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By Maj. Gen. Francis M. McGinn (Ret.), NGAUS President
Every NGAUS member should attend our annual conference at least once, and if you’re anything like me, your first won’t be your last.
I’ve been a conference regular since 2006: the year I was elected first vice president of the National Guard Association of Massachusetts. It was in that role that I went to the conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
As advertised, it was a chance to learn, grow professionally and contribute to our legislation agenda in Washington.
But I kept coming back year after year for another reason. The NGAUS conference truly is where the 54 become one.
We do arrive and sit together as state delegations. We’ll also share some state pride. But our common passion for our unique component in the profession of arms crosses state lines.
I’ve long used the conference to interact with my peers nationwide. I can communicate with them via phone, text or email, but it’s better in person.
We talk Army and Air Force. We share information. We also talk football and family. The conference is an environment where we can let our hair down a bit and get to know each other better.
Over the years, I’ve come to depend on my nationwide network. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the people I came to know at our conference.
And I know it’s that way for many company-grade officers, field-grade officers and general officers.
It’s the same for many spouses. My wife, Kerry, always goes with me. She has her own network. Every year, she looks forward to what is a reunion of sorts. And she leaves with several new acquaintances.
Of course, the conference is a little different for me now that I’m the NGAUS president.
I still look forward to seeing old friends. But part of my job is to take a great event and see if together we can make it even better. It’s one of the reasons I wanted this job.
The 147th General Conference & Exhibition, Aug. 22-25 in Milwaukee is shaping up to be an outstanding conference.
First, it’s in a great city with many restaurants, bars and other attractions within easy walking distance of the convention center. And we all know from their previous conferences that the Wisconsin National Guard takes immense pride in hosting the event.
Second, we will host great speakers, including some new voices who will be making their first visit to the NGAUS platform.
Many will address this year’s theme: America’s National Guard: Affordable, Accessible, Lethal. And as is our tradition, you will be able to ask questions.
We’ll announce the lineup closer to the conference. Expect multiple four-stars and at least two panel discussions on matters of growing relevance to our force.
The exhibition is also a big part of the proceedings. That’s why we include it in the formal name of the event. We’ll have more than 300 companies on the tradeshow floor. It’s an opportunity for you to see and hear what our industry partners are working on for you.
Finally, we will gather National Guard officers from every state, Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the District of Columbia. You will go home with an iPhone full of new contacts from around the country.
I hope to see you there. Let us know what you think of your conference experience.
