First Friday briefing [May 2, 2003]

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First Friday Briefing for May 2003
In this issue:
q 116th Crews Return to Robins; Others Still Abroad q Air Ambulance Company Continues Service q 214th Poised For Overseas Duty q Customer Satisfaction Survey Developed q Historical Society Hears Capitol Museum Director q Perdue, Legislature Honors Guard q Haley Takes Command of 165th ASOS q Guard Pension Available q Annual Military Affairs Luncheon Set q Aviation, Recruiting Work With Rome JROTC q Family Readiness Prepares Plan for Donations q Braves Announce Discounts For Military, Families q SDF conducts Annual Training, Briefings q Guard Helps Zoo Atlanta Celebrate Earth Day
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116th Crews Return to Robins; Many Army, Air Guardsmen Still On Duty
Two J-STARS E-8C aircraft and their crews of the 116th Air Control Wing (Robins AFB) returned from the war in Iraq on Monday to families, friends and fellow Guardsmen at Robins AFB. More than 500 members of the 116th ACW have been deployed for more than four months to bases in CENTCOM's Area of Responsibility. The aircraft and their crews are the first Georgia Guardsman to return from Operation Iraqi Freedom.
For more pictures of returning 116th Guardsmen go to http://www. dod.state.ga.us and click on 116th Returns.
J-STARS aircraft are aerial command and control aircraft that provide surveillance and information to battlefield managers. A typical J-STARS crew is comprised of 20 battle managers.
The first deployment of the Georgia J-STARS aircraft, crews and maintenance personnel took place in early January followed by a second deployment in March. While in theater, the 116th flew more than 100 combat sorties, with missions lasting up to 17 hours. Their mission is to orbit the battlefield and provide real-time data for the commanders on the ground, deemed critical in Iraq because of the sandstorms. Dust, sand and weather didn't obstruct the JSTARS'

ability to see enemy movement, and the unit was able to provide critical support to our troops as they moved. JSTARS orbits moved forward into Iraq as the threat allowed and on two occasions aircraft remained on-station with one engine out to maintain support for ground troops.
Other Units On Duty: From Baghdad to Diego Garcia, a number of Georgia Army and Air National Guard units are still making significant contributions to Operation Iraqi Freedom, and other operations on the US War on Terror. While stories and reports are still coming in describing missions and accomplishments of Georgia Guardsmen, here's a brief look at some of the more notable stories.
- The 3rd Infantry Detachment (Hinesville) is attached to the Army's 3rd Infantry Division and has been at the "tip of the spear" in Iraq. On the days before the ground war began, the Georgia National Guard unit was the most forward deployed unit in the US Army (other than Special Forces units operating inside Iraq). They controlled the Army units when they breached the berm and the crossed the obstacles and minefields entering Iraq. Currently, the 3rd Infantry Detachment is operating just outside of Baghdad.
- When Pfc Jessica Lynch was taken to Ramstein, Germany after her heroic rescue, it was a Georgia National Guard member who escorted her. Sergeant Amberly Dawn Boyle from Company B, 221st Military Intelligence Battalion (Ft. Gillem) was one of the soldiers who carried Pfc Lynch from the plane in Germany while millions of people around the world watched. The 221st has more than 350 soldiers in Kuwait and Iraq. Among the missions the unit performs is translation of critical documents and providing translators for Iraqi prisoners of war.
-The 165th Airlift Wing (Savannah) is operating out of Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean. The wing has flown 500 sorties across Europe and the Middle East. It's not unusual for the aircrews to work 18-20 hour days. Other Georgia Air Guard units are operating in-theater.
The 224th JCSS has been deployed in-theater since 9/11 and Georgia's 165th ASOS has individuals deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq.
-Also in-theater are Company B, 161st Medical, 1148th Transportation Company, 265th Engineer Group, 277th Maintenance Company, and other elements of the Georgia National Guard. Also mobilized, and awaiting transportation is the 878th Engineer Battalion.
Air Ambulance Company Continues Active Service
Even at home, mobilized Georgia Guardsmen are providing key support. In Ft. Hood Texas and at five other Army posts in the southwest, the 148th Medical Company Air Ambulance (Winder) is "filling-in" for units deployed to the Middle East. The unit flies the UH-1 "Huey" helicopters and in the past two months has flown over 20, realworld, life saving medivac missions, transporting critically injured automobile victims, and soldiers injured in training accidents.

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214th Field Artillery Poised for Overseas Duty
Less than six weeks after a resounding send-off from their hometowns in Northeast Georgia, 1st Battalion, 214th Field Artillery has received validation for its wartime mission. It has readied its equipment for shipping and is waiting for transportation overseas.
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Customer Satisfaction Survey Available
The Georgia Department of Defense Organizational Development office has released an internet-based survey with which to determine how satisfied its customers are with its services. No paper surveys will be distributed this year.
The survey came out May 1 and will be available through July 17. This is Organizational Development's first internet-hosted survey. Officials with the office state that commanders and supervisors should ensure their employees have access to the internet for maximum participation.
An e-mail memorandum from Maj. Gen. David B. Poythress was recently sent which detailed how to obtain the survey.
Historical Society Briefed on State History Museum
Rough economic times are a part of Georgia's history and will be a part of the State's history museum now in the planning, according to the director of Georgia's Capitol Museum, Mrs. Dorothy Olsen.
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Perdue, General Assembly Honor Guard
Gov. Sonny Perdue and Georgia's General Assembly honored members of the State Department of Defense in mid-April. Maj. Gen. David B. Poythress also appeared before the

State House of Representatives and the Senate to thank each chamber for its support of the men and women of Georgia's National Guard. Each passed resolutions honoring the Georgia National Guard and Guardsmen who are serving in Southwest Asia and across the country.
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Haley Takes Command of 165th ASOS
Lt. Col. John M. Haley, a six-year veteran of the Georgia Air National Guard took command of Brunswick's 75-member, 165th Air Support Operations Squadron in April, succeeding Lt. Col. James B. Pack, who commanded the squadron for more than 12 years.
Haley is a U.S. Naval Academy graduate and a graduate of the Navy's Flight Training program. He has more than 6,000 hours of flying time as a naval fighter pilot. Haley also attended basic Marine Infantry training. In 1997, Haley joined the 165th ASOS as a tactical air control officer.
Georgia's 165th Air Support Operations Squadron provides air assets and air control capabilities to Army combat brigades. The unit has had individuals called to active duty and deployed in support of the war on terrorism since Sept. 11, 2001.
Guard Pension Available With Written Application
Retirees are reminded they must submit a written application for payment of the Georgia Military Pension. They are also reminded that retroactive payments are not authorized.
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Annual Military Affairs Luncheon Set
The Atlanta Regional Military Affairs Council's 51st annual luncheon is May 12 at Cobb Galleria Center on Cobb Parkway in Marietta. This year's event is sponsored by Lockheed Martin Aeronautical Systems in partnership with the Cobb Chamber of Commerce. Cost is $30 per seat, $300 for a table for 10. Registration takes place at 11:30 a.m., followed by the luncheon at noon. Those planning to attend should fill out the attached registration form and return it to the chamber of commerce as soon as possible.
Aviation, Recruiting Work with Rome JROTC

Assets of Marietta's 1st Battalion, 171st Aviation and the Georgia Army National Guard's Demonstration and Recruiting Team (DART) met April 29 with members of Rome High School's Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) in an effort to educate the Corps' 58 cadets about the National Guard and its mission.
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Family Readiness Develops Program for Troop, Family Donations; Summer Riding Camp Applications Being Accepted
Due to the enormous outpouring of items collected on behalf of deployed Georgia Guardsmen and their families, the Family Readiness Office is coordinating a program for items being donated, said Brig. Gen. Terry Nesbitt, Georgia's Army Guard commander. As well, the Family Readiness Office is now accepting applications for its children's Summer Riding Program.
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Braves Announce Discounts for Military, Families
Braves Baseball has announced that it is offering a ticket discount to military personnel and their families. Every Braves home game, Sunday through Thursday, during the 2003 regular season and upper box tickets are now 2 for the price of 1 (2 seats for $12) for those showing any active-duty, Guard and Reserve, or family member identification card at the Turner Field ticket windows on the day of the game based on availability.
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April Busy Time for SDF Volunteers
Georgia State Defense Force spent the second week in April briefing the state's top military officers on support issues regarding weapons of mass destruction and conducting its annual training.
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Guard Helps Zoo Atlanta Celebrate Earth Day
On April 25th, the Georgia Army National Guard was one of five sponsors for Earth Day 2003 at Zoo Atlanta. This year's event was highlighted by a VIP breakfast attended by BG Terry Nesbitt, and exhibitions by more than 40 exhibitors, including: Georgia Adopt-A-Stream, Georgia's Clean Air Campaign, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Georgia Pacific, U. S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Georgia Departments. of Natural Resources, and Education, and the U.S. Forest Service..
With the use of interactive displays and exhibits, these organizations educated thousands of area students on the importance of practicing sound environmental stewardship. For Earth Day 2003, the Environmental Stewardship Branch of the Georgia Guard had a large exhibit highlighted with the theme "Stars and Stripes." The Guard exhibit included face painting, which was the most popular activity at the event. "Tommy Tent Peg" assisted in distributing many educational giveaways and posters.
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With Todd Bodine and Car 54
The National Guard's NASCAR
http://www.guardcar.com/home.html Race news, schedules, results, and more
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Lt. Gen. David B. Poythress The Adjutant General of Georgia

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Army National Guard FAQ The latest news from the Georgia Army National Guard. | 2007 NCO, soldier Named | Hurricane Exercise Tests Readines | Guard Deploys to Americus to Aid Relief Effort | G-RAP Pays Off for Guardsman | CERFP Unit Ramps Up With Joint Training Exercise | Lt. Col. Wood Earns Bronze Star | 4th CST Welcomes New commander | Warren Promoted | 221st Welcomes New Commander | Gober Earns Eagles | Artillerymen Honored During Saint Barbara Day Celebration | Calhoun Resident Receives Medals... 60 Years Late |

Air National Guard FAQ The latest news from the Georgia Air National Guard. | Col. Moore Assumes Command of the 116th |Doehling Retires as 116th Vice-Cmdr | Cotter Tapped to Attend Air, Space School | New Positions Follow 165th Change | Smart to Lead 165th | 116th's Thetford lands at State's Airfields | 116th ACW Brings Cheer to Area Families | 283rd Earns Air Force Honor | Basketball Life Pays Off for 116th Officer | 138th MIC Gets New Commander |

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GADOD News | Governor Inspects Guard During Inauguration Ceremony | |Final YCA Graduation of 2006 Held | Guard Acquires NAS Atlanta property | 138 Graduate from YCA | 23 Earn Public Employee Recognition Honors | Governor Addresses YCA Grads | Employess Earn Faithful Service Awards |

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5-year-old Madison greets her father Lt. Col. Brian Searcy following his return from deployment in the Persian Gulf.

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Members of the Georgia Army National Guard's 3rd Infantry Detachment, from Hinesville, display a Georgia state flag along the berm leading into Iraq. The photo was taken just hours before the coalition forces crossed the border. The 3rd ID was responsible for the command and control of breeching the berm and crossing the obstacles as the coalition forces moved into the country.

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Sergeant Amberly Dawn Boyle, of B Company, 221st Military Intelligence Battalion, was part of the team escorting Pfc Jessica Lynch to Ramstein, Germany.

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Sergeant First Class Steve Hebblewhite, a flight medic with the 148th Medical Company (Air Ambulance) from Winder, prepares to take off in a UH-1 at Ft. Hood.

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Air Ambulance Company Continues Active Service
When a late winter snowstorm dusted Ft. Hood, Texas, the post's military police responded to an automobile accident in a remote part of the sprawling installation. When they arrived, they found it necessary to call for a medivac helicopter and were surprised at what showed up...a UH1-N "Huey" helicopter manned by members of Winder's 148th Air Ambulance Company Fort Hood's fire chief said he was not only impressed that the crew was even able to fly in the inclement weather; he was also shocked to see the word "Georgia" emblazoned across the aircraft.
That lifesaving mission was one of more than 30 flown so far by crews of the 148th since the unit was mobilized in mid-January. In addition to Ft. Hood, the unit is flying missions at Fort Bliss in Texas, Fort Sill, Okla., and Fort Carson, Colo. During their tour aircraft and crews have responded to motor vehicle accidents, training accidents and off-post Military Assistance to Safety and Traffic missions.
The 148th is covering for an active unit that is deployed overseas in support of operations in the Middle East. And what seems to amaze most people is that the unit and its "Hueys" are successfully performing missions that are normally done by a full active duty battalion of more modern Black Hawk helicopters.
The 148th is maintains round-the-clock operations at all five active duty posts with two crews of pilots and medics on call at all times at each installation.
Soldiers of the 148th have been mobilized for up to a year, and they may possibly have their tour of duty extended for a second year. The unit is under the command of Maj. Richard D. Wilson. Its first sergeant is 1st Sgt. Meinrad Kuettel.
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Members of Hartwell's A Battery, 1-214th Field Artillery, Georgia, Army National Guard, hone their map reading skills while making last minute preparations at Fort Campbell, Ky.
214th Field Artillery Poised for Overseas Duty
Less than six weeks after a resounding send-off from their hometowns in Northeast Georgia, 1st Battalion, 214th Field Artillery has received validation for its wartime mission. It has readied its equipment for shipping and is waiting for transportation overseas. The battalion mobilized in mid-March and then reported to Fort Campbell, Ky., where it immediately went into the field for more than a week of live-fire exercises. While the 214th has all it needs to deploy in support of the operations in the Middle East, additional training for the unit continues. Recently, its soldiers honed their skills at using Global Positioning System devises and map reading. In the meantime, the 214th is putting the finishing touches on its massive inventory of wheeled and track vehicles. That equipment includes the unit's M-109 Paladins, which are lined up at Campbell's rail loading yard and are waiting to be loaded aboard trains that will take them to the unit's point of debarkation. First Battalion, 214th Field Artillery is headquartered in Elberton, with batteries in Toccoa, Hartwell and Washington. Lt. Col. Craig McGalliard commands the unit. Its senior enlisted soldier is Command Sgt. Maj. Claude Ray.

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Capitol Museum Director Briefs Society Board
Rough economic times are a part of Georgia's history and will be a part of the State's history museum now in the planning, according to the director of Georgia's Capitol Museum, Mrs. Dorothy Olsen.
Mrs. Olsen, who spoke to the board of the Historical Society of the Georgia National Guard in mid-April noted that planning for a museum chronicling the state's 270-year history is proceeding, and the military is a large part of that history, she said.
The 20 minute presentation included a brief history of the Capitol museum from its first hodgepodge of displays of minerals, two-headed cows and weapons to today's state of the art exhibits and displays. A virtual tour of the capitol museum is available on-line at www.sos.state.ga.us/museum/ virtual_tour/default.htm
The Historical Society is open to anyone interested in preserving the heritage and history of Georgia's military forces. For information joining go to the Society's website at www.hsgng.org
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Governor Perdue, surrounded by Georgia Guardsmen proclaims National Guard Day in Georgia. Governor, Legislature Honor Georgia Guard Members of Georgia's State Department of Defense were honored in mid-April by Gov. Sonny Perdue and members of the General Assembly. Perdue, surrounded by more than 100 Army and Air Guardsmen and members of the State Defense Force in the capitol rotunda, signed a proclamation designating April 15 as National Guard Day. He specifically acknowledged the 3,600 men and women deployed in support of operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom and Noble Eagle. Also joining Perdue to honor the Guard were State Sen. Seth Harp and State Rep. Ken Birdsong. Harp chairs the Senate Military and Veterans Affairs Committee. Birdsong is chairman of the House Defense and Veterans Affairs Committee Maj. Gen. David B. Poythress, Georgia's Adjutant General, appeared April 17 before the State House of Representatives and the Senate. Each passed resolutions honoring the Georgia National Guard and Guardsmen who are serving in Southwest Asia and across the country.
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Guard Pension Available With Written Application
The Georgia Military Pension Fund ARTICLE 6, Section 47-24-100(b) states the effective date of retirement shall be the first day of the month in which the application is received by the board. "But effective date shall not, in any case, be earlier than the first day of the month following the month of the applicant's discharge from the National Guard."
Applications for retirement will not be accepted more than 90 days in advance of the date of discharge, the section states. "The pay date will begin from the date the application is received by the Employee's Retirement System."
Please ensure that all applications are processed through the appropriate channels at least 90 days prior to the retiree's 60th birthday.
Anyone with questions about the pension fund should contact John Hardwick, the retirement services manager, at 624-6451.
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JROTC cadets exit a UH60-Black Hawk
Aviation, Recruiting Work with Rome JROTC Assets of Marietta's 1st Battalion, 171st Aviation and the Georgia Army National Guard's Demonstration and Recruiting Team (DART) met April 29 with members of Rome High School's Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) in an effort to acquaint the Corps' 58 cadets about the National Guard and its mission. During the visit, the cadets and their instructors received briefings from a 171st aircrew member about the capabilities of the Black Hawk helicopter and its role in Guard aviation. After the brief, students were taken on orientation flights in the skies above Rome to give them an up-close look at the Black Hawk. As one group of cadets left the aircraft, another climbed aboard. Those who had returned met with and asked questions of DART team members and looked over the team's Patriot Humvee. The event at Rome High School was coordinated by Sgt. 1st Class Tommy Jacobs, the recruiter who works out of the Rome armory, Chief Master Sgt. Larry Henderson who teaches Aerospace Science to the cadets and Lt. Col. George Barr who heads up Rome's JROTC program.
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Family Support Begins Program to Handle Donations; Riding Camp Applications Being Accepted
Due to the enormous outpouring of items collected on behalf of deployed Georgia Guardsmen and their families, the Family Readiness Office is coordinating a program for items being donated, said Brig. Gen. Terry Nesbitt, Georgia's Army Guard commander. The new programs allow community groups to collect appropriate items for distribution to the families of deployed soldiers, and makes sponsoring organizations responsible for collecting, sorting and transporting these items, Nesbitt said in a recent memorandum.
Nesbitt said the Family Readiness Division of the Directorate of Workforce Development is coordinating the new collection program. Barbara McCaa, ESGR manager, said calls and inquiries from individuals or groups offering support should be directed to Master Sgt. Darenda Rogers at 404-624-6093.
Sponsoring organizations will be directed to take the items they have collected to the appropriate armories or family assistance center where the items will be made available to soldier's families through the various Family Support groups.
Nesbitt said armory staffs have been asked to cooperate with this effort by accepting the bulk delivery of the donated items from these groups. They have also been asked to provide temporary storage pending distribution to the families. Rogers, McCaa said, will work with the donating groups and armory staffs to coordinate the drop-off of donated items.
For information on the summer riding camp, interested parents should call the Family Readiness office at 404-624-6454. This is the second year of the program and there are specific requirements for parents and children who wish to register. Information is also available on the GaDOD website.
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Braves Announce Discounts for Military, Families
Braves Baseball has announced that it is offering a ticket discount to military personnel and their families. Every Braves home game, Sunday through Thursday, during the 2003 regular season and upper box tickets are now 2 for the price of 1 (2 seats for $12) for those showing any active-duty, Guard and Reserve, or family member identification card at the Turner Field ticket windows on the day of the game based on availability.
Also, in honor of the U.S. Army's 228th Birthday, Fort McPherson personnel will attend the Braves game on Sunday, June 8th vs. the Pittsburgh Pirates. 1000 tickets have been set a side for military personal and their families in the Field and Terrace Pavilion sections of Turner Field. Tickets for the game can be purchased through the Leisure Activities Center at Ft. McPherson or by calling that office at 404-4644392.
Pre-game activities scheduled include a first ball ceremony, the National Anthem performed by the U.S. Army Ground Forces Band, the Forces Command color guard and variety army vehicles, including the Army's new armored wheeled vehicle, the Stryker. Also part of the birthday static display will be the Army dragster and the Army NASCAR racer. These will be on display in the Green Lot parking area.
In other news, special ceremonies honoring military personal are planned for games on Memorial Day, May 26 against the Cincinnati Reds, on July 4 against the Texas Rangers and September 11 against the Philadelphia Phillies.
Braves Military Discounts are in addition to the Braves other 2003 ticket discounts:
q The $10 season ticket in the outfield pavilion. q MasterCard Grand Slam Family Value Plan, which is as low as $49. q Coca-Cola two-for-one Tuesdays at 8 for two seats. q Hardee's Wonderful Wednesdays, which is $18 for two seats. q Nine Game Flex Plan, which is as low as $99.
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Members of the Georgia State Defense Force sharpen their emergency medical skills during a mass casualty exercise at Annual Training 2003. Photo by SDF 1st Lt. Jerry Nosin
April Busy Time for SDF Volunteers
Georgia State Defense Force spent the second week in April briefing the state's top military officers on support issues regarding weapons of mass destruction and conducting its annual training. Col. John Harvey and Maj. William McShane of the SDF Weapons of Mass Destruction Team met April 9 with Maj. Gen. David B. Poythress, Maj. Jeffrey Allen, commander of the Georgia National Guard's 4th Civil Support Team; Col. Owen Ulmer, director Joint Operations; and Col. Mike McGuinn, Defense Force chief of staff as well as Col. Dick Lockert, commander, SDF Headquarters Support Group to discuss the SDF assets, capabilities and specific response options. Complimentary of the contributions made by the State Defense Force and its WMD team, Maj Allen explained that the Guard uses the team's 10 members as a "brain trust and resource" since many of them are senior chemists, doctors and first responders in their civilian jobs. Later in the week the SDF's 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th brigades attended Annual Training 2003, with assistance from the Georgia Air National Guard. More than 100 Defense Force volunteers spent April 12 and 13 at Middle Georgia College in Cochran sharpening their skills in search and rescue procedures, medical evacuation procedures and helicopter landing operations. They also participated in radio communication, land navigation and emergency medical training. Volunteers from Marietta's Company C, 1st. Battalion, 171st Aviation assisted in annual training.

Col McGuinn, who visited with the brigades during this event, emphasized that training such as this is critical now that so much of the Georgia National Guard has been deployed. "The State Defense Force has to look forward to taking far greater responsibility for homeland security issues," he said. "What our soldiers do here today is one of the best ways to build group cohesiveness and meet our mandate regarding mission essential tasks."
State Defense Force volunteers train on the proper way to set up a landing zone for the evacuation of casualties by Black Hawk helicopter. Assets of the Georgia Army National Guard's Company C, 1st Battalion, 171st Aviation. Photo by SDF 1st Lt. Jerry Nosin
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