INDIANAPOLIS – Army National Guard Director, Lt. Gen. William Ingram Jr., visited Indiana National Guard Adjutant, Maj. Gen. R. Martin Umbarger, Friday, April 20, 2011 during the National Guard Association of Indiana’s 2012 weekend conference in French Lick, Ind.
“The general is visiting us during a busy weekend while 17 other states are holding their conferences,” said Umbarger. “We are honored he chose to visit our great state.”
Ingram and Umbarger toured Muscatatuck Urban Training Center in Butlerville, Ind. The tour included a simulated U.S. Embassy, an Afghan market with live goats and camels, and the Patriot Academy, a one-of-a-kind school that gives soldiers an opportunity to earn their GED certification.
“It’s a great partnership and a unique operation,” said Ingram, speaking on the cooperation between military units, federal and state entities, and civilians in sharing the facilities. “Everyone puts in a little bit and the return on investment and the synergy is absolutely tremendous. It’s a premier training site. Things can be done there that cannot be anywhere else in the nation.”
Ingram spoke to Indiana Guardsmen at the NGAI conference ball.
“As the director, I have the privilege of leading magnificent citizen-soldiers of the Army National Guard,” said Ingram. “Your actions in this time of persistent conflict, these last 10 years of war, have brought tremendous credibility to the National Guard. Your professionalism and selfless service in Iraq, Afghanistan, the Horn of Africa, Sinai, Kosovo and all around the globe, everyone in the Department of Defense, members of Congress, all of America, realize and recognize the worth and great value of the Army National Guard. You are America’s best.”