My dear colleagues, the officers and warrant officers of our Delaware National Guard, Our National Guard has never been busier or more relevant to our national defense than it is today. In Delaware, more than 40% of our force has experienced a call to active duty for some period in our Global War on Terrorism. Many among us have deployed overseas in the defense of freedom. Now, more than ever, there is a need to achieve equity with our active Army and Air Force counterparts as we stand shoulder to shoulder in executing our national military strategy. We can no longer be stepchildren in equipment procurement, medical benefits, and facility acquisition as we have in the past. Our personnel must be resourced commensurate with our service. Our voice in achieving parity, our advocates on Capitol Hill, are the National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS) and our own National Guard Association of Delaware. So much needs to be done to give us what is needed both individually and collectively to bring us up to the levels we justifiably deserve. Granted, there is a price associated with membership, but I challenge you to give me an instance where you receive benefits for nothing. It’s a modest investment but the return is immeasurable. Your dues to NGADE are an investment in our future. Congress will determine resourcing. Our association will work hard to influence Congress and their success record has been impressive. I ask you to consider investing in the future of our Delaware National Guard by sustaining your membership or becoming a member of NGADE. After all, it’s all about our ability to be an effective component of our national defense. It’s all about protecting our families and securing the freedoms and liberties of our American way of life! It’s my privilege to serve with you. Sincerely, Francis D. Vavala . Major General . The Adjutant General, Delaware