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On Nov. 20, NGAUS held a Retired/Separated Virtual Meeting featuring a presentation on Qualified Charitable Distributions. The meeting was hosted by retired Maj. Gen. April Vogel and retired Brig. Gen. Mike Oster. Both are Retired/Separated directors for NGAUS.
The meeting kicked off with a recap of the Retired and Separated Caucus luncheon at the 147th General Conference in Milwaukee. The key themes included modernization and readiness, recruiting and retention challenges, strong state-level engagement, improved communication with retirees and advocacy for the Guard at the national level.
Also discussed were the retiree survey results from 2024 and 2025, which confirmed that retirees want consistent engagement, structured opportunities to contribute (e.g., advisory roles), and closer ties with state associations. The surveys also revealed a strong passion for advocacy and helping NGAUS tell the Guard’s story.
The meeting proceeded with highlights from this year’s final Board Meeting. This included reports on recruiting success across the Army and Air Guard and updates on Space Force, Army Aviation restructuring and federal budget pressures.
Before the main presentation, several members raised concerns about Department of Veterans Affairs claim delays and transparency. Retired Col. Jon Eisberg, vice president, government affairs, stated NGAUS is working with the VA to address backlogs, saying, “We have reached out to the Veterans Administration, and had our initial meeting. We sat down to understand one another better. We realized that we are not living up to our potential on policy issues and veteran service organization issues and assistance. So, we started developing a plan of attack and we're going to work together a lot more closely.”
The main presentation, Tax-Efficient Charitable Giving, was given by Air Force veteran Curt Sheldon, owner of CL Sheldon and Company. He discussed Qualified Charitable Distributions, which become available at age 70½. Sheldon outlined the advantages of QCDs, including reducing taxable income, lowering Medicare premiums and taxes on Social Security, and supporting charitable causes without needing itemized deductions. Sheldon also stressed that support for charities should be for the cause, not the tax savings.
Retired Maj. Gen. Francis M. McGinn, NGAUS president, closed the meeting with an announcement of a new NGAUS initiative involving professional development for JAG Corps targeted for January.
To watch the recording of the meeting, go here.
The next virtual meeting is scheduled for April 29, 2026 (4:00–5:30 PM). Please ensure your contact information is current via ngaus.org or email [email protected].
—By Michael Metz
