We had another productive trip to DC giving a voice to our members and representing Idaho at the various events and panel discussions. This year with everyone returning from deployment we were only a team of two (MSgt Riley and myself) but we still managed to get in many appointments. We met one on one with Senator Risch and Congressman Simpson. We briefly met with congressman Labrador but we had a length conversation with his military legislative assistant. We also briefed Senator Crapo’s staff and dropped off point papers. We had a dinner meeting with the State Sponsored Life Insurance group which was really needed as we have had a few recent recent issues with this program which were quickly resolved. We participated in panel discussions with Chief Anderson and Chief Brush and were briefed by General Cathcart. We engaged and asked questions pertaining to Gowen Field. Lastly we participated in the presentation of the Sonny Montgomery Freedom Award to representatives Poliquin and Gillibrand for all their work on National Guard issues. The hot topics this year were future flying missions, tile 32 to title 5 conversion and eliminating some duty statuses to prevent losing benefits if you are deployed under certain ” voluntary” statuses. We can also say everyone from NGB leadership to our congressmen are cautiously optimistic that sequestration especially for defense should be lifted at some point. There is some fear though that we will lose NGREA funding this year if we remain in a CRA the entire FY. Give me a call or email at chris_brearley@hotmail.com if you have any questions.
