First Friday briefing [Feb. 3, 2006]

Please ensure widest distribution of this publication
Georgia DOD Home
Click on headlines for full stories or details
First Friday Briefing for February 2006

Deployment Update

Painting Boosts Family Support Foundation
Georgia National Guard Family Support Foundation is getting a big financial boost from a painting by renowned Georgia artist Steve Penley. "Freedom" is a stirring and penetrating tribute to American Soldiers from the Minuteman to the 48th Brigade, and the artist has graciously agreed to donate all profits from sales of the painting, as well as limited edition prints, to the Foundation. More

Sgt. Jason Byers, wife Carolyn and baby spend a few moments together prior to deployment.
Elberton Unit Deploys In Support of Iraqi Freedom Soldiers from Elberton's 1st Battalion, 214th Field Artillery are among a growing number of Georgia Army Guard units being mobilized for second deployments in support of the Global War on Terrorism.
In January, a company-size element of the 214th began the first leg of its journey to Iraq where it will eventually conduct convoy protection and security missions. The 214th was first activated in 2003 and spent a year on active duty supporting force protection missions at Fort Bragg and at other southeastern posts. More

(Above Left) Maj. Gen. David B. Poythress, the Adjutant General, (center) House Majority Leader, Rep. Jerry Keen and (Right) Sen. Eric Johnson, President Pro tem of the Senate
Air Guard Thanks General Assembly at Annual Legislative Dinner
For the fifth consecutive year the Georgia Air National Guard thanked the General Assembly for its support during the annual Air Guard legislative dinner. The dinner, sponsored by a variety of businesses and non-profit organizations -- held at Atlanta's Maggiano's Italian Restaurant -- provided an opportunity for more than twenty senior Air National Guard commanders to socialize with more than a dozen members of the Georgia House and Senate leadership. More

Private Matthew Eubanks (right) and LTC Pete Vanamburgh
Georgia Guardsman First To Collect Cash Under New Recruiting Initiative A Soldier from Jackson is the first Georgia Army National Guardsman to receive payment for enlisting a new recruit under the nationwide Guard Recruiting Assistance Program (G-RAP).
Private Matthew Eubanks, an infantryman with Company H, Long Range Surveillance Unit (LRSU) at Fort Gillem in Ellenwood, looked pleased as Lt. Col. Pete Vanamburgh, commander Recruiting and Retention Division Georgia Army National Guard, handed him the first of two $1,000 payments. The second payment will come later this year. More

Photo: Spc. Sam Rogers, with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 48th Brigade Combat Team, receives his "payment" from a young Iraqi Girl who is overjoyed with her new shoes. Spc. Rogers helped deliver donated shoes to the Abu Tubar School near An Nasiriyah in southern Iraq.
Accessories are Important "Shoes truly do make a difference" Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Britt Smith 48th BCT PAO CAMP ADDER, An Nasiriyah, Iraq- It all comes down to a little leather, vinyl and rubber, by themselves not very much but together they make a pair of shoes and shoes in Iraq are the gateway to an education and a better way of life. School children cannot attend school unless they are dressed properly and that means shoes on their feet. More
Other stories about the 48th Brigade
q U.S. Soldiers Supply Medical Treatment for Iraqi Citizens
q Four-Star Dining Experience in Iraq
q The "Doc" is in: 108th Armor Medics give local Iraqis medical aid
A look at what happened this month in Georgia National Guard history
1836 (Texas Independence) Though the United States Government was not at war with Mexico during this struggle, Georgia militia, as did other southern state militias, volunteered to join Texans in their fight. After sailing from U.S. ports to Valesco, Texas, they were no longer in the then legal limits of the United States. Georgia's Battalion, in a regiment commanded by Col James Fannin, was stationed at the Presidio La Bahia in Goliad, Texas

Sunny Park surrounded by YCA Cadets

YCA Cadets Get Taste of Korea Cadets at the Youth Challenge Program's Fort Gordon campus got a unique and motivational look at the Korean culture, and a chance to hear inspirational words from several American success stories in January.
The event was part of an ongoing series of "Good Neighboring Days" created by Sunny Park, an Atlanta businessman and YCA supporter.
Guest speaker for the day was Lt. Gen Russel Honore, commander of First U.S. Army, who told the young audience of his humble beginnings growing up in Louisiana, and of the choices he's made to be a success in the military and in life. More

Monitoring an "infant's" condition, SGT Nick Agle carefully cradles the "infant" in his arms
CST Exercise Strengthens Guard-Air Marshals Relationship The survey entry team of Georgia's 4th CST cautiously entered the darkened commercial aircraft. SSG Randall Boatner the survey team leader stumbles briefly on a lifeless body lying in the aisle, later identified as the terrorist suspect who set the deadly scenario into motion. More

From the left Joni Bennett, 48th BCT FRG Coordinator, Deborah Tanish, author of Heart of A Hawk, Eye of the Eagle and TAPS representative; and, Stacy Mincey, B/148th FSB FRG Chair. (Contributed photo)
Walk To Baghdad Honors 48th BCT Members of the 34 Family Readiness groups, representing the units the make up Georgia's 48th Brigade Combat Team, recently completed the last leg of their "Walk to Baghdad." More

Nominations For ESGR Award
Now Being Accepted
The National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), in conjunction with the Secretary of Defense, has announced that nominations are being accepted at the ESGR website for the 2006 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Awards. More

SMB Meets to Chart Course for Georgia DOD and Guard
The Georgia Department of Defense senior leadership gathered in early January for a weekend of intense strategic planning.

The Strategic Management Board (SMB) is comprised of some 30 members including senior officers and enlisted leaders from the Army and Air Guards and the State Defense Force. More

by February. The Mexican army's approach to Goliad in February would soon seal the independence fighters' fate for the worse.
1942 (WWII): The 101st Separate Coast Artillery Battalion (AA) sailed from Boston Harbor on Wednesday the 18th aboard the RMS Queen Mary, converted to a troop ship, for Australia. Excerpts from some entries in the diary of CPT William Smith of the 101st follow:
18th "Course N/E. "Convoy" could not keep up. German subs looking for us." 19th "At sea North Atlantic. Dodging subs. Running like hell. Proceeding to Trinidad to refuel and get supplies." 20th "Orders changed. To put in Key West. Trinidad too hot. Two ships sunk in harbor. Got to run Florida straits through Bahamas. Our hair is standing on end. Skipper very worried." 22nd "Subs got a tanker in straits last night one mile from us. Skipper is a sailor." 24th "Sailed from Key West on S/E course through Yucatan Pass at 5PM. Hot spot. Iron fish very numerous indeed." 27th "Passed through Virgin Islands. Plane escort form Haiti. Subs sighted by planes. Fish hot on our trail."
1952 (Korean War): The 116th Fighter Group with the 158th Fighter Squadron were serving on active duty at Misawa Air Base, Japan. Here they provided air defense for northern Japan, assigned to the Japan Air Defense Force. Training was conducted on mid-air refueling and shortly thereafter missions were flown from the base in Japan to Korea.
Complied by Mrs. Gail Parnelle, GaARNG Historical Section

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

April 3, 2007 Time: 5:13 pm Security Notice

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

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

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 | 138 Graduate from YCA | 23 Earn Public Employee Recognition Honors | Governor Addresses YCA Grads | Employess Earn Faithful Service Awards |

About GADOD ESGR YCA Fort Stewart YCA Fort Gordon Facilities Inspector General Jobs Family Readiness Organizational Development Strategic Plan

2007 NCO, Soldier of the Year Named Click Here Hurricane Exercise Tests Guard Readiness Click Here
Need the IG? Click Here

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. Relations Support Safety Speakers' Resource Center UPAR News Upcoming Events Warrant Officers' Web Youth Challenge National Program
48th BCT In Iraq

Google Search

Security Notice
The Georgia Department of Defense Web site is provided as a public service by the Georgia Department of Defense Directorate of Communications, Atlanta , GA. Information presented on the Georgia Department of Defense Web site is considered public information and may be distributed or copied. Use of appropriate byline/photo/image credits is requested. For site security purposes and to ensure that this service remains available to all users. This government computer system employs software programs to monitor network traffic to identify unauthorized attempts to upload or change information, or otherwise cause damage. 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.

Return to First Friday Briefing
Penley Painting Serves To Boost Family Support Foundation
Georgia National Guard Family Support Foundation is getting a big financial boost from a painting by renowned Georgia artist Steve Penley. "Freedom" is a stirring and penetrating tribute to American Soldiers from the Minuteman to the 48th Brigade, and the artist has graciously agreed to donate all profits from sales of the painting, as well as limited edition prints, to the Foundation. The original canvas, which debuted before the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, sold for $12,000. Additionally, Penley has numbered and signed a limited number of prints that are being sold nationally. Signed reproductions of the artwork are available through the Foundation for $50. Go to http:// georgiaguardfamily.com/painting.html for details and an order form. For more about Steve Penley go to http://www.matregallery.com/defaultsp.htm
Return to First Friday Briefing

Return to First Friday Briefing
ANG Hosts Legislators At Annual Dinner
For the fifth consecutive year the Georgia Air National Guard thanked the General Assembly for its support during the annual Air Guard legislative dinner. The dinner, sponsored by a variety of businesses and nonprofit organizations -- held at Atlanta's Maggiano's Italian Restaurant -- provided an opportunity for more than twenty senior Air National Guard commanders to socialize with more than a dozen members of the Georgia House and Senate leadership.
Among the legislators attending the dinner were Sen. John Douglas, chairman of the Senate Veterans and Military Affairs Committee and Rep. John Yates, who chairs the House's Committee on Defense and Veteran Affairs.
Maj Gen David Poythress, who arrived from Orlando only moments before the dinner, thanked the legislators for their years of continuous and generous support for the plans and programs of the Georgia National Guard. "Tonight I am pleased to be asking you for nothing, since you have been so generous to the Georgia National Guard in the past.," said Poythress.
He continued by highlighting the historic nature of the past year including role played my virtually every Army and Air National Guard unit during 2005 in Global War on Terror as well as the enormous joint efforts shown by Georgia's Army and Air National Guard in responding to the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
"Today nearly 75 per cent of all Georgia Air Guard units and clearly 100 per cent of all Georgia Army Guard units have seen duty in southwest Asia, " said Poythress. "For example, Georgia's 116th ACW continues to fly daily missions over Iraq, and Savannah's C-130s has recently returned from more than four months to Uzbekistan as part of the AEF.
"Of the many criticisms resulting from (Hurricane) Katrina, the National Guard was not one of them," Poythress noted. "Within a matter of hours after Katrina hit, three Army Guard task forces were on their way to the Gulf; followed in a manner of a few days by Air Guard communications units who established secure and reliable communications links in the area. Within the first week, more than 50,000 National Guardsmen from every state and territory were assisting in the region," Poythress explained.
Eric Johnson, President Pro Tem of the Senate addressed the commanders saying, "You can readily see tonight from the number of ranking members of the General Assembly in the room with us, how important you are to us and the sincere appreciation we have for each of you who for defending our freedom in Iraq, Afghanistan and throughout the area."
Major General Terry Nesbitt, the only Army Guardsman at the dinner thanked legislators for their support of the Guard but also shared with them the emerging threat to force structure in the National Guard brought on by the soon-to be published QDR, Quadrennial Defense Review.
"We are watching very closely what is happens to the Army after the QDR," said Maj Gen Scott Hammond, official host for the dinner and Commander of the Georgia Air National Guard . "We could possibly be looking at the significant loss of units and of people throughout the state', continued Hammond. Noting a slight slump in recruitment, Hammond told legislators, "if you have a suitable candidate, send them our way and we will give him something interesting to do."
Through the years, this annual Air National Guard legislative dinner has gone beyond just one of many social obligations for many legislators during the session, to a night of introduction and information.
Return to First Friday Briefing

Return to First Friday Briefing
SSgt.Thomas Rayton, wife Shenita, and daughter Eden. Rayton of Hartwell is a 28-year military veteran
214th Field Artillery Deploys
Soldiers from Elberton's 1st Battalion, 214th Field Artillery are among a growing number of Georgia Army Guard units being mobilized for second deployments in support of the Global War on Terrorism. In January, a company-size element of the 214th began the first leg of its journey to Iraq where it will eventually conduct convoy protection and security missions. The 214th was first activated in 2003 and spent a year on active duty supporting force protection missions at Fort Bragg and at other southeastern posts. With a few exceptions, most of the Soldiers deploying this time are volunteers, said Brig. Gen. Larry Ross, who commands Decatur's 78th Troop Command, the 214th's parent unit. Ross was among the dignitaries who addressed an armory full of troops, families, friends and community leaders as the unit made ready to depart from Elberton. "Additionally, many of these are Soldiers have deployed before," Ross added. Among the Guardsmen deploying this time are administrative specialists, military police, engineers, intelligence and aviation specialists. The 90 Soldiers from the 214th come from within the regiment's batteries or detachments based in Hartwell, Thompson, Waynesboro, Toccoa, and Lavonia. "We'll spend about 90 days training at Fort Dix, NJ., getting `trained up' for our mission," said 1st Lt Jerold Williams, the Security Force company commander. "When validated, we'll move `across the pond' to begin our year of keeping coalition convoys safe as they move personnel and supplies throughout the country." "Our spirits are high and we have a great feeling about the tasks we've been handed," continued Williams who also returns for a second tour in Southwest Asia. He was previously with Augusta's 878th Engineers which deployed to Iraq in 2003. "Our diversity is our strength, and we will see this thing through to the end, and we will all come home together."
Return to First Friday Briefing

Return to First Friday Briefing
Lieutenant Col. Pete Vanamberg, commander Georgia Army National Guard Recruiting and Retention Division (left), and Pvt. Matthew Eubanks of Company H, Long Range Surveillance Unit, display the first of two $1,000 checks Eubanks earned as a Guard recruiting assistant. (Georgia National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Roy Henry)
Eubanks Scores First Check In G-RAP Program
A Soldier from Jackson is the first Georgia Army National Guardsman to receive payment for enlisting a new recruit under the nationwide Guard Recruiting Assistance Program (G-RAP). Private Matthew Eubanks, an infantryman with Company H, Long Range Surveillance Unit (LRSU) at Fort Gillem in Ellenwood, looked pleased as Lt. Col. Pete Vanamburgh, commander Recruiting and Retention Division Georgia Army National Guard, handed him the first of two $1,000 payments. The second payment will come later this year. The Army National Guard's new recruiting initiative rewards individual Guardsmen for helping to recruit qualified men and women into the ranks of the Army National Guard. National Guard recruiters have acknowledge that the men and women who wear the uniform of the National Guard are often the best recruiters, and now a significant cash award is available for current Army Guardsmen who bring in qualified applicants. The ceremony marking the occasion took place, Sunday, Jan. 22, at the 171st Aviation armory on Dobbins Air Reserve Base. The event was part of the monthly drill conducted by the Georgia Guard's Recruit Sustainment Program (RSP). "This will go a long way toward doing some `upgrading' to my truck," the 20-year-old Eubanks said after he shook hands with Vanamburgh. "The majority of the money, though, will be invested and used for school." Eubanks, who came home from Airborne School at Fort Benning to receive his check, will pocket the other $1,000 when his best friend, 18-year-old Pvt.Wesley Burford, also of Jackson, enters basic training. The two have been friends, or "been getting into trouble together," Eubanks said with a laugh, since the fifth grade. Burford, who has been assigned to Company H, will attend Army Basic Combat Training in March at Fort Leonard Wood, M0. Afterward he, like Eubanks, will receive infantry training at Fort Benning and eventually airborne training. Burford said he's looking forward to the experience with great anticipation. "There's nothing like jumping out of a perfectly good airplane to get your heart going," Burford lamented with a grin. "Especially when you love doing what Soldiers do for this country the way I do."
And like his buddy, Burford has also signed on as a recruiting assistant. "Sure, the money is a great incentive, but like Matt I want to know the Soldier standing next to me is a quality individual," he said slapping his friend on one shoulder.

The Guard's Recruiting Assistant Program was begun last year to help the organization achieve its mission of 70,000 enlistments, and meet its goal of end-strength goal of 350,000.
Through the program, Soldiers who aren't recruiters by trade, seek out new recruits, on their own time, from among people they know within their communities. And as recruiting assistants (RAs) they work through an independent contractor, not the recruiting office. Once a potential recruit is identified, the RA gets that person with a local recruiter, and then works with the new Soldier to get him ready for military life.
"It's called `achieving strength from within,'" said Sgt. Shannon Johnson, a recruiter with the Georgia Guard's Team 5. She and her fellow recruiters are responsible for recruiting efforts in Butts, Henry, Lamar and Rockdale counties. Johnson has 11 RAs, Eubanks among them, with whom she works.
"Like Private Eubanks, the RAs who work with me, work hard and believe me when I tell you they're a great help," she said. "Through they're efforts and the incentive the Guard Recruiting Assistance Program offers, we continue to build the Georgia Guard, the National Guard as a whole, into an even better organization than it already is."
Return to First Friday Briefing

> 48th BCT in Iraq Tuesday, 03 April, 2007 .:.
:: Navigation :
Home Upload MNF-Iraq Home Georgia DOD Home

Accessories are Important "Shoes truly do make a difference"

Posted Thursday 02 February 2006

48th BCT Warbook

The 48th Brigade Combat Team is coming home after a highly successful deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. To commemorate their history-making mobilization, the Brigade is publishing a War Book that will include photos, stories, timelines and other documents to celebrate their victories and will preserve their accomplishments for generations to come. You can
be a part

Photo: Spc. Sam Rogers, with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 48th Brigade Combat Team, receives his "payment" from a young Iraqi Girl who is overjoyed with her new shoes. Spc. Rogers helped deliver donated shoes to the Abu Tubar School near An Nasiriyah in southern Iraq.
Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Britt Smith 48th BCT PAO

Photo Gallery

CAMP ADDER, An Nasiriyah, Iraq- It all comes down to a little leather, vinyl and rubber, by themselves not very much but together they make a pair of shoes and shoes in Iraq are the gateway to an education and a better way of life. School children cannot attend school unless they are dressed properly and that means shoes on their feet.

Shoes represent the difference between a child in a classroom, learning and a child outside watching as other children study their daily lessons. In a country where a little bit of money goes a long way, some parents simply do not have a spare dinar to put shoes on their children's feet, opting instead to feed them. An education comes in second or third on the priority list of parents who must have their children work the fields and tend the herds of sheep that is often their sole source of income.

Visit our photo gallery of images from the 48th BCT in
Iraq
48th BCT Video

The 48th Brigade Combat Team Civil Affairs Team has been actively involved with school supplies and desk donations since they arrived in the southern region of Iraq in November 2005.
Shoes were a different matter entirely until the Soldiers of the 48th teamed up with an Air Force Major who has a rather unique connection to an abundant supply of kid's shoes. Maj. Steve Kassebaum who is employed with the Defense Contract Management Agency and his job is to provide oversight on contracts dealing with the military.

Watch video of Brigadier
General Stewart Rodeheaver,
Commanding General, 48th
Brigade Combat Team, talking
from Baghdad, to a reporter from the Pentagon Channel about his unit, a change in missions, training the Fourth Iraqi Army Brigade in Baghdad and continuing to work with Iraqi security forces, and how the holiday season went. (Courtesy DVIDS)

The small world category certainly fits this 15 year Air Force veteran who hails form Oregon, and happened to attend the same university as a certain athletic shoe company founder, the legendary Phil Knight of Nike fame. Both are graduates of the University of Oregon and are from the same area near Beaverton Oregon, corporate headquarters of Nike. The connection goes a step further; Kassebaum's sister happens to be a Nike Employee and can buy shoes with her employee discount. The one component missing was a way to get the shoes to the feet and that problem was answered with a chance meeting with Maj. Joe Rohrer one of the members of the 48th BCT's Civil Affairs Section.
Rohrer has been working with the local citizens and has coordinated several school supplies donations to local schools. Maj. Kassebaum explained his problem; he had the goods but no way to distribute them and the 48th BCT Civil Affairs section had the necessary means to deliver the 30 cartons of shoes that Kassebaum was in possession of.
"Helping the schools is one of our jobs, we enjoy helping the kids to have the tools to learn" said the Black Creek, Georgia native Rohrer.

Watch video of Brigadier General Stewart Rodeheaver, Commanding General, 48th Brigade Combat Team, talking from Baghdad, to a reporter from WSB in Atlanta, about the positive news of Baby Noor, who was flown back to Atlanta for surgery, her future in Iraq, unit morale over helping the baby, the holidays and other projects done for Iraqi youth, and facing the threat of improvised explosive devices, (Courtesy DVIDS)
Search

With the partnering of the 48th BCT and Maj. Kassebaum, the ability to help further the education of Iraqi school children was in motion.
A convoy of Soldiers delivered school supplies to the Abu Tubar School which had been built by American Soldiers during an earlier rotation. Once the school supplies were distributed, it was time to help the children outside the school, the ones watching without any shoes on.
Lines formed as the cartons were opened and children from 6 to 16 crowded around the Soldiers as they made every effort to fit the children feet, with the correct size shoe.
The scene was reminiscent of parents stateside, preparing their own children for the first day of school. The Soldiers were enjoying giving the shoes away, as the children were enjoying receiving them. Spc. Daniel Larson, with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 148th Forward Support Battalion explained his reasons.

Search

"It was unique I'll never get an opportunity to help people like this again." Larson, from Jesup, Georgia feels that what Coalition Forces do now will pay off down the road. "We are making friends for life and that's great for us here and for Americans back home."

Thirty cartons of shoes did not last long as children crowded the

Other News
48th Brigade Combat Team Settles in on New Mission
48th BCT Takes the West Point Academy Football Field
DOD Identifies 48th BCT Casualties
Company A, 148th Support Battalion Featured in CMT Special
Governor Visits 48th BCT While On Visit to Iraq
Bulldog Colors Fly in Iraq 48th BCT Transfers Authority For Southwest Baghdad Area of Operations 48th BCT, Iraqi Forces Capture 19 Terror Suspects, Weapons FOX 5 Report Airs Wednesday, Thursday Soldiers Use `Beanie Baby and Bullets' Theory on Patrol

Soldiers, often bringing up a younger brother or sister, many too small to keep up with the crowd as they stood barefoot in the dirt waiting their turn. As the last pair of shoes was fitted on the last child, Maj. Kassebaum reflected on the real significance of the day's event.
"I feel like I have done something good here, just the fact that they have so little, and that we can help."
This mission, nothing really difficult for these Soldiers and Airmen, just another day to try and make a difference in the lives of young people. Young people who will one day become the future of Iraq and its desire to live in a democratic state. Maj. Kassebaum summed up the day.
"I put some shoes on some kid's feet and that's worth all the time I have spent over here."

Lightning Bolt

Read the 48th BCT Lightning Bolt Newsletter -
March 2006 Edition
PAST ISSUES
February 2006
Caution - large .pdf files
^TOP .:. Home .:. Upload .:. MNF-Iraq Home .:. Georgia DOD Home
The Georgia Department of Defense Web site is provided as a public service by the Georgia Department of Defense Directorate of Communications, Atlanta , GA. Information presented on the Georgia Department of Defense Web site is considered public information and may be distributed or copied. Use of appropriate byline/photo/image credits is requested. For site security purposes and to ensure that this service remains available to all users. This government computer system employs software programs to monitor network traffic to identify unauthorized attempts to upload or change information, or otherwise cause damage. 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.

> 48th BCT in Iraq Tuesday, 03 April, 2007 .:.
:: Navigation :
Home Upload MNF-Iraq Home Georgia DOD Home

U.S. Soldiers Supply Medical Treatment for Iraqi Citizens

Posted Thursday 02 February 2006

48th BCT Warbook

The 48th Brigade Combat Team is coming home after a highly successful deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. To commemorate their history-making mobilization, the Brigade is publishing a War Book that will include photos, stories, timelines and other documents to celebrate their victories and will preserve their accomplishments for generations to come. You can be a part
Photo Gallery

Photo: Spc. Todd Poteet, a combat medic and Capt. John W. Strain, II, (right), a physician's assistant, both with Charlie Medical Company, 148th Support Battalion explains prescribed dosage to a Al-Badoun tribesman. The gentleman took advantage of the one-day clinic conducted for this predominately Shiite region just outside of An Nasiriyah. (Photo by Spc. Tracy J. Smith, 48th BCT PAO)
48th BCT Soldiers share gifts of healing thru medicine SGT David Bill 48th BCT Public Affairs Office
CAMP ADDER, An Nasiryiah, Iraq-- Medical Community Assessment Program is an operation that brings basic medical services to the Iraqi public where no services are readily available. Soldiers of the 48th Brigade Combat Team established a short-term clinic at a local school to provide medical treatment and basic social services to local Iraqi citizens.

"It's going to be a great day," said Lt. Col Scott Carter, Civil Affairs Officer for the 48th BCT before the team's convoy drove the 45 minutes to the school. "Every time we go out we represent the Soldiers of the 48th Brigade that don't get the opportunity to interact with the Iraqi people."

Visit our photo gallery of images from the 48th BCT in
Iraq
48th BCT Video

Despite the cold and blustery January day, Iraqi citizens came out to the Al Badoun School located in a small village outside of An Nasiryiah, in good numbers, to take advantage of the services offered by medical teams from Company C, 148th Support Battalion along with civil affairs sections of the brigade.
"It's a lot of fun, I think it's wonderful to help the Iraqis this way," said Specialist Courtney Burgwald, an x-ray technician for Company C. This was her first mission outside the compounds of Camp Adder.

Under the watchful eye of Iraqi Highway Patrol and 48th BCT Soldiers, children were led into the school by their parents. They were greeted with smiles and gifts of both food and toys. The children seemed to ignore the cold winds as they stepped up to receive their packages. Many of them were not in need of medical attention, but those needing medical screening were seen by the medical staff one by one.

Watch video of Brigadier General Stewart Rodeheaver, Commanding General, 48th Brigade Combat Team, talking from Baghdad, to a reporter from the Pentagon Channel about his unit, a change in missions, training the Fourth Iraqi Army Brigade in Baghdad and continuing to work with Iraqi security forces, and how the holiday season went. (Courtesy DVIDS)
Watch video of Brigadier General Stewart Rodeheaver, Commanding General, 48th Brigade Combat Team, talking from Baghdad, to a reporter from WSB in Atlanta, about the positive news of Baby Noor, who was flown back to Atlanta for surgery, her future in Iraq, unit morale over helping the baby, the holidays and other projects done for Iraqi youth, and facing the threat of improvised explosive devices, (Courtesy DVIDS)
Search

"It's great, I hope to do more of these," said 2Lt. Todd Hull, a physicians assistant with Company C. "I've seen coughs, colds and other fairly simple conditions here." Hull, a Billings, Montana resident, has been with the 48th BCT throughout the entire deployment.
Working through Iraqi interpreters, the doctors and medical personnel provided the Iraqis a good medical screening and medication, as required to assist in their treatment. Iraqi medical personnel were also on hand to provide medical assessment for the local populace as necessary. The treatment rooms were set up in six classrooms around the school to provide privacy for each patient, while a small pharmacy was established in another classroom.
It was a scene that could be visualized in any small medical clinic in the United States as children were heard crying while their parents led them by the hand to the waiting medical staff. The children moods improved as they looked at the Beanie Baby or other toy they clutched as a memento of their visit to the school.
The local sheiks and tribal leaders were also visible throughout the day's events. Sheik Ali Nayef of the Al Badour tribe gave great praise for the efforts of the Soldiers.
"We thank the Soldiers and we wish they would keep doing the good work they are doing here" said Sheik Ali. "We feel that the American Forces are our brothers and friends and this shows my people that the Americans are honestly here to help them and Iraq."
This event is something that the civil affairs staff and others have been working toward since arriving in Iraq. The extensive planning of this event took many people and good coordination with a number of military units and Iraqi officials. Medical supplies had to be ordered, and personnel organized. Rehearsals were conducted and routes explored along with many other details it takes to ensure success.

Search

"This is a more secure area and we will continue to help with the security of the area," said Sheik Ali. "We don't want the insurgency in our area."

This type of support mission was not as feasible when the 48th BCT was

Other News
48th Brigade Combat Team Settles in on New Mission
48th BCT Takes the West Point Academy Football Field
DOD Identifies 48th BCT Casualties
Company A, 148th Support Battalion Featured in CMT Special
Governor Visits 48th BCT While On Visit to Iraq
Bulldog Colors Fly in Iraq 48th BCT Transfers Authority For Southwest Baghdad Area of Operations 48th BCT, Iraqi Forces Capture 19 Terror Suspects, Weapons FOX 5 Report Airs Wednesday, Thursday Soldiers Use `Beanie Baby and Bullets' Theory on Patrol

in southern Baghdad due to various issues such security concerns, however in this area of Iraq, a much safer environment prevails. This type of operation can be accomplished under relative security.
"This was a very successful event," said Maj. Joseph Rohrer, Information Operations Officer for the 48th BCT. "What we learned from this first MEDCAP will be used to improve further events."
These types of missions are being considered in other districts within the brigade. The success of this first operation should lead to further successes. The results will bring an improved well-being to the Iraqi people.
"God does not forget those that do good things," said Sheik Ali Nayef, "We hope you succeed with all you do."

Lightning Bolt

Read the 48th BCT Lightning Bolt Newsletter -
March 2006 Edition
PAST ISSUES
February 2006
Caution - large .pdf files
^TOP .:. Home .:. Upload .:. MNF-Iraq Home .:. Georgia DOD Home
The Georgia Department of Defense Web site is provided as a public service by the Georgia Department of Defense Directorate of Communications, Atlanta , GA. Information presented on the Georgia Department of Defense Web site is considered public information and may be distributed or copied. Use of appropriate byline/photo/image credits is requested. For site security purposes and to ensure that this service remains available to all users. This government computer system employs software programs to monitor network traffic to identify unauthorized attempts to upload or change information, or otherwise cause damage. 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.

> 48th BCT in Iraq Tuesday, 03 April, 2007 .:.
:: Navigation :
Home Upload MNF-Iraq Home Georgia DOD Home

Four-Star Dining Experience in Iraq

48th BCT Warbook
The 48th Brigade Combat Team is coming home after a highly successful deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. To commemorate their history-making mobilization, the Brigade is publishing a War Book that will include photos, stories, timelines and other documents to celebrate their victories and will preserve their accomplishments for generations to come. You can
be a part

Posted Thursday 02 February 2006

Photo Gallery

Photo: Pfc. Justin W. Harper is a student in LaGrange, Ga. In Iraq, the 48th BCT citizen-Soldier drives trucks for the 108th Armor Regt. He enjoys the care the professionals of the 'convoy caf' put into preparing each meal, but he really appreciates the camaraderie the contractors and Soldiers share.

Story and photos by Spc. Tracy J. Smith, 48th BCT PAO

Visit our photo gallery of images from the 48th BCT in
Iraq
48th BCT Video

CONVOY SUPPORT CENTER SCANIA, Ad-Diwaniyah, Iraq At any truckstop in America you can find the basics for a weary truck driver. Fuel, a dry place to stretch out and catch a night's sleep, shoppette for the essentials and, of course, hot food. Although the latter is not always tasty, it is typically edible.
But this isn't the states. In Iraq, a much more aggressive approach must be taken to get the 18-wheelers laden with supplies needed to sustain the fight to coalition Soldiers. Soldiers fighting, risking lives, to help a fledging democracy coexist with its rich history and religion based traditions.

A convoy of pulls up to the door of the check-in point in Convoy Support Center, Scania. Tired, dirty and ravaged for hot chow, they have arrived just prior to the stroke of midnight.

"Got here just in time for chow!" a burly Air Force convoy's tactical commander announces with a wide, weary smile.

Watch video of Brigadier General Stewart Rodeheaver, Commanding General, 48th Brigade Combat Team, talking from Baghdad, to a reporter from the Pentagon Channel about his unit, a change in missions, training the Fourth Iraqi Army Brigade in Baghdad and continuing to work with Iraqi security forces, and how the holiday season went. (Courtesy DVIDS)
Watch video of Brigadier General Stewart Rodeheaver, Commanding General, 48th Brigade Combat Team, talking from Baghdad, to a reporter from WSB in Atlanta, about the positive news of Baby Noor, who was flown back to Atlanta for surgery, her future in Iraq, unit morale over helping the baby, the holidays and other projects done for Iraqi youth, and facing the threat of improvised explosive devices, (Courtesy DVIDS)
Search
Search

His boots are muddied as it is the rainy season in Iraq and it is cold. As if rehearsed, he simultaneously glances at a sand weathered clock, grabs his paperwork and marches out of the door. His crew has done their job escorted their load safely through the ever-dangerous military supply routes. Now it is time for the reward; a visit to the McMillin-Williams Dining Facility.
A building with weathered paneling and close height ceilings, it is reminiscent of most homespun southern restaurants along major highways. This military truck-stop's reputation precedes it. Coalition convoy escorts know they will not be disappointed with the bill of fare. What sets the CSC Scania DFAC apart from other camps and refueling points in Iraq? Managing food preparation with a flair reminiscent of four-star restaurants.
"This is about the most fun thing I've ever done," comments Greg Frankson. Frankson possesses an extensive food service background and is the kitchen manager for the Scania DFAC contracted through KBR (Kellogg, Brown & Root). As an auditor for the Hilton Hotel chain, (a subsidiary of the prestigious Waldorf-Astoria), he applies all he has learned in an environment devoid of the linen napkins, crystal stemware and china with no reservations required.
"I am extremely meticulous when it comes to running the caf here," the Texas native continued. "The Soldiers expect excellent service and hot food. My job is to make that happen and it is made easier because of the people I work with."
Exceptionally conscientious, the head chef, Chef Chabazz, worked as a culinary manager in a five-star hotel in his native Pakistan and oversees the preparation of meals, under the direction of Frankson, with painstaking attention to detail. These professionals understand the challenges on the road the men and women face and want to give these road warriors a pleasurable dining experience.

"We subscribe to progressive cooking, which means we don't cook for a thousand people at once," Frankson noted. "We cook continuously so

Other News

our food is fresh and hot."

48th Brigade Combat Team Settles in on New Mission
48th BCT Takes the West Point Academy Football Field
DOD Identifies 48th BCT Casualties
Company A, 148th Support Battalion Featured in CMT Special
Governor Visits 48th BCT While On Visit to Iraq
Bulldog Colors Fly in Iraq 48th BCT Transfers Authority For Southwest Baghdad Area of Operations 48th BCT, Iraqi Forces Capture 19 Terror Suspects, Weapons FOX 5 Report Airs Wednesday, Thursday Soldiers Use `Beanie Baby and Bullets' Theory on Patrol
Lightning Bolt

The mission within the camp does not always permit Soldiers to take advantage of the dine-in experience. Specialist Keith J. Williams rubberstamps the dining facility's philosophy of four-star service and takes the food to the Soldiers guarding the gates.
"It's cold outside," Williams, a food service specialist from Columbus, Ga. points out. "Sometimes it is raining." He remains focused on packing the Styrofoam lunches. "When (Soldiers) eat good, warm chow, they function better on the line. That makes me feel good about working here."
Sergeant 1st Class Alvin T. Durham is one of the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 108th Armor Regiment, 48th Brigade Combat Team's food service staff non-commissioned officers. It is his privilege, he says, to work with the motivated KBR employees.
"These guys are eager," Durham of Barnesville, Ga. passionately states. "They want to know what you know and apply it at every opportunity with a positive attitude."
As Durham supervises the service line it is immediately apparent what prompts his statement. A fatigued Soldier, calloused from the road, receives a heartfelt, "Thank you, sir," from Vijay Shrestha, a KBR server. The Soldier appreciates the gesture and offers a smile as he takes his course. Serving is Shrestha's favorite because he gets to meet each person that comes through to give a thank you as they enjoy the food.

"(The Soldiers) are friendly and respect us and what we do. Their job is very difficult, we respect them."

Durham gives Shrestha a supportive slap on the back adding "... and we respect that y'all cook like you are at home." Durham's statement is received with agreeable laughter from those within earshot. "They got that down-home Georgia southern flavor."

This cooking style transitions into something 48th BCT Soldiers are all too familiar with; southern hospitality. Private 1st Class Justin W. Harper spends a great deal of time on convoys. The 48th BCT citizenSoldier is a truck driver for 108th Armor Regiment and appreciates this taste of home when he gets off the road.

Read the 48th BCT Lightning Bolt Newsletter -
March 2006 Edition
PAST ISSUES
February 2006
Caution - large .pdf files

A seafood connoisseur the LaGrange, Ga. student does allow his taste buds a slight deviation and confesses, "Taco Tuesdays are my favorites." Harper also has an affinity towards desert and, of course, good company.
"I play pool after I work off the chocolate cake at the gym," He says with a laugh. "That's how I met (Shrestha and Robbie). They hang out with us, shoot pool and we get to know each other."
"That's the biggest difference here," Durham offers. "We are closer here...like family." When you are with family it is easy to enjoy a good meal.

^TOP .:. Home .:. Upload .:. MNF-Iraq Home .:. Georgia DOD Home
The Georgia Department of Defense Web site is provided as a public service by the Georgia Department of Defense Directorate of Communications, Atlanta , GA. Information presented on the Georgia Department of Defense Web site is considered public information and may be distributed or copied. Use of appropriate byline/photo/image credits is requested. For site security purposes and to ensure that this service remains available to all users. This government computer system employs software programs to monitor network traffic to identify unauthorized attempts to upload or change information, or otherwise cause damage. 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.

> 48th BCT in Iraq Tuesday, 03 April, 2007 .:.
:: Navigation :
Home Upload MNF-Iraq Home Georgia DOD Home

The "Doc" is in: 108th Armor Medics give local Iraqis medical aid

Posted Thursday 26 January 2006

48th BCT Warbook

The 48th Brigade Combat Team is coming home after a highly successful deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. To commemorate their history-making mobilization, the Brigade is publishing a War Book that will include photos, stories, timelines and other documents to celebrate their victories and will preserve their accomplishments for generations to come. You can
be a part

Photo: Spc. Jonathan Bentjen, 108th Armor Regt. 48th BCT combat medic bandages 3 year old Hassan's wounds in a makeshift medical aid station in the community just outside of the convoy support center's gates. By Spc. Tracy J. Smith, 48th BCT PAO

Photo Gallery

CONVOY SUPPORT CENTER SCANIA, Ad-Diwaniyah, Iraq The threeyear olds tear-filled brown eyes dart cautiously around the metal container that serves as a makeshift medical aid station for the citizens of Nippur, in Ad-Diwaniya, Iraq. This unlikely beacon of optimism for local Iraqis is not a favorite place for Hassan. His father, Hakim, believes this aid station is a Godsend.

"We can not pay for regular treatment," Hakim says as his eyes show unmistakable gratefulness for the compassion the 108th Armor Regiment's Combat Medics have shown his son. "They are a blessing from God."

Visit our photo gallery of images from the 48th BCT in
Iraq
48th BCT Video

He will say no more. Instead, he lovingly cradles his son with a gentle firmness necessary for Specialist Jonathan Bentjen, a 108th Armor Regt. combat medic, to begin the painful task of removing the dead skin that has formed during the healing process. It is the toddler's third visit. Severely burned by hot water in the delicate area of the lower torso, the accident left Hassan's gluteus, inner thighs and pelvic region covered in blisters and scabs.
"Most of the injuries we see are burns," Bentjen, an emergency room charge nurse from Atlanta, Ga. said. "These children have wounds that they would normally have them admitted in a regular (stateside) hospital."

Watch video of Brigadier General Stewart Rodeheaver, Commanding General, 48th Brigade Combat Team, talking from Baghdad, to a reporter from the Pentagon Channel about his unit, a change in missions, training the Fourth Iraqi Army Brigade in Baghdad and continuing to work with Iraqi security forces, and how the holiday season went. (Courtesy DVIDS)
Watch video of Brigadier General Stewart Rodeheaver, Commanding General, 48th Brigade Combat Team, talking from Baghdad, to a reporter from WSB in Atlanta, about the positive news of Baby Noor, who was flown back to Atlanta for surgery, her future in Iraq, unit morale over helping the baby, the holidays and other projects done for Iraqi youth, and facing the threat of improvised explosive devices, (Courtesy DVIDS)
Search
Search

The idea to give free medical assistance originated from the back of a field ambulance. Then examinations were once a week but it was difficult to keep items on-hand that the medics needed to make proper assessments and treatment. As word spread of the Americans benevolence the number of patients swelled. Since the aid station has opened the medics' average 90 patients a week.
"The people here are very poor," explained Dr. Firas M. Egal, M.D. Educated at the Kufa University, College of Medicine in Iraq, he works with the Soldiers of 108th Armor Regt. as an interpreter. Physicians are not paid well in Iraq therefore Egal opts to work with the American Soldiers, "to give something back to my people." His gift to the people of this community is of great advantage. His medical training helps him to explain the condition, treatment options and prescribed therapy and frees the medics to continue their work.
To be seen at local hospitals the patient must pay at the time of examination. "Many cannot afford to see a doctor and their condition may get worse," Dr. Egal continued. "These can possibly be lifethreatening simply because they cannot pay for examinations and medicines."
Staff Sergeant Timothy Turner is the 108th Medical Platoon Sergeant. A pro-active leader, his constant companion is his Iraqi-English translation book. He has been learning the language to help him better serve the people here. "I originally purchased an Arabic-English dictionary, but I got lucky and found an Iraqi-English dictionary in the PX," Turner said, as he slathered antibiotic cream on bandages for Hassan's fresh dressings. They go through two tubs a day.
"There is a slight difference in meaning for some words and I want to make sure they know we care enough to understand what their needs are and a good intention translates really easy."
Turner passes the bandages to Bentjen and softly coos to Hassan in his native language that it will be okay. The Decatur, Ga. father of a daughter, about the same age as Hassan prepares to see a woman who has a cancerous tumor on her leg.

Fatima lives ten miles away and has come here hopeful. The local hospital told the 20-something woman that her leg must be amputated

Other News
48th Brigade Combat Team Settles in on New Mission
48th BCT Takes the West Point Academy Football Field
DOD Identifies 48th BCT Casualties
Company A, 148th Support Battalion Featured in CMT Special
Governor Visits 48th BCT While On Visit to Iraq
Bulldog Colors Fly in Iraq 48th BCT Transfers Authority For Southwest Baghdad Area of Operations 48th BCT, Iraqi Forces Capture 19 Terror Suspects, Weapons FOX 5 Report Airs Wednesday, Thursday Soldiers Use `Beanie Baby and Bullets' Theory on Patrol
Lightning Bolt

below the knee. Turner photographs the growth for his doctor and looks saddened by what she says.
"They want miracles and we want to make them happen," Turner explained. "Sometimes they hear that Americans may have better treatments. She has not had chemotherapy and is looking for other options versus the amputation." He can only smile and reassure her that they will do their best but gently advises that she and her husband take advantage of the options offered by the hospital.
The care and hard work the medics put into the small community clinic has not gone unnoticed. It is a continuation of the work they did in South Baghdad. Many of the sheiks and tribal leaders from Mahmudiyah, Yusifiyah and Lutifiyah have visited the 108th Armor Regt.'s Battalion Commander. Appreciative of what the citizen-Soldiers from Georgia did for the people there. They will do the same here.
"Our commitment is to leave our area of operation better than we found it," Lieutenant Colonel John King, 108th Armor Regiment's Bn Commander affirms.
"Being a good neighbor and taking care of them is security for the Iraqi people. They are perplexed as to why we do what we do and ask nothing in return. We are happy simply to do the job that the Army pays us to do and the Soldiers seem really excited about doing something positive."

Read the 48th BCT Lightning Bolt Newsletter -
March 2006 Edition
PAST ISSUES
February 2006
Caution - large .pdf files
^TOP .:. Home .:. Upload .:. MNF-Iraq Home .:. Georgia DOD Home
The Georgia Department of Defense Web site is provided as a public service by the Georgia Department of Defense Directorate of Communications, Atlanta , GA. Information presented on the Georgia Department of Defense Web site is considered public information and may be distributed or copied. Use of appropriate byline/photo/image credits is requested. For site security purposes and to ensure that this service remains available to all users. This government computer system employs software programs to monitor network traffic to identify unauthorized attempts to upload or change information, or otherwise cause damage. 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.

Return to First Friday Briefing
Sunny Park at YCA "Good Neighboring Days"
YCA Cadets Get Taste of Korea
Cadets at the Youth Challenge Program's Fort Gordon campus got a unique and motivational look at the Korean culture, and a chance to hear inspirational words from several American success stories in January. The event was part of an ongoing series of "Good Neighboring Days" created by Sunny Park, an Atlanta businessman and YCA supporter. Guest speaker for the day was Lt. Gen Russel Honore, commander of First U.S. Army, who told the young audience of his humble beginnings growing up in Louisiana, and of the choices he's made to be a success in the military and in life. "My first goal is to give these youngsters a taste of a culture and a way of life that many of them may not get to experience," said Park, a South Korean born, self made millionaire. Park has taken his Good Neighboring Day to both YCA campuses in Georgia and several other states. "My other purpose is to encourage them and show them how to achieve success in their lives through hard work and planning," he added. "I want to show them that the road to success is open to them, but that they must work for it and that the `easy' way to the top is not the best way." For more information about Good Neighboring Day go to: http://www.goodneighboring.org/
Return to First Friday Briefing

Return to First Friday Briefing
'Walk To Baghdad' Honors 48th BCT
Members of the 34 Family Readiness groups, representing the units the make up Georgia's 48th Brigade Combat Team, recently completed the last leg of their "Walk to Baghdad." When it was all said and done, the walkers had totaled an estimated 15,447.01 miles, said Joni Bennett, the brigade's Family Readiness Group Coordinator.
The walk, which had been in progress for the past eight months, was a way for families and friends of the 48th BCT to honor Georgia's Soldiers as they continue their yearlong deployment in Iraq. Its other goal was to provide families an outlet for dealing with the anxiety such a war-time deployed can bring, besides allowing them the opportunity to achieve personal fitness goals.
"The response from our families for this event was just incredible," said "This project gave us all a way to channel our energies and focus on something positive, and our families enthusiastically jumped at the chance to take part.
"Many of us can't wait to show off our trimmer, more physically fit versions to our soldiers, and we have developed a new walking habit that we plan to continue with our soldiers once they return."
It was from Savannah's Hunter Army Airfield that the BCT left for Iraq last May. When the walk began, the family readiness goal was to walk the distance from Savannah as a group to Baghdad, where the brigade began its support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
"When Staci Mincey, the Family Readiness Group chairperson for Alpha Company,148th Forward Support Battalion, first brought this idea to me, I thought we might walk as brigade families from Hinesville to Baghdad," Bennett said. "I was completely wrong because we ended up walking from Hinesville to Baghdad, back to Hinesville and more."
The remaining distance was completed at the Savannah Mall on Abercorn Street, with the last lap being walked by the family members of the 26 brigade Soldiers who have so far lost their lives in Iraq.
Event participants walked as many laps as they chose to. Registered walkers wore a number which bore the name of the soldier they walked in honor of or in memory of. They also filled out postcards for the soldiers or for their families. Those were later sent to the soldier or his family.
Rankings for the Walk to Baghdad are:
Top Individual Walkers:
Howard Nudi 652 miles Herbert Mihan 552.75 miles
Most Miles Walked in Honor of a Soldier:
2,125.5 miles in honor of Robert Hodgson, Sr.
1,491 in honor of Stephen Johnson
Most Miles Logged at Individually held FRG Walks to Baghdad:
Charlie Company/648th Engineers
Alpha Company/148th Forward Support Battalion
FRGs who held their own Walk to Baghdad Event:
Bravo Company/108th Armor in Canton
Alpha Company/1-121 Infantry in Lawrenceville Charlie Company/648th Engineers in Douglas HHC/2-121 Infantry in Albany HHC/148th Forward Support Battalion in Forsyth Alpa/148th Forward Support Battalion in Dublin
Most Miles Overall Submitted from an FRG:

Alpha Company/1-121 IN 3,700 miles Certificates will be awarded, Bennett said, to these individuals and the FRGs at a later date.
Return to First Friday Briefing

Return to First Friday Briefing
Member of the 4th CST survey team evacuate a passenger from an airliner during a recent exercise.
4th CST - Air Marshals Strengthen Ties During
Exercise
The survey entry team of Georgia's 4th CST cautiously entered the darkened commercial aircraft. SSG Randall Boatner the survey team leader stumbles briefly on a lifeless body lying in the aisle, later identified as the terrorist suspect who set the deadly scenario into motion.
The silence of the cabin is interrupted by a persistent whimper of an infant and the voice over the intercom of an anxious air controller desperately trying to raise contact with the flight crew.
The flashlights of the entry team quickly locate two additional bodies in the cabin, the mother of the crying baby and a downed U.S. Federal Air Marshal. Evidence in the cabin indicates that an unidentified chemical agent had been released. The incident triggered a violent struggle between the Air Marshal and the terrorist. Both lay mortally wounded.
This was the training scenario played out in the very realistic training center of the US Federal Air Marshals' Regional Office in south Atlanta. Over a period of eighteen months, Georgia's 4 CST and the US Federal Air Marshal Service, a part of the U.S. Dept of Homeland Security, have developed a highly productive and mutually beneficial relationship.
For this scenario, fifteen CST members and eight high tech response vehicles were sent racing toward Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport from their headquarters at Dobbins ARB in Marietta.
"We're located only a dozen or so miles from the nation's busiest airport, and these kinds of exercises are critical in keeping our people trained and ready to respond," said exercise coordinator and Deputy CST Commander, CPT Darrin Smith.
Survey members complete a hasty recon of the aircraft, snapping pictures for evidence, and monitoring the cabin in an attempt to identify the agent released. Hand-held monitoring equipment register `hot' for GB/ Sarin, a deadly nerve agent. A crude dispersal device was located near the two liquids.
While this was the first experience working in the confined environment of an airliner, the CST members are well rehearsed in their actions and the calculated movements of each team member are well choreographed and continuously evaluated.
With the discovery of the injured passengers, the Incident Commander turned his immediate priority to life safety.
The whimpering infant is located in the clutched arms of her unconscious mother. Monitoring the infant's condition, SGT Nick Agle carefully cradles the infant in his arms, and rushes her to waiting transportation and quickly into the decon tent where team members and CST medical specialists immediately begin to administer to her.
MAJ Steve Conley, the team's Physician Assistant, triaged the child while team medic SSG Mike Reynolds put Children's HealthCare Atlanta and the Atlanta Medical Center on alert.
While extracting the child, SSG Boatner detects shallow breathing from the Air Marshal lying lifeless in the floor. Turning their attention to him, survey team members labor in their Level B protective suits to slide the body onto a stretcher and carry him outside. In reality, the victim is a 200 lbs mannequin that strains the capability of the two team members and the waiting medical and decons specialists.

Throughout the simulated incident, 4th CST communications specialists have been in constant communications with local area hospitals as well as with security personnel and police from the Atlanta airport and Homeland Security representatives in Washington.
The unfolding drama of the terrorist incident played out at the US Federal Air Marshal's regional training facility is not an uncommon training scenario for agents of US Federal Air Marshals. America's Air Marshals train extensively in reacting to a variety of terrorist scenarios that could occur in the cabins of America's airlines.
Over the past 18 months, Georgia's CST team members provided Air Marshals with twelve weeks of intensive training on the detection, identification and handling of weapons of mass destruction.
"These are the real experts in the field." said Steve Mosley, Assistant to the Special Agent in Charge for the southeast region. While Air Marshals receive some WMD training, "The level of training we received from the Georgia CST team is much greater and provides us with a better understanding of this subject, and of the procedures we must use in responding to such incidences" continued Mosley.
Within only a few hours this exercise ended. But as a result, Georgia CST members have gained valuable experience in responding to the kinds of threats that often creep into our thoughts as we continue to board the nation's airlines in the post 9-11 security environment.
Return to First Friday Briefing

Return to First Friday Briefing
ESGR Now Accepting Nomination for 'Employer Support Freedom Award'
The National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), in conjunction with the Secretary of Defense, has announced that nominations are being accepted at the ESGR website for the 2006 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Awards.
The nomination process, which began opened Jan. 9, concludes Feb. 28. To nominate their employers, Guardsmen or their family members need only visit the www.esgr.mil, and complete the 2006 Freedom Award nomination form. ESGR Field Committees will review the nominations, and have the option to present three nominations per committee for review by the National Selection Board.
Board members will select up to 15 employers to receive this year's award. The 2006 recipients will be honored in Washington at the 11th annual Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award ceremony hosted by ESGR on September 19, 2006.
"I am encouraging all National Guardsmen and Reservists worldwide, and their family members, to visit the ESGR website and nominate their employers," said Bob Hollingsworth, ESGR Executive Director. This prestigious national award recognizes supportive employers who provide exemplary support above the USERRA Law requirements for their employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve."
More than 1,500 nominations were submitted in 2005 on the ESGR website. In 2006 the goal is 5,000 nominations, a relatively small number, as ESGR estimates that over 125,000 employers in America employ National Guardsmen and Reservists. Previous recipients have included a "who's who" of corporate America, including The Home Depot, Wal-Mart, Sears, General Electric, Verizon, and UPS. State and local governments and a number of America's small businesses across the nation have also been honored.
Return to First Friday Briefing

Return to First Friday Briefing
SMB Meets to Chart Agency's Future Course
The Georgia Department of Defense senior leadership gathered in early January for a weekend of intense strategic planning. The Strategic Management Board (SMB) is comprised of some 30 members including senior officers and enlisted leaders from the Army and Air Guards and the State Defense Force. While the group meets at least annually to project the organization's priorities for the next three-to-five years, this SMB meeting was especially important. In his opening keynote address, Major Gen. David Poythress, Georgia's Adjutant General, outlined several major changes and challenges facing the National Guard in the coming years, including Army transformation, potential new missions and units in the Air Guard, budget reductions, and force structure cuts across the board. He also pointed out that recent BRAC announcements could have profound impacts on the Georgia Guard and SDF. Unique to this year's Strategic Management Board meeting was an afternoon of hearing directly from representatives of the Georgia DOD's customers including National Guard Bureau Air representatives, First U.S. Army, Georgia Emergency Management Agency and veterans organizations. Armed with a weekend's worth of establishing priorities, as well as input from the organization's customers, workgroups from each of the major components will spend the next several months revising the Georgia DOD's strategic plan for the coming years.
Return to First Friday Briefing