Austin, TX

On 6 December 2023, our chapter conducted a General Membership Meeting as well as an Award Ceremony, membership drive, and contribution presentation to the Texas Military Department Family Support Group. The meeting was held in the auditorium at the Headquarters Building of the Texas National Guard on Camp Mabry, Austin, TX. During this meeting we presented a ceremonial check for $2,500.00 to the Texas Military Department (TMD) Family Support Group in the form of $100.00 gift cards to be shared with enlisted soldier's families in need during the holiday season. SFC Kimbery Eastburn, NCOIC for the TMD Program Support Group received the check on behalf the Texas National Guard. We also presented 2023 Best Chapter lapel pins to the Executive Committee members of our chapter. We had three major activities during our meeting: (1) the Award Ceremony to present the LTG McLain Medal to MG (Ret) Patrick M. Hamilton, former commanding general of the 36th Infantry Division, (2) a presentation from BG Tanya R. Trout, Director of the Joint Staff of the Texas Military Department, and (3) a celebration and cake cutting ceremony to honor the 387th Birthday of the National Guard. We additionally had a membership presentation by our chapter president and manned a membership table to recruit new members for our chapter. Our chapter president also recognized civic leaders from Round Rock, TX. BG (Ret) Jack Haley and MG (Ret) Robert Halverson presented the LTG McLain award to MG (Ret) Hamilton. Our chapter president, COL (Ret) Garry Patterson and MG (Ret) Gregg Potter presented the contribution to the TMD Family Support Group. BG Tanya Trout made an excellent presentation on the history of the National Guard and current program and mission ongoing for the Texas Army National Guard. After the formal meeting we had a birthday cake cutting ceremony. This meeting was well attended by retired military, active duty soldiers from Army Futures Command and Texas Army National Guard soldiers assigned to Camp Mabry. The meeting was well received and enjoyed by our members and guests.