CAL-EANGUS President, Marsha Adams and Vice-President, Josh Baker presented Command Chief Master Sergeant Tom James, Command Senior Enlisted Leader, California Military Department, the National Guard Portrait as commissioned by the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States.ย This presentation is a symbol that the California Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States will always be ready and always there to support the Soldiers and Airmen of California.ย The print will remain on permanent display at Joint Forces Headquarters in Sacramento.
Over a year ago, the National EANGUS Executive Council voted to embark on a project to commission a portrait that focused on and honored the extraordinary contributions of the enlisted Soldiers and Airmen of the National Guard. The artist, Larry Selman, created this beautiful full-color painting depicting Soldiers and Airmen serving and protecting our Nation at home and abroad. The Militia Solder and early American flag reflect our roots dating back to when the first regiments of the Massachusetts Bay Colony were established. Pennsylvania National Guard Soldiers and Airmen served as models for the artist and represent the diversity, skills, and professionalism of the men and women who make up our enlisted force across all 54 States, Territories and the District of Columbia. Symbolic of the losses suffered by our force, the kneeling Airman on the right represents the eight Pararescue personnel lost in combat from the New York Air National Guardโs 106th Rescue Wing. Mr. Selman also included two National Guard C-130 aircraft on the right side of the picture which were lost in crashes; one from Puerto Rico and one from North Carolina. โAlways Ready, Always Thereโ is the motto of Americaโs National Guard. EANGUS is proud to introduce this portrait which we believe embodies the character and spirit of all enlisted personnel who have served in the National Guard since its founding in 1636. We have titled the portrait: Enlisted Guardians: Our Legacy, Our Future
