First Friday briefing [Jan. 7, 2005]

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First Friday Briefing for January 2005

Deployment Update
On Duty in Iraq With Company H, 171st Aviation
From DefendAmerica.com

10 year-old Taylor Conkle shows support for her father and other members of E Troop, 108th Cavalry as the unit prepares to depart the Griffin Armory on Thursday. Taylor's dad, Staff Sgt. Terry Conkle is operations and logistics NCO for the unit.
48th Brigade Leaves Home; Begins Training at Fort Stewart Convoys and buses rolled out of towns across Georgia this week as Soldiers of the 48th Infantry Brigade left their hometown armories for Fort Stewart. The southeast Georgia installation is the first stop on the Brigade's deployment that is expected to take them to Iraq by midsummer. Along the departure routes, townspeople, school children, shopkeepers and other well wishers lined the streets with signs and flags. Read more
Read more about 48th Brigade Departures
Thousands Line Streets To Bid Farewell to Guard
From Macon Telegraph

1230th Transportation Returns
From Noble Eagle Duty
After 22 months the 1230th Transportation Company of Brunswick returned home to family members dressed in red and green and getting ready for the holidays. The unit, mobilized in February 2003, had been on active-duty providing security at Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Marietta. Other duties included patrolling flight lines, checking credentials, and issuing security badges. Citizen-soldiers of the 1230th received the Global War on Terrorism medal for their part in Operation Noble Eagle. Bainbridge Mayor Bill Reynolds also recognized the unit by issuing a proclamation in the 1230th's honor, and presenting it to Capt. Douglas Bryan, the unit's commander.
Read more
Photo Galley

Middle Georgia Father, Son to Head off to Iraq together
From Macon Telegraph

Georgia National Guard Battalion Heads to Fort Stewart
Before Summer Deployment to Iraq
From Chattanooga Times Free Press
Families Say Farewell to Soldiers Heading to Fort Stewart, Then Iraq
From Cherokee Tribune

Savannah's 117th ACS Continues
Charitable Legacy over Holidays
Georgia's 117th Air Control Squadron at Hunter Army Airfield continued it legacy of charitable giving this holiday season in the Savannah area when it donated more than $1,000 to assist two families at the Savannah Safe Shelter. Along with cash, the unit donated clothing, household items, and toys for children. Additionally, the unit presented more than $500 in food items to the Savannah Social Apostolate, a local agency that prepares meals for the homeless and underprivileged individuals in the Savannah and Chatham County area. The unit's charitable efforts during the holiday season also included a donation of $2974 to the Hospice of Savannah. The unit's outstanding philanthropy has increased over $4,400 in

A U.S. Army C-23B Sherpa from the Georgia Guard's Company H, 171st Aviation Regiment, unloads passengers at an undisclosed airfield in Iraq in December, during Operation Iraqi Freedom. The Sherpas are transporting coalition troops and supplies to various airfields through out the area of responsibility for Iraq.
Georgia National Guardsmen Chief Warrant Officer Douglas Gahring, from the Company H, 171st Aviation Regiment, scans the horizon while flying a mission in his C-23B Sherpa over Iraq in December.
A C-23B Sherpa from Georgia's Company H, 171st Aviation Regiment, fuels before leaving on a mission from Balad Air Base, Iraq, in December.
(U.S. Air Force photos by Staff Sgt. Shane A. Cuomo)
See full photo gallery on DefendAmerica.com

During its first deployment in 2003, members of the 3rd Infantry Detachment stand in front of the Iraqi border the day before the ground war began. The unit left for it's second deployment New Year's weekend.
3rd Infantry Det. Heads Overseas For Second Deployment The Georgia Army National Guard's 3rd Infantry Detachment deployed over New Year's weekend to the theater of operations in support of the Global War on Terrorism. The 19-member unit mobilized at its home station at Fort Stewart in November and spent several months going through post-mobilization training prior to the departure to Iraq last week. This deployment marks the unit's second mobilization in the past three years. The 3rd Inf. Det. was in Iraq in support of Fort Stewart's 3rd Infantry Division during the ground war in 2003.
Georgia Companies Receive ESGR Recognitions Georgia's Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) presented a 4-Star Statement of Support in December to Weidmann and Associates, Inc. from Roswell. Capt. Kris Marshall (pictured left), a member of the Georgia Guard's Company A, 221st Military Intelligence Battalion, nominated his employer. He detailed how Daniel Weidmann (center), President of Weidmann & Associates, Inc., had gone "over and above" supporting his Guard employees The 4-Star certificate was presented by Major General Tom Wessels, (pictured right) Chairman of the Georgia Committee. More information on submitting ESGR awards

2004.
Dalton 'Throws A Party' For Its Hometown Citizen-Soldiers More than 1,500 people showed up at Dalton's Northwest Georgia Trade and Convention Center in December to say "Merry Christmas" and "thank you" to the Soldiers and families of 1st Battalion, 108th Armor. Part of Georgia's 48th Brigade, the unit is among those reporting this month for deployment in support of the Global War on Terrorism. "It's so important for our members to know their fellow citizens support them and wish them well in times such as these, and this event was so representative of that support." said Maj. Liston Edge, the battalion's executive officer. Read more
YCA Graduates 200 In Macon Ceremony More than 200 cadets from Georgia 's Youth Challenge Academy graduated in ceremonies held at the Macon City Auditorium in December. "This is just the first step," said Col. Frank Williams as he reminded graduates during the ceremonies. "So get a job Monday," he added with some jocularity. The guest speaker was Joshua Logan, a member of YCA's first graduating class in Georgia in 1994. Logon turned his life around after attending the Guard-sponsored program and is now pursuing a medical degree from Emory University. Full Story
Photo Gallery

'Mass Swearing-In' at State Capitol Commemorates Guard's Birthday Twenty-nine fresh faced youngsters, along with some seasoned veterans lined the steps of the state capitol, raised their right hand and enlisted in the Georgia Army National Guard in December, as part of a capitol ceremony commemorating the Guard's 368th anniversary. From mass swearing-ins to birthday celebrations, Guard units nationwide commemorated the anniversary of the emergence of the citizen-soldier as the first line of defense in the country's fight to remain free. The Georgia event was organized by the Recruiting and Retention section of the Georgia Army National Guard and culminated with the mass swearing in of the new soldiers.
A look at what happened in January in Georgia National Guard history:
1991 - The first Gulf War began on Jan. 17
when in the early morning hours air strikes pounded targets in Baghdad and elsewhere in Iraq. More than 4,800 Georgia Guardsmen mobilized in 1990-91 in support of Operation Desert Storm
1919 Georgia Guardsman Sgt. R. G. Burton
of Co, A, 151st Machine Gun Battalion, from Monroe, became part of the occupation force in Germany following the armistice ending World War I. He and fellow company members were housed in a German villa looking over the Rhine River. In a letter home, dated Jan. 5, he included a very poignant line, "I have seen things this year, 1918, that I hope that I shall never see again."
1903 - The role of the National Guard and its
ties to the federal government were drastically changed with the passage of the "Dick Act" on the January 21. Funding, personal pay, training requirements and other aspects from the federal level put the Guard on the footing as an adjunct to the Regular Army. With the passage of this act in Congress, Georgia's Guard chose to phase out its Black units.
Complied by Staff Sgt. Gail Parnelle, GaARNG Historical Section

Lt. Gen. David B. Poythress The Adjutant General of Georgia

April 3, 2007 Time: 12:30 pm Security Notice

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48th BCT In Iraq

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48th Brigade Units Depart
Griffin
Winder
Convoys and buses rolled out of towns across Georgia this week as Soldiers of the 48th Infantry Brigade left their hometown armories for Fort Stewart.
The southeast Georgia installation is the first stop on the Brigade's deployment that is expected to take them to Iraq by mid-summer.
Along the departure routes, townspeople, school children, shopkeepers and other well wishers lined the streets with signs and flags.
In Griffin , the fire department used two snorkel trucks to suspend a large American flag over State Route 16 to honor members of E Troop, 108th Cavalry . Nearby, students from Taylor Street Middle School chanted "U-S-A, U-S-A" as the soldier-filled buses and HUMVEES passed.
In Dalton, members of C Company, 108th Armor ceremoniously lowered the American flag in front of its armory and retired it until the unit's return. Soldiers of E Troop, 108th Cavalry get a special salute from Cub Scouts from Pack
114 of Griffin's Cowen Road Elementary School. The scouts were among the More than 3,200 members of the thousands of people who lined the departure route as the unit left Griffin for it's Macon-based brigade reported for deployment in support of the Global War on Terrorism. duty this week with the first several days spent in their home armories. The movement to Fort Stewart began Thursday morning and is scheduled to be phased over a three-day period. The Brigade will train at Fort Stewart through late-March when it is scheduled to go the National Training Center in California before departing for Iraq.

10 year-old Taylor Conkle shows her support for her father and other members of E Troop, 108th Cavalry as the unit prepares to depart the Griffin on Thursday. Taylor's dad, Staff Sgt. Terry Conkle is operations and logistics NCO for the unit.
Students from Griffin's Taylor Street Middle School cheer in support of the Soldiers of E Troop, 108th Cavalry as the unit rolls out of town on its way to Fort Stewart.
Winder

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Upper left Georgia Army National Guard Pfc. Christopher Greninger, an infantryman with Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 121st Infantry, hugs his wife, Denise, prior to boarding a bus to Fort Stewart Thursday, January 6, 2005. About 130 of it's citizensoldiers are getting ready to deploy to the middle east in support of Iraqi Freedom.
At top right Georgia Army National Guard Spc. Chris Barron, a combat medic with Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 121st Infantry, kisses his wife, Sheryl, while their daughter, Elizabeth, watches Thursday, January 6, 2005. "This is the hard part - saying goodbye to the family," said Chris. About 130 of the battalion's citizen-soldiers are getting ready to deply to the middle east in support of Iraqi Freedom.
At left Georgia Army National Gaurd Spc. Ted Arnold, an infantryman with Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 121st Infantry, moves his duffel bags prior to departure to Fort Stewart Thursday, January 6, 2005. About 130 of it's citizensoldiers are getting ready to deploy to the middle east in support of Iraqi Freedom. "If I fight the enemy over there, then I don't have to fight them here," said Arnold on the global war on terrorism.

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Thousands line streets to bid farewell to Guard

By Wayne Crenshaw Telegraph Staff Writer Original Story on macontelegraph.com

DUBLIN - When members of Dublin's National Guard unit sets foot in Iraq, their memories of home will include the tears of family members as they departed Thursday, and the cheers of several thousand flag-waving residents who lined streets for a send-off.

Businesses along a parade route several miles long shut down as employees and others gathered to show their appreciation to Alpha Company of the 148th Support Battalion in the 48th Infantry Brigade. Units in Forsyth, Macon and Milledgeville also departed Thursday, along with several other units around the state.

Capt. Roger Dillard of Alpha Company rode along with the troops as they departed the city, but he returned briefly to the armory before heading to Fort Stewart, where the troops will undergo intensive training for three months.

"I'm just without words as far as the public turnout," he said. "There were people from all walks of life. Basically it shows our soldiers that the county is standing behind them, and as far as morale, that's going to go very far."
About half of the 168-troop unit is already in Fort Stewart, and the rest gathered at the armory Thursday morning. The spirits of the troops appeared high, but many family members, including young children, were weeping.

Photo by Nick Oza
Sgt. Ricky Stanley, hugs his family members at Georgia National Guard Armory in Dublin Ga. From L to R. Mary Stanley, Mandlyn Stanley hugs his brother Ricky Stanley and his aunt Claire Boston. Today 75 men and women from 148 Support Battalion Alpha Company, 48th Infantry Brigade Georgia National Gaurds Unit left for trainning to Fort Stewart.

"I don't want to see him go, but I will keep him in prayer," said Mary Stanley, who came to see off her son, Sgt. Ricky Stanley of Montrose.

Stanley hugged his tearful children before boarding for departure.

"It's a little emotional, but at the same time, it's kind of got an adrenaline rush to it," he said.

West Laurens High School cheerleaders lined the end of the route, along with family members who staked out the location to get a last look as the caravan headed toward Interstate 16.

Simone Anderson sat on the hood of a car and waved a large American flag as she waited to watch her sister, Pfc. Faith Anderson pass by.

Her sister is 22, and has been in the Guard for four years. This will be her first deployment.

"At first she was terrified, but now she is all right and has accepted the fact that she has to go," said Anderson, who fought back tears as the caravan passed.

Hundreds of people lined the streets downtown, including most of the county courthouse staff. Others made a special trip in for the send-off, even though they had no relatives in the Guard.

"I came to support the troops," said Leila Mae Dollar, 77, of Adrian. "I don't know a one of them."

At the armory, several local elected officials spoke to the troops. Dublin Mayor Phil Best told the troops that a big crowd was lined up to see them off.

"This is nothing compared to what it will be like when you get home," he said.

State Rep. DuBose Porter read from Psalms 91, which promises God's protection, and then turned to family members.

"Remember when we send them off like this, we have to put them in the hands of the Lord," he said.

On a drizzly morning in Forsyth, fire trucks and other rescue vehicles lined up in honor of the departing soldiers. School buses

paused so that elementary students could wave goodbye. At the courthouse square, dozens of people waved American flags as members of the 148th Support Battalion based in Forsyth passed by. In seconds the troops were gone, and 56-year-old Jacquie Haynes' eyes were watering. Her husband, Maj. Steve Haynes, is the battalion's executive officer. He was on the bus to Fort Stewart. "I've done so good," Jacquie Haynes said. "I haven't cried until today, because I didn't want him to see me." Even after his 27 years and her three years in the service, "it's still hard," she said. "He's my friend, my buddy." Haynes was comforted by Spc. Kimberly Barnett, who will be part of the team staying home to, among other things, comfort families. Barnett, 24, said the deployment to Iraq will give the National Guard a chance to shake a reputation as merely a weekend job. She said she wishes she could go. "I have a husband and two small children at home who need me," she said. "But every one of them that just drove off needs me, too. I'll be glad to see them roll back in and come home, too."
To contact Wayne Crenshaw, call (478) 275-1116 or e-mail wcrenshaw@macontel.com.
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Macon Telegraph Fri, Jan. 07, 2005
Middle Georgia father, son to head off to iraq together

By Gray Beverley Telegraph Staff Writer Original story on www.macon.telegraph.com

DUBLIN - After the telephone call when she learned her son probably would be going to Iraq, Peggy Smith saw the look on her husband's face and knew he'd be going, too.

Staff Sgt. Britt Smith, 46, had been in the same Alabama National Guard unit since 1991. His friends are there. So was a likely promotion. So was the likelihood that Smith would not see combat in Iraq.
But that changed after it appeared that his son, 18-year-old Pvt. Greg Smith, would be sent to war. The elder Smith immediately lobbied for a transfer.

Photo by Nick Oza
Britt Smith shares his story about his son Greg, 20, who will deployed to Iraq while Greg's mom Peggy Smith looks at them. Britt Smith made his mind to follow his son to Iraq. They both in National Guard Unit part of 48th Brigade.

They both leave this week for Fort Stewart.
Wednesday night, on a last-minute trip to Wal-Mart, Smith told his son that he'd need a rug for his tent so that he wouldn't track dust into bed. Padlocks and toiletries also were on their list.

They traded thoughts on whether to wear boots while sleeping and agreed that flak jackets could double as pillows in a crunch.

Once in the theater, Smith said, he'll curtail his advice.

"I'm going to stay out of his business. When it comes to soldiering, his (officer) is his Daddy," Smith said. "I'm going to love him and do everything I can, but I'm out of his chain of command. ... As long as he knows that I'm there." Having a son in harm's way, he admits, will be a "big distraction."

"I pray a lot. I talk to God a lot that they don't know about," Britt Smith said. "If they'd leave him alone, I'd go in his place." The women behind

Both Smiths are now part of the 48th Brigade Combat Team, which likely will be deployed to Iraq this spring.

Greg Smith is a member of an infantry unit based in Cordele. He said he'll be a radio telephone operator and shadow a lieutenant.

Britt Smith, who is probably going with the headquarters company from Macon, said he's hoping to work in public affairs. He most recently was news director for TV-35 in Dublin.

"I may wind up being the (officer) in charge of latrines," he said. "I have no idea what I'll be doing."
Britt Smith also served in Kosovo with his eldest child, Cpl. Molly Jones, now 25 and living in Dahlonega. The Smiths also have a 15-year old daughter, Paige.

"Britt had the audacity to ask could I make it while he was gone," Peggy chuckled. "He left me with three. He left with me with two. Now he's leaving me with one!"

Greg Smith said he'll miss his mom's sense of humor.

"She laughs at my jokes," he said.

Greg Smith, who not that long ago was playing soccer for Dublin High School, said he joined the Guard after a friend told him at church that he had signed up.
"I said, 'For real? All right. I'll do that too, then.' "

He would have started classes Wednesday as a freshman at North Georgia College.
"Greg was the one that really surprised us," his mother said. "He didn't want any part of (the military)."
Peggy Smith said her husband worried that their son enlisted under pressure from his father. Greg Smith said he signed up for a college scholarship and because God wanted him to.
"That's one of the things that's getting me through all of this," his mother said. "For whatever reason, this is where God is leading him."
Britt Smith was in daily contact with his daughter while they were in Kosovo, where he would make a harrowing 20-minute trip to visit her camp. Greg Smith said he hopes he and his father can have lunch together in Iraq sometimes, like they did this summer at Larry's Subs on Veterans Boulevard.
Paige Smith, who has a camouflage-clad teddy bear named Sarge and likes war movies like "Black Hawk Down," said she'd serve her country in Iraq.
"It's what my family's always done."
With Daddy gone, Peggy Smith will be responsible for teaching Paige how to drive. The new car that died right after her husband pulled into the driveway on his last night home? Mom will have to fix that.
The leaf-blower also went kaput Sunday.
During previous deployments, Peggy Smith, who works in the information technology department at Mohawk Industries, has dealt with home plumbing problems - and redoing the kitchen counter tops "while I'm at it."
After an e-mail from her daughter in Kosovo, Peggy Smith helped oversee the shipping of about 70 boxes of school supplies there. Britt Smith put in an early request for macadamia nut cookies.
Peggy Smith, whose father was in the Air Force, said she "went to pieces" with the news that her son would be going to war.
"It knocked me for a loop," she said.
Peggy Smith, 50, said spouses having to care for small kids have it tougher. She's gotten by in the past by learning a new skill. She ran in Dublin's Leprechaun Road Race. A new piano awaits in the living room.
Peggy Smith said she's grateful for a prayer shawl knitted by a local church, and will draw support from Guard families.
Taking it one day at a time also helps.
"I take it in bits," she said. "I wanted to get through Thanksgiving. I wanted to get through Christmas. Now I just want to get through this week. Because if you look at it all at once, it's like trying to digest an elephant."
Peggy Smith said she's driven 500 miles for a glimpse of her husband and would make the trip to Fort Stewart, even for just a moment together.
Britt Smith said he has "been waiting all my military life to be a sergeant first class." He has turned down the promotion when it would have meant missing his daughter's high school graduation. By transferring to be closer to his son, Smith has put that dream on hold again.
He hopes his son eventually will outrank him.
"I hope one day to salute him," he said. "Nothing would do me prouder."
As for while they're in Iraq, there's a limit to what he can do.
"I can't do a thing to help him except be there and be his mama's eyes," Smith said. "I'll tell her he's fine ... but I'll keep an eye on him."
To contact Gray Beverley, call 744-4494 or e-mail gbeverley@macontel.com.
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Publication:Chattanooga Times Free Press;Date: Friday, January 07, 2005 Friday, January 07, 2005 ;Section:North Georgia;Page:19
Charlie Company gets send-off
Georgia National Guard battalion heads to Fort Stewart, Ga., before summer deployment to Iraq.
By Stump Martin Staff Writer Original story
DALTON, Ga. -- Strained emotions encompassed more than 2,000 family members and wellwishers who gathered Thursday to cheer 52 Army National Guard soldiers from Company C, 1 st Battalion, 108 th Armored Regiment as they deployed.
In a drenching morning rain that helped camouflage the tears, Charlie Company boarded buses bound for Fort Stewart, Ga., to train before their scheduled deployment to Iraq this summer. Sgt. Ashley O'Donald, 25, of Ringgold, Ga., held his son, Riley, 3, and wiped tears from the little boy's eyes. Moments later, Sgt. O'Donald kissed his wife, Tori, 23, goodbye and boarded the bus to depart shortly after 9:30 a.m.
The chief tax assessor for Dade County said it is tough leaving his family.
"I'm honored that our unit was selected to represent our country," he said. "I just hope that my going to Iraq will prevent my son from going in the future."
This is Sgt. O'Donald's second overseas mission. He was a member of the Charlie Company troops who went to Bosnia as a peacekeeping force.
Lynette Tucker, of Walker County, held an American flag. Tears rolled down her cheeks while she watched her son Michael, 29, board one of the buses. She and her husband, Tony, joined 17 family members, including three armed forces veteran grandfathers, to give the soldiers a send-off.
"My hopes and prayers are not just for him, but for those going with him and those over there (in Iraq)," Mrs. Tucker said. "I have a lot of faith in God, and that his will be done."
Spc. Tucker said he joined the National Guard shortly after the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
"I knew this day would come," he said.
Sgt. Joel King, 28, of Dalton, kissed his fiancee, Tishia Stancill, 19, as the two shared a sentimental farewell.
"I'm very proud of him," Miss Stancill said. "My prayer is that he'll be safe, and he will protect all of his troops there."
Sgt. King said he joined the Army because he felt he had something to prove. He said he will have been in the Army nine years in March.
"I'm trying to just make the best out of all of this," he said. "I was working in a carpet mill when I joined, and I wanted to make something out of myself." Sgt. King was also a member of the volunteer peacekeeping mission to Bosnia.
Sgt. Clint Teague, 33, of Chattanooga, is a 1990 graduate of Gordon Lee High School in Chickamauga, Ga.
He left his wife, Leah, a UnumProvident employee, and their boys, Ethan, 4, and Aiden, 20-months-old, behind.
Sgt. Teague told his son Ethan, "Daddy is going over there to take ropes and nets and catch the bad guys."
Ethan shook his head no when he was asked if he ever wanted to be in the Army.
The little fellow's only explanation for all of the hoopla surrounding him was "it's cool," he said as he dropped his head.
Lt. Scott Carden, 32, of Rome, Ga., is a Desert Storm veteran. He serves now as the 1 st Platoon leader and said his men were "optimistic and energetic" as they deployed.
"The guys all knew there was a possibility of deployment," he said.
Charlie Company is based out of the Army National Guard Unit off West Crawford Street. The company will join up with other 108 th companies out of Calhoun, Rome, Douglasville and Canton for their training at Fort Stewart.
The Georgia National Guard is made up of more than 9,000 women and men from more than 120 communities throughout the Peach State.
E-mail Stump Martin at smartin@timesfreepress.com

Staff Photo by Angela Lewis Spc. Harry Smith comforts his son Gage in formation at the National Guard Armory in Dalton, Ga., Thursday before deploying with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 108th Armored Regiment to Fort Stewart, Ga.
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Families say farewell to soldiers heading to Fort Stewart, then Iraq
Friday, January 7, 2005
By Ashley Fuller Cherokee Tribune Staff Writer Original Story at cherokeetribune.com
Family members said goodbye with teary eyes as the B-Company First Battalion 108th Armor Regiment of the 48th Mechanized Infantry Brigade, stationed in Canton, left for Fort Stewart on Thursday.
The 63-member Army National Guard unit, stationed at the National Guard Armory in Canton, will train at the fort in Savannah until being deployed to Iraq this summer. The deployment is scheduled to last 12 months.
For those who saw their loved ones off Thursday morning, the goodbyes were not easy.
"It is very hard, especially because it is my son going over there," said Sherry Jarrard of Ellijay, whose son Spec. Greg Stepp is part of the unit. "If it was a husband, I think I would be all right. But it is hard to see your son go."
Family members said keeping their faith strong would help them pass the time that their loved ones are gone.
"We are going to pray a lot," Ms. Jarrard said. "They will be all right. We are all proud of our sons."
A family support group has been formed to keep families informed about news concerning the unit.
Amanda Holloway, whose husband Dusty is stationed at Dobbins Air Reserve base, is serving as the family assistance coordinator for the unit.
"My husband has been on short deployments before, so I have some experience with this," she said. "Before, family members were kind of left in the dark as far as what was going on. Now, if they need a chaplain or something does happen, they can contact us and we can help. Our job is to keep them happy."
The morale of the soldiers is very high, said 1st Sgt. Delston Branch of Washington, Ga.
"They are looking forward to going over there and doing their job," he said. "Everyone here is a volunteer. They want to be here. It comes down to three words: duty, honor and country. We enjoy serving our country."
Branch said leaving behind families is hard on the soldiers.
"It was a somber day for everybody, but once we get back into a work regimen, it will get better," he said.
The unit is getting some help from Armor 4 Troops, a Woodstock-based nonprofit organization that provides soldiers with new and replacement body armor and other armor supplies.
The organization is providing the unit with Paulson triple lens, tactical combat fragmentation goggles, said Robert Ledee, president of the organization.
"We looked at what the soldiers needed and when you see a soldier, they don't always have goggles," Ledee said. "It would be hard on these soldiers if they came back and they couldn't see. We can protect their eyes."
Canton Mayor Cecil Pruett, Cherokee County Commission Chairman Mike Byrd and Commissioners Harry Johnston and Jim Hubbard were at the Armory to send off the troops.
For information about the unit or for family assistance, call (770) 720-3520, ext. 20.
afuller@cherokeetribune.com
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1230th Transportation Co. Returns From 'Noble Eagle' Duty
| Photo Gallery |
By Sgt. Jeff Lowry
(posted December '04)
After 22 months the 1230th Transportation Company of Brunswick returned home to family members dressed in red and green and getting ready for the holidays.
The unit, mobilized in February 2003, had been on active-duty providing security at Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Marietta . Ancillary duties included patrolling the flight line, checking credentials, and issuing security badges.
"It's good to be home," said Staff Sgt. Leslie J. White, of Cairo and a truck driver in the unit. "But we served here in Georgia so it wasn't as bad as it could've been."
"I still got to see him most weekends," said his wife, Mary Ann.
Citizen-soldiers of the 1230th received the Global War on Terrorism medal for their part in Operation Noble Eagle. Bainbridge Mayor Bill Reynolds also recognized the unit by issuing a proclamation in the 1230th's honor, and presenting it to Capt. Douglas Bryan, the unit's commander.
Other guest speakers were state Senator John Bullock; Georgia 's Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. David B. Poythess; 78th Troop Command commander, Brig. Gen. Larry Ross, and the 110th Corps Support Battalion commander, Lt. Col. Bill Williams III.
Ross and Williams recognized not only the citizen-soldiers for their hard work but also their family members for their foundation and commitment to the Guardsmen.
"They can't do what they do, be the patriots they are, without your support," said Ross. "You have the most
difficult job of anybody in this room."
Williams echoed those remarks in his speech. "You are truly the unsung heroes."
Georgia's Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. David B. Poythress, pins Staff Sgt. Maria Morales with the Global War on Terrorism medal in a homecoming ceremony Saturday December 12, 2004. Morales, the unit administrator for the 1230th Transportation Company, also received accolades from her first sergeant. "This young lady did it all," said 1st Sgt. Royce Davis. "Somebody has to run the unit." The unit returned home after 22 months guarding Dobbins Air Reserve Base. Morales also helped with administration duties for the 1177th Transportation Company, and the 75th Engineers that were stationed in other Georgia bases.(Georgia National Guard photo by Sgt. Jeff Lowry)

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The unit stands at attention during tne playing of the National Anthem.

1230 Transportation Company Comes Home
December 18, 2004

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Sherpa Mission
U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer Douglas Gahring, from Company H, 171st Aviation Regiment, scans the horizon while flying a mission in his C-23B Sherpa over Iraq, Dec. 16, 2004, during Operation Iraqi Freedom. The Sherpas are transporting coalition troops and supplies to various airfields through out the area of responsibility for Iraq. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Shane A. Cuomo
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3rd Infantry Detachment Heads Overseas For Second Deployment
The Georgia Army National Guard's 3rd Infantry Detachment deployed over New Year's weekend to the theater of operations in support of the Global War on Terrorism. The 19-member unit mobilized at its home station at Fort Stewart in November and spent several months going through post-mobilization training prior to the departure to Iraq last week. This deployment marks the unit's second mobilization in the past three years. The 3rd Inf. Det. was in Iraq in support of Fort Stewart's 3rd Infantry Division during the ground war in 2003.

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During its first deployment in 2003, members of the 3rd Infantry Detachment stand in front of the Iraqi border the day before the ground war began. The unit left for it's second deployment New Year's weekend.

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Georgia Company Receives ESGR Recognition
Georgia's Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) presented a 4-Star Statement of Support in December to Weidmann and Associates, Inc. from Roswell. Capt. Kris Marshall (pictured left), a member of the Georgia Guard's Company A, 221st Military Intelligence Battalion, nominated his employer. He detailed how Daniel Weidmann (center), President of Weidmann & Associates, Inc., had gone "over and above" supporting his Guard employees The 4-Star certificate was presented by Major General Tom Wessels, (pictured right) Chairman of the Georgia Committee. More information on submitting ESGR awards
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Dalton 'Throws A Party' For Its Hometown Citizen-Soldiers

(Posted December 2004)
Story by Sgt. Roy Henry Georgia National Guard Public Affairs Office

More than 1,500 people showed up at Dalton's Northwest Georgia Trade and Convention Center to say "Merry Christmas" and "thank you" to the Soldiers and families of 1st Battalion, 108th Armor.

The 108th, part of Georgia's 48th Brigade Combat Team, has been alerted for active duty in Iraq. An estimated 1,200 members of the brigade report for duty this month, with another 2,000 expected to be called up after the first of the New Year.

"We're extremely grateful to Rick Tanner and the convention center staff, the city of Dalton and Whitfield County for the `holiday extravaganza' they put together for our Soldiers and families," said Maj. Liston Edge, the battalion's executive officer. "It's so important for our members to know their fellow citizens support them and wish them well in times such as these, and this event was so representative of that support."

Edge is acting for Lt. Col. John King, the

battalion commander. King is at Fort Stewart

near Savannah with members of his staff and

the commanders under him. The group is getting

ready to move to Kuwait and then Iraq where

they will a first-hand look at what they will be up

against during the coming deployment.

Participants of the 108th Armor Holiday Extravaganza make their way through

the buffet as the night's activities begin. (Georgia National Guard photo by Sgt.
During the day, the convention center opened its Roy Henry)

doors the companies that make up the 108th so

they could hold their usual Christmas functions, Edge said. Throughout the building Soldiers, their families and family support

groups gathered for a variety of briefings on the deployment, what to expect while the Soldiers and families are apart and

what benefits are available to families during the year and a half separation, he said.

"While there seemed to be more of an urgency than usual to do this, there also was a greater appreciation, I believe, for the meaning of the holidays," said Command Sgt. Maj. David Knowles, the battalion's senior enlisted Soldier. "I don't think, I hope, no one came away without getting their questions answered and their minds being put at ease, in some way, about what's happening or going to happen, in the coming months."

As darkness fell on the trade and convention center, Soldiers dressed in Class A or dress blue uniforms, wives in their best evening dresses gathered in the center's main room for an evening of dining, music and dancing. At times the main floor filled with couples holding each other close and dancing that last dance.

Among the official party to speak to the Soldiers and their families was Lt. Gov. Mark Taylor. He, like Brig. Gen. Terry Nesbitt, Army Guard commander, made a special effort to be there.

All during his speech, Taylor made it clear that the state, the communities and their citizens are proud of the CitizenSoldiers, their families and the sacrifices they make in the name of freedom.

"There will always be things we as Georgians and as a nation are divided on from time," he said, scanning the audience before him. "The one thing we will always, always be united in is our support of you, the men and women in uniform and your loved ones. "Know that that will never change, and that we'll be here for you, now, when you go and when you return," Taylor said.
Specialist Warren Bradford, an M1 Abrams tank driver of the 108th's Company C hugs his daughter Audrey Lian, age 1 1/2, after their dance together at the 108th Holiday Extravaganza. (Georgia National Guard photo by Sgt. Roy Henry)
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YCA Graduates 200 in Macon Graduation
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More than 200 cadets from Georgia 's Youth Challenge Academy graduated in ceremonies held at the Macon City Auditorium in December.
"This is just the first step," said Col. Frank Williams as he reminded graduates during the ceremonies. "So get a job Monday," he added with some jocularity. Williams is Georgia 's National Guard Director of Youth Programs, which not only includes two Youth Challenge Academies, but also the Starbase program located at Dobbins Air Reserve Base.
The guest speaker was Joshua Logan, a member of the first graduating class in Georgia in 1994. Logon turned his life around after attending the quasi-military program and is now pursuing a medical degree from Emory University .
Also attending the ceremonies were Georgia 's Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. David B. Poythress and his wife, Elizabeth.
Youth Challenge is a National Guard run program that offers a structured, military influenced training and mentoring program for at-risk youth. The program develops the life skills, educational levels and employment potential of 16-to-18year-old high school dropouts.
Georgia currently has two academies, one at Fort Stewart in Hinesville, and the other at Fort Gordon , near Augusta .
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120 Complete YCA Program
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One hundred twenty one Georgia teens proudly accepted their diplomas signifying completion of the rigorous 22-week Youth Challenge Academy program and are ready for an exciting new departure for their lives.

At commencement ceremonies held on Sunday, August 29 at Macon's City Auditorium, the graduating class from the Fort Gordon-based YCA program joined with more than 920 former YCA graduates who have completed the National Guard administered program. Hundreds of family and friends were in attendance at the commencement ceremonies which represented the ninth graduating class for the Fort Gordon-based YCA.
Joe Padilla, Director of Youth Programs for the National Guard Bureau delivered the commencement speech and joined with Maj Gen David Poythress and other state elected officials joined with National Guard representatives in the graduation event.
"Each of you should take significant pride in the fact that you have completed a very rigorous and demanding program of academics and physical fitness and are now well prepared to set meaningful and attainable goals for the future," said Padilla.
Approximately one quarter of the graduating class indicated a desire to join the military services. A number of the graduates will continue their education in college or technical schools. Each graduate has identified a mentor which will assist him to readjust following their Youth Challenge experience.
140 Graduate During Winter YCA Ceremony
More than 140 formerly at-risk teens moved another step closer to fulfilling their personal goals on Saturday, February 28, as stepped to the stage in Macon to receive diplomas from Youth Challenge Academy. The students represented the seventh class to graduate from the Youth Challenge Academy campus located at Fort Gordon since it opened in 2000.
Jennifer C. Buck, Deputy Assistant Secretary Defense for Reserve Affairs presented the commencement address and urged students to take the knowledge and life skills learned at YCA and move aggressively toward their personal goal and aspirations.
Maj Gen William N. Searcy, Commander, Georgia Air National Guard recognized more than eighteen graduates who will be enlisting in the armed forces immediately after graduation.
Following graduation ceremonies, Lt. Col.(Ret.) Jan Zimmerman, director of the Fort Gordon-based program, and the YCA cadre met with more than 300 parents and prospective student scheduled to enter the program within the next two weeks.

Youth Challenge Cadet celebrate their August 2003 graduation
Read About YCA's 10th Anniversay Reunion . . . Click Here
139 Graduate from YCA; 10th Anniversary Reunion Planned
One hundred thirty nine teens took a giant step toward success when they graduated from the Youth Challenge Academy on August 24 at graduation ceremonies held at the Macon Civic Auditorium.
These YCA graduates join more than 600 youth from throughout Georgia to graduate from Georgia's second Youth Challenge Academy campus located at Fort Gordon.
State Representative Ann Purcell of Rincon was the commencement speaker and challenged the youth to grasp this unique opportunity to excel. Representative Purcell has been an avid supporter of Georgia's Youth Challenge Academy in her position in the state legislature.
Saturday, September 6 marks the tenth Anniversary of Georgia's Youth Challenge Academy program. Started in September of 1993 at Fort Stewart, Georgia's Youth Challenge Academy program has graduated more than 3,700 formerly at-risk youth. The program is considered one of the top Youth Challenge Programs in the nation. In 2000, Georgia opened its second Youth Challenge Academy campus at Fort Gordon near Augusta. Georgia is only the second state to have two operational YCA campuses.
"This will be a reunion for all of the more than 3,700 graduates who have completed YCA", says Col Frank Williams, Director of Georgia's YCA program. All former YCA graduates are invited for the daylong festivities at Fort Stewart that will include class meetings, special recognitions, class pictures, and the establishment of a Hall of Fame for past graduates as well as a Memoriam. For more information on the 10th year reunion, contact Ms. Denise Williams YCA at (912) 767-4015.
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YCA Marks End of Year With Graduation
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'Mass Swearing-In' Commemorates Guard's Birthday

Twenty-nine fresh faced youngsters, along with some seasoned veterans lined the steps of the state capitol, raised their right hand and enlisted in the Georgia Army National Guard Dec. 13, as part of a capitol ceremony commemorating the Guard's 368th anniversary.

From mass swearing-ins to birthday celebrations, Guard units nationwide commemorated the anniversary of the emergence of the citizen-soldier as the first line of defense in the country's fight to remain free. The Georgia event was organized by the Recruiting and Retention section of the Georgia Army National Guard culminated with the mass swearing in of the new soldiers.

Brig. Gen. Larry Ross, Commander, Troop Command, gives the oath of enlistment to new members of the Georgia Army National Guard during "mass swearing-in" at the State Capitol.
his senior year before he can join a unit and be deployed.

The majority of those sworn-in were high school students who will finish the school year, depart for basic training this summer and then report to their units. One new recruit, Thomas Devine III of Marietta will have to wait before entering the Georgia National Guard since only a junior at Pope High School. He will go to basic training this summer, but will have to finish

"I want to go fight, I want to go to Iraq," said Devine.

Chris Bell of Newnan spent four years on active duty, including duty in the First Gulf War with the 24th Infantry and four years in the National Guard before getting out. A paramedic with the Henry county Fire Department, Bell re-enlisted and will be mobilized in January as a medic with the 48th Infantry Brigade.

Lt Col Pete Van Amburgh, commander of the Recruiting and Retention section notes that Georgia has exceeded National Guard Bureau goals for three years despite significant recruiting shortfalls throughout the country.

"The strength for the Georgia Army National Guard for the fiscal year ending next September is 9,350 and we anticipate that we can safely reach that goal," said Col Van Amburgh. Georgia fished at 9,117, greater than the total strength of 9,100 set by the Pentagon for the Army Guard for the same period.

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