EANGKY

Fellow Enlisted and Non-Commissioned Officers,

I am both honored and humbled to be serving as your new EANGKY president, and I am excited about the prospects for the future of our organization. There is strong support from our senior military leadership in Frankfort and Louisville for professional associations and for good reason. They know the important role that professional military associations play in acquiring the equipment our Soldiers and Airmen need to fight, the pay and benefits they and their families deserve, as well as the support and recognition that our veterans and retirees have earned. On top of that, they understand the professional development that an organization like EANGKY can foster and the camaraderie that it cultivates.
The primary reason that I would encourage anyone to join our association is simple – if you want a voice – be it in the statehouse in Frankfort or in the Capitol in Washington DC – that champions the fight for quality of life issues for National Guard Soldiers and Airmen, this is your organization. The Enlisted Association of the National Guard and the National Guard Association (for officers) are the only two organizations that fight exclusively for the Kentucky National Guard through legislative channels. Without the success of our efforts, the National Guard would not be where it is today regarding equipment and benefits. Make no mistake about it, our primary reason for existing is legislation for all things National Guard.
That said, one of the greatest benefits of belonging to EANGKY is your professional development. Interacting with others who have similar ideals and values while exchanging ideas with them broadens your perspective. It lets your superiors know that you are serious about your profession and in becoming a stronger leader, as well as gaining valuable mentorship and lessons learned from those who have been in your shoes.
As we move through this next year, my focus will be on three things:
– Legislation – we are working on a number of goals already, which you can check out on our website. But we need to hear from you about what you and your unit – or you and your family need.
-Membership – we are currently at about three percent of the strength of the enlisted forces in the Kentucky Army and Air National Guard. We should be at 60-65%, so I need you to step up, join and become an active participant. The more members, the stronger our voice.
– Development of the Junior Enlisted Committee – This committee, chaired by SPC Danielle Sturgill, is a new addition to our organization and one that I believe will add great value. Its goal is to provide junior enlisted a voice outside the chain of command.
In closing, I’ll be blunt – we simply cannot do this without you. Take the time to get involved – you will not regret it.

Respectfully,
John D. Gipe
CSM, USA (ret)
President