Please ensure widest distribution of this publication Georgia DOD Home First Friday Briefing, the Georgia DoD's monthly online newsletter, is now available in audio format. Listen now or download to your personal audio player. Subscribe using RSS First Friday Briefing for December 2006 Deployment Update Voso Takes Command of Calhoun's 108th Armor Soldiers of 1st Battalion, 108th Armor stood proudly on the football field at Calhoun High School, banners waving wildly in the mid-afternoon breeze and watched as a new commander officially took over from the man who led them through a year in war-torn Iraq. Major Christopher Voso, who served as the assistant operations officer for the 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, is the 108th's new commander. He replaces Lt. Col. John King, who moves on to become the 48th's executive officer. Voso said he appreciated the senior leadership's confidence in him to lead the 108th and carry it forward into its future as it begins its transition from a tank unit to a "reconnaissance surveillance targeting acquisition unit." Full Story Air Guard Units Ace Inspections Months After OIF/OEF Deployments As military units return from the rigors of war, one might feel that a unit deserves a little down time to rest and regroup. Not so for two Georgia Air Guard units that returned from Middle East deployments to face critical Air Force inspectors, and what inspectors found were icons of performance excellence tested by the crucible of war. Savannah's 165th Airlift recently completed an operational readiness inspection conducted in November by the Air Mobility Command's Inspector General and scored an overall "Excellent." Across town at Hunter Army Airfield, the 117th Air Control Squadron also captured an overall "Excellent" on a recent Standardization/Evaluation Inspection conducted by 8th Air Force examiners. Full Story Co A, 878th Engineers Returns From Year in Iraq Soldiers of Company A, 878th Engineer Battalion counted their blessings one day before Thanksgiving, having redeployed from Iraq in time to share the holiday with family and friends. More than 100 people gathered at Swainsboro's National Guard armory to welcome the unit home from its deployment. The 81 members of Company A spent their last 357 days working out of Forward Operating Base Speicher near Tikrit and FOB Warrior outside the northern city of Kirkuk in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom IV. This deployment marked the second time Company A had been to Iraq. Full Story 781st Transitions to CERF-P, Gets New Commander The 781st Troop Command held a battalion change of command as the leadership of the unit passed from Lt. Col. Beth Thelen to Lt. Col. Jeff Allen. The change comes at a critical time when the unit is taking on a greater homeland defense role and is transitioning into a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear or High Yield Explosive Enhanced Response Force Package, or CERF-P unit. Lt. Col. Thelen works fulltime as AGR manager in the Human Resources Office. Griffin's Troop E Cases Colors Begins Transition to Infantry November 19, 2006 marked an end and a beginning; a transition from one tradition to another as Troop E, 108th Cavalry, cased its regimental flag and retired its timehonored red and white guidon. A unit from 2nd Battalion, 121st Infantry will be take up residence at Griffin's National Guard Armory as the Georgia Army Guard begins re-stationing units across the state. The Griffin unit will remain part of the 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. With this transition, Capt. John Alderman, who commanded Troop E, moves to an instructor position at the Guard's Regional Training Institute in Macon. Command of YCA Gets Early Holiday Presents From Cobb EMC The Youth Challenge Academy got an early Holiday present this week when the Cobb Electric Membership Corporation (EMC) donated two retired service trucks. The donations are the latest in the line of nearly a dozen vehicles donated to YCA by the agency in the past five years. Pictured above, Dwight Brown, CEO Cobb EMC Lt. Col. Allen has been the long-time commander of Georgia's 4ith Civil Support Team (WMD). the new unit is the responsibility of 1st Lt. Don Thompson. Full Story (second from left), presents the title for the vehicles to Lt. Gen David B. Poythress, Adjutant General of Georgia. Looking on are (left to right) Col. Frank Williams, Cpt. Kenneth Jones and 1st Lt. Donell Williams from YCA Fort Gordon. Full Story History Confab Examines Deployment Issues Topics ranging from the role of the media in war to whether the United States can "win" in Iraq were expressed in early November as a panel Georgia National Guardsmen convened in Macon at the 15th annual Historical Society of the Georgia National Guard Conference. Pictured above were panelists (left to right) Sgt. Maj. Chuck Crews, 265th Engineer Group; Chief Warrant Officer 4 Darrel R. Partee, Joint Forces Headquarters; Chaplain (Col.) John Owings, Jr.; Lt. Col. Deborah J. Nazimiec, commander, 202nd Electronic Installation Squadron; Cpl. Jerry M. Garner, 1st Battalion, 121st Infantry; Capt. William Arp, Family Readiness coordinator; and 1st Lt. Selena Owens, public affairs officer, 48th BCT. Full Story Georgia Guardsmen Honored With AJC Awards Three Georgia Army Guardsmen are among six Soldiers honored with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution's annual Army Reserve Component Achievement Award. They, and three members of the Army Reserve, received the award during a ceremony held at Army Reserve Headquarters, Fort McPherson. This year's Guard recipients are Sgt. 1st Class David D. McElwee, Sgt. Jeremy H. Hartman and Spc. Julian L. Tucker III. Ron Martz, military correspondent for the AJC, made the presentation assisted by Lt. Gen. David B. Poythress, Georgia's Adjutant General. Full Story `Operation One Voice' Team Begins 650-Mile Run For Fallen Soldiers Bad weather did little to dampen the spirit of the moment when the commander who led Georgia's 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team in Iraq met on the steps of the State Capitol with a group of runners involved in raising money to help families of America's fallen special operations troops. "As a Soldier, and as a commander, I can't begin to tell you how much I and every member of the Armed Forces appreciate what you're doing for the loved ones of those who've paid the ultimate sacrifice," said Brig. Gen. Stewart Rodeheaver to the 24 members of Operation One Voice who stood before him. Gov. Sonny Perdue's office had asked Rodeheaver to meet with the group. Full Story. Family Support Foundation Inches Closer to $1 Million Goal The Georgia National Guard Family Support Foundation is moving ever closer to reaching its goal of raising the $1 million set by Governor Sonny Perdue last year. The latest donation was a $125,000 check presented to Foundation and Guard leadership during a fundraising event in November. The Governor, with the support of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, initiated the campaign last November when he called on all Georgians to open their hearts and their checkbooks to help the men and women protecting this nation's freedom. Full Story A look at what happened in December in Georgia National Guard history: 1949 -- Georgia's Air National Guard conducted its first all day Sunday training, sending planes, pilots and crews on target firing runs over the Atlantic. Cross country maneuvers and flight training were also incorporated into the Sunday training. Lt. Col. Ralph Kuhn, who commanded the 158th Fighter Squadron, and Maj. W.H. Kelly, who commanded the 216th Air Service Group, both expressed their satisfaction with the training results. The following week the 117th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron conducted its first all day Sunday training working on radar control. 1949 -- General Ernest Vandiver, the Adjutant General, announced that all of the 120 National Guard units allotted to the state following the end of World War II had been activated. Two of the last units activated were the medical detachments of the 190th Tank Battalion and Headquarters, 48th Infantry Division. The number of Georgia Guardsmen in December 1949 totaled 9, 570 (1,860, Air and 7,710 Army). 1953 -- The 128th Fighter Bomber Squadron lost four pilots when their F84D jets crashed as they were approaching Dobbins AFB, for a landing. The Georgia Air Guardsmen were returning from Florida after a weekend training flight. Visibility was very poor when the jets, flying in formation, crashed. Killed in the crash were Cpt. Idon Hodge, 1st Lt. Samuel Dixon, 1st Lt. Elwood Kent and 2nd Lt. William Tennent. Complied by Gail Parnelle, GaARNG Historical Section Lt. Gen. David B. Poythress The Adjutant General of Georgia April 5, 2007 Time: 12:32 pm Security Notice Army National Guard FAQ The latest news from the Georgia Army National Guard. | It's Now Colonel King | CST, 202nd Participate in Disaster Drill | 2007 NCO, soldier Named | 1230th Deploys Again | CERF-P Conducts Initial Exercise | Hurricane Exercise Tests Readines | Guard Deploys to Americus To Aid Relief Effort | GRAP Pays Off for Guardsman | Air National Guard FAQ The latest news from the Georgia Air National Guard. | Col. Moore Assumes Command of the 116th | 202nd Helps Byron | Doehling Retires as 116th ViceCmdr | Cotter Tapped to Attend Air, Space School | New Positions Follow 165th Change | Smart to Lead 165th | State Defense Force Read the latest news from the Georgia State Defense Force. GADOD News | Governor Inspects Guard During Inauguration Ceremony | |Final YCA Graduation of 2006 Held | Guard Acquires NAS Atlanta property | 2007 NCO, Soldier of the Year Named Click Here Hurricane Exercise Tests Guard Readiness Click Here Need the IG? Click Here About GADOD ESGR YCA Fort Stewart YCA Fort Gordon Facilities Inspector General Jobs Family Readiness Organizational Development Strategic Plan Agency Biographies Annual Report Command Briefing First Friday History Ga Air Guard Boarstale HRO Joint Customer Service Team Joint Operations Jobs Money National Guard Foundation National Guard Assoc. of Georgia National Guard Bureau Photo Gallery (on "gadod.net") Photo Gallery Retirements, Awards Requesting Com. 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Unauthorized attempts to deny service, upload information, change information, or to attempt to access a non-public site from this service are strictly prohibited and may be punishable under Title 18 of the U.S. Code to include the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act of 1987 and the National Information Infrastructure Protection Act. Georgia DOD First Friday First Friday Podcast - De... Comments (0) Email episode Copy to your web page Tell me when new episodes come out: Go > Copy link for this episode: http://gadod.podOmatic.com/entry/2006-12-01T12_12_00-08_00 Passing the Guidon at the 108th: From the left Lt. Col. John King, outgoing commander 1st Battalion, 108th Armor, receives the unit guidon form Sgt. Maj. Joe Shubert, battalion command sergeant major, while Maj. Christopher Voso, 108th's incoming commander waits to receive the flag. (Georgia National Guard photo by Spc. Sarah Mellen) Voso Takes Command of Calhoun's 108th Story by Staff Sgt. Roy Henry Georgia National Guard Public Affairs Office CALHOUN, 5 Nov. 2006 Soldiers of 1st Battalion, 108th Armor stood proudly on the football field at Calhoun High School, banners waving wildly in the mid-afternoon breeze and watched as a new commander officially took over from the man who led them through a year in war-torn Iraq. Major Christopher Voso, who served as assistant operations officer for Macon's 48th Infantry Brigade, is the 108th's new commander. He replaces Lt. Col. John King, who moves on to become the 48th's executive officer. Voso said he appreciated the senior leadership's confidence in him to lead the 108th and carry it forward into its future as it begins its transition from a tank unit to a "reconnaissance surveillance targeting acquisition unit." "To you, Lt. Col. King and the 108th, I say `thanks.' If I'd had to pick a unit to hang out with while we were in Iraq, it would have been this one," he said. "You are people that had courage, honor and tenacity, to deal with the area that was your responsibility, and more so to Bravo Company, which had to deal with me living on your forward operating base for six months." During its time supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom III, much of the 108th lived and worked out of Forward Operating Base St. Michael, one of the most dangerous places in the area surrounding Baghdad. "I truly appreciate the friendship, leadership and guidance all of you provided me during our deployment together," Voso concluded. He reminded the Soldiers of the 108th that all they have done before, during and after deployment have not gone unnoticed. Each and everyone, Voso said, have and continue to do an outstanding job. "It's an absolute honor to take command of this unit, and to have the opportunity to lead you as we move forward into the challenges that now face us," he said. Being a reconnaissance unit isn't strange ground for the 108th. Unit history shows that its first designation was as the 48th Reconnaissance Battalion, organized in 1902 at Jackson, as the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion and later as the 1st Reconnaissance Squadron. In moving back to the role it first played, the 108th now exchanges its M1 Abrams main battle tanks for those "leather personnel carriers," those tan-colored combat boots attached to the feet of its Soldiers."That's how we'll live and operate from this time forward," Voso continued. "We're going to experience a change in our `mind-set.' "It's most certainly going to change the way we look and how we do business, and I know you this battalion is up to the challenge," he concluded. Voso, who holds a Bachelor of Science degree in physical education, began his military career as a second lieutenant after being commissioned 1989 through the ROTC program at Frostburg State University in Western Maryland. His military education includes the Infantry Officer basic and advanced courses, Combined Arms Service School, Command and General Staff College and the Infantry Pre-Command Course. Voso is a former Army Ranger having served in leadership positions with the Berlin Brigade, 75th Ranger Regiment and later with Company C, 4th Ranger Training Battalion at Fort Benning. He also served as assistant operations officer for the active Army's 1st Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, and commanded Company A, 2nd Battalion, 22nd Infantry. Voso has held several key staff positions with the Georgia Army Guard. He's served assistant operations officer, personnel officer operations officer and executive officer for Winder's Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 121st Infantry; and as operations officer for Macon's 48th Infantry Brigade headquarters. When the brigade mobilized in January 2005 for Operation Iraqi Freedom, he became the brigade operations officer, a position he has held until taking over 108th Armor. Among Voso's military decorations are the Bronze Star, three Meritorious Service medals; seven Army Commendation medals; Air Force Achievement Medal; four Army Achievement Medals; Army of Occupation Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; and Southwest Asia Service Medal with bronze service star. He also holds the Combat Infantry and Expert Infantry badges, parachutist badge and the Order of Stain Maruice. Voso and his wife Deborah Fries have three children. | Back | GaDOD Home | Return to First Friday Briefing Air Guard Units Ace Air Force Inspections Months After OIF/OEF Deployments As military units return from the rigors of war, one might feel that a unit deserves a little down time to rest and regroup. Not so for two Georgia Air Guard units who returned from their Middle East deployment to face critical Air Force inspectors, and what inspectors found were icons of performance excellence tested by the crucible of war. Savannah's 165th Airlift recently completed an operational readiness inspection conducted in November by the Air Mobility Command's Inspector General and scored an overall "Excellent". Across town at Hunter Army Airfield, the 117th Air Control Squadron also captured an overall "Excellent" on a recent Standardization/Evaluation Inspection conducted by 8th Air Force examiners. After four years of near constant deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, the 165th Airlift Wing underwent a crucial Operational Readiness Inspection (ORI) to validate their ability to survive and operate in a combat zone. Testing every aspect of the Wing's technical capabilities, Inspectors graded the unit as "Excellent." "I am extremely proud of our men and women who allowed this requirement to be completed and with a strong result," said Colonel Tom Moore, Commander of the 165th Airlift Wing and the inspection's overall commander. "The inspections prove once again, what we knew already, the Georgia Air National Guard and specifically the 165th Airlift Wing is ready to defend our nation anytime, anywhere." According to Master Sergeant Holly Harris, the exercise was successful because of the strong teamwork of the 300 airmen who participated. "We all worked together to insure that we gave our commanders a victory and showed the inspectors that we were highly capable." Master Sgt. Harris worked in the Command Post during the exercise. Georgia's 117th Air Control Squadron, only six months back from its deployment to Iraq where its members controlled the massive Iraqi airspace, captured an "Excellent" on it's recent Standardization/Evaluation Inspection conducted by the 8th Air Force. Validation of the unit's overall mission readiness was the purpose of Stan/Eval conducted at the unit's Hunter Army Airfield location. Especially noteworthy were the "Operations Performance" criteria which garnered an "Excellent" rating. The 8th Air Force team specifically recognized three unit members as "Superior Performers" during the evaluations. They were Maj. Jeff Burdett, Master Sgt. Pat Sullivan, and Lt. Col. Byron King for conducting an exemplary Stan/Eval program. "The 117th's airmen are absolutely the best," said Lt. Col. Joe Ferrero, 117th ACS Commander. "After controlling 20,000 missions in Iraq while under fire, they returned home and immediately prepared for this critical inspection. The 'Excellent' rating says it all for their dedication, hard work, and performance." Return to First Friday Briefing Troopers of the 108th, wearing the traditional cavalry hat await the word to change over to their Army issue berets while the guidon of their new unit flutters in the mid-afternoon breeze. (Georgia National Guard photo by Sgt. David Bill) Troop E Ends 'Cav' Tradition Story by Staff Sgt. Roy Henry Georgia National Guard Public Affairs Office GRIFFIN, Sunday, Nov. 19, 2006 The day marked an end and a beginning; a transition from one tradition to another as Troop E, 108th Cavalry, cased its regimental flag and retired its time-honored red and white guidon. A unit from 2nd Battalion, 121st Infantry will be take up residence at this city's National Guard Armory as the Georgia Army Guard begins re-stationing units across the state. The Griffin unit remains part of the 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. With this transition, Capt. John Alderman, who commanded Troop E, moves to an instructor position at the Guard's Regional Training Institute in Macon. Command of the new unit is the responsibility of 1st Lt. Don Thompson. A crowd of more than 60 local citizens, families, friends, politicians and fellow Soldiers watched as `the Cav' exchanged its old standard for a new flag. Among them were Lt. Col. John King, who once commanded the unit; State Sen. John Douglas, chairman of the Senate Military and Veteran's Committee and a long-time friend and supporter of the 108th; and Lt. Col. Mark London, commander 2nd Battalion, 121st Infantry, of which the Griffin unit is now a part. Captain John Alderman (left), commander Troop E, 108th Cavalry, and 1st Sgt. Steve Jones, the unit's senior noncommissioned officer, put away 108th's regimental colors. (Georgia National Guard photo by Sgt. David Bill) Later in the ceremony, those Soldiers wearing the traditional cavalry hat in ranks removed them and put on the Army beret. "We transition today to a new mission, a new unit with a new focus," Alderman told his troopers. "Carry with you the things you have learned, and put them to use as we moved forward. "That, he said, "would be good and fitting, a proper tribute to the cavalrymen who have gone before you." His statement was answered by a collective "Come what may" from the unit. This "reflagging" of the 108th, which has been in Griffin for more than 35 years, isn't the first time for this unit. According to its history, the troop has been the 196th Cavalry, then the 348th. The only thing that remained constant, until now, was it's mission to act as the eyes and ears of the 48th Infantry. "It would be easy to say, `well it's just cloth,'" Alderman commented after the ceremony as he stood looking solemnly at his unit's cased colors. "No one other than a cav trooper might understand the feeling, the emotion that flag stirs in us. "Men have died defending regimental colors because they represent those who have gone before, men who dedicated themselves to something much larger than themselves," he said. "I have no doubt every soul here will do same no matter what unit flag they follow." | Back | GaDOD Home | Specialist Frank Mantooth looks upon his son Taylor for the first time during a celebration marking the return of Company A, 878th Engineer Battalion to Swainsboro. (Georgia National Guard photo by Pfc. Adam Dean) 878th's Co A. Enjoys Thanksgiving At Home Story by Pfc. Adam Dean 124th MPAD SWAINSBORO, Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2006 Soldiers of Company A, 878th Engineer Battalion counted their blessings one day before Thanksgiving, having redeployed from Iraq in time to share the holiday with family and friends. More than 100 people gathered at this city's National Guard armory to welcome the unit home from its deployment. That includes the auxiliary unit of American Legion post 97 from Vidalia. Its membership prepared a full turkey dinner with all the trimmings to show their gratitude to the engineers. "We certainly appreciate everything these Soldiers have done, and are doing for us," said Bill Stovall, the post's financial officer. "It was the least we could do for them." The 81 members of Company A spent their last 357 days working out of Forward Operating Base Speicher near Tikrit and FOB Warrior outside the northern city of Kirkuk in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom IV. This deployment marked the second time Company A had been to Iraq. Among those returning from their second tour of duty in Iraq was Spec. Joe Turner. "We're proud of him," said his mother Inez Turner, "but we're also really happy and really thankful to have him back." "It means a lot to have my family here, sharing this moment with me," said Sgt. Bruce Bradford, engulfed in a warm, long overdue embrace with his wife Leigh. "It makes Thanksgiving so much more special this year." "The mission that meant the most to me was the one that I received from our battalion commander, which was to bring everyone home safely," said Capt. Calvin Oxendine, Company A's commander. The commander took his orders seriously, as is evident by the unit's track record while in country. In the course of more than 200 convoy missions and an estimated 120 engineering missions, none of Company A's soldiers were killed or severely injured. Motioning toward his troops before they sought out and found their loved ones, Oxendine added, "They're the ones that did it. They made me look good." At different times during its deployment, the unit worked under the 3rd Infantry, 101st Airborne and 25th Infantry divisions. Through those units, Oxendine and his Soldiers supported the 555th Engineer Brigade, 505th Engineer Battalion, and the 105th Engineer Group, 19th Battalion. Company A's tasks included making sure roadways and bridges throughout Iraq were passable and well maintained, he said. It also took on several construction projects and provided force protection for the battalions it supported. Friends and family of Co. A, 878th Engineer Bn., gather outside Swainsboro's National Guard to welcome home the Soldiers. (Georgia National Guard photo by Pfc. Adam Dean) "And we accomplished much of what we did with minimal equipment," he explained. "In many cases we had to learn to adapt." This happened, Oxendine said, because his engineers didn't have anyone to train them on how things were being done. "A lot of our experience came from 45 Soldiers within our own ranks who were part of the unit's first rotation to Iraq," he said. "It was their experience that helped train our younger members." In its force protection role, Company A experienced several small arms and mortar attacks, and the ever-present danger of Improvised Explosive Devices. On one occasion, unit members were responsible for the capture of three insurgents who were planting an IED on a main supply route. In talking about his Soldiers and their successes, Oxendine also praised the 56 Soldiers of the Kentucky National Guard's 130th Engineer Group who deployed with Company A. "They brought a lot of expertise and leadership to the battle," he said. "They just made us that much better." As hard as it is for a Soldier to leave home, it's often just as hard to return. Oxendine told his Soldier, "My advice to you and your families is this; do not try to get one year back in one day. It's gonna take some time to get readjusted." He told them to savor each moment, and to take things one day-at-a-time. One Soldier who said he intends to follow that advice is Spc. Frank Mantooth. That includes spending all the time he can with his new son who was born in March. "I'm just proud to have been able to serve my country. I thank God for bringing me home safely so that I could see Taylor. This is the first time I've ever seen him," he said. | Back | GaDOD Home | Sergeant Nicole Tutt shares a laugh with her daughter Kayleeigh during the ceremony to mark the return of Co. A, 878th Engineer Bn., to the Swainsboro armory. (Georgia National Guard photo by Pfc. Adam Dean) Sergeant Bruce Bradford shares a special moment with his wife, Leigh, after the welcome home ceremony for Co. A, 878th Engineer Bn. (Georgia National Guard photo by Pfc. Adam Dean) Return to First Friday Briefing YCA Gets Early Holiday Presents From Cobb EMC The Youth Challenge Academy got an early Holiday present this week when the Cobb Electric Membership Corporation (EMC) donated two retired service trucks. The donations are the latest in the line of nearly a dozen vehicles donated to YCA by the agency in the past five years. a special interest with," he said. Sam Kelly, Cobb EMC spokesman, said the effort is a way for the agency to help support the community. "Cobb EMC gives back to the community in a lot of different ways and this is one we've taken Each of the YCA campuses (Fort Stewart and Fort Gordon) will get one of the vehicles to be used as utility vehicles and for general transportation of supplies. Col. Frank Williams, director of the Georgia National Guard's youth programs, said the trucks are perfect for the YCA's outward-bound activities, such as rappelling and canoeing. "They're great vehicles for getting stuff around," Williams said. "We'll get the good out of them and then some." Pictured above, Dwight Brown, CEO Cobb EMC (second from left), presents the title for the vehicles to Lt. Gen David B. Poythress, Adjutant General of Georgia. Looking on are (left to right) Col. Frank Williams, Cpt. Kenneth Jones and 1st Lt. Donell Williams from YCA Fort Gordon. Return to First Friday Briefing Return to First Friday Briefing History Confab Examines Deployments Topics ranging from the role of the media in war to whether the United States can "win" in Iraq were expressed in early November as a panel Georgia National Guardsmen convened in Macon at the 15th annual Historical Society of the Georgia National Guard Conference. Comprising the panel were Sgt. Maj. Chuck Crews, 265th Engineer Group; Chief Warrant Officer 4 Darrel R. Partee, Joint Forces Headquarters; Chaplain (Col.) John Owings, Jr.; Lt. Col. Deborah J. Nazimiec, commander, 202nd Electronic Installation Squadron; Cpl.. Jerry M. Garner, 1st Battalion, 121st Infantry; Capt. William Arp, Family Readiness coordinator; and First Lt. Selena Owens, public affairs officer, 48th BCT (now commander of the 118th Personnel Service Company). The panel was moderated by WAGA-TV senior investigative reporter, Dale Russell, who earlier this year spent several weeks in Iraq covering the 48th. Asked by Russell if the United States was "winning the war in Iraq," responses among the panelists varied. Chaplain Owings declared that "we could win," and the Air Guard's Lt. Col. Nazimiec said "there is some semblance that we've won because we've empowered the people that things are possible." Lt. Owens agreed, saying "they (the Iraqi people) are realizing that there are certain things for which they are going to have to sacrifice . . . such as voting...in that sense we can win and we are winning." Corporal Garner, who patrolled "outside the wire" noted that "I think they realize that there's `a wind achangin' . . . I had people come up and tell me `if you leave we're dead Sunni and Shi'a' and `we're glad that you're here' that was my experience with the average Iraqi everyday." On the role of the press, Lt. Owens said she believed the coverage accorded the 48th "was pretty positive." "We got," she said, "some of the best positive press." Her view differed from others who, from past experience, distrusted the media. Chaplain Owings said that as a young chaplain serving in Grenada in 1983 "we never trusted the press" but he added that coverage of the Brigade had "restored (his) faith." The conference was sponsored by the Historical Society of the Georgia National Guard, Inc.." Return to First Friday Briefing Georgia Army National Guard Brig. Gen. Stewart Rodeheaver meets, personally thanks Special Operations Forces Run participants before they head out on the next leg of their five-day journey. (Georgia National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Roy Henry) `Operation One Voice' Team Begins 650-Mile Run For Fallen Soldiers Story by Staff Sgt. Roy Henry Georgia National Guard Public Affairs Office ATLANA, Nov. 7, 2006 Bad weather did little to dampen the spirit of the moment when the commander who led Georgia's 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team in Iraq met on the steps of the State Capitol with a group of runners involved in raising money to help families of America's fallen special operations troops. "As a Soldier, and as a commander, I can't begin to tell you how much I and every member of the Armed Forces appreciate what you're doing for the loved ones of those who've paid the ultimate sacrifice," said Brig. Gen. Stewart Rodeheaver to the 24 members of Operation One Voice that stood before him. Gov. Sonny Perdue's office had asked Rodeheaver to meet with the group since the governor was caught up in matters of state. "It's cold and it's raining, and here you stand ready and eager to move on and honor their memory," he added. "It makes me just that much prouder to be a Soldier, to be a citizen of this great state and this nation." The runners who take part in the organization's annual Special Operations Forces Run are patriotic citizens and members of the civilian law enforcement, special operations and fire fighting communities. Many among them also are serving, or have served, in the nation's active, Guard and Reserve forces. The group begins its annual 625-mile, five-day run in Duluth, where the non-profit Operation One Voice was started, and ends the event on Veterans Day in Tampa, home of the U.S. Special Operations Command. And when it ends it's a great feeling to know they've done something for those who really deserve being honored, said Duluth Police Lt. Bill Stevens, and founder of Operation One Voice. "What we do throughout the year has only one goal, to see to it that the needs of the children and families are met," said Stevens' fellow board member Rob Mikell. "Their Soldier, Sailor, Marine or Airman gave his or her all for this nation. What better way to say `thanks, and don't worry, your family are in caring hands." Before the runners left the capitol steps and continued on their journey, Rodeheaver accepted Special Operations Forces Run, Duluth Police, U.S. Army Special Operations challenge coins from Stevens and Mikell. He also was presented an Anheuser-Busch "Salute to Our Troops" coin by board member Laird Canby. | Back | GaDOD Home | Return to First Friday Briefing Georgia Guardsmen Honored With AJC Awards Three Georgia Army Guardsmen are among six Soldiers honored with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution's annual Army Reserve Component Achievement Award. They, and three members of the Army Reserve, received the award during a ceremony held at Army Reserve Headquarters, Fort McPherson. This year's Guard recipients are Sgt. 1st Class David D. McElwee, Sgt. Jeremy H. Hartman and Spc. Julian L. Tucker III. Adjutant General. Ron Martz, military correspondent for the AJC, made the presentation assisted by Lt. Gen. David B. Poythress, Georgia's "I'm quite humbled at being chosen for this honor, said McElwee after the ceremony ended. "It's really a proud moment for me," Tucker added. "Earning this award is something I will remember for a long, long time." McElwee is the operations sergeant for the Georgia Guard's 4th Civil Support Team based at Marietta's Dobbins Air Reserve Base. He is one of the team's founding members, and is highly respected throughout the state's law enforcement and emergency responder communities. McElwee maintains the same Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certification as his civilian counterparts, as well as certification as a POST instructor. His dedication and professionalism has helped the 4th CST earn, among other awards, the United States Public Health Unit Citation, the first ever awarded to any Army unit. Hartman, who hails from Nahunta, is the assistant battalion supply sergeant for Headquarters Service Battery, 1st Battalion, 118th Field Artillery in Savannah. He has worked with the battalion's supply section for most of his military career, has held the position of noncommissioned officer-in-charge of the battalion Supply Operations Center . He has also worked in the 118th's Administrative-Logistics Center on several occasions. Hartman was also recently recommended by the battalion to receive the Savannah 2006 Chamber of Commerce Award. Tucker, a resident of Glenville, is also with the Savannah-based 118th. A graduate of Fort Lee, Va.'s, Supply Specialist Course, he works as the battalion's automated logistics specialist. Tucker has, during his time with the unit, also worked in its maintenance section. The AJC's Reserve Component Award was established to recognize outstanding enlisted Soldiers from the Georgia Army Guard and Georgia-based Army Reserve units. Eligibility for the award includes exemplary conduct and attendance at scheduled drills and annual training and consideration of leadership instructional ability. The Reserve Component Award honors one Soldier in grades E-1 to E9. Return to First Friday Briefing Return to First Friday Briefing Family Support Foundation Inches Closer to $1 Million Goal The Georgia National Guard Family Support Foundation is moving ever closer to reaching its goal of raising the $1 million set by Governor Sonny Perdue last year. The latest donation was a $125,000 check presented to Foundation and Guard leadership during a fundraising event in November. The Governor, with the support of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, initiated the campaign last November when he called on all Georgians to open their hearts and their checkbooks to help the men and women protecting this nation's freedom. Donations have come from individuals and corporations and have ranged from one dollar to more than $100,000. The Georgia Chamber, led by its 2005 Chair David Ratcliffe, have played a major role in fundraising effort. Ratcliffe is also president of the Southern Company, a strong supporter of the Georgia National Guard. Georgia taxpayers also have the opportunity to make donations to the Family Support Foundation when they file their state income taxes though a simple "check-off" box on their state returns. The option, passed by the legislature two years ago, first appeared on the 2005 tax returns and resulted in more than $114,000 collected by the Georgia Department of Revenue on behalf of the Foundation The Georgia National Guard Family Support Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization established in 1994 with the sole purpose to provide emergency relief assistance to the members and families of the Georgia National Guard, the State's reservists and qualified active duty service members who live in the State of Georgia. Although not a military organization, the Foundation is recognized as an official support organization of the Georgia National Guard. For more on the Family Support Foundation and the campaign visit www.georgiaguardfamily.org Return to First Friday Briefing