130th Annual General NGAUS Conference

The annual National Guard Association of the United States General
Conference; a big name for a big event. If you get the opportunity to attend
this conference either on TDY or on your own (tax deductible) dollar I would
highly recommend it. Here is why:

To start, the social events make for wonderful friendships, networking, great
learning opportunities, and a whole lot of fun. The first evening consisted
of a Company Grade/Warrant Officer mixer aboard the Spirit of Baltimore boat
in the Inner Harbor. The food, drinks, and dancing (all included in your
event registration fee) was a great way to break the ice among the new
attendees. The second evening was the Free State Reception located at the
Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine. After an outdoor dinner
with drinks, the crowd walked down to the water to watch a narrated historic
reenactment and a great fireworks show. The third night is what is called
"Hospitality Night" when every National Guard state/territory opens up their
hotel hospitality room or plans a party on the town. Again, dinner and drinks
are included and with the right plan of action you can visit every party in
one evening. The highlight of this year's hospitality night was the
DELMARVA-DC-AL (Delaware, Massachusetts, Virginia, D.C., and Alabama) event
held at Camden Yards including a free professional picture with the Baltimore
Orioles mascot. The final social event of the conference, the States Dinner,
brings the annual affair to a close. Soldiers, Airmen, and family members,
dressed in their best, enjoyed a very eloquent dinner and entertainment.

If the social events themselves do not convince you, then maybe the list of
distinguished speakers will. To name a few, we had the opportunity to hear
remarks from Senator John McCain, the Republican nominee for president,
Senator Joe Biden, the Democratic contender for vice president, Defense
Secretary Robert Gates, General George Casey, the Army chief of staff,
General Norton Schwartz, the Air Force chief of staff, and Lieutenant
General Steven Blum, the National Guard Bureau chief. The speaking events
were open to all attendees and highly encouraged. Who wouldn't want to
witness these media-frenzy, high profile events?

If you are still not persuaded; you must go for the learning experiences. The
OPD classes consisted of great information as well as an organized staff ride
to Gettysburg and the Gortex factory. There were wonderful question and
answer luncheons as well as discussions with fellow Company Grade/Warrant
Officers. Then there was the exhibit hall, comprised of a wealth of
information to explore and a whole lot of free pens and product samples. This
year the Baltimore Convention Center hosted over 400 companies and
organizations displaying their wares; featuring defense and homeland security
products and services. There is no way to leave this event without learning a
plethora of new information.

In conclusion, the National Guard Association of the United States General
Conference was one of the best opportunities I have ever been awarded. There
is no doubt I will attend the conference in the future and persuade my fellow
officers to do the same. I have come away from the event with a wealth of
knowledge and some good friends. I hope to see you next year at the Gaylord
Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee!