First Friday briefing [Aug. 3, 2007]

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First Friday Briefing for August 2007

Deployment Update

108th soldiers converting from armor to light infantry Transitioning from heavy armor Soldiers to light-fighters has been an interesting challenge for the Soldiers of the 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team's Task Force Maverick. The unit leaves behind its 60-ton M1A2 Abrams tanks and picks up their rucksacks and moves out smartly. Full Story
48th IBCT trains with British troops, forges strong alliance New-trans Atlantic ties were forged during annual training 2007 as an element of the 48th Infantry Combat Team got a chance to show a British Army unit how Georgians train in the south Georgia heat. Soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, 121st Infantry, and Britain's 4th Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment traipsed through the "muck and mire" of Fort Stewart late last month each learning techniques from the other that both will find invaluable in the future. Full Story

Three Air Guard units receive top NGAUS unit awards Three units of the Georgia Air National Guard captured top unit honors as announced by the National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS). The nation's top Mission Support Unit Award was presented to the 116th Communications Squadron at Robins AFB. Additionally, the 116th Communications Squadron was also recognized as the Outstanding Communications unit in the Air National Guard. The 117th ACS received top honors as the Outstanding Air Control Squadron. The 202nd EIS received an award as Outstanding Engineering Installation Squadron. Full Story
Nesbitt, Lynn among 10 Georgians to capture NGAUS individual awards Ten prominent Georgians, including Georgia Army National Guard commander, Maj. Gen. William T. Nesbitt, and Brig. Gen. George T. "Tom" Lynn, former commander of the 116th Air Control Wing, have been selected as 2007 individual award recipients of the National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS). Also among the ten Georgia recipients were U.S. Representative Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. D-GA 2nd Congressional District who was selected to receive the Charles Dick Medal of Merit. The Medal recognizes the contributions to the National Guard made by Representative Bishop during his long involvement in public service. Full Story

'It's hot, even in the shade' For a number of Georgia National Guardsmen, the summer is bringing typically sweltering temperatures in the Middle East. Pictured is Lt. Col. Vern Atkinson who is assigned to LSA Anaconda in Balad, Iraq, where the afternoon temperatures are reaching 120 degrees in the shade. In Iraq, Atkinson coordinates aviation logistics and is responsible for moving aviation parts from the States to aviation units intheater. When not deployed, he is the commander of the Georgia Guard's Aviation Flight Facility #3 at Hunter Army Airfield.
Students enjoy chance meeting with Georgia Guard aviators
Crewmembers from Company A, 1st Battalion, 171st Aviation Regiment took the opportunity to meet with young students and talk about flying the UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter during a recent refueling stop at Peachtree-DeKalb Airport (PDK). Students from Mrs. Ronda McNair's class at Miller Road Early Childhood Center in Lithonia were visiting the airport as part of their summer program to learn about flying, airports and airplanes. Full Story

Aviation Regiment inducts newest noncommissioned officers Weather outside the hangar of Army Flight Facility No. 2 at Dobbins Air Reserve Base

may have gloomy, but that didn't dampen the spirit of the moment inside as 22 Soldiers of Marietta-based 171st Aviation Regiment became the newest members of the Georgia Army National Guard Noncommissioned Officer's Corps. Full
Story

Savannah's 118th FA gets new
commander
Georgia Army National Guard Maj. Reginald G. A. Neal accepted command of Savannah's 1st Battalion, 118th Field Artillery, replacing Lt. Col. Craig M. McGalliard, the outgoing commander, in a ceremony at the National Guard Training Center's Donovan Parade Field on Fort Stewart. Full Story

Georgia's 265th EG reflags,
becomes 265th RSG
The final Sunday of July marked the beginning of a new era for the Georgia Army National Guard as Metter's 265th Engineering Group was deactivated, becoming the newly activated 265th Regional Support Group. During a ceremony attended by dignitaries and veterans of the unit, Maj. Gen. William T. Nesbitt, commanding general, Georgia Army Guard, said that the 265th had the distinction of being one of the most frequently deployed units in the state. Full
Story

NGAGA Fall golf tournament set for Oct. 5, in Brunswick

Georgia's Portwines featured
in Hallmark Magazine
Two Georgia Army National Guardsmen, First Sergeant Gladys Estrada Portwine, and daughter Specialist Lucretia Portwine, - mother and daughter - are featured in the July/August issue of Hallmark Magazine in a cover story about America, patriotism and faith. Full story

The 5th annual NGAGA Fall Golf Tournament has been set for Friday, October 5, 2007 and is once again being sponsored by Chris Mears and Northrop Grumman. The fall classic will take place at the beautiful Oak Grove Island Golf Club
in Brunswick, Georgia, and is open to everyone. The tournament package of $50 per person will include greens fee, golf cart, opportunities for door prizes, and a dinner on Friday night in the Oak Grove Club House. Following a light lunch (also included in tournament package) there will be a shotgun start at noon. More
Information

A look at what happened in August in Georgia National Guard history:...
1958 -News Articles were published throughout Georgia on efforts to reduce the strength of the Army National Guard:
Several articles reported that Governor Marvin Griffin, former Georgia Guardsman and chairman of the National Guard Committee of the National Governor's Conference, was leading a fight against the Defense Department's proposal to cut National Guard strength. He declared, "With the fate of the Middle East undecided, cutting down on the forces is about the silliest thing I've heard. Everybody wants it kept at 400,000 but the Pentagon. We must stand together. Damn it we won't have it and won't take it."
Governor Griffin stated that the reduction in Georgia would be 25 per cent and cause the loss of 18 units and 6 major headquarters type organizations. *Congress appropriated funding for a force strength of 400,000 and by the end of September, the Department of Defense announced "virtual abandonment' of Army National Guard reductions.
*Congress appropriated funding for a force strength of 400,000 and by the end of September, the Department of Defense announced "virtual abandonment' of Army National Guard reductions.
*By 1958 there had been two ArabIsraeli wars. The first was 1947-48 and the second was the 1956 Suez Crisis.
1962 - The 111th Signal Battalion was the only Georgia National Guard organization called to active duty by President Kennedy during the 1961 Berlin Crisis. On August 9th, the demobilized Georgia Guardsmen landed in Augusta at Bush Field after serving at Ft. Meade since the previous October. The battalion comprised of units in Augusta, Sandersville, Washington, Louisville, and Waynesboro had relieved a Regular Army signal battalion for duty in Europe.
*The battalion was deactivated in 1980.
Complied by Gail Parnelle, GaARNG Historical Section

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

August 7, 2007 Time: 12:40 pm Security Notice

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

Air National Guard FAQ The latest news from the Georgia Air National Guard. | 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 Vice-Cmdr | 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 | 23 Graduate from Six Sigma Course | Guard Acquires NAS Atlanta property |

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Weapons Familiarization: SSG Jeffery Boyles (l) discusses proper procedures for loading the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon(SAW) to SPC David Amos (r) during range operations at Tullahoma Training Center, Tennessee. (Photo by SSG David Bill, 48th IBCT PAO)
48th IBCT soldiers transform from heavy armor to light infantry at annual training
Story by Staff Sgt. David Bill 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team
Transitioning from heavy armor Soldiers to light-fighters has been an interesting challenge for the Soldiers of the 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team's Task Force Maverick. The unit leaves behind its 60-ton M1A2 Abrams tanks and picks up their rucksacks and moves out smartly.
Training at Tullahoma Training Center located north of Chattanooga, the Georgia Guardsmen of the 1st Battalion, 108th Reconnaissance, Surveillance and Target Acquisition (RSTA) Squadron, headquartered in Calhoun, focused their efforts during Annual Training on infantry soldiers' skills, such as individual and crew-served weapons training, land navigation, patrolling techniques and urban operations.
"Train them hard, that's why these Soldiers joined this organization" Col. John King, 48th IBCT Deputy Commander recently told a gathering of the unit Soldiers. As the former battalion commander of the unit during their recent deployment to Iraq, King is very knowledgeable of the capabilities of the units and fully anticipates these Soldiers to be as successful in their new mission requirements.
"Our Soldiers are anxious to learn the new mission, so training the Soldiers hard is what the leaders of the 108th have been doing," said King. Every day, platoon sized units conduct road marches from one training event to another, and each units march back tired but confident in their newly acquired infantry skills.
"These Soldiers are working hard, but they are enjoying what they are doing." said SSG Jeffery Boyles who is serving as a platoon sergeant for Troop C, 1-108th. Boyles, from Hephzibah, said that "this is a great environment for to learn the new requirements for what is expected from us. Our guys are being challenged, but despite the fatigue are having fun."
"They're learning fast," said SPC David Amos from Chatsworth, "and they are willing put out the effort." Amos, a Gordon County Sheriff's Department deputy, is referring to those Soldiers who had joined the unit after their fellow Guardsmen in the 48th Infantry Brigade had returned from Iraq.
Weapons' training is a key aspect of annual training for each Guardsman. Soldiers at AT are being conducted using a highly sophisticated computer simulation tool named FATS. The Firearms Training Simulation (FATS) is a training resource that allows Soldiers to maintain their weapons skills by using various computer simulation scenarios, from simple range qualification, to actual urban operations for up to a squad size element at a time.

Every Soldier is a rifleman first and foremost, and this complex computer system helps the Soldier qualify with whatever weapon he/she is assigned.
The Soldiers of Task Force Maverick conduct urban operations during their AT. There are five stations that provide various scenarios to focus Soldiers on proper techniques for room clearing, tunnel clearing proper teamwork and movement techniques, which many of them learned during their deployment in Iraq.
"I am very impressed with the realism of the scenarios given us," said King as he observed a squad's attempt to clear a twostory building. King, who was a battalion commander in Iraq, was quick to acknowledge the value of experiencing many different challenges facing Soldiers in an urban environment.
Soldiers worked through each of the five stations each day and were physically spent after working in the heat of the day and quickly moving around each station.
Soldiers of the 48th Brigade are part of an Army-wide transition moving from mechanized infantry and armor to highly mobile, light infantry units. The Soldiers of Task Force Maverick are among hundreds of Georgia Guardsmen who will be remolding the combat capabilities of the Georgia Army National Guard.
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Georgia Army National Guard Sgt. Lee Harrell (left), a UH-60 Blackhawk crew chief with Marietta's Company A, 1st Battalion, 171st Aviation, briefs soldiers of Britain's 4th Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment, before they board the helicopter during training at Fort Stewart's National Guard Training Center.
48th IBCT trains with British troops, forges strong alliance
Story by PFC Adam Dean 124th MPAD
July 26, 2007 New-trans Atlantic ties were forged during annual training 2007 as an element of the 48th Infantry Combat Team got a chance to show a British Army unit how Georgians train in the south Georgia heat. Soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, 121st Infantry, and Britain's 4th Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment traipsed through the "muck and mire" of Fort Stewart late last month each learning techniques from the other that both will find invaluable in the future.
The men and women of Britain's "4th Yorks," as they call themselves, make up a volunteer force that is that country's equivalent to America's Guard and Reserves forces. Many of the British troops training at Fort Stewart are scheduled to leave for Afghanistan in the next nine months to bolster coalition forces already committed to the War on Terror in that country.
During this phase of the exchange, the Georgians are training their British counterparts on the use of small arms such as the M16A1 rifle and the M252 mortar, said Lt. Col. Mark London, 2-121's commander.
"And the British shot very well," he said, adding that the Soldiers qualify on their military rifle, the L85A2, twice a year.
In addition to weapons training, the Guardsmen also are teaching their UK allies U.S.-style urban combat tactics.
"We started adding squad-level training this week," London said. "While there are differences, you'd be surprised how many similarities exist. It's a continuous learning experience for everyone involved."
Some of the urban warfare training 2nd Foot's doing includes teaching the British how American Soldiers clear buildings during search and seizure missions. Major Jeremy Dodd, officer commanding the 4th Yorkshire, explained that the British commonly send two-man teams into buildings, compared to the American use of four-man teams.
"That has been a great training opportunity for our guys. Many of them haven't fought in an urban environment yet, and the Americans excel at this type of training," said Dodd.
Another stateside thrill for some of the UK troops is flight time aboard the Georgia Army Guard Black Hawks. These, for example, recently took six squads from the 4th Yorkshire to Camp Blanding, Fla., for a two-day training exercise.

"We don't get much of a chance to work around helicopters," Dodd explained. "It's all been a great experience for us." Specialist Joseph McCain of Griffin, and an infantryman with 2-121 is one of the Guardsmen who accompanied the British to Blanding. He monitored the group during its time at the camp's Military Operations on Urban Terrain (MOUT) site. "It went really great," said McCain. "They really learned a lot about cordons and different urban attack elements. "I've got to say, they're really fast learners." The best part about the troop exchange, he added, is the opportunity he and his fellow Soldiers have had in getting to know their English counterparts. "We have a great time together. I mean, they're our strongest allies, and it's been fun finding out how much we have in common," McCain said, with a great smile. "We may have different words for different things, but we all use them to talk about the same sorts of things, like families back home, and wives and girlfriends. "No matter where they're from, Soldiers are Soldiers," he said. Private Shaun Williams of the 4th Yorkshire is working in McCain's squad. Williams related that he feels this type of exchange is especially important in light of today's world events. "It's important for us to get to know each other, because we've been such close allies for so long," Williams said. "Now that we serve side by side in places like Iraq and Afghanistan, it's good that we know how the other does things." McCain added that the one thing that surprised him the most was the patriotism he found common among the British. They're just as dedicated to the Global War on Terror as anyone, he said. "For us it's all about defending the red, white and blue, while it's all about protecting Queen and country, for them," McCain said. "But in the end, I guess we're all fighting for the same thing."
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Sergeant Jaqueline D. Hamilton, a supply specialist with Headquarters Company, 171st Aviation Regiment is the first of 22 unit inductees to cross over from enlisted Soldier to noncommissioned officer. (Georgia National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Roy Henry)
Aviation Regiment welcomes 22 new NCOs
By Staff Sgt. Roy Henry Georgia National Guard Public Affairs Office
June 28, 2007 Weather outside the hangar of Army Flight Facility No. 2 at Dobbins Air Reserve Base may have gloomy, but that didn't dampen the spirit of the moment inside as 22 Soldiers of Marietta-based 171st Aviation Regiment became the newest members of the Georgia Army National Guard Noncommissioned Officer's Corps.
In a short ceremony that saw them leave behind the moniker of "lower enlisted" and take up the challenge of leadership, these new NCOs join a time-honored corps that can trace its roots back to the America Revolutionary War, said Command Sgt. Maj. Meinrad Kuettel, the 171st's command sergeant major.
Kuettel told the inductees that they should ask themselves what it is they believe makes them able to wear the rank, to be noncommissioned officers.
"Whatever it may be, I ask that you remember this...all eyes are on you. Subordinates and superiors alike are watching what you do, listening to what you say,"" he said. "Your words and your actions from this point on will determine whether you lead or you're just followed because of the rank you hold."
Kuettel also told the new NCOs he hoped they would build on their leadership abilities by looking at what others not only do right, but what they do wrong. It's through such observations, he added, that they as leaders will continue to grow, even as Soldiers.
"At the same time, pass on what you learn to those who follow you. Don't keep it to yourself," Kuettel said waving a hand across the front the seated inductees. "It's from you that they learn the right and the wrong way to lead."
Sergeant Jessica Lyn Ashmore, the youngest among the inductees at age 27 and retention NCO with the regiment's Headquarters Company, said she sees her induction into the NCO Corps as acceptance by her peers. It's been a long-time coming, but this first step into the role of an Army enlisted leader is just the beginning for her, she said.
There's much more to learn, "and I plan on learning as much as possible to become the kind of leader Soldiers expect and deserve," Ashmore said. "It's my job to make sure they get that."
For Sgt. Morris Roberts, the oldest inductee at age 50 and a human resource specialist with Headquarters Company, it's that and much more.

Moving into the noncommissioned officer ranks, being recognized as an up and coming leader instills in him, he said, a greater sense of pride about who he is and what he does. "As a Soldier, and as a patriot, I hope that I as I become more experienced I can instill that pride in others," he said.
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3 GaANG units earn top NGAUS awards
July 31, 2007 -- Three units of the Georgia Air National Guard captured top unit honors as announced by the National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS).
The nation's top mission support unit award was presented to the 116th Communications Squadron at Robins AFB. Additionally, the 116th Communication Squadron was also recognized as the Outstanding Communications unit in the Air National Guard.
Georgia's 117th Air Control Squadron located at Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah received the Outstanding Air Control Squadron Award. Macon's 202nd Engineering Installation Squadron was selected as the Outstanding Engineering Installation Squadron and was among five ANG units receiving the Distinguished Mission Support Plaque.
"I am extremely proud of the men and women of the 116th Communications Squadron, the 202nd Engineering Installation Squadron, and the 117th Air Control Squadron for this significant recognition," said Maj. Gen Scott A. Hammond, Commander, GA ANG. "As our nation asks more from the Guard than at any time since World War II over a half century ago, this recognition acknowledges the extent to which the entire GA ANG has stepped up to the plate. Clearly, each unit is the best in its particular field."
In 2006, both the 116th Air Control Wing and the 202nd EIS were awarded the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, the highest unit recognition in the Air Force. The 117th Air Control Squadron returned from Iraq in 2006 where it was the first ANG air control squadron to have sole responsibility for controlling the entire 200,000 square mile airspace in Iraq.
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Nesbitt, Lynn earn National Guard Association individual awards
July 31, 2007 --Ten prominent Georgians have been selected as 2007 individual award recipients of the National Guard Association of the United States.
Among the ten Georgia recipients were U.S. Representative Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. D-GA 2nd Congressional District who was selected to receive the Charles Dick Medal of Merit. The Medal recognizes the contributions to the National Guard made by Representative Bishop during his long involvement in public service.
Georgians Pat Buchholz, Samuel S. Olens and Michael Worley were recipients of the prestigious Patrick Henry Award recognizing local officials and civic leaders, who distinguished themselves in outstanding service to the military and the National Guard. Pat Buckholtz is the Strategic Management Specialist in the Plans, Analysis and Integration Office at Fort Gordon, GA. Ms. Buchholz has continued to be a friend and supporter of the Georgia Guard, identifying and assisting the Guard to take advantage of situations that are mutually beneficial to the Fort Gordon and the National Guard. Cobb County Board of Commissions Chairman Samuel S. Olens is recognized for the key role he's played in the Georgia National Guard's acquisition and transition onto the former Naval Air Station Atlanta property following its closure by the Base Realignment and Closure Committee. He mobilized community and business leaders to support the acquisition of the property by the Georgia Guard. Michael Worley is Assistant to the Vice President of External Affairs for the Georgia Power Company. During the deployment of the 48th, Worley contributed to making the deployment a memorable occasion across Georgia. Recently, he was instrumental in organizing a massive, statewide effort to raise more than one million dollars for the Georgia National Guard Family Support Foundation.
The military equivalent of the Patrick Henry Award is the Distinguished Service Medal. Major General William T. Nesbitt, Commander of the Georgia Army National Guard and Brigadier General George T. "Tom" Lynn, former commander of the 116th Air Control Wing and currently Assistant to the Director of the Air National Guard for Logistics (ANG/LG) at Andrews AFB, MD were the Georgia recipients of the Distinguished Service Award.
Four Georgians including Mrs. Deniece Kennemer, Capt Richard Cline, Col. Steven H. Slick, and Lt. Col (ret.) Charles L. Moulton were selected to receive the Meritorious Service Award for significant contributions to the United States Government, the Armed Forces and NGAUS. Deniece Kennemer, wife of NGAGA Executive Director Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Marshall Kennemer, has worked tirelessly on countless projects on behalf of the National Guard Association of Georgia and the Georgia National Guard. Capt Richard Cline, Commander of Naval Air Station-Atlanta and Col Steven H. Slick, Commander of Dobbins 94th Airlift Wing, each were instrumental in the transition of the Georgia National Guard to Naval Air Station-Atlanta.. Lt. Col. (ret.) Charles L. Moulton was the Deputy Human Resources Officer for the Georgia National Guard since 1996 and enhanced the overall Human Resources program for the Georgia Department of Defense.
The NGAUS Individual Awards will be presented at the 129th General Conference in San Juan, PR on 25-26 August 2007.

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Aviators from Company A, 1-171st Aviation Regiment meet with children from Miller Road Early Children Center in Lithonia, during a refuel stop at Peachtree-Dekalb Airport. From l-r, SGT William McCullough, 1LT Ernest Polk, and CW2 Gerald Key are the center of attention as they talk about flying the UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter. (Photo by SSG David Bill, 48th IBCT PAO)
Aviators meet with students, discuss fears, opportunities
Story by Staff Sgt. David Bill
ATLANTA, GEORGIA -- Crewmembers from Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 171st Aviation Regiment of the Georgia Army National Guard took the opportunity to meet with young students and talk about flying the UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter during a recent refueling stop at Peachtree-Dekalb Airport (PDK).
Students from Mrs. Ronda McNair's class at Miller Road Early Childhood Center in Lithonia were visiting the airport as part of their summer program to learn about flying, airports and airplanes.
"I wanted to show these small children that flying is something they should be unafraid of," said McNair, a former police officer for the City of Atlanta.
While showing the students around PDK, she noticed a number of Soldiers in the terminal area and quickly recognized a voice from her past. It was Col. John King, 48th Brigade Deputy Commander and also Chief of Police for the City of Doraville. Col. King was a passenger on a Georgia Army National Guard Blackhawk helicopter stopped at the airport. Col. King was returning from a meeting with Soldiers of the 1108th RSTA, 48th Infantry Brigade, who were conducting their annual two-weeks of training at Tullahoma, Tennessee.
"I've known John for years from my previous career as a police officer," said McNair. She asked him if the Blackhawk crew could talk with her students about flying and they enthusiastically obliged.
The questions from the students were typical for children that ranged from 7 to 12 years of age.
"How fast does it go?" "How does it stay in the air?" "What is it like to fly?"
The flight crew eagerly answered each question in such a way that the young people could understand.
All eyes were focused on the aviators as they answered each of the questions and talked about their experiences in flying

the UH-60. SGT William McCullough, crew chief, described how he maintains the aircraft, while 1LT Ernest Polk, pilot in command and CW2 Gerald Key, second in command, talked about how and why they learned to fly and career as military flyers. They also described some of their experiences while they were supporting the rescue and cleanup efforts in New Orleans after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. This chance meeting became a great way for these Guardsmen to share with these local youngsters their love for flying and to possibly inspire them to look at aviation as a career. "It was an unexpected pleasure to let these students meet Soldiers," said King. "This is a great way to meet with young people and tell them what we do?" "This is a great part of what we do" said McCullough. "Getting to talk to young people about flying and the Guard is always something we all like to do." As Col King and the crew of the National Guard Black Hawk lifted off to continue its journey to Fort Stewart, the excited children eagerly waved goodbye. "These are wonderful opportunities to share our love for our professions to the next generations," continued King.
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Maj. Reginal G. A. Neal assumes command of the 118th Field Artillery. (Natioinal Guard Photo by PFC Adam Dean)
118th welcomes new commander
Story by PFC Adam Dean 124th MPAD
July 27, 2007 Georgia Army National Guard Maj. Reginald G. A. Neal assumed command of Savannah's 1st Battalion, 118th Field Artillery, replacing Lt. Col. Craig M. McGalliard, the outgoing commander, in a ceremony at the National Guard Training Center's Donovan Parade Field on Fort Stewart.
McGalliard, who has commanded the 118th since September 2006, expects to take command of Glenville's 122nd Rear Operations Center during the first week of August.
Neal, who once commanded the 118th's Company C, is a mobilization planning officer with the Georgia Department of Defense in Atlanta.
"I understand the trust that is being placed with me in this command, and I understand the responsibility it entails," said Neal, in remarks to his new Soldiers, well-wishers and official dignitaries.
Neal received his commission as a second lieutenant in 1989 after graduating from Georgia Military College. He has held several key staff positions over the course of his military career, including that of chief of staff for the Army Reserve's 4th Brigade, 87th Division, and senior operations officer the active Army's 3rd Infantry Division.
Neal also served in Kuwait during Operation Iraqi Freedom I as a battle major with 5 Corps, U. S. Army. Five Corps

headquartered at Campbell Barracks, Heidelberg, Germany.
His civilian education includes a bachelor's degree from Statesboro's Georgia Southern University and a master's degree in education from The Citadel in Charleston, S. C.
He also is a graduate of the American Management Association Strategic Management Course, and he is qualified as a hazardous materials technician through the National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications.
On the military side, Neal has completed field artillery officer basic and advanced courses, Combined Arms Staff Service School, Command and General Staff Officer Course, Paladin Commander's Course, and Airborne School.
Among his military awards are the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal and the Army Achievement Medal.
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Georgia's Portwines featured in Hallmark Magazine
Two Georgia Army National Guardsmen, First Sergeant Gladys Estrada Portwine, and daughter Specialist Lucretia Portwine, mother and daughter - are featured in the July/August issue of Hallmark Magazine in a cover story about America, patriotism and faith. It is a story told by First Sergeant Gladys Portwine and Specialist Lucretia Portwine, their time together in the war zone, and of the crocheted cross that served to carry them through the tough times. In early March, Hallmark editors made nationwide appeal to the National Guard units across the country searching initially for a female Soldier who served overseas in the GWOT. A second request was for a Soldier whose mother may have also served in the military at one time perhaps during World War II or Korea. Finally Editors admitted that it was a stretch to try to locate a mother and daughter who may have served together especially in combat environment. Such an idea was not a stretch in the Georgia Army National Guard. First Sergeant Gladys Portwine, an 18-year veteran of the Georgia Army National Guard was part of the 48th yearlong deployment in 2005-06. Daughter Lucretia, a 5 - veteran, actually preceded mom to the war zone by six months. For more than six months, both were deployed to the region, and as Spec. Portwine claims, "we talked on the phone all the time". Shooting for the cover story took place in April at the Oglethorpe Armory. Famed commercial photographer Rob Howard, whose signature photograph of the first aircraft to hit the Twin Towers is widely seen as the most recognizable photograph of that tragedy, photographed the two Georgia Guardsmen. Hallmark Magazine has more than 500,000 subscribers and is part of the Hallmark Cards.
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Georgia Army National Guard Lt. Col. Kenneth Vaughn (left), executive officer of the 265th Regional Support Group, formerly the 265th Engineering Group, attaches the unit's campaign streamers to their new guidon with the assistance of Command Sgt. Maj. Lance Rygmyr.
New era begins for 265th
By Pfc. Adam Dean 124th MPAD
July 29, 2007 Sunday marked the beginning of a new era for the Georgia Army National Guard as Metter's 265th Engineering Group was deactivated, becoming the newly activated 265th Regional Support Group.
During a ceremony attended by dignitaries and veterans of the unit, Maj. Gen. William T. Nesbitt, commanding general, Georgia Army Guard, said that the 265th had the distinction of being one of the most frequently deployed units in the state.
"This is a proud organization that has served for 39 years as an engineer group," said Nesbitt. "Now the tradition continues in a new direction."
After saluting former members of the unit who were in attendance, Brig. Gen. Lawrence E. Ross, commander, 78th Troop Command, expressed his confidence that those currently serving in the 265th would continue the proud tradition that had established them as one of Georgia's best.
"I know that you're going to be as successful as the unit was, and that you will continue this great legacy," said Ross.
The current commander of the 265th, Col. Thomas Blackstock, said that he has had the privilege to serve in the unit four separate times over the course of the last 11 years. He called the transition "bittersweet," expressing nostalgia for the history of the unit, and confidence and enthusiasm for its future.
"The men and women of the 265th have shown remarkable commitment to the mission and extraordinary dedication to each other," said Blackstock. "We'll maintain the same vision and values going forward."
The 265th Engineering Group officially came into being January 1968, and various deployments of the unit have included missions both at home and abroad. The unit was first called to state active duty April 1968 following the assassination of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Other stateside deployments have included calls to protect protest marchers in Cummings in 1987, to offer support following the blizzard of 1993, and to relieve flooded regions in 1994's Operation Crested River. The 265th also provided command and control of National Guard support forces during the Centennial Olympic Games in 1996.
More recently, the 265th was activated in support of Operation Vigilant Relief, the 2005 effort to help regions devastated

by Hurricane Katrina. Overseas missions have sent the 265th in support of countries across the planet including Grenada, Egypt, Somalia, Panama, Kenya, South Korea, the Country of Georgia, Germany, the Dominican Republic, and various countries throughout the Middle East. In November 1990, the unit was federally mobilized following the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, and was assigned to the U. S. Army's 20th Engineering Brigade, which later crossed into Iraq in support of the 24th Infantry Division. After September 11, 2001, the 265th was called to Camp Pendleton, Calif., where it assisted the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force with planning as they prepared to go to war. In 2003, the group was again called into federal service in support of operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, providing command and control to engineers supporting the 1st MEF on the battlefield. During this time, the 265th was also heavily involved in civil military operations and general engineering support for the people of Iraq, returning to Fort Stewart, March 2004.
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5th Annual NGAGA Fall Golf Tournament Info. 5 October 2007
- Click here to register for the tournament -
Schedule of Events : The schedule of events will be posted here when available.
Beverage Carts will be moving about the course during play with drinks being available for a nominal fee.
Lodging: Hotel information will be available soon.
DIRECTIONS TO OAK GROVE ISLAND GOLF COURSE FROM EXIT 36, I-95: North onto Hwy 341N toward Jesup - Go Approximately 2 miles to Oak Grove Island Road (White sign on Right side of road) - Turn Left (only way you can turn) - Go 1.5 Miles to entrance of Oak Grove Island Plantation - Go through gate to "Y" in the road - Turn left at "Y" onto Harbor Pointe Drive - Go approximately .5 miles to Majestic Drive - Turn right - Go to end of Majestic Drive - Turn right and follow signs to Club House (signs on right side of road)

Address for the Golf Course is: 126 Clipper Bay Road Brunswick, Georgia 31523 Phone Numbers: (912)280-9525 or toll free (800)780-8133 Website: www.oakgroveislandgolf.com

Last Revised: 7/30/07

Send E-mail to the Executive Director PO Box 714 Hinesville, GA 31310-0714

National Guard Association of Georgia (912) 369-6138 (912) 369-6803 fax

9525.

Offering the best golf value in the Golden Isles, Oak Grove Island Golf Club is a wonderful blend of nature. Ancient oaks, palm trees, marshes, deer and alligators can all be found surrounding this breathtaking par 72 championship layout.
This player friendly course which covers 6,944 yards, has 5 sets of tees to accommodate all levels of play. Ask about our Senior Discount Days and other daily golf specials. For tee times or membership information please call (912)280-

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