First Friday briefing [Oct. 5, 2007]

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First Friday Briefing for October 2007

Civic leaders, family honor retiring
Lt. Gen. Poythress
More than 300 military and civic leaders, along with family and friends,gathered to pay tribute to Lt. Gen. David Poythress, Georgia's Adjutant General, who retires later this year. The event, hosted at the National Museum of Patriotism in Atlanta, featured tributes by the many people who have been touched by General Poythress during his tenure as TAG, and his years in public service. Among the presentations was a $10,000 donation in General Poythress' name to the National Guard Youth Challenge Foundation from Atlanta businessman and YCA supporter Sunny Park. General Poythress announced that the money would be used, in part, to fund YCA scholarships in the name of Park, Elizabeth Poythress and Charlene Anderson, a member of the YCA Selection Committee and longtime administrative assistant to the Adjutant General. Pictures
of the event

Georgia Army Guard stands up two new brigades The Georgia Army National Guard stood up two new brigades on Oct. 1 The two are the 648th Combat Support Brigade (Maneuver Enhancement) in Columbus and the 560th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade head- quartered at Fort Gillem. Full Story
CERFP gets thumbs up after evaluation Georgia's Joint Task Force 781 Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and highyield Explosive (CBRNE) Enhanced Response Force Package - known as JTF 781st CERFP -- has received NGB's seal of approval following a week long intensive evaluation in September. Full Story

Deployment Update
As America's military continues its support of the Global War on Terrorism , members of the Georgia Army and Air National Guard continue to play an important role in operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom and Noble Eagle. This is an update on the status of several of those units and their missions.
1st Battalion, 185th Aviation Detachment - Some 18 pilots and support crew, along with their UH-1N Huey helicopters, deployed Oct. 16 of last year in support of the ongoing NATO peacekeeping mission in Kosovo. The unit is expected to return home Oct. 27 of this year.
Embedded Training Team (ETT) - This 16 Soldier light infantry training team, which deployed May 15, 2007 from Fort Riley, Kan., continues its mission of training and working with Afghan national and local police units in central Afghanistan. The ETT is made up of volunteers from units across the state.
Company H, 171st Aviation Deployed June 7 in support of OIF 0608, and flying the C-23 Sherpa cargotroop transport, five of the six Soldiers manning the unit continue that mission in country. The six continues in a support role at Fort Knox, Ky.
Other units deployed include members of the Air Guard's 116th ACW, 165th AW and almost 80 Soldiers on the border.

Ceremonies, dinners lead up to TAG change of responsibility A formal Change of Command Ceremony when Maj. Gen. Terry Nesbitt officially takes the reigns of leadership from Lt. Gen. David Poythress will be the centerpiece of the transition to the new Adjutant General. The ceremony is scheduled for Sunday, October 28 at 3:00 pm on Fort McPherson's Hedekin Parade Field.
Hosted by Governor Sonny Perdue, the ceremony will feature a formation made up of representatives of all Georgia National Guard and State Defense Force units.

1/121st trains in Germany
Members of the Georgia Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 121st Infantry spent this year's annual training in Germany working with their Bulgarian counterparts. Full Story

116th marks five years as USAF Wing
with both unique makeup, mission
Through five years of war, inspections and varying opinions, the only Total Force blended wing in the Air Force, Robins' 116th Air Control Wing has made a name for itself -- not only because of its unique make-up, but because of the continuing success of it equally unique E-8C Joint STARS mission. Full Story

Leading up to the ceremony, General Poythress will be honored at a farewell dinner on Saturday October 27 at 6:00 pm at the Cobb Galleria. All Georgia Army and Air National Guard members, State Defense Force members and employees of the Georgia Department of Defense are invited to the dinner and can RSVP by
clicking here.
Cost of the dinner is $45.
ANG, USAF celebrate 60th at home of the 'Braves' When the United States Air Force celebrated its 60th birthday in Atlanta during the Braves baseball game at Turner Field Sept. 18, baseball fans witnessed what announcers called a spectacular evening of parachutes, flyovers and American spirit. "This is terrific," said Maj. Gen. Scott Hammond, Georgia Air National Guard commander. "As commander of more than 3,000 Air National Guard members, it is great to have an organization such as the Braves show such support of our Airmen." Full story View video of the event

2/121st trains in Britain In mid-September Soldiers of the 2nd battalion, 121st Infantry journeyed to Britain where they and members of the British army's 4th Yorks "trained for the race." Full Story Slide Show
Guard hosts U.S. - Nation of Georgia consultation The Georgia National Guard is host to this year's annual U.S.- nation of Georgia Bilateral Defense Consultation (BDC). The five-day event, which began Sept. 16, was part of the state's on-going relationship with the Balkan nation. Full Story

Family honors Guardsmen with gift to Guard Family Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Glenn E. Campbell of Canal Point, Fla., have donated close to $4,000 to the Georgia Guard Family Foundation in honor of their son, William Bryant Campbell, a member of Company H, 121st Infantry who died last year in a traffic accident. Campbell served with Company H, Long Range Surveillance in Iraq. He later joined more than 1,500 Georgia Guardsmen who responded to the ravages of Hurricane Katrina in Mississippi. "He was a proud member of Company H, 121st Infantry," his mother said "We decided to honor his life with (this donation to) the Georgia National Guard." Full Story
This month a look at where you can find the history of the Georgia National Guard and that of other states.
The history of the Georgia National Guard encompasses 274 years of service to the state and country. Over that time events and members have shaped and given us a rich tradition and heritage. Organizational history and/or unit history is an ongoing project as long as a detachment, company, battalion, regiment and combat team is active.

Poythress appoint 15 Georgians as
civilian aides to the Adjutant General
Lieutenant General David B. Poythress, retiring Adjutant General for Georgia, has named 15 prominent Georgians to a new senior advisory board to the Adjutant General. Full Story; Photo gallery

SDF names Coroso as new chief of staff The Georgia State Defense Force has a new Chief of Staff. Col. Louis "Lou" Coroso took over the position last month from Col. Lyle Letteer.
Previously Col. Coroso was the Assistant Chief of Staff G-3 (Operations and Training). A six year veteran of the GSDF, Col. Coroso retired from the U.S. Army Reserves in 2000 following a 29-year military career that included service on active duty, in the National Guard and in the Reserves. His last assignment was as Ground Liaison Officer with the 94th Airlift Wing at Dobbins ARB.
Originally from West Hartford Conn., Col. Coroso and his wife Marsha live in Duluth. In civilian life he is director of Learning & Development for MetLife Insurance.

The collected history that any organizational element maintains is and will be part of the record of its entire past. Unit history is for both older and newer units. It promotes troop morale and public pride and respect in a military organization. Army and Air Force regulations recognize the importance of history in that commanders at all echelons are charged with the responsibility of establishing and maintaining organizational history programs.
Annual Historical Reviews, other documents, artifacts and other items from Georgia National Guard units and former members are housed in Atlanta in the History Office on Confederate Ave. The office is the archive for the Georgia National Guard and represents its entire past. It is hoped that in the future, the Georgia National Guard will be represented with a museum and archives similar to those that exist in 36 other states including those in Texas, Minnesota, South Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Florida.

Complied by Gail Parnelle, GaARNG Historical Section

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

October 11, 2007 Time: 12:56 pm Security Notice

Army National Guard FAQ The latest news from the Georgia Army National Guard. | 2/121 trains in Britain | 121st soldiers train in Germany | Det. 9, 171st rmobilzies | LRSU feted at 'Stewart' | LRSU returns from 2nd deployment | 6 graduate form OCS | 221st Mi trains with SDF | 265th begins new era | 118th FA welcomes new commander | Aviation Regiment welcomes new NCOs | 48th trains with British | 48th transforms from armor to light infantry | Aviators meet with students | 1-121 trains in dual role at Wisconsin post | 9 graduate from academy | Guard air ambulances take part in Golden Medic | 108th undergoes MOUT training | Agencies commit to troops | Guard teach 'Georgians' | 'Commanche Challenge' test 121st company | 108th recon teaches, being taught | Waynesboro unit starts first leg of deployment | Guard helps Afghan forces | Army Guard marathoners compete in annual run | 'Ride' nets foundation $11,000 | 48th soldiers prepare 'Georgian' troops for Iraq | National Guard car wins honors Georgians | 1230th Deploys |

Air National Guard FAQ The latest news from the Georgia Air National Guard. | 116th's Richardson earn 'BIG' award | 3 GaANG units earn top NGAUS awards | 117th trains with 125th | Air Guardsman to joins Parternship Program | Maj. Gen. Thompson, 92, former 116th commander | Marines name league for grandfather of Georgia Guard general | Day Promoted to Colonel | Tuskegee Airman visits with ANG EEO | Hansen promoted | 202nd wires new Ops Center | 117th earns merit award | 165th firechief earns leadership award | Turkey Shoot shows air power | 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 | 9/11 Commemoration '07 | Poythress announces retirement; Nesbitt named as TAG | NAS passes to Guard | Employees earn 'Faithful Service Awards | 28 Graduate from Six Sigma Course | Guard Acquires NAS Atlanta property |

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

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Reception for Lt. Gen. David Poythress - October 1, 2007
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1 2 3 4 5 More than 300 military and civic leaders, along with family and friends gathered to pay tribute to Lt. Gen. David Poythress, Georgia's Adjutant General, who retires later this year. The event, which was hosted at the National Museum of Patriotism and Atlanta businessman Sunny Park, featured tributes by the many people who have been touched by General Poythress during his tenure as TAG, and his years in public service.

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The Georgia Department of Defense requests the pleasure of your company
at a farewell dinner honoring
The Adjutant General of Georgia Lieutenant General David B. Poythress
and his wife Elizabeth
on Saturday, the twenty-seventh of October, 2007 six o'clock in the evening Cobb Galleria
Two Galleria Parkway, Atlanta, Georgia (www.cobbgalleria.com)

Cost: 45.00 per person R.S.V.P. by October 16, 2007

Dress: Business Attire

For more information, call (404) 561-2433 or email doc@ga.ngb.army.mil

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ANG, USAF celebrate 60th at home of the 'Braves'
View the video
When the United States Air Force celebrated its 60th birthday in Atlanta at the Braves baseball game at Turner Field on September 18, baseball fans witnessed what announcers called a spectacular evening of parachutes, flyovers, and American spirit. "This is terrific," said Maj. Gen. Scott Hammond, Georgia Air National Guard commander. "As commander of more than 3,000 Air National Guard members, it is great to have an organization such as the Braves show such support of our Airmen."
The event opened with a jump by the Wings of Blue parachute team from the Air Force Academy. The jumpers landed on various positions of the field carrying the American Flag, a POW/MIA flag and the Air Force Flag. Other jump team members carried colored streamers. The last parachutist carried the Air Force 60th Anniversary/Atlanta Braves baseball that was flown more than 27,000 miles around the world.
Members of the 94th Airlift Wing, Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Ga., the 315th Airlift Wing Charleston AFB, South Carolina, Air Force recruiters and retirees hosted static displays, the Air Force Jet Car and greeted fans as they entered the ball park.
"I'm just proud to be apart of this celebration," said Kent Landers, Atlanta Braves fan.
"It's an honor to salute the Air Force on its 60th birthday. I want to give a special salute to our Georgia based troops."
"I'm excited to be apart of the 60th Anniversary celebration here in Atlanta," said Maj. Gen. Tom Owens, Air Logistics Center commander, Robins Air Force Base, Ga. "I'm just waiting to see what festivities are in store."
The event opened with a jump by parachutists Wings of Blue from the Air Force Academy. The jumpers landed on various positions of the field carrying the American Flag, a POW/MIA flag and the Air Force Flag. Other jump team members carried colored streamers. The last parachutist carried the Air Force 60th Anniversary baseball that was flown around the world.
The baseball was presented to Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue, General Hammond, General Owens, Brig. Gen. Ric Stevenson and Bobby Cox, manager of the Atlanta Braves.
Two F-22 fighter aircraft from the 325th fighter squadron, Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., performed a flyover during the singing of the Star Spangled Banner.
"This is a real treat for me," said General Stevenson. "It brings back childhood memories of when I used to watch players like Hank Aaron and Joe Torre."
Fans cheered and gave honor as World War II veterans and Tuskegee Airmen Earl Martin and Hiram Little, entered the stadium.
"Everything is just beautiful," said Earl Martin, member of the Tuskegee Airmen Inc., Atlanta Chapter. "I wouldn't have missed this for the world. The hospitality is out of sight."
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Air Force Week Atlanta
October 814, 2007
Home Overview Events Braves Heritage Baseball
Georgians in the Fight
Air Force Ball '07 Media

Atlanta Braves Baseball Around the World

Since April 6, the AF 60th Anniversary Braves baseball visited numerous Air Force units worldwide. To view videos of its travels, click the baseballs below.

The Heritage Baseball began its journey April 6 at Turner Field in Atlanta and returned there Sept. 18. It had traveled over 21,000 miles. To view videos of Georgians and their friends tossing the Heritage Baseball thoughout its global journey, click the baseball images below. Catch its return, too.

A Thunderbird Sendoff

Video editing by Master Sgt. Ray Beyers and James Branch.

The Heritage Baseball Returns to Turner Field!

Secretary of the Air Force Catches the Heritage Baseball

The Heritage Baseball accelerates on Air Force Reserve Jetcar

Southwest Asia Videos April May

European Videos May - June

Far East/America

A parachutist from the Air Force Academy Wings of Blue parachute team presents the Heritage Baseball
to Georgia governor Sonny Perdue Sept. 18. Click the image for the story.
A parachutist with the Air Force Academy Wings of Blue parachute team lands onto Turner Field during an Atlanta Braves game Sept. 18.
The 60th anniversary gives the Air Force a chance to recognize the challenges this still young service has overcome, the limits we have redefined and the future victories we will shape.

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Civilian aides left to right: (seated): Tina Coria, Mary Lou Austen Standing (l to r) Coy A. Short, Brig. Gen .(Ret.) Virlyn Slaton, Mitchell Bush, Lt. Gen. Poythress, Nick Snider, Brig. Gen. (Ret.) William Wigley and Sunny Park
Poythress Announces New Civilian Aides to TAG
Lieutenant General David B. Poythress, retiring Adjutant General for Georgia, has named fifteen prominent Georgians to a new senior advisory board to the Adjutant General. Named to the new Civilian Aide to the Adjutant General Advisory Board are Command Chief Master Sergeant (Ret.) Pearson Deloach of Savannah; P.I Joy of Lilburn; T. Glenn Thompson of Winder; Sunny Park of Atlanta; Coy A. Short of Kennesaw; Song Kim of Atlanta, Mary Lou Austin of Atlanta; Michael Worley of Atlanta ; Nicholas Snider of Atlanta, and Mitchell Bush of Savannah. Also named to the advisory board are Tina Coria of McDonough, Brig. Gen. (Ret.) William Wigley of Rome; Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Virlyn Slaton of Morrow; Brig Gen. (Ret.) Joel Seymour of Elberton; and Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Thomas McCullough of Atlanta. According to Poythress, this program is closely patterned after national Civilian Aide programs to the military which have existed since 1922. The mission of the Civilian Aide to the TAG will be to promote good relations between the National Guard and public by acting as advisors to the Adjutant General. "I am pleased that these civic and business leaders and prior service military and National Guard members have agreed to serve and to share their perspective to the Adjutant General, " said Lt. Gen. David Poythress, retiring Adjutant General for Georgia. " I am confident that the Georgia National Guard will welcome the advice and counsel of this group of prominent Georgians." Ten civilian aides named to the board are local civic and business leaders. T. Glenn Thompson of Winder and P.I Joy of Lilburn are members of the Board of Directors of American United Bancorps, Inc. Sunny Park is a chairman of General Building Maintenance Inc. and an active volunteer with the Georgia Youth Challenge Academy and the USO of Georgia. Coy A. Short, retired deputy commission for communications and community relations of Atlanta Social Security and is an active volunteer with Georgia's Youth Challenge Academy, the USO of Georgia, and the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR). Mitchell Bush is President and CEO of Bush Insurance Agency in Savannah and President of the USO of Georgia. Tina Coria of McDonough is co-chair of the National Guard Youth Challenge Foundation Legislative Committee. Song Kim of Atlanta is an Atlanta businessman and artist. Mary Lou Austin is Executive Director of the USO of Georgia. Michael Worley is Assistant to the Executive Vice President of Georgia Power Company and has worked on behalf of the Georgia National Guard Foundation. Nicholas Snider is Chairman and Founder of the Museum of Patriotism and a retired Senior Vice President of United Parcel Service. Five civilian aides are former Georgia National Guard members. Command Chief Master Sergeant (Ret.) Pearson Deloach of Savannah is currently Director of the Leisure Service Bureau in Savannah. Brig. Gen. William Wigley of Rome is an active volunteer with Georgia's Youth Challenge Academy, the USO, and ESGR. Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Virlyn Slaton is a City Commissioner in Morrow and Administrator and Trustee of the Georgia National Guard Insurance Trust. Brig. Gen (Ret.) Joel Seymour of Elberton is the previous commander of the Georgia State Defense Force. Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Thomas McCullough is a former commander of the Georgia Army National Guard and an active volunteer for Georgia's Youth Challenge, the USO, and the ESGR.
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Reception for Lt. Gen. David Poythress - October 1, 2007
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October marks start for 2 brigades
The Georgia Army National Guard stood up two new brigades on Oct. 1 The two are the 648th Combat Support Brigade (Maneuver Enhancement) in Columbus and the 560th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade head- quartered at Fort Gillem. The 648th Combat Support Brigade (Maneuver Enhancement), headquartered in Columbus with subordinate units in Cumming, Dahlonega and Hinesville offers a broad range of Combat, Combat Support and Combat Service Support Career Management Fields and Military Occupational Specialties. The Brigade Commander is LTC (P) Keith Knowlton and the Command Sergeant Major is CSM James Nelson. The 560th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade is headquartered at Ft Gillem with subordinate units at Charlie Brown Airport, Douglasville and eventually Dobbins ARB. The 560th presents significant opportunities to those in the Military Intelligence, Cavalry and Long Range Surveillance career fields. The Brigade Commander is COL Pete VanAmburgh and the Command Sergeant Major is CSM Lance Rygmyr. Visit the HRO website at http://www.gahro.com/ga_va.htm to view full-time employment opportunities in each of these new brigades, or contact the units directly through the following points of contact: 648th CSB (ME) Deputy Commander and Administrative Officer: LTC Carl White at 706-685-7525 or carl.white@us.army.mil 560th BFSB Administrative Officer: MAJ Kevin Berkman at k.berkman@us.army.mil or 770-362-0239. Whether an initial enlistment, lateral transfer or EPS promotion, the 648th and the 560th offer challenging full-time and part-time opportunities for those looking to be on a team that's at the leading edge of today's Army.
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Members of Joint Task Force 781, the Guard's CERFP unit out of Kennesaw, wash down a fellow Soldier playing the role of an airborne chemical attack victim during a disaster preparedness exercise at the Air Guard's Combat Readiness Training Center in Savannah. (Georgia National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Roy Henry)
CERFP 'ready for duty' say NGB evaluators
Georgia's Joint Task Force 781 Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and high-yield Explosive (CBRNE) Enhanced Response Force Package - known as JTF 781st CERFP -- has received NGB's seal of approval following a week long intensive evaluation in September. National Guard Bureau examiners rated the JTF 781st among the best of the nation's new CERFP organizations. In fact, of the sixteen critical measures leading toward certification, JTF 781st received zero "no go's" , signifying that every required tasks were trained to standard. "This accomplishment is especially significant when you realize that we have been working together for little more than six months," said Lieutenant Colonel Jeff Allen, commander of the 781st. "We are now prepared to accomplish our homeland defense mission, and also our wartime mission". More than 280 Georgia Air and Army National Guardsmen were exposed to a myriad of emergencies situations during the weeklong exercise from bomb threats to chemical explosions to radiological accidents, to search and extraction incidences, and natural disasters. Georgia's CERFP is composed of the JTF 781st CERFP Battalion out of Kennesaw, 877th Engineer Company of Augusta, the 4th Civil Support Team from Dobbins ARB, 138th Chemical Company of Kennesaw, 202nd Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit of Marietta, the 248th Medical Company of Marietta, and the 116th Medical Detachment Group of the Georgia Air National Guard at Warner Robins AFB. The TAG received the results of the CERFP evaluation from Army North and will soon request validation from the Chief of NGB. Once officially validated, JTF 781st becomes Georgia's rapid response organization and is now ready to respond to emergencies which may occur throughout the Southeastern U.S. The task force covers an eight-state southeast region for the Federal Emergency Management Agency, including North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee and Kentucky. It can also be deployed internationally.
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121st soldiers train in Germany

Members of the Georgia Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 121st Infantry spent this year's annual training in Germany training with their Bulgarian counterparts.

The three-week deployment which began in mid-Septmeber included homeland defense and crowd control training, live fire exercises, squad and platoon movement, and land navigation training. The overseas training included 130 soldiers from Companies C and D of the 1/121st Infantry, along with the Scout Platoon from the battalion's Headquarters Company.
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Pictured at left are the Georgia Guardsmen (on the right) working with Bulgarian soldiers (at left in darker uniforms) during crowd control exercises. (Photo courtesy CSM Neil Russell, state Command Sergeant Major)

2/121st soldiers train in Britain

48th BCT Public Affairs Slide Show

By Tracy Smith

OKEHAMPTON TRAINING CAMP, United Kingdom Belying the beauty that is Dartmoor is the unpredictable hilly terrain and marshes of the protected natural preserve southwest of London. The vast lands owned by the Prince of Wales, felt a bit of Georgia's heat during the Lightning Brigade's recent transatlantic annual training.

In mid- September, C Company, 2nd Battalion, 121st Infantry Regiment Soldiers, representing the 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team embarked on a reciprocal training mission to "train for the race." A concept that Britain's new Ministry of Defense, Regimental Sergeant Major of Infantry (RSM), Harry French said he feels will build individual confidence and allow the Soldier, British or American, autonomy when it counts.

Cpl. Mick Simpson straps on his helmet as training begins

"Fundamentally the advantage of our training to the 48th Brigade Soldier, as it relates to this Territorial Army/Reserve piece, is that the (British) Army have a more adaptive concept of training for THE War, whether it is in Iraq or Afghanistan," explains WO1 French who is familiar with the Lightning Brigade and its combat tactics. As the RSM, for the Kings Own Border Regiment in 2005, he and his Soldiers arrived in An Nasiriyah at the same time as 48th IBCT. "Of greater significance is the ability to do training that allows the individual (combat) flexibility in making snap decisions during those crucial moments and give the Soldier an edge in adapting to the environment."

Adaptability also involved familiarity. Comanche Coy, the name given to citizen-soldiers of C Company's were introduced to the British Army's individual weapon, SA80, the high intensity qualification live-fire sequences and, of course -- the language.

"I was a little surprised when we got off the bus and they were talking about scoff, kit (chow and equipment) and kept asking me if I was `happy with that,' " Private 1st Class Raymond Harton, a gunner from Carrollton, Ga. recalled. "I wasn't too happy sleeping out in a field of turds but looking back I gotta say I loved the challenge and it's part of the sacrifice you make as a Soldier."
During the 48th's July '07 annual training at Fort Stewart; 4 Yorks Soldiers of B Company were introduced to the American urban warfare methodology of four-man fighting teams and -- that it gets mighty hot in Georgia. Temperatures of 104 degrees met with humidity levels that easily reached 100 percent proved daunting for the British accustomed to more temperate climes.
"We don't experience weather quite like this," said Corporal Mick Simpson, 4 Yorks team-leader earlier this summer while in Georgia as he boarded a Black Hawk bound for Camp Blanding, Fla. "Aside from the heat the lads have enjoyed the weapons training and combat maneuvers."
Optimistically the British Soldiers agreed that the flat terrain offset the challenge of acclimation. "Comanche" Soldiers weren't quite as adapting of the moors. Camouflaged bogs coupled with the cold, damp terrain had the "Comanches" resetting their battle rhythms to prevent serious injury.
"We came to learn what it takes to work as a team, whether it is as a combined coalition effort or as a Charlie Company fire-team," Sergeant Kenaz Evans laughingly stated as he cared for a vital piece of equipment --his feet. Evans is a combat veteran who served with the 48th IBCT during OIF 03.5 and works in Columbus, Ga. as a Corrections Officer for the state's Department of Juvenile Justice. "This is our first mission since we returned from OIF," the 1st platoon team leader explained. "We have a ton of new guys with us and this is our chance to focus on the most significant thing and that's team development."

Team building was a non-stated part of the day-to-day training regime. British and American Soldiers found commonalities commiserating about those things typical to Soldiering. Field rations, long hours, managing family are constants but they appreciated more the opportunity to build new bonds as brothers with a common cause.
Lance Corporal Jonathan D. Carter is a Territorial Soldier who works as a policeman in Manchester, England. Embedded as a signalman for the Georgia Soldiers he marveled at the determination of the `Georgia boys' and admired their ability to laugh in light of the challenges.
"Super nice guys," said Carter. "I have enjoyed learning the battle tactics, planning and maneuvers...it's been difficult for many of the lads but the camaraderie has been absolutely fantastic."
"This is one of the hardest things I've done as far as training, I won't lie about that," Harton, agreed adding sheepishly, "my hope is that we incorporate how they train into what we do."

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OKEHAMPTON TRAINING CAMP, United Kingdom - Belying the beauty that is Dartmoor is the unpredictable hilly terrain and marshes of the protected natural preserve southwest of London. The vast lands owned by the Prince of Wales, felt a bit of Georgia's heat during the Lightning Brigade's recent transatlantic annual training. (By Spc. Tracy Smith-48th IBCT PAO)

Lieutenant Gen. David B. Poythress (right), Georgia's Adjutant General, makes a point during a one-on-one discussion with Col. Zaza Gogava of Nation of Georgia Ministry of Defense, through Gogava's interpreter Irakli Tsomaia of the Georgian Defense Attache Office. (Georgia National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Roy Henry)
Gaurd hosts U.S.- Nation of Georgia Confab
The Georgia National Guard played host to this year's annual U.S.- nation of Georgia Bilateral Defense Conference (BDC). The fiveday event began Sept. 16.
Lieutenant Gen. David B. Poythress, The Adjutant General; Maj. Matt Saxton, who manages the Guard's State Partnership Program; and Lt. Col. Matt Shannon, the program's in-country bilateral affairs officer were among the American delegation sitting down and talking with Batu Kutelia, Deputy Minister of Defense of Georgia, and others about the continuing relationship between the two countries and the Nation of Georgia's progress as a growing democracy and the building of its military toward meeting NATO standards.
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116th marks 5 years as USAF Wing with unique mission, makeup
by Senior Airman Paul Ross 116th Air Control Wing Public Affairs Office
Through five years of war, inspections and varying opinions, the only Total Force blended wing in the Air Force, Robins' 116th Air Control Wing has made a name for itself -- not only because of its unique make-up, but because of the continuing success of it equally unique E-8C Joint STARS mission.
In October of 2002, the 116th Bomb Wing and the 93rd Air Control Wing combined to form the 116th Air Control Wing. This unique merger brought together Active-Duty and Air National Guard Airmen, Army Soldiers and civilians. Almost immediately after the activation of the wing, its troops and aircraft went to war.
"To instantly do what had never been done, and many said couldn't be done, was incredibly exciting to be a part of," said Brig. Gen. Tom Lynn, Headquarters Air Force Director of Aircraft and Weapons Maintenance and first commander of the 116th ACW. "To create a new family made up of Active Duty, Guard, Army and civilians was truly a sight to behold and to go off to war with almost the entire wing and all of the aircraft showed me that this was an amazing organization. The 116th is an organization that could withstand any challenge -- one that would only get better with time."
The Joint STARS aircraft has logged more than 30,000 flying hours in support of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom. With a low density, high demand mission platform, the 116th and its troops are in a constant state of deployment supporting Army, Marines and other military members. An instance in which JSTARS provided support for military on the ground came in March 2003.
"On March 26, 2003, during Operation Iraqi Freedom, JSTARS detected a large convoy heading south out of Baghdad directly toward friendly forces during a severe sandstorm," said Lt. Col. John Werner, 116th Standardization and Evaluation deputy chief. "Our crew was orbiting in Southeastern Iraq monitoring enemy movement in the vicinity of Baghdad. With our robust data links we were able to forward these tracks real time to the Combined Air Operations Center (CAOC) and to the 3rd IDs Common Ground Stations. We coordinated with AWACS and directed coalition fighters, F-16s and RAF GR-7s, onto the lead elements of the convoy. The fighters went low level to get a visual. They said the area was a snake pit and were unable to fly under the weather low enough to make a visual determination. We continued with other assets to get a positive I.D. but were unable throughout the mission. The data was also being sent to ground commanders through the common ground stations our jet was linked to. With this information, the ground commanders were able to determine location, size, and speed of the convoy and arranged with tactical air control parties to control B52 strikes against them. The total time from initial detection to destruction of the convoy was less than 10 hours. Our contributions to this effort were appreciated by the ground forces who were threatened by the enemy and unable to effectively determine their movement throughout the sandstorm. Despite the weather, JSTARS provided the Combined Air Operations Center and the ground commanders the information they needed to get the job done."
The mission was called, "The turning point of the war," by former Air Force Chief of Staff, Gen. John Jumper.
The unique wing has not only proved itself with real-world support of the Global War or Terrorism but has also brought home numerous awards including The Air Force outstanding unit award every year since the blending and four Air Force Association Battle Management Crew of the Year awards in the past five years. The unit has successfully completed an operational readiness inspection and a unit compliance inspection. In addition to all of the unit's accomplishments, its individual members have won too many awards to mention. All of this has been done while logging more than 30,000 flying hours in support of the ongoing war.
"There have been many opinions, internal and external to the wing, about the viability and success of the wing," said Brig. Gen. Jim Jones, 55th Wing commander and former commander of the 116th ACW. "Look hard enough at any organization and you can find cracks and flaws -- but nobody can ever argue with the sustained contributions the JSTARS team has brought to the Global War on Terrorism. When you're engaged in a war that threatens our national security, there is no better measure for success."
Looking toward the future, the next five years are uncertain with respect to the Global War on Terrorism and the U.S. involvement, but one thing remains clear -- JSTARS is the Air Force's premier platform performing command and control and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance within a single aircraft.
"The work you do in the FOL is meaningful and makes a difference," said Brig. Gen. Tom Moore, 116th ACW commander. "It requires continued commitment from the great men and women of the JSTARS Family. Not a day goes by that we're not flying in the air, helping protect the lives of our forces on the ground, while defeating insurgents. What you do matters and don't you ever forget it."
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Parents honor son with gift to Guard Family Foundation
Mr. and Mrs. Glenn E. Campbell of Canal Point, Fla., have donated close to $4,000 to the Georgia Guard Family Foundation in honor of their son, William Bryant Campbell, a member of Company H, 121st Infantry who died last year in a traffic accident . Campbell served with Company H, Long Range Surveillance in Iraq. He later joined more than 1,500 Georgia Guardsmen who responded to the ravages of Hurricane Katrina in Mississippi. "He was a proud member of Company H, 121st Infantry," his mother said "We decided to honor his life with (this donation to) the Georgia National Guard."
Mr. and Mrs. Campbell and the Canal Point United Methodist church have donated $3, 891 to the Georgia National Guard Foundation in memory of their son. They credit Capt Robert Swartwood, II for suggesting this memorial.
"We extend our deepest sympathies to the Campbell Family and are grateful for their decision to honor the memory their son with their contribution to the Foundation, "said Foundation President, Lt. Col. Jay Peno.
The Georgia National Guard Family Support Foundation has continued to be the financial safety net for many Georgia National Guard families who are in need. Since 2005, the Foundation has provided more than $ 525,000.00 in emergency relief assistance to more than 550 National Guard families. The Foundation is one of many worthy organizations for which Guardsmen and civilian DOD employees can support through the Combined Federal Campaign beginning in October. To contribute your CFC donations to the Georgia National Guard Family Support Foundation designate your contribution for # 70602.
At the time of his death, William was a fulltime student at Georgia Tech, majoring in mechanical engineering and would have graduated at the end of the 2007 school year. His friends set up a website: www.rememberingleppy.com for other memorial gifts
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