National Guard Enlisted Association

1. National Guard Enlisted Association • Largest Enlisted Reserve Component Association over 414,000 enlisted • Airmen, Soldiers, & Families. • Created in 1970 by a group of Senior Noncommissioned Officers. • Was created to give the Enlisted National Guard • a voice on Capitol Hill.

2. What is MNGEA? The Minnesota National Guard Enlisted Association (MNGEA) is a Non-Profit Professional Military Organization that represents the interests of the enlisted personnel of the Minnesota Army and Air National Guard. MNGEA is the only Professional Organization that specifically works on behalf of the Enlisted Guard Members in the State of Minnesota. WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF MNGEA?To promote and support adequate security for the State of Minnesota and the United States of America. To foster, improve and advance the status, welfare, and professionalism of the National Guard of the State of Minnesota and the National Guard of the United States, and generally do all lawful acts and things necessary, proper and suitable to accomplish these purposes. To be affiliated with the Enlisted Association of the United States (EANGUS), and to be subject to the Constitution and By-Laws of that body, insofar as they effect and prescribe the function of the Minnesota National Guard Enlisted Association (MNGEA), but do not conflict with the articles of incorporation, and the laws of the State of Minnesota.

3. Why Should I Join MNGEA / EANGUS? • As a Minnesota National Guardsman, you’ve earned the benefits of being a National Guardsman, active or retired. But these benefits do not come by easily. Someone has to be your advocate on the State Capitol and Capitol Hill telling Congress, “Hey, don’t forget about our service!” • As an active or retired Minnesota Enlisted Guardsman, you’ve earned the right to: • Retired pay at age 60 • Early retirement for Activated Service • PX/BX Commissary privileges for you and your spouse • VA Home Loan Program • Space “A” travel on Gov’t-owned aircraft • Post 9-11 GI Education benefits • Gray Area TRICARE benefits • Yearly Cost of Living (COLA) pay increases

4. Why Should I Join MNGEA / EANGUS? • MNGEA’s #1 goal is to bring concerns and issues relevant to the Minnesota National Guard to our state legislators. We are the only professional military organization SPECIFICALLY dedicated to the Minnesota National Guard enlisted corps. Through our efforts at the State level, these “points of interest” get addressed at our parent organization (EANGUS) every year where we compare with other state organizations. Together, our efforts are pooled together to drum up support and lobby national legislators. • How Does This Happen? • Through Grassroot Lobbying efforts • Through a strong membership base • Through active membership

5. Why Should I Join MNGEA / EANGUS? Scholarships  CSM VIRGIL R. WILLIAMS SCHOLARSHIP $2,000 awarded to two winners each year Eligibility: 1. EANGUS members 2. Unmarried sons and daughters of EANGUS members 3. Spouses of EANGUS members 4. Unmarried spouses and unmarried dependent sons and daughters of deceased EANGUS members who were in good standing at the time of their death.  EANGUS AUXILIARY SCHOLARSHIP Eligibility: 1. EANGUS Auxiliary members 2. Unmarried, dependent sons/daughters of EANGUS Auxiliary members 3. Spouses of EANGUS Auxiliary members  MNGEA AUXILIARY SCHOLARSHIP Eligibility: 1. Current MNGEA members and their dependents.

6. Why Should I Join MNGEA / EANGUS? • It’s our responsibility as enlisted personnel!!! • On the Air Guard side, AFI 36-2618, The Enlisted Force Structure (27 Feb • 09), “professional organization” is mentioned six times. • 3.1.8. Continue professional development through on- and off-duty education. Join professional organizations (for example, base advisory and enlisted councils) and participate in organization and community events through volunteerism. • 4.1.3. Understand and demonstrate the institutional and occupational competencies required to accomplish the mission … These competencies are gained through a combination of education, training, and experience (for example, mentoring and active participation in professional organizations). • 4.1.12. Promote organizational esprit de corps and foster good community relations by actively participating in and supporting professional organizations as well as unit, base, and Air Force events. Also, encourage subordinates to do the same. • 5.1.2. Evaluate and assume responsibility for the institutional competencies required to accomplish the mission. These competencies are gained through a combination of education, training, and experience (for example, mentoring and active participation in professional organizations).

7. Benefits of Being a Member… State Sponsored Life Insurance (SSLI) Did you know that every member of the Minnesota National Guard is covered with $1,000 SSLI at no cost to the member. This $1,000 benefit is provided through the Militia Insurance Trust Group Life Insurance Plan. You do not need to be a member of NGAUS or MNGEA to get this. It is derived from United States Public Law 93-289, May 24, 1974; Sections 204 and 206 of Title 37, United States Code. Minnesota provides SSLI through their National Guard Associations, sponsorship of the Group Life Plans detailed in their Web sites.  You can find out more at http://www.ngssli.com/ and http://www.ngamn.org/insurance.php. Key Benefits of the SSLI * $500,000+ in coverage available for the MN National Guardsman through a combination of the SSLI plans. * Coverage available for the spouse and children. * Rates do not go up just because you separate from the National Guard -you can keep coverage when you separate. * Coverage 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. * No War Exclusion - you are covered in combat. * No Aviation Exclusion - aviators are covered. * New Recruits are eligible for $10,000 SSLI coverage under the MIT Group Life Insurance Plan at no cost for the first year of service in the MN National Guard. Enrollment must occur with in 90 days of joining the MN National Guard. Go to www.NGSSLI.com for more information including eligibility, benefits, rates, exclusions, limitations and renewal provisions. Enrollment forms are also available online. Contact information: call R. Austin Jenkins, CLU at 1-800-633-8333 Policy service: toll free 1-800-633-8333

8. Did You Know? • Your benefits are under attack!!! • As the federal budget deficit increases, the Administration and Congress will be looking to cut military and retiree benefits. • Two of the most valuable benefits we have as guardsmen and retirees • are in serious jeopardy to include TRICARE and GI Bill benefits. • For years, the Administration has been seeking ways to increase • TRICARE & TRICARE For Life fees. With the help of The Military • Coalition (a consortium of 32 military and veterans organizations • representing 5.5 million members), we’ve been successful in keeping • the fees from being increased. • Educational benefits are the second highest costing benefit we • currently enjoy but these benefits are also in danger of being cut • back.

9. Top Legislative Issues 2010 Early Retirement & Retroactivity to 9/11 No TRICARE Fee Increases Veterans Status Equipment Shortages Empowerment Execution & Expansion MGIB and Post 9-11 Educational Improvements& Reform Early Retirement

10. Our Efforts (State & National) Have Helped!! • Recently Signed Into Law: • H.R. 1864 – Provides pay increase to 3.4% for FY10 • H.R. 1182 & S. 475 – Amends Civil Relief Act to guarantee equity of spouses w/ regard to matters of residency. • H.R. 1016 & S. 423 – Amends Title 38 (US Code) to provide advance appropriations authority for certain medical care accts of the VA. • H.R. 972 – Amends Title 10 (US Code) to eliminate the requirement that former members of Reserve components be at least 60 years of age or older to be eligible to receive health care benefits. • H.R. 270 & S. 731 – A bill to amend Title 10 (US Code) to provide for continiuty of TRICARE Standard coverage for certain members of the Retired Reserve.

11. EANGUS Legislative Updates • Current Bills MNGEA / EANGUS are currently working and/or tracking: • H.R. 1592 – Bill to amend Title 37 (US Code) to guarantee a pay increase for members of uniformed services for FY11 through FY14 of one-half of one percent higher than the Employment Cost Index. • H.R. 208 / S. 644 & S. 831 – Amend Title 10 (US Code) to ensure that members of the Reserve components who have served on active duty or performed active service since Sept 11, 2001, in support of contingency operations receive credit for such service in determining eligibility for early receipt of non-regular service retired pay. • H.R. 303 – Bill to amend Title 10 (US Code) to permit additional retired members who have service-connected disability to receive both disability compensation from VA and either retired pay and to eliminate the phase-in period under current law. • H.R. 333 – Bill to amend Title 10 (US Code) to permit retired members who have a service-connected disability rated less than 50% to receive concurrent payment of both retired pay and veterans’ disability compensation. • H.R. 4947 – Removes the requirement that days of active duty for early retirement must occur in the same fiscal year.

12. EANGUS Legislative Updates • H.R. 593 – A bill to amend Title 10 (US Code) to expand the authorized concurrent receipt of disability severance pay from DoD and compensation for same disability under any law administered by VA to cover all veterans who have a combat-related disability. • H.R. 1203 – A bill to amend the IRS Code of 1986 to allow Federal civilian and military retirees to pay health insurance premiums on a pretax basis and to allow a deduction for TRICARE supplemental premiums. • H.R. 972 – A bill to amend Title 10 (US Code) to eliminate the requirement that certain former members of Reserve components be at least 60 years of age in order to be eligible to receive health care benefits. • H.R. 811, 2990, & 4525 – Pay increase for members of the uniformed services for fiscal years 2011 through 2014 of one-half of one percentage point higher than the Employment Cost Index. • H.R. 3787/S. 1780 (Passed on House floor, now heading to Senate for vote) – To amend Title 38, U.S. Code, to deem certain service in the reserve components as active service for purposes of laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (Veteran Status). Sponsor: Rep Timothy Walz [MN] (introduced 10/8/2009) Cosponsors (43)

13. Things MNGEA Are Working On… • Retro-Activity for Early Retirement back to 9-11-2001 • Title 32 AGR eligibility for the Post 9-11 GI Educational Benefits • Early Retirement at age 55 • No increases to TRICARE deductibles • “VETERAN” status for Traditional members who retire after 20 yrs service • AGR and Military Technician Bonuses • Elimination of the 1/30 rule for incentive pays • Elimination of BAH II • Annual Pay Raises above Administration-requested rates (0.5%) • Reduce retirement at age to 55: • One year early retirement for every two over twenty • Additional C-17’s for the ANG • Stop the USAF from taking ANG C-130 aircraft (affecting 133AW) • IF YOU WANT ANY OF THESE BENEFITS, YOU NEED TO BE A MNGEA/EANGUS MEMBER. • STRENGTH IN NUMBERS!!!!

14. MNGEA Resolutions in 2010! • Resolution 10-01: MN Tax Exemption Benefits for Nat’l Guard Members • Urge MN Legislature to implement $3-5K exemption for MN Guard • Resolution 10-02: Employment of Relatives of Wounded Service Members • Urge MN Legislature to enact legislation to protect family of service members from loss of employment due to extended medical care of wounded Guard member • Resolution 10-03: MN Nat’l Guard State Incentives • Urge MN Legislature to implement the re-enlistment bonus for eligible members up to less than 20 years TIS (matching current Federal program) • Resolution 10-04: MN Nat’l Guard Retired Pay Tax Exemption • Urge MN Legislature to enact legislation providing tax exemption for military retired pay

15. MNGEA Resolutions in 2010! • Resolution 10-05: Retirement Penalty for CSRS Employees • Urge EANGUS to request US Congress to enact legislation to enact the 2% retirement annuity penalty for Military Technicians employed under CSRS • Resolution 10-06: Veteran Status • Urge EANGUS to request US Congress to support legislation to redefine the qualifications for veteran status to include Reserve component members who have successfully served 20 years or more in service to their state and nation. • Resolution 10-07: VA Burial Rights • Request EANGUS to urge VA to amend regulations to provide more equitable burial rights for Nat’l Guard /Reserve personnel. • Resolution 10-08: Buy-Back of Title 32 Service Time • Urge EANGUS to request US Congress to enact legislation to eliminate the existing inequities toward creditable buy-back toward a Civil Service Retirement.

16. Past Accomplishments! • Largest Enlisted Reserve Component Association over 414,000 enlisted • Airmen, Soldiers, & Families. • Created in 1970 by a group of Senior Noncommissioned Officers. • Was created to give the Enlisted National Guard • a voice on Capital Hill. • 100% State Tuition Reimbursement. ** At “100%” but now capped to • $7500 effective 1 Jul 2010. MNGEA working this Apr Conference to request • increase back to normal coverage for 2012 • State income tax advantages • Group life insurance • Distinctive vehicle license plates • State bonus for combat zone service • Monetary award for enlistment referrals • Interest free emergency loans • Burial right in state cemeteries • After deployment for 24 months, free hunting / fishing • licenses

17. Past Accomplishments! • Homeowners insurance protection • TRICARE access 180 days from Mobilization • More Full-time support • New GI Bill Education Benefits • Tuition • Stipend • Books • Tutors • No TRICARE Fee Increases • Under age 65 retirees • Higher Pharmacy co-pays • TRICARE for Life enrollment fees

18. Past Accomplishments! • M-DAY • E-4 with 4 years of service- gains an additional $10.00 per MUTA 4, and a $36.00 increase in AT pay. • E-6 with 8 years of service – gains an additional $13.00 per MUTA 4, and a $50.00 increase in AT pay. • E-9 with 25 years of service – gains an additional $23.00 per MUTA 4, and a $68.00 increase in AT pay • AGRS • E-4 over 4 years of service – gains $73.00 a month • E-6 over8 years of service – gains $101.00 a month • E-9 over20 years of service – gains $176.00 a month • MilTechs • GS-6 Step 1– gains $452 a year GS-8 Step 1– gains $556 a year • GS-7Step 1 – gains $502 a year GS-9 Step 1-gains $614 a year

19. Past Accomplishments! • Homeowners insurance protection • TRICARE access 180 days from Mobilization • More Full-time support • New GI Bill Education Benefits • Tuition • Stipend • Books • Tutors • No TRICARE Fee Increases • Under age 65 retirees • Higher Pharmacy co-pays • TRICARE for Life enrollment fees

20. MNGEA Leadership 2011

21. WWW.MNGEA.COM State Conference Registration & Info Grass Root Lobbying & Legislative Updates Auxiliary Updates Executive Board Schedule MNGEA Leadership Roster Area / Chapter Listing Membership Roster

22. Contact Information • STATE OFFICE (651) 268-8262 • Website: www.mngea.com • Emails: • State President: president@mngea.com • Executive Secretary: director@mngea.com • Membership Vice Pres: membership@mngea.com • Auxiliary: auxiliary@mngea.com • NATIONAL OFFICE 1-800-234-EANG • Website: www.eangus.org • Email: eangus@eangus.org

23. Discounts for Members EANGUS TRAVEL

24. BOTTOM LINE !!!! • MNGEA & EANGUS need your help! We need STRENGTH IN NUMBERS (membership) so our state and federal legislators will hear our voice. • HELP US CONTINUE THE FIGHT (LOBBY) TO: • PROTECT OUR CURRENT BENEFITS • ADVOCATE FOR QUALITY OF LIFE ISSUES • REACH OUR FUTURE LEGISLATIVE GOALS