First Friday briefing [Nov. 2, 2007]

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First Friday Briefing for November 2007

Deployment Update

Ceremony marks TAG
change of command
The 13,000-member Georgia National Guard welcomed a new leader on Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007, during a traditional military ceremony at Atlanta's Fort McPherson. Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue officiated the ceremonial transfer of command as Major General William T. (Terry) Nesbitt became the state's 41st Adjutant General. In accepting the position Nesbitt thanked the Governor and lauded the support of his wife, Letha, and family and his fellow Guardsmen. Full Story

Durham accepts 48th BCT command
Colonel Lee K. Durham accepted the reins of responsibility of Georgia's 4,500member 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team at military change of command ceremony held in Macon. Durham replaces Col. Lawrence E. Dudney, Jr. who was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General prior to the command handover. (See related story below) Full Story

Photo Gallery Farewell Dinner Slide Show

'Embeds' head to Iraq to assist nation of Georgia troops Seventeen members of the Georgia Army Guard were given a send-off at the Oglethorpe Armory in October as they departed for a year long deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom to serve with soldiers from the nation of Georgia. The Georgia Guardsmen are currently training at Camp Shelby, Miss., before leaving in late December for Iraq where they will join the Georgian 1st Brigade as an embedded training team. Earlier this year, some 30 Georgia Guardsmen from the 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team and other Army and Air Guard units in the state were in Tbilisi, the nation's capitol, as part of "Task Force Georgian Sustainment and Support Program II" to help train the Georgians for the mission. The Eurasian country is one of the largest contributors to the Coalition Force in Iraq, behind the U.S. and the United Kingdom.

Dudney promoted to Brigadier
Colonel Lawrence E. Dudney Jr., director of the Joint Staff, was promoted in early October to the rank of Brigadier General. Dudney led the brigade through its recent transition from a heavy mechanized brigade to a light infantry brigade as part of the U.S. Army's transformation to a highly mobile expeditionary force. Full Story

Holiday program now open to
Guardsmen
This year's Christmas Assistance Program is now open to all GA Guard members who qualify, said Kimberly Garret, who coordinating the 2007 program. You may qualify if you are having financial difficulties due to a life changing event such as loss of employment, spouse lost employment or an illness in your immediate family. Full
Story Application

Lt. Gen. Poythress Reflects
Years as Adjutant General
Issues ranging from the future of the State's largest air guard unit to the deployment of largest Guard contingent to a war zone since World War II were matters over which the outgoing Adjutant General of Georgia, Lieutenant General David B. Poythress reflected in a wideranging interview last week. Full Story

Georgia's TAG has Oval Office
Visit with President Bush
Lt. Gen. David B. Poythress, Georgia's Adjutant General, was among a small group of military leaders to meet with President Georgia Bush in October to discuss National Guard issues. Full Story

CERFP gets thumbs up after evaluation Lieutenant General David B. Poythress signed a memorandum in early October officially designating the 781st CERFP unit as "ready to fight". Lieutenant Colonel Jeff Allen, 781st commander, and Major Erik Andersen, unit operations officer, look on as the General signs the document. The CERP unit created to aid Homeland Security efforts just finished several months of training and exercises in order to receive the combat ready designation.

'Chili' was the winner at DOD cook off
It was good food and good fun all for a great cause as the State Charitable Campaign held a Chili cook-off Wednesday, Oct. 31, on Confederate Ave. The state employees at Confederate Ave. are trying to raise at least $1000 to donate to the Youth Challenge Foundation. Full
Story

Army Guard opens new hangar
at Hunter AAF
A new home for Army Aviation Support Facility #3, 1/169th Aviation Regiment and the 935th Aviation Maintenance Detachment is set to open at Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah on Saturday, November 3, 2007. Full Story

Youth Challenge counselor earns
Customer Service Award
Elaine Lacy, a counselor with the Georgia Guard's Youth Challenge Academy at Ft. Stewart, was one of six state employees to be presented an Excellence in Customer Service Award by Governor Sonny Perdue Oct. 30. Ms. Lacy received her award on Tuesday at a Georgia World Congress Center. Full Story

YCA 'Good Neighboring Day'
"If Sunny can, I can," was the theme of the morning lectures that Sunny Park, founder of the Good Neighboring Foundation, gave to more than 200 Youth Challenge Academy Cadets at Fort Gordon, near Augusta in mid-October. Full Story

Knowlton, Brown earn 'eagles' The Georgia Army National Guard pinned two new Colonels in October. Col. Keith Knowlton received his eagles during a promotion ceremony at Oglethorpe Armory. Knowlton serves as Director of Information Management. Also promoted last month is Col. Dennis Brown. He received his promotion at Fort Meade, Maryland while attending classes at the Defense Information School where he was pinned by Col. (Retired) USMC Keith Oliver, DINFOS Academic Director. He will serve as CivilMilitary Officer at Joint Force Headquarters.

Guard Credit Union offers on-line service The Georgia Guard Credit Union is offers 24-hour access to account information from home. Online Account Access is a secure site which allows members to check account balances, inquire on account histories, transfer funds between accounts, and more.

For information on how to sign-up for Online Account Access or to become a Georgia Guard Credit Union member, log onto www.ggcu.org or call toll free (888)
999-4428.

The Georgia Guard Credit Union is adjacent to the Regional Training Institute at 1030 Shurling Drive in Macon.

Chief James bids farewell after 41 years of service After 41 years of service, Chief Warrant Officer 5 Robin James retired in late September from the Army National Guard as the Deputy Chief of Staff during a ceremony at Joint Forces Headquarters at Ellenwood, Ga. James began his distinguished military career at 18 years of age by enlisting in Troop A, 748th Armored Cavalry Squadron, 48th Armored Division in Jackson, Ga., as a private in 1965 where he was assigned as a grenadier upon return to Troop A. Full Story
A look at past Georgia National Guard events in November. In November 1993 members of the Georgia Air National Guard's 165th Airlift Group participated in the United Nations-sponsored Operation Provide Promise in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Savannah C-130s began flying food and medicine from Germany and Croatia to Sarajevo that month.
In a report published on November 25, in the Savannah News Press, journalists noted the danger of the mission. "The cavernous C-130, flown by members of Savannah's 165th Airlift Group, approached the airport at Sarajevo, but it was too early to land," wrote the reporter. "The United Nations had choreographed the airlifts and did not want planes arriving out of turn. Because of the danger of snipers at the airport, they also did not want the planes to stay on the runway for more than 10 minutes."
The crew had been radioed that airport conditions were yellow, signifying nearby fighting. Once on the ground, the 165th's loadmasters reported "downloaded" in under 10 minutes and Ford began to taxi as he activated the plane's engines for take-off.
The cargo aircraft carried 25, 000 pounds of potatoes and flour for the resident of Sarajevo.
Complied by Gail Parnelle, GaARNG Historical Section

Maj. Gen. William T. Nesbitt The Adjutant General of Georgia

December 13, 2007 Time: 12:22 pm Security Notice

Army National Guard FAQ The latest news from the Georgia Army National Guard. | Brigade alerted for '09 deployment | Guards welocmes first female chaplain | Stronger Bonds joins couples | Honoring the fallen | AJC Award winners named | New hangar opens at Hunter | CST undergoes 18 month evaluation | Brtit earns first star | Guard welcomes Nesbitt as TAG | Col. Durhham takes command of 48th | 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' |

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 | Six earn 'Faithful Service' award | 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 |

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Guard welcomes Nesbitt as 41st Adjutant General of Georgia

The 13,000-member Georgia National Guard welcomed a new leader on Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007, during a traditional military ceremony at Atlanta's Fort McPherson. Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue officiated the ceremonial transfer of command as Major General William T. (Terry) Nesbitt became the state's 41st Adjutant General. In accepting the position Nesbitt thanked the Governor and lauded the support of his wife, Letha, and family and his fellow Guardsmen.

The ceremony brought to an end the tenure of Lt. General David B. Poythress who has been the Adjutant General since 1999. In stepping down, Poythress emphasized to the assembled troops that serving them as Adjutant General had been a "priviledge" .

Poythress, who previously served as Georgia's Secretary of State and Labor Commissioner, is retiring from the military to enter private business as the Chief Executive Officer of American United Bancorp, Inc. in Gwinnett County.

More than 400 political, civic and

military leaders attended the

ceremony, which included

military traditions including troop

inspections, cannon firings and

military march music. The

ceremony also featured a flyover

of eight helicopters and cargo

airplanes representing the

National Guard's aviation units.

Governor Sonny Perdue (center) rides on a World War II-era Jeep during Sunday's ceremony changing

As Adjutant General, Nesbitt reports directly to the Governor with responsibility for providing command and control authority over the Georgia Army National

command of the Georgia National Guard. Maj. Gen. William T. Nesbitt (right) assumed leadership of the 13,000 members of the Georgia Army and Air National Guard, and Georgia State Defense Force during the ceremony at Fort McPherson. He takes the reins of command from Lt. General David B. Poythress (left) who has been Georgia's Adjutant General since 1999. Poythress, who is retiring following a 44 year military career, will enter private business. (Photo by Spec. Tracy Smith, Georgia National Guard)

Guard, the Georgia Air National Guard and the Georgia State Defense Force.

"General Nesbitt brings with him a wealth of knowledge and more than forty years of military experience that have honed his leadership skills," said Governor Perdue. "He has demonstrated deep commitment and serious dedication to helping Georgia meet the challenges of the future."

Nesbitt previously served as commander of the Georgia Army National Guard and in 2006 was appointed by Perdue as the director of Georgia's Office of Homeland Security. Among his many military accomplishments, he commanded Joint Task Force G8, an organization of over 7,000 personnel from all services to conduct military support operations for the Group of Eight Summit at Sea Island, GA in June 2004.

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Georgia TAG Change of Command Ceremony - October 28, 2007
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Georgia National Guard gets new commander During ceremony at Fort. McPherson
The 13,000-member Georgia National Guard welcomed a new leader on Sunday during a traditional military ceremony at Atlanta's Fort McPherson. Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue officiated over the ceremonial transfer of command as Major General William T. (Terry) Nesbitt became the state's 41st Adjutant General. The ceremony brought to an end the tenure of Lt. Gen. David B. Poythress who has been the Adjutant General since 1999. Photos by: MSgt. Darrell Harvey (165th Airlift Wing) TSgt Tim Neville (116th Air Control Wing) Spec. Amanda Luksic (124th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment) Spec Tracy Smith (48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team) Cpl. Natalie West (Georgia State Defense Force)
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[slideshow] [login] Gallery: Georgia Department of Defense

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Gallery: Georgia Department of Defense

Nearly 300 friends, family and other National Guardsmen gathered dinner on Saturday, October 27, to bid farewell to Lt. General David B. Poythress and his wife Elizabeth. The group shared laughs, stories and a few tears as the couple said goodbye to the Georgia Guard after nine years of being The Adjutant General and the Guard's First Lady. The official change of command ceremony took place the following day with Georgia's Commander-in-Chief, Governor Sonny Perdue, handing the reins of responsibility to Maj. Gen. Terry Nesbitt. (Slideshow by Spec. Tracy Smith, 48th IBCT PAO)

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Lt. Gen. Poythress talks with SSgt. (ret.) Gail Parnelle (back to camera) and B. I. Diamond during the General's exit interview. (Photo by Sgt. David Howell)
Lt. Gen. Poythress reflects on tenure as TAG
Issues ranging from the future of the State's largest air guard unit to the deployment of largest Guard contingent to a war zone since World War II were matters over which the outgoing Adjutant General of Georgia, Lieutenant General David B. Poythress reflected in a wide-ranging interview last week. Speaking to Guard historians, Poythress said that in 2001 when DOD considered deactivating the 116th Bomb Wing that he "immediately rallied the governor, the senators and invited the Secretary of the Air Force down here [to Georgia] to talk about this." Ultimately, said General Poythress, "we actually wound up with a choice . . . we could keep the B-1s, keep the 116th as a bomb wing, or we could transition into the JSTARs mission as a blended wing. It was a judgment call," the General said, "my call was that we go with the 116th Air Control Wing as a blended wing...for one primary reason, the B1 is a legacy system. They will go out of the inventory sooner rather than later. The JSTARs is definitely a sunrise mission and will be around for a long time." Asked about the sending of 5,000 Guardsmen to Iraq in 2005, the largest deployment of Georgia Guard combat troops into a war zone since World War II, Poythress remembered it with "mixed feelings." "I was very, very proud...[and] at the same time, [I had] misgivings, because certainly people were going to get hurt....probably the strongest feeling occurred when we began to lose people. It was a tremendous emotional impact on the Guard and the state of Georgia...it was very difficult [but] at the same time very touching because in every community [where a funeral was held] there would be an enormous spontaneous turnout." General Poythress officially leaves office at the end of November. The General's video interview will be transcribed and archived by the Historical Society of the Georgia National Guard and made available for historians and students. The Society maintains a number a video and audio interviews. For further information contact the Historical Society of the Georgia National Guard, PO Box 17965, Atlanta, GA 30316-0965.
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TAG joins 'Oval Office' discussion
Lt. Gen. David B. Poythress, Georgia's Adjutant General, was among a small group of military leaders to meet with President Georgia Bush in October to discuss National Guard issues. "The president hosted us to thank the Guard for all it has done for the nation over the last six years, to share his strategy for a more stable world and to hear our concerns," said Gen. Poythress. "We had a very cordial and candid conversation." Attending in his role as the Vice Chairman-Air for the National Guard Association of the United States, Gen. Poythress was one of three senior National Guard officers invited by the president for the hour-long meeting in the White House's Oval Office. Among the topics that Georgia's TAG discussed with the President were the need for strong family and employer programs, and the need to maintain unit integrity during deployments. Gen. Poythress said he also discussed with the president the challenges of winning the "information war" in the global war on terrorism. In addition to the other TAG's, the participants included Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates, new Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Michael Mullen, Army Secretary Pete Geren, and Vice Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Richard Cody.
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Governor presents YCA counslor with Customer Service Award
Elaine Lacy, a counselor with the Georgia Guard's Youth Challenge Academy at Ft. Stewart, was won of six state employees to be presented an Excellence in Customer Service Award by Governor Sonny Perdue. Ms. Lacy received her award on Tuesday at a Georgia World Congress Center. "Part of making Georgia the best managed state is improving customer service and recognizing those employees who provide it," said Gov. Perdue. "These awards highlight exemplary employees and their commitment to changing processes and attitudes to provide faster, friendlier, and easier service for the citizens of Georgia. Those recognized here represent scores of others who have found ways to produce and measure results." For Ms. Lacy, it was a good week. Not only was she recognized for her excellent customer service, but her husband returned the day before from a deployment to Iraq. He is a member of the 92nd Engineer Battalion at Fort Stewart. A four year veteran of YCA and the Georgia Department of Defense, she was nominated by her supervisor, Dr. Roger Lotson, head counselor at YCA's Ft. Stewart campus, and selected from among more than 400 nominations across Georgia. Excellence in Customer Service Awards were presented to individuals who demonstrated helpful, courteous and knowledgeable service to citizens. Nominees were judged by a blue ribbon panel of leaders from the business community and the public sector.
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Durham accepts 48th command

Colonel Lee K. Durham accepted the reins of responsibility of Georgia's 4,500-member 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team at military change of command ceremony held in Macon. Durham replaces Col. Lawrence E. Dudney, Jr. who was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General prior to the command handover.

Durham comes to the Brigade from arecent assignment as the Special Assistant to the Commanding General at Fort Benning. He has a doctorate in law from Washburn University. In his remarks, Col. Durham emphasized to Soldiers, well-wishers and families that he will maintain the brigade's successes as it prepares for its next combat mission in support of the war on terror.

Brig. Gen. Dudney led the

Colonel Lee Durham accepts the colors from MG William T. Nesbitt

brigade through it recent transition from a heavy mechanized brigade to a light infantry brigade as part of the U.S. Army's transformation

to a highly mobile expeditionary force.

The 48th Brigade has subordinate units located in more than 30 communities throughout Georgia. Soldiers of Georgia's 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team were deployed for a year to Iraq in May 2005 in the largest deployment of Georgia National Guard Soldiers since World War II.

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Dudney earns 1st star
Colonel Lawrence E. Dudney Jr., director of the Joint Staff, was promoted in early October to the rank of Brigadier General. Dudney led the brigade through its recent transition from a heavy mechanized brigade to a light infantry brigade as part of the U.S. Army's transformation to a highly mobile expeditionary force. The General began his military career as an enlisted soldier. He was a 13E Cannon Fire Direction Specialist with Battery C 2nd Battalion 214th Field Artillery. He was later commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in Field Artillery from Officer's Candidate School at Fort Benning, Georgia. In November of 1990, he volunteered to join the 1st Battalion 230th Field Artillery that was mobilized with the 48th Infantry Brigade for Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. During mobilization, he served as the Assistant Brigade Fire Support Officer. After mobilization BG Dudney remained in the 48th Brigade and served as a Battalion Fire Support Officer and Brigade Fire Support Officer. BG Dudney also commanded the 1st Battalion 214th Field Artillery and the 1st Battalion 118th Field Artillery. In December of 2000, BG Dudney was accessed into the Title X program and assigned to Headquarters' Department of the Army working in the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Programs (G8) in the Army Quadrennial Defense Review Office. In April 2002, BG Dudney reported to Korea and was assigned as the Senior Army National Guard Advisor for United States Forces Korea and Eighth United States Army located in Yongsan Garrison, Korea. Following his tour in Korea, BG Dudney returned to Georgia and was assigned as the Deputy Commander for the 48th Infantry Brigade and deployed with the brigade for Operation Iraqi Freedom. On 1 November 2006, BG Dudney assumed command of the 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. He holds a Bachelors' of Science Degree in Education from Georgia Southern University, a Master's Degree from Georgia College and State University in Educational Administration and Supervision, a Master's Degree in Public Administration from Shippensburg University and a Master's Degree in Strategic Studies from the Army War College. BG Dudney's awards and decorations include the Soldier's Medal, Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal (4th Award), Army Commendation Medal (3rd Award), Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal (1 Bronze Star), Southwest Asia Service Medal (1 Bronze Star), Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Liberation of Kuwait Medal (Government of Kuwait), Combat Action Badge, Parachutist Badge and Canadian Parachutist Badge. He is a member of the Honorable and Ancient Orders of Saint Barbara and a recipient of the Order of Saint Maurice. BG Dudney has also received the Valley Forge Cross of Heroism from the National Guard Association of the United States for his actions on September 11th while assigned to the Pentagon. In 2003, Dudney was inducted into the Officer Candidate School Hall of Fame at Fort Benning, Georgia.
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New Georgia Army Guard hangar opens at Hunter AAF
A new home for Army Aviation Support Facility #3, 1/169th Aviation Regiment and the 935th Aviation Maintenance Detachment is set to open at Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah on Saturday, November 3, 2007. The hangar is among the largest military construction projects the Georgia Army National Guard has undertaken over the last two years. The 78,000 square foot facility houses the unit's administrative function along with more than 62,000 square feet devoted to storing, maintenance and shop functions for the unit's six CH-47 Chinook helicopters. The cost of the new hangar was approximately $16.4 million. R.C. Construction Company of Greenwood, MS was the primary contractor for the project with numerous subcontracting projects awarded to businesses in the Coastal Georgia area. Prior to the new hangar, the 115-person unit was operating out of 1950-era Air Force hangars since it arrived at Hunter AAF in 1979. The unit deployed to Afghanistan in 2004-2005 and was recently called to fight wildfires in South Georgia in 2007.
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'Good Neighboring Day' '07 brings Korean culture to Fort Gordon YCA cadets

"If Sunny can, I can," was the theme of the morning lectures that Sunny Park, founder of the Good Neighboring Foundation, gave to more than 200 Youth Challenge Academy Cadets at Fort Gordon, near Augusta in midOctober.

The morning started with a brief history of the Good Neighboring Foundation, which was designed by Park to bring a day of Korean culture and encouragement to the cadets of the YCA programs all over the country.

Park began the program with a brief history of Korea and of himself, telling many stories about how he came to the United States and used the opportunity to become a successful businessman.

Success was the overall theme of the morning lectures from both Park and Karen Handel, Georgia's Secretary of State.

Founder of Good Neighboring Day, Sunny Park explains the goals of the program to YCA cadets at Fort Gordon.

"We all want to be a part of your success," said Park. "I don't waste my time and effort on anyone, you are worthwhile and we want to help you.

"Everything you need to be successful, you have," said Park. "You have to know what you are doing, have a road map and know where you are going."

Handel had similar advice for the cadets.

"Nobody is going to care about you unless you care about yourself," she said. "Never let where you came from hold you back, but never forget where you came from."

After Handel finished, the day's entertainment began. A demonstration team from the Taegeukwon Taekwondo Academy of Augusta, performed. This team later spent an hour with the cadets teaching them the basics of the discipline of Taekwondo.

Before the taekwondo classes, the cadets were treated to a Korean style meal with Bul-gokee, marinated and charbroiled beef; goonmandoo, a type of potato stick; chap-chae, potato noodles marinated in sesame seed and Korean sauce; and Kimchi, Korean cabbages and radishes salad with Korean Spice.

The Good neighboring Foundation was started in 1996 to help Korean immigrants learn American culture. It encouraged these immigrants to use Asian values and heritage for the betterment of their adoped country.

An exhibition of Taekwondo such as breaking a board with powerful kick (at right) impressed cadets.

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Christmas Assistance Program 'now open'
CHRISTMAS Application 2007.doc
This year's Christmas Assistance Program is now open to all GA Guard members who qualify. You may qualify if you are having financial difficulties due to a life changing event such as loss of employment, spouse lost employment or an illness in your immediate family. If you are in need of assistance for Christmas please fill out all fields of the application. Each application will be reviewed and verified by a Family Program staff member as to a bona fide need. For more information contact Kimberley Garrett, State Youth Coordinator, Georgia National Guard Family Program at "Kim.garrett2@ga.ngb.army.mil" Any children for whom assistance is requested MUST be "your children" or children through legal guardianship. You must be able to verify you have legal guardianship, Garrett said. The suspense for the Applications is Monday, November 19th. If you have any questions regarding the application please contact Garrett at Kim.garrett2@ga.ngb.army.mil
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From left, Third Place winner James Carter, First Place Winner Kim Hernden, and Second Place winner Wesley Ruland.
Chili winners at DOD!
It was good food and good fun all for a great cause as the State Charitable Campaign held a Chili cook-off Wednesday, Oct. 31, on Confederate Ave. The state employees at Confederate Ave. are trying to raise at least $1000 to donate to the Youth Challenge Foundation. The winner was Kim Hernden (pictured center), family assistance specialist at the Douglasville armory. Also pictured are third place winner Jim Carter (left), contracts manager at the Centralized Field Maintenance Shop; and Wesley Ruland (right), human resources assistant with the Technician Human Resources Office, took second place. The campaign ran through the month of October with all state agencies participating by holding fund raising activities every Wednesday. Thus far campaign organizers have sponsored a bake sale, a yard sale, a 50/50 raffle and the chili cook-off. To date more than $700, not counting proceeds from the cook-off, has been collected. (Georgia National Guard photos by Spc. Amanda Luksic).
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Chief Warrant Officer 5 Robin James accepts an award upon his retirement from Lt. Gen. Poythress.
Governor presents YCA counselor with Customer Service Award
After 41 years of service, Chief Warrant Officer 5 Robin James retired from the Army National Guard as the Deputy Chief of Staff during a ceremony at Joint Forces Headquarters at Ellenwood, Ga. James began his distinguished military career at 18 years of age by enlisting in Troop A, 748th Armored Cavalry Squadron, 48th Armored Division in Jackson, Ga., as a private in 1965 where he was assigned as a grenadier upon return to Troop A. Due to unit reorganization in 1968, James was reclassified as an engineer equipment repairman and remained in that specialty until 1970. He then held a diverse and impressive range of key non-commissioned positions when assigned as a supply sergeant until 1976, then reassigned as a food service sergeant, and finally as a personnel NCO, attaining the rank of Sergeant First Class prior to appointment as a Warrant Officer 1 in 1980. He was then assigned as the Acting Adjutant and fulltime Unit Personnel Technician of the 170th Military Police Battalion in Atlanta. There he instilled a climate of pride and excellence that resulted in the organization winning numerous awards for administration, supply and readiness. His strong personal leadership and sense of pride in being a Georgia Guardsman also emerged in the 1980s, when he organized and managed the Army Guard softball teams which competed in the Fort McPherson Military League, as well as other local venues, with respectable records each year. Concurrently, his rapidly acquired and justly earned reputation for administrative excellence prompted his selection for reassignment to the Military Personnel Office in 1985, where he was the chief of the Enlisted Personnel Branch. In 1988, James was selected as Active Guard and Reserve manager in the Human Resources Office, the work center responsible for administrative oversight of the Georgia Army and Air National Guard AGR personnel, where he remained until 1996. His next assignment was in the Office of the Chief of Staff as secretary to the general staff, where he remained until 1999, when he became Deputy Personnel Officer, the first Warrant Officer to hold this position. He was the Deputy Personnel Officer until 2005, when he returned to the Office of the Chief of Staff as Deputy Chief of Staff, where he presently serves. James is a graduate of various military schools, to include the Warrant Officer Senior Staff Course, and studied Business Administration while attending Brenau University. His many decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, ten awards of the Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, and numerous State Military Awards, to include the Georgia Distinctive Service Medal and three awards of the Georgia Distinguished Unit Ribbon. James resides in Jonesboro with his wife.
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