Page 9 - The Dispatch July 2019

TEXAS MILITARY DEPARTMENT TEXAS MILITARY DEPARTMENT

AIR GUARD: Tuition assistance, tuition reimburse- rescue, boat operations and FEMA-certified courses. ranks, what are some ways we can all support re-
ment, re-enlistment bonuses, Hazelwood Act and Third, financial. State Guard members are paid for tention and keep service members engaged?
Community College of the Air Force degree opportu- State Active Duty for declared emergencies and di- KEY POINTS
nities are all great programs that assist with retention sasters. They are paid for attending Annual Training. ARMY GUARD: As leaders, don’t forget to say,
on a positive level. They are eligible for college tuition reimbursement “Thank You,” to our young Soldiers for serving.
through the Texas Military Department. And they are As I mentioned before, the recruiting standards Communicate with your service mem-
DISPATCH: Incentives are usually correlated with eligible for various military discounts throughout the tend to get stricter every time we turn around. bers to discuss why they want to leave
some tangible benefit, like a monetary bonus. What state. Finally, military benefits. The Texas State Guard Not everyone is qualified to wear the uniform due
other incentives your office use to keep service mem- provides an opportunity to serve for those who may to troubled backgrounds, physical abilities, ed- and propose solutions to retain them.
bers within your ranks? never have had the chance to serve in federal mili- ucational abilities, etc. Our Soldiers must under-
tary service. Members receive employment protec- stand the pride and accomplishment of wearing
AIR GUARD: We focus on development, whether tions when called to State Active Duty and are eligi- the uniform. They just have to be reminded they Leaders need to focus on service mem-
officer or enlisted. We want our ranks to be diverse ble for State Worker's Compensation coverage while took an unselfish oath to serve something larg- ber care to maintain a ready and de-
in experience. We focus on training ethical profes- on State Active Duty. Like our peers in the National er than themselves. Not only are they becoming ployable force for emerging missions.
sionals that are resilient; not only the member them- Guard, our members are also eligible for military better individuals, but they are also making our
selves but also opportunities for family members, as awards and decorations, as well as promotions based communities better, our cities better, our counties
well. Community involvement is also a focus, so that on performance, time in service and time in grade. better, the great state of Texas even greater and Make certain that time spent on Guard
we partner with civilian agencies and organizations. the United States of America the best country in
Our citizen-Airmen encounter a self-worth from this ARMY GUARD: The most valuable incentive is the the world. training and missions have a visible
service and a realization of their impact on a greater pride of serving. I know that sounds cliché, but no impact and defined purpose.
scale. matter how much money they receive, it eventual- STATE GUARD: Each individual in the Texas Mil-
ly runs out. Most of our Soldiers extended because itary Department brings unique experiences,
STATE GUARD: There are four compelling reasons they were treated fairly, and we provided a little ex- backgrounds, knowledge, skills and abilities. It is Leaders need to understand the avail-
for members to serve—and continue to serve—in tra something to their lifestyle such as extra money, incumbent upon leadership to recognize these able benefits and organizational mis-
the Texas State Guard. First, altruism and well-be- insurance, education benefits, etc. The monetary bo- assets and ensure each member of TMD is uti-
ing. We are Texans helping Texans! Our members nuses are icing on the cake. lized to his or her fullest potential and challenged. sion and vision and communicate
enjoy the camaraderie of like-minded people who Every member of TMD wants to feel valued and these items to your service members.
have answered the call and taken up the responsi- DISPATCH: From spouses to flag officers to legisla- wants to know that is or her service has meaning
bility to serve their community and the State of Tex- tors, Dispatch readers have diverse backgrounds. As and purpose. As leaders, it is our responsibility to
as. Second, education. Members of the Texas State someone charged with keeping Guardsmen in the ensure that members are promoted on time and Empower service members to expand
Guard learn professional receive recognition through awards and decora- their careers both in the military and
emergency response skills, tions when deserved or warranted.
receive professional leader- their civilian lives.
ship development training AIR GUARD: I have to say first and foremost is
and are eligible for special- communication. We must ensure we are convey-
ized training in search-and- ing information up and down the chain of com- Be grateful your service members are
mand to all ranks. This should empower our ranks giving you the opportunity to lead
2nd Lt. Jarrett Bennett, 551st Multi- to carry on the mission or identify ways we can them. Thank them generously.
Role Bridge Company, 2nd Platoon, improve as a whole. The Texas Air, Army and State
administers the Oath of Enlistment
to Cpl. Eric Polland, 551st MRBC, Guardsmen are full of diverse backgrounds as you
extending his commitment to the stated. We are challenged to be innovative. Who Show pride in your service and convey
Texas Army National Guard. The better than those within our ranks to explore and
ceremony took place after success- that feeling through your words, ac-
fully completing an Improved Rib- push the limits of our generation to improve our
bon Bridge mission during annual Guardsmen, state and country? We take great tions and interactions.
training, June 8, 2018. (Texas Army pride in being the leaders of the nation. Duty,
National Guard photo by Staff Sgt.
Mark Scovell) Honor, Texas. -D

8 TheDISPATCH July 2019 www.tmd.texas.gov 9