Bulletin 25 – 09 (01 May, 2025 Edition)
Richard Bernardo Obituary
April 25, 2025
Richard F. Bernardo (78) of Marlborough, CT died unexpectedly on April 25th at Yale New Haven Hospital. Rich was also known as Einstein and the Mayor of F Dock.
He was born April 12, 1947 to Rose and Ferd Bernardo. He was the oldest of three children. He attended North Haven High School and graduated from Southern Connecticut State University with a degree in Math and Political Science. He served our country in the Army National Guard. Richard retired from Aetna after 25 years of service as a systems engineer.
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/nhregister/name/richard-bernardo-obituary?id=58257285
Nicholas R. Giardina Sr.
Nicholas R. Giardina, Sr., 87, of Middletown, beloved husband of Gail (Carta) Giardina passed away peacefully in his sleep Monday April 7, 2025.
Nick was born in Middletown, son of the late Sebastian and Anna (Bartolotta) Giardina. Nick proudly served his country receiving honorable discharges from the Army, Naval Reserve, and National Guard. In addition, he volunteered in the US Coast Guard Auxiliary during his retirement.
https://www.biegafuneralhome.com/obituary/nicholas-giardina-sr
Anthony J. Solecki Obituary
EANGUS 2025 CONFERENCE
Reno, NV | 11-14 AUGUST 2025 Grand Sierra Resort | 2500 E 2nd ST | Reno, NV 89595
Welcome to the Legislative Action Center. Please take a few moments to contact your D.C. delegation and support EANGUS legislative priorities in the 118th Congress. https://www.votervoice.net/iframes/EANGUS/Campaigns/118588/Respond https://www.votervoice.net/iframes/EANGUS/Campaigns/116256/Respond
147th General Conference & Exhibition
August 22 – 25, 2025
Milwaukee
The NGAUS General Conference & Exhibition is the Association’s annual business meeting. Army and Air National Guard officers from all 50 states, three territories and the District of Columbia gather to network, set their legislative agenda and hear from America’s civilian and military leaders. Family members, industry representatives and local officials also attend. We hope to see you in Milwaukee next year!
https://www.ngaus.org/events/147th-general-conference-exhibition
August 22 – 25, 2025
Milwaukee
NGAUS CONFERENCE About 4,425 people registered to attend last year’s conference in Detroit. The last time a NGAUS conference reached this number of attendees was the association’s 140th General Conference & Exhibition in New Orleans, in 2018. Mark your calendar now for the 147th General Conference & Exhibition in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Aug, 22 to 25, 2025.
SCAMS Be aware of phishing scams related to registration and housing for the conference. Instructions for registration will come in a Call to Conference from the NGAUS president, while members will register and book housing in their room blocks through their state delegation. Exhibitors and other non-exhibiting industry will register directly through the NGAUS website. Distinguished guests, including speakers, will coordinate directly with Lakeshia Williams. Registration is expected to open in March. Scams include attempting to sell you what they claim to be lists of conference attendees or contacting you via email or phone phishing for information about your hotel reservations. Only make conference registrations and hotel reservations with the NGAUS block through the website (for exhibitors and other industry), through your state delegation point of contact or NGAUS’ contracted affiliate Lamont Company.
SOCIAL EVENTS The Governor’s Reception will be held at Discovery World. The Company Grade/Warrant Officer Mixer will be held at MECCA and the Beer Garden in the Deer District. The Senior Warrant Officer Mixer will be held at Gather, also in the Deer District. The States Dinner will be held in the Baird Ballroom, located inside the Baird Center, the conference convention center.
U.S. Army Retired Soldier Handbook 2025
DOWNLOAD U.S. ARMY RETIRED SOLDIER HANDBOOK HERE: https://ngact.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/02/Retired_Soldier_Handbook-1.pdf
The PACT Act and your VA benefits The PACT Act is a law that expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances. This law helps us provide generations of Veterans—and their survivors—with the care and benefits they’ve earned and deserve. And starting March 5, 2024, we’re expanding VA health care to millions of Veterans—years earlier than called for by the PACT Act. This page will help answer your questions about what the PACT Act means for you or your loved ones. You can also call us at 800-698-2411 (TTY: 711). And you can file a claim for PACT Act-related disability compensation or apply for VA health care now. File a disability claim online Apply for VA health care Substitute House Bill No. 5491 Public Act No. 24-46 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Assembly convened: Section 1. Section 12-81 of the 2024 supplement to the general statutes is amended by adding subdivision (83) as follows (Effective October 1, 2024, and applicable to assessment years commencing on or after October 1, 2024): https://ngact.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/Fall_Symposium_2024_PA_24-46_Disabled_Veterans-1-1-1.pdf Property Tax Bill 2024 : DOWNLOAD TAX BILL HERE
2024 VA Disability Payment Schedule2024 VA Disability Payment Schedule | Military.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
Defense Department Expands ID Card Renewals by Mail to US-Based Retirees, Dependents 
Honoring Military Children: The Resilience of Military Families
April 29, 2025 — NEVADA AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Reno, Nev. — Military and civilian flight crews wrapped up a week of aerial wildfire suppression training on April 27, concluding the annual Modular Airborne… MORE
April 28, 2025 — Honolulu, Hawaii — Lt. Gen. Jon Stubbs, the 23rd director of the Army National Guard, visited the U.S. Army Pacific Command (USARPAC) and the Hawaii National Guard, then traveled to Guam to visit the… MORE
April 28, 2025 — FRANKFORT, Ky. – Soldiers from the Kentucky Army National Guard’s MEDEVAC detachment held a departure ceremony at the Army Aviation Support Facility at Boone National Guard Center on April… MORE
April 28, 2025 — LOUISVILLE, Ky. – A routine trip home took a dramatic turn for a Kentucky National Guard Soldier on March 15.U.S. Army Spc. Brandon Pollard was headed to his Lexington home after a drill at the Bowman… MORE
April 28, 2025 — LUSAKA, Zambia – Chaplains from the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), North Carolina National Guard and New York National Guard participated earlier this month in the Southern African Development… MORE
April 28, 2025 — CAMP RIPLEY, Minn. – Minnesota National Guard helicopter crews joined wildfire experts from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the Camp Ripley Environmental Team to participate in joint… MORE
April 28, 2025 — TOPEKA, Kansas – Three Kansas National Guard Airmen are soaring to new heights after earning top honors in the Air National Guard Region 5 Outstanding Airmen of the Year competition.Representing the… MORE
April 28, 2025 — TROY, N.Y. – The commander of the New York Army National Guard’s Troy-based 42nd Infantry Division will attend the April 29 event commemorating the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Dachau… MORE
April 25, 2025 — RALEIGH, N.C. – Senior leaders from the North Carolina National Guard are hosting representatives from Moldova, Botswana, Malawi and Zambia this week for a hurricane response exercise. The six-day… MORE
April 25, 2025 — CAMP GUERNSEY, Wyo. – Wyoming Army National Guard aviators, in coordination with local and state firefighting agencies, conducted annual interagency bucket drop training April 16 at Camp Guernsey… MORE
April 23, 2025 — STEWART AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, N.Y. – One recruiter at the New York Air National Guard’s 105th Airlift Wing is standing out from his peers, having recruited more Airmen in 2024 than any other… MORE
April 23, 2025 — CHARLOTTE, N.C. – After nearly three decades of military service and more than 25 years in medicine, Col. Daniel Martinie, North Carolina National Guard Joint Force Headquarters – Air chief flight… MORE
April 23, 2025 — DUSHANBE, Tajikistan – Four Virginia Army National Guard Soldiers recently conducted a close-quarters battle exchange training with members of the Tajik military. The engagement was conducted April… MORE
April 22, 2025 — CHARLESTON, W.V. – The West Virginia Army National Guard recently hosted its first workshop to address possible threats to the country’s public utilities, resources and cybersecurity systems. The… MORE
April 22, 2025 — WASHINGTON – The U.S. Army announced Monday the establishment of the Army Fitness Test (AFT) as the official physical fitness test of record for all Soldiers, replacing the Army Combat Fitness… MORE
April 22, 2025 — EASTOVER, S.C. – Noncommissioned officers and Soldiers from the Southeastern United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands gathered Monday to participate in Region Three’s Best Warrior… MORE
April 21, 2025 — JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas – The U.S. Air Force has named a New Jersey Air National Guardsman its 2024 Female Athlete of the Year. Master Sgt. Danielle Todman, a services journeyman with… MORE
April 21, 2025 — SAVANNAH, Ga. – Nearly 800 members from 10 Air National Guard units will participate in Operation Maverick’s Armistice, an agile combat readiness exercise that started April 21.The exercise runs… MORE
April 21, 2025 — ATLANTA, Ga. – In April 1955, the National Guard’s 400,000-strong force responded to an unprecedented activation exercise. Operation Minuteman, which was conceived by Maj. Gen. Edgar Erickson, chief… MORE
Check out these resources
America the Beautiful Passes
Armed Forces Recreation Centers/Hotels & Resorts
American Forces Travel Program
Survivor Benefits Newsletter and Link
Download entire newsletter HERE: DFAS Retiree Newsletter December 2023 – Still most recent edition
Free tax return preparation for Veterans, military members, and their families! 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 Connecticut Guardian The newest edition of the Connecticut Guardian is now available online at: https://ct.ng.mil/Portals/61/Documents/Connecticut%20Guardian/2024/CG_2024_04.pdf?ver=wr26v8qI9UHcbBwoYOl2Hg%3d%3d
The newest edition of the Connecticut Guardian is now available online at: https://ct.ng.mil/Public-Affairs/Connecticut-Guardian/
CT JEEP 500
** Gov. Ned Lamont announced a new initiative to encourage state residents to join the Connecticut National Guard.
DOWNLOAD JEEP FLYER HERE: JEEP Flyer
The Connecticut Military Department’s Joint Enlistment Enhancement Program (CT JEEP 500). 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 $1,000 for each lead who enlists in the CTNG. Leads enlisting into a priority vacancy received additional $500.
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.
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
2025 Retiree Breakfasts
| 22 May-25 | May Breakfast | Pop’s 134 Old Gate Lane, Milford | |||||
| 26-Jun-25 | June Breakfast | Tea Kettle, 1395 Boston Post Rd, Old Saybrook | |||||
| 31-Jul-25 | July Breakfast | Athenian Diner, 864 Washington St, Middletown | |||||
| 21-Aug-25 | August Breakfast | Pop’s 134 Old Gate Lane, Milford | |||||
| 25-Sep-25 | September Breakfast | Tea Kettle, 1395 Boston Post Rd, Old Saybrook | |||||
| 30-Oct-25 | October Breakfast | Athenian Diner, 864 Washington St, Middletown | |||||
| 20-Nov-25 | November breakfast | Pop’s 134 Old Gate Lane, Milford | |||||
| 18-Dec-25 | December Breakfast | Tea Kettle, 1395 Boston Post Rd, Old Saybrook |
Breakfasts are usually the last Thursday of each month but for 2025:
22 May: Backed off a week due to Memorial Day Weekend 24-26 May.
21 Aug: Backed off a week due to Labor Day Weekend 30 Aug – 1 Sep.
20 Nov: Backed off a week due Thanksgiving 27 Nov.
18 Dec: Backed off a week due to Christmas 25 Dec.