First Friday briefing [Feb. 6, 2004]

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First Friday Briefing for February 2004
Please ensure widest distribution of this publication
In this issue:
Deployments:
Savannah CH-47 Unit Heads to Afghanistan 171st Aviation Battalion Deploys for War on Terrorism
Senator Miller Views Iraq Thanks to the 165th AW
Welcome Home:
190th Military Police Expected Home Today 214th FA Returns Following Ten-Month Deployment
Other Stories:
Col Larry Ross Is New Commander Of 78th Troop Command Col Rodeheaver Takes Command Of 48th Brigade
BG Reddick Assumes New Position As Deputy CG of Army Guard Air Guard Announces New Positions
Nelson Assumes Top Enlisted Post at 48th Brigade Homeland Security, G-8 Issues Highlight Air Guard Leader's Conference
Top Enlisted Chosen For Georgia Air Guard NTC's 'Painted Rock' Is Backdrop For 48th Brigade Awards Georgia's `Second Foot' Trains for Security, Stabilization Operations
Keys Claim Distinction of Most Junior, Senior Warrants Counterdrug Task Force Aids in Investigation and Bust
Everything is New for the 2004 Guard Car Newspaper Promotes Valentines for Deployed Guardsmen Veterans Administration to Open New National Cemetery
New This Issue:
This Month in Georgia Guard History
List of Mobilized Georgia Guard Units

Savannah CH-47 Unit Heads to Afghanistan
Article courtesy Savannah Morning News By Noelle Phillips

Captain Steve Hartman, of Detachment 1, Company F, 131st Aviation Regiment, kisses his daughter Amber, one of his 13 month old triplets, before departing with his unit to Afghanistan in January. More
photos

Sooner or later, this was bound to happen.
With ongoing war in Iraq and Afghanistan, a National Guard helicopter unit at Hunter Army Airfield knew it was only a matter of time before it was called to active duty.

In January, 102 soldiers of Detachment 1, Company F, 131st Aviation Regiment, left for a year-long tour that eventually will take them to Afghanistan. The Georgia National Guardsmen are pilots, mechanics and fuel pumpers who work on Chinook helicopters. Read full story

171st Aviation Battalion Deploys, Will head to Kuwait For War on Terrorism

Some 230 Georgia Army National Guardsmen of the First

Battalion 171st Aviation Regiment said farewell to their

Onlookers wave goodbye to the Black Hawks of the 171st Avn Regiment as the aircra'ft make a final pass over Dobbins before departing for their active duty

families and friends on Tuesday, January 6 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 ARB.

rotation. More photos

The 1/171st was the one of two aviation units in the

Georgia Army National Guard that received alert notices in September 2003 when the

Pentagon announced the proposed schedule of unit rotations. The first Georgia aviation unit

to deploy before Christmas was Company C of the 1/171st Aviation Regiment that flies the

Sherpa aircraft. Read full story

Senator Miller Views Iraq Thanks to the 165th AW

Perhaps it was serendipity recently in the Middle East when the 165th Airlift Wing got the mission to fly a congressional delegation from Kuwait to Mosul, Iraq. Included among the distinguished visitors was Georgia's Senior Senator Zell Miller. The Senator reported that the troops are in high spirits and that the American effort at rebuilding Iraqi's infrastructure is proceeding successfully. Pictured at left, Miller poses with 165th members (Lto-R) Master Sgt William A. Clark, Maj. Chris Lamar, Master Sgt Joseph L, Greene, Staff Sgt. Sylvester Brown, Jr., Capt. William E. Daniels, Jr., and Capt. Jonathan M. Drew. Larger photo

190th Military Police Expected Home Today
As we go to press with this issue of the First Friday Briefing, more than 120 soldiers of the 190th Military Police Company are making their way home following a ten-month deployment to the Middle East and Iraq. The unit arrived back in the U.S. last Friday and has spent the week out-processing at Fort Benning. The military police are expected to arrive at their home armory in Kennesaw sometime this afternoon (Friday, February 6) to a welcome home by family and community supporters.
The unit received high marks during its deployment, most of which was spent in Iraq providing security for convoys and guarding Iraqi captives. Before their current deployment, the unit was originally called shortly following the Sept 11, 2001, attacks to provide force protection at Forts Benning, Gillem and McPherson
Watch for photos of the welcome home in the next issue of First Friday, as well as on the Georgia DOD main web site.
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214th FA Returns Following Ten-Month Deployment
(Photo courtesy Athens Banner-Herald, R.C. Rique)

It's been a long ten months for members of the 214th Field Artillery who deployed in March 2003 to Fort Campbell and Fort Bragg. Four companies of the 214th FA returned to a heroes welcome on January 11th in their hometowns of Hartwell, Thompson, Toccoa and Elberton.

The 214th Field Artillery deployed on March 20, 2003, initially intended for operations in southwest Asia. Once at Fort Campbell, the Army redirected the Georgia Army Guard artillery unit for security operations at Fort Bragg as part of Operation Noble Eagle.

Ryan Allen, 5, looks up at his father Capt. David Allen at the welcome home ceremony for the 214th Field Artillery

Approximately 370 soldiers of the 214th returned and were treated to homecoming ceremonies in their hometowns on Sunday, January 11th. Guardsmen of Battery C located in Waynesboro are expected to arrive later this month. Read full story

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Colonel Larry Ross Is New Commander Of 78th Troop Command
Change of Command Photo Gallery
Georgia's 78th Troop Command changed commanders in an

emotional ceremony in January. The incoming commander is Col. Larry Ross, of Atlanta. The outgoing commander is Brig. Gen. Terrell T. Reddick of Statesboro who becomes deputy commander of the Georgia Army National Guard (see related story).

From front, Col. Larry Ross, Brig. Gen. Terrell T. Reddick, and Brig. Gen. Terry Nesbitt, prepare to enter the 78th Troop Command change of command ceremony. More
photos

The 78th Troop Command, is a brigade-sized unit comprised of several, specialized subordinate units many of which are currently deployed in the war on terrorism either overseas or here in the United States. Nearly 3000 of its citizen-soldiers have been deployed since Sept. 11, 2001. In some cases Guardsmen have been deployed twice.
"They've gone above and beyond the call of duty," said Ross. Read full story
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Colonel Rodeheaver Takes Command Of 48th Brigade

Change of Command Photo Gallery

Col. Charles S. Rodeheaver accepts the colors of the 48th Infantry Brigade from Brig. Gen. Terry Nesbitt during changes of command ceremonies in Macon. More photos

The 48th Infantry Brigade of the Georgia Army National Guard changed commanders in January as Col. Charles S. Rodeheaver took command. The 48th Infantry Brigade is headquartered in Macon with units in more than thirty-five communities across Georgia.

Rodeheaver, a 29-year veteran of the Georgia Army National Guard, assumed command from Brig. Gen. Robley Rigdon who led the brigade for four years. General Rigdon's tenure as commander included the highly successful rotation to Bosnia in 2001 when more than 1,200 members of the 48th led the peacekeeping mission in that wartorn country. Read full story

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Reddick Assumes New Position As Deputy CG of Army Guard
Brigadier General Terrell T. Reddick has assumed the newly created position of of Deputy Commander of the Georgia Army National Guard. Reddick comes to his new position following a four-year stint as commander of the Georgia National Guard's 78th Troop Command during a time when nearly 2,800 of his troops were called to active duty and have served in Iraq, Afghanistan and in various posts around the United States.
"I am excited to have the opportunity to continue working with the soldiers of the Georgia National Guard," said Reddick of his new position. "These are challenging times for all of us as we face continued deployments to help fight the war on terrorism, and prepare for our support of the upcoming G-8 conference. Georgian's can be proud of their National Guard and its is a privilege to be a part of this organization. "

A 35-year veteran of the Georgia Army National Guard, Reddick lives in Statesboro where he is managing partner of the accounting firm of Reddick, Riggs and Hunter.
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Air Guard Announces New Positions
New faces are appearing in senior command slots at several Georgia Air National Guard units around the state. Lt Col. Bill Collins, formerly commander of the 165th Security Forces in Savannah was selected as commander of the 224th Joint Communications Support Squadron in Brunswick. Collins assumed command of the 200-member unit succeeding Lt. Col. Floyd Harbin who took command of the Combat Readiness Training Center in December from retiring commander, Col. Gene Ashley. Col. Tom Moore, former Operations Group Commander with the 116th Air Control Wing was appointed Vice Commander of the 165th Airlift Wing in November succeeding Col. Ed Wexler who was selected as Human Resources Director, Georgia Department of Defense. Lt. Col. Robert Shannon, former commander of the 283rd Combat Communications Squadron at Dobbins has been appointed HQ Inspector General, a previously vacant position.
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Nelson Assumes Top Enlisted Post at Georgia's 48th Brigade
Command Sergeant Major James Nelson of Sylvester has become the top non-commissioned officer for the Maconbased 48th Infantry Brigade, Georgia's largest Army National Guard unit.
Nelson, 51, is employed by the United States Marine Corps Logistical Base in Albany. The 27-year veteran of the Georgia Army National Guard leaves his position as Command Sergeant Major for Albany's 2nd Battalion, 121st Infantry to take over the top enlisted position at the 4,000-soldier 48th Infantry Brigade headquartered in Macon. Read full story
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Top Enlisted Chosen For Georgia Air Guard
Four Georgia Air National Guardsmen have been chosen as Georgia's Outstanding Airmen of the Year. Master Sergeant Anthony Davis of the 202nd Engineering Installation Squadron was chosen as the Outstanding First Sergeant of the Year for 2003. MSgt Benjamin Simmons of the 116th Logistic Flight at Robins AFB was

selected as the Outstanding Senior Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) of the Year. Technical Sergeant Mariyka Burnham of the 116th Communications Flight also at Robins was selected as the Outstanding NCO of the Year; and, Senior Airman Mantis L. Pineiro of the 165th Aerial Port Squadron in Savannah was selected as Airman of the Year. Read full story
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NTC's 'Painted Rock' Is Backdrop For 48th Brigade Awards

When the 48th Infantry

Larger photo

Brigade's leadership went to the National

Training Center in

California in January,

it provided the perfect backdrop for awards. Pictured is Master Sgt. Cliff Mashburn being

awarded a Meritorious Service Medal by Col. Stewart Rodeheaver, commander 48th Infantry

Brigade in front of the famed Painted Rock at Ft. Irwin's main gate. Mashburn was the very

first First Sergeant of the 248th Military Intelligence Company and was instrumental in the

standing up and organizing of the new unit. Mashburn is currently assigned to the 48th

Infantry Brigade's S-2 section. The 48th Brigade's leadership was at Ft. Irwin for a Leader's

Training Program Seminar (LTP) in preparation for their upcoming rotation to NTC next

summer.

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Georgia's `Second Foot' Trains for Security, Stabilization Operations
Lt. Col. George M. Scott, GSDF
Security and stabilization operations in an urban Members of 2/121st Infantry squad coordinate environment was the name of the game when
during training at Ft. Benning. Larger photo soldiers of Cordele's Company B and Americus'
Company C, 2nd Battalion, 121st Infantry Regiment, trained in early January at Fort Benning outside Columbus.
While the unit's dismounted infantry trained with other "Second Foot" elements at Benning's Camp McKenna MOUT site, crews that operate Company B's Bradley fighting vehicles remained in Cordele to train on convoy operations. Read full story
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Homeland Security, G-8 Issues

Highlight Air Guard Leader's Conference

With the majority of deployed Air National Guard units now home from the war, and with the expectation of a year of challenges on the home front, more than 60 Georgia Air National Guard commanders and chiefs met in late January for the annual Georgia ANG Commanders' Conference at Dobbins Air Reserve Base.
The two-day event was highlighted by a presentation by William W. Hitchens, Jr., director of the Georgia Office of Homeland Security. Read Full Story
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William Hitchens, Georgia's Homeland Security chief receives a small token from Maj Gen William Searcy, Commander, GA ANG, following his presentation before more than sixty Georgia Air National Guard commanders at the annual Senior ANG Commanders Conference.

Like Father, Like Son:
Keys Claim Distinction of Most Junior, Senior Warrants

Chief Warrant Officer 1 Gerald Allen Key II and his

father Chief Warrant Officer 5 Gerald Allen Key have

laid claim to being the most junior and most senior

members of the Georgia Army National Guard's

Warrant Officer Corps.

WO1 Gerald Allen Key II is pinned by his wife, Brandy and his father, CW5 Gerald (Jerry) Allen Key, Command Chief Warrant Officer, at Fort Rucker in January.

"Although I'm not the senior warrant officer by date of rank, the position makes me the senior warrant in the state," Chief Warrant Officer 5 Key said. "It's rather unique, I believe, that my son and I share the same

name and he is the newest member and lowest rank of the Warrant Officer Corps while I

represent the highest rank that can be obtained within the Corps." Read full story

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Marijuana Seized, Two Arrested; Task Force Aids in Investigation and Bust
The Georgia National Guard's Counterdrug Task Force recently released information about assistance its members gave to the Cherokee Multi-Agency Narcotics Squad in midDecember, that resulted in the squad's largest-ever indoor marijuana seizure.
Task force agents, a Counterdrug official said, conducted surveillance of a commercial building at a Canton industrial park where the marijuana was being grown. The task force researched and developed information related to the growth and harvest of the hallucinogenic, plant-based drug, the official said. Read full story
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Everything is New

For 2004 Guard Car
Not only has the National Guard NASCAR racer taken on a new look, a new driver and new sponsors for the 2004 racing season, it also has a new a new racing team and Web site.
This year the National Guard sponsored Ford Taraus carries the number 16. It's being driven by up and coming NASCAR driver Greg Biffle under the guidance of Roush Racing and a myriad of new sponsors. Check out the latest and greatest advertising adventure in the National Guard and the 2004 Nextel Cup Series by going to (http://www.guardcar.com/)
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Newspaper Promotes Valentines For Deployed Guardsmen
The Atlanta Constitution has made available valentines, in its newspaper and on-line for people to let Georgia's citizen-soldiers deployed in support of Homeland Security and the Global War on Terrorism.
Sample valentines and instructions can be found in the AJC's Feb. 2 edition or view them online at the AJC web site.
One sample valentine shows a military medal with "I Love you," while another displays an American flag with a heart replacing the blue field of stars. Yet another is a camouflaged heart. All are examples of the special military valentines program designed for Georgia school children to write to deployed Georgia National Guardsmen. Read full story
See scan of newspaper article
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Veterans Administration to Open New National Cemetery
The Veterans Administration is preparing a master plan of the future national cemetery for veterans and their dependents in western Cherokee County, about 40 miles north of downtown Atlanta. The VA expects to open the new cemetery for burials in mid- to late-2004 with a patriotic ceremony, even though not all of the cemetery structures will be completed then. This "fast-track" plan is aimed at serving as many of the region's aging veterans as quickly as possible. Approximately 400,000 veterans live within 75 miles of the site. For further information, contact John Hardwick, manager of Casualties, Awards and Retirements at (404) 624-6451.
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A look at what happened in February in Georgia National Guard history:
Feb 10, 1941 - The 101st Coast Artillery Battalion, Georgia Army National Guard is called to active service. Three groups who became part of the 101st were the Georgia Hussars, the Liberty Independent Troops and the Governor's Horse Guards.
Feb 18, 1942 - At 1230 hours the 101st Coast Artillery Battalion sails aboard the Queen Mary from Boston Harbor with a destination of Port Moresby, New Guinea.
Feb 28, 1991 - On the same day the ground war ended Desert Storm, Army leaders certify the 48th Brigade as combat ready and prepared for deployment while the unit was on active duty at the NTC.
Complied by Staff Sgt. Gail Parnelle, GaARNG Historical Section
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Comapny F Deploys January 2004

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Savannah CH-47 Unit Heads to Afghanistan

Photo Gallery

Article courtesy Savannah Morning News
By Noelle Phillips

Sooner or later, this was bound to happen.

With ongoing war in Iraq and Afghanistan, a National Guard helicopter unit at Hunter Army Airfield knew it was only a matter of time before it was called to active duty.

Captain Steve Hartman, of Detachment 1, Company F, 131st Aviation Regiment, kisses his daughter Amber, one of his 13 month old triplets, before departing with his unit to Afghanistan in January. More
photos

On Wednesday, 102 soldiers of Detachment 1, Company F, 131st Aviation Regiment, left for a year-long tour that eventually will take them to Afghanistan. The Georgia National Guardsmen are pilots, mechanics and fuel pumpers who work on Chinook helicopters.

"We've been ready and waiting for this for the last two years," said Staff Sgt. William Swavely, a maintenance supervisor.

It will be the first combat deployment in the history of the unit, said Sgt. 1st Class Willie Brown, who has served in it for more than 15 years. Every other aviation unit within the Georgia Army Guard has been called to duty since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

"It's a proud day for us," Brown said.

The Guard sent the unit off Wednesday morning with a ceremony at Hunter Army Airfield.

About 1 p.m., six Chinooks lifted off from Hunter, circled Savannah as a farewell to their hometown and then flew to Fort Benning.

The mechanics, fuelers and other soldiers rode buses.

At Benning, the Guardsmen will pair up with their parent company, which is based in Birmingham, Ala. The troops will spend the next month preparing for the deployment by getting medical exams and vaccinations, writing

The CH-47 Chinooks of Detachment 1, F Company, 131st Aviation Regiment, make a final pass over Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah before departing to their mob station enroute to Afghanistan in January. More photos

wills and updating pilot certifications.
To get to Afghanistan, the helicopters, trucks and equipment containers will be loaded onto cargo planes.
"I'd be lying if I didn't say there was a degree of anxiety and apprehension, but, overall, everybody is excited to be going over and contributing to the war on terrorism," said Capt. Steve Hartman, the detachment's deployment commander.
In Afghanistan, the unit's Chinooks will be called to haul troops and cargo throughout the country. The twin-rotor helicopter can carry up to 30 troops dressed in full combat gear or up to 23,000 pounds of equipment and supplies.
Pilots and air crews expect to dodge enemy bullets, but ground fire in Afghanistan hasn't been nearly as threatening as it has been in Iraq.
The desert heat, high altitudes and the demands of flying at night will be the biggest challenges, said Staff Sgt. Richard Sparks, a flight engineer.
"The actual environment is probably more dangerous than the enemy over there," he said.
As a National Guard unit, the Chinooks belong to the state of Georgia. But the unit trains with the activeduty Army at Fort Stewart and Hunter.
Most of the unit's deployments have sent it across Georgia and Florida to help with floods, blizzards and forest fires. It also went on a humanitarian mission to Honduras in 1997.
Because it's a Guard unit, about two-thirds of the troops have full-time jobs in addition to their military duty, said Hartman, who works at Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. Their employers must hold their positions while they are deployed.
The Guardsmen have spent the last couple of weeks tying up loose ends at their jobs and homes. They've also had to pack and load equipment at Hunter.
Swavely, a truck driver, has a wife and five children. He made last-minute home repairs and took his wife on a date Tuesday night to see the third "Lord of the Rings" movie.
On Tuesday, Swavely spoke of the deployment from the back of a moving van where he and Spc. Marcus Hursey of Springfield had finished loading duffel bags.
Hursey was sad about leaving behind a newborn son -- his first child.
"I was just happy I got to see him be born," he said. "After that, there's not much I can do about it.
"We're ready to get with it. Let's cowboy up."
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171st Farewell 6Jan04

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171st Aviation Battalion Deploys, Will head to Kuwait for War on Terrorism

Some 230 Georgia Army National Guardsmen of the First Battalion 171st Aviation Regiment said farewell to their families and friends on Tuesday, January 6 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 ARB.

The 1/171st was the one of two aviation units in the Georgia Army

National Guard that received alert notices in September 2003 when

Onlookers wave goodbye to the Black Hawks of the 171st Avn Regiment as the aircra'ft make a final pass over Dobbins before departing for their active duty

the Pentagon announced the proposed schedule of unit rotations. The first Georgia aviation unit to deploy before Christmas was Company C of the 1/171st Aviation Regiment that flies the Sherpa aircraft.

rotation. More photos

"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 the more than 500 family members and friends prior to the Guardsmen boarding buses.

Also on hand to wish the troops well was Mayor Bill Dunaway of Marietta who presented LTC Brent

Bracewell, the unit commander, with a flag of Marietta. LTC Brent 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", continued Bracewell.

Flight crews started engines running and rotors turning on the seven helicopters moments before noon. The formation lifted off individually and formed a tight formation before circling back across the crowded tarmac filled with well wishers.

Officials indicate that the deployment of the 1/171st will extend approximately eighteen months.

More photos on the web

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Georgia Air Guardsmen (L-to-R) Msgt William A. Clark, Major Chris Lamar, Msgt Joseph L, Greene, Staff Sergeant Sylvester Brown, Jr., (Senator Zell Miller), Captain William E. Daniels, Jr., Captain Jonathan M. Drew pose with Georgia Senator Zell Miller on the tarmac in Kuwait before ferrying the Congressional delegation to Mosul, Iraq.

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214th FA Returns Following Ten-Month Deployment

It's been a long ten months for members of the 214th Field Artillery who deployed in March 2003 to Fort Campbell and Fort Bragg. Four companies of the 214th FA returned to a heroes welcome on January 11th in their hometowns of Hartwell, Thompson, Toccoa and Elberton.

The 214th Field Artillery deployed on March 20, 2003, initially intended for operations in southwest Asia. Once at Fort Campbell, the Army redirected the Georgia Army Guard artillery unit for security operations at Fort Bragg as part of Operation Noble Eagle.

Ryan Allen, 5, looks up at his father Capt. David Allen at the welcome home ceremony for the 214th Field Artillery (Photo courtesy Athens Banner-Herald, R.C. Rique)
forced to live outside the base in local hotels/motels.

Approximately 370 soldiers of the 214th returned and were treated to homecoming ceremonies in their hometowns on Sunday, January 11th.
Members of HHB, 1/214th in Elberton arrived at Fort Bragg in March to find the post overcrowded with deploying troops and were

"It was a kind of a roller coaster ride from the beginning, said Commander David Allen. "We were originally slated to go overseas to Iraq then we got remissioned." "There's were a lot of different things, but the men reacted well and did the jobs handed them very well'.

At the homecoming ceremony for Hartwell's A- Battery, Mayor Matt Beasley told troops, " It's a warm feeling to be able to be here today and to say, "Thank you and welcome home.".

As part of their homeland security mission, the 214th spent much of the time securing entrances and exits to the base as well as securing several key Special Forces training sites and augmenting military police when the nation's threat levels were increased. As far as the real world goes, it (the deployment) was an 'eye-opener", said Specialist Willie H. Cooper. "We trained all the time for the job we are supposed to do, but when you see the actual real world application, it's a lot different than what you expect."

According to Specialist Ryan Jeffries, who moved to Athens in 2002, the experience of doing his part will stay with him for the rest of his life. "Just being a part of the big-picture --between the war and homeland security and 9/11-no matter how small my part may actually have been.

When I have grandkids I can say that I did my part during that time," Jeffries said.

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78th Change of Command 1/10/2004

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Colonel Larry Ross Assumes Command Of 78th Troop Command

Georgia's 78th Troop Command changed commanders in an emotional ceremony in January. The incoming commander is Col. Larry Ross, of Atlanta. The outgoing commander is Brig. Gen. Terrell T. Reddick of Statesboro.

From front, Col. Larry Ross, Brig. Gen. Terrell T. Reddick, and Brig. Gen. Terry Nesbitt, prepare to enter the 78th Troop Command change of command ceremony. More
photos

The 78th Troop Command, is a brigade-sized unit comprised of several, specialized subordinate units many of which are currently deployed in the war on terrorism either overseas or here in the United States. Nearly 3000 of its citizen-soldiers have been deployed since Sept. 11, 2001. In some cases Guardsmen have been deployed twice.
"They've gone above and beyond the call of duty," said Ross.

To show his gratitude for their hard work and sacrifice Ross, during his speech, stepped down from the podium and introduced each unit's commander and explained the unit's job and current deployment status to the audience.

Reddick thanked friends and family for their support, and singled out the noncommissioned officer corps in his speech. "The passion I have as a general officer comes from being able to mingle with, to talk with, and to serve with, the NCOs of the 78th Troop Command," he said.

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Rodeheaver Takes Brigade Reins January 2004

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Colonel Rodeheaver Assumes Command Of 4000-member Brigade

Change of Command Photo Gallery

The 48th Infantry Brigade of the Georgia Army National Guard combat-ready troops changed commanders in January as Col. Charles S. Rodeheaver took command. The 48th Infantry Brigade, headquartered in Macon with units in more than thirty-five communities across Georgia, is one of fifteen enhanced brigades in the National Guard.

Col. Charles S. Rodeheaver accepts the colors of the 48th Infantry Brigade from Brig. Gen. Terry Nesbitt during changes of command ceremonies in Macon. More photos

Rodeheaver, a 29-year veteran of the Georgia Army National Guard, assumed command from Brig. Gen. Robley Rigdon who led the brigade for four years. General Rigdon's tenure as commander included the highly successful rotation to Bosnia in 2001 when more than 1,200 members of the 48th led the peacekeeping mission in that wartorn country.

Colonel Rodeheaver enlisted in the Georgia Army National Guard in October 1971 and was commissioned at the Georgia Military Institute in Milledgeville in 1974 as an Honor Graduate. He has served in command positions with the 148th Forward Support Battalion in Forsyth, First Battalion, 121st Infantry in Albany and Headquarters Company 48th Brigade in Macon. In 1993, he was Battalion Commander of the 108th Armor where he served a three-year tour that included a National Training Center rotation, and an assignment as the Senior Observer Controller for Operation Bright Star in Egypt.

He served as Deputy Director, Joint Operations, Georgia Department of Defense with supervision over the Georgia DOD's Civil Support (WMD) Team, GaARNG Counterdrug Team and the emergency operations center for Georgia in addition to supervision over Georgia's Partnership for Peace program between the state and the Republic of Georgia. He later served command positions with the 78th Troop Command and as Commander, Regional Training Institute in Macon. Rodeheaver is employed by the Southern Company as Manager of Economic Development department and served a three-year tour as Congressional Director, U.S. Senate.

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Nelson Assumes Top Enlisted Post at Georgia's 48th Brigade
Command Sergeant Major James Nelson of Sylvester has become the top non-commissioned officer for the Macon-based 48th Infantry Brigade, Georgia's largest Army National Guard unit.
Nelson, 51, is employed by the United States Marine Corps Logistical Base in Albany. The 27-year veteran of the Georgia Army National Guard leaves his position as Command Sergeant Major for Albany's 2nd Battalion, 121st Infantry to take over the top enlisted position at the 4,000soldier 48th Infantry Brigade headquartered in Macon.
As the new Command sergeant major, Nelson says that what he will be the commander's eyes and ears. Nelson reports to Colonel (P) Stuart Rodeheaver who recently assumed command of the Georgia Army Guard's enhanced brigade.
"What I will be doing will not be too much different than what I was doing at the 121st except at a much higher level," according to Nelson.
"My job is to stay in touch with what's happening within the brigade while also advising the commander on the care and welfare of our soldiers and their families." Nelson says that he will also be responsible for making sure brigade personnel are trained in their individual "soldiering skills" such as weapons qualification and nuclear-biological- chemical proficiency.
Nelson began his 29 years of military service in 1971 with three years active duty in the Army. After graduating from basic combat training as private at Fort Jackson, S.C., he was assigned to 1st Battalion, 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment, stationed in Germany where he worked as a driver and a gunner aboard M60-A1 tanks. He left the Army in 1974 as a sergeant and a tank commander aboard the M155 Sheridan tank.
After three years, Nelson returned to the military and joined the Georgia Army National Guard. He entered the Guard as a specialist and changed his military career field from armor to infantry and was assigned to the 2nd Battalion of the 121st as a dismounted infantryman aboard an M113 Armored Personnel Carrier.
As his Guard career progressed, Nelson eventually became first sergeant of Company D once stationed in Eastman. Upon the unit disbanding in 1998, he was promoted to command sergeant major and moved to headquarters 648th Engineers in Statesboro.
Nelson deployed to Bosnia with the 48th Infantry Brigade in 1998, participating in the NATO peacekeeping mission in that war-torn country. When the unit returned home, he was reassigned as command sergeant major with 2nd Battalion, 121st Infantry.
A highly decorated Guardsman, Nelson holds the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, and the Expeditionary Service Medal. He also earned the Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Service Ribbon and the Army Good Conduct Medal.
Nelson is married and the couple has four children and two grandchildren
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Top Enlisted Chosen For Georgia Air Guard
Four Georgia Air National Guardsmen have been chosen as Georgia's Outstanding Airmen of the Year. Master Sergeant Anthony Davis of the 202nd Engineering Installation Squadron was chosen as the Outstanding First Sergeant of the Year for 2003. MSgt Benjamin Simmons of the 116th Logistic Flight at Robins AFB was selected as the Outstanding Senior Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) of the Year. Technical Sergeant Mariyka Burnham of the 116th Communications Flight also at Robins was selected as the Outstanding NCO of the Year; and, Senior Airman Mantis L. Pineiro of the 165th Aerial Port Squadron in Savannah was selected as Airman of the Year.
These four Georgia Air Guardsmen were selected from among more than forty enlisted members of the Georgia Air National Guard who were singled out by their individual commanders for outstanding professional skills, knowledge and leadership.
MSgt Anthony Davis of Macon's 202nd EIS was selected as the Outstanding First Sergeant of the Year for the second consecutive year. A 14-year veteran of the 202nd, Davis is employed as a Logistics Manager by the Warner Robins Air Force Logistics Center at Robins AFB. In 2001, Davis was selected as the First Sergeant of the Year for all fifteen Engineering Installation Squadrons in the Air Force. He holds the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal, and the Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters.
MSgt Simmons of Bonaire, GA is a Logistics Plans Superintendent with the 116th Logistical Readiness Squadron at Robins Air Force Base. He is a ten-year veteran of the Air Force and a four-year veteran of the 116th Air Control Wing of the Georgia Air National Guard. Over the past two years he has deployed for operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. He holds the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Air Force Achievement Medal the Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal, the Armed forces Expeditionary Medal and the Southwest Asia Service Medal.
Technical Sergeant Mariyka E. Burnham from Centerville, GA is the Education and Training Manager of the 116th Communications Flight at Robins AFB. She is a five-year veteran of the Georgia Air National Guard. She completed Airman Leadership School and received the academic achievement and distinguished graduate awards. She was chosen as the 116th Air Control Wing NCO of the Quarter and NCO of the Year during 2003. She holds the AF achievement Medal and the Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service medal.
Senior Airman Mantis L. Pineiro of Savannah is currently assigned to the 165th Aerial Port Squadron as an Air Transportation Journeyman. Enlisting the Georgia Air Guard in 1999, Pineiro volunteered and served with distinction in Incirlik, Turkey during Operation Noble Eagle and Enduring Freedom. He holds the Air Force Reserve Meritorious Service Medal and Air Force Achievement Medal. He is current a student at Armstrong State College pursuing a Bachelors Degree.
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Members of 2/121st Infantry squad coordinate during training at Ft. Benning. Read full story. (Story and photos by Lt. Col. George M. Scott, GSDF)

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Georgia's `Second Foot' Trains for Security, Stabilization Operations
Story and photos by Lt. Col. George M. Scott, GSDF

Members of 2/121st Infantry squad coordinate
during training at Ft. Benning.

Security and stabilization operations in an urban environment was the name of the game when soldiers of Cordele's Company B and Americus' Company C, 2nd Battalion, 121st Infantry Regiment, trained in early January at Fort Benning outside Columbus.

While the unit's dismounted infantry trained with other "Second Foot" elements at Benning's Camp McKenna MOUT site, crews that operate Company B's Bradley fighting vehicles remained in Cordele to train on convoy operations.

Captain Brian Lassiter, Company B's commander, explained that the day's training happened in four stages:

q Tactical movement in a built up area.

q Reacting to a sniper.

q Room entry techniques.

q The search and securing of a building in a built up area.

Lassiter said, the troops later repeated the training to test their ability to perform during low light conditions.

Instructors for the training came from the 3rd Infantry Division Training Support Battalion, and they worked well with the Georgia citizen-soldiers. As the Guardsmen went through the tactical movement the instructors were teaching them the lessons learned in Iraq and Afghanistan for encountering an enemy in urban terrain. It was completely different, one Company B soldier was overheard saying, from what he and his fellow Guardsmen had been trained to do in the past.

Many times during training the instructors were heard telling their charges, " walk, run, fast, safe." What they were telling the soldiers, one instructor said, was that they had to train on the basics first in a slow and deliberate manner.

"Once they mastered the process of operating in a built-up area, they increased the speed in which the drill was conducted," the instructor said while a group of Company C soldiers past him on their way into a nearby building. "That accomplished, they move faster through the training, while remembering that safety is always paramount."

Entering what could have passed for a small shop or home, the Guardsmen practiced movement through the building in teams. The soldiers constantly practiced using the different entry points to the rooms and how to communicate with each other while inside. They also practiced what to do if a man went down during the clearing of a room. " It's better to sweat and practice now than to bleed later."

Lassiter said the training his troops received put much emphasis on small unit leadership. A factor, he said, that surely helped everyone gain a better understanding of what each must do during a mission. "That way, every soldier, from the most senior NCO to the most junior enlisted can pickup lead a team

should the first line leader be unable," Lassiter said. Second Battalion's commander, Lt. Col. Steve McCorkle, echoed that sentiment, saying that this type training prepared his soldiers to perform better under what would be the most difficult of conditions.
"As leaders we must ensure our soldiers are prepared for whatever missions may come their way," McCorkle said.
"In today's ever-changing world the National Guard and Reserves are being relied on more and more, at home and overseas," he added, "and we must be prepared to fulfill the mission whatever or where-ever it may be."
Back in Cordele the rest of Company B ran convoy operations unit the wee hours of the morning over a two-day period. Part of the unit's maintenance section acted as an opposing force (OPFOR) that changed checkpoints and tried to create confusion among the convoy members and their operations. It only took a short time for the Guardsmen to foil the OPFOR's attempts and get the convoys operating as they should.
Lt. Col. George M. Scott, is public affairs officer for the Georgia State Defense Force's 2nd Brigade
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Homeland Security, G-8 Issues Highlight Air Guard Leader's Conference

With the majority of deployed Air National Guard units now home from

the war, and with the expectation of a year of challenges on the home

front, more than 60 Georgia Air National Guard commanders and

chiefs met in late January for the annual Georgia ANG Commanders'

Conference at Dobbins Air Reserve Base.

William Hitchens, Georgia's

Homeland Security chief receives a

The two-day event was highlighted by a presentation by William W. Hitchens, Jr., director of the Georgia Office of Homeland Security.

small token from Maj Gen William Searcy, Commander, GA ANG, following his presentation before

more than sixty Georgia Air National

Hitchens explained the critical roles played by many state organizations, including the Georgia National Guard, in contributing to the state's overall security posture. He acknowledged Georgia's

Guard commanders at the annual Senior ANG Commanders Conference.

leadership position in developing the homeland security policies, plans and programs other states have

adopted. Hitchens' remarks led to a discussion among conference participants about the upcoming G-8

Conference this summer on Saint Simons Island. Air Guard Col.

Ted Childers, Joint Operations deputy director and coordinator for all National Guard participation in the three-day international conference, briefed the commanders and chiefs on the Guard's participation in the event. He also provided insight into the possible threats and challenges expected during this year's summit.

On a related note, Maj. Gen. Searcy, commander Georgia Air National Guard, has appointed Lt. Col. Kirk Simmons, operations officer for the Air Guard's Combat Readiness Training Center near Savannah, the Air Guard liaison to JOPS for the G-8.

During the two-day conference, Air Guard commanders also examined the results of a recent employee survey. They learned of significant personnel changes that will soon be implemented, heard reports on recruiting and retention programs and received briefings from fellow commanders on the status of each unit.

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Like Son, Like Father Keys Claim Distinction of Most Junior, Senior Warrants

Chief Warrant Officer 1 Gerald Allen Key II and his father Chief Warrant Officer 5 Gerald Allen Key have laid claim to being the most junior and most senior members of the Georgia Army National Guard's Warrant Officer Corps.

"Although I'm not the senior warrant officer by date of rank, the

position makes me the senior warrant in the state," Chief Warrant

Officer 5 Key said. "It's rather unique, I believe, that my son and I

share the same name and he is the newest member and lowest

rank of the Warrant Officer Corps while I represent the highest

rank that can be obtained within the Corps."
WO1 Gerald Allen Key II is pinned by his

wife, Brandy and his father, CW5 Gerald (Jerry) Allen Key, Command Chief Warrant Officer, at Fort Rucker in

The younger Key received his new rank during a late January graduation ceremony of the Warrant Officer Candidate School at

January.

Fort Rucker, Ala. He remains at Rucker to attend helicopter flight

training until December. When he graduates Key will be the

Georgia Guard's newest UH-60 Black Hawk pilot. Key's unit, Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion,

171st Aviation, is stationed at Marietta's Dobbins Reserve Air Base. It was recently mobilized for service

in the Middle East.

Before joining the Guard in July 20003 with the rank of sergeant and as a flight operations NCO, the younger Key spent four years in USMC as infantryman.

"I decided I wanted to see what it's like flying helicopters instead of jumping or rappelling out of them," he said in a recent telephone interview. "As former Marine rifleman I have every respect for the soldier on the ground, but flying is something I have always wanted to do.

"Being a member of the Georgia Army National Guard," he said, "provided me that opportunity." Three month later the younger Key was accepted into the Army Guard's Warrant Officer program.

"I am very proud of him," the older Key said of his son. "He is the only one of my children to join the military. "When he decided to leave the Corps, I was glad to see him join the Guard.'

Still, the father said, his son's service as a Marine was time well spent. Although, the younger Key was raised in a disciplined environment, his father said he strongly believe the Corps built on discipline and ethics his family had already instilled in him.

As the senior member of the Warrant Officer Corps, the older Key, been with the Guard for 32 years. And as the most senior warrant he is the command chief warrant officer serving on Brig. Gen. Nesbitt's staff at Headquarters STARC. His job, the older Key said, is to advise General Nesbitt on issues pertaining to warrant officers.

"There hasn't been a day during my career that I haven't loved being in this uniform and serving my state and country," Key said. "Working with General Nesbitt and others on his staff has been rewarding."

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Marijuana Seized, Two arrested Task Force Aids in Investigation, Bust
The Georgia National Guard's Counterdrug Task Force recently released information about assistance its members gave to the Cherokee Multi-Agency Narcotics Squad in mid-December, that resulted in the squad's largest-ever indoor marijuana seizure.
Task force agents, a Counterdrug official said, conducted surveillance of a commercial building at a Canton industrial park where the marijuana was being grown. The task force researched and developed information related to the growth and harvest of the hallucinogenic, plant-based drug, the official said.
They also assisted in the planning and execution of the search warrant that netted the narcotics squad 212 high-quality marijuana plants, valued at slightly more than $500,000.
Counterdrug agents later processed evidence gathered at the scene that will help the state when the case is brought to trial.
December's seizure was the result of a month-long investigation that also saw two people arrested in connection with the illegal drug operation. The suspects, whose names have not been released, were charged with manufacturing and trafficking marijuana, a Counterdrug official said.
Information about the seizure and arrests was not released until recently because that would have jeopardized the apprehension of others suspected of being involved in the case, the official said.
Law enforcement officers who participated in the investigation said the plants taken were "sinsemilla," meaning the plants were seedless, and that they were of the highest THC quality.
Agents with the narcotics squad stated the December bust saw the largest number of plants seized inside a building in Cherokee County history. The two suspects, Counterdrug Task Force officials said, were renting the warehouse solely for the purpose of manufacturing marijuana.
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Newspaper Promotes Valentines for Deployed Guardsmen
See scan of newspaper article
The Atlanta Constitution has made available valentines, in its newspaper and online for people to let Georgia's citizen-soldiers deployed in support of Homeland Security and the Global War on Terrorism.
Sample valentines and instructions can be found in the AJC's Feb. 2 edition or view them online at the AJC web site.
One sample valentine shows a military medal with "I Love you," while another displays an American flag with a heart replacing the blue field of stars. Yet another is a camouflaged heart. All are examples of the special military valentines program designed for Georgia school children to write to deployed Georgia National Guardsmen. The project recently printed in the "News for Kids" section of the Atlanta Constitution was designed to brighten up the Feb. 14 holiday for troops away from home.
The special kids section that appears each month in the first Monday newspaper will be distributed to schools throughout the state. School classes can copy the sample valentines, write a short note to deployed soldiers, and then bundle them together and send to the nearest Family Assistance Centers whose addresses have been printed in the newspaper. Family Readiness committees will then forward them to our deployed units.
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