Government Shutdown Advocacy
Earlier this month, the federal government experienced a brief shutdown. While it lasted longer than hoped, it was shorter than many feared. Even so, the disruption once again highlighted the vulnerability of National Guard members during funding lapses.
EANGUS used this moment to press Congress and the Administration on permanent legislative solutions, emphasizing that Guard members should never be placed in financial jeopardy due to political gridlock.
Key advocacy efforts:
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Shutdown Fairness Act: EANGUS continues to advocate for legislation that would ensure National Guard members are paid during any future government shutdown.
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National Guard Relief Foundation (NGRF) Recognition: EANGUS is urging Congress to formally recognize the National Guard Relief Foundation under Title 10 U.S. Code as an official military relief society. This change would allow Guard servicemembers and families to access emergency support more quickly and effectively when shutdowns or other crises occur.
Congress’s strong desire to avoid future shutdowns has created meaningful opportunities for engagement, and these conversations are gaining traction.
In parallel, EANGUS has continued discussions with members of Congress on Duty Status Reform, emphasizing how inconsistent duty authorities create inequities in pay, benefits, and protections for Guard members.
These conversations have been productive, and support is steadily building. Lawmakers increasingly recognize that Duty Status Reform is not just a Guard issue, but a readiness and fairness issue for the entire Joint Force.
Supporting Broader Guard and Veteran Priorities
In addition to shutdown-related advocacy, EANGUS has supported several pieces of legislation aimed at improving outcomes for Guardmembers and Veterans.
One example is the Veterans’ Bill of Rights, which would strengthen transparency, accountability, and access within the Department of Veterans Affairs. The legislation would help ensure Veterans are clearly informed of their benefits, treated with respect and dignity, protected from retaliation, and able to access care, file complaints, and appeal decisions in a fair and timely manner.
For Veterans in particular, these types of reforms help reinforce that access to VA care and benefits should be consistent and understandable, regardless of component or duty history.
Looking Ahead to the NDAA and Legislative Workshop
EANGUS’s top three priorities for the upcoming National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) are:
• Duty Status Reform
• Shutdown Fairness Act
• Recognition of the National Guard Relief Foundation
These priorities, along with other Guard issues, will be front and center at next month’s EANGUS Legislative Workshop in Washington, D.C.
👉 Register here: https://eangus.org/2026-state-presidents-legislative-workshops/
EANGUS is gearing up for one of the most important events of the year: the Presidents and Legislative Workshop, taking place March 22–24. This annual gathering brings together Guard leaders from across the country to connect, learn, and sharpen their advocacy skills.
Why attend:
- Understand the legislative process: Learn how Guard priorities move through Congress and how state associations can play a meaningful role.
- Advocate more effectively: Gain practical tools to advocate for enlisted Guard members at both the federal and state levels.
- Engage with peers: Build stronger relationships with leaders from other state associations and share best practices.
This workshop is a key opportunity to strengthen the Guard’s collective voice and ensure enlisted priorities are heard.
👉 Register here: https://eangus.org/2026-state-presidents-legislative-workshops/
Preparing for the Legislative Workshop
To help attendees arrive informed and confident, EANGUS will release a series of short Legislation 101 educational videos in advance of the workshop. What to expect:
- Clear explanations of how the legislative process works
- Overviews of major Guard-related issues heading into 2026
- Practical tips for engaging lawmakers and staff
The videos will be presented by Nick Weinstein, EANGUS Legislative Director, and Eugene Bradley, Chair of the EANGUS Legislative Committee.
December National Office Activity
While December is typically a slower month on Capitol Hill, the EANGUS national office remained focused on setting conditions for success in 2026. In addition to planning for upcoming legislative initiatives, the national team:
- Met with Wisconsin Air National Guard leadership during their early-December visit to Washington, D.C.
- Supported the Command Chief Master Sergeants Training Course (CCMSTC) and accompanied Air National Guard members from multiple states as they conducted Capitol Hill visits to discuss Air Guard priorities with congressional offices.
EANGUS is heading back to Washington, D.C. this spring for three days focused on strengthening our state associations and advancing the voice of the enlisted National Guard on Capitol Hill. The 2026 State Presidents Workshop and Legislative Workshop bring together leaders from across the 54 to sharpen strategy, share best practices, and deliver a unified message to Congress.
Why this matters (especially for Area II)
These workshops are where we align on:
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Membership growth and retention strategies
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Corporate partnerships and communications
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Conference and chapter operations
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Legislative priorities and effective advocacy tactics
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How to prepare, message, and execute productive Congressional engagements
Whether you’re a state president, legislative chair, or an engaged chapter leader, this is one of the most impactful opportunities of the year to bring your state’s priorities forward—and to ensure the enlisted perspective is heard clearly and consistently.
Event overview (3 days, one mission)
Sunday, March 22 — State Presidents Workshop
Location: National Guard Memorial
Time: 0800–1700
Chapter presidents will hear from senior enlisted leadership and strengthen strategies for membership, partnerships, communications, conferences, and more.
Evening: No Host Reception (1900–2100) — a great chance to connect with peers, compare notes, and build relationships that pay dividends all year.
Monday, March 23 — Legislative Workshop
Location: National Guard Memorial
Time: 0800–1700
A full day of panels and practical education designed to prepare attendees to effectively champion the enlisted National Guard. The agenda includes a general legislative overview, an NGB senior enlisted panel, insights on working in the majority/minority, breakout sessions, and a segment welcoming the 119th Congress with special guests.
Tuesday, March 24 — Capitol Hill Visits + Reception
Capitol Hill Visits: 0800–1700
Take what you learned and put it into action—meeting directly with your Congressional representatives and staff to uplift the voice of the enlisted.
Congressional Reception: 1800–2000
The event wraps with a reception to present awards and celebrate successes.
Hotel options (no official room block)
EANGUS does not have a dedicated room block, but recommends nearby hotels based on proximity to Capitol Hill and the National Guard Memorial building, including:
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Phoenix Park Hotel
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The Royal Sonesta Washington, DC Capitol Hill
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Kimpton George Hotel
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Hilton Washington, DC Capitol Hill
Registration and key details
Venue address listed:
1 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Suite 880, Washington, D.C. 20001
✅ Call to Area II: If you’re attending from Area II, coordinate early with your state leadership so your team shows up prepared—aligned on talking points, priorities, and who is covering which offices. The more unified our message, the more impact we have.
Register here: https://eangus.org/2026-state-presidents-legislative-workshops/
Last week’s State Presidents and Legislative Workshops provided EANGUS members from across the nation an opportunity to learn, network, and embody the mission of the association through advocacy in Washington, D.C.
The workshops were followed by visits to Capitol Hill, where EANGUS members engaged with their elected representatives and spread the word about our legislative priorities.
This work pays off. Two of the association’s top priorities were introduced in the 119th Congress last week, which means the Enlisted voice is being heard.
The Guard and Reserve GI Bill Parity Act was reintroduced by Rep. Mike Levin (D-CA), Rep. Trent Kelly (R-Miss.), and House Veterans Affairs Committee Ranking Member Mark Takano (D-CA). The bipartisan bill and its Senate companion are supported by many military service organizations including EANGUS.
The bill aims to ensure that members of the Guard and Reserves receive credit toward Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits for every day in uniform, including drills, trainings, and natural disaster responses.
“This legislation helps to right that shortfall by granting GI Bill parity for the Guard. Every day in uniform counts! It should count for educational benefits as well, including its retroactivity to 9/11. The Enlisted Association of the National Guard wholeheartedly supports this legislation and seeks for its swift passage,” said CSM (Retired) Robert “Bob” Sweeney, President, Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States.
Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) has reintroduced the Guarding Readiness Resources Act with Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), which addresses longstanding disparities in federal reimbursements for state-directed missions. Both EANGUS, NGAUS, and Congress members on both sides of the aisle support this bill that would alleviate funding gaps
“EANGUS stands ready to work alongside Senator Lee and other congressional leaders to advance this bill. Our members, the backbone of the National Guard, deserve nothing less than full recognition and fair treatment for their dedication to our nation,” said EANGUS Vice President Josh Baker in a press release.
These bills represent not only the continued payoff of our advocacy on Capitol Hill, but the dedication and resolve of our association’s members. For more resources from the 2025 Presidents & Legislative Workshops, including presentations, white papers, and photos, visit eangus.org/2025-state-presidents-legislative-workshops/.
(Pictured L-R) EANGUS Legislative Chair Jeremy Thompson, Militia Award recipient Ali Feinswog, Interim Executive Director Frank Yoakum, and Vice President Josh Baker at the 2025 EANGUS Legislative Awards Reception
The Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States (EANGUS) is pleased to announce the appointment of Sergeant Major (Retired) Frank Yoakum as the Interim Executive Director.
Sergeant Major Yoakum has dedicated a lifetime of service to the nation, serving over 31 years in the U.S. Army and Army National Guard before retiring in 2006. He has been affiliated with EANGUS for the past 22 years in various paid and volunteer capacities and is a Life Member of both EANGUS and the Wyoming National Guard Association.
As Interim Executive Director, Yoakum’s primary focus will be to lead the upcoming 2025 Presidents & Legislative Workshops, hosted by the EANGUS National Office in late February. His leadership will ensure a successful event and advance EANGUS’s ongoing advocacy efforts for the National Guard community.
EANGUS would also like to extend our sincere gratitude to Bryan Birch for his tremendous service as the Interim Executive Director. Bryan and our entire National Office Staff have performed admirably, taking on additional responsibilities, sacrificing personal time, and ensuring that the operations of EANGUS and our service to the State Associations were not only maintained but improved. We appreciate their dedication and hard work during this period of transition.
Please join us in welcoming Frank Yoakum back into this leadership role and in thanking Bryan Birch for his outstanding service. We look forward to continuing our mission of supporting and advocating for National Guard members and their families.
For any questions or further information, please contact the EANGUS National Office.
