15 January 2010

To My Fellow Officers and Warrant Officers of the New Hampshire National Guard:

Happy New Year! As your President, I’m asking you to support the National Guard Association of New Hampshire (NGANH). As you know, the NGANH is a state association that reports to and works in conjunction with the National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS) I ask you to please submit your dues by the 15th of February so we can formulate our 2010 financial plan to maximize our effectiveness in serving you, the member.

Membership is the lifeblood of our organization both locally and nationally. Your continued support enables NGAUS to have a crucial voice on Capitol Hill and directly supports our Soldiers and Airmen as they perform both their state and federal missions. I believe it is this association’s responsibility to insure all military members and their families receive the best possible equipment, training, facilities, and benefits. This is especially challenging now that the National Guard is no longer considered a strategic reserve force.

The following accomplishments are a direct result of our local and national efforts in 2009:

State and Local Accomplishments
● Partnered with Sheehan Phinney Bass & Green PA. to update our non-profit status to a 501(c)19
● Provided funds to Operation Giving Tree providing support to over 60 children of deploying Guardsman
● Raised money to enable members of the NHARNG to come home for the holidays from Camp Atterbury, IN
● Worked closely with our Congressional Delegation to provide funding for a National Guard Family Support training plan
● Increased veteran deductions of NH property taxes

National Accomplishments
● Post 9/11 GI Bill with ability to transfer benefits to immediate family members
● Reduced retirement age for Title 10 time served
● 3.9% pay raise (.4% higher than proposed)
● Held TRICARE fees at current level
● Additional AGR and military technicians
● Over a billion dollars in additional equipment

This year will be especially challenging for the New Hampshire National Guard with the number of deploying Soldiers and Airmen. Our guardsmen and their families will need the support of a strong National Guard Association. As we speak, your association is engaged in a number of upcoming projects to support guardsmen and veterans in the State of New Hampshire in 2010 & 2011.

Thank you in advance for your support and please visit our brand new website at www.nganh.org where you will find association news, events, current initiatives, and the ability to pay your membership on line.

Sincerely,