EANGUS Presents 2021 Heritage Award to USAA and the Minuteman Award to CMSgt (Retired) Richard Smith
The Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States (EANGUS) presented the prestigious Heritage Award to USAA during the EANGUS 50th Anniversary Conference, held August 8-11, 2021, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The Heritage Award is presented annually to recognize a corporate partner who has provided outstanding and exceptional service to EANGUS. The award was accepted by Vice-Admiral (Retired) John Bird, USAA’s Senior Vice President of Military Affairs and Chief Master Sergeant (Retired) Richard ‘Dick’ Smith, USAA National Guard Program Director.
The Heritage Award was presented by EANGUS President, Command Sergeant Major (Retired) Karen Craig and We Care for America Foundation Chairman, Chief Master Sergeant (Retired) John Harris, to recognize USAA’s continued partnership with EANGUS and significant contributions to the We Care for America Foundation over the last 18 months. In addition to supporting EANGUS events and activities, USAA continues to provide funding for the EANGUS Scholarship Program as well as funding a $1,000 scholarship for each of the 55 State Associations. Furthermore, USAA was also recognized for its philanthropic contributions to military aid societies in response to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Their contribution of over $30 million dollars to 24 military aid societies and organizations included a total of over $3.8 million dollars designated for the EANGUS We Care for America Foundation. The funding provided by USAA and the USAA Foundation over the last 18 months allowed the We Care for America Foundation to distribute over $875,000 in emergency grants to assist thousands of current, former, and retired National Guard members (Officer and Enlisted) and their families who were impacted financially by the pandemic. This significant contribution also made it possible for the We Care for America Foundation to establish a no-interest loan program which will be an emergency financial resource that National Guard members can count on into the future. USAA has been an Affinity Partner with EANGUS since 1997 and continues to go above and beyond to ensure National Guard members and their families have the opportunities and resources needed. In addition to the Heritage Award, Vice-Admiral (Retired) Bird and Chief Master Sergeant (Retired) Smith were also presented with a framed, limited edition “Enlisted Guardians” print to recognize USAA’s dedication to excellence, significant contributions to EANGUS and the We Care for America Foundation, and the outstanding support provided to National Guard members and their families across the United States.
Chief Master Sergeant (Retired) Dick Smith was also recognized individually during the EANGUS All States Banquet on August 11, 2021, receiving the prestigious Minuteman Award for his distinguished service and support to EANGUS over the last 20 years. Chief Smith was recognized for his passion and advocacy on behalf of enlisted National Guard members and his work to ensure they have the benefits, programs, and funding needed to be successful. Chief Smith worked closely with EANGUS and State Association leadership to facilitate USAA’s support of the scholarship program and other events and activities throughout the year. In addition to his long-standing advocacy and support for EANGUS, in the past year, Chief Smith has gone above and beyond, seeking support and working with the USAA Foundation and USAA to ensure that the We Care for America Foundation was included in USAA’s donation to military aid societies in order to establish a no-interest loan program and provide assistance to military members and their families impacted by the COVID-19 Pandemic.
EANGUS is proud to recognize USAA, the USAA Foundation, and Chief Master Sergeant (Retired) Richard Smith for their extraordinary contributions, advocacy, dedication, and passion for National Guard Soldiers, Airmen, and their families. Congratulations and thank you!