First Friday briefing [Aug. 4, 2006]

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First Friday Briefing for August 2006

Deployment Update

Vice President Lauds 48th Brigade
Vice President Richard B. Cheney paid special tribute to the 48th Brigade Combat Team of the Georgia National Guard during a rally at Fort Stewart, in June. Cheney lauded the 48th and the 3rd Infantry Division, both of which recently returned from deployments in Iraq. The 48th BCT of the Georgia National Guard, said the Vice President, did it all -- "from helping to stand-up the new Iraqi government, to cordon-and-search operations, to combat patrol and checkpoint security, to the capture and detention of suspected terrorists." Full Story

Adjutant General Gets
More 'Star' Power
David B. Poythress, Georgia's Adjutant General, received a promotion to Lieutenant General in July as Gov. Sonny Perdue swapped the TAG's two-star shoulder board to three stars. The promotion came in a surprise announcement during the National Guard Association of Georgia's annual meeting. Poythress becomes the first Adjutant General in Georgia's 273-year history to wear three stars. Perdue noted during the ceremony that the Guard, under Poythress' leadership, has "taken on some historic challenges and our men and women have performed admirably." Full Story

185th Aviation Regiment
Takes Off for Kosovo
Less than a year after its organization, Georgia's newest helicopter unit is on its way on its first deployment. The mission is to support the NATO Kosovo Force (KFOR) in southern Serbia of the former Yugoslavia. The detachment's flight crews and maintenance personnel are being deployed under the direction of 1st Lt. Austin Allen, a pilot and platoon leader. He will take the unit and its five new UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters to Kosovo for up to a year as part of Task Force Eagle. Full Story

Savannah Airlifters
Capture Ninth AFOUA
The Georgia Air National Guard's 165th Airlift Wing has been awarded its ninth Air Force Outstanding Unit Award. The award recognizes the 165th's accomplishments over a two year period in support of the Global War on Terror when the 165th Airlift Wing deployed more than 390 Guard members through ten rotations to more than 16 different locations worldwide. The unit has operated from airports in Afghanistan and the Horn of Africa to the front lines of Iraq, in support of operations Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom. The 165th Airlift Wing was the first airlift unit to conduct operations from

Army Guard Families Strengthened
Through 'Strong Bonds' Retreats
Georgia Army Guard members across the state are strengthening their relationships through a series of retreats called "Strong Bonds." The three-day retreats are sponsored by the Georgia National Guard Chaplaincy Program and are designed to "help soldiers develop the life skills needed to build strong relationships," said Col. John Owings, state chaplain. The retreats enable Soldiers, and those who are significant in their lives, work on problemsolving and relationship skills. Each portion of the Strong Bonds program is voluntary and free to Guardsmen and their spouses. Two retreats were held in Atlanta in July

124th MPAD Continues High Profile Mission in Baghdad Assigned to the Coalition Press Information Center in the International Green Zone in Baghdad, the Georgia Guard's 124th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment continues it's deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pictured above, 124th Commander Maj. Chris Dockery spends time with Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld during the Secretary's recent visit to Iraq.

the most forward operating base in Iraq, and one of the first C-130 units to fly into Baghdad International Airport, Iraq, supporting Army and Marine Forces on the front lines. Full Story

with two more are scheduled for August in Savannah. Full Story

A look at what happened in August in Georgia National Guard history:...

1898: The 3rd Georgia Volunteer Infantry, newly formed under the command of Col. John Candler, was mustered into federal service at Camp Northern in Macon for duty in the Spanish-American War. Three months later the unit left for duty in Cuba.

116th Crew Earns
AFA 'Battle Crew' Award
A 116th Air Control Wing Joint STARS crew recently received the Airborne Battle Management Crew of the Year Award for 2006. The Air Force Association announced the winners in late July. The award recognizes the members of "Crew 2" for sustained aerial support in the E-8C while flying in Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2005. The 24-members of the crew are scheduled to receive the award in September during ceremonies in Washington, D.C. As the "premier" air battle management entity in theater for OIF, Crew 2 provided a much-needed communication link and threat warning to more than 500 convoy movements. Full Story

Coastal MOA Now Operational
For Townsend Range
A high-speed flyover by F-16s carrying Lt. Gen. David Poythress (pictured above) and Maj. Gen. Scott Hammond was a fitting culmination of a long process to make the skies over the Georgia National Guard's Townsend Bombing Range near Brunswick safer and more productive for military training. The VIP flyover was followed by a low altitude, high speed pass by Marine F-18s from MCAS Beaufort. As the fighters departed the Range, a B-2 stealth bomber conducted a low altitude pass highlighting the inaugural ceremony at Georgia's Townsend Range for what is known as the Coastal MOA. Full Story

1921: The headlines in the Macon Telegraph read: "STATE MILITARY NOW IN BAD WAY, Will Have to Operate On Sum of $600 For Year, FACTIONAL FIGHT IS CAUSE." The article explained that for several years a faction in the State House had been at odds with the head of the State Military Department. The appropriation, according to the article, given to the State Military Department for 1922 and 1923 was $25,000. The Adjutant General, Brig. Gen. J. Van Holt Nash, noted in a letter to the Chief of the Militia Bureau in Washington that "because of the appropriation's amount there is uncertainty about organizing additional units allotted to the state."
1958: Governor Marvin Griffin announced that he called up Georgia National Guardsmen for Labor Day weekend duty to assist state troopers in "Operation Deathless." Griffin said use of the Guard, plus the extra publicity, would let motorists know that state roads "are not racetracks." Georgia Guardsmen were in radio equipped jeeps and spotter planes to alert local law enforcement and state troopers of driving violations.

Complied by Gail Parnelle, GaARNG Historical Section

36-Year Career Closes
For Col. McLendon
Georgia Army Guard Col. Larry McClendon brought his military career to an end, and said farewell to fellow Soldiers during a retirement and change of command ceremony at the Guard's Regional Training Institute (RTI). Mclendon retired after 36 years, serving most recently as the training institute commander and as the rear detachment commander of the 48th Brigade Combat Team while the brigade's main body served a year in Iraq. Lieutenant Col. Randal Scott Carter assumes command of RTI. Full Story

Hoffman Takes Command of 170th MPs
Georgia Army National Guard Lt. Col. Joseph Hoffman took command of the 170th Military Police Battalion from Lt. Col. Anthony Abbott during a change of command ceremony attended by more than 100 fellow Soldiers, family and friends. Upon becoming the 170th's next commander, Hoffman leaves his position as logistics officer for Macon's 48th Brigade Combat Team. He was among the more than 4,500 brigade Soldiers who spent the past year supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. As Abbott moves on, he becomes commander of Elberton's 1st Battalion, 214th Field Artillery. Full Story

Historical Society Conference To Feature Deployment Panel The 2006 Historical Society of the Georgia National Guard conference focuses this year on the good, the bad and the ugly of deployments. Slated for Nov. 4, at the Macon Conference Center at the Holiday Hotel at Riverside Drive and I-75, the forum will feature Georgia Army and Air National Guardsmen in a round-table discussion on topics ranging from public affairs, air and ground operations, to family issues. Cost of this year's conference, which includes a catered lunch, is $20. For more information contact: John Hardwick
or B. I. Diamond.

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

April 5, 2007 Time: 12:19 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 |

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48th BCT In Iraq

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Vice President Lauds 48th Brigade

By Petty Officer 3rd Class John R. Guardiano, USN American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, July 22, 2006 - Vice President Richard B. Cheney reiterated America's commitment to winning the war on terror in Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere during a rally at Fort Stewart, Georgia, yesterday.

Cheney paid special tribute to the 48th Brigade Combat Team of the Georgia National Guard and the 3rd Infantry Division both of which recently returned from deployments in Iraq.

The 48th BCT of the Georgia National Guard said the Vice President did it all -- "from helping to stand-up the new Iraqi government, to cordon-andsearch operations, to combat patrol and checkpoint security, to the capture and detention of suspected terrorists."

"You saw heavy combat and logged countless

miles in thousands of vehicles," Cheney said. "It

Vice President Dick Cheney speaks to Soldiers from the 48th Brigade and the 3rd Infantry Division at Fort Stewart, Near

was a hard deployment, (but) you did a superb job. Members of the 48th, welcome home."

Savannah, July 21, 2006. (Georgia National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Roy Henry)

Cheney also praised the Fort Stewart based 3rd Infantry emphasizing that "The 3rd ID's

performance in the field -- not just the progress you've made, but also your character as men and women -- has left a lasting

impression on people up and down the chain of command," Cheney said. "Once again, the United States is grateful to the 3rd

Infantry Division -- the Rock of the Marne -- for a job well done."

Cheney noted that the 3rd ID "has one of the most successful combat records of any division in Army history." In fact, "it was the spearhead unit into Baghdad" and thus was instrumental in the liberation of Iraq more than three years ago, when Operation Iraqi Freedom began, he said.

The 3rd ID and the 48th BCT are part of a larger Army family whose members "man the watchtowers of freedom" and undertake some of the most difficult and challenging assignments in the ongoing war on terror, Cheney said.

"It's tough," he said. "It's dangerous to fight enemies who dwell in the shadows,

who target the innocent, who plot destruction on a massive scale. And in this fight, some of the hardest duties have come to the men and women of the United States Army."

But despite the enormity of the challenge and the formidable obstacles that still lie ahead, the vice president said, America will not relent until victory is achieved.

"You can be certain of this: the president will not relent in tracking the enemies of the United States with every legitimate tool at his command," he said. "This is not a war we can win on the defensive. Our only option against these enemies is to monitor them, to find them, to fight them, and to destroy them."

Soldiers from the 48th Brigade salute during the National Anthem at Fort Stewart, Near Savannah, July 21, 2006. (Georgia National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Roy Henry)

Cheney called the war on terror a battle for the future of civilization. "It's a battle worth fighting," he said, "and it is a battle we are going to win."

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165th AW Earns 9th 'Outstanding' Award

Airlifting men, equipment and supplies into the fight is often an essential element for success on the battlefield, and few airlift wings perform this role as consistently and reliably as do the skilled airmen of Savannah's 165th Airlift Wing.

While Georgia's 165th aircraft were again deployed to Iraq in support of AEF 8 and the Global War on Terror, at home the unit received its ninth Air Force Outstanding Unit Award at military award ceremonies held in July.

Lt. Gen. David B. Poythress and Brig Gen Stephen Westgate, former Wing commander, presented the award to Col Tom Moore, 165th Commander and the men and women of the 165th Airlift Wing.

The award recognizes the

unit's accomplishments over a

two year period in support of

the Global War on Terror.

During this period, the 165th

Airlift Wing deployed more than

Lt. Gen. David B. Poythress, the Adjutant General, pins a streamer to the 165th Airlift Wing banner during the presentation of the unit's ninth Outstanding Unit Award. (Air National Guard Photo)

390 Guard members through ten rotations to more than 16 different locations worldwide, from United States airports to

Afghanistan, and from the Horn of Africa to the front lines of Iraq, in support of operations Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom,

and Iraqi Freedom. The 165th Airlift Wing was the first airlift unit to conduct operations from the most forward operating

base in Iraq, and one of the first C-130 units to fly into Baghdad International Airport, Iraq, supporting Army and Marine

Forces on the front lines.

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Governor Sonny Perdue congratulates Lt. Gen David B. Poythress on his promotion while Elizabeth Poythress, General Poythress' wife, removes her husband's two star shoulder board during the Annual National Guard Association of Georgia Conference at Lake Lanier, July 29, 2006. (Georgia National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Roy Henry)
General Poythress Gets More 'Star' Power
Lake Lanier Islands, Ga., July 29, 2006 -- Maj. Gen. David B. Poythress received a promotion to Lieutenant General, Saturday, July 29, as Gov. Sonny Perdue swapped the general's two-star shoulder board to three stars in a surprise announcement during the National Guard Association of Georgia's annual meeting at Lake Lanier Islands.
Poythress becomes the first Adjutant General in Georgia's 273-year history to wear three stars.
"It makes a lot of difference in terms of dealing with the U.S. Department of Defense...it means we've got more muscle at the table and that's a good thing for Georgia,"said Poythress.
Perdue noted during the ceremony that the Guard, under Poythress' leadership, had "taken on some historic challenges and our men and women have performed admirably. Today, it is a great honor to recognize General Poythress with his third star."
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The longest married couple and the youngest married couple light the unity candle together during a renewal of wedding vows ceremony during the final Stronger Bonds Retreat August 13, 2006, in Savannah, Ga. (Georgia National Guard photo by Spc. Amanda Luksic)
Program Aims to Strengthen Family Bonds

By Spc. Amanda Luksic Georgia National Guard Public Affairs Office

SAVANNAH, Ga. The final renewal of wedding vows were made, spouses kissed and couples left the final Georgia National Guard Stronger Bonds retreat in Savannah, Ga., August 13, 2006, with tools to help them to better communicate and strengthen their relationships.

The retreat, sponsored by the Guard's Chaplain's detachment, was aimed at helping families of Georgia's 48th Brigade as they made their transition from full-time Soldier to full-time dad and husband or mother and wife. It also focused on unmarried soldiers.

During the weekend retreat married couples learned how to communicate better as well as ways to strengthen their relationship with their spouse and children. The weekend concluded,with a ceremony to renew wedding vows. More than 160 couples took part in all four events.

Single Soldiers learned how to measure what they are looking for in a partner and according to one adviser "how not to marry a jerk."

The four Strong Bonds retreats, the first two in Atlanta and the second two in Savannah, were the first of its kind in the nation, said Col. John Owings, state chaplain. "No other state has even attempted this."

A couple shares a kiss as they renewed their wedding vows August 13, 2006 at the fourth Stronger Bonds retreat in Savannah, Ga. (Georgia National Guard photo by Spc. Amanda Luksic)

"This training is mission critical," said Lt. Gen. David B. Poythress, Georgia Adjutant General. "Keeping our service members' families strong is mission essential because if things are not right at home, the

Soldiers mind is not on the mission."
"There are three principle dynamic in a Guardsman's life," he continued. "His (or her) spouse, job and the guard and the first two have to be balanced for the third to function as it should."
Command Sgt. Maj. Neil Russell, state command sergeant major, sounded a similar note. "Families are important because when you reenlist the Soldier, you reenlist the family as well. I encourage you to take this knowledge home and share it with those who can not be here," he said.
During the opening ceremony, Command Sgt. Maj. James Nelson, 48th Brigade command sergeant major, said he never was able to thank the spouses of his soldiers and had them all stand so he could do just that.
More then 300 couples and 30 single soldiers attended the retreat in Savannah bringing the total number who attended all four retreats to more than 600 couples and 80 single Soldiers.
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Strong Bonds Retreat Aims At 'Strong' Relationships
By Spc. Amanda Luksic 124th MPAD
ATLANTA, Ga., -- "Soldiers do what they do because of the support of their families," said Command Sgt. Maj. Neil Russell, state command sergeant major, at the opening of the Strong Bonds Marriage Retreat July 8, 2006. "We appreciate what families do and we couldn't do it without them."
The three-day retreat which drew 70 couples and eight single soldiers to the Westin Peachtree Plaza in downtown Atlanta, revolved around making families stronger and helping Soldiers to make the transition from warrior to dad or husband.
"'Strong Bonds' is a Georgia National Guard Chaplaincy Program designed to "help soldiers develop the life skills needed to build strong relationships," said Col. John Owings, state chaplain. "These `Strong Bonds' will enable Soldiers and those who are significant in their lives to work on problem-solving and relationship skills." The four-part program ends in mid August. Each portion of the "Strong Bonds" program is voluntary and free to Guardsmen and their spouses.
"Whether you are married, dating or working with others," he added, "everyone needs to be heard and appreciated for their ability to address each other in a healthy and supportive manner. It's all about creating the strong bonds which will support us in our military life."
Lt. Gen. David B. Poythress, Georgia's Adjutant General, stressed the significance of the retreat, noting that "I saw scores of marriages fall apart during Vietnam.. Even 30 year marriages, all because they could not handle the stress of deployments. This is a very serious business," Poythress emphasized. "Families are fundamental to the way we live our lives."
Elizabeth Poythress, wife of General Poythress, also urged Soldiers and their families to take seriously the "preciousness of time." "You have to be open to change," she said. "Take little steps at a time and advance . . . don't linger on what you can't change. Learn and be closer to each other."
The initial weekend consisted of training to help Soldiers and their spouses learn to communicate. The approach focused

on "speaker-listener" a method in which one person speaks and the other paraphrases in order to develop communication skills as well as the ability to reach a compromise or solution. There was also a session aimed at teaching single Soldiers how to survive in a relationship. The last day of the retreat included worship services and a renewal of wedding vows ceremony for the married couples. The first retreat of this kind was held in Savannah in 2004 with approximately 150 to 200 couples in attendance.
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Families of Soldiers with Winder's Detachment 1, Company C, 185th Aviation Regiment, say their final goodbyes as two of the unit's UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters leave Winder-Barrow Airport for Fort Knox, Ky., and the first leg of their yearlong deployment to Kosovo. (Georgia National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Roy Henry)

185th Aviation Regiment 'Takes Off' for Kosovo In First Deployment

July 18, 2006, Winder, GA -- Less than a year after its organization, Georgia's newest helicopter unit "took off" on its first deployment. The mission is to support the NATO Kosovo Force (KFOR) in southern Serbia of the former Yugoslavia.

A send-off ceremony for Detachment 1, Company C, 1st Battalion, 185th Aviation Regiment, was held July 18, at the Georgia Army National Guard's Army Air Facility No. 1 at Winder's municipal airport.

Among those invited to see the detachment off were Lt. General David B. Poythress, Georgia's Adjutant General; Maj. General Terry Nesbitt, commander Georgia Army Guard and Georgia Homeland Security director; and Col. Maria Britt, Georgia Army Guard chief of staff. Winder city and Barrow County officials also have been invited to attend.

Detachment flight crews and maintenance personnel were deployed under the direction of 1st Lt. Austin Allen. He and the unit, with its five new UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters, are part of Task Force Eagle in Kosovo. They are attached to the Wisconsin Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 147th Aviation Regiment.

Detachment 1, which received its mobilization orders on July 9, and the 147th replace Michigan's 3rd Battalion, 238th Aviation Regiment, which was part of Task Force Talon and KFOR7. The mission is to provide aviation support to elements of Virginia's 29th Infantry Division, which is now in Kosovo.

Georgia Army National Guard wife Julie Reed of Smyrna is caught up in a tender moment with her husband of one and a half years Spc. Richard Reed shortly before he and other Soldiers of Winder's Detachment 1, Company C, 185th Aviation Regiment, leave for Fort Knox, Ky., and the first leg of their journey to a yearlong deployment to Kosovo in the Balkans. (Georgia National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Roy Henry)

Before heading overseas, Allen and his Soldiers will spend two and a half months at Kentucky's Fort Knox having their flight, maintenance and warfighter skills validated. From there, they travel to Hoenfels, Germany, where the detachment will participate in a "mission rehearsal exercise" before moving in November to Kosovo and Camp Bond Steel.
Georgia's Detachment 1, Company C, stood up in October 2005, and received its first UH-60 in July of that year. The other four arrived at Air Facility No. 1 earlier this month, according to Maj. Wayne Wilson, the facility manager.

The 185th Aviation Regiment is headquartered in Arkansas, Wilson said.
Four-year-old Kylie Sutherland, daughter of Georgia Army National Guard sergeant and UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crew chief Jeremiah Sutherland does all she can to keep from crying as she, her father, her 12-year-old brother Tyler (right) and their mother, Stacy (not pictured) attend the formal send off of Soldiers of Winder's Detachment 1, Company C, 185th Aviation Regiment, leave for Fort Knox, Ky., and the first leg of their journey to a yearlong deployment to Kosovo in the Balkans. (Georgia National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Roy Henry)
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116th Crew Earns AFA 'Battle Crew' Award
Warner Robins AFB, July 24, 2005 -- A Joint STARS crew recently received the Airborne Battle Management Crew of the Year Award for 2006.
The Air Force Association announced the winners in late July. The award recognizes the members of "Crew 2" for sustained aerial support in the E-8C while assigned to 379th Expeditionary Operations Group, flying in Operation Iraqi Freedom from January to May 2005. The 24-members of Crew 2 are scheduled to receive the award Sept. 25, in Washington, D.C.
As the 16th Expeditionary Airborne Command and Control Squadron, the crew flew 26 combat missions and provided command and control intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance to Combined Air Operations Center and Army and Marine ground commanders. As the "premier" air battle management entity in theater for OIF, Crew 2 provided a much-needed communication link and threat warning to more than 500 convoy movements.
Whether leading a response to the largest, most coordinated convoy attack to date in Iraq or tracking suspicious vehicles, no job was considered more important than another.
"I don't think there was just one event that contributed to the crew receiving the award," said Lt. Col. Timothy Smith, 116th ACW, mission crew commander.
The crew did whatever it took to get the job done. "Whatever the people on the ground wanted," said Col. Smith. "If that meant staying longer the answer was always yes."
The award may go to the air crew, but it is something everyone can be proud of. "The award is about how well we work together as a team," said Col. Smith. Everyone from the Air Force and Army crew in the plane to maintenance contributed to the award, he said.
This is the 4th Air Battle Crew of the Year Award for the Joint STARS wing. "JSTARS has received this award 4 out of the last 5 years," said Col. James J. Jones, 116th ACW Commander. "That is an amazing accomplishment."
"It's a real testament to everyone that we can do our job consistently well crew after crew," said Col. Smith. "To the maintainers, operators and support personnel who made this possible, thank you for your excellence," said Col. Jones.
The Following Joint STARS crew members received the award:
q Lt Col Timothy Smith, Mission Crew Commander, 16 ACCS q LT Col Edward Sheridan, Deputy Mission Crew Commander, 16 ACCS q Lt Col William Tart, Navigator, 12 ACCS q Maj David Wilson, Aircraft Commander, 16 ACCS q Maj Steve Erickson, Aircraft Commander, USJFCOM/J7 q Maj Eddie Boxx, Senior Director, ACSC

q Capt Edith Correa-Perez, Senior Director, 16 ACCS q Capt Rory Stein, Copilot, 16 ACCS q Capt William Seefeldt, Sensor Management Operator, 552 TRS q Capt Matt Henry, Airborne Intelligence Officer, 330 CTS q 1Lt Stephen Grogan, Air Weapons Officer, 330 CTS q 1Lt Joel Roberts, Air Weapons Officer, 16 ACCS q MSgt Vic DaSilva, Flight Engineer, 116 OSS q TSgt John Moran, Flight Engineer, 16 ACCS q TSgt William Stubbs, Communications Systems Technician, 16 ACCS q Staff Sgt. James Ramirez, Airborne Target Surveillance Supervisor, 330 CTS q Sgt Robert Zandrowicz, Airborne Target Surveillance Supervisor, 330 CTS q SSgt Keith Phillips, Senior Director Technician, 16 ACCS q SrA Colin Fitz-Gibbon, Airborne Mission Systems Specialist, 16 ACCS q SrA Michele Riles, Airborne Operations Technician, 16 ACCS q SrA Sarah Sanner, Airborne Operations Technician, 16 ACCS q SrA David Stelick, Communications Systems Technician, 16 ACCS q A1C Christopher Kramer, Airborne Mission Systems Specialist, 16 ACCS q A1C Richard Lawrence, Airborne Operations Technician, 16 ACCS
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36-Year Career Closes for Col McLendon
Story by Spc. Curtis Porter III 124th MPAD

MACON, Saturday, July 15, 2006 Georgia Army Guard Col. Larry McClendon brought his military career to an end, and said farewell to fellow Soldiers and during a retirement and change of command ceremony at the Guard's Regional Training Institute (RTI).

Mclendon retired after spending 36 years serving his state and his nation as a Citizen-Soldier. Prior to his command at RTI the colonel was the rear detachment commander of the 48th Brigade Combat Team while the brigade's main body served a year in Iraq.

Lieutenant Col. Randal Scott Carter assumes command of RTI now that McClendon has retired.

Looking out on the many friends and comrades who came to wish him well, Mclendon said the past few years had been more challenging and rewarding than any he'd ever had.

"And I have enjoyed every moment," he said. Col. Larry Mclendon, (right) accepts award of the Legion of Merit

from Major Gen. Terry Nesbitt, commander of the Georgia Army National Guard. (Photo by Spc Curtis Porer III)

"I have mixed emotions about today", Mclendon went on from a podium inside RTI's auditorium.

"I've been in the National Guard my entire life, and I'm proud of every soldier I've had the honor of serving with.

Monday morning will be a tough, tough day for me," he said in a low, emotional voice, "because for the first time I won't put the uniform and share the camaraderie of people who are the greatest fighting force on this earth, the Georgia Army National Guard and United States Army."

It was with soft spoken and heart-felt sentiment that many of McClendon fellow Soldiers honored and talked about working with him.

"NCOs and other enlisted Soldiers have always considered the colonel to be an approachable and `easy to talk to commander," said RTI's top enlisted Soldier, Command Sgt. Maj. Mark Bender. "His personality made it easy for anyone to talk to him about anything whether it was a professional or personal matter."

Major Gen. Terry Nesbitt, Georgia Army Guard commander, noted McClendon has served this organization extremely well. McClendon's fellow Soldiers wish him all the best in his retirement, Nesbitt said, and will always be thankful for the chance to serve alongside him.

"I know I can say for everyone us that it will be hard to imagine a Georgia Guard without Larry McClendon, but as he enters this new phase in his life we want him to know the `family' he leaves behind will never forget his support and dedication, and it will always be here for him."

Among the many accolades and awards Col. Mclendon received was the Army's Legion of Merit. He also has earned the honorary promotion to the rank of brigadier general signed by Gov. Sonny Perdue and a saber courtesy of the soldiers who work at RTI.

After the ceremony, Carolyn McClendon recounted how she and her husband changed their wedding date four times because of her husband's National Guard commitments. "He actually had drill on the day of our wedding", she said laughing.

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Coastal 'MOA' Now Operational For Townsend
A high-speed flyover by a pair of South Carolina's 169th Fighter Wing F-16s carrying Lt. Gen. David Poythress and Maj. Gen. Scott Hammond was a fitting culmination of a long process begun more than thirteen years ago to make the skies over the Georgia National Guard's Townsend Bombing Range near Brunswick, GA safer and more productive for military training. The VIP flyover was followed by a low altitude high speed pass by Marine F-18s from MCAS Beaufort. As the fighters departed the Range, the dark silhouette of a B-2 stealth bomber conducted a low altitude pass highlighting the inaugural ceremony at Georgia's Townsend Range for what is known as the Coastal MOA. The ceremony formally establishing the Coastal MOA was attended by representatives of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines, FAA, Federal, State and local officials and members of Georgia's Air National Guard brings to a close the long process of design modifications and approvals that have taken more than 13 years to complete. "The new airspace will be an aid to the military and to civilian aviation as well," says Col Floyd Harbin, Commander of the Savannah Combat Readiness Training Center. The specification for the new operating area reduces the boundaries of the restricted area while increasing the overall Operational Training airspace available. Additionally, airspace modifications have been designed to aid civilian pilots to safely transit the area using new safety and navigational aids provided by the Guard. "We will activate the Coastal MOA airspace only as required to conduct military training," explains Range Commander, Lt Col Jim O'Brien. The new regulations governing the Coastal MOA airspace will result in a reduction of airspace being restricted for large periods of time for military operations. Sophisticated communications aids have been installed that will give civilian pilots updated information from the military on current activities in the airspace. "When the airspace is not in use," continued O'Brien, "a recording will broadcast the date and times the airspace will next be in use by the military." Georgia's Townsend Bombing Range is one of 13 Air National Guard ranges in the US. The ranges provide realistic training scenarios for today's combat fighter pilots. Operational since 1941, the 5,183-acre Townsend Range hosts on average more than 3,000 flights annually from all services
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Hoffman Takes Command of 170th MPs

Story by Spc. Amanda Luksic 124th MPAD

DECATUR, July 26, 2006 Georgia Army
National Guard Lt. Col. Joseph Hoffman took command of the 170th Military Police Battalion from Lt. Col. Anthony Abbott during a change of command ceremony attended by more than 100 fellow Soldiers, family and friends.

Upon becoming the 170th's next commander, Hoffman leaves his position as a staff and logistics officer for Macon's 48th Brigade Combat Team. He was among the more than 4,500 brigade Soldiers who spent the past year supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

As Abbott moves on, he becomes commander of Elberton's 1st Battalion, 214th Field Artillery.

As did many of those who attended the ceremony, Brigadier Gen. Larry H. Ross, commander 78th Troop Command, praised the two commanders as they assumed their new duties.

"Hoffman is extremely versatile," Ross continued. "We know that he will continue doing the outstanding job as a leader that he has always done.

Lt. Col. Joe Hoffman (right) accepts the guideon of the 170th MPs from Brig. Gen. Larry Ross, commander of the 78th Troop Command, during a recent change of command ceremony. Outgoing commander Lt. Col. Anthony Abbot (back to camera) looks on. (contributed photo)

"To him, I say, `Thank you for all that you do. We know we can expect great things from you and the Soldiers of the 170th MP Battalion.'"
Hoffman said he is looking forward to working with the 170th and continue building it into one of the best battalions in the Georgia Guard.

"I want to get all four MP companies under the battalion's control," he said. "I also want to get as many people in as we can. The more we have in our ranks, the more experience that we build on, which gives us more opportunity for success."

Turning his attention to the outgoing commander, Ross said, "Abbott will be as great a commander with the 214th as he has been with the 170th. He cares about Soldiers and has always recognized their importance to the success of any mission a unit is given.

"That has always been his way," he added.

Before being allowed to fully say "so long" to the 170th, Abbott received the Army's Meritorious Service Medal for his time as the battalion's commander. He also received glass and wood framed unit guidon that contained an engraved plaque displaying his call sign "Spartan 6."

"I appreciate everyone being here," Abbott said. "I am proud to be a part of the history this unit (170th MPs) has made, and continues to make, and I cannot take the credit for all this unit has done."

About his leaving, Abbott said, "Change always occurs. You have to train hard, be fair and take care of Soldiers. Do that, and they will always come through for you."

Hoffman joined the active Army April 1976, and was a military policeman assigned to an air defense artillery battery, as well as a division and Corp level military police company in Germany. He also a part of a law enforcement company during his overseas tour.

Hoffman joined the Georgia Army Guard in 1982, going to work in his chosen military profession as a law enforcement officer. A year later, he graduated from the Military Institute in Milledgeville.

After his commission as a second lieutenant, he was assigned to the 178th MP Company, which was an element of the 170th MP Battalion. In 1990, Hoffman took command of the 190th MP Company, and he deployed with them for the first Gulf War. April 1999 found him being reassigned to Decatur's 78th troop command where he worked as the command's full-time personnel and logistics officer. In 2002, Hoffman became executive officer for what was then designated the 48th Infantry Brigade. Two years later he moved back to what is now Joint Forces Headquarters in Ellenwood. In March 2005, Hoffman returned to the 48th as its logistics officer, pending the brigade's yearlong deployment to Iraq. Hoffman is a graduate of the Military Police basic course, advanced course, Infantry qualification course, Combined Arms Service and Staff School and the Command and General Staff course. He has earned the Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze star with one oak leaf cluster, Meritorious Service Medal and many other state and federal awards. Hoffman and his wife Mandy have two daughters.
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