Allow me to begin by saying that I am honored and humbled to have been elected NGAUS chairman of the board.
I know my recent predecessors opened their first magazine columns in similar fashion. But there really are no other words to describe the feeling when our great organization-every member a leader in his or her own right-places such faith and trust in you.
And as I said at the 128th General Conference, I plan to repay, that faith by working hard every day on your behalf.
The election process taught me much about our association. Meeting with all the state delegations in Albuquerque exposed me to a wealth of great ideas. It also broadened my appreciation for regional perspectives and our organization's depth of talented, dedicated leaders. I'm better prepared to guide our association as a result.
This is the value of competitive elections. They also encourage open discussion and debate, which only makes NGAUS stronger, and I thank everyone who participated.
For those who didn't attend our conference, I'd like to share a brief introduction. I also have some additional people to thank.
I have 37 years of military service, all of it in the Indiana National Guard, which I'm now proud to lead as the state's adjutant general.
Like many of my peers, I started as an enlisted soldier, earned my commission and served at nearly every echelon of command as I worked my way up the ranks. But unlike some of my peers, I've spent the vast majority of my career as an M-Day soldier.
For 34 of those 37 years, I've juggled military commitments with the daily responsibilities of a civilian job-in my case running a small agricultural business. Hopefully, this allows me to bring additional insight into the challenges faced by the part-time soldiers and airmen, who comprise the bulk of our force.
I mentioned earlier I had some other people to thank. The first is my wife, Rowana.
Most of us nave an unsung person in our life whose support has been critical to our careers. So do most of our soldiers and airmen. For many, like me, it's a spouse. As leaders, we need to make time to thank them-not just our own spouse but all of them-for their contributions and sacrifices on our behalf.
My other individual thank you is for Brig. Gen. Robert V Taylor, my immediate predecessor, who led NGAUS through two years of extraordinary demands on, and threats to, the Guard.
His legacy includes an officially sanctioned professional development program at our conference. I've already seen the benefits this effort: Five Indiana companygrade officers were in the program in Albuquerque. All returned more excited and knowledgeable of their profession and true believers in our association.
This is an investment in our young leaders-the future of the Guard and NGAUS. With the board's support, I want to expand this effort.
Also high on my agenda is seeking volunteers to assist with our task forces, which prioritize the resolutions that are the basis of our legislative action plan.
Many of the task forces have vacancies. These are great opportunities for some of the talented people I met during my campaign to help shape our legislative priorities.
Membership is another important area. The key to success here is telling our story. I heard that over and over again during my campaign. The high membership states do the best job of sharing our achievements and simply asking people to join.
In the months ahead I'll use this space to share my perspectives on the important issues that confront us as leaders of the Army and Air National Guard.
In the interim, if you would like to volunteer for one of our task forces or standing committees-or if you just have an idea or concern you want share-drop me an email at marty.umbarger@ngaus.org.
Again, I am honored and humbled to be your chairman.
© 2006 National Guard Association of the United States Provided by ProQuest LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Source: National Guard
