The Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States (EANGUS) presented two Militia Awards during their Legislative Workshop conducted virtually on Saturday, February 27, 2021. The Militia Award is presented annually by EANGUS to recognize Staff members serving in the U.S. Senate or U.S. House of Representatives for their contributions to the National Guard and EANGUS Legislative Program. The 2021 Militia Award recipients are:
The 2021 Militia Award was presented to Matthew Reel, Staff Director to Chairman Mark Takano, House Veterans Affairs Committee. Mr. Reel has worked for the Chairman since 2017, initially serving as his Deputy Staff Director, until Matthew’s promotion to Staff Director last month. As a currently serving Sergeant First Class in the 20th Special Forces Group, Alabama National Guard, Matthew is well informed regarding the needs of National Guard members and goes to great lengths to ensure that enlisted opinions are sought and considered. He has worked very closely with our EANGUS staff over the years and has participated as a panel member during previous Legislative Workshops, sharing his expertise with our members. Several major provisions impacting National Guard members were passed in the 116th Congress and he continues to support the Chairman and HVAC in pursuit of additional GI Bill and educational benefits as well as USERRA and unemployment protections. EANGUS is proud to recognize Mr. Matthew Reel for his continued support and advocacy of the enlisted members of the National Guard.
Kat Cosgrove, Senior Legislative Assistant
The 2021 Militia Award was presented to Ms. Kat Cosgrove, Senior Legislative Assistant to Representative Chris Pappas, New Hampshire. Ms. Cosgrove has worked in the U.S. House of Representatives for the last 3 ½ years, previously having served as the Military Legislative Assistant to Representative Beto O’Rourke (TX). Ms. Cosgrove served as the Representatives’ liaison to the House Veterans Affairs Committee and supported them throughout the National Defense Authorization Act hearings, mark-up process, and final passage which included key provisions impacting our National Guard members. She serves on the HVAC Women Veterans Task Force and also continues to work on behalf of Veterans and military members to ensure issues such as benefits parity, VA healthcare, and sexual assault are addressed. Ms. Cosgrove has provided outstanding support to our EANGUS Legislative team and is always available to offer guidance and make introductions to other key personnel in order to further our goals. EANGUS is proud to recognize Ms. Kat Cosgrove for her continued support and advocacy of the enlisted members of the National Guard.
