Winter vanished and spring awakened. In the same fashion, CalEANGUS hit the season with a vast approach on 22 March, the President and Vice President of CalEANGUS stormed the United State’s Capitol in California fashion. In Washington, D.C., your elected CalEANGUS officials, along with a unified front of National Guard leaders from every state and territory, came together with a shared purpose—strengthening the organization, sharpening its voice, and shaping the future of the force. As expected, California led the way in during the recent EANGUS President’s and Legislative Workshops. This experience was more than professional engagements and California setting the standard as always but rather it was a clear demonstration of what happens when committed leaders align vision with action.
Throughout the President’s Workshop, the focus remained firmly on growth, strategy, and building a stronger organization from the ground up. Leaders exchanged ideas on expanding membership, increasing meaningful engagement at the state level, and leveraging corporate sponsorships to sustain and grow initiatives. Committee involvement was emphasized as a critical component of progress, ensuring that innovation is driven by diverse perspectives and active participation across the organization. The message was direct—strength at the national level is built on disciplined, engaged leadership at the state level.
Professional development served as a cornerstone of the workshop, challenging leaders to elevate their effectiveness, refine their communication, carve out joint efforts and opportunity, and lead with greater purpose. The environment fostered collaboration, where experience and insight were shared openly, reinforcing a culture of continuous improvement and leadership accountability.
The follow-on Legislative Workshop on 23 March, carried that momentum forward, focusing on the execution of influence. Attendees received practical guidance on how to develop, push, and sustain bills and resolutions at both the state and national levels. From understanding the legislative process to strategically building coalitions and delivering a clear, compelling message, the sessions reinforced that advocacy requires preparation, persistence, and professionalism. The ability to translate the needs of the National Guard into actionable policy was not just discussed—it was expected.
That expectation was put into action on Capitol Hill. Your elected leaders from California conducted coordinated visits with California’s Senators, members of the House of Representatives, and additional congressional offices alike. These engagements were purposeful and professional, bipartisan, centered on presenting legislative initiatives, and aimed towards strengthening relationships across both sides of the aisle. Each interaction reinforced the value of the National Guard and positioned its leaders as credible, informed advocates for the force. Overall, our elected officials love the California National Guard and all that we do. They also want to advocate for our Airmen, Soldiers, and families because we are the most important constituents which the reparent…. And advocating for our benefits and future matters.
Overall, the meetings from both workshops were not simply about immediate outcomes—they were about building lasting, bipartisan relationships that will serve as a foundation for future success. By showing up prepared and unified, CalEANGUS leaders ensured that the voice of our enlisted force as well as the California National continues to be heard, respected, and considered in the decisions that shape its future. More-so, every state had requests for information of how California runs its business to their state enlisted organizations can emulate.
Conclusively, the impact of the week does not end in Washington. It carries forward through our return to our beautiful state with renewed focus, stronger connections, and a deeper commitment to organizational excellence. The workshops served as a catalyst—reminding that your elected leaders and future attendees must be involved in the progress is driven by those willing to engage, lead, and take ownership of the mission. Moving forward, we need more than just our elected voice to be heard. We need grass root efforts and every voice of the enlisted to be heard…..
If you have a passion for legislation at the state or national level and want the opportunity to be part of events like these—where ideas turn into action and relationships shape outcomes—then now is the time to get involved. Join CalEANGUS, connect with leaders who are driving change, and take your place in an organization committed to strengthening the future of the National Guard. Please reach out to your elected CalEANGUS leaders and seek ways to be actively engaged in the growth of the organization as well as the seed that is planted towards benefits and change. We want YOU to get to the Capitol in Sacramento. We want YOU to get Capitol Hill in DC. Please reach out and ask us how you can be the next attendee at these events. If this is you dream or ambition, we WILL make it happen.
