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The Pennsylvania National Guard Associations, in coordination
with the 171stAir Refueling Wing, hosted the 20th Annual PNGAS Conference at
the Westin Hotel, Pittsburgh, PA, 23 - 25 April 2004.
The conference was a huge success. Guard members from
across Pennsylvania attended and heard important messages from Lieutenant
Governor Catherine Baker Knoll, Congressman Mike Doyle and Congressman Tim
Murphy senior leaders of the Pennsylvania Army and Air National Guard,
including Pennsylvania's 50th Adjutant General, Major General
 Jessica L. Wright,
and others.
The Conference opened with a general session featuring presentations by
Congressman Mike Doyle, Lieutenant Governor Catherine Baker Knoll, the Adjutant
General, Major General Jessica L. Wright, Deputy Adjutant General for Air, Maj
Gen James Skiff, and Deputy Adjutant General for Army, BG Robert French.
After the presentations from guests, the PNGAS business meeting featured
consideration of resolutions for 2004. These resolutions help set the
Associations' legislative priorities for the coming year.
Click here for Resolutions Page
Click here for Resolutions in pdf
format.
Seminars
The following seminars were held on 24 April: Tri-Care
for Iife,Tri-Care for Guardsmen, Retirees, and The Adjutant General's Town
Meeting, at which members could ask the Adjutant General and the Deputy
Adjutants General questions about Guard activities.
Associations State Dinner
The Associations Dinner was held on Saturday, April 24th with cocktails (no
host) at 1800 hrs. After presentation of the Colors by the 171st ARWg Honor
Guard, the Honor Guard performed the impressive "empty chair ceremony" in honor
of our Missing in Action.
The dinner was highlighted by a
beef and chicken combination, which received great reviews from the more than
300 PNGAS members and guests who attended.
The guest speaker was Congressman Tim Murphy of Pennsylvania's 18th
Congressional District. Among the highlights of post-dinner
ceremonies was recognition of Colonel David Gerstenlauer upon completion of his
term as President of NGAPA and a special presentation to BG (PA Ret) Joe
Watchilla to mark his retirement as PNGAS Executive Director.
Colonel David Gerstenlauer read the traditional
resolution to thank the 171st ARWg for their outstanding efforts in
organizing the 2003 Annual Conference.
Music was provided by a combo
from the 28th Division Band.
Hospitality Room
The Hospitality Room was another major success of the
conference. Well attended, and well run, the Hospitality Run offered a
chance to unwind in an atmosphere of comradship.
Other Activities:
Golf
The conference kicked off with a golf match, which was held at the GrandView Golf Club of North Braddock on
Frlday, April 23, 2004. The tournament was won by:
1st place - Jim Brown 171ARW / XP
2nd place - Mark Baldigowski 171MNT / LGMCF
3rd place - Chuck Tubbs 146 ARS / DO
Friday Pirates Baseball Game
About 80 conference participants went to PNC Ballpark to watch the Pittsburgh
Pirates host a home game against the Cincinnati Reds. The Pirates lost
6-4, but it was a beautiful evening at the Ballpark.
Fun Run
The Second Annual First and Last Army vs. Air Guard 5 K Fun Run/Walk was
held on Saturday, April 24th during the lunch period. For a $5.00 entry fee,
runners/walkers received a handsome running shirt, plus same day race results.
The run was won by:
1st Place: Marcel Minutolo 22:00
2nd Place: Deb Fisher 22:01
3rd Place: Jack Modesto 22:53
Spouse/Guest Activities
The spouse/guest activity was a tour of the Frick Art Gallery and Historical
Center on Saturday, April 24th. Lunch will be at the Sunny Ledge Bed
and Breakfast Mansion In the tea room.
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