champion policies and programs that positively affect its members and their families. These policies and programs allow us to attract and retain quality members and keep the Kansas National Guard strong and ready. The men and women of the Kansas National Guard stand prepared to protect and serve the people of Kansas. They bring value to our communities through their strength and adherence to the ideals instilled in them. They also positively impact our communities economically. The total estimated annual economic impact of the National Guard in Kansas is over $460 million. During the 2010 legislative session please continue to consider and support the soldiers and airmen that make up the Kansas National Guard as you set policy and make appropriations that affect their service, their families and our communities. Please consider the following State legislative priorities of the NGAKS for Fiscal Year 2011:
As President of the National Guard Association of Kansas, I can offer any further information, discussion or testimony on our legislative priorities. I also want to thank you for your continued support of the men and women who make up the Kansas Army and Air National Guard. LTC Martin Fries, President, NGAKS For More Information on these or other NGAKS issues, contact Kansas National Guard Educational (Tuition) Assistance Program is a state-funded Tuition Assistance Program, whereby Army and Air National Guardsmen can receive up to 100% of tuition and fees based on funding, if attending a state supported university, community college, or vocational school. It cannot exceed the amount of the tuition charged by the educational intuition minus any amount received from a government agency, an educational institution, charity, public education trust or other entity. Soldiers will be required to serve in the Kansas National Guard for 4 years after the last payment of State tuition assistance is paid. For enlisted soldiers ONLY. This is funded in part by 40 percent of profits from the Lottery’s veterans benefit scratch-off game. It is important to note that soldiers and airmen who participate in this program are not eligible to participate in either the Federal tuition assistance for Army National Guard soldiers, or the Kansas Military Service Scholarships. In particular, this program provides assistance to Kansas National Guard members who do not serve 15-month tours of active duty, but rather 30-180 days at a time. This program benefits those who are deployed in rotations, rather than in one long tour. It is important to note that the program has not been fully funded since at least 2004. The Governor’s FY 2011 budget recommends $881,365 for the National Guard Tuition Assistance Program (a lower level than FY 2010, FY 2009, and FY 2008), leaving a shortfall and making many airmen and/or soldiers unable to continue higher education. Since FY 2008, the program has been funded at 80% or below, which means students must pay 20% of the tuition at institutions of higher learning in Kansas. To fully fund the National Guard Tuition Assistance Program, a minimum of $1,265,207 is required. This leaves a $383842 gap in funding for FY 2011. History of Tuition Assistance Funding 2009-2010: Fall 2009 – 383 students at $1,173 per student (78% of tuition assistance pledged) Spring 2010 – Not Yet Available 2008-09: Fall 2008 – 78.5% of tuition pledged for 298 students. Spring 2009 – 87.75% of tuition pledged for 272 students 2007-08: Fall 2007 – 80.5% of tuition pledged for 299 students Spring 2008 – 97% of tuition pledged for 223 students 2006-07: Fall 2006 – 87% of tuition pledged for 274 students Spring 2007 – 90.5% of tuition pledged for 281 students OTHER TUITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS: There are several programs for National Guardsmen for tuition assistance. They take into account the benefits received by service members from each program, and other tuition assistance or grants, to ensure fairness among participants. Federal tuition assistance for Army National Guard soldiers. The Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA) ARNG Program provides financial assistance to part-time Guard soldiers in support of their professional and personal self-development. It is not a guaranteed benefit; it is offered on a “first come, first served” basis. The program’s features include:
Kansas Military Service Scholarships. Provides assistance to National Guardsmen and other Kansas veterans who served in Iraq, Afghanistan or on foreign soil or waters for 90 days (less if inured), or honorably discharged, or served in Operations Enduring Freedom, Noble Eagle or Iraqi Freedom. Scholarships are awarded on a priority basis to applicants with greatest financial need. This determination takes into consideration federal military educational assistance received by the student. The State Board of Regents determine number and size of scholarships, but are not allowed to exceed cost of fees and tuition. May be awarded annually for the equivalent of four academic years based on full-time enrollment. The Legislature appropriated $500,000 for these scholarships for FY 2009. Dependents of Military Members. Free tuition and fees are authorized for dependents of those who are prisoners of war or missing in action. Free tuition and fees are authorized for dependents of those who died as a result of a service-connected disability suffered during the Vietnam conflict as a result of such conflict. 2008 National Guard Association of Kansas long range plan for 2008-2018
This document identifies the roles and missions of the National Guard Association of Kansas (NGAKS), and outlines those activities selected by the Long Range Plan Task Force to be undertaken by the association in the near term (I -3 years), the mid term (4 –7 years) and the long term (8- 10 years). The vision is based upon assumptions as outlined later in this document, and the structure for the plan was outlined by the Association President for 2006-2007, Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Craig A. Beardsley, in his guidance to the organization. It has been updated with guidance from LtCol Tony DeJesus, Association President for 2007-08. The NGAKS Long Range Plan is developed to be a perpetual document, identifying projects to be undertaken within a specified time frame. The movement to the future is focused upon objectives – changing as necessary. The plan describes what major programs are to be undertaken, all in relation to opportunities, challenges and trends in the Associations present and future environment. |
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