NGA-VT Drive Letter

NATIONAL GUARD ASSOCIATION OF VERMONT
Post Office Box 694
Essex Junction, VT 05452
November 8, 2007

Officers & Warrant Officers of the Vermont National Guard,

Greetings. It's that time of the year again to remind fellow officers of the importance of The National Guard Officers Association and membership in NGA-VT. I forward this letter to you as we are counting on you as professional leaders to support YOUR PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATION. This year the State Directors' Board has set a deadline for unit representatives to submit dues by 15 March, 2008.

What is NGA-VT?

The National Guard Association of Vermont contributes to the preservation and enrichment of our heritage of freedom, democracy, and patriotism. The Association strives to foster and improve the Vermont National Guard and the National Guard of the United States, promote the national security of the citizens of our State and the nation, and promote esprit de corps and fellowship through social functions, benefit programs, and other activities for the members of this Association and their families.

The Association engages in activities incidental to the foregoing purpose:

• To represent the Vermont National Guard to all appropriate federal and state legislative bodies and agencies to bolster and enhance readiness in support of our State and National mission.
• To educate the public on the Vermont National Guard's national security role, and its State and Federal missions.
• To bolster the public image of the Vermont National Guard, encourage membership in the Army and Air National Guard, and promote the rights and benefits of present, former, and retired members of the National Guard.
• To partnership with organizations and businesses within our community and to foster and improve the Vermont National Guard.

This year we more then exceeded our goal, we believe this for the first time in history of the association we achieved 100% membership of our eligible active members. I am very confident that we can achieve this again this year. Strong membership in the State Association is important as this determines the number of voting delegates at the National Conference. Strong membership makes Vermont a recognizable contingent when electing officers for various positions or resolutions. Strong membership promulgates credence for our leaders when driving a point home at the Regional Area meetings and National Conferences.

How to Join

NGA-VT has changed its membership process and also made it easier to make payment on your annual dues. On or about 1 December 2007, members will be able to make their payments online by visiting our website at www.nga-vt.org. The option to mail payments by check will continue. However, payments submitted by check must be accompanied with an completed application that can be downloaded from the website.

Without your support, it is difficult to maintain the readiness of our units and self-determine future transformations. It is perhaps more important now than ever that the National Guard has a consolidated voice. Make your voice heard by being a dues paying member. I ask that you unite with your fellow officers in the Stand for a Strong Guard. I hope we can count on you for your support.

Sincerely,

John L. Geno