The 2025 Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States (EANGUS) Conference
has wrapped up, and I’m walking away feeling fired up, motivated, and determined to help
make our organization better than ever.
This year was the capstone of a busy and rewarding run, from EANGUS 2024 to the
Legislative Workshop in February, to our June Caucus. Each event deepened my connections
with like-minded leaders, and the 2025 conference not only strengthened those bonds but also
introduced me to even more people passionate about making a difference. Being surrounded
by that kind of energy is infectious,s and I want more Soldiers and Airmen to experience it next
year.
The Mission of Our JEC
For those who may not be familiar, our Junior Enlisted Councils (JECs) exist to boost the morale of troops and spread awareness from the lowest level to the highest. We aim to give junior enlisted Soldiers and Airmen a voice, provide opportunities to lead, and create a bridge between our peers and leadership. Whether it’s sharing ideas, identifying issues, or advocating for solutions, the JEC is about ensuring that the voices of the next generation are heard.
Briefing the Top of the Top
Hearing from senior leaders is always a highlight; it’s not every day you get to learn directly
from the highest-ranking officers and NCOs. But this year brought something even rarer: the
chance to brief the state Command Sergeants Major and Command Chiefs from across the 54
on a concept we’ve been developing — the creation of a National Guard Bureau (NGB) Junior
Enlisted Council.
Working on this project alongside NGB Senior Enlisted Advisor (SEA) Raines — the highest-
ranking NCO in the entire National Guard — has been nothing short of unreal. To go from a
quick conversation with him at EANGUS 2024, to building trust, to now briefing state-level SEAs
on his behalf… It’s proof that junior enlisted ideas can reach the very top. The takeaway? If you
see an opportunity, take it. If there isn’t one, create it.
Growing Awareness and Engagement
One of the biggest challenges we keep coming back to is how to grow awareness and
engagement… Not just in our state associations, but in our JECs too. What do Soldiers and
Airmen actually want to see? How do we make these organizations feel like a true community,
so members keep coming back?
The part-time nature of the Guard makes it tough to keep people engaged outside of drill.
That’s why we keep brainstorming, testing ideas, and asking questions. Engagement doesn’t
happen by accident — it’s built, one connection at a time.
A Glimpse at the Future
At this year’s Area 1 Caucus (think of it as our “homeroom”), I looked around the room and saw
a crowd full of emerging leaders leaning in, asking questions, and truly engaged. That moment
made me hopeful. It reminded me that we are on the right track and that we are stronger
together.
Want in on the action? Show up. Get involved. Follow through on your commitments. Don’t
just bring problems — bring solutions. We are part of the solution, and we’re building it
together.
We’re fired up. We’re motivated. And we’re ready to keep advocating for the benefits and
future of the National Guard.
–Emma Faucher, Enlisted VP
