The 128th NGAUS conference for 2006 was to be held in New Orleans hosted by Louisiana National Guard, however , because of the Hurricane Katrina in 2005 it become impossible. The New Mexico National Guard quickly pitched in and hosted an outstanding conference in a very short order.

Hundreds of delegates from the 50 states and Territories were welcomed by BG.Kenny C.Montoya, The Adjutant General of New Mexico. Presentation of colors followed by Native American Indians cultural skits, dancers and music ..

Additional welcome by BG. Robert V. Taylor Chairman of the board NGAUS followed by many other committee reports .

Virginia had 18 delegates plus several family members attending , eight delegates short of the 26 allotment. This was the first NGAUS conference for The Virginia's Adjutant General , Maj. General Robert B. Newman Jr. who was very eager to attend many of the meetings, becoming acquainted with other National Guard leaders and national delegates.

State of the Guard report with a video presentation started the four day conference by LTG H. Steven Blum chief National Guard Bureau .

The key note speaker this year, were Secretary of the Army Francis Harvey, Michael Chertoff, Secretary of the department, of Homeland Security,R.James Nicholson Secretary of Veterans Affairs and New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson, Gen.Ronald E. Keys, Commander, Air Force Air Combat Command and Gen.Duncan McNabb, Commander, Air Mobility Command.

Among other speakers were , LTG Russel Honore commanding General First US. Army, LTG Clyde Vaughn Director Army National Guard, LTG Jack C. Stultz Chief,US. Army Reserve and Maj.Gen.Paul Sullivan, Chief of Staff U.S. Northern Command.

The main Speakers for the Air Guard separate session were Gen. Bruce Carlson, Commander, Air Force Materiel Command , Lt.Gen Craig McKinley , Director, Air National Guard, and Maj.Gen (Ret) Stephen P. Condon, USAF,Chairman of the Board, Air Force Association.

Two top First Army area awards , The Certificate of Victory and Pershing Plaque , were both won by Headquarters Company ,1st Battalion, 116th Infantry Virginia Army National Guard.

Maj.General R.Martin Umbarger , The Adjutant General of State of Indiana was elected as the new NGAUS chairman of the board for the next two years.

The music icon Pat Boone surprised many of the delegated with his visit. He sang his brand new song ," The Ballad of the National Guard " The new album should be available in November. The proceeds will be donated to paralyzed veterans services.

CW3(Ret) Amir Pishdad, Chairman Public Affairs for The Virginia National Guard Association was re-elected to serve another three year term as the NGAUS Area II warrant Representative , which consisted of eight mid Atlantic states and DC.

Over 450 exhibitors were on hand for the two days of show.

The Delaware, Maryland and Virginia hospitality DELMARVA , once again was a great success. It is becoming very popular among places to visit by many conference attendees .

The 129th NGAUS General Conference will be in San Juan, Puerto Rico... August 25-27,2007. This would be a good Vacation for the entire family, make plans now to attend.

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