National Guard Association of Arizona

09/11/2026

We Remember. We Honor. We Never Forget.

On September 11, we pause to remember the lives lost, the heroes who ran toward danger, and the strength of a nation that stood together.

25 years later, their courage and sacrifice remain part of our story.

Never Forget 🇺🇸

09/09/2026

We hope you can join us this Friday! Come see what your organizations can do for you!

08/25/2026

🏁 Start your engines 🏁

We’re heading to the Circle City for the 148th General Conference & Exhibition in Indianapolis! 🇺🇸

The countdown is on - just a few days until NGAAZ joins National Guard leaders, members, and industry partners from across the country.

📍 Indianapolis, Indiana
📅 August 28–31, 2026

We’re ready to hit the track, make connections, and represent Arizona. 🌵🏁

Green flag is coming… see you in Indy!

08/06/2026

Huge congratulations to CPT Kevin Lewis on being named a recipient of the national NGAUS Theodore Roosevelt Leadership Award! 🇺🇸👏

This prestigious award recognizes company grade officers across the country who demonstrate extraordinary leadership and service to the National Guard. CPT Lewis continues to raise the bar for excellence here in the Grand Canyon State🌵

He will officially be presented with the award at the NGAUS Conference on August 31st. Help us congratulate him in the comments below! 👇🎉

07/10/2026

🎉 Happy Birthday to the U.S. Army Warrant Officer Corps!

For 108 years, Army Warrant Officers have been the Army’s trusted technical experts, mentors, and leaders.

From the flight line to the field, and from maintenance to mission planning, Warrant Officers bring the knowledge, experience, and leadership that keep our Army and National Guard ready.

Today, the National Guard Association of Arizona proudly celebrates the incredible Warrant Officers serving our state and nation.

Thank you for your expertise, your leadership, and your continued service.

Happy 108th Birthday, Warrant Officer Corps! 🇺🇸

07/04/2026

🇺🇸 Happy 4th of July! 🇺🇸

As we celebrate Independence Day, we’re also honoring America’s 250th anniversary, 250 years of freedom, courage, and the enduring spirit of our nation.

Today, we celebrate the generations of Americans who have answered the call to serve and the National Guard members who continue to stand ready to protect our communities, our state, and our country.

From the National Guard Association of Arizona, we wish you and your family a safe, joyful, and memorable Independence Day.

❤️🤍💙 Honoring our past. Defending our future. Always Ready. Always There.

06/30/2026

📍 Indianapolis, here we come!

Join NGAAZ at the 148th General Conference & Exhibition as National Guard members, leaders, and partners gather to connect, learn, and strengthen our Guard community.

We’re excited for great conversations, new ideas, and representing Arizona.

Will we see you there? Drop a 🇺🇸 in the comments if you’re attending!

06/21/2026

Today we celebrate the dads, father figures, and mentors who lead with strength, serve with heart, and make time for what matters most.

Thank you for everything you do for your families, your communities, and our National Guard family.

Happy Father’s Day from the National Guard Association of Arizona 🇺🇸🌵

06/19/2026

We are deeply saddened by the passing of one of own.

Blue Skies and Tailwinds 🕊️

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