Convening in Atlantic City

In five short months, our first association conference of the century will convene in Atlantic City, NJ. As promised, this year's convention will not conflict with Labor Day. The opening gavel will strike on Sept. 12 and fall to adjourn our last session on Sept. 14.

We are extending invitations to our nation's major party presidential candidates to address our assembly of state delegations. Hopefully, as in past years, we'll be privileged to hear our next federal commander in chief's vision for the National Guard and America's armed forces.

In addition to first-hand information from the candidates, the NGAUS will host many distinguished elected officials and military, civilian and business leaders.

The next Quadrennial Defense Review looms large, and we expect key military leaders to share important insights with us. Army Chief of Staff Gen. Eric K. Shinseki's vision to lighten the Army and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Michael E. Ryan's efforts to transition to an Aerospace Expeditionary Force will no doubt be among the topics.

Of course, we have our own aggressive business agenda and elections to conduct. On top of electing new association officers, we have a variety of important issues to vote on. If last year's lively exchange of ideas is any indication of things to come, we can expect exciting and innovative proposals to be generated from each delegation.

Unmistakable evidence of last year's productive conference and caucus work is reflected in the number of resolutions acted on by Congress. Of the 138 resolutions we passed, 98 were acted upon by Congress and/or the Pentagon. Our extraordinary prioritization and presentation of issues directly affecting the Guard and America were overwhelmingly recognized by our nation's legislators.

This year we have an exceptional opportunity to build on the momentum we launched with last year's initiatives. Every member of our association - actively involved at our conference and working in support of the National Guard - will have an opportunity to help secure our continued progress.

In keeping with last year's schedule, all conference participants will have more time to enjoy their visit in Atlantic City, touted as `America's Favorite Playground." (See story on page 28.) With more than 34 million visitors every year, Atlantic City holds the undisputed title as America's most visited destination. There is unquestionably something exciting and interesting for everyone at this year's conference.

With the unequalled ingredients contained in this year's conference, I'm especially hopeful it will be our biggest ever. We have great reason to encourage as many of our members as possible to get involved in our work, attend this year's conference and see first-hand how critical our association is to the strength of the National Guard.

Additionally, we can't underestimate the importance of communicating the NGAUS message to new officers, or those unfamiliar with our mission and success. In the next couple months, every state association will be sharing our association message with potential members and doing everything they can to energize and build our membership.

This yeah 15 state associations qualified for "Early Bird" membership rebates. With several weeks to go before June 30, every state association still has time to energize its membership and earn a 100 percent plaque. (State associations not using DataGuard need to tum in their dues by May 31 to allow for increased processing time.)

The Guard needs this association and all that it represents as much now as it has at any other time in our history. Without our vigilant efforts and proactive messages, last year's gains could simply slip away

Membership in the NGAUS and active association involvement is noble work that generously serves to secure the future of the Guard and our country's defense. We all have an important part to play at our conference and in the National Guard in order to preserve America's many blessings. I look forward to seeing you all in Atlantic City

Copyright National Guard Association of the United States Apr 2000
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