National Guard Association of Texas News (NGAT News)
Volume 61, Number 3, Fall 2020
DURING THE NGAUS VIRTUAL CONFERENCE, The Honorable Kay Granger was recognized as a recipient of the National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS) Harry S. Truman Award for Distinguished Service in Support of National Defense. Authorized by the NGAUS Board of Directors in 1968, it is the highest recognition conferred upon an individual by the Association.
Congresswoman Granger has been a vocal supporter of military modernization and readiness initiatives through her career. From her time as Mayor of Fort Worth to her current position as Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee, she has been a steadfast supporter of the National Guard. She has, without hesitation or reservation, answered the call of the Chief of the National Guard Bureau regarding nationwide Guard interest, while simultaneously addressing the at-home issues presented by the Adjutant General of Texas.
In her efforts to support the Guard, Congresswoman Granger spearheaded the fight to maintain C-130 aircraft at the 136th Airlift wing at Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base. She organized a multistate, bipartisan coalition whose tireless efforts to educate the U.S. Air Force on maintaining a National Guard hurricane response force along the United States Gulf Coast. The Congresswomen was once again called upon by the National Guard to assist in successfully impressing upon the U.S. Army the critical nature of maintaining AH-64 Apaches and Infantry Brigade Combat Teams in the National Guard. She has played a vital role in maintaining the National Guard’s operations readiness.
As the Chairwoman of the House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, Congresswomen Granger prioritized federal funding for concurrent military modernization efforts by appropriating 8 C-130J Super Hercules aircraft for the Air National Guard. This marked the first time the National Guard has received new C-130Js since 2002. Her focus on Guard readiness has led to multiple years of appropriations that support modernizing the National Guard at the same pace as the Active Components. Her support is critical to enabling the Guard to effectively support both active duty mobilizations and state missions set to include F-22, F-35, UH-60M, and UH-72.
In the aftermath of the massive Hurricane Harvey disaster, Granger was the lead negotiator creating a disaster package which provided nearly $40M in funds for the post response efforts. Her support helped ensure that the Gulf Coast Region is prepared for significant natural disasters for years to come. In response to Hurricane Harvey, the Texas National Guard was able to evacuate over 18,000 people, shelter 26,000 people, provide lifesaving aerial rescues for nearly 400 stranded citizens, and move 382 tons of cargo. The total force Hurricane Harvey efforts speaks volumes to Congresswoman Granger’s foresight and the importance the National Guard plays in her domestic response strategy.
Based on her career long dedication and tireless efforts to support Service Members and their families it was befitting that she received this prestigious award.