Member Benefits
WHY YOU SHOULD BELONG TO THE
PENNSYLVANIA NATIONAL GUARD ASSOCIATIONS
The responsibility of membership in PNGAS should be a must for all Pennsylvania Army and Air National Guard personnel. There are two sides to this relationship. The Associations, through the Board of Directors, attempt to fulfill the needs of the members. You, on the other hand, must be a member to make the organization effective and participate in the benefits. In most cases, all you are asked to do is become a dues-paying member! What you might eventually provide for the Associations’ benefit is not as important as the dedication, determination, loyalty and positive attitude you express in doing it. All of this is directed at one central fact: we need you to become involved as a member.
PNGAS has achieved great strides over the last year, with excellent success in passing State and Federal legislation that benefits all Pennsylvania Army and Air National Guard personnel. But this is only part of what the Associations are doing for you. Programs that provide additional benefits are:
- $1,000 of life insurance coverage is provided at no cost to all active members of the Pennsylvania National Guard.
- Up to $50,000 in optional life insurance benefits are available to Guard members, with no war clause or hazardous duty restrictions;
- Up to $10,000 in life insurance for dependents.
- Up to $25,000 in life insurance for your spouse (low cost).
- Pennsylvania National Guard Scholarship Fund provides three $1,000 scholarships and twenty $400 scholarships to Guard members each year. PNGAS provides the bulk of the funds for this program.
- The Montgomery GI Bill was expanded to provide benefits for graduate studies.
- Guard members are eligible for VA home loans after serving at least six years.
- Junior Officer Recognition Program.
- "Pennsylvania Guardians" magazine.
- NGAUS VISA card with Pentagon Federal Credit Union.
- LCI International Telephone calling card.
- And much more.
The big question is: Why belong to the Pennsylvania National Guard Associations? The benefits listed above are only a few of the reasons. PNGAS represents all Pennsylvania Army and Air National Guard members, active and retired, and their family members. The National Guard voice is heard by government, state and federal legislators, decision-makers and the public. Members share the camaraderie of like-minded citizen-soldiers who believe in maintaining a strong National Guard as a critical element of the national defense and domestic support in times of natural disasters and state emergencies. You will grow professionally through participation in the Associations' activities and programs, attendance at conferences, involvement in Association meetings, and coordination in communicating with Congressional leaders on critical issues. You will become the best soldier or airman within your capability!
For more information on how to become a member of the Pennsylvania National Guard Associations, please contact Brig Gen (PA Ret) Dean Oswald (for officers) or 1SG Michael Leffler (enlisted personnel)
