First Friday briefing [Jan. 2, 2004]

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First Friday Briefing for January 2004
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In this issue:
Georgia Aviation Units Mobilize To Fight War on Terrorism Atlanta Falcons Bid Farewell To Deploying Black Hawk Unit Deployed GA Guardsman Represents ESGR In Rose Parade
'Freedom Salute' Honors Soldiers and Families Harbin succeeds Ashley at CRTC; Collins takes command of 224th
781st Welcomes Crowder as New Commander 48th Infantry Brigade Change of Command Scheduled for Sunday
116th ACW Contributions Help the Less Fortunate 148th HSB Makes Christmas Special For Monroe County Kids 178th MPs Appear in Christmas Parade; Support Other Community Events
Jesup Unit Thanks Community, Businesses for Support Georgia Guard to Pin First Female CW5 OCS Orientation Set for Jan 10
Brigade Demonstrates That Speed Saves Lives
First Friday Foto Gallery 116th ACW E-8C Appears at Dubai Air Show
Credit Union Opens New Office
(Click on photos for larger image. Hold down mouse over photo for more information)
Georgia Aviation Units Mobilize To Fight War on Terrorism
Some 230 Georgia Army National Guardsmen of the 1/171 Aviation Battalion said farewell to families and friends on Tuesday as they prepared to deploy to Fort Knox, KY and then to the Middle East. The deployment is the first for the aviation battalion, which flies eight UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters at Dobbins Air Reserve Base.
The 1/171st was the one of two aviation units in the Georgia Army National Guard that have mobilized and deployed in the past month. In December, ten aviators of Company H, 171st Regiment mobilized. Their C-23 Sherpa airplanes are being flown to the Middle East where the unit will provide aviation support.
In the meantime, in Savannah some 95 members of Detachment 1, Company F, 131st Aviation, are making final preparations for their departure scheduled for late January. The

detachment flies flying CH-47 Chinook helicopters. Read full story
List of Mobilized Georgia Guard Units
Atlanta Falcons Bid Farewell To Deploying Black Hawk Unit
A group of eighteen Atlanta Falcons football players met with another team of Falcons -- the "Falcons" of the 1/171st Combat Aviation Support Battalion of the Georgia Army National Guard on Monday, December 15th at Dobbins Air Reserve Base near Atlanta. The occasion of the visit was a predeployment send off of two hundred thirty members of the Georgia Army National Guard aviation unit to Iraq scheduled for early January. Read full story on the web
See Falcon Photo Gallery
Deployed GA Guardsman Represents ESGR In Tournament of Roses Parade
Captain Kris Marshall, commander of the Georgia Guard's Company A, 221st Military Intelligence Battalion, had a special New Years celebration. Cpt. Marshall was selected the national winner in the "Heroes Among Us" Essay Contest and appeared in the Tournament of Roses parade in Pasadena, California.
He is currently serving with his mobilized unit in Afghanistan but was flown by Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) to Pasadena for the event. Read full story
See photos and more on ESGR web site
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'Freedom Salute' Honors Soldiers and Families
The National Guard Bureau has adopted a new plan, titled Freedom Salute, to honor not only citizen-soldiers returning from long deployments, but also family members who supported them while their loved ones were away.
"We're recognizing them (the soldiers) for their patriotic service and dedication to the country, and we're recognizing the spouses for their sacrifice and commitment during both operations as well," said Lt. Col. John P. Rudio, commander of the 221st Military Intelligence Battalion.

In August members of the 221st's Headquarters Company returned from an eight-month deployment in the Middle East. Soldiers supported Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom while there. Click here for full size photo.
See 221st MI Bn 'Freedom Salute' photo gallery
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Harbin succeeds Ashley at CRTC; Collins takes command of 224th
Lt Col Floyd Harbin, former commander of the 224th Joint Communications Support Squadron in Brunswick assumed command of the Combat Readiness Training Center at change of command ceremonies held in December at the CRTC. Colonel Gene Ashley, commander of the CRTC relinquished command and retired from the Georgia Air National Guard after more than 25 years of military service.
After more than two years on active duty following 9-11, Harbin relinquished command of the 200-member Brunswick-based communications unit to Lt. Col William Collins of Statesboro. Collins was formerly commander of the 165th Security Forces Squadron.
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781st Welcomes Crowder as New Commander
In an emotional early December ceremony, Georgia's 781st Troop Command changed commanders. The incoming commander is Lt. Col. Stan Crowder, of Marietta. The outgoing commander, Col. Tim Britt of Conyers, was promoted to Colonel.
The battalion sized unit; comprised of a medical, maintenance, ordnance, petroleum, and two military police companies; has many of its soldiers deployed overseas or here in the United States fighting the war on terrorism.
"Why do Guardsmen do this? Why do we serve?" asked Crowder in his remarks to his new soldiers. "We do it because it is the right thing to do, and we answered the call many will not. We do it for little redheaded boys," said Crowder as he held his grandson Dylan, on his shoulders. Read full story
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48th Infantry Brigade Change of Command Scheduled for Sunday

The 48th Infantry Brigade is scheduled to change commanders Sunday.
The incoming commander is Col. Charles S. Rodeheaver who is scheduled for promotion to brigadier general. His previous assignments include 108th Armor battalion commander, Joint Operations deputy director and commander of the Regional Training Institute as well as others.
Brig. Gen. Robley Rigdon, the Brigade's outgoing commander, has been the commander since April 2000. His command time included a six-month deployment to Bosnia where he acted as the assistant division commander for Multi-National Division, North. Read Full Story
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116th ACW Contributions Help the Less Fortunate
by Airman 1st Class Tim Beckham
The outpouring of kindness and generosity is phenomenal during the holiday season. Individuals, families and businesses participate in countless events and projects that provide opportunities to share their good fortune with others.
Members of the 116th Air Control Wing have been a driving force in helping those less fortunate have a happy holiday. Between the food and gift drives, Christmas parties and tree lighting ceremonies the JSTARS family has worked hard to give everyone the feeling of being home for the holidays.
To kick things off the Army Spouse's Group got in the spirit of giving by delivering candy to the consumers who work at the Happy Hour Developmentally Challenged Service Center in Warner Robins Dec. 4. Read full story
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Guardsmen Make Christmas Special For Monroe County Kids
For the 16th year in a row Georgia Army National Guardsmen and other volunteers have helped bring Christmas to 120 needy families in the City of Forsyth and Monroe County who were wondering how they were going to make Christmas morning special for their children.
While the sun made its way through the morning sky, Friday, Dec. 19, parents, some with small children in tow, filed in and out of the armory that is home to Headquarters Company, 148th Forward Support Battalion and the unit's Monroe County Gifts of Love program.

"Being a parent, I understand how these folks feel when it comes to their children," said Chief Warrant Officer 4 James B. Padgett, the unit's property book officer and organizer of the Gifts of Love program. "They don't want much, just something that puts a smile on their child's face and lets their youngsters know that `Santa' didn't forget them." Read full story
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178th MPs Appear in Christmas Parade; Support Other Community Events
The Georgia Army National Guard's 178th Military Police Company marked its 5th year participating in the city of Madison's annual Christmas Parade.
With most of the unit deployed for the War on Terrorism, four members of the unit and two Humvees represented the 178th in the event. In addition to the Christmas parade, the unit also regularly participates in other area annual events and ceremonies including Memorial Day, Veterans Day, Remembrance of September 11, 2001, and the Morgan County Veterans Memorial Walk. Read full story
Submitted by Sgt. 1st Class November Graves,
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Jesup Unit Thanks Community, Businesses for Support
Members of C Battery, 118th Field Artillery took advantage of its annual open house and Holiday party to thank local community and business leaders for their support through the year. Among those presented with an appreciation award was Jesup Mayor Herb Shaw.
Capt. Joseph Fairfax, the unit's commander, made the presentations to Shaw and others. The unit also thanked the many area businesses that have supported the National Guard though donations to the family support group raffle among those helping out were Wal-Mart, Captain Joes Seafood Restaurant, Western Sizzler, Advance Auto, Movie Gallery, Best Styles, NAPA, Christine's Flower Shop and Ross Lighting.
Submitted by Sgt. James Fleshman, UPAR, C Btry, 118th FA
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Georgia Guard to Pin First Female CW5
Beverly L. Pack, a 27-year military veteran, becomes the first Georgia

Army National Guardswoman to achieve the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 5. Ms Pack is scheduled to be pinned January 23, at the National Guard Bureau where she currently serving a tour in the Personnel Policy and Readiness Division.
During her career she held numerous positions including management of the Selected Reserve Incentive Program (SRIP), Awards & Decorations, Women's Assignment & Utilization, and Women's History. Ms Pack was promoted to Chief Warrant Officer Four, in 1995, becoming the first woman in the Georgia Army National Guard to achieve this rank. Read Full Story
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OCS Orientation Set for Jan 10
The Regional Training Institute has announced the State Officer Candidate School (OCS) and Summer Accelerated OCS Orientation scheduled for 10 January 2004 at RTI in Macon, 09001600 hrs.
Interested and qualified individuals are encouraged to attend this orientation. Packets can be obtained by visiting the following web site http://www.gastarc.com/rti/ . Click on the Officer Candidate School Link and then click on the OCS Packet A-Z link. If you do not have email connectivity you can obtain the OCS Packet from CPT Josie Hobbs in the State Recruiting Office by calling 404.675.5266 or e-mail @ josie.hobbs@ga.ngb.army.mil.
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Brigade Demonstrates That Speed Saves Lives
They say speed kills, but for about 50 soldiers of the 48th Infantry Brigade it can also save lives. These soldiers, from units throughout the state, learned to pack, rig, and load precious cargo to the underside of helicopters.
"It's mission essential for items like ammunition, vehicles, or food to get from one point to another," said Staff Sgt. Kenneth Farley, a driver with Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 121st Infantry.
Helicopters expedite the move from point A to point B. Read Full Story
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First Friday Foto Gallery
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116th Aircraft on Display At Dubai Air Show

Credit Union Opens New Office at RTI

A 116th Air Control Wing E-8C Joint STARS aircraft was among the 18 Department of Defense aircraft to appear at the Dubai Air Show in the, United Arab Emirates in December. The event is the premier air and space trade show in the Gulf region.
Courtesy photo
Click for full size photo

Maj. Gen. David B. Poythress, cuts the ribbon to open the Georgia Guard Credit Union's new abode at RTI as Debra Montford and retired Col. Charlie Neely hold the ribbon.
Click for full size photo

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Spc. Josh Long, a Co. C, 1st Bn., 171st Aviation airframe mechanic, says goodbye to his wife, Shelley and son, Reese Tuesday Jan. 6, 2004. (Photo by Sgt. Jeff Lowry)
More photos from the 171st departure on the web

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Georgia Aviation Units Mobilize To Fight War on Terrorism
Some 230 Georgia Army National Guardsmen of the 1/171 Aviation Battalion said farewell to families and friends on Tuesday as they prepared to deploy to Fort Knox, KY and then to the Middle East. The deployment is the first for the aviation battalion, which flies eight UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters at Dobbins Air Reserve Base.
The 1/171st was the one of two aviation units in the Georgia Army National Guard that have mobilized and deployed in the past month. In December, ten aviators of Company H, 171st Regiment mobilized. Their C-23 Sherpa aircraft are being flown to the Middle East where the unit will provide aviation support.
In the meantime, in Savannah some 95 members of Detachment 1, Company F, 131st Aviation, are making final preparations for their departure scheduled for late January. The detachment flies flying CH47 Chinook helicopters.
"As long as you live, you will never forget this day," said Major General David B. Poythress when he addressed the formation of soldiers and more than 500 family members and friends of the 1/171st..
Also on hand to wish the troops well was Marietta Mayor Bill Dunaway who presented LTC Brent Bracewell, the unit commander, with a flag of the city.
Bracewell emphasized that the troops were ready for whatever challenges that may come their way. "Our current plans are to spend several weeks in preparation for deployment at Fort Knox and then be deployed to Kuwait," he said.
Flight crews started rotors turning on the seven helicopters moments before noon on Tuesday, lifting off individually and forming a tight formation before circling back across the crowded tarmac filled with well wishers who waved farewells at the departing crews.
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Georgia National Guard Support to Operations Noble Eagle/Enduring Freedom
Iraqi Freedom
As of: January 6, 2004
Total Georgia National Guardsmen Mobilized or Alerted: Approx 3,500
(Includes Army and Air National Guard mobilized since Sept 11 2001, including those returned from service)
Army Guard (numbers are approximate):
q 2,950 currently mobilized q 1,630 are overseas (Iraqi Freedom or Enduring Freedom) q 1,320 remain in CONUS for Homeland Security q 176 have returned from duty in Iraq q 95 on alert for possible mobilization q Mobilized and projected units drill in 29 hometowns across Georgia
Army Guard Units Mobilized
Units deployed overseas (Part of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom)
q 265th Engineer Group Decatur q 221st Military Intelligence Battalion Fort Gillem (160 have 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 q 3rd Infantry Detachment Ft. Stewart (All 16 returned) q Company H, 171st Aviation Dobbins Air Reserve Base q 171st Combat Aviation Support Battalion - Dobbins Air Reserve Base
Units serving in US (Part of Operation Noble Eagle)
q 148th Medical Company (Air Ambulance) Winder q 202nd Explosive Ordnance Disposal Detachment Kennesaw q 1177th Transportation Company - LaGrange and Cedartown q 75th Engineer Detachment - 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, Toccoa q 110th Corps Support Battalion Headquarters - Columbus q 166th Maintenance Company Jackson q 82nd Maintenance Company Columbus q 165th Quartermaster Company - Brunswick
Georgia Air National Guard
The following units have been mobilized in total or in part. Numbers of airmen on duty vary as individuals rotate on and off active duty.

Approximate number deployed: 500
(At the peak of Iraqi Freedom 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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171st Falcons 15Dec03

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Deployed GA Guardsman Represents ESGR In Tournament of Roses Parade
Captain Kris Marshall, commander of the Georgia Guard's Company A, 221st Military Intelligence Battalion, had a special New Years celebration. Cpt. Marshall was selected the the national winner in the "Heroes Among Us" Essay Contest and appeared in the Tournament of Roses parade in Pasadena, California.
He is currently serving with his mobilized unit in Afghanistan but was flown by Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) to Pasadena for the event.
Captain Marshall's mother, Lynn Ann Kaley, wrote the winning essay where she described Capt. Marshall as "My Hero is a Family Man." She wrote that Kris and his wife of one year, Jennie, have put aside growing their own family while he serves his country, but she considers him a family man who is "full of boundless love, embracing all who are fortunate enough to enter his life."
Captain Marshall is employed by Weidmann and Associates where brothers Bill and Dan Weidmann invited him to join the successful family business following his graduation from North Georgia Military College. "When called to serve, they wished him success on behalf of the nation and a safe return," wrote Mrs. Kaley in her essay. "Letters and care packages flowed from co-workers and the Weidmann families to Kris and the soldiers of Alpha Company."
Cpt. Marshall's wife Jennie and employer Dan Weidman were also flown by ESGR to California to be in the parade.
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Lt. Col. John P. Rudio and Stephanie Jones hold up the Distinguished Center of Influence honor, which she received for work as one of the unit's co-chairpersons.

221st Freedom Salute 7Dec03

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48th Infantry Brigade Change of Command Scheduled for Sunday
The 48th Infantry Brigade is scheduled to change commanders Sunday.
The incoming commander is Col. Charles S. Rodeheaver who is scheduled for promotion to brigadier general. His previous assignments include 108th Armor battalion commander, Joint Operations deputy director and commander of the Regional Training Institute as well as others.
Brig. Gen. Robley Rigdon, the Brigade's outgoing commander, has been the commander since April 2000. His command time included a six-month deployment to Bosnia where he acted as the assistant division commander for Multi-National Division, North.
The Brigade has been activated for deployment in the past and successfully completed the missions before them. In 1990 more than 4,500 members of the unit were mobilized to participate in Desert Storm. The unit successfully completed the most intensive training ever conducted at the Army's National Training Center in California, and was the first and only National Guard combat brigade validated as combat ready for the Gulf War.
In 2001 the brigade once again answered the call to serve. Elements of the Brigade deployed to BosniaHerzegovina to provide support operations for Task Force Eagle. The rotation was scheduled from April to October 2001. While other National Guard units have participated in the Bosnia operations in the past, the 48th Infantry Brigade is among the first National Guard combat units of this size and capability to take over such a large and significant portion of this mission. The Brigade was the largest National Guard combat force deployed overseas since World War II.
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Master Sgt. Jeff Lynch, 116th Operations Support Squadron, strings lights around the top of the 116th ACW Christmas tree. Photo by Tech. Sgt. Detra Mason

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116th ACW Contributions Help the Less Fortunate
by Airman 1st Class Tim Beckham
The outpouring of kindness and generosity is phenomenal during the holiday season. Individuals, families and businesses participate in countless events and projects that provide opportunities to share their good fortune with others.
Members of the 116th Air Control Wing have been a driving force in helping those less fortunate have a happy holiday. Between the food and gift drives, Christmas parties and tree lighting ceremonies the JSTARS family has worked hard to give everyone the feeling of being home for the holidays.
To kick things off the Army Spouse's Group got in the spirit of giving by delivering candy to the consumers who work at the Happy Hour Developmentally Challenged Service Center in Warner Robins Dec. 4.
A week later wing members joined near building 2078 for the annual Outback Tree Lighting ceremony on Dec. 12.
During the December unit training assembly weekend, Dec. 13-14, the wing prepared to play Santa to 59 local area families, including 147 children, providing food, clothing and gifts that surpassed last year's totals. Volunteers worked long hours wrapping gifts and packaging thousands of non-perishable food items.
The Family-2-Family holiday fund drive collected more than 10,040 food items and more than $3,330 to be used to help needy families during the holiday season.
"The project has evolved over the from viding a hot meal and toys to needy families to assisting multiple families including military members," said Maj. Gwendolyn Taylor, 116th Logistics Readiness Flight commander and director of the annual project. "Its focus is to assist families with basic living necessities like clothing, coats, shoes, under garments, and boxes of non-perishable food. Toys are still a part of the project to ensure the children have something on Christmas morning."
In addition, members of the 116th Operations Support Squadron donated presents to about 30 children and staff members of The Methodist Home for Children and Youth during a holiday party Dec. 13. Volunteers served hamburgers, hotdogs, cookies, cakes, chips, and other refreshments for lunch. The Methodist Home provides preventive services and quality care to children.
"The goal is to provide these children with an opportunity to spend time with people who care," said 1st Lt. Linda Graham, 116th OSS wing mission development and coordinator of the Methodist Home event. "The intent is showing them we care and to give them the attention and approval they crave."
On Dec. 14, dozens of JSTARS children attended a Christmas party in the multi-purpose hangar complete with games, crafts, and a visit from Santa.
"The goal of this event (children's Christmas party) is to show our appreciation for the children in our 116th ACW military family," said Debbie Riebling, children's Christmas party coordinator. "There were crafts, games, a moonwalk, a giant slide, a jousting ring, a movie on the JSTARS plane, and, of course, a visit from Santa."
The wing's good will effort also extended to all military members Dec. 19 at the annual Christmas party in the multi-purpose hangar. People enjoyed refreshments, door prizes and a day of camaraderie.

The wing's efforts are just another example of how the holiday season is a time of giving and helping those less fortunate.
"The holiday season is a time of reflection and thanks for the many blessings bestowed upon us and our great country," said Col. Mark Hall, 116th ACW vice commander. "The 116th family has always stepped up to the plate and hit a homerun, whether in time of war or in times of great need for those less fortunate than ourselves. May we never forget the reason for the season."
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178th MPs Appear in Christmas Parade; Support Other Community Events
The Georgia Army National Guard's 178th Military Police Company marked its 5th year participating in the city of Madison's annual Christmas Parade.
With most of the unit deployed for the War on Terrorism, four members of the unit and two Humvees represented the 178th in the event. In addition to the Christmas parade, the unit also regularly participates in other area annual events and ceremonies including Memorial Day, Veterans Day, Remembrance of September 11, 2001, and the Morgan County Veterans Memorial Walk.
The America Legion's Calvin George Post 37 in Madison requested the participation of the Guard. The commander of the post, Mr. James Nesmith, has a special tie to the unit through his brother-in-law, Sgt. William Cadle, who is currently deployed. At the time of the parade most of the unit was deployed.
The American Legion Post currently has approximately 10 members deployed. Their support to the troops and their families over the past few years has included the distribution of Christmas Gifts to families, joining with local schools to create and send more than 3,000 Christmas cards to those in uniform deployed throughout the Persian Gulf and the United States.
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Georgia Guard to Pin First Female CW5
Beverly L. Pack, a 27-year military veteran, becomes the first Georgia Army National Guardswoman to achieve the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 5. Ms Pack is scheduled to be pinned January 23, at the National Guard Bureau where she currently serving a tour in the Personnel Policy and Readiness Division. A native of Prestonsburg, Kentucky, Ms. Pack transferred to the Georgia Army National Guard following a tour with the Kentucky Guard. During her career she held numerous positions including management of the Selected Reserve Incentive Program (SRIP), Awards & Decorations, Women's Assignment & Utilization, and Women's History. Ms Pack was promoted to Chief Warrant Officer Four, in 1995, becoming the first woman in the Georgia Army National Guard to achieve this rank. In addition to her military duties Ms Pack She served as member of the Board of Directors for the Historical Society of the Georgia National Guard and initiated the Women's History Project devoted to research and recognition of women in Georgia's militia and modern day National Guard. She has spent considerable time in research and in delivering presentations to the National Guard and civic & community organizations. During her distinguished career she has been awarded the Meritorious Service Medal (4 times), Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal (5 times), National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal (2 times), Non-Commissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Georgia Commendation Medal (2 times), Colorado Commendation Medal, Kentucky Commendation Medal, Georgia National Guard Service Medal, Georgia Counter-Narcotics/Drug Surveillance Service Ribbon, Georgia Olympic Ribbon, Georgia State Active Duty Ribbon (3 times), Colorado Recruiting Ribbon,

Army National Guard Recruiter Badge, Kentucky Army National Guard Non-Commissioned Officers Education System Badge, Expert .45 Caliber Pistol Qualification Badge, Sharpshooter 9MM Pistol Qualification Badge, Sharpshooter M16 Rifle Qualification Badge, and numerous letters and certificates of commendation and appreciation.
She is a life member of the Georgia National Guard Association of the U. S. (GA NAGUS), the National Guard Association of the U. S. (NGAUS), the United States Army Warrant Officers Association (USAWOAA), Historical Society of the Georgia National Guard (HSGANG), and a life member of Sigma Alpha Iota (SAI) Professional Music Fraternity for Women.
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Sgt. 1st Class David Ward, sling load instructor, gives a thumbs up.
Brigade Demonstrates That Speed 'Saves Lives '
by Sgt Jeff Lowry They say speed kills, but for about 50 soldiers of the 48th Infantry Brigade it can also save lives. These soldiers, from units throughout the state, learned to pack, rig, and load precious cargo to the underside of helicopters. "It's mission essential for items like ammunition, vehicles, or food to get from one point to another," said Staff Sgt. Kenneth Farley, a driver with Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 121st Infantry. Helicopters expedite the move from point A to point B. `If we were to go to war this type of training would be useful because it would be easier and faster to get ammo to troops on the front line," said Spc. Kyle Plowden, an ammunition specialist with Co. A, 148th Forward Support Battalion. The soldiers attended an intensive five-day course at Fort Stewart to learn their rigging skills. "For me it was definitely a challenge, it was a first for me and the instructors really made us work. I feel very comfortable doing this without them now that I'm qualified," said Sgt. Bruce Herron, with the 108th Cavalry. Besides packing, rigging and loading cargo, citizensoldiers are able to inspect the loads too. The course culminated with a cold, windy certification process. A twin rotor Chinook, producing hurricane-like winds, hovered over the soldiers' heads. Using hand and arm signals from the riggers, the Chinook pilots inched even closer to the soldiers underneath. Once they joined the hooks, the riggers gave a thumbs up sign. Quickly but carefully the rigging soldiers evacuated the area, another thumbs up, and off the helicopter and sling loaded cargo went.

Although intensive and challenging, the soldiers enjoyed their experience.
"It was good training. It was a lot of hands on training which to me is better than sitting in a classroom," said Sgt. Larry Ramirez, with Company B, 148th FSB.
While the students enjoyed the course, the instructor admired the citizen soldiers for they qualities they displayed.
"I'm real impressed with them," said Sgt. 1st Class David Ward, a sling load instructor from Fort Lee, who has trained military personnel around the world.
"They (the students) did really well," he continued. "They were enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and competent."
Staff Sgt. Kenneth Benham of Headquarters Company, 108th Cav. probably summed up the whole experience the best.
"I really enjoyed this class, we all took this class very seriously and the instructors expected us to, this (course) will allow us to better support the troops in need and to get supplies to them quick."
Speed saving lives.
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A 116th Air Control Wing E-8C Joint STARS aircraft was among the 18 Department of Defense to
appear at the Dubai Air Show in the, United Arab Emirates in December. The event is the premier air and space trade show in the Gulf region. Courtesy photo

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Maj. Gen. David B. Poythress, cuts the ribbon to open the Georgia Guard Credit Union's new abode at RTI as Debra Montford and retired Col. Charlie Martin hold the ribbon.