Members of the NGAMA Executive Committee following the Annual State Conference
NGAMA Annual Conference
The NGAMA State Conference was revised and re-scheduled as an evening Business Meeting at the Minuteman Commons on Hanscom AFB on May 22nd. The Business meeting included the election of the 2013-2014 NGAMA Officers and Executive Committee. LTC John Driscoll was elected President, MAJ Nick Macasta was elected First Vice-President, Maj Sean Halbrook was elected Second Vice President and CPT Brett Walker was re-elected as Secretary. The Executive Committee Members elected were CPT Karmin Ng and Major Ryan Chandler as Army representatives and Maj Neal Byrne as the Air Executive Committee Member.
In his “State of the Guard” presentation Maj Gen Leon Scott Rice said “It’s been a great year to be in the Massachusetts National Guard,” as he recited a literary of accomplishments by the Massachusetts National Guard. General Rice spoke of his pride in the National Guard response to the Boston Marathon bombing. BG Gary Keefe and COL Frank Magurn discussed strategic planning and future missions for the Massachusetts National Guard. General Rice closed by stating that every one of us can add value to the Massachusetts National Guard and to NGAMA.
Guest speaker Pete Duffy, the NGAUS Legislative Director discussed NGAUS’s fight against future budget cuts. He stressed the need for members to respond to the NGAUS Legislative Alerts by “Writing to Congress.”
Angela Bethoney, daughter of COL Stephen Bethoney and Maryanna Biederman, wife of CPT Rick Biedermann each were awarded a $2,000 NGAMA scholarship. LTC Driscoll thanked out going NGAMA President, Col Chris Faux and then discussed his plans for an active year. A light dinner and beverages helped make the evening a unique social event for all who attended.