First Friday briefing [Dec. 5, 2003]

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First Friday Briefing for December, 2003
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In this issue: Three Aviation Units Begin Mob Process
Images From Mobilized Units 116th Medical Squadron Earns High Marks on Inspection
116th ACW Honors Security Force Squadron State Defense Force Holds FTX at Milledgeville Tech Tools Essential To JSTARS Radar Capabilities Dog and Handler Bring Anti-Drug Message to Local School Ga Guard's Relationship with Republic of Georgia Intact Georgia Guard Helps Youth `Be All He Can Be'
JROTC Cadets Get Insight to Army Guard Army Guard OCS Orientation Set for January Guard Members Receive Unlimited Commissary Benefits Georgia DOD Customer Survey Results Available on the Web Course Touts `A Different Path to Improving Leadership Skills'
Holiday Blood Drive Set Annual Toy Drive is Underway
First Friday Foto Gallery 1/214 FA Participates In Army Ten Miler Co H, 121st Salutes Veterans In Villa Rica 530th Air Force Band, LRSU March in Veterans Day Parade
(Click on photos for larger image. Hold down mouse over photo for more information)
Three Aviation Units Begin Mob Process
Three Georgia Army National Guard units, all from the First Aviation Group, are the latest to be notified for mobilization in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. All three units are expected to mobilize and deploy within the December-January time frame. They include:
q 1st Battalion, 171st Aviation from Dobbins Air Reserve Base which flies UH-60 Black Hawks.
q Company H, 171st Aviation from Dobbins which flies C-23 Sherpas q Detachment 1, Company F, 131st Aviation from Savannah which flies CH-47 Chinooks.
The three aviation units represent about 370 soldiers. Nearly 3,000 Georgia Army and Air Guardsmen remain mobilized with more than half of them deployed to the Persian Gulf. List of Mobilized Georgia Guard Units

Images from Mobilized Units
Click on photos for more information and photo IDs

A flight crew from the 165th Airlift Wing took a The 878th Engineer Battalion has been

break during flight operations while in Iraq in making significant contributions to the

November. The Guardsmen and their C-130 rebuilding of Iraq. A recent project completed

were in Baghdad supporting U.S. Central

by Company A was the renovation of a

Command. A short time later they headed back school in the city of An Nasyriah. Pictured

into the Iraqi skies and another combat

with students and teacher at school are Lt.

mission.

Col. John Heath, the battalion's commander,

and Capt. Jason Allen.

Gov. Sonny Perdue and the State of Georgia received a special honor from Company H, 121st Infantry in November. The unit presented a Georgia flag that flew in Iraq during their support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
116th Medical Squadron Earns High Marks on Inspection
by Tech. Sgt. Jacqueline Boucher 116 ACW Public affairs
The 116th Medical Squadron scored an overall excellent during a three-day health services inspection Nov. 12-14. Air Force Inspection Agency officials from Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., focused on leadership and management, personnel fitness and internal programs supporting 10 areas of the unit's operation. The unit garnered three outstanding, four excellent and three satisfactory ratings. The inspection occurs every four years.
"This is the (operational readiness inspection) of the medical field," said Chief Master Sgt. Stephen Sudduth, health systems manager. "I'm so proud of the people in the squadron." Read full story
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116th ACW Honors Security Force Squadron
by Tech. Sgt. Jacqueline Boucher 116th ACW Public Pffairs

Thirty-five members of the 116th Security Forces Squadron were honored Nov. 15 for their service in operations supporting America's War on terrorism.
Squadron members received awards and decorations including the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal and the Air Force Achievement Medal.
Dr. John Winkler, deputy assistant secretary of the Air Force for Reserve Affairs, assisted in the awards ceremony and was the guest speaker. He talked about the increasing importance of the reserve and guard. Read full story
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State Defense Force Holds FTX at Milledgeville
The Georgia State Defense Force's Second and Fifth Brigades conducted their annual two-day field training exercise in mid-November at the Georgia Army National Guard's Milledgeville armory.
About 30 SDF volunteers participated in training, said SDF Maj. George Scott, Second Brigade public affairs officer. They trained in events such as map reading and land navigation, search and rescue, first aid, dealing with injured personnel, the loading and unloading of patients. They also participated in setting up helicopter landing zones, shelter management, crowd and traffic control techniques and running and tactical operations center. Read full story
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JIMIS, GPS Essential To JSTARS Radar Capabilities
by Airman 1st Class Tim Beckham 116th ACW Public Pffairs
The joint integrated maintenance information system and the global positioning system play key roles in the success of the Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System's mission.
Without the GPS and JIMIS capabilities the JSTARS radar would be useless thus making the E-8C aircraft nothing more than a luxurious Boeing 707.
"It they (operators) can't use the radar or the computers, what's the point? They (JSTARS) would just be an expensive cargo plane," said Airman 1st Class Nicholas Fetty, a surveillance radar technician assigned to the 116th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. Read full story

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Dog and Handler Bring Anti-drug Message to Area School
Jenny, a drug-sniffing Labrador retriever with the Georgia Counterdrug Task Force, proved recently that she not only has a nose for illegal drugs but also the talent for entertaining.
Hired seven years ago, this four-legged Georgia Guardsman with the Task Force Drug Detection Team, aided by her handler, gave a demonstration of her abilities in support of Counterdrug's Drug Demand Reduction program. Jenny's high energy, coupled with her easy-going personality made her an instant hit with the fifth grade students at Holly Springs Elementary School. While it was this canine anti-drug agent's first demonstration, this is the detection teams third annual visit to Holly Springs. During such events team members inform students of the consequences of drug use and abuse. Read full story
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Ga Guard's Relationship with Republic of Georgia Intact
The Georgia National Guard's relationship with the Republic Georgia remains unchanged despite political upheavals in that Black Sea state, said Lt. Col. Dennis Brown, planning officer with the Directorate of Joint Operations and Planning, recently. Opponents of the 12year administration of Eduard A. Shevardnadze ousted the President in November charging the administration with widespread corruption and election "rigging." New elections are scheduled for early January.
Brown said that some 13 Georgia Army and Air National Guardsmen were in Tibilsi during the protests that led to Shevardnadze's resignation and a peaceful transfer of power to an interim government. Army Guard Lt. Col. Ricky Barr is the Georgia National Guard liaison to the Republic of Georgia as part of the National Guard's State Partnership Program.
The Georgia Guard's relationship with the Republic has been in place since the mid 1990s. It continues to foster democracy, assist in the development of the Republic's National Guard as well as build a bi-lateral relationship between the two Georgias.
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Georgia Guard Helps Youth `Be All He Can Be'
With assistance from the Georgia Army National Guard this past month, a Thomson youngster suffering from a rare form of cancer had his wish of being a soldier come true.
Among the Guardsmen who helped make that dream a reality for 5-year-old Ethan Hobbs were Col. Don Venn, chief of staff; Col. Billy Wells, professor of military science at Dahlonega's North Georgia College and State University; Lt. Col. John Owning, state chaplain; and Staff Sgt. William Estes, chaplain's assistant.

Estes, now known to Ethan and his family as "Uncle Buddy," spent four days escorting the Hobbs to Fort Benning, then Fort Stewart and then to Fort Gordon. "They've become my extended family," Estes said. "They're a great loving and very caring group of people."
"Missions such as this remind us that being a humanitarian is just as much a part of being a soldier as anything we do, especially because we are Guardsmen," Ownings said. "I believe I speak for everyone involved when I say it was absolutely delightful to help make little Ethan's wish come to life."
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JROTC Gets Insight to Army Guard:
Guardsmen Give Future Soldiers Look at Military Occupations, Hardware
Junior Army Reserve Officer Training Corps students from Tifton's Tift County High School met recently with Georgia Army National Guard recruiters, aviators and soldiers at Henry Tift Myers Airport for an orientation flight and a look at the Army Guard's M2 Bradley fighting vehicle.
About 128 students and their instructors talked with crewmembers of a CH-47 helicopter assigned to Savannah's Detachment 1, Company F, 131st Aviation. Afterward the students boarded the helicopter four different times for a 20-minute flight over Tifton.
While they waited their turn, the students looked over the Bradley put on static display by Tifton's Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 121st Infantry Regiment. Read full story
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Army Guard OCS Orientation Set for January
Georgia's Army Officer Candidate School and Summer Accelerated OCS orientation will be held Jan. 10, 2004 at Macon's Regional Training Institute. Orientation is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Interested and qualified soldiers are encouraged to attend.
OCS Packets can be obtained by visiting the OCS website or by contacting Capt. Josie Hobbs in the State Recruiting Office by calling 404-675-5266 or email josie.hobbs@ga.ngb. army.mil
Questions concerning the State OCS program can be addressed to SFC Rodney Becton @
478-464-3229 or email rodney.becton@ga.ngb.army.mil. See the attached word document
for more specific information pertaining to OCS eligibility requirements and orientation schedule.
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Guard Members Receive

Unlimited Commissary Benefits
The Department of Defense announced in November that when President Bush signed the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2004, National Guard members and their families would be permitted unlimited access to military commissaries.
"Instructions have gone out to all continental U.S. stores informing them that Guardsmen and Reservists now have unlimited shopping privileges, and telling store managers how to welcome Guard and Reserve members to the full use of the commissary benefit," said Patrick Nixon, deputy director of the Defense Commissary Agency. "Commissary shoppers will begin to see banners saying `Welcome Guard and Reserve to Full Time Savings,' along with other events recognizing these new full-time shoppers." Read full story
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Georgia DOD Customer Survey Results Available on the Web
During the early summer of 2003, the Georgia Department of Defense conducted the latest in a series of internal customer satisfaction surveys. More than 1,500 employees and members responded to this unique web-based survey which asked over 40 questions about the Georgia DOD climate. The results provide a unique insight into the range of views and attitudes of those working for the Georgia DOD and National Guard. The executive summary and key findings and comments are available on the web at
http://www.dod.state.ga.us/customersurvey/.
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Course Touts `a Different Path to Improving Leadership Skills'
Members of the Georgia Department of Defense searching for new ways to improve their abilities as a leader and gain promotion points in the process should look into attending the first 2004 Leadership Skills Enhancement Course set for Jan. 27 to 30 at Marietta's 283rd Combat Communications Squadron.
More than 20 people, including Maj. Gen. David B. Poythress, Georgia's Adjutant General, participated in the course held in July at Macon's 202nd Engineer Installation Squadron. Each had a great time, learned quite a bit about them selves and came away with a new perspective on the ideas and goals of leadership, said Capt. Tiffany Sneed, who operates the course. Read full story
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Annual Toy Drive is Underway
Once again, members of the Georgia Army National Guard area being asked to help make a needy child's Christmas brighter by giving to the United States Marine Corps' annual TOYS FOR TOTS campaign.
Donations of new unwrapped toys can be dropped off in collection box at Building No. 3 on the Confederate Avenue state Department of Defense complex and the box in the main foyer

at Oglethorpe armory on Mooreland Drive in Ellenwood.
The last day to donate is Dec. 10. Toys in the collection boxes will later be picked up by the Marines and then distributed to area children shortly before Christmas.
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Holiday Blood Drive Set
The Georgia Department of Defense holds its annual holiday blood drive in Building No. 21, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Dec. 11. Veteran and new donors need to mark their calendars for this event. This is a critical time of the year for blood, and everyone who can, should consider donating. More more information see the American Red Cross flyer.

First Friday Foto Gallery

lick on photo for larger picture

Co H, 121st Salutes Veterans

1/214 FA Participates

In Villa Rica

In Army Ten Miler

Twelve soldiers from 1/214th Field Artillery

Members of Company H, 121st Infantry

Battalion took part in the Army Ten Miler in

Long Range Surveillance fire their rifles

Washington D.C., along with several family

during a 21 Gun salute at a church in

members. They were also joined by Capt. Bill Goss Villa Rica. The salute was part of the

of the 202 EOD. The soldiers have been mobilized church's' annual Veterans Day ceremony

since March in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom

and Noble Eagle. They are currently stationed at Ft.

Bragg, N.C.

530th Air Guard Band, LRSU March in Veterans Day Parade

The 530th Air Force Band of the Georgia Air National Guard marches in the Atlanta Veteran's Day parade. Company H, 121st Infantry Long Range Surveillance also participated in the event.
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Lt. Gen. David B. Poythress The Adjutant General of Georgia

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Georgia National Guard Support to Operations Noble Eagle/Enduring Freedom
As of: December 1, 2003
Summary Army Guard (all numbers are approximate):
q 2,850 mobilized q Approximately 1,470 overseas (Iraqi Freedom or Enduring Freedom) q Approximately 1,380 remain in CONUS for Homeland Security
Mobilized units drill in 28 hometowns across Georgia
Army Guard Units Mobilized Units deployed overseas (Part of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom)
q 3rd Infantry Detachment Ft. Stewart (Returned) q 265th Engineer Group Decatur q 221st Military Intelligence Battalion Fort Gillem (HHC, Co H Returned) q 277th Maintenance Company Kennesaw q Company B, 161st Medical Battalion Marietta q 1148th Transportation Company Thomasville and Moultrie q 190th Military Police Company Kennesaw q 878th Engineer Battalion Augusta, Swainsboro, Sandersville, Lyons and Metter
Units serving in US (Part of Operation Noble Eagle)
q 148th Medical Company (Air Ambulance) Winder q 202nd Explosive Ordnance Disposal Kennesaw q 1177th Transportation Company - LaGrange and Cedartown q 75th Engineers - Ft Stewart q 1230th Transportation Company Bainbridge and Columbus q 178th Military Police Company (Monroe) q 1/214th Field Artillery Elberton, Hartwell, Athens, Thomson, Washington, Waynesboro and
Toccoa q 110th Corps Support Battalion Headquarters - Columbus q 166th Maintenance Co Jackson q 82nd Maintenance Company Columbus q 165th POL Co - Brunswick
Georgia Air National Guard
The following units have been mobilized in total or in part. Many have returned. Numbers of airmen on duty vary as individuals rotate on and off active duty.
Approximate Number Deployed: 500 (At the peak of Iraqi Freedom more than 900 were mobilized)
q 116th Air Control Wing Robins AFB q 165th Airlift Wing - Savannah q 165th Air Support Operations Squadron Brunswick q 224th Joint Communications Support Squadron Brunswick q 283rd Communications Squadron Dobbins Air Reserve Base/Marietta q 116th Security Police Squadron - Robins AFB

q 165th Security Police Squadron - Savannah q Combat Readiness Training Center - Savannah
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Members of the 165th Airlift Wing took a break during flight operations while in Iraq in November. The crew and their C-130 were in Baghdad supporting U.S. Central Command. A short time later the crew headed back into the Iraqi skies and another combat mission. From left, Maj Chris Gray, pilot; Senior Airman Brian Beck, loadmaster; Lt. Col. Jim Leith, navigator; Lt. Col. Jim Grandy, pilot; Master Sgt. Francisco Ramirez (holding the M4 rifle), flight engineer; and Master Sgt. Cecil Lewis, loadmaster.

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Members of the 878th Engineer Battalion have been making significant contributions to the rebuilding of Iraq. A recent project completed by Company A was the renovation of a school in the city of An Nasyriah. Pictured with students and teacher at school are Lt. Col. John Heath, the battalion's commander, and Capt. Jason Allen

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Members of Company H, 121st Infantry, pose for a picture with Gov. Sonny Perdue during an special ceremony at the state capitol in Atlanta. The unit presented the state a Georgia flag that flew in Iraq during their mobilization in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pictured are Sgt. 1st Class Andy McNicol, Capt. Ken Hutnick, Gov. Sonny Perdue, Capt. Matt Smith and Command Sgt. Maj. Lance Rygmyr.

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Staff Sgt. Shatara Sherwood, assistant noncommissioned officer in charge of the physical exam section, attaches electrodes to a patient for an electrocardiogram.
Photo by Tech. Sgt. Ada Thompson

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116th Medical Squadron Earns High Marks on Inspection
by Tech. Sgt. Jacqueline Boucher 116 ACW Public Affairs
Members of the 116th Medical Squadron scored an overall excellent during a three-day health services inspection Nov. 12-14. Air Force Inspection Agency officials from Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., focused on leadership and management, personnel fitness and internal programs supporting 10 areas of the unit's operation. The unit garnered three outstanding, four excellent and three satisfactory ratings. The inspection occurs every four years.
"This is the (operational readiness inspection) of the medical field," said Chief Master Sgt. Stephen Sudduth, health systems manager. "I'm so proud of the people in the squadron."
There are 58 people assigned to the squadron who fill a number of positions such as physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses, and optometrists.
The unit's workload nearly tripled when the 116th Bomb Wing merged with the 93rd Air Control Wing just over a year ago. Aircrew members increased from 72 to about 250.
"These folks have been able to stand up to the changes and they've been able to maintain the quality of products that we provide to the wing," said Sudduth.
The four-person inspection team reviewed the squadron's documentation and interviewed staff members to ensure programs were within standards. According to the chief, the inspection is a tool the Air Force surgeon general uses to see what's going on in Guard, Reserve and active duty units.
"The inspectors know how good a program is based on its documentation. The actual interview process just validates that we're doing the job we say we're doing," said the chief.
The team looked at everything from on-the-job training, medical readiness, physical exams and standards.
"They covered the whole gamut," said Sudduth.
"We've got some great people in the unit...intelligent and standing up to the challenge."
The chief expressed thanks to the entire wing for its support during the inspection.
Reprinted from the 116th Air Control Wing's "Eye in the Sky"
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116th ACW Honors Security Force Squadron
by Tech. Sgt. Jacqueline Boucher 116th ACW Public Pffairs
Thirty-five members of the 116th Security Forces Squadron were honored Nov. 15 for their service in operations supporting America's War on terrorism.
Squadron members received awards and decorations including the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal and the Air Force Achievement Medal.
Dr. John Winkler, deputy assistant secretary of the Air Force for Reserve Affairs, assisted in the awards ceremony and was the guest speaker. He talked about the increasing importance of the reserve and guard.
"Our country's reserve units have become a crucial part of our military forces," said Winkler.
The men and women of the Georgia Air National Guard served 18 months in Southwest Asia participating in operations Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, Southern Watch and Joint Guardian.
"They are just a great bunch of people," said Capt. Jason Ashford, SFS commander.
Reprinted from the 116th Air Control Wing's "Eye in the Sky"
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Georgia State Defense Force Staff Sgt. Joseph Spavone gives a first aid class in Milledgeville. See other SDF FTX photos

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SDF Holds FTX at Milledgeville
Members of the Georgia State Defense Force Second and Fifth Brigades conducted their annual two-day field training exercise in mid-November at the Georgia Army National Guard's Milledgeville armory.
State Defense Force Col. Willie D. Garner oversaw this year's exercise.
About 30 SDF volunteers, said SDF Maj. George Scott, Second Brigade public affairs officer, participated in training such as map reading and land navigation, search and rescue, first aid, dealing with injured personnel, the loading and unloading of patients. They also participated in setting up helicopter landing zones, shelter management, crowd and traffic control techniques and running and tactical operations center.
The SDF's Second Brigade is headquartered in Macon, while the Fifth Brigade is based in Columbus.
"Training during those two days in November were quite intense," Scott said recently. "Everyone involved in the exercise worked hard at refreshing their skills and learning those they previously did not have.
"I doubt that anyone can say they walked away when training ended and didn't learn anything," he added.
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JIMIS, GPS Essential To JSTARS Radar Capabilities
by Airman 1st Class Tim Beckham 116th ACW Public Pffairs
The joint integrated maintenance information system and the global positioning system play key roles in the success of the Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System's mission.
Without the GPS and JIMIS capabilities the JSTARS radar would be useless thus making the E-8C aircraft nothing more than a luxurious Boeing 707.
"It they (operators) can't use the radar or the computers, what's the point? They (JSTARS) would just be an expensive cargo plane," said Airman 1st Class Nicholas Fetty, a surveillance radar technician assigned to the 116th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron.
"JIMIS provides our technical orders to be integrated into an electronic form on a lap-top computer," said Airman 1st Class Ronnie Stevens, an SRT assigned to the 116th AMXS. "The purpose of JIMIS is to provide a more simplistic and compact interface to our procedures, tasks, diagrams, tables, and descriptive information for each applicable system."
GPS is a Department of Defense funded system that provides specially coded satellite signals, which enable the receiver to compute position, velocity and time, while JIMIS is a computer-based technical order aircraft maintenance systems, which is used to support, troubleshoot, maintain and document the GPS, according to the JIMIS Logistics Support Extension webpage.
"The GPS provides vital information, which allows the radar to operate," said Stevens. "Without GPS, the internal radar and computer systems would be unable to process information without the navigation/ positional data."
The SRTs who are responsible for maintaining and enabling the GPS and JIMIS are also asked to uphold all the components of the 17 operational workstations on the Joint STARS aircraft.
"You can think of us as a Local Area Network manager on the aircraft," said Tech. Sgt. Michael Smith, an SRT from the 116th Maintenance Group. "Basically, it's a little global network on the jet."
You can see how important GPS and JIMIS are to the JSTARS will all the technology involved in today's information wars. With signals bouncing from satellite to satellite relaying information, it's essential to have every piece of equipment functioning properly on the plane.
Reprinted from the 116th Air Control Wing's "Eye in the Sky"
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Fifth-graders at Holly Springs Elementary School gather around Jenny, a drug-sniffing Labrador retriever that works Georgia's Counterdrug Task Force, during the canine's visit to the school.

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Dog, Handler Bring Anti-drug Message to Area School
Jenny, a drug-sniffing Labrador retriever with the Georgia Counterdrug Task Force, proved recently that she not only has a nose for illegal drugs but also the talent for entertaining.
Hired seven years ago, this four-legged Georgia Guardsman with the Task Force Drug Detection Team, aided by her handler, gave a demonstration of her abilities in support of Counterdrug's Drug Demand Reduction program. The identity of Jenny's handler is not being released for security reasons, said Maj. Geri Curry-Davis, Counter Drug's deputy commander.
Jenny's high energy, coupled with her easy-going personality made her an instant hit with the fifth grade students at Holly Springs Elementary School. While it was this canine anti-drug agent's first demonstration, this is the detection teams third annual visit to Holly Springs. During such events team members inform students of the consequences of drug use and abuse.
Jenny and her handler excited Cathy Harrison's three fifth grade science classes, Curry-Davis said. Harrison knew about the K-9 team because of her husband, Master Sgt. Ray Harrison, who works the logistics side of Counterdrug. Before Jenny began her drug search demonstration, her handler talked about the work he and Jenny do in the fight against illegal drugs. The handler also brought out several pieces of equipment for the students to see. One youngster, Curry-Davis said, modeled a bulletproof vest with matching holster and helmet. Several others frantically volunteered to be the first to try on the handcuffs, an extremely popular activity among the students, Curry-Davis said. When the students weren't "ooohing and ahhhing" they were asking questions about the military Jenny and police work, she said.
After the equipment had been put away and the children settled into positions around the classroom, Jenny and her handler demonstrated how they go about finding illegal drugs. Students in each of the three classes found it quite entertaining each time Jenny found the handler's "training aid" in Harrison's desk, Curry-Davis said. Harrison endured a bit of teasing from her charges afterward, Curry-Davis said.
After the classroom demonstrations ended, Jenny and her handler accepted an invitation by the students to enjoy recess with them. When the time came for Jenny to return to her kennel, she and her handler received an invitation by the fifth-graders to visit again next year.
Several of Harrison's students offered their opinions of the visit shortly before Jenny and her handler left Holly Springs. One student said, "...You gave me a good idea about what I want to be when after I finish high school." Another said, "Maybe I could be the dog police person someday."
About the equipment and demonstration one fifth-grader said, "It was cool to know how much science is used for drug finding." A fellow student said, "I liked trying on your equipment...that was awesome."
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JROTC Gets Insight to Army Guard:
Guardsmen Give Future Soldiers Look at Military Occupations, Hardware
Junior Army Reserve Officer Training Corps students from Tifton's Tift County High School met recently with Georgia Army National Guard recruiters, aviators and soldiers at Henry Tift Myers Airport for an orientation flight and a look at the Army Guard's M2 Bradley fighting vehicle.
About 128 students and their instructors talked with crewmembers of a CH-47 helicopter assigned to Savannah's Detachment 1, Company F, 131st Aviation. Afterward the students boarded the helicopter four different times for a 20-minute flight over Tifton. Hosting the JROTC classes aboard the aircraft were Chief Warrant Officer 2 William Johnson; Chief Warrant Officer 2 Lance Brennan; Staff Sgt. Jeff Earhart and Staff Sgt. Chris Reynolds.
While they waited their turn, the students looked over the Bradley put on static display by Tifton's Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 121st Infantry Regiment. First Sgt. Phillip
Springfield, Headquarters Company's first sergeant, and six of
his soldiers answered questions from the students about the vehicle, their jobs and what it's like to be an Army Guardsman. Questions about the Georgia Army National Guard were also fielded by Sgt. 1st Class Whitney Mitchell, who mans the Guard's Tifton recruiting office, and Master Sgt. Dale Shanklin, who heads up Recruiting and Retention Team 7 out of Albany.
At one point, area reporters from the local newspaper and radio station arrived at the airport to cover the event after seeing Company F's Chinook circling the town. After seeing the CH47 flying around, reporter from local newspaper and radio came out and covered the event. Shanklin said he assured them that no emergency existed, and that it only was an orientation for the JROTC.
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Guard and Reserve Receive Unlimited Commissary Benefits
The Department of Defense announced in November that when President Bush signed the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2004, the following service members and their families would be permitted unlimited access to military commissaries:
q Members of the Ready Reserve (which includes members of the Selected Reserve, Individual Ready Reserve and Inactive National Guard) and members of the Retired Reserve who possess a Uniformed Services Identification Card.
q Former members eligible for retired pay at age 60, yet have not yet attained the age of 60, and possess a Department of Defense Civilian Identification Card.
q Families of the members described above who have a Uniformed Services Identification Card or who have a distinct identification card used as an authorization card for benefits and privileges administered by the Uniformed Services.
"Instructions have gone out to all continental U.S. stores informing them that Guardsmen and Reservists now have unlimited shopping privileges, and telling store managers how to welcome Guard and Reserve members to the full use of the commissary benefit," said Patrick Nixon, deputy director of the Defense Commissary Agency. "Commissary shoppers will begin to see banners saying `Welcome Guard and Reserve to Full Time Savings,' along with other events recognizing these new full-time shoppers."
In the past, Guard and Reserve members were authorized only 24 commissary-shopping days per calendar year. Commissaries have immediately adopted the new provisions, which means Guard and Reserve members will no longer have to present a Commissary Privilege Card when they shop.
"I want to thank Congress and the Department of Defense for their efforts in bringing the commissary shopping privilege to the total force," Nixon said. "The Congress included unlimited commissary benefits in the National Defense Authorization Act thus making full time shopping possible for the men and women who serve their nation in the National Guard and Reserve."
Nixon also said that special thanks should go to Charles Abell, principal deputy under secretary of
defense for personnel and readiness. Abell, he said, acted decisively and immediately in providing
interim authority for the Guard and Reserve to have full-time commissary shopping just in time to take advantage of holiday savings.
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Introduction
During the early summer of 2003, the Georgia Department of Defense conducted the latest in a series of internal customer satisfaction surveys. More than 1,500 employees and members responded to this unique web-based survey which asked over 40 questions about the Georgia DOD climate. What follows is an executive summary of the outlining the survey and its key results. Follow the links below to find additional information as well as comments from the respondents.
Background Overall Results Comment Analysis GOOD NEWS and BAD NEWS Conclusions and Recommendations Points of Contact
Additional Material Who Responded
Web-Based Survey Satisfaction PowerPoint Briefing wrap-up 2003 ARNG Survey Results
Recommendations For Commanders
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1. Background:

Comments:

r Organization Development (OD) conducted the GA DOD Satisfaction Survey from 1 May 2003 to 21 July 2003.
r This survey consisted of 43 questions with 3 questions allowing for comments from the members, if they choose to add them.
r This was the first web-based survey. The link was delivered by email to all GA DOD employees allowing them to access the survey via the World Wide Web.
r Web-based survey software was purchased from WEBSURVEYOR, the results were downloaded directly to the Organizational Development Office.
r The majority of responses were multiple choice, listed as: Strongly Agree, Agree, Tend to Agree, Tend to Disagree, Disagree, Strongly Disagree.
r 80% of members surveyed found the Internet survey easier to complete than previous surveys, 3% found the survey not easier to complete, and 18% were not sure.
2. Overall Results:
r 1580 Responses received. r 13.45% of GA DOD employees responded. r Response percentages are as follows:
Army 35% Air 45% TAG's Staff and USPFO 9% SDF 11%
Read more about who responded

Here's a sampling of comments that respondents included with their survey answers. See a complete list of comments.
Questions and problems are sometimes met with "that's the way it is," rather than finding a solution.
My two biggest concerns are the lack of upward mobility because of the rank inversion policies and the requirement to stay in the Guard for another 23 years (years total) to be able to keep my job.
There should be some budget allotment for the SDF. Not necessarily for salary, we are proud to be volunteers, but for equipment training and travel.
The GA Army National Guard has been very good to me. I am thankful for the opportunities and the life the organization has provided in my life. I am well satisfied. Thankful to be here.
Travel pay and other irregular payments are routinely delayed for excessive periods of time.

3. Comment Analysis:
Survey Statement #6. I am satisfied with the administrative support, (i.e. travel, military and civilian pay) I receive. (If you disagree please specify which area(s) and explain.)
Question 6 queried the customer regarding the level of satisfaction received with the administrative support areas that involve travel, military and civilian pay. There were a few positive comments received in this area, implying that the process has improved over

This shows me that the GA DOD is interested in my career progression and is willing to listen and make improvements where they are needed! Thank you for caring!
The GA DOD is to be complimented for "total excellence".
Surveys like this one provide all

the past several years. Complaints were addressed at customer support, accuracy, and the amount of time it took to get their pay. Processing of travel vouchers seemed to be the most popular complaint.

personnel with "Family Input." Good idea. Over the years, I see our entire organization emerging as the finest in the USA....thank you!

The OVERALL surveyed percentage for statement #6 reflected that 80% of GA DOD Employees were satisfied, as compared to the 20% that were not.

More comments

Survey Statement #10. I am satisfied with the timeliness of my pay (travel, State Active Duty, Regular, etc.) If not specify which area and explain or provide comments.

The majority of the responses to this question addressed Travel Pay Issues. The statement was directed at timeliness, however the comments reflected the need for better accuracy and more timely processing of vouchers and payment. Customer support provided from the travel pay section could also be considered a problem area. Concerns regarding Military Pay were directed at customer support, issues with drill pay and changes to individual pay were untimely and often inaccurate. There were some positive comments made regarding the MY PAY website and the MILMOD system that was implemented. There were some instances of members not receiving their military orders in the required time period. Many SDF members commented that they were non-paid volunteers and that some benefits from the state such as license plates and commissary benefits would be appreciated for their volunteer efforts. There were no issues with travel pay expressed by the SDF and most seem happy to be a volunteer.

The OVERALL surveyed percentage for statement #10 reflected that 84% of GA DOD employees were satisfied, as compared to the 16% that were not.

Survey Statement #37. The workplace policies at GA DOD are effective.

Survey Statement 37 was aimed at achieving a better understanding of the effectiveness of GA DOD workplace policies. There were not a lot of comments made in this field but those that were made indicated that members were not familiar with policies and procedures that are in place or they felt that they were out-dated and misinterpreted.

The OVERALL surveyed percentage for statement #37 reflected that 87% of GA DOD Employees think that GA DOD policies are effective as compared to the 10% that do not and 3% selected "other".

4. Survey 2003 GOOD NEWS and BAD NEWS

Survey 2003 GOOD NEWS: 95% of GA DOD members are supported by their families, and 85% of them are satisfied with the attention placed on family involvement/support. 95% are proud to be members of the GA DOD and 97% feel that safety is important to this organization. 92% respect the people within their unit/organization and 94% feel that the people they work with are friendly.

Survey 2003 BAD NEWS: Just under half (46%) of GA DOD employees feel that favoritism is a problem in the unit/organization and there is an indication that preferential treatment exists concerning promotions (36%). Only 64% agree that positions are filled based on qualifications and integrity. 34% of GA DOD employees indicated that if they had an opportunity to earn the same amount of pay for the same amount of time for a different employer, they would leave the GA DOD.

5. Comparative Results:

r 2000 Survey 409 responses. r Response percentages (calculated by members that took the survey) were as follows:

Army 45% Air National Guard 43% SDF 5% State 7%

6. Conclusion (Recommendations):

r Joint Working Group/Action team look at results and make specific recommendations for Air, Army and SDF. r Develop brochure/handout of results to send to entire organization. r Schedule another survey for 2004 versus waiting 3 years.

7. Point of Contact:

Survey data will be maintained for 3 years in the GA DOD/OD office. Contact Lt Col Jean Specht at DSN 625-4665 or (678) 6554665, email jean.specht@ga.ngb.army.mil.

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Course Touts `a Different Path to Improving Leadership Skills'
Members of the Georgia Department of Defense searching for new ways to improve their abilities as a leader and gain promotion points in the process should look into attending the first 2004 Leadership Skills Enhancement Course set for Jan. 27 to 30 at Marietta's 283rd Combat Communications Squadron.
More than 20 people, including Maj. Gen. David B. Poythress, Georgia's Adjutant General, participated in the course held in July at Macon's 202nd Engineer Installation Squadron. Each had a great time, learned quite a bit about them selves and came away with a new perspective on the ideas and goals of leadership, said Capt. Tiffany Sneed, who operates the course.
Anyone interested in attending has until Jan. 4 to respond because seats are limited. Those wanting to attend should go through their chain of command and then email or telephone in their reservation as soon as possible. Remember to include your name, rank, email and unit in your response. Reservations can be made by calling Sgt Angela Pippins at (commercial) 678-655-3964 or (DSN) 625-3964. She can also be reached by e-mail at mailto:angela.pippins@ga.ngb.army.mil Sneed at 678-655-4187 or DSN 625-4187 or email mailto:tiffany.sneed@ga.ngb.army.mil For more information about the Leadership Skills Enhancement Course, click on the attached flyer.
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Twelve soldiers from 1-214th FA BN took part in the Army Ten Miler in Washington D. C. They were joined by Capt. Lawrence Goss from 202 EOD, along with several family members. Pictured from left to right: (first row) Capt. Robert Evans, Maj. Edward Lovin, Sean Lovin, Matt Rucker, Lt. Col. Craig McGalliard, Loran Randall, and Capt. Steven Bryant; (second row) SSG Edward Tucker, SFC Jeffery Guest, Cmd. Sgt. Major Claude Ray, Maj. John Varner III, Capt. Todd Perkins, Capt. Goss, and Master Sgt. Robert Morton Jr. The soldiers have been mobilized since March in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Noble Eagle III. They are currently stationed at Ft. Bragg, N.C.

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Members of Company H, 121st Infantry Long Range Surveillance fire their rifles during a 21 Gun salute at a church in Villa Rica. The salute was part of the churches' annual Veterans Day ceremony.

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The Georgia Air National Guard band the 530th marches in the Atlanta Veteran's Day parade. Company H, 121st Infantry Long Range Surveillance also participated in the event.
See more photos of the 530th in the Veterans Day Parade

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The Georgia Air National Guard band the 530th marches in the Atlanta Veteran's Day parade. Company H, 121st Infantry Long Range Surveillance also participated in the event.
See more photos of the 530th in the Veterans Day Parade