Vision

EANGUT will be a flexible and responsive organization focused on enhancing the needs and values of our members and into the future

Mission

Promote, safeguard, educate, and improve the status, welfare, and professionalism of enlisted National Guard members, veterans, retirees, and families. We will accomplish this by expanding membership, pursuing legislative efforts, and providing resources for civilian employment, education assistance, and emergency support. partnerships.

Membership Expansion

Membership is our number one priority. Without our members, we have no reason to serve.

Our membership is not about making money from dues paid. It’s about influencing change because our membership numbers demand it.

New members are always an important piece of our organization. The newer Airmen and Soldiers are the future of our organization, and we need them to help pave the way.

But our stability and foundation are our retirees. Without retirees, we lose sight of why this organization was founded and built. We risk repeating history without learning from it if we don ot poll and listen to those who have come before us.

Not only are new enlistees a great resource and opportunity to learn, but we also need to reach out to those who have retired and bring them back into our mix, not only for camaraderie but also for their knowledge and experience.

GOALS– increase our membership to over 1,000 members in 2021 and over 2,000 members by the end of 2027. This includes all memberships: lifetime, annual, and associate. We will build a Junior Enlisted Committee and a Retiree Committee to communicate better and meet the needs of these member demographics.

Legislative efforts

Legislative efforts are ongoing locally and nationally. Ordinary citizens and grassroots initiatives built our country and our organization. This is our opportunity, as members, to change legislation that affects our careers and retirement benefits.

As many of our members have realized, the Reserve Component (RC) does not always have the same access or availability to benefits or services as the Active Duty. EANGUT focuses on the issues and concerns our members have regarding these services and benefits that we can improve. Changes are made through a resolution process to change either local or federal law.

To do this, the committees are key. Our committees need to be in touch with our members to understand what is happening and what is desired. I challenge each committee to understand its charge and work with our membership to influence the changes needed to grow and lead our organization towards what our members need currently and in the future.

GOALS– Fill each committee and identify needs for new committees. Support and participate in the committee meetings where the hard work is completed. Chairepersons will solicit participation from all enlisted members and at least one member of the executive council by publishing meeting agendas well in advance. Meetings should provide for the opportunity for any member to participate via telephone or in person.

Partnerships- Local / State / Federal

The National Guard is unique in that we live and serve in our local communities. We work to give back to our members and to the communities where our members live and work. We do this through educating our civic leaders, participating in community events, and serving in various roles in our cities, churches, and schools.

EANGUT’s involvement with State and Federal Organizations that also serve our members and share our goals is crucial to ensuring the longevity of our Association. We continually seek opportunities to collaborate with these groups to serve our members better.

GOALS– Develop enduring relationships in our communities by participating in City and State events. Assist the Utah Veterans’ Cemetery with maintenance year-round. Donations to organizations focused on furthering military involvement. Participate in community projects that provide resources to our members.

Emergency Resources

As military members, we are always focused on being ready to support our State and Nation. But from time to time, we encounter setbacks or emergencies as service members and retirees. 

EANGUT provides links to many of the resources available to our members. In addition, we can put our members in touch with other organizations that support them in times of crisis and need. 

These resources include access to emergency food pantries, emergency housing, loans and grants for financial distress, and contacts for mental health counselors in times of crisis.

Life-skill training classes are available to members and their families to help prepare for life events or to deal with crises when they occur. These are available in person or via podcasts and other media.

GOALS– develop a diversified investment strategy that safeguards the organization while still allowing opportunities to give back to our members through grants, loans, community projects, training, and hard assets. 

Identify opportunities to provide members with resources and counseling to reduce suicide and other mental health-related issues.

Education

Scholarships and professional development will always be a priority for EANGUT. We strive to give back to our members, creating a better future for them and us. Our scholarships are currently funded entirely by our membership.

Educating our future leaders will help us, as an organization, reap benefits long after we can no longer serve. Each member and potential member should be aware of the available benefits that can assist them or their family in continuing their civilian education. In addition, we need to strive to provide our members with opportunities for professional education through civilian or military channels. This includes opportunities to attend professional talks, podcasts, and schools that promote the education and professionalism of our service.

GOALS– Implement a Corporate Scholarship Program to provide up to 100 of our members and/or their families with $1 million in scholarships for post-secondary education per year. This initiative will provide increased opportunities for our members to gain higher education and training through Universities, Technical Schools, On-the-Job Training, and Professional Development.

Employment Resources

EANGUT is dedicated to ensuring our members have employment opportunities commensurate with their knowledge and experience. The training and experiences we gain while serving in the military are sought after by many civilian companies and agencies; however, finding opportunities can be overwhelming and daunting for many.

We provide links to resources on our website that are exclusive to our members. In addition, we host Utah Workforce Services, USO, and other organizations focused on supporting and employing military members and their families during our EANGUT Annual State Conference. Many of these organizations also provide training, apprenticeships, or credentials to help members and their families achieve their employment goals.

GOALS– Ensure 100% members can find a job commensurate with their knowledge, skills, education, and desires.