Letter from the President of the NGOA
It is an extreme honor for me to have your confidence and support as the 2006-2007, President of the National Guard Officer’s Association of Florida (NGOA). The conference in Jacksonville this year was a huge success and the 2007 conference in Orlando promises to be even better. For those who missed this year’s conference we were able to have LTG Clyde Vaughn, Director of the Army National Guard and LTG Craig McKinley, Director of the Air National Guard as guest speakers during the Army and Air breakouts. Governor Bush for his eighth and final time attended the conference, the banquet and spent time along with his wife in a special function for our junior officer and enlisted personnel.
The National Guard Officer’s Association of Florida was founded in 1903. In 2005 it became a combined association as the National Guard Association of Florida (NGAF) comprised of Army and Air officers, enlisted, retirees and enlisted auxiliary. NGOA and the Enlisted National Guard Association of Florida (ENGAF) under the umbrella NGAF conduct their annual conference at the same time and location. Each has its own agenda and breakouts, but capitalizes during the opening session, The Adjutant General’s State of the Guard briefing and culminating with the banquet to come together as one organization.
Although you may not be a member of NGOA yet, did you know you already enjoy many of the benefits of the association’s efforts on your behalf? Our association exists for one reason: to strengthen the Florida National Guard through improved benefits, securing of modern equipment, construction of world class facilities for our Soldiers and Airmen, and to secure our relevance in the Armed Forces of the United States.
NGOA represents your interest at both the state and federal levels. In order to be successful and to be heard for current and future initiatives, we need a strong association. Your support and membership ensures our collective voice remains strong- remember the old saying “there is power in numbers”.
I am making a personal appeal to all officers if you are not a member of the association to join and encourage your peers to join likewise. Commanders at all levels are encouraged to brief their officer personnel on the importance of belonging to professional organizations, and mention specifically NGAUS/NGOA-FL is the one professional association that dedicates its efforts strictly to legislative issues (personnel, benefits, equipment, training, full time manning and readiness) pertaining to the National Guard.
If you address NGAUS/NGOA-FL from a “Personal” standpoint of what the organization means to you and the benefits you feel are gained by being a member you will be in compliance with the Ethics Policy and can incorporate this into your Officer Professional Development Program.
Sincerely,
CW5 Sal Green, President
National Guard Officers Association of Florida