About NGAT

Who is NGAT?

The National Guard Association of Texas was founded in 1959 by a group of Warrant Officers on the principle that it is important to have an organization speak out for the Texas National Guard and its members. NGAT is a non-profit 501(c)(19) veterans organization with a membership of over 32,000 current, former, and retired Texas Military Department members.

Meet our Staff…

Let me introduce to you the people behind the scenes that ensures our Association continues to operate on a day to day basis.

LTC (Ret) Marvin Harris, CAE

Executive Director

Licensed Insurance Agent
Certified Association Executive
Serves on the NGAT Board of Directors
28 Years Military Service in the U.S. Army
Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics from
the University of Texas - El Paso and
Master of Arts in Human Resources and Development from Webster University.
Employed at NGAT for 6 years

MSG (Ret) Theresa Billeck-Zuniga

Deputy Executive Director/Director of Membership

NGAT News Magazine Editor
NGAT President 2006-2007
Served on the NGAT Board of Directors from 2002-2006
Licensed Insurance Agent
26 Years Active Duty Service in both the Air Force & U.S. Army
Educated thru the Community College of the Air Force and Vincennes University
Employed at NGAT for 16 years

CW4 (Ret) Terri Marshall

Insurance Administrator/Corporate Programs Manager

Licensed Insurance Agent
Has served on the NGAT Board of Directors
33 Years Active Duty Service in the MIARNG and TXARNG
Bachelor of Arts in Multidisciplinary Studies from Grantham University
Employed at NGAT for 4 year

CPT Adrienne Williams

Administrative Assistant

Currently serving in the U.S. Army Reserves
Commissioned through New Mexico Military Institute
Bachelors of Arts in Communication from
Texas A&M University
Pursuing Insurance License
Employed at NGAT for 2 year

NGAT Benefit Specialist

Do you like working with Soldiers & Airmen? Are you retired from the Guard? Are you interested in selling State Sponsored Life Insurance for NGAT? If so please contact Terri Marshall at 512-454-7300 or email her at insurance@ngat.org. If you already have a insurance license we want to talk to you.

Part-time Benefits Specialists Wanted

The National Guard Association of Texas is looking to hire Benefit Specialist to assist the Association with unit visits to Texas National Guard units in their home area. The Benefits Specialist would help promote NGAT benefits, membership, scholarships, and the State Sponsored Life Insurance (SSLI) Program. This is a perfect job for a military retiree wanting to stay active and connect to Guard units and members in their area. Benefits Specialists must be a member of NGAT and have a Texas General Lines Insurance License or be able to obtain one.

The job would require you to visit National Guard units in your home area on a limited basis. Please contact Terri Marshall at 512-454-7300 for further details or email your resume to insurance@ngat.org.

NGAT Founders

CW4 (Ret) Len Tallas*

The first Executive Director of our Association was CW4 (Ret) Len Tallas. In the early years, the Association was run out of the offices of the Adjutant General. It then moved to the garage and next a separate room off the back of the Tallas’s home. Len and Jean Tallas gave unselfishly to the Association, and eventually the offices were moved to its current location on Crawford Ave in Austin, TX.

CW4 (Ret) Lewis King*

The first Associate Director of our Association, and later the Executive Director, was CW4 (Ret) Lewis King. Lewis was also present at the creation (so to speak), and worked tirelessly in those early years. Over time, Lewis became the driving force behind the legislative focus and outreach of the Association, and introduced the concept of establishing partnerships with industry and other organizations. After he retired as Executive Director, he continued serving the Association as its Legislative Director, and became very active on the national scene as well.

CW4 (Ret) Harold Loftis*

When the first meeting was held at the creation, someone had to take notes, and that was how CW4 (Ret) Harold Loftis began his long service to NGAT. Harold not only served as the early scribe, he also assumed the responsibility for husbanding the resources of the Association, a responsibility he held for over forty years. And Harold gave not only of himself, but of his family. His wife, Billie, worked at NGAT for over 20 years as Insurance Director, and later his daughter Kathy assumed these responsibilities (a job she still holds today). In addition, two grandsons have worked for the Association, sharing their talents as well.

*Deceased

Executive Directors

CW4 (Ret) Leonard T. Tallas*

1959-1986

CW4 (Ret) Lewis O. King*

1986-1994

COL (Ret) Dale M. Pyeatt*

1994-2005

LTC (Ret) Ray Lindner, CAE

2005-2016

LTC (Ret) Marvin Harris, CAE

2017-Present

*Deceased

Legislative

Since 1959, NGAT has been the voice advocating for the men and women of the Texas Army and Air National Guard.

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State Sponsored Life Insurance (SSLI)

Group Term Insurance

This is a low-cost group term life insurance policy which provides coverage on the member, their spouse, and their dependent children. Starting at $3.66 a month for $10,000 policy.

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Free $10,000 Life Insurance

NGAT is proud to offer you a benefit of a $10,000 life insurance policy. This policy is offered to new enlistees of the Texas National Guard. Enrollment needs to be completed within 90 days of your enlistment to take advantage of this offer.

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Free $1,000 Life Insurance

All currently serving members of the Texas Army and Air National Guard are automatically covered with a FREE $1,000 NGAT Life Insurance policy.

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Fed Protect

Low cost Group Level Term Life Insurance for current and former members of the Texas National Guard and Texas State Guard between the ages of 18-75 are eligible to apply with coverage continuing through age 121.

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Want to join NGAT?

The National Guard Association of Texas (NGAT) appears before various state and national legislative committees to speak on behalf of the Soldiers and Airmen of the Texas Military Forces. This is why your membership is so important. The greater our membership numbers, the more influence NGAT can bring to the political decision-makers and continue the fight on top issues affecting you and your family. Join NGAT today and make a real difference in the fight for your benefits and your future as a member of the Texas Military Forces.

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