National Guard Association of the United States - NGAUS

06/19/2026

Maj. Gen. David P. Rataczak 1944-2026

NGAUS has learned that retired Maj. Gen. David P. Rataczak passed away on June 5. He was 81.

Rataczak served as Arizona Adjutant General and director of the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs from 1999 to 2008. Previously, he served three years as Assistant Adjutant General, Army and seven years as the Chief of Staff, Arizona Army National Guard.

During his tenure, the Arizona National Guard experienced incredible growth. The Arizona Army National Guard grew more than 60 percent in size and the Arizona Air National Guard was awarded the coveted Predator and Space Missions under his leadership.

He enlisted in the U.S. Army in January 1965. Upon completion of aviation training, he was assigned to the 334th Armed Helicopter Company, First Aviation Brigade in Vietnam where he flew over 900 combat hours.

Released from active duty in 1968, Rataczak was appointed as an officer in the Minnesota Army National Guard.

He transferred to the Arizona Army National Guard in 1982 where he served as Aviation Operations Officer, Army Airfield Commander, State Aviation Officer, and Commander, 385th Aviation Group and Chief of Staff, Arizona Army National Guard.

In 1996, he was appointed as the Assistant Adjutant General, Army.

Rataczak also was president of the Adjutant General Association of the United States (AGAUS) from 2002-2004.

His awards include the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Medal with 37 Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters and Vietnam Campaign Medal, among many others.

“At a time when the Guard was transforming from a strategic reserve into an operational force, General Rataczak guided the Arizona Guard with a steady hand,” said retired Maj. Gen. Francis M. McGinn, the association president. “We extend our condolences to his family and our gratitude for four decades of service to the nation.”

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs ordered flags at all state buildings be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset on June 22, 2026, in honor of his interment.
Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs Minnesota Army National Guard National Guard Association of Arizona National Guard Association of Minnesota - NGAMN The National Guard

06/18/2026

06/18/2026

The National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS) was pleased to have the NGAUS Government Affairs intern, Ben Voelke, join interns from the With Honor Action and Reserve Organization of America at the Duty Status Reform press briefing yesterday.

We appreciate their commitment to service and public policy this summer and look forward to seeing all they accomplish in the years ahead!

06/18/2026

Last week, the National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS), was proud to host the 139th Airlift Wing and the St. Joseph (Mo.) Chamber of Commerce.

The event featured special guest GEN Carden, Vice Chief of the National Guard Bureau and provided an opportunity to highlight the enduring partnership between the National Guard, local communities, and civic leaders.

06/18/2026

"Francis McGinn, president of the National Guard Association of the United States and a retired two-star general in the Massachusetts Army National Guard, said the duty-status system hadn’t kept pace with the way personnel were serving in the military.

“'Duty-status reform will reduce administrative burdens, simplify a system that has become too complex and make the Guard easier to access and employ when the nation needs us most,' he said."
Senator Jerry Moran Sen. Jacky Rosen Reserve Organization of America With Honor Action Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States

U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran is backing overhaul of National Guard, Reserve duty-status categories to clarify troop assignments, compensation and benefits.

06/18/2026

In an effort to simplify the system, Congress is proposing the Duty Status Reform Act, which would reduce the more than 30 duty statuses down to four broad categories. NGAUS strongly supports the effort by a bipartisan, bicameral group of lawmakers.

Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States Reserve Organization of America With Honor Action Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) The American Legion National Headquarters

Critics of the current system say it is too complicated and too easy to manipulate in order to short-change troops on benefits.

06/17/2026

“Duty Status Reform will reduce administrative burdens, simplify a system that has become too complex, and make the Guard easier to access and employ when the nation needs us most. NGAUS is grateful to Senators Senator Jerry Moran and Sen. Jacky Rosen for their leadership, and we are encouraged by the broad bipartisan support behind this legislation,” said Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Francis M. McGinn, the NGAUS president, on introduction of Senate legislation to address duty status reform.

Sens. Moran, Rosen Press Release: https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=9BCE5132-95D8-4116-8FFE-5F06A1248B4B

Today, NGAUS and the Reserve Organization of America, Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), With Honor Action, The American Legion National Headquarters, and Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States held a briefing to applaud the Sens. Moran and Rosen for backing this effort. The media event can be viewed here: https://lnkd.in/eujA_3tb

06/17/2026

Simplifying the system of duty statuses was my top priority when I returned to Congress. In January, I introduced the Duty Status Reform Act to mend this broken system, once and for all.

I am thankful to Senator Jerry Moran and Sen. Jacky Rosen for leading the Senate’s efforts on this complex issue, and I look forward to continuing to work with partners in Congress, the administration, and the Department of Defense to get this legislation across the finish line.

06/17/2026

Media availability live stream: https://www.youtube.com/live/ZiQIWPz6cXA

Reserve Organization of America Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) With Honor Action The American Legion National Headquarters

🚨MEDIA AVAILABILITY TOMORROW JUNE 17, 2PM🚨

Retired Maj. Gen. Francis M. McGinn, the NGAUS president, along with representatives from the Military Officers Association of America, Reserve Organization of America and Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States, will speak to the Senate introduction of Duty Status Reform legislation.

A live stream will be available: https://www.youtube.com/

06/17/2026

⏰ REMINDER: Indiana Delegation Room Block Closes July 3! ⏰

Planning to attend NGAUS 2026 in Indianapolis and stay with the Indiana Delegation at the JW Marriott?

Don't wait! The Indiana room block closes July 3, 2026, and once those rooms are released, availability and conference rates cannot be guaranteed.

📅 NGAUS 2026
📍 Indianapolis, Indiana
🏨 Indiana Delegation Hotel: JW Marriott
🗓️ August 28–31, 2026

Secure yourd hotel accommodations by registering before the deadline so you can join fellow National Guard leaders, service members, and industry partners for the 148th General Conference & Exhibition.

Register and learn more:
👉 https://ngai.net/ngaus-2026/