First Friday briefing [Dec. 7, 2007]

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First Friday Briefing for December 2007
Deployment Update

Britt earns first star;
Becomes Army Guard commander
The Georgia National Guard pinned its newest general officer in November when Maria L. Britt was promoted to the rank of brigadier general. She was appointed by Gov. Sonny Perdue as the new commander of the Georgia Army National Guard. With her promotion, General Britt became the first female general in the Georgia Guard's 273 year history. "Her talents have helped the Georgia Guard position itself as a leader among the other states," said Perdue. "She led the charge to turn around the Guard's recruiting and retention and now Georgia is a model for other states. I'm proud to have her on my team in Georgia." Full Story

MG Nesbitt formally takes office Major Gen. William "Terry" Nesbitt formally took command of Georgia's National Guard and Department of Defense Dec. 1. Nesbitt, a Vietnam veteran, brings more than forty years of military experience to the job. He was formerly Commander, Georgia Army National Guard, and served as Georgia's Director of Homeland Security. Among the General's many accomplishments was his selection to command Joint Task Force G8, an all-service organization of more than 7,000 personnel to conduct military support operations for the Sea Island Summit in June 2004.

Couples learn to 'strengthen' bonds
Before and after deployments
With the 878th Engineer Battalion leaving and Company H of the 121st Infantry Battalion returning, another Strong Bonds weekend was held in November to help reunite and strengthen marriage before and after deployment. More than 50 couples attended the retreat which featured classes on listener-speaker techniques, problem solving and just "having fun" in your relationship. Full Story

Annual Atlanta Journal Awards
Go to Guard threesome
Three Georgia Army National Guardsmen and two Army Reserve Soldiers were honored during The Atlanta Journal Constitution's annual Army Reserve Components Achievement Awards ceremony, in November. The Guardsmen recognized were Pfc. Brandon Conway, an infantryman with Winder's 1st Battalion, 121st Infantry, Staff Sgt. Christopher Aldred, assistant operations noncommissioned officer with Augusta's 878th Engineer Battalion, and Sgt. 1st Class Andrew B. Gideon, a platoon sergeant with Calhoun's 1st Battalion, 108th Reconnaissance, Surveillance and Target Acquisition squadron. In presenting the awards, Jim Wooten, assistant editor of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, and a retired Georgia Army Guard colonel, expressed his gratitude and respect for the men and women in uniform. Full Story

DOD announces 48th IBCT To Deploy to Afghanistan in 2009 Members of the Georgia National Guard's 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team have been alerted for possible mobilization and deployment in support of the Global War on Terrorism. The Department of the Army has announced that unit will report to duty in summer 2009, and deploy to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
While its exact mission has not been announced, the preliminary indication is that the 48th will concentrate on training Afghan National Security Forces. The unit is expected to be mobilized for one year.
Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue lauded the Soldiers of the Brigade saying that "Once again, our nation is calling on Georgia's 48th Brigade Combat Team to lead the War on Terror in Afghanistan. Without protest, these dedicated and courageous men and women will re-join the battle, this time training Afghan soldiers, when they only just left Iraq in May 2006. These brave soldiers, who are Georgia's daughters, sons, moms, dads, neighbors, co-workers, business partners, friends and loved ones, have demonstrated their willingness time and again to put their lives on hold as our nation continues to work toward freedom and democracy in the Middle East."

Honor Guard's aim:
'Focus on the fallen'
Members of the Georgia National Guard Military Honor Guard are meticulous about their uniforms shirts pressed crisp and shoes polished to a mirror shine. Their movements during funeral honors are deliberate and perfectly choreographed to the high standards set at Arlington National Cemetery. Sharp appearance and discipline aside, this small group of fulltime Soldiers' aim is not to draw attention to themselves, but to render a final professional tribute to fallen service members. Full Story

First female chaplain joins Georgia Army National Guard A new chapter in the spiritual well being of the Georgia Army National Guard began in November when 1st Lt. Esther J. Gant, a United Methodist minister, was sworn in as the first female chaplain in the history of the Georgia Guard in a ceremony in Atlanta. Gant will work with her male counterparts in the 139th Chaplains Detachment until she is permanently assigned to a unit. "I wanted to serve my country. It is definitely an honor. I wanted to be with Soldiers and civilians to help them during times of happiness and distress." said Gant. "I love pastoral and spiritual care. This was my calling," she added.

Paralyzed vets enjoy hunting Experience
at Townsend Range
A group of Georgia Air National Guardsmen assigned to Brunswick's Townsend Bombing Range and a handful of local outdoorsmen are making a big difference in the lives of paralyzed American military veterans. On Veterans Day weekend, volunteers including 14 Air Guardsmen hosted 12 paralyzed American veterans during a three-day hunting experience on the sprawling 5100acre National Guard range in south Georgia. Full Story

Ferrero named Director of Staff For Georgia Air Guard Lieutenant Col. Joe Ferrero, former commander, 117th Air Control Squadron, has been appointed the new director of staff for the Georgia Air National Guard. He succeeds Col. Murray Hansen who departs headquarters to become the new 116th Support Group commander. Ferrero brings more than 23 years of military experience and a wealth of public leadership to his new job. During his service in the Air Guard, he was recalled to active duty for the Bosnian conflict, the Kosovo conflict, and the enforcement of the no-fly zone over southern Iraq. He was most recently mobilized in 2006, along with the 117th Air Control Squadron, for deployment to Iraq.

4th CST undergoes certification testing
Soldiers with Marietta's 4th Civil Support Team had their abilities to respond to and assist civil authorities with situations involving hazardous materials tested in November. The evaluation was conducted at Dobbins Air Reserve Base by U.S. Army North, 5th Army, Civil Support Readiness Group East. In the scenario two homeless men had entered a warehouse earlier in the afternoon and discovered a make-shift laboratory in one of the building's first-floor rooms. One of two men died from exposure to whatever was being produced at the lab. Local police responded to citizen calls for help, but after realizing the situation exceeded their capabilities, cordoned off the area and called in the 4th CST. Full Story

Ga State Defense Force Conducts 'AT' at Fort Stewart Members of the Georgia State Defense Force conducted their Annual Training in November at Fort Stewart. The event afforded GSDF units an opportunity to coordinate their disaster relief planning. Full Story
Six earn Faithful Service award Pictures of the recipients

NGTC Director Lee earns eagles Lieutenant Col. David S. Lee of Statesboro, garrison commander and director of the National Guard Training Center, was promoted to the rank of Colonel during a ceremony at Fort Stewart. In his position Col. Lee has responsibility for the overall operation and supervision of the training center to include training, property and base operations support.

Elam takes command of 221st Military Intelligence Bn Lt. Col. Mark Elam took the reins from Maj. Matthew S. Saxton during a change of command ceremony held at the 221st's MI headquarters at Fort Gillem on Dec. 1. Saxton, moves on to command 3rd Squadron, 108th RSTA. Although he leaves the battalion, he continues in his fulltime position as manager of the State Partnership Program. Elam, served as assistant chief of staff, National Guard, for the Military Intelligence School at Fort Huachuca, Ariz., before returning to Georgia.

November 30, 2007 Six state employees whose combined service to the Georgia Department of Defense totals almost 100 years were honored with Faithful Service Awards Friday morning. Lt. General David B. Poythress, on his final day in office as Adjutant General, told honorees that these awards represent the trust that citizens and their colleagues place in them. Employees earn Faithful Service Awards for each five years of service to the state. Those being honored were:
Chrislyn Turner, 5 years Karen Everett McNair, 5 years Rodney Wright, 5 years Louis Archambault, 20 years Thomas Quarterman, 25 years Charlene Anderson, 30 years
...
A look at deployed Georgia Guardsmen during two Decembers: 1916 & 1917:

GSDF joins search for missing Gwinnett County youth Members of the Georgia State Defense Force's Atlanta-based 1st Brigade assisted Gwinnett County authorities in November in their efforts to find 18-year-old Justin Gaines who disappeared early in the month. More than 135 GSDF volunteers used their military skills to help law enforcement officers scour Gwinnett County and the surrounding country side in the hope of locating the Gainesville State College student .

Counterdrug Task Force conducts
Training for law enforcement
National Guard Soldiers from the Georgia's Counterdrug Task Force Ground Reconnaissance Team recently instructed 23 law enforcement officers who participated in its ninth Basic Woodland Operations Course at LaGrange. The fiveday course gave officers more than 60 hours of Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) credit with all training conducted by National Guard instructors. Land navigation, mission planning, surveillance techniques, field craft, and force protection tactics were all part of the comprehensive training the group received. Full story

560th BSB Soldier runs NYC marathon; Slots open for Guard marathon team Master Sgt Devika Hull of Headquarters, 560th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade finished the New York City Marathon in early November with a time of 4:14:07. It was her fifth marathon and the time was her personal best. Hull is a member of the Georgia National Guard Marathon Team. The National Guard Marathon is held each year in Lincoln, Neb., during the first week of May. Anyone interested in trying out for team should contact Lt. Col. Jeffrey Olive at 678-462-9031. Male runners should have a time of better than four hours and females runners a time of four and a half hours.

Gala highlight CERF-P achievements
The tone of the evening was firmly established when Maj. Gen. Terry Nesbitt told more than 250 members of the newly certified Joint Task Force 781st CERF-P, "is the tip of the spear in homeland security," said Nesbitt. "From what I have seen so far there is no place to go but up because you measured up to the challenge."

1916 - A report in the Jackson, GA weekly newspaper from a Jackson Rifles soldier along the Texas-Mexican border: "Since we have arrived in El Paso, we have been subjected to one test and inspection right after another. These inspections and tests are for the purpose of ascertaining our fitness to take the field in case of war. They include not only a test of our ability to use a rifle and bayonet, and the solving of actual war problems against imaginary enemies, but also a very close inspection of equipment each man is issued. ... Hopefully the weather has improved from November when a blizzard struck and the extreme cold caused one Jackson soldier to sleep under seven blankets trying to find warmth."
1917 - Excerpts follow from letters written home in Dec 1917 in French villages by Pvt. Harry Kendall, a member of the 151st Machine Gun Battalion, which was formed at the onset of World War I from three companies of the Georgia National Guard's 2nd Regiment of Infantry. "Don't worry about me or any of the boys cause we are being well taken care of "over here". The YMCA is a great help to us in every way...It is good not to have Yankee strangers with us for Christmas. I wish I could tell you all that we have been thru."
He tells his mother in a later note that he and fellow 151st members played a game of baseball in the snow on Christmas eve for the French villagers. He also writes of the welcoming reception whenever they finally return home to the Volunteer Armory in Macon. The 151st returned in 1919 after serving as occupation troops in Germany.
Complied by Gail Parnelle, GaARNG Historical Section

The gala CERF-P dining out held on Saturday, Dec. 1, was a formal acknowledgement of the unit's exceptional achievement following more than a year of intense organization, training and exercises culminating in its official NGB certification in September. Full Story

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

December 12, 2007 Time: 4:09 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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Britt earns first star; slated to become Army Guard commander

November 4, 2007 -The Georgia National Guard pinned its newest general officer on Sunday when Maria L. Britt was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General. She has been appointed by Gov. Sonny Perdue as the new commander of the Georgia Army National Guard, and will take over
that role on Dec. 1.

With her promotion, Brig. Gen. Britt became the first female general in the Georgia Guard's 273 year history.

"Her talents have helped the Georgia Guard position itself as a leader among the other states," said Gov. Perdue who attended the ceremony. "She led the charge to turn around the Guard's recruiting and retention and now Georgia is model for other states. I'm proud to have her on my team in Georgia".

Gen. Britt was pinned to her new rank by her husband, Col. Tim Britt and Maj. Gen. Terry Nesbitt, Georgia's incoming Adjutant General. Her parents Dolores and Anthony Corsini, along with daughters Ava, Chelsea and Joyce, also took part in the ceremony.

Photo: Delores Corsini (l), mother of Brigadier General Britt, and husband Col. Tim Britt, pin stars on the Army Guard's newest General, Maria L. Britt. General Britt's father Anthony Corsini and Maj. Gen. Terry Nesbitt, Georgia's incoming Adjutant General, look on.

In addition to her general's stars, Gen. Britt also received the Legion of Merit for her service as Chief of Staff of the Georgia Army Guard. The award was presented by Lt. Gen. David B. Poythress, Georgia's outgoing Adjutant General present

"We have a greater depth of leadership in the Georgia National Guard than any other organization that I know of," said Gen. Poythress. "And Maria Britt is a great example of that leadership."

A graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Gen. Britt holds master's degrees from the U.S. Army War College and the Joint Military College in strategic intelligence and strategic studies. She's held a number of leadership and staff positions in the Georgia National Guard, including commander of the 221st Military Intelligence Battalion at Ft. Gillem.

"We're not here to promote a female to general," said Gen. Nesbitt as he addressed the crowd of family, friends and coworkers. "We're here to promote a fine Soldier who has earned the rank."

After the ceremony, Gen. Britt told reporters that being a woman and a working mother has prepared her for command and given her a style of leadership that emphasizes good listening and teambuilding.

"I don't thrive on confrontation or ego," she told reporters. "But I don't feel intimidated, and I stand my ground when I feel I'm right."

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Couples learn to 'strengthen bonds' before, after deployments

by Pfc Amanda Luksic Georgia Army National Guard

November 2007 With the 878th Engineer Battalion leaving and Company H of the 121st Infantry Battalion returning, another Strong Bonds weekend was held at Atlanta's Ritz-Carlton Hotel, November 9-11, 2007 to help reunite and strengthen marriage before and after deployment.

More than 50 couples attended the retreat aimed at helping couples learn new techniques to help keep their marriages going. Classes included issues such as listener-speaker techniques, problem solving and just "having fun" in your relationship.

"We are all about strong

bonds," said Col. John

(left to right) Master Sgt. Duane Johnson, operations noncommissioned officer, Joint Task Force 781st CERFP,

Owings, the state chaplain. "Unlike Las Vegas, what happens here doesn't stay here."

and his wife Constance, along with Sgt. Ellis Williams, mechanic, 110th Corps Support Battalion, and his wife Belinda, cut the wedding cake during a vow renewal ceremony at Strong Bonds in Atlanta, Nov. 11, 2007. The Johnsons, married 21 years and the Williams', married one year, represented the longest married couple and the most recently wed couple. (Photo by Pfc. Amanda Luksic)Colonel Lee Durham accepts the colors from MG

William T. Nesbitt

Many of the Soldiers had

positive things to say about the weekend, including several who made new friends who can help both Soldiers and spouses get through the

upcoming deployment.

Major Josie Hobbs, commander 221st MI, whose husband was deployed to Egypt,benefited from the weekend. "I could ask any of my Soldiers what it takes to get promoted," she said, "and any one of them could tell him how many points they need, but I can guarantee none of them could tell me what it takes to keep a marriage together or take it to the next level."

The weekend concluded with a vow renewal ceremony, where couples could reaffirm thier marriage.

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Honor Guard's aim:

'focus on the fallen'

by Staff Sgt. Jamie Sherrill 124th MPAD

Members of the Georgia National Guard Military Honor Guard are meticulous about their uniforms shirts pressed crisp and shoes polished to a mirror shine. Their movements during funeral honors are deliberate and perfectly choreographed to the high standards set at Arlington National Cemetery.

Sharp appearance and discipline aside, this small group of full-time Soldiers' aim is not to draw attention to themselves, but to render a final professional tribute to fallen service members.

1st Sgt. Bryan K. Hise,

military funeral honors

director for the Georgia National Guard, said his team of 18 Soldiers has provided honors for more than 70 funerals since inception Oct. 1, and that he

(From right to left), Pfc. Michael D. Ortiz of McDonough, Spc. Clay G.Ragsdale of Cedartown and Spc. Nefertiti C. Stokes of Atlanta fold the American Flag during a short ceremony honoring veterans Friday at Oglethorpe National Guard Armory in Ellenwood. All are members of the Georgia National Guard Military Honors, a group that provides full-time military funeral honors to fallen servicemembers. (Photo by Staff Sgt. James Sherrill)

plans on supporting as many requests as his group can handle while increasing the number of trained individuals on his team.

Hise said that providing funeral honors is "not a new program" for the Georgia Guard and that Georgia had been supporting military funerals all along, but not full-time and mostly for its own Soldiers and Airmen.

Hise attributes the increase in demand for military funeral honors to the aging generation of World War II and Korean War-era veterans, coupled with the casualties from the conflicts in both Afghanistan and Iraq. He said the Department of Defense and National Guard Bureau saw the need for more teams and pushed for the Guard to create regional military honors units.

"NGB (National Guard Bureau) had noticed that some veterans were not getting the proper honors because of the demand, so they decided to do something about it," he said.

Hise said the Guard has done so well with honors teams that the states' National Guard organizations collectively carry out about 80 percent of the military funeral honors mission, providing their services to deceased Guardsmen, Reservists, retirees, veterans and even former service members who only served a short stint in the military but whose family had requested the service.

With the rise in demand for honors, comes the need for highly trained Soldiers to perform the duty. According to Sgt. Rustin Kilburg, an honors team leader with the Georgia Guard, applicants must pass a 40-hour course of instruction and participate in five funerals to qualify as a team member.

The training standards are high the same for conducting funeral honors at Arlington National Cemetery. Kilburg said not all who apply can withstand the rigid discipline and attention to detail.

"There are people who don't make it. They have to be disciplined, fit, carry themselves well and perform above their peers," he said.

"I tell them (team members) to remember they're performing a service for a fallen veteran."

Hise said there are three types of military funeral honors - basic honors, consisting of a three-Soldier team; the ceremonial rifle volley, consisting of a seven-Soldier team; and full honors with a 21-Soldier team, complete with 21-gun salute.

He said the level of the ceremony depends on the fallen Soldiers level of service and availability of the Honor Guard members at the time of the funeral.

At the moment, Hise said his group is capable of doing honors with three and seven-Soldier teams, but hopes to grow in numbers of trained members in the coming months.

"We're infants in this program but we're moving along, we're still crawling," Hise said.

Still, he said, his Honor Guard members can expect to render honors for more than 250 fallen service members this year.

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2007 Atlanta Journal Awards announced

Story by Spc. Adam Dean 124th MPAD

November 4, 2007 Three Georgia Army National Guardsmen and two Soldiers with the U. S. Army Reserve were honored during The Atlanta Journal Constitution's annual Army Reserve Components Achievement Awards ceremony, held at Winslette Auditorium on Marietta's Naval Air Station.

The Guardsmen who were

recognized were Pfc. Brandon

Conway, an infantryman with

Winder's 1st Battalion, 121st

Infantry, Staff Sgt. Christopher

Aldred, assistant operations

non-commissioned officer with

Augusta's 878th Engineer

Battalion, and Sgt. 1st Class

Andrew B. Gideon, a platoon

sergeant with Calhoun's 1st

Battalion, 108th

From left to right, Jim Wooten, assistant editor of the AJC, Sgt. 1 st Class Laurie A. Jones, Staff

Reconnaissance, Surveillance Sgt. Christopher Aldred, Pfc. Brandon Conway, Staff Sgt. Francis C. Laudano, Sgt. 1 st Class

and Target Acquisition squadron.

Andrew B. Gideon, and Lt. Gen. David B. Poythress. (Georgia National Guard photo by Spc.

Michael Perry)

"I'm very thankful to my leadership and the AJC," said Aldred. "It's really quite an honor."

Each of the honorees noted that they weren't aware of their nominatation until they received word that they had been chosen to receive the award. "It kinda snuck up on me, but it was quite a pleasant surprise when I found out," said Laudano.

In presenting the awards, Jim Wooten, assistant editor of the AJC, and a retired Georgia Army Guard colonel, expressed his gratitude and respect for all men and women in uniform, and specifically thanked and congratulated the five who were present to receive this year's trophy.

"I think what you have chosen to do is the highest form of volunteerism and public service," said Wooten. "Your dedication, your discipline and your success give the rest of us comfort. Your professionalism does both you and your country proud."

The yearly award, which is sponsored by the AJC, is given to enlisted Soldiers and non-commissioned officers for exemplary performance, superior ability and dedication to Army values.

The Georgia Guard's adjutant general, Lt. Gen. David B. Poythress, said that the awards have become an important tradition in the state's reserve community over the course of the past couple of decades.

"It says to the public, `this is a person we would like to be like,'" said Poythress.

The two Reservists were Staff Sgt. Francis S. Laudano, a tactical chief with Forest Park's 310th Psychological Operations Company, and Sgt. 1st Class Laurie A. Jones, the non-commissioned officer in charge of casualty operations with Fort McPherson's Command Augmentation Unit.

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CST undergoes 18 month evaluation

By Staff Sgt. Roy Henry Georgia National Guard Public Affairs Office

Nov. 7, 2007 As the citizens of Marietta and Cobb County made their way home after a hard day's work, men dressed in bright yellow hazardous material safety suits, with oxygen tanks strapped to their backs and riding an all-terrain vehicle carrying special equipment made their way toward a dark, empty warehouse just off Dobbins Air Reserve Base proper.

While passing commuters went happily on their way anticipating just how they'd spend the remainder of their day, these specially trained members of Georgia's 4th Civil Support Team were deciding how to best handle the potentially dangerous circumstances in which they were about to find themselves.

That situation was created by observer-controllers of U.S. Army North, 5th Army, Civil Support Team Readiness Group, whose job it is to test the 4th CST's abilities to respond to and assist civil authorities with situations involving hazardous materials.

Sgt. David Rygmyr of Georgia's 4th Civil Support Team take samples of substances found at a simulated lab under the watchful eyes of observer-controllers from U.S. Army North, 5th Army, CST Readiness Group. (Georgia National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Roy Henry)

In this scenario two homeless men had entered the warehouse earlier in the afternoon and discovered a make-shift laboratory in one of the building's firstfloor rooms. One of two men died from exposure to whatever was being produced at the lab Local police had responded to citizen calls for help, but after realizing the situation exceeded their capabilities, cordoned off the area and called in the 4th CST.
While Staff Sgt. Sean Katz, a survey team chief, and survey team member Sgt. David Rygmyr made their way into the darkened recesses of the warehouse to begin their mission, Maj. Darrell Smith, 4th CST commander, explained why the unit is being tested.

"Ours is a very specialized and very important job," he said. "So, every 18 months we're required to `recertify' by having our techniques and procedures scrutinized and our skills put to the test to find out what we're doing right and where we need to improve.

"And that's the job of the folks from Army North," Smith added pointing to the team wearing orange reflective vests and attentively watching his Soldiers' every move.

Among the things the observer-controllers look for, he continued, are the CST's proficiency in fielding personnel and equipment; the ability to assess the threat: take samples, analyze them and determine what the sources is; and liaison with "interagency coordination."

"Conduct communications is an important one among those tasks," Smith said. "In a situation such as happened during Hurricane Katrina, it's our job to also help the local agencies talk to each other should the ability to communicate become nonexistent."

So far, he said, 4th CST has done well with its external evaluation. And with the recommendations the observer-controllers have provided, he and his Soldiers will not just continue to do well, but include new techniques that help them provide even better assistance when called upon.

In the mean time, Katz and Rygmyr left the warehouse with the samples they'd collected, and had gone through decontamination before moving those samples to the CST's mobile lab for analysis...all under the watchful gaze of the Army North observers who documented every step.

Sergeant Ryan Schwartz, the CST's newest member and a former Marietta police officer, said the observer-controllers in no way make the evaluation easy. It's one "curve ball" after another.

"The scenarios they come up with really test our abilities to get `down range,' get the job done and get it done right, the first time," Schwartz said. "There isn't one among us who'd want it any other way ...the harder the better"

After all, he concluded, the real thing never, ever will be a walk in the park.

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Counterdrug Task Force conducts training for law enforcement

National Guard Soldiers from the Georgia's Counterdrug Task Force Ground Reconnaissance Team recently instructed 23 law enforcement officers who participated in its ninth Basic Woodland Operations Course at LaGrange. The five-day course gave officers more than 60 hours of Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) credit with all training conducted by National Guard instructors.

A member of the Georgia Guard's Counterdrug Task Force takes up a camouflaged surveillance position in his "gillie suit." which is part of the tactics taught to law enforcement officers.

Land navigation, mission planning, surveillance techniques, field craft, and force protection tactics were all part of the comprehensive training the group received. This training was designed to familiarize officers with the harsh woodland environments around the state where they are often called to work.
Graduates of the Woodland Operations Course have acknowledged tactical expertise and hard work that the National Guard instructors put into Woodland Operations training.

In recognition of the civilian supporters of the Georgia Counterdrug Task Force, the Georgia Commendation Medal was awarded to Shane Goddard, director of Camp Pineland/Pioneer; and Agent Torre Jennings, senior Agent with the Cherokee County Multi-Agency Narcotics Team. Mr. Goddard has been instrumental in providing quality training grounds for the course, and Agent Jennings has devoted countless hours of personal time assisting the GRT with training or providing role-players for scenarios.

The next Woodland Operations course is scheduled for spring of 2008 and an Advanced Woodland Operations course is in the initial stages of development. The Counterdrug Task Force is also working with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation to develop dedicated course for their agents.

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Gala highlights CERF-P Achievements
The tone of the evening was firmly established when Maj. Gen. Terry Nesbitt told more than 250 members of the newly certified Joint Task Force 781st CERF-P, "is the tip of the spear in homeland security," said Nesbitt. "From what I have seen so far there is no place to go but up because you measured up to the challenge."
"Our accomplishments are especially significant when you realize that we have been working together for only a relatively short period of time," said Lt. Col. Jeff Allen, 781st Commander. "We are now not only prepared to accomplish our homeland defense mission, but our wartime mission as well."
The JTF 781st CERF-P is Georgia's rapid response organization, ready to respond to emergencies within 48 hours anywhere with eight-state Southeastern region.
"You're the tip of the spear in homeland security," continued Nesbitt. "From what I have seen so far you measured up to the challenge, and there's no place to go but up."
In his first speech after formally taking command of the Georgia National Guard on Friday, the General levied additional praises on the unit claiming it as being "one of the only truly joint organizations in the Guard today". 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.
Lt. Col. Allen acknowledged the significant support received by the CERF-P the senior command of the Georgia National Guard and presented Gen. Nesbitt with a plaque on behalf of the entire unit.
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Paralyzed Vets enjoy hunting experience at Townsend Range
A group of Georgia Air National Guardsmen assigned to Brunswick's Townsend Bombing Range and a handful of local outdoorsmen are making a big difference in the lives of paralyzed American military veterans.
On Veterans' Day weekend, volunteers including 14 Air Guardsmen hosted 12 paralyzed American veterans during a three-day hunting experience on the sprawling 5100-acre National Guard range in south Georgia.
"We love getting these guys back out in the woods to hunt," said Master Sgt. Brian Leverette, who organized the first hunt back in 2003 and has been involved each year in the annual event.
For many vets the hunt offers the opportunity to be outside and enjoy a sport that many thought may have been no longer possible to them.
Since the first PVA hunt, more than 50 disabled hunters have shared the excitement of a hunt at Townsend Range. Leverette said that the aim of this hunt, and of many outdoor sports activities sponsored by the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), is to improve the quality of life of paralyzed and disabled veterans. It provides them opportunities in sports and recreation, especially activities that enhance lifetime health.
This year, the 12 disabled military vets were paired with the volunteers for the three-day event. Kicking off at 4:30 a.m., the veterans were escorted into the dense woods and swamplands around the range to hunt for deer and wild hogs. The range is rich with wild game and annually hosts several controlled archery, black powder and rifle hunts for local outdoor enthusiasts.
"As with any hunt, safety is of overwhelming importance," said Leverette. Every hunter and volunteer carries a radio, and every blind is carefully plotted on a map. The local game warden briefs hunters daily on hunting safety. All food plots are carefully located on maps and hunters are strategically located both for individual safety and for ideal hunting opportunities.
From dawn to dusk each day, the vets are positioned in ground blinds or hydraulic lift deer stands throughout the property. This year's hunt resulted in ten deer and two hogs being taken. A disabled Iraqi veteran participating in the hunt for the first time bagged an 8-point buck. T
he PVA hunt also attracted the interest of "Tall Tales," a regional outdoor sports TV program. The special Townsend hunt segment is scheduled to air early next year.
Another thing that makes this hunt different is what awaits disabled hunters when they return each day from the field. "We make sure that a hot and fulfilling lunch with a local flair is ready for them when they come out of the woods," say Leverette. Over the three days, Leverette and his volunteers prepared southern meals of steak, shrimp and fish for the hungry hunters and volunteers. The afternoon break provides time to compare notes and share in the camaraderie before they go back out in the afternoon.
For those lucky enough to have taken game, local hunters are on hand to take care of the game and prepare coolers for the hunters to take at the end of the hunt. B
eyond the annual PVA hunts at the range, Leverette, an avid hunter and fisherman, often personally hosts disabled vets sent to him by the PVA on hunting and fishing excursions to south Georgia. "
What I receive from these hunts? Lots of smiling faces," admits Leverette. It's a sentiment echoed by many of the volunteers. "It's also rewarding to know that for some of these guys just getting back outdoors on a hunt restores their spirit and provide hope to do the things they once felt impossible," he added.
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State Defense Force works on 'relief planning', search, rescue during 'AT'
Members of the Georgia State Defense Force conducted their Annual Training in November at Fort Stewart. The event afforded GSDF units an opportunity to coordinate their disaster relief planning..
Other training included search and rescue, first aid and casualty treatment, engineering, communications and transportation support. The intent of the training was to evaluate company and platoon-size units in their ability to do mission planning and to execute their operations in both urban and wilderness settings.
The units also set up brigade and battalion tactical operations centers to train on mission planning. Some of the other activities during the weekend included Change of Command ceremonies, promotion and awards ceremonies, and unit and individual skills training. T
he GSDF Chaplains Corps took advantage of the weekend to conduct training on funeral details, drill & ceremony, and family assistance programs, while GSDF medical personnel assisted deploying GA Army National Guard units in their medical processing for shots, records, and physicals.
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Six earn 'Faithful Service' honors
November 30, 2007 Six state employees whose combined service to the Georgia Department of Defense totals almost 100 years were honored with Faithful Service Awards Friday morning.
Lt. General David B. Poythress, on his final day in office as Adjutant General, told honorees that these awards represent the trust that citizens and their colleagues place in them. Employees earn Faithful Service Awards for each five years of service to the state.
Those being honored were:
Chrislyn Turner, 5 years Karen Everett McNair, 5 years Rodney Wright, 5 years Louis Archambault, 20 years Thomas Quarterman, 25 years Charlene Anderson, 30 years
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