First Friday briefing [May 5, 2006]

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First Friday Briefing for May 2006
Deployment Update

116th 'Masters' Win 'Erwin Award'
ROBINS AFB, Ga. While their Joint STARS career fields are different, Master Sgts. Richard Quinones and Emory Dean are definitely fighting the same fight with the same award-winning skill and professionalism. Full Story

Governor Taps Nesbitt to Head Georgia's Homeland Security Major General William T. Nesbitt, commander of the Georgia Army National Guard, has been appointed by Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue as the state's director of homeland security.
The Governor announced the appointment this week in Savannah. Nesbitt will report directly to Governor Perdue and will oversee all homeland security issues in the state of Georgia. Read Full Story

48th BCT Redeploys . . . HOME! The initial elements of the 48th Brigade Combat Team began returning from their year-long deployment to Iraq in mid April. Flights bringing units home will continue throughout May. On hand to greet the first arrivals -- members of the 1st Battalion, 121st Infantry -- were Governor Sonny Perdue and Mrs. Perdue. Stories and Pictures.
Other Stories About the 48th Brigade Combat Team
For Wounded GI, Welcome Home ' A Bit Funny'

A Journey To Remember

148th, 118th, HQ 48th Return

Westgate Earns Star; Leads 3,000
Georgia Air Guardsmen
Steven Westgate of Savannah, Vice Commander of the 3,300-member Georgia Air National Guard has earned promotion to the rank of Brigadier General. Full Story

Georgia Labor Agreement
Concluded In Record Time
Georgia DOD and labor officials gathered at Confederate Avenue recently for the signing of the Georgia DOD Labor-Management agreement. Read Full Story

TAG, Chambliss, Isakson, Linder Visit 117th

Gainesville's Co. C, 121st Honored with
Humanitarian Award For 'Noor' Role
In December 2005, members of Company C, 1st Battalion, 121st Infantry made national headlines when they rescued Baby Noor, a tiny Iraqi infant suffering from Spina Bifida. In April 2006, the Gainesville-based unit was honored at the State Capitol by the Georgia Commission on the Holocaust with its annual humanitarian award. Full story

Georgia's 117th Air Control Squadron currently serving in Iraq recently received a visit from the Maj Gen David Poythress and Georgia's Senators Saxby Chambliss and Johnny Isakson as well as Congressman John Linder in April. Full
Story.

This month we look at a surprise find:

Lt. Col Bill Day, IT director of the Georgia National Guard discusses Guard technology capabilities with Homeland Security Chief Michael Chertoff.

Col. Ed Wexler (L), and wife Mary, accept an award from Col. (ret.) Ed Chamberlain
Wexler Retires Following 30 Years; HRO Chief For 3 Years Following three years of service as the Human Resources Officer for the Georgia National Guard, and more than 30 years of Air Force service, Col. Ed Wexler is retiring. Full Story.

Homeland Chief Chertoff Visits
With Georgia Guard
Michael Chertoff. Secretary of Homeland Security visited with Georgia National Guardsmen in Thomasville, GA on Tuesday as the secretary witnessed the extensive capabilities of the National Guard in its ever increasing homeland security role. Full Story.

23 State DOD Employees Earn Public Employee Recognition Awards
Some 23 employees of the Georgia Department of Defense were honored May 4, as the 2006 Public Employee Recognition Award winners. Full Story, List of Award Winners

CW2 Berg Earns MacArthur Leadership Award

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Douglas M. Berg, a seven year veteran of the Georgia Army National Guard has been awarded the prestigious General Douglas MacArthur Leadership Award for 2006. Berg, a Black Hawk helicopter pilot assigned to Company C, 171st Aviation Regiment at Dobbins ARB, is one of twenty-seven national recipients of the annual award. Full
Story

Joint Army-Air Group Recovers
Historic F-86L 'Sabre Jet'
A F-86L fighter aircraft once flown by the 116th Fighter Interceptor Wing, Georgia Air National Guard is now at Robins AFB for restoration. Col. Ed Wexler, and members of the Army National Guard's 277th Maintenance Co., and the Air National Guard's 165th Maintenance Group, 116th Maintenance Group and the 202nd Engineering Installation Squadron were involved in the recovery. Full Story

Georgia Army Guard
Hosts Oglethorpe Site Visit
The Georgia Army National Guard took another step forward in its quality improvement process when it hosted the Oglethorpe Award Site Visit Team in April. Read Full Story

French Croix De Guerre Turns Up In USPO Warehouse A surprise find was tucked among flags and guidons stored in an enormous box in the USPFO warehouse.
It was a French Croix de Guerre medal, together with citation, awarded to the 3rd Battalion, 121st Infantry Regiment in 1946 for actions in Brittany in 1944. The 3rd Battalion had units in Albany, Cordele, Dawson and Hawkinsville. The award, first created in 1915, is one of the highest decorations that can be awarded to foreign units.
The unit was cited for withstanding violent enemy artillery and mortar attacks and forcing the enemy to abandon its position resulting in the taking of 60 prisoners.
The medal, citation and 36 organizational flags as well as unit guidons have been transferred to the Georgia National Guard History Office. USPFO officials had kept them because of their historical value and made the box accessible to the History Office.
Complied by Gail Parnelle, GaARNG Historical Section

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

April 5, 2007 Time: 12:04 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
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48th BCT In Iraq

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First Friday Briefing, the Georgia DoD's monthly online newsletter, is now available in audio format. The First Friday Podcast can be downloaded in . mp3 format and listened to directly on a computer desktop using Media Player or other desktop player software. Listeners can also use RSS technology to "subscribe" to the audio feed, which will allow their computer to automatically download new releases directly to their i-Pods or other portable listening devices. "Podcasting as an exciting new communications tool and we want to begin to take advantage of it," said Jim Driscoll, the Georgia DoD's director of communications. "The Army and Air Force news services are both now sending out podcasts, but Georgia is the first National Guard state to take advantage of the new technology."

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First Friday May 2006 - Listen Now

Description: The May issue of the Georgia Department of Defense First Friday Briefing, an audio file with news of the Georgia Army and Air National Guard and the Georgia State Defense Force. This episode's top stories include... -- The 48th Brigade returns home -- The Georgia Army Guard Commander is named the state's new director of Homeland Security... -- The Georgia Air Guard gets its newest General officer -- And a Georgia Guard Black Hawk pilot wins the prestigious MacArthur Leadership Award
First Friday April 2006 - Listen Now

Description: Welcome to the April issue of the Georgia Department of Defense First Friday Briefing, an audio file with news of the Georgia Army and Air National Guard and the Georgia State Defense Force. This episode's top stories include... -- Savannahs 165th Airlift Wing deploys to support Enduring Freedom -- The 48th Infantry Brigade in Iraq prepares to head home -- A new Guard program called Well-Being is being launched to help address Guard member's physical, mental and spiritual needs. -- And a third grader in Winder is going above and beyond the call in helping Georgia Guardsmen.
First Friday March 2006 - Listen Now

Description: Welcome to the March issue of the Georgia

Department of Defense First Friday Briefing, an audio file with news of the Georgia Army and Air National Guard and the Georgia State Defense Force. This episode's top stories include... - Georgian's celebrate National Guard Day at State Capitol - Army Guard breaks ground on new $16.5 million hangar facility at Hunter - Air Guard unit receives prestigious Aviation Week Laurels Award
First Friday February 2006 - Listen Now
Description: Welcome to the February issue of the Georgia Department of Defense First Friday Briefing, an audio file with news of the Georgia Army and Air National Guard and the Georgia State Defense Force. This episode's top stories include... - Soldiers from Elberton's 1st Battalion, 214th Field Artillery depart for training in preparation for their Iraqi deployment. - Georgia Guardsman can collect cash for recruiting - The Georgia National Guard Family Support Foundation is getting a big financial boost from a painting by renowned Georgia artist Steve Penley.

Master Sgts. Richard Quinones and Emory Dean
Quinones, Dean Earn Prestigious 'Erwin Enlisted Aircrew Member of the Year' Award
By Tech. Sgt. Beverly Isik 116th Air Control Wing Public Affairs
ROBINS AFB, Ga. While their Joint STARS career fields are different, Master Sgts. Richard Quinones and Emory Dean are definitely fighting the same fight with the same award-winning skill and professionalism.

Sergeant Quinones is an active-duty flight airborne intelligence technician from the 128th Airborne Command and Control Squadron. Sergeant Dean, an Air National Guard technician, is an instructor flight engineer in the 330th Combat Training Squadron.
The two met in survival school at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., a few years ago where they served as NCO and assistant NCO in charge of their class and have been working together on the Joint STARS ever since.
As friends and coworkers, the two sergeants have deployed on the same crew to support the global war on terrorism and even been roommates in the forward operating location.
A couple of weeks ago, Sergeant Q, as he's sometimes called, was looking through his e-mail when he came across one that said Sergeant Dean had been selected as the National Guard Bureau's 2005 Staff Sgt. Henry E. "Red" Erwin Outstanding Enlisted Aircrew Member of the Year. "It didn't surprise me when I saw Emory's name," the 16-year master sergeant said. "He's such a caring person. I knew I had been submitted for the same award on the active-duty side, but just seeing him win was enough for me. I was really happy."
A couple of weeks passed then Sergeant Q got another e-mail from the vice wing commander this time saying he had received the same award at the Air Combat Command level.
"I said `You've got to be kidding me,' the San Antonio native said. "I had just been selected as the 8th Air Force Aircrew Warrior of the Year. It was one on top of the other kind of like a dream. I even received a letter from the ACC vice commander. I carry it with me all the time. I guess because I have never received anything like it in my Air Force career."
Sergeant Q flew 45 combat missions and more than 500 combat hours in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom during the award period. In addition, he received two Air Medals between October and December 2005.
"He supported identification and destruction of enemy insurgent safe havens in Iraq," said Lt. Col. Joseph Schmidt, 128th ACCS commander. "He was a vital crew link in discovering numerous terrorist and insurgent weapon caches."
Sergeant Dean who joined the Air Force Reserves in 1987 as an F-15 aircraft battle damage repair mechanic, said his current job as an instructor at the 330th CTS is the pinnacle of his career. But winning the award is also a highlight.
"Winning the award has been like a whirlwind knocking me off my feet," said the sergeant who has spent his entire Air Force career here at Robins. "Friends all over the unit kept coming to me saying congratulations and shaking my hand and sending e-mails and I was lost. I even got an e-mail from one of my best friends who is deployed to the FOL right now. Finally, as I was going through the e-mail, I saw the message that said I had been selected for the award. I was floored. I still can't stop smiling."
During the award period, Sergeant Dean flew 37 combat missions totaling more than 320 combat hours in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was also hand-picked to fly combat missions to provide support for ground troops during the Iraq Constitution Referendum voting.
"He provided rock-solid situational awareness for Army and Marine ground commanders conducting convoy security operations," Colonel Schmidt said. "He was also instrumental in the execution of Operation River Gate which flushed out insurgent-infested towns along the Euphrates River." Another key factor in both NCOs selection for the award was their precise command and control of ongoing efforts to counter insurgent operations. During one five-day period, they kept "eyes on" the enemy while coalition forces discovered and destroyed more than 10,000 pounds of explosives, the colonel explained.
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Westgate Earns Promotion to Brigadier General; Savannah Native Leads 3,000 Georgia Air Guardsmen
May 1, 2006 -- Steven Westgate of Savannah, Vice Commander of the 3,300-member Georgia Air National Guard has received a promotion to the rank of Brigadier General in the Georgia Air National Guard.
General Westgate is currently on a temporary Aerospace Expeditionary Force assignment as a Battle Commander for NORAD for the Continental U.S. stationed at Tyndall AFB, FL.
Born in Philadelphia, PA, Brig Gen Westgate attended graduated from Savannah High School. He received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics from Rollins College in 1969. His military education includes Squadron Officers School and Air Command and Staff College. He graduated from Air War College in residence in 1986.
General Westgate began his military career enlisting in the 165th Military Airlift Group in April 1969. After basic training, he received a direct commission and attended pilot training at Williams AFB. AZ. He was later assigned to the 158th Military Airlift Squadron in Savannah flying C-124 Globemaster aircraft and participated in numerous missions into Southeast Asia. In 1975, he became a fulltime Air Technician at the Savannah ANG unit.
Brigadier General Westgate has held various command positions in the 165th Airlift Wing including Chief of Command Post, Chief of Plans, Director of Operations, and Wing Vice Commander. He assumed command of the 900-member airlift wing 1999. In September 2004, Westgate was appointed Chief of Staff of the 3,000-member Georgia Air National Guard and later Vice Commander, Georgia Air National Guard.
Brig. Gen. Westgate is a Command Pilot with more than 8,000 flying hours. His awards and decorations include: Legion of Merit (LOM), Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters; the Air Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster, and the Air Force Achievement Medal with one oak leaf cluster. He also earned the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with eight oak leaf clusters, Combat Readiness Medal with seven oak leaf clusters, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, and Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon with four oak leaf clusters among others.
He is a member of the Savannah Kiwanis Club and a member of the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce Military/ Civilian Relations Council. He is a graduate of Leadership Savannah and Leadership Georgia programs.
Brig. Gen. Westgate and his wife reside in Savannah and the couple has three children.
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TAG, Chambliss, Isakson, Linder Visit 117th in Iraq
Georgia's 117th Air Control Squadron currently serving in Iraq recently received a visit from the Maj Gen David Poythress and Georgia's Senators Saxby Chambliss and Johnny Isakson as well as Congressman John Linder in April. The distinguished visitors observed Georgia air controllers as they controlled the entire airspace over Iraq. The 117th and the 141st Air Control Squadrons of Puerto Rico are the first Air National Guard units to have sole responsibility for the control of Iraqi airspace.
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Major Gen. Terry Nesbitt (right) receives congratulations for his appointment as homeland security director from Burke Day, chairman of the House Public Safety Committee. With them is Carl Smith (left) at-large director of Georgia Mutual Aid Group and Charlay English, newly appointed Georgia Emergency Management director. (Georgia National Guard photo by Pfc. Amanda Luksic)
Perdue Taps Maj. Gen. Nesbitt As Homeland Security Chief
Major General William T. Nesbitt, commander of the Georgia Army National Guard, has been appointed by Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue as the state's director of homeland security. The Governor announced the appointment this week in Savannah. Nesbitt will report directly to Governor Perdue and will oversee all homeland security issues in the state of Georgia. "General Terry Nesbitt is a leader who will take Georgia's homeland security office to the next level," said Perdue. "He brings the most relevant experience possible to the table the ability to lead multiple civilian, military and law enforcement organizations at a time of heightened alert." On his appointment, the two-star general said he was honored by it and "I am excited about the opportunity to serve, and I fully understand the challenges with which I'll be faced." "We have a great group of emergency management and law enforcement professionals, and I look forward to working with them." "General Nesbitt brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this position which will be invaluable to the people of Georgia," said Major General David Poythress, Georgia's Adjutant General, who announced that Nesbitt will continue as commander of the Georgia Army National Guard in his M-day role. The Adjutant General also said there will be no other personnel moves within the Georgia Guard as the result of Nesbitt's assignment to the position of Homeland Security Director. General Nesbitt, 59, is the commanding general of the Georgia Army National Guard. In 2004, he commanded Joint Task Force G8. This task force of more than 7,000 personnel from all services conducted military support operations for the Group of Eight Summit at Sea Island, Georgia in June 2004. General Nesbitt was the first National Guard officer selected to command a task force comprised of both active duty and National Guard personnel. General Nesbitt's military career began in February 1966 when he was drafted into the United States Army. He completed basic training at Fort Benning, Georgia, and Infantry Advanced Individual Training at Fort Ord, California. He was commissioned a second lieutenant of infantry in January 1967 after completion of Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning. Following completion of the US Army Special Forces Officer's Course at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, he was assigned to the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) in the Republic of Vietnam. General Nesbitt entered the Georgia Army National Guard in June 1973. Nesbitt is a graduate of the Command and General Staff College, New York State University and the U.S. Army War

College.

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Seated (L-R): MG David Poythress, TAG-GA, (Agency Head) Mr. Eugene Hardy, State Chairman, GA Association of Civilian Technicians (ACT), (Labor Assistant Chief Negotiator) Standing (L-R): Lt Col Jay Peno (Management Assistant Chief Negotiator) Mr. Anthony Burks (Labor Negotiator) Mr. Mark McCray (Labor Negotiator) WOC Larry Dawson, HRO EDS (Management Negotiator) MAJ Perry Carter (Management Negotiator) Mr. Mark McKinney (Labor Negotiator) Mr. Ed Chamberlain (DOWD - non-negotiator) Mr. Ed Wexler (HRO - non-negotiator) MAJ Jim Schroeder (TAG Exec - non-negotiator) Mr. Everett Martin (Sr. HR Advisor, Life-Span Services, non-negotiator) LTC Steve Joyce (Incoming HRO - non-negotiator) Negotiators Absent: For Management: Col Richard Poppell (management chief negotiator); LTC(R) Charles Moulton (management negotiator) For Labor: Mr. Terry Garnett (labor chief negotiator); Mr. Phil McNeill (labor negotiator)
Georgia Labor Agreement Concluded In Record Time
Georgia DOD and labor officials gathered at Confederate Avenue recently for the signing of the Georgia DOD Labor-Management agreement. The new contract between the Georgia DOD and the Georgia Association of Civilian Technicians was marked with a number of "firsts" for the GA DOD Labor agreement including interest based bargaining, record negotiating time and outstanding cooperation for merit promotion and placement. "The agreement was completed only 3 days," said Lt Col Jay Peno, Deputy HRO and Assistant Chief Negotiator, "a record for these types of negotiations. Signing the agreement for the Agency was MG David Poythress, Col Ed Wexler, HRO; Lt Col Steve Joyce , Incoming HRO; Major Perry Carter and WOC Larry Dawson, Negotiators. Signing the agreement for ACT was Eugene Hardy, Assistant Chief Negotiator and Messrs Mark McKinney, Anthony Burkes, and Mark McCray. Approximately 1,050 GA DOD employees are currently covered by the agreement. While the contract is now considered "executed" by the Agency and ratified by the ACT and will be submitted to the Defense Civilian Personnel Management Service for the 3-day review period. The twenty three article agreement was re-negotiated in record time without a single submission to the Federal Service Impasse Panel. The speed of the negotiation indicates the very positive labor management relationship and climate in Georgia.
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Spc. Anthony Williams, an Albany, Georgia native and a medic with HHC 2/121 Infantry Battalion, receives a heartfelt welcome home from his daughter Alexis and his aunt, Alta Harp, also from Albany, following the Soldier's return home along with fellow members of the Georgia Army National Guard's 48th Brigade Combat Team's during welcome home ceremonies Wednesday, April 19, 2006 at Fort Stewart, Georgia after a year long United States deployment in Iraq. (Photo by Spc. Curtis Porter III)
48th Begins Return
Ft. Stewart, GA, April 19 -- April 20, 2006 - The first of more than 4,000 members of the Georgia National Guard's 48th Infantry Brigade returned home Wednesday after a year of combat operations in Iraq. Wednesday's arrival marked the first of nearly a dozen flights over the next four weeks bringing the Soldiers back to Georgia.
Some 300 members of Georgia's 1st Battalion, 121st Infantry were greeted by Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue as they stepped off the plane at Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah. Less than three hours later they were welcomed home with open arms and resounding cheers of "thank God you're all home safe," by families, friends and officials at nearby Fort Stewart.
Tears and smiles covered the faces of those anxious family members and friends as their Soldiers marched proudly across the parade field to the awaiting crowd.
"We are just glad he is home," said Wanda Watkins, of Atlanta, who's son, Spc. Alfred Watkins of Company C just returned home. "We were nervous when he first went over."

Governor Sonny Perdue and First Lady Mary Perdue are the first to greet Soldiers of the Georgia National Guard's 48th Infantry Brigade as they return home from Iraq on Wednesday. The Soldiers flew into Hunter Army Airfield after a 20-plus hour flight from Kuwait. Georgia National Guard Photo by Jim Driscoll
After meeting the Soldiers at the airplane, the Governor "I can think of no job more important than the one that these men and women embraced," said Perdue. "These soldiers are our family members, neighbors, friends and coworkers and they put their lives on hold to defend our nation in the global war on terrorism." In addressing the troops, Perdue delivered what he called "the shortest political speech in history" to welcome home the Soldiers.
Cowser family members from left to right, Cassidy, Megan, and Brittany wait with anticipation Wednesday April 19, 2006 at Fort Stewart, Georgia's Cottrell Field prior to the return of their father Sgt. 1st Class Clint Cowser of Gainesville and a Soldier with the Georgia Army National Guard's 48th Brigade Combat Team's Company C 1/121 Infantry at the end of the family's year-long separation. (Photo by Spc. Curtis Porter III)

Family members of Sgt. James Roger Cameron with 1st Battalion, 121st Infantry welcome him and other members of the 121st home from Iraq at Fort Stewart near Savannah April 19, 2006. (Georgia National Guard photo by Pfc. Amanda Luksic)
Kim Thompson of Acworth, wife of Sgt. Shawn Thompson a soldier with Charlie Company 1/121 Infantry hugs her husband with joy following a brief welcome home ceremony Wednesday April 19, 2006 at Fort Stewart, Georgia's Cottrell Field for his unit and other members of the Georgia Army National Guard's 48th Brigade Combat Team after a year long deployment to Iraq. (Photo by Spc. Curtis Porter III)
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Specialist Elija Carroll (left) greets one of his fellow scouts, Saturday, April 29, 2006, during an early morning welcome home ceremony for Griffin's Troop E, 108th Cavalry at Fort Stewart near Savannah. Carroll returned home early in the unit's deployment to Iraq because of wounds received when the Humvee he was driving was hit by an improvised explosive device or IED. (Georgia National Guard photo by Pfc. Amanda Luksic)
For Wounded GI, Welcome Home Ceremony 'A Bit Funny'
Georgia National Guard Public Affairs Office
FORT STEWART Saturday, April 29, 2006 Georgia Army National Guard Spec. Elijah Carroll felt a bit funny sitting among the families and friends of his fellow Soldiers instead of returning with them, he said, from Iraq.
"I mean, here I am wearing civilian clothes and watching from the side lines as they stand before us looking proud and standing tall," the scout from Griffin's Troop E, 108th Cavalry, said. "Being on this bench isn't where I want to be.
"I want to be out there, with them," he said with a somewhat solemn look on his face. His facial expression changed, however, the minute the coordinator in charge of Troop E's welcome home ceremony at Fort Stewart's Cottrell Parade Field gave the crowd of more than 100 families and friends the go ahead to greet the return unit.
Carroll was in the grandstands on that dark, chilly morning of April 29, 2006, because of wounds he received early in the 108th's yearlong deployment to Iraq. As part of Georgia's 48th Brigade Combat Team, the unit was working out of Forward Operating Base St. Michael near the city of Mahmud about 25 kilometers south of Baghdad.
During an Oct. 20, 2005, patrol of the city, the Hume Carroll was driving was hit by an improvised explosive device or IED. He received wounds to his left leg and the left side of his face. His gunner lost his left eye in the attack.
Today, his facial injuries are healing and he walks with a cane as he continues his recovery. But nothing, absolutely nothing would keep him from being here and welcoming his comrades home.
"It wouldn't have mattered if I'd had to crawl," the proud, defiant young cavalry scout said, while watching his unit form up behind the barrier of trees that line the back of Cottrell Parade Field.
"We've kept in contact since I left, but it's not the same as being there.
"These guys are, and always will be `family,'" he said. "I've missed them, and it's great to see them again."
Carroll isn't the only wounded member of 108th Cave to welcome the unit back. Also there was Spec. Charles Mays, one of Troop E's master gunners.
Also wounded by an insurgent attack early in the troop's deployment, Mays, who gets around by wheelchair was as happy as

anyone to see his fellow scouts. His happiness changed to humbleness when they honored him with the traditional cavalry Stetson and spurs, usually earned by Cave Soldiers in a test of their skills as a scout.
One Soldier said Mays had earned his the hard way, in combat.
"All I did was my job, what I'd been trained to do," Mays said as a fellow scout placed the dark blue Stetson on his head, while another attached the spurs to his heels. "I'm really honored at this, and having these guys back just makes it an even greater honor for me."
Mays, it seems, echoes the sentiments of those who heralded Troop E's return. Families, friends and fellow Soldiers, those who deployed and those who stayed behind, said they were honored to know, and have home some of the best Soldiers anywhere.
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Georgia Army National Guard Spc. Nicholas Curl hugs his girlfriend Jennifer Hall and mother Lori Curl during a welcome home ceremony for members of Georgia's 48th Brigade Combat Team at Fort Stewart near savannah. Also welcoming Curl home is Hall's daughters Megan and Laura Hall and his nephew Colleen Curl. (Georgia National Guard photo by Pfc. Amanda Luksic)
A Journey To Remember
Story and photos by Pfc. Amanda Luksic Georgia National Guard Public Affairs Office
FORT STEWART, Friday, April 27, 2006 For many Soldiers within the ranks of Georgia's 48th Brigade Combat Team, the experience of being deployed, whether for humanitarian, peacekeeping or even war isn't a new concept.
Most have, as the clich goes, have "been there, done that and got the patch for it."
For Spc. Nicholas Curl, a Warner Robins resident, the brigade's yearlong deployment to war-torn Iraq, is his first, of any kind, any where.
Curl, a machinist with Kennesaw's 277th Maintenance Company, is one of 10 Georgians who came home with Illinois'

Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry. The 130th is one of several out-of-state units to serve with the 48th BCT in Iraq.
"It's not like I didn't expect it, at some point, I just didn't expect it to happen as soon as it did, with me coming to my unit straight from Advanced Individual Training," said the Warner Robins resident.
Having grown up in a military family, his father was a career Marine, and living in a country fighting the Global War on Terrorism, a war-time deployment was something he was prepared for, he said. And so was his family, according to his mother Lori Curl.
"We didn't want him to go, but we realized it would eventually happen," she explained. "No one wants their son, or anyone else to live in harm's way, yet we know that it goes with his being a Soldier and we, as his family, accepted that and supported him."
The whole family is excited to have Curl back especially his nephew Colleen, said Lori Curl of her son. "Uncle Nick is his hero," she said. "Colleen really looks up to him, and is proud of him as we all are."
The Curl family isn't the only one glad that he's back.
His girlfriend Jennifer Hall and her daughters, Megan and Laura, were more than excited to see him, to hold him once again. Jennifer said she hadn't eaten for two days because the thought of him finally being home thrilled her so.
Hall and Curl began dating while he was home Iraq for two weeks leave in March. While there wasn't much time for them to really get to know one another, Hall said, she knew there had been, and would be a change in him.
"Then, as now, he's more self confident, much more patriotic," said Jennifer. "He has a greater sense of duty, and puts a lot into who he is and what he does."
Now that he's home, Curl will spend two weeks at the National Guard Training Center making the transition from Soldier to civilian and back to National Guard status. Once that's finished he'll head back to Warner Robins and begin making up for lost time with his family, and with Hall and her daughters. As for what he may do beyond that, he has yet to decide, he said.
"Things are kind of up in the air right now," Curl explained. "Having just graduated from AIT before we left, I didn't have a job, so I know I'll be looking for one at some point.
"I may even head to school and look for something that will prepare me for the future as a person and as a Soldier," he said.
Right now, though, it's time to let it all go and be with the ones he's missed so much, at least for the time being, he said.
The last time Georgia's 48th Brigade Combat Team deployed was 2001 when an estimated 2,000 of its Soldiers took part in the NATO peacekeeping mission in Bosnia.
The yearlong deployment to Iraq sent approximately 4,000 Soldiers which was the largest combat unit of the Georgia National Guard to deploy since World War II.
Among the brigade's accomplishments while in Iraq was the largest air mobile operation by any Army National Guard unit in history and the largest since major combat operations ceased. Soldiers of the 48th BCT were also the first to be issued and wear the new Army Combat Uniform and received their first Combat Action Awards since WWII during their deployment to Iraq.
The 48th BCT also created fiber optic networks extending from Camp Sather Air Force Base to Camp Stryker and laid more than 66,653 feet of fiber optic cable to connect the two camps.
Before deployment, the 48th Brigade spent four months training at Fort Stewart, including a month at the Army's National Training Center, Fort Irwin, Calif., where its war-time skills were validated by active Army evaluators.
The 48th started its journey home April 18, and will continue to arrive at Fort Stewart until the end of May.
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48th Continues Redeployment -- HOME!
"He's my hero," said Virginia Welch, of Eatonton, as she hugged her son Sgt. Darrell Welch, a supply sergeant with Company A, 148th CS Battalion.
148, 118th, HQ 48th Continue Return
Georgia National Guard Public Affairs Office FORT STEWART, Thursday, May 4, 2006 On what has been the hottest day in South Georgia at 91 degrees in the past couple of weeks, more than 300 members of the 48th Brigade Combat Team marched out onto Cottrell Parade Field, oblivious to the heat and with only one thing on their collective minds..."We're home at last." Lead by 1st Sgt. Donald Connolly of Maryland's Company B, 1st Battalion, 115th Infantry, Soldiers of Atlanta's 248th Military Intelligence Company; Macon's Headquarters Company, 48th BCT; Forsyth's Headquarters Company, 148th Forward Support Battalion; the 148th's companies A, B and C in Dublin, Hinesville and Macon; and of course, the 115th Infantry, came together in a massive formation that seemed to fill the parade field. "It's been great serving with these guys," Connolly said later. "I shall miss them." As they came through the trees, it was all that families and friends could do to keep from running to the Soldiers before the ceremony had been officially ended. When it did end, there was no holding the crowd back. All across the field wives and girlfriends, mothers and children were leaping into the arms of their Soldiers. There were no calls, as has been at past ceremonies for Soldiers to make their way to the podium because a loved one could not find them. It seemed as if everyone knew where everyone else was. "I'm so excited at having him home that I can hardly breath," said Kristin a Michaud of McDonough, wiping a tear from her eye as her husband, Sgt. Dan Michaud hugged their 6-year-old daughter Kristina for the first time in a year. "I swear, I feel like I'm gonna explode." With his daughter clinging tightly to his neck, Dan Michaud, a ground surveillance systems operator with the 248th MI, declared his excitement at being back. "I'm ecstatic to see them again...it's so good to have them in my arms again," he said. Kristina could only smile and hug her father even harder when asked if she was happy to see him.

Across the parade field from the Michauds, nearly hidden by large, colorful helium balloons, Pfc. Harry L. Campbell III of Newnez stood holding hands with his wife Yolanda and their son Kenneth, age 9. Campbell, a postal clerk with Savannah's Headquarters Battery, 118th Field Artillery, said he couldn't be happier to be home again with his family. "I've missed them so much," he said smiling while holding his wife and son. "Who can ever describe how they feel at a moment like this," Yolanda said hugging Campbell as hard as she could. "It's too good to be true, yet it's so wonderful to have him back in my arms." Smiling up at his mom and dad, Kenneth didn't say a thing. The look on his face said it all.
From the left Kenneth Campbell, his mom Yolanda and his dad Pfc. Harry Campbell III, reunite under a barrage of colored balloons and American flags during a welcome home ceremony at Fort Stewart near Savannah, Thursday, May 4, 2006. Kenneth's dad is a postal clerk for Savannah's Headquarters Battery, 118th Field Artillery. (Georgia National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Roy Henry)
Welcome Home Daddy: Sergeant Dan Michaud, a ground surveillance systems operator with Atlanta's 248th Military Intelligence Company, hugs his daughter Kristina, 6, during a welcome home ceremony for elements of Georgia's 48th Brigade Combat Team at Fort Stewart near Savannah, Thursday, May 4, 2006. (Georgia National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Roy Henry)

Families Rush to meet returning troops at Fort Stewart.
Bail Family: From the left sisters Jessica and Michelle Bail, and mom and dad Barbara and Tom Watson, all of Jasper, wave wildly at the approach of Soldiers of Georgia's 48th Brigade Combat Team during a welcome home ceremony at Fort Stewart near Savannah, Thursday, May 4, 2006. The Bails and their parents came to greet Staff Sgt. Michael Bail, a medic with Macon's Headquarters Company, 48th BCT. (Georgia National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Roy Henry)

Dorris McCorkle waits anxiously for her grandson Sgt. Baron Durden, a feild artillary spcecialist with the 118th Field Artillary, to march across the field during a welcome home ceremony at Cottrell Field at Fort Stewart near savannah, May 4, 2006. (Georgia Army Guard Photo by Pfc. Amanda Luksic)

Wendy Brown, wife of Spc. Sean Brown, and Pam Wheeler, wife of Spc. Micheal Wheeler, hang welcome home banners in the barricks where the husband will be staying. (Georgia Army Guard Photo by Pfc. Amanda Luksic)
Neal Family: Deann and Cody Neal of Savannah wave from the grandstands of Cottrell Parade Field in hopes that Sgt. 1st Class Roger Neal, husband and father, will see them during a ceremony at Fort Stewart near Savannah, Thursday, May 4, 2006. Neal, a platoon sergeant, is with Savannah's Headquarters Battery, 118th Field Artillery. (Georgia National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Roy Henry)

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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)
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"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.

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"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

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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
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While members of Company C, 1st Battalion, 121st Infantry look on, Sgt. Nicholas Jelks accepts his humanitarian award from Governor Sonny Perdue
Company C, 121st INF Troops Honored With Humanitarian Award for Noor Role
In December 2005, members of Company C, 1st Battalion, 121st Infantry made national headlines when they rescued Baby Noor, a tiny Iraqi infant suffering from Spina Bifida. In April 2006, the Gainesville-based unit was honored at the State Capitol by the Georgia Commission on the Holocaust with its annual humanitarian award. Eight members of the unit singled out by the Commission, were there to accept the award. Governor Sonny Perdue was presented the award. A host of other state and federal leaders, including Senator Saxby Chambliss, whose efforts helped get Noor to the U.S. for lifesaving treatment, crowed the Capitol rotunda to view the ceremony. "It was not their military mission," said Sylvia Wygoda, commission chairman emeritus when presenting the awards. "It was their mission as human beings." The Governor presented the unit with a plaque which will hang in the Gainesville Armory. The eight soldiers in attendance the capitol were Capt. Anthony Fournier, First Lieutenants Billy Chau, Jeff Moran, and Jeff Morgan, 1st Sgt. Bobby Mayfield, Sgt. 1st Class Michael Sonen, Staff Sgt. Archer Ford and Sgt. Nicholas Jelks. These 48th BCT members were part of the initial group which found the baby while on a raid in Noor's area. Past recipients of the annual humanitarian award have ranged from form Senator Zell Miller to Author Pat Conroy.
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Col. Wexler (l) wife Mary and Col. (ret.) Ed. Chamberlain
HRO Chief Wexler Retires
Following three years of service as the Human Resources Officer for the Georgia National Guard, and more than 30 years of Air Force service, Col. Ed Wexler is retiring. Col. Wexler is a native of Savannah. He attended public schools, graduating from Savannah High School. He graduated from the Citadel in 1968 with a degree in Political Science. He was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the US Air Force, serving on active duty as a Munitions Maintenance Officer with assignments to Colorado and a three-year tour in Taiwan, Republic of China. While in Taiwan he was officer-in-charge of a major air munitions maintenance, inspection and storage facility. Col Wexler left active duty in 1972 and was employed by the Georgia Department of Labor. In 1974 he joined the 165th Airlift Wing as the Air Intelligence Officer. He has been employed as a full-time air technician since 1975. In 1978 he was promoted and reassigned as a Squadron Maintenance Officer and Maintenance Control Officer in the C130E/H aircraft. In 1987 he was again promoted and assigned as Commander, 165th Mission Support Squadron. He served as commander of the 165th Maintenance Squadron beginning Oct 1992. In Jan 1996, he was reassigned to the position of Logistics Group Commander. In June 2000 he became the Wing Vice Commander. He became the Human Resources Officer for Georgia in Nov 2003.Col Wexler has deployed around the world in support of Air Force missions to such locations as Korea, Egypt, Rwanda, Panama, Saudi Arabia, Curacao, Italy, England, Germany and Bosnia. He served for two years as chair of the ANG C-130 Logistics Council, representing over twenty-two C-130 wings on the national level. At state level, he commanded Air National Guard personnel deployed to Southwest Georgia during the devastating floods of 1994. He was also a venue officer for the sailing events during the Centennial Olympic Games in Savannah in 1996. In 1997 he received an Air National Guard Team Excellence Award as wing team chief in the Chief of Staff of the Air Force Team Excellence Competition. He is a life member of the Mighty Eighth Air Force Heritage Museum, and serves as a member of the Board of Trustees. He currently serves as president of the Georgia National Guard Family Support Foundation and Vice President of the National Guard Association of Georgia. Col Wexler is a graduate of the Squadron Officer School, Air Command and Staff College, and the Air War College (by correspondence). His decorations include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters; Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster, the Army Commendation Medal, the Air Force Achievement Medal with one oak leaf cluster, and the Georgia Distinctive Service Medal. Col Wexler is married to Lt Col Mary W. Wexler, (ANG Nurse Corps retired). They have three children, Susan, Sara, and Sharon Ashley and two grandchildren.

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23 Earn Public Employee Recognition Award
May 4, 2006 -- Some 23 employees of the Georgia Department of Defense have been named as 2006 Public Employee Recognition Award winners. The awards were presented in a ceremony at the World Congress Center May 3.
The Awards come as part of the State's Public Employee Recognition Week which runs this year from May 1 to May 7.
The Public Employee Recognition Award honors the achievement and dedication of government employees. Individual or team nominations can be made. Each award covers service during the preceding calendar year in any of seven categories.
This year's winners in Customer Service which, according to the category criterion, is "going the extra mile" to provide service to internal and /or external customers, are: Customer Service Individual Award -- Julie Hu, Family Readiness Customer Service Team Award -- CRTC Housekeeping Teresa Moore, Daisy Patterson, Gloria Rogers, Deborah Hall, Anna Thompson, Denise Cox , Flossie White, Vickie Johnson, Melissa Conner
In the Community Service category in which nominees must have been volunteers or if paid, used personal time, to assist in improving the quality of life for members of a community, the winner is: Individual Award -- Bonita Smith, YCA Ft. Stewart
To earn a nomination for a Humanitarian Award, an individual or team must demonstrate significant humane concern characterized by "tenderness, compassion and sympathy of people or animals, especially the suffering of distressed. The winners in this category are: Individual Award -- Susan Morgan, YCA Ft. Stewart Humanitarian Team Award -- 165th AW Fire & Emergency Svcs Greg Delahunty, Richard McCloy, Charles Cheely, Leland Hayes, Jay Yarbrough, Anthony Voigt
Nominees in the Innovations/Suggestions category submitted a suggestion that significantly improved procedures. The winner in this category is: Individual Award -- Jane Hellon, YCA Ft. Stewart
The Leadership Category honors the person or team that exemplifies and promotes outstanding leadership qualities and behaviors-i.e., "Blazing a trail of others to follow." The winners in this category are: Individual Award -- Tuionuu Toafa, 116th Security Leadership Team Award -- Michael Alvarez - George Leonty, YCA Ft. Stewart
Honorable Mentions -- Sylvester Moore, (employee at YCA Augusta, but nominated by YCA Ft.Stewart), YCA Ft. Stewart; and, Carl Davis, YCA Ft. Stewart
In a letter to public employees, Governor Sonny Perdue noted that "the significant work you do often goes unrecognized by those whom you serve and the general public." The Governor also wrote that "You [public employees] strive to make the citizens of Georgia and their needs the most important issues of your workday."
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Army-Air Group Saves F86L
A F-86L fighter aircraft once flown by the 116th Fighter Interceptor Wing, Georgia Air National Guard is now at Robins AFB for restoration. Air National Guard Col. Ed Wexler, Georgia National Guard Human Resources Officer, volunteered to lead the recovery portion of the project in late April. He was joined in the effort by members of the Army National Guard's 277th Maintenance Co., and the Air National Guard's 165th Maintenance Group, 116th Maintenance Group and the 202nd Engineering Installation Squadron The nearly three days the group took to disassemble the aircraft -- which had been displayed for nearly 30 years in a grassy field in Calhoun, Ga -- was, said Wexler, not an easy task The F-86, along with various other aircraft was part of the World Aircraft Museum which not been functional for several years. The "Saber Jet." was first flown by the Wing in the late 1950's and into the 1960's. Deterioration was, the Colonel said, due to "corrosion of virtually every bolt and fastener the team had to remove" Once the aircraft reached Robins, Wexler continued, the 116th maintenance group would handle the restoration phase,. Team members provided the expertise and equipment to disassemble and move the F-86L "Saber Jet" as well as a TM-76 Mace missile, a 44-foot surface-to-surface missile capable of carrying 1.1 megaton warhead. The missile will be restored and on display in Savannah.. After restoration the "Saber Jet" will become the property of the Historical Society of the Georgia National Guard and will be displayed at Joint Forces State Headquarters at Dobbins ARB.
Mace Missile being hoisted

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Michael Chertoff and MG William T. Nesbitt
Homeland Security Chief Chertoff Visits Georgia Guard
Michael Chertoff. Secretary of Homeland Security visited with Georgia National Guardsmen in Thomasville, GA on Tuesday when the secretary witnessed the extensive capabilities of the National Guard in its ever increasing homeland security role. Maj Gen Terry Nesbitt accompanied Secretary Chertoff on a tour of federal, state and local emergency response providers gathered at the FEMA regional headquarters. Georgia 4th CST provided it's unified command suite and communications vans and a Georgia RAID helicopter and crew were participants in the half day demonstration. Along with MG Nesbitt, Lt.Col. Bill Day, Director of Information Management and Capt Jeffery Daigle, Communications Officer with the 4th CST briefed Secretary Chertoff on the sophisticated capabilities of the Georgia resources on display. In concluding remarks to the media assembled at the Regional Center, Chertoff said he is "very confident" that federal and state resources are now ready for the upcoming hurricane season.
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Berg Earns MacArthur Leadership Award
A Georgia Army Guardsman from Cartersville has been awarded the prestigious General Douglas MacArthur Leadership Award for 2006. Chief Warrant Officer 2 Douglas M. Berg, a seven year veteran of the Georgia Army National Guard and a Black Hawk helicopter pilot assigned to Company C, 171st Aviation Regiment at Dobbins ARB, is one of twenty-seven national recipients of the annual award. The distinctive national award is presented annually to members of the Active Army, Army Reserves and Army National Guard. The award from the General Douglas MacArthur Foundation in coordination with the US Department of the Army recognizes company grade officers in active duty, reserve and the National Guard who have demonstrated outstanding leadership traits and abilities in the ideals of duty, honor and country that General MacArthur epitomized. Berg joined the Army upon graduation from Lovejoy High School in Clayton County. He served six years of active duty as a MH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crew chief and was deployed on numerous special operations missions worldwide. He returned to Georgia in 1999 to attend Georgia State University and joined the 1/171 Aviation Regiment of the Georgia Army National Guard. He later attended Warrant Officer School and flight school graduating in March 2004. He was deployed to Kuwait for Operation Iraqi Freedom where he flew more than 500 hours over Kuwait and Iraq. WO Berg flew numerous high risk missions in Iraq where he was subject to a daily threat of small arms, surface to air missiles and mobile anti-aircraft weapons. Berg participated in the transportation of thousands of pounds of vital equipment and hundreds of soldiers into and out of Iraq. In doing so he flew more than 45 combat missions into Iraq logging over 172 flying hours. He also flew over 285 hours in Kuwait supporting the Coalition Forces Land Component Command. Returning after his tour in Middle East, Berg attended Georgia State University. He served as chairman of the Georgia State University College Republicans and interned with the Georgia House of Representatives Way and Means Committee during the 2001 legislative session. He was later hired in the office of the Clerk of the Georgia House of Representative and later in the office of the Speaker of the House. Berg graduated from GSU with a BA in Political Science in June 2002. Berg was hired as the full time Aviation Regiment's Training officer and Maintenance officer with

Company C, 1/171st Aviation Regiment. He deployed for three weeks to Louisiana following Hurricane Katrina and participated in the rescue of thousands of people in New Orleans. Currently, CW2 Berg is part of a humanitarian mission, New Horizons, taking place in the Dominican Republic. Berg will be presented the General Douglas MacArthur Leadership Award later in May at formal military ceremonies to be held at the Pentagon. Berg is the son of Linda Berg who lives in Cartersville.
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Oglethorpe Site Visit Tests DOD Quality Process
The Georgia Army National Guard took another step forward in its quality improvement process when it hosted the Oglethorpe Award Site Visit Team in April. Earlier this year, the Army Guard applied for the Oglethorpe Award, which uses the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Improvement Program criteria to evaluate high performing businesses and organizations. "As a result of our application the evaluation team decided that we had a pretty decent story to tell and they wanted to come out and do an onsite assessment of what our business processes are, how well they are deployed, and do we actually use them in the Army National Guard," explained Maj. Larry Deaton, of Organizational Development. "They asked us some very pointed questions and have already identified some opportunities for improvement for us." The announcement of whether the Guard will earn the award will come later this summer. The Georgia Department of Defense was the first state agency to earn the Oglethorpe when it won the prestigious award in 2002.
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