About the Pennsylvania National Guard Association (PNGAS)

The Pennsylvania National Guard Association (PNGAS) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the interests of the Pennsylvania National Guard, its members, veterans, and families. Established in 1987 and recognized under Section 501(c)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code, PNGAS serves as a trusted advocate for the Guard's readiness, welfare, and legacy. Through its affiliated Pennsylvania National Guard Foundation (PNGF), a 501(c)(3) charitable entity, the organization extends support in areas such as education, family relief, and heritage preservation. Headquartered at Fort Indiantown Gap in Annville, Pennsylvania, PNGAS collaborates closely with state and national partners to foster professional development, legislative progress, and community engagement.

Mission and Vision

Mission: To support, advocate for, and strengthen the Pennsylvania National Guard and its members, veterans, and families through professional development, legislative action, and community partnership.

Vision: A ready, resilient, and respected Pennsylvania National Guard—fully supported by engaged leaders, informed advocacy, and enduring partnerships for generations to come.

Our History and Purpose

Founded in 1987, PNGAS emerged as a unified voice for Pennsylvania's Army and Air National Guard personnel. As a nonpartisan entity, the organization promotes the Guard's vital role in state and national defense while advocating for Service Members, Veterans, and their families. PNGAS engages in activities aligned with its mission, including legislative advocacy, professional education, and public awareness initiatives. Key objectives include educating government officials on Guard needs, fostering leadership within the ranks, preserving historical achievements, and collaborating with national bodies such as the National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS) and the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States (EANGUS).

What We Do

PNGAS operates under a comprehensive strategic framework for fiscal years 2026–2028, organized into seven pillars:

• Advocacy & Legislative Leadership: Establishing PNGAS as a nonpartisan authority on Guard-related policy, including annual legislative agendas, coordination with national associations, and education events.
• Membership Growth & Leadership Development: Expanding an engaged membership base through targeted recruitment, complimentary first-year memberships, and leadership programs.
• Strategic Partnerships & DMVA Alignment: Formalizing collaborations with the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) via memoranda of understanding and joint outreach.
• Member, Veteran & Family Support Programs: Delivering charitable aid through initiatives like Guardsman-to-Guardsman emergency assistance, scholarships, and family readiness support.
• Philanthropy & Resource Development: Building sustainable funding via grants, corporate partnerships, and donor stewardship to amplify impact.
• Communications, Public Awareness & Brand: Enhancing visibility through unified branding, content strategies, media engagement, and annual impact reports.
• Governance, Compliance & Organizational Excellence: Upholding best practices in nonprofit management, including audits, policy reviews, and fiduciary training.

These efforts are supported by standing committees focused on finance, audit, governance, government affairs, membership, and resolutions, ensuring ethical and efficient operations.

Leadership and Governance

PNGAS is governed by a Board of Directors comprising enlisted, officer, and retiree representatives, with a focus on balanced representation across Army and Air components. The Executive Committee—led by the Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer—oversees day-to-day decisions, while an Advisory Council of past leaders provides institutional guidance.

Current Leadership:

• Chairwoman: Kaitlyn Fawber
• Vice Chair: Frank Killeen
• Secretary: Gillian Barrie
• Treasurer: Scott Baughman

Executive Staff:

• Executive Director: Chad Rettew
• Office Manager: Ronda Fawber
• IT Manager: Eric Kearns
• Accountant: Miranda Willow

The Board meets quarterly with members and monthly for internal training, adhering to Robert's Rules of Order and strict fiduciary standards.

Membership

PNGAS boasts a robust membership of over 1,800 individuals, including more than 625 officers and 1,200 enlisted personnel. Categories include active, retired/life, associate, corporate, honorary, and complimentary memberships for new Guard members. Active and retired members enjoy voting rights and opportunities to serve on committees, while all benefit from advocacy, networking, and professional resources. Dues support operations and are adjustable by member vote.

Contact Us

For more information or to join PNGAS, contact us on our website at www.pngas.org/contact or email pngas@pngas.org. We welcome inquiries from Guard members, veterans, families, and supporters committed to our mission.