Please ensure widest distribution of this publication Georgia DOD Home First Friday Briefing, the Georgia DoD's monthly online newsletter, is now available in audio format. Listen now or download to your personal audio player. Subscribe using RSS First Friday Briefing for February 2007 Deployment Update Col. Henry A. Smart, Jr. Sunny K. Park Smart To Assume Command of Savannah Airlift Wing Savannah's 165th Airlift Wing is set to undergo a change of command in February as its Vice Commander takes the reins. Colonel Henry A. Smart, who joined the 158th Airlift Squadron in May 1986, will take command of the 900-member Wing during a change of command ceremony scheduled for Feb. 10. Full Story Park Earns Lifetime Achievement Honor For Youth Challenge Work Atlanta businessman and Youth Challenge advocate Sunny K. Park was presented the National Guard Youth Challenge Lifetime Achievement Award during the National Guard Youth Challenge Program Annual Workshop 2007 held in Carefree, Ariz., in January. Park will again be recognized for this achievement on February 27, at the National Guard Youth Challenge Foundation "Champions" Dinner in Washington. Full Story Governor, TAG 'Troop The Line' During '07 Inauguration ATLANTA, Jan. 8, 2006 Soldiers and Airmen of the Georgia Army and Air National Guard were reviewed by the state's commander-in-chief, Gov. Sonny Perdue. Perdue, who was in the second day of his second term as Georgia's governor, "trooped the line" accompanied by Lt. Gen. David B. Poythress. The formation assembled in front of the state capitol along Washington Street. Official music for the review was played by 530th Air Force Band. Earlier in the day, the 116th Army Guard Band played for the governor's swearing-in ceremony at Philip's Arena. Instructors at first MP course at RTI demonstrate a self defense hold leaving assailant powerless. Georgia Soldiers Participate In 1st RTI MP Training Class Twenty-nine Georgia Guardsmen are among a group of Soldiers to have attended the first military police training course ever conducted at Macon's Headquarters 122nd Regional Training Institute. The Georgians were part of the 34 Robert "Brock" Gaston (r) with Vern Atkinson, also a Georgia Guardsman. Gaston Teaches Specialized Self-Defense Technique In Iraq LSA ANACONDA, Iraq "The fierce Israeli guerilla hand-to-hand tactics, F.I.G. H.T. program encompasses the hand-tohand and empty-hand weapons defense components of the HaganaH system," said Robert "Brock" Gaston, Georgia National Guardsmen and for the past months, deployed to this Iraqi outpost as executive officer for Theater Aviation Single Manager. Gaston is an Israeli martial arts instructor in the discipline of HaganaH. The techniques incorporated into the system have been proven in violent hand-to-hand combat situations and have been carefully adapted to street-oriented self-defense, according to Kanarek, founder of the International HaganaH Federation. Full Story Col. Davis (left) greets MSgt. (retired) Gregory Gray during the retirement ceremony. Soldiers from as far away as North Dakota and Minnesota to participate in the first phase of the course. Phase two takes place at Ft. Stewart. Full Story Family Readiness Looking For Award Nominees Georgia's Family Readiness Office is once again looking for those individuals and units that deserve recognition for what they do in support of Guard members and their families. Nominations must be turned into Altamese Finch at the Family Readiness Office by March 12, along with the appropriate commander's approval. Awards will be presented at the Family Readiness Conference scheduled this year for April 14. Finch can be reached by telephone at 678-569-6420 or by e-mail to Altamese Finch. Full Story. Davis Retires Following 40 Years of Service To Guard Colonel Jimmy Davis, former director of human resources for the Georgia Department of Defense and, since 2003, director of human resources for the National Guard Bureau, retired from the Georgia Air National Guard following more than 40 years of military service at a ceremony held at Dobbins in January. Four General Officers, including Lt. Gen. David Poythress, Maj. Gen. Ronald Young, NGB J1, Maj Gen. Terry Nesbitt and Maj Gen Scott Hammond, individually recognized Col. Davis for his many career accomplishments. Full Story (L-to-R) Sgt. Latoya Tucker and Harriett Morgan, NG Family Support Foundation exec director share a close bond of friendship. Family Support Deals Double Blessing To Army Guardsman ELLENWOOD, Jan. 30, 2006 Georgia Army Guard Sgt. Latoya Tucker and her family are the latest among an estimated 300 Soldiers, Airmen and families in the past two years to receive assistance from the Georgia National Guard Family Support Foundation. The Tuckers were especially blessed because not only did the foundation assist them with funds, it also got them in touch with an Atlanta businessman and his wife who search their community for people who need a helping hand. Full Story A look at what happened in Georgia National Guard history:... Cameron (in circle) pictured in the 1939 Georgia Guard Yearbook Smith Accepts Command of 4th CST DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Jan. 17, 2007 -- As a new chapter begins for the Georgia National Guard, a new page is being written for the 4th Civil Support Team as Maj. Darrin Smith takes command of the unit from Lt. Col. Jeffery Allen. Smith joined the CST in 2001 as its Survey Team Leader, then progressed to become the deputy commander before taking command. Full Story Family Support Foundation Reaches $1 Million Goal ATLANTA, January 9th -- A crowd of more than 2,500 business and civic leaders and scores of local and state elected officials packed the Georgia World Congress Center to kickoff the 2007 session of the Georgia General Assembly. They were greeted with the announcement that the campaign spearheaded by Gov. Sonny Perdue to help families of deployed Georgia Guardsmen had reached its $1 million goal. Full Story James W. Cameron's dedicated service with the Georgia National Guard extended from the early 1900's. Cameron, born near the end of the 19th century in then Liberty County, enlisted at a very young age in Troop B, 1st Squadron Cavalry, Liberty Independent Troop. When President Woodrow Wilson mobilized the Guard in 1916, Cameron went to the Mexican Border for several months and in 1917 was again in federal service for World War I. He served overseas with the Liberty Independent Troop, redesignated "B" Signal Co., 106th Field Signal Bn., 31st Division from early October 1918 until late April 1919. After his discharge he again enlisted in Georgia's National Guard Cavalry (converted to Coast Artillery in 1940). Cameron was a of member Battery B, 101st Separate Coast Artillery Battalion when President Franklin D. Roosevelt mobilized the Guard for training and during WWII served with his unit in New Guinea. 221st Welcomes New Commander From New Guinea, one of his fellow Guardsmen wrote of him, "Sergeant Cameron, a Georgia Cracker, has been a first sergeant for twenty-five years and although only fifty-one years young he is as spry and agile as any eighteen-year FORT GILLEM, Jan. 6, 2007 Georgia Army National Guard Maj. Matthew J. Saxton took command of 221st Military Intelligence Battalion from Lt. Col. John P. Rudio, during a ceremony at Neil Fitness Center. Full Story old 'buck.'" Though it is uncertain as to whether Cameron remained with his unit in the Pacific until the end of the war, he most likely did. Complied by Gail Parnelle, GaARNG Historical Section Warren Promoted At Oglethorpe Ceremony ELLENWOOD, GA, January 6, 2007-Georgia Army National Guard Lt. Col. Charlotte J. Warren, deputy commander, Joint Forces Headquarters Medical Command, was promoted to the rank of colonel during a promotion ceremony at Oglethorpe Armory. Maj. Gen. William T. Nesbitt, Army Guard commander, and Brig. Gen. Larry H. Ross, commander 78th Troop Command in Decatur, pins on her rank. Warren is the president of Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield, Ill. She has served in the Guard for 16 years. (Georgia National Guard photo by Spc. Sarah Mellen) Gober Earns 'Eagle' ELLENWOOD, GA , January 6, 2007 -Georgia Army National Guard Lt. Col. Guy D. Gober, battalion surgeon for Elberton's1st Battalion, 214th Field Artillery, was promoted to the rank of colonel during a promotion ceremony at Joint Forces Headquarters in Ellenwood. Legislative Dinner Brings Legislators and Guardsmen Together (L-to-R) Elizabeth Poythress, Brig Gen Steve Westgate, Lt Gen David Poythress and State Representative Ron Stephens of Savannah enjoy conversation at the Annual Air National Guard Legislative dinner held in Atlanta on January 31st. This is the ninth annual Legislative Dinner where Georgia Air and Army Guardsmen have an opportunity share company with many of the state's most senior legislators. More than 30 prominent members of Georgia's General Assembly along with more than 50 members of the Army and Air National Guard were on hand at Maggianos Restaurant for this event. 116th's Thetford Conquers All of Georgia's Airfields Robins AFB, January 22, 2007 -- In many cases, using an airplane to conquer a mountain could be considered cheating. But if your "mountain" is landing at all 106 air fields in Georgia, an airplane is the only way to fly. Lt. Col. Jeff Thetford conquered his "mountain" Nov. 5, 2006 when he landed at Atlanta's Hartsfield Jackson International Airport. Full Story Lt. Gen. David B. Poythress The Adjutant General of Georgia April 5, 2007 Time: 12:43 pm Security Notice Army National Guard FAQ The latest news from the Georgia Army National Guard. | It's Now Colonel King | CST, 202nd Participate in Disaster Drill | 2007 NCO, soldier Named | 1230th Deploys Again | CERF-P Conducts Initial Exercise | Hurricane Exercise Tests Readines | Guard Deploys to Americus To Aid Relief Effort | GRAP Pays Off for Guardsman | Air National Guard FAQ The latest news from the Georgia Air National Guard. | Col. Moore Assumes Command of the 116th | 202nd Helps Byron | Doehling Retires as 116th ViceCmdr | Cotter Tapped to Attend Air, Space School | New Positions Follow 165th Change | Smart to Lead 165th | State Defense Force Read the latest news from the Georgia State Defense Force. GADOD News | Governor Inspects Guard During Inauguration Ceremony | |Final YCA Graduation of 2006 Held | Guard Acquires NAS Atlanta property | 2007 NCO, Soldier of the Year Named Click Here Hurricane Exercise Tests Guard Readiness Click Here Need the IG? Click Here About GADOD ESGR YCA Fort Stewart YCA Fort Gordon Facilities Inspector General Jobs Family Readiness Organizational Development Strategic Plan Agency Biographies Annual Report Command Briefing First Friday History Ga Air Guard Boarstale HRO Joint Customer Service Team Joint Operations Jobs Money National Guard Foundation National Guard Assoc. of Georgia National Guard Bureau Photo Gallery (on "gadod.net") Photo Gallery Retirements, Awards Requesting Com. Relations Support Safety Speakers' Resource Center UPAR News Upcoming Events Warrant Officers' Web Youth Challenge National Program 48th BCT In Iraq Google Search Security Notice The Georgia Department of Defense Web site is provided as a public service by the Georgia Department of Defense Directorate of Communications, Atlanta , GA. Information presented on the Georgia Department of Defense Web site is considered public information and may be distributed or copied. Use of appropriate byline/photo/image credits is requested. For site security purposes and to ensure that this service remains available to all users. This government computer system employs software programs to monitor network traffic to identify unauthorized attempts to upload or change information, or otherwise cause damage. Unauthorized attempts to deny service, upload information, change information, or to attempt to access a non-public site from this service are strictly prohibited and may be punishable under Title 18 of the U.S. Code to include the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act of 1987 and the National Information Infrastructure Protection Act. Return to First Friday Briefing 165th AW Welcomes New Commander Georgia's 165th Airlift Wing is set undergo a change of command in February as Vice Wing Commander. Colonel Henry A. "Hank" Smart assumes command of the Savannah-based unit. Smart will take command of the 900-member Wing during a change of command ceremony scheduled for Feb. 10. Smart assumes command from Col. Thomas R. Moore who will soon take a senior level position at the 116th Air Control Wing at Robins AFB, Ga. Smart, who joined the 158th Airlift Squadron in May 1986, was appointed vice wing commander in December 2004 Graduated from Georgia Southern College, Smart received his commission through the Academy of Military Science in Knoxville, Tenn., in 1984. He is a Command Pilot with more than 3000 hours total flying time in the T-41 single engine trainer, as well as T-37, T38 jets and the multi-engine propeller driven C-130 Hercules E and H Models. Col. Henry A. Smart, Jr. Smart graduated from undergraduate pilot training in 1985, and entered C-130 initial copilot training graduating in April 1986. Between May 1986 and April 1996, he was a squadron pilot with the 158th Airlift Squadron in Savannah. In April 1996, he became flight commander and in Sept 2002, he assumed command of the 158th. For eight months, beginning in January 2002, he served as director of operations, Headquarters, GA ANG. He returned to Savannah's 165th as operations group commander in September 2002. Deployed a year later, Smart was appointed squadron commander and then operations group commander, 321st Air Expeditionary Wing at Misirah AB, Oman. He returned to Savannah in 2004 as vice wing commander. Return to First Friday Briefing Return to First Friday Briefing From left: Chris Gardner, Office of the Secretary of Defense; Atlanta businessman Sunny Park; and Col. (Ret.) James R. Tinkham, director, NGB Youth Programs gathered in Carefree, Ariz., to present the Youth Challenge Lifetime Achievement Awards. Sunny K. Park Earns Lifetime Achievement Honor For Youth Challenge Support, Encouragement Atlanta businessman and Youth Challenge advocate Sunny K. Park was presented the National Guard Youth Challenge Lifetime Achievement Award during the National Guard Youth Challenge Program Annual Workshop 2007 held in Carefree, Ariz., in January. Park will again be recognized for this achievement on February 27, at the National Guard Youth Challenge Foundation "Champions" Dinner in Washington. Park, a South Korean immigrant who moved to the United States in 1974, has become a highly successful Atlanta entrepreneur whose personal interests and generous support has been directed toward numerous youth and charitable programs. Since first visiting the Georgia National Guard's Youth Challenge campus at Fort Stewart in 2000, Park has become one of the program's strongest and most supportive advocates. In an effort to expand the learning experience for thousands of Youth Challenge Academy cadets each year and to provide his own personal "up by your bootstraps" success formula, Park initiated and funded the Good Neighboring Campaign's "Korea Day." This unique educational program brings a group of native Koreans to Georgia's YCA campuses to present the Korea's culture including its history, the preparation of a traditional Korean meal and a demonstration of the ancient Korean martial art of Tae-Kwon-Do. According to Park, "My initial goal is to introduce students to the culture of Korea and the work ethic I subscribe to. I then want to encourage them and show them how to achieve their own personal success." Park has presented his cultural program and home-spun success philosophy to literally hundreds of "at risk" YCA cadets around the country. For six years, he has presented his "Korea Day" program to the graduating classes of Georgia's Youth Challenge Academy. He is now carrying his program to Youth Challenge academies in New York, New Jersey, Virginia, Louisiana and Arizona. "The easy way is not always the best way," says the highly animated and charismatic Park who concludes each presentation with his own success mantra, 'If Sunny Can - I Can." "For over six years, Mr. Park has generously, energetically and enthusiastically supported the Youth Challenge program throughout the nation, promoting its image with the public and providing unique educational opportunities to the cadets," said Lt. Gen. David B. Poythress, Georgia's Adjutant General. Return to First Friday Briefing Return to First Friday Briefing Georgia Guardsmen Attend First RTI Training Class for MPs Twenty-nine Georgia Guardsmen are among a group of Soldiers to have attended the first military police training course ever conducted at Macon's Headquarters 122nd Regional Training Institute. The Georgians were part of the 34 Soldiers from as far away as North Dakota and Minnesota to participate in the first phase of the course. Phase two takes place at Fort Stewart, near Savannah, and nearly 50 soldiers are expected to attend the 10 to 24 March class, RTI staff said. The two-week course, taught by Staff Sgt. Todd Sandford of Georgia, Sergeants 1st Class Donald Nelson of Florida and Robert Wilson of Alabama, received it's accreditation after the course's first phase. Accreditation was granted by QAE/TASS (ATSJ-Q) at Fort Leonard Wood, MO. Anyone needing the 31B (Military Police) course will find it available on ATTARS SC984. During their training, participants receive instruction on how to conduct "battlefield circulation control," area security, prisoner of war operations and civilian internal operations. They are also taught law and order operations on the battlefield and how to provide support to the peacetime Army community through security of critical Army resources, crime prevention programs and the preservation of law and order. "Having an MOS producing military police school right here in our own state is going to be of great benefit in two ways," said Lt. Col. Joseph Hoffman who commands Georgia's 170th Military Police Battalion in Decatur. "One, it allows our Soldiers to become qualified through MP subject matter experts who are close to home. Two, it gives me the ability to get some of my Soldiers qualified as instructors." Those who do, Hoffman said, will rotate through RTI and back to Georgia's MP units where they'll better serve their commanders by training their fellow MPs at the unit level. Among the Georgia Guard leadership who personally congratulated the first class for completing phase one were the 170th's senior enlisted Soldier, Command Sgt. Maj. Tony Willis; Command Sgt. Maj. Neil G. Russell, state command sergeant major; and Col. Randal S. Carter, who oversees RTI. Training Institute staff members said that by adding the MP course, the institute continues to expand its missions beyond traditional infantry, field artillery and armor training. Among the new courses RTI offers is military intelligence, and transportation training. This transformation, RTI staff said, is part of the Army's movement to the Unit of Action concept and a more mobile organization. Return to First Friday Briefing Return to First Friday Briefing Gaston Teaches Israeli Self-Defense System LSA ANACONDA , Iraq -- The HaganaH self-defense system is a complete Israeli combative methodology based on both Israeli martial arts and military Israeli tactics used by Israeli special forces operatives in extremely hostile situations, according to Mike Lee Kanarek, chief instructor of the HaganaH System, worldwide. The techniques incorporated into the system have been proven in violent hand-to-hand combat situations and have been carefully adapted to street-oriented selfdefense, according to Kanarek, founder of the International HaganaH Federation. "The fierce Israeli guerilla hand-to-hand tactics, F.I.G.H.T. program encompasses the hand-to-hand and empty-hand weapons defense components of the HaganaH system," said Robert Brock Gaston, executive officer for Theater Aviation Single Manager. Gaston is an Israeli martial arts instructor in the discipline of HaganaH. "I was personally certified in 2003 as a military instructor by Kanarek," Gaston said. Gaston said the events of Sept. 11 motivated him to become a student of Krav Maga and Greco Roman wrestling. "I was wanting to explore outside for something that offered more ground and weapons defense. He became a student of HaganaH. The HaganaH system incorporates both unarmed and armed fighting methods. "It's a well-rounded system that fills the gap," Gaston said. The HaganaH system and its components enable a person at a disadvantage, such as size, to defeat an adversary with an advantage, said Gaston. He explained, "HaganaH uses all four Israeli disciplines: KAPAP:Hebrew acronym for "face-to-facecombat", Krav Maga:contact combat, Hisardut:survival, and Lotar:antiterrorism warfare." "The Israeli tactical knife training and gun defense appealed to me," Gaston said. "There are three points of reference that you're always working towards in every engagement; incapacitate, take-down or terminate your attacker," he said. Gaston said that this is his first time teaching in theater. "I began teaching the program in theater November 2006 within two weeks of my arrival," he said. The hand-to-hand tactics instruction cycle lasts four months and covers 18 street attack scenarios, and 10 gun and knife defense scenarios. "HaganaH uses the best of the best in self-defense and combat methodologies," said Gaston. "We emphasize gross motor skills versus fine motor skills, which decompose under stress," Gaston said. "Footwork is very, very important in defending against a knife attack." The Israeli defensive force periodically updates its hand-tohand and combat techniques based upon daily combat experience. HaganaH integrates those updates after adapting them further for use by civilians and law enforcement professionals according to Kanarek. Since his certification, Gaston said he has been teaching three HaganaH classes a week to military and law enforcement personnel in the Atlanta area near his hometown of Fayetteville, Ga. "The training builds confidence as you practice: improve, and master the moves," Gaston said. "It's a confidence booster," said Spc. Israel Gonzalez, B Company, 449th Aviation Support Battalion. HaganaH is a simple and effective combat technique that is proven. "The techniques are very simple, effective and are going to prepare me to survive outside the wire," said Chief Warrant Officer Tim M. Davis, 36th Combat Aviation Brigade, logistics chief. "The moves are simple, clean, direct, and very effective," he said. Davis observed that the female Soldier that he's sometimes partnered with, Maj. Tyra Swanson, 36th Combat Aviation Brigade, surgeon medical operations officer, can easily handle a male even twice her size. Although Swanson has no previous martial arts or grappling experience, she said, "It's really fun. I got talked into coming, but the techniques really work," Swanson said. The servicemembers in the class enjoy the training for varied reasons. "You learn skills you can use in everyday life," said Staff Sgt. David Castillo, B Company, 449th Aviation Support Battalion. Gonzalez and Spc. Michael Bolduc, also from B Company, 449th Aviation Support Battalion, said that they tried the class to learn moves to deal with possible situations outside the wire. "The training is good, and builds up the confidence when I see that the defense works," said Gonzalez. Gaston was presented with the International HaganaH Federation(IHF) Military Instructor of the year for 2005. Return to First Friday Briefing Return to First Friday Briefing Flanked by his wife Sue (right) and daughters Emily and Julie, Col. Jimmy Davis celebrated his retirement in late January. Davis Retires Following 40 Years of Service to National Guard Colonel Jimmy Davis, former director of human resources for the Georgia Department of Defense and, since 2003, director of human resources for the National Guard Bureau, retired from the Georgia Air National Guard following more than 40 years of military service at a ceremony held at Dobbins in January. Four General Officers, including Lt. Gen. David Poythress, Maj. Gen. Ronald Young, NGB J1, Maj Gen. Terry Nesbitt and Maj Gen Scott Hammond, individually recognized Col. Davis for his many career accomplishments. Among Air Force awards and personal recognitions presented to Davis were numerous state medals from Governors and Adjutants General from Florida, Montana, and Mississippi. He was also awarded the Legion of Merit Award (second oak leaf cluster). In his remarks, Davis noted significant "signposts" along his career and recognized many colleagues, friends and family. Davis began his military career as an enlisted administrative specialist with Georgiat's 116th Military Airlift Group in January 1966 before being reassigned as a personnel technician to the Human Resources Office of the Adjutant General in 1978. He was commissioned a first lieutenant in 1978. Davis was appointed director of Human Resources in 1996 and under his leadership, the Georgia Department of Defense was awarded the National Guard Bureau's first Diversity Excellence Award in 2002. He also served as commander of the 116th Mission Support Squadron, and during the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games in Atlanta, served as a military venue officer at the Georgia Dome. He was promoted to colonel in March 1998. In 1997, Davis was tasked with streamlining civilian and military human resources of the Georgia Department of Defense. This resulted in the Georgia National Guard being reorganized into a more streamlined and efficient high performance organization. The Georgia Guard was later recognized with the Georgia Oglethorpe Award for organizational excellence. In Sept 2003, Davis was selected as director of Human Resources for the National Guard Bureau where he provided national civilian human resources policy, oversight and consultation to all states and territories . He also was responsible for negotiation and consultation with four national labor unions; and, has testified before Congress regarding civilian resource policy. Among his many awards are the Legion of Merit Award, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal and Air Force Achievement Medal. During the retirement ceremony, Davis received an honorary promotion to the rank of brigadier general. Davis will become a DOD investigator in Atlanta for DOD referred employee complaints and grievances. Return to First Friday Briefing 4th CST Welcomes Smith as New Commander DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Jan. 17, 2007 -- As a new chapter begins for the Georgia National Guard, a new page is being written for the 4th Civil Support Team as Maj. Darrin Smith takes command of the unit from Lt. Col. Jeffery Allen. Allen, who has already assumed command of the 781st CERF-P unit, had been with the 4th CST since 1998. Smith joined the CST in 2001 as its Survey Team Leader then progressed to become the deputy commander before taking command. "When Lt. Col. Allen hired me on to the team he asked me where I saw myself in five years," said Smith. "I told him my goal was to command the team." Finally reaching that goal, Allen had only good things to say about Smith. "Smith is technically and tactfully capable," Allen commented. "He will lead the CST to the next level." Smith spoke of the success of the unit and its importance. "If you look around the room," he said, noting the first responders to include fire fighters, Coast Guardsmen, fellow Soldiers, Airmen and the Georgia Emergency Management Agency. "You will see some of the finest heroes Georgia has to offer. Some have been seen dangling from a Passing the Guidon at the 4th CST: Major Darrin Smith, the helicopter in downtown Atlanta with a raging fire beneath, incoming commander, receives the 4th CST Guidon from Lt. some introduced Mohammad Farrah Aidid's clansmen to the Gen. David B. Poythress, the Adjutant General. (Georgia US Special Operations. Some restored hope to Tsunami National Guard photo by Spc. Amanda Luksic) victims in Sri Lanka and others restored order in southern Mississippi and Louisiana." As ffor the "the Soldiers of the 4th CST," he continued. "I look forward to the opportunity to continue being the `Point of the Military Response Spear.'" Smith graduated from North Georgia College and State University with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice. He commissioned as an infantry officer, and is a graduate of the Infantry Officers Basic course, Bradley Commander course, Tank Commander course, Scout Leader course, Chemical Officers Advanced course, Military Intelligence Captains Career course and Combined Arms and Service Staff school. He has also attended the NBC Defense course and Technical Escort school. Smith is a conservation ranger with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. He is a POST certified Peace Officer and accredits others in the CST in POST accreditations. He holds senior, general, hazardous materials, firearms, ASP and tactical munitions certifications with the State of Georgia. He also holds pistol Instructor and range master certifications with the National Rifle Association. Smith is a member of the Georgia Law Enforcement Fire Arms Instructors Association. | Back | GaDOD Home | 221st Welcomes Saxton As New Commander FORT GILLEM, Saturday, Jan. 6, 2007 Georgia Army National Guard Maj. Matthew J. Saxton took command of 221st Military Intelligence Battalion from Lt. Col. John P. Rudio, during a ceremony at the Neil Fitness Center. Rudio now takes on duties as the G-3 operations branch chief at Joint Forces Headquarters in Ellenwood. Saxton thanked Rudio for the work he has done with the battalion, and then made a promise to his new troops. "I look forward to the challenges we face together in the coming months," he said. "I pledge to you my loyalty and every effort I can put forward to serve you and prepare you to accomplish the missions that lay ahead." As Rudio relinquished his command, he gave this advice to Saxton. "I feel you must be truly blessed to have been given command of such fine Soldiers," he said. "My simple advice to you is to take the time to get to know Passing the Guidon at the 221st: Major Matthew Saxton, the incoming commander, receives the Battalion colors from Brig. Gen. Larry Ross, Commander 78th Troop Command, as he accepts the command of the 221st Military Intelligence Battalion at a change of command ceremony, January 6, them, trust their input and lead them well. For they are truly outstanding Soldiers whose metal has been tested not once but twice." 2006 at Fort Gillem. (Georgia National Guard photo by Spc. Amanda Luksic) The 221st was organized on Sep. 1st, 1997 and is the only military intelligence battalion in the state. In addition to supporting multiple state missions, the unit has also supported, and continues to support, federal missions in the Global War on Terror. The battalion recently returned from its second tour of duty in support of operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom. Company H Long Range Surveillance, an element of the 221st, is in Iraq. Saxton began his career as an enlisted radio telephone operator with the active Army's 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment at Fort Benning. Following his graduation from Reserve Officer Training Corps he served as an infantry platoon leader and company executive officer with Fort Stewart's 3rd Battalion, 15th Infantry. He transitioned to the Georgia Army Guard after leaving active duty and served as executive officer, operations officer and commander of Company H, 121st Infantry Long Range Surveillance. Saxton returned to active duty in 2001 with the Active Guard and Reserve program. He served as an operations officer with the Guard's Recruiting and Retention Detachment, Joint Forces Headquarters. When not overseeing the 221st, Saxton serves as the Guard's State Partnership Program manager. Saxton's awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, two Meritorious Service medals, three Army Commendation medals, the Combat Infantryman Badge, Pathfinder Badge, Basic Parachutist Badge and the Ranger Tab. | Back | GaDOD Home | Return to First Friday Briefing Georgia Army Guard Sgt. Latoya Tucker, her 4-year-old son Zayyir, family friend Spc. Carletta Durham and Zayyir's 2-month-old brother Zeyveon meet with Atlanta businessman Daniel Katz at the Tucker's Ellenwood home. (Georgia National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Roy Henry) Family Readiness Lends Guardsman A Helping Hand Story by Staff Sgt. Roy Henry Georgia National Guard Public Affairs Office ELLENWOOD, Jan. 30, 2006 Georgia Army Guard Sgt. Latoya Tucker and her family are the latest among an estimated 300 Soldiers, Airmen and families in the past two years to receive assistance from the Georgia National Guard Family Support Foundation. The Tuckers were especially blessed because not only did the foundation assist them with funds, it also got them in touch with an Atlanta businessman and his wife who search their community for people who need a helping hand. Walk into the Tucker's three bedroom home inside The Park at Fort Gillem housing complex and you'll find a household filled with love, but lacking some of the necessities that make a house a comfortable place to live. There are the basics in the kitchen and dinning room and the bedrooms of Tucker and her husband Eric, both 29, and their sons, Zayyir age 4 and 2-month-old Zeyveon. But there's no furniture, for example, in the living room. "We'll get that filled one day, but right now we're more than thankful to have the things we do," Tucker said while seated at the family's dinning room table. "And we wouldn't have that had it not been for the Family Support Foundation and Daniel Katz." During the past year, the Tuckers were faced with a lack of money, even though Eric works two jobs, the loss of their only vehicle to a motor vehicle accident and the imminent threat of being put out of their former home because they'd fallen behind on the rent. Add to that the fact that Zayyir has a rare blood disorder that requires he have a blood transfusion every three weeks, which required Tucker a couple of years ago to her position as a cook for Company C, 878th Engineers in Lyons and take up Active Duty Special Work assignments in order to pay for Zayyir's care. Her current ADSW job as a supply clerk at Joint Forces Headquarters recently ended and leaves her looking for work once again. All this can certainly take its toll on a family's well-being. But at the encouragement of fellow Soldier and family friend Spc. Carletta Durham, Tucker got in contact last year with the Family Support Foundation. "I can't begin to tell you what a blessing that organization has been to my family," Tucker said through tear-filled eyes. "With assistance from Harriet Morgan, our contact at the foundation, we were able to get our back rent paid, and find more affordable housing, which allowed me to walk just up the street to work." The foundation's help, however, didn't end there. With Christmas looming on the horizon, Morgan, Tucker explained, got the family in touch with Daniel Katz. Katz, Morgan explained has contacted the Family Support Foundation several times looking for people, families to help. "It's just something my wife and I not only love to do, but what better way to give back to your community than to lend a hand to folks who need it," Katz said during a visit to the Tucker home. "And being former military myself, there's nothing that makes the offer of kindness more Georgia Army Guard Sgt. Latoya Tucker (left) shares a light-hearted moment with Harriet Morgan, administrator for the Atlanta-base Georgia National Guard Family Support Foundation. (Georgia National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Roy Henry) special than helping those who wear the uniform." So, with Katz assistance, Christmas for her family, especially the youngsters, was a very special time, Tucker said. But not only did Katz brighten the Tucker's holiday, he also helped them obtain the furnishings that fill their home today. "It's not much," Katz said, "but it's so much more than what they had, and my wife and I are so glad to be here for them in their time of need." The Tucker family is just one of the many success stories created through the Georgia National Guard Family Support Foundation, Morgan said. And there are many others. "This family is just one of those," she said. "And as long as we have the ability, the drive to do, we'll continue reaching out to those who need us." Return to First Friday Briefing Return to First Friday Briefing Family Readiness Office Looking for Award Nominees Georgia's Family Readiness Office is once again looking for those individuals and units that deserve recognition for what they do in support of Guard members and their families. Nominations must be turned into Altamese Finch at the Family Readiness Office by March 12, along with the appropriate commander's approval. Awards will be presented at the Family Readiness Conference scheduled this year for April 14. Finch can be reached by telephone at 678-569-6420 or by e-mail at altamese.finch@ga.ngb.army.mil The annual Outstanding Family Readiness and Support Award recognizes the contributions of eligible nominees who have provided exceptional support to family readiness. Three award recipients are selected from the Army and Air Guard, and a Unit Award is also presented to one Army or Air unit. Also given is a Special Appreciation Award to those individuals who may not meet the criteria for the Outstanding Award, but should be recognized for their contributions to the Family Readiness program. Each nominee must be a National Guard member, family member, Retiree and a Family Readiness and Support Group volunteer. Only Georgia Army or Air National Guard units can be nominated for the Specific Unit Award. Candidates may be nominated for significant outstanding contributions, which improved the quality of life and provided exceptional support to Family Readiness within a Guard unit or a local community. All nominations must include a narrative statement, not to exceed 800 words, describing how the candidate's work or contribution benefited Army or Air Guard Quality of Life programs. They should also state how the nominee provided exceptional support to Family Readiness with the unit or local community. Return to First Friday Briefing Return to First Friday Briefing Gov. Perdue proudly accepted a check for $1 million, raised by the Georgia business community to be used to help families of Georgians serving on active duty in the National Guard. Shown from (L-R) are: Lt. Gen. David B. Poythress, Adjutant General of Georgia; Gov. Perdue; George Israel, president Georgia Chamber, and Mike Worley, assistant to to the executive vice president, Georgia Power. Family Support Foundation Reaches $1 Million Goal ATLANTA, January 9th -- A crowd of more than 2,500 business and civic leaders and scores of local and state elected officials packed the Georgia World Congress Center to kickoff the 2007 session of the Georgia General Assembly. They were greeted with the announcement that the campaign spearheaded by Gov. Sonny Perdue to help families of deployed Georgia Guardsmen had reached its $1 million goal. Lieutenant General David B. Poythress and Gov. Perdue, accepted a check for $1,017,107.68 from George Israel, President of the Georgia Chamber, and Mike Worley, assistant to the Executive Vice President, External Affairs of Georgia Power Company, on behalf of the Georgia National Guard Family Support Foundation In late 2005, Perdue challenged Georgia's business and community leaders to raise more than $1 million for the Family Support Foundation to help the families of Georgia Guard members serving on active duty. Accepting the challenge, the Georgia Chamber made the Foundation its major statewide campaign, and rallied business leaders throughout the state behind the cause. As part of the effort to reach the goal, the Chamber auctioned off a Sidney Randolph Maurer painting entitled, "My Country" which brought a single bid of $8,500. The original painting was donated by the artist. This painting followed the first original patriotic painting drawn in 2006 by renowned Georgia artist, Steve Penley entitled, "Freedom", which was auctioned for $12,000 with all proceeds going to the Foundation. Businesses and individuals throughout the state stepped up to the challenge. The Southern Company Charitable Foundation, Inc. gave the Foundation a check for $100,000 to help reach the million dollar goal. In a November 2006 fundraiser held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Matt Towery, and organized by Andrea Ruef, General Poythress and Lt. Col Jay Peno, foundation president, accepted a check for $125,000. An $8,500 check was presented to Col. (Ret) Ed Chamberlain, director of DOWD, and a member of the Foundation Board by the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association at its annual luncheon. According to Harriet Morgan, executive director of the National Guard Family Support Foundation, "We have received checks to the Foundation from as low a $1 to $100,000 from businesses, individuals and charities." The funds were immediately put to good use. The Foundation has assisted families throughout Georgia with emergency relief in the form of grants or interest free installment loans. As of Dec. 31, 2006, the Board of Directors had approved grants in the amount of $ 213,368 and interest free Loans in the amount of $39,010 for a total of $ 252,378. Georgia taxpayers continue to have the chance to make donations to the Georgia National Guard Family Support Foundation when they file their taxes for the year 2006. A simple "check-off" box on Georgia's income tax return allows taxpayers to make donations that will automatically be deducted from their refund, or included in their payment. The new check-off box was added to the state income tax forms by the Georgia Legislature last year as a show of support for the Georgia National Guard. Last year the Foundation received a check from the Department of Revenue in the net amount of $82,559.4, Morgan said. Ninetyeight percent of the original $107,559.40 collected by the State were from $1 donations, she added. Return to First Friday Briefing 3 Years To Do It! 116th's Thetford 'Lands' at State's Airfields By Senior Airman Paul Ross 116th ACW/PA Robins AFB, January 22, 2007 -- In many cases using an airplane to conquer a mountain could be considered cheating. Lt. Col. Jeff Thetford, middle, landed a general aviation aircraft at all 106 airfields in Georgia with the help of friends, Lt. Cols. Ed Bododny, left, and Ben Sutton. The trip was put together to raise awareness of the Robins Air Force Base Aero Club and the Georgia Air National Guard. (ANG Photo) But if your "mountain "is landing at all 106 air fields in Georgia, an airplane is the only way to fly. Lieutenant Colonel Jeff Thetford conquered his "mountain" November 5, 2006 when he landed at Atlanta's Hartsfield Jackson International Airport. The 330th Combat Training Squadron director of operations set out on a nearly three year journey to raise awareness of the Robins Air Force Base Aero Club and to spread information about the Georgia Air National Guard. The Robins Aero Club is an organization run by the 78th Air Base Wing that provides all the necessities for learning how to fly general aviation aircraft. "It's one thing to take a kid down to the mall to a recruiter, but seeing an aircraft at the airfield is something totally different," said Lt. Col. Thetford. "General aviation is a tangible thing; you can touch it, see it and hear it. It has the ability to excite the public's imagination." Motivation for the journey also came from the desire to do something difficult. "Why do you go to all 106 air fields? You do it because they're there," said Thetford. "They're meant to be visited and seen. It was a chance to do something difficult and combine the challenge of it with meeting folks and telling the 116th story." Thetford, who also serves as operations officer for the Robins Aero Club, was able to complete his journey because of the help two friends and the availability of resources through the club. Lieutentant Colonels Ed Bodony and Ben Sutton, both Georgia ANG members, accompanied Thetford on many of the flights. "I'm grateful for the support of my friends," said Thetford. "I'm grateful for having an aviation club here, that at a moderate price, can give people the chance to participate in general aviation." Landing at 106 airfields in three years is a tremendous feat and could never take place without proper panning and coordination. "It took a lot of time and planning to land at 106 airports," said Sutton, the 116th's Operations Support Squadron chief of deployment planning cell. "Even though we didn't do it all at once, on most flights we would hit several airports. But before traveling to each airport we had to find information on runway length, width, elevation and any obstacles that were near the airport to ensure that we could safely land at that field. We also had to plot our course and figure out the distance and time it would take to get there to ensure we had enough fuel to make the flight and that we could navigate to the airport. Some of these airports were so small and hidden that they were difficult to find even from the air." Thetford, a flying enthusiast, has been taking to the skies for about two decades. "Even though he is real busy as director of operations for a flying squadron, he makes time to fly general aviation airplanes and support flying operations at Robins Aero Club." said Sutton. His aviation roots started at an airfield in Waco, Texas, that wasn't very different from many he landed on during his three year trip. "I started flying as a private pilot in 1986 while attending college in Texas," said Thetford. "I had just turned 20. So, I have been flying privately and professionally for more than 20 years now." While attending Baylor University, the once wannabe lawyer saw a more exciting future for himself. "I was walking across campus one day and saw a couple of F-4s Phantoms fly over," he said. "They came screaming across the campus, probably lower than they should have and did a little wing rock. I thought `that's what I want to do for a living, law school can wait.'" Thetford was commissioned in 1989 and went to navigator training at Mather Air Force Base, Calif. He has since flown more than 4500 hours in the B-52, RC-135, B-1 and E8-C Joint STARS, but has trouble picking a favorite. "I don't have a favorite per say," he said. "They all have great qualities. I have a tremendous sentimental attachment to my first airplane, the B-52. The first time I ever flew the aircraft without a flight instructor or an evaluator on board was in the Gulf War. It was an unusual situation in that I had gone straight from training to my operational squadron, and just after I arrived our planes and crews deployed to the gulf. I was a replacement aircrew member and got sent over." Although flying military missions is a big part of the lieutenant colonel's life, it's sometimes nice to fly for the sheer enjoyment. "You take out the chart and you look at the state of Georgia and I guess there are a couple of things that strike me," said Thetford. "The first is how pretty the state is from the air. The second thing that jumps out at you is the variety. You can literally fly from sandy beaches in the southeast to mountains in north Georgia. Looking back, this journey was largely about meeting people and just doing something for the sheer challenge of doing it. It was a chance for me to go out and meet other people, tell the guard story and try to get them as excited about flying." But much like a military mission Thetford challenged himself and returned with great memories. "Some of the fun was seeing how many fields we could hit in one day," he said. "On one particular day we hit nine air fields. I don't think we ever flew over 3,000 feet that day. As soon as we would take off we were getting ready to descend and land again at the next field. That was a real memorable flight." Experiencing local cuisine was a routine occurrence while touring Georgia. "Jeff and I have flown to most of the middle and southern Georgia airports together," said Lt. Col. Ed Bodony, 116th Mission Support Group assistant deputy commander. "Most of the time we would go on a $100 hamburger run (the total cost of a trip to a restaurant by aircraft to get a $5 hamburger) for lunch to some little airfield doing touch-and-go landings at other airfields along the way. We would call ahead to the airport we planned to stop at for lunch and see if they had a courtesy vehicle available that we could borrow and if there was a good place to eat in the local community. The southern cooking buffets in Vidalia and Fitzgerald are our favorites." Of all the things the colonel saw while crisscrossing the peach state, the towns found off of the beaten path were the most enjoyable. "It was all of the little towns that I enjoyed the most,"Thetford remembered. "Most of them are not more than a wide spot in the road. When you go to a town that's got one stop light and you land at their field, sometimes they've never met anyone in uniform. Getting to spend a little time with them is a great opportunity. It's was a chance to be a good ambassador not only for the Air Force but for our unit and try to get people excited about aviation. It's remarkable how many interesting people we've met." For Thetford life is faith, family, friends and flying. Over the 39,000-plus air miles flown across the state he had plenty of time to reflect on all four of these. "There were a number of great days," said Thetford. "A lot of beautiful sunsets a lot of early mornings alone, and a lot of that time spent in the air with two buddies." The colonel stresses the fact that military members need to get involved with the community. "I encourage you to get out there and be involved," said Thetford. "Get involved with something in the community; coaching soccer, general aviation or whatever you want. But get out there and be a part, because often times you are the only face of the military that people ever see. For those out there who are looking for something great to get into to, I would strongly encourage you to give the Aero Club a shot. Come out, see what we're about, do some flying with us. We're always looking for new folks and we'd be more than happy to get you on your way, you may find that it's the journey of a lifetime." | Back | GaDOD Home |