National Guard Association of CT Retiree Newsletter (15 March 24 Edition/MAJ Perry) #24-06

Mar 18, 2024 | Army

 

                                 

 

Bulletin 24 – 06  (15 MAR 2024 Edition)

 

                 

 

Charles Cunis Obituary – Horan & McConaty – North Metro/Thornton – 2024 (legacy.com)

Charles Cunis, 82, passed away in Hospice Care in Longmont, Colorado on March 3,
2024. He was born in Framingham, Massachusetts on November 4th, 1941. Charlie was a
retired Lieutenant Colonel, Commander of the 1st Battalion 102nd Infantry and a
Vietnam veteran.

 

Ronald Ashley Hunter – Hartford Courant

Ron was a long-time resident of Norfolk, VA, and earlier, of Wethersfield, CT. He left us with his inimitable sense of humor intact.

He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and two Air Medals for service flying the F-4 Phantom out of Ubon, Thailand, over North Vietnam during the Vietnam War.

Donald Bastis 1944 – 2024
Our beloved father, Donald John Bastis (age 80) passed away on March 1, 2024. Don grew up in Broadbrook, CT the grandson of Lithuanian immigrants…

Donald Bastis Obituary (1944 – 2024) – Durham, CT – Middletown Press (legacy.com)

‘Millions’ of Veterans Exposed to Environmental Hazards Will Be Eligible for VA Health Care on March 5

‘Millions’ of Veterans Exposed to Environmental Hazards Will Be Eligible for VA Health Care on March 5 | Military.com

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Air National Guard emergency managers search for radioactive material during a Global Dragon training event at the Guardian Center of Georgia.
Air National Guard emergency managers search for radioactive material during a Global Dragon training event at the Guardian Center of Georgia on March 15, 2015. (Staff Sgt. Christopher S. Muncy/New York Air National Guard photo)

Veterans Burn Uniforms in Solidarity with Airman Who Died After Setting Himself on Fire to Protest Gaza War

Veterans Burn Uniforms in Solidarity with Airman Who Died After Setting Himself on Fire to Protest Gaza War | Military.com

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Demonstrators gather during a vigil outside the Israeli Embassy, Monday, Feb. 26, 2024, in Washington.
Demonstrators gather during a vigil outside the Israeli Embassy, Monday, Feb. 26, 2024, in Washington. (Mark Schiefelbein/AP Photo)

2024 VA Disability Payment Schedule

2024 VA Disability Payment Schedule | Military.com

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Pile of cash sitting atop a calendar

Army Lieutenant Colonel at Fort Belvoir Accused of More than 16 Allegations of Domestic Abuse, Assault

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Tulley's Gate at Fort Belvoir in Virginia.
The Tulley’s Gate entrance at Fort Belvoir in Virginia. (U.S. Army photo)

CTARNG Recruiting & Retention Being honored at The Director’s Strength Maintenance Awards Ceremony hosted by the Texas Army National Guard March 2024. Director’s 54 went to SSG Muiga, and National Officer Strength Manager of the year went to CPT Mark Soltau

 

Army Connecticut Veterans Bulletin

CONNECTICUT VETERANS BULLETIN – Page 2 – Information by Connecticut Veterans for Connecticut Veterans. (ctvetsbulletin.org)

v1-cvbs-weekly-connecticut-veterans-calendar-publication-saturday-16-march-2024-1.pdf (menlosecurity.com)

 

Behavioral Health Resources:

Connecticut National Guard > Resources > Behavioral Health (ng.mil)

In crisis? Need help? Call 1 (800) 273-8255 and press 1

Contact a Connecticut National Guard Specialist

Ms. Susan Tobenkin, LCSW
Behavioral Health Specialist
(860) 830-8991
susan.e.tobenkin.civ@army.mil
Mr. Michael Dutko, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
(860) 946-9810
michael.t.dutko.civ@army.mil
Mr. Peter Doria, LCSW
Behavioral Health Specialist
(860) 655-0296
peter.e.doria.civ@army.mil
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The Next Generation USID military spouse ID card

I am a Retiree/Veteran:

Check out these resources

America the Beautiful Passes

 

Armed Forces Recreation Centers/Hotels & Resorts

 

American Forces Travel Program

 

 

   

 

 

UPDATE:

Constitution and Bylaw Amendment Format

Download PDF here:  Constitution and Bylaw Amendment Format

 

The National Guard Association of Connecticut CONSTITUTION Of October 1993, as amended in March 1996, March 1997, March 2002, March 2003, March 2004, March 2007, and March 2012.

Download PDF here: NGACT Constitution (March 2012)

Notice to the Membership Signed by President Burgess

Download PDF here: Notice to the Membership (Signed)

The National Guard Association of Connecticut By–Laws Of October 1993, as amended in March 1998, March 2003, January 2012, May 2012, August 2012 and September 2012.

Download PDF here: NGACT Bylaws (SEP 2012)

 

 

   

 

 

 

Survivor Benefits Newsletter and Link

DFAS Survivor SBP Newsletter Fall2023

Download entire newsletter HERE:

 

 

   

 

 

DFAS Retiree Newsletter & Benefits News + Link

Still most recent edition

Download entire newsletter HERE: DFAS Retiree Newsletter December 2023  – Still most recent edition

 

 

   

 

Free tax return preparation for Veterans, military members, and their families!

Free tax return preparation for Veterans, military members and their families – VA News

 

 

   

Salute to the Troops Military Ball

Save the Date! The National Guard Association of CT is proud to present our Salute to the Troops Military Ball on March 23, 2024! Please be on the look out for details!

There are also opportunities for individuals and our Corporate Partners to help us defray the cost for our junior Service members to attend. Please contact me for additional information.

Please share and make widest possible distribution.

This event is open to all military services. More information will be published once it is available.

Thanks, and we look forward to seeing you in March to say “Thank you” to our service members and Families!

 

 

 

 

     

 

 

Connecticut Guardian

The newest edition of the Connecticut Guardian is now available online at: Connecticut National Guard > Public Affairs > Connecticut Guardian (ng.mil)

 

   

CT JEEP 500

** Gov. Ned Lamont announced a new initiative to encourage state residents to join the Connecticut National Guard.

 

                                      

 

DOWNLOAD JEEP FLYERS HERE: CT JEEP 500 Program Flyer 2       CT JEEP 500 Program Flyer 1

 

The Connecticut Military Department’s Joint Enlistment Enhancement Program (CT JEEP 500) begins on 1 July 2023. Each CTNG Guard Member (except for those members (and their relatives) who are assigned/attached to the 6th Recruiting and Retention Battalion), CTNG Retiree and CT Militia Member is eligible to become a Recruiting Assistant (RA). An RA who enrolls a lead in CT JEEP 500 will receive an allowance of $500 for each lead who enlists in the CTNG within 180 days of being enrolled into CT JEEP 500.

CT-JEEP 500 is a win-win-win. RAs receive a $500 allowance. The CTNG receives a new Soldier or Airman. The Lead receives membership in the CTNG. Help yourself by helping the CTNG get leads to enlist.

See attached flyers for additional information. Take a picture of the QR code on either flyer to upload your lead and get started.

Point of contact for this message is CPT Ryan Campbell, CTNG’s CT JEEP 500 Officer.

 

 

     

 

 

Army Echoes Now Available

Current edition: https://soldierforlife.army.mil/Documents/echoes/latest.pdf

Army Echoes is the Army’s official newsletter for Retired Soldiers and surviving spouses. This month’s featured articles include:

  • The Army Chief of Staff Retired Soldier Council’s historic meeting
  • Survivor Benefit Plan Open Season Update
  • The VA disability rating and its full arsenal of benefits
  • Gray Area Retired Soldier and ready for retired pay?
  • Managing your retired pay allotments
  • Use your military benefits for a great vacation
  • Take advantage of your FEDVIP enrollment period

To contact the Army Echoes editor, send an email to ArmyEchoes@army.mil.

 

   

 

US Military Recreation Facilities (Excerpted from the “Stephanie at Poppin’ Smoke” newsletter) If you want a fun vacation that won’t break the bank, don’t forget that you can use your benefits to stay in military recreational lodging. Here are 17 ideas to get you started with your planning.

 

   

 

2024 Calendar of Events

28 Mar 2024   The Hangry Goose, 11 Halls Rd, Old Lyme
25 Apr 2024    Athenian Diner, 864 Washington St,  Middletown
30 May 2024  Pop’s Family Restaurant, 134 Old Gate Lane, Milford
27 Jun 2024    The Hangry Goose, 11 Halls Rd, Old Lyme
25 Jul 2024      Athenian Diner, 864 Washington St,  Middletown
29 Aug 2024   Pop’s Family Restaurant, 134 Old Gate Lane, Milford
26 Sep 2024   The Hangry Goose, 11 Halls Rd, Old Lyme
24 Oct 2024   Athenian Diner, 864 Washington St,  Middletown
21 Nov 2024    Pop’s Family Restaurant, 134 Old Gate Lane, Milford
19 Dec 2024    The Hangry Goose, 11 Halls Rd, Old Lyme

 

   

 

Retiring Soon:

 

Who: SGM Marco Lopes

 

What: Retirement Celebration

 

When: Friday, March 29th, 2024 at 1800-2300

 

Where: Portuguese Sport Club, 1966 Baldwin Street, Waterbury, CT 06706

Thanks for your 20+ years of service SGM Lopes!

 

 

 

   

 

 

The National Guard Association of CT State Sponsored Life Insurance (SSLI)

  • Up to $1,000,000 coverage available*
  • Members covered in combat
  • Covered 24/365
  • Most valid claims paid within 24 to 48 hours of receipt of proof of loss
  • All military occupations covered
  • Spouse and Children coverage available
  • Coverage does not end and rates DO NOT go up just because you separate from the National Guard
  • SSLI can be payroll deducted from drill check or AGR payroll
  • All SSLI group plans cover members while serving in the Connecticut National Guard including deployment

For coverage details including eligibility, benefits, rates, exclusions, limitations and renewal provisions please contact the plan administrator tollfree at 800-633-8333.

National Guard Association of Connecticut State Sponsored Life Insurance is provided under group life insurance policies issued to the Militia Insurance Trust (MIT). The

Guardian group life policy and the Uniformed Services Benefit Association (USBA) 10, 15 and 20 year level term life policies are underwritten by New York Life Insurance Company.

DOWNLOAD FLYER HERE: SSLI FLYER

 

 

   

 

Honor Flight Connecticut

 

                 

A Hub of the National Honor Flight Network

Honor Flight CT recognizes American veterans for their sacrifices and achievements by flying them to Washington, DC to see THEIR memorials at no cost. Current priority is chronological by conflict (WWII, Korea and Vietnam) with special consideration given to terminally ill veterans from all wars. Guardians fly with the veterans on every flight providing assistance and helping veterans have a safe, memorable and rewarding experience.

Please note: Veterans are only eligible once for the Honor Flight experience.

Your information MUST be exactly as it appears on your ID For Airline Travel (License, Passport, Govt ID):

DOWNLOAD THE HONOR FLIGHT APPLICATION HERE:Honor Flight – HFCT Vet App

Please submit this form to:

Honor Flight Connecticut

c/o Amy Casey

26 Copperstone Lane

Madison, CT 06443