BLUF
The National Guard needs its own official relief society.
On May 15, 2026, Representative Brad Finstad introduced the National Guard Relief Act, H.R. 8848, bipartisan legislation to recognize the National Guard Relief Foundation as an official military relief society under Title 10.
EANGUS is calling on members to contact their House Representatives and urge them to cosponsor H.R. 8848. Members should also contact their Senators and urge them to introduce a companion bill in the Senate.
Background
Established in 1992, the National Guard Relief Foundation is a private, 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization created by EANGUS to help National Guard Soldiers, Airmen, and family members facing hardship, natural disaster, or financial emergency.
The Foundation operates similarly to the military relief societies already named in 10 U.S.C., providing grants and interest-free loans for immediate needs such as rent, mortgage payments, utilities, food, gas, emergency travel, and other urgent expenses. However, unlike the other services, the National Guard does not currently have its own officially recognized relief society.
That lack of recognition limits awareness, official support, and fundraising opportunities. As a result, many Guard members are unaware that NGRF exists or turn to other military relief societies that may only be able to offer limited support.
The National Guard Relief Act would fix this by officially recognizing NGRF as the relief society for the National Guard. This recognition would help expand awareness across the Guard community, strengthen support for Soldiers and Airmen in need, and open new opportunities for the Foundation to better serve Guard families.
This is a zero-cost bill with an immediate and meaningful impact on the lives of Guard members and their families.
The main obstacle now is awareness. Congress needs to hear directly from the Guard community.
Take action today
Contact your House Representative and ask them to cosponsor H.R. 8848, the National Guard Relief Act.
Contact your Senators and ask them to introduce a Senate companion bill.
The Guard needs its own official relief society. Congress should act now to make that happen.