128th NGAUS General Conference Albuquerque, New Mexico 15 -19 September 2006 Key Conference Speakers Highlight Guard Success, Challenges The 128th NGAUS General Conference wrapped up Monday after three days that featured a collection of notable speakers who applauded the Guard, but offered some pointed criticism about the world in which the Guard operates. New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson on Monday set his sights on Washington, addressing the National Defense Enhancement and National Guard Empowerment Act of 2006, insisting the Guard has earned decision-making power commensurate with citizen-soldier and airman contributions to the nation since 9/11. At the conference, more than 2,500 members signed banners supporting the act that were unveiled to Congress Tuesday. He also took aim at attempts by Congress to allow the president to activate the Guard during emergencies, which would simply take that power away from governors. He also addressed readiness issues for troops at home. "As many as one out of five at-home Guardsmen have no health coverage at all. That is wrong," he said. He insisted the Guard should be treated as the operational force it has become. The same day, Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff noted the Guard's border contribution and the drop in the number of illegal entries to the country. Mr. Chertoff also noted improvements between federal cabinet-level departments, including synchronizing communications capabilities and joint training and preparation for possible domestic disasters, such as hurricanes or floods. Lt. Gen. H Steven Blum, National Guard Bureau chief, praised the Guard's efforts in the past year in the war on terror and in recruiting, but he noted serious equipment problems that leave many units unable to properly respond to unforeseen domestic emergencies, such as floods, hurricanes or the unthinkable. ----- Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell and others honored by NGAUS Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell was awarded the National Guard Association of the United States Charles Dick Medal of Merit at the 128th NGAUS Conference.  The award was presented to Governor Rendell in recognition of his outstanding efforts to stand up for the Pennsylvania National Guard during the 2005 BRAC round and his superb leadership in developing and winning enactment of many legislative initiatives (the "Support our Soldiers" initiatives) at the state level.  Governor Rendell was unable to attend the conference, and the Medal of Merit will be presented to him at a ceremony in October 2006. Other Pennsylvania award winners included: The Valley Forge Cross for Heroism was awarded to SSgt Frank Hines (posthumously). Valley Force Certificates were awarded to Maj Timothy O'Toole and TSgt Richard Ward. The Patrick Henry Award was presented to Col Dennis Guise and awarded to Mr. Keith Pemrick. Air National Guard Distinguished Flying Unit Plaques were presented to the 171st Air Refueling Wing (Pittsburgh) and the 193rd Special Operations Wing (Middletown) NGAUS Conferees Select New Board Chairman Maj. Gen. R. Martin Umbarger is the new NGAUS chairman of the board. Delegates to the 128th General Conference in Albuquerque, N.M, elected the Indiana adjutant general (TAG) and sitting association board member last weekend. General Umbarger replaces Brig. Gen. Robert V. Taylor of Michigan. Association bylaws limit the chairman to a single two-year term. He has 37 years in uniform, 34 as a part-time Guardsman. Recent assignments include that of commander of the 76th Infantry Brigade and deputy commanding general for the U.S. Army Forces Command. Delegates also elected Brig. Gen. Norman Arflack of Kentucky as vice chairman for Army and re-elected Maj. Gen. David B. Poythress of Georgia as vice chairman for Air. Retired Brig. Gen. Ken Ross of Louisiana and Col. Al Faber of Ohio were unopposed in their re-election bids for treasurer and secretary, respectively. Board representatives for Areas III and VI, warrant officers and Army company grades were also up for election. Delegates selected past-chairman Maj. Gen. Gus L. Hargett (TAG) of Tennessee and Lt. Col. Steven Joyce (Army) and Lt. Col. Murray Hanson (Air), both of Georgia, to represent Area III. In addition, they chose Maj. Gen. Edward L. Wright (TAG) of Wyoming, retired Col. Raymond Jardine (Army) of Hawaii and Brig. Gen. Daniel B. Ohollaren (Air) of Oregon to represent Area VI. Capt. Rollin L. Roberts of Mississippi is the new Army company-grade representative and retired Warrant Officer 5 Larry Massey of Indiana was re-elected to the board's warrant officer position. Pictures from 128th NGAUS Conference (2006) New Mexico ARNG Band provides concert prior to opening of conference. COL John Stanko is recognized by NGAUS for attending his 53rd consecutive NGAUS convention. In the roll call of the States, 2 Lt Kathleen Pearson, PaANG, introduced the Pennsylvania Delegation. Native American Dancers greeted the delegates at 128th NGAUS Conference. CPT Deb Fisher and CW4 Mary Sibrava sign a petition to Congress supporting the National Guard Empowerment Act. Major and Mrs. Ted Gwinn, NGAPA President, and Brig Gen (Pa Ret) and Mrs. Dean Oswald, NGAPA Executive Director, after opening session. 171st Air Refueling Wing (Pittsburgh) Receives NGAUS Distinguished Flying Unit Plaque 193rd Special Operations Wing (Middletown) receives NGAUS Distinguished Flying Unit Plaque     Dennis Guise, Chief Counsel of DMVA, receives NGAUS Patrick Henry Award.