First Friday briefing [Sept. 7, 2007]

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First Friday Briefing for September 2007

Deployment Update

GaDOD gets initial NAS property
The Georgia Department of Defense took its first step in its transition to the Naval Air Station Atlanta property in early September. At a ceremony marking the initial transfer of property to the National Guard, Lt. Gen. David B. Poythress, Georgia's Adjutant General, formally accepted the deed to 20 acres and three buildings on NAS. In the coming years, the National Guard will acquire the entire property including 106 acres and approximately 100 buildings for a total of more than 600,000 square feet. Facilities include hangars, classrooms, administrative space, and temporary billeting. Full Story

Governor announces Poythress'
retirement; appoints Nesbitt new AG
Governor Sonny Perdue has announced the retirement of Lt. Gen. David B. Poythress, Georgia's Adjutant General, from the military. Lieutenant Gen. Poythress, who has led the Georgia Department of Defense and the National Guard since 1999, will retire in November, capping a 44-year military career. He will enter private business as the chief executive officer of American United Bancorp, Inc., in Gwinnett County. Perdue named Maj. Gen. William T. Nesbitt, current commander of the Georgia Army National Guard, and director of the State Office of Homeland Security as Poythress' replacement . Full Story

165th Airlift Wing deploys Aircrews of Savannah's 165th Airlift Wing have once again deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Many members of the unit have seen three or more deployments to southwest Asia ferrying mission essential equipment to troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. The unit has been in "stand down" mode for the past sixteen months.

Company H, 121st Infantry LRSU returns
Smiles and tears greeted the Soldiers of the Company H, 121st Infantry, Long Range Surveillance Company, as family members gathered before dawn in mid August at Fort Stewart's Cottrell Field to welcome the troops home from a year-long deployment In Iraq, the unit was in Tal Afar along Iraq's border with Syria. Its mission involved securing the Syrian border, and training Iraqi Border Police. During that time, Company H detained more than 350 insurgents and foreign fighters, and earned more than 200 awards and decorations for the exemplary nature of their service. Full
story

Guardsmen return from border mission
Forty-two Georgia Guardsmen, who spent the past year assisting border patrol agents in stopping undocumented aliens from crossing into New Mexico and the U. S., have returned home. The soldiers were among 150 Georgia Guardsmen who deployed in July 2006 to help secure the 180-mile border separating New Mexico and Mexico. The overall Georgia support will continue on through next summer. Full Story

Det. 9, 171st mobilizes
Soldiers of Detachment 9, 171st Aviation Regiment at Dobbins Air Reserve Base, have mobilized for their first-ever wartime mission. Full Story

State honors employees
for years of service
Eight state employees received awards in late August for their years of service, ranging from five years to 30 years, at a ceremony in the conference room of Building 21 at the Confederate Ave. complex in Atlanta. Full Story; Photo
gallery

221st trains with GSDF
Fort Gillem's 221st Military Intelligence Battalion engaged in the second part of a three part field training exercise designed to enhance the unit's capabilities if ordered to deploy. The exercise, held in early August, at Fort Gillem was supported by volunteers from the Georgia State Defense Force, who masqueraded as Iraqi citizens. Full Story

Hickey joins Army Guard as
senior army advisor
Colonel James R. Hickey has joined the Georgia Army Guard as senior Army advisor, a position that has been vacant for more than a year. Hickey, who's last active Army posting was four months as chief of strategy, Multi-National Force Iraq (MNFI), and eight months as chief of staff, strategic operations for the MNF-I in Baghdad, will spend two to three years in the senior advisor slot. Full Story

116th's Richardson accepts BIG award Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Richardson accepted the 2007 Blacks in Government Meritorious Service Award, during a ceremony in mid-August at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel in Nashville, Tenn.
The award is given annually to a military member or Department of Defense civilian employee who has distinguished themselves through significant contributions to their service, the advancement of AfricanAmericans and to the nation. Full Story
171st invites Guardsmen, families to meet Falcons at Dobbins The 171st Aviation Regiment will host 15 members of the Atlanta Falcons football team Sept. 11. This annual event began in 2003 when the unit deployed to Kuwait in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom. "It all began when a number of Falcon players took the time out of their game schedule in late November 2003 to visit our guys as we made final preparations for a deployment," said former commander Brent Hanson.
The Georgia Army aviation regiment secured early approval from the Atlanta Falcons to fashion a unit patch using the distinctive Falcon logo which members wore on their flight suits throughout their deployment. Among those slated to visit the unit are quarterback Joey Harrington,

Six soldiers earn commissions in RTI ceremony Six Georgia Soldiers became new Army National Guard officers during commissioning ceremonies held on August 10, 2007 at Fort McPherson. The six newly pinned second lieutenants are William Carraway of Canton; David Esra of Athens; Billy Henderson of Griffin; Todd Peterson of Smyrna; Nicole Pugh of Atlanta; and Chad Tyson of Jonesboro were part of OCS class 46. Full Story
28 earn black belts in Lean Six Sigma Twenty-eight Soldiers, Airmen and civilians, most of whom are employees of the Georgia Department of Defense, graduated as black belts from the Lean Six Sigma (LSS) program in a mid August ceremony held at the Finch Building on Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Marietta. Championed by companies such as Motorola and General Electric, LSS focuses on finding ways to cut wasteful spending, improved efficiency and streamline business practices. Full Story
Aviation association presents

224th earns 2nd 'Meritorious' award Brunswick's 224th Joint Communications Support Squadron of the Georgia Air National Guard has recently been awarded its second Joint Meritorious Unit Award presented by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the U.S. Joint Forces Command in Norfolk, VA. According to 224th Commander, Lt. Col Richard Austin, "Winning this award is an honor for the squadron and a direct reflection of the courage, sacrifice, and professionalism of our airmen." Full Story
A look at what happened in September in Georgia National Guard history:...
1979 - Command appointments were announced for two Georgia Army National Guard organizations. The 48th Infantry Brigade's new commander was Col. Joseph W. Griffin, who, four years later would become the Adjutant General. BG Dan Bullard III, who had assumed command of the 48th in the summer of 1978, was appointed commander of the Command and Control Headquarters, newly organized and activated with more than 20 units statewide.
* CAC would be redesignated and reorganized in 1982 as Troop Command.
1979 - Hurricane David, a Category 5 storm, had weakened to a minimal strength hurricane by time it touched the Georgia coast below Savannah. In preparation though, the Georgia National Guard initiated hurricane relief plans. Guardsmen in the storm area were notified for possible duty; in Savannah a task force was set up to provide troops to assist cleanup efforts in the aftermath of David. Potable water filled water trailers and generators were gassed up for rapid deployment. Also, the Georgia Air National Guard activated their "Peach Hot-Line", a high frequency radio communications network, for Civil Defense officials and

tight end Alge Crumpler and linebacker, Keith Brookings.
Any Guardsmen or family member interested in meeting and collecting autographs from these Atlanta Falcon players are welcome to attend the event that will take place at the 1/171st Aviation Regiment at Dobbins ARB between noon and 2 p.m.

foundation with $4,000 check
Members of the Greater Atlanta Chapter of the Army Aviation Association of America, or Quad A as it's known, have turned over $4,400 to the Georgia National Guard Family Support Foundation. The amount is 10 percent of the total proceeds raised by the the national organization during its annual golf tournament and conference held May 5 at Stone Mountain Golf Course. Full Story

rescue personnel.
Complied by Gail Parnelle, GaARNG Historical Section

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

September 12, 2007 Time: 12:42 pm Security Notice

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

Air National Guard FAQ The latest news from the Georgia Air National Guard. | 116th's Richardson earn 'BIG' award | 3 GaANG units earn top NGAUS awards | 117th trains with 125th | Air Guardsman to joins Parternship Program | Maj. Gen. Thompson, 92, former 116th commander | Marines name league for grandfather of Georgia Guard general | Day Promoted to Colonel | Tuskegee Airman visits with ANG EEO | Hansen promoted | 202nd wires new Ops Center | 117th earns merit award | 165th firechief earns leadership award | Turkey Shoot shows air power | Col. Moore Assumes Command of the 116th | 202nd Helps Byron | Doehling Retires as 116th ViceCmdr | Cotter Tapped to Attend Air, Space School | New Positions Follow 165th Change | Smart to Lead 165th |

State Defense Force Read the latest news from the Georgia State Defense Force.
GADOD News | 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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GADOD gets initial NAS property

Sept. 4, 2007 - The Georgia Department of Defense

took the first step in the transition onto the Naval Air Station Atlanta property this morning during a ceremony marking the initial transfer of property to the National Guard.

Lt. General David Poythress, Georgia's Adjutant General, formally accepted the deed to 20

acres and three buildings. In the coming years, the National Guard will acquire the entire property including 106 acres and approximately 100 buildings for a total of more than 600,000 square feet. Facilities include hangars, classrooms, administrative space, and temporary billeting.

This transfer of property is believed to be the first in the nation for a successful resolution of property identified by the Base Alignment and Closure (BRAC) decision announced in May, 2005.

"Under the BRAC law, the National Guard was entitled to lay claim to the property, and with the concurrence of the Governor, I asked the DOD to convey this property to the Georgia National Guard," General Poythress told the guests at the ceremony, including a number of political and civic leaders. "Today marks the culmination of that process, thanks to the hard work of many, many people."

The Adjutant General used the opportunity to thank the Governor along a number of others who were instrumental in securing the property for the Guard, including U.S. Congressman Phil Gingery and Cobb County Commission Chairman Sam Olens. Both also took part in the ceremony

To mark the property transfer, Governor Sonny Perdue presented the Adjutant General a Georgia flag to fly over the new facility.

Lt. Gen. David Poythress, Georgia's Adjutant General, accepts the deed to the initial land and buildings on Naval Air Station from Captain Rick Cline. (Georgia National Guard photo by Spc. Amanda Luksic)

"Although bittersweet for us, this is a huge success for the Georgia DOD, Cobb County, and our local communities," said Capt. Rick Cline, commanding officer of NAS Atlanta, before handing over the deed. "As this base transitions to the Georgia DOD presence, the transition will spark continued economic growth to our community."

The first elements scheduled to move onto the property will be offices of the Adjutant General, the office of the Commanding General

of the Army National Guard, the Directorate of Communications, and elements of the Regional Training Institute. The move is expected to take place over the next several months. By the time the transition is complete, some 1,500 drilling National Guardsmen will be based on the property. The Georgia Department of Defense' new state-of-the-art joint readiness center is also slated to be built on the property. The building will consolidate into one location the headquarters for the Georgia Department of Defense, the Georgia Army and Air National Guard and Georgia State Defense Force. Funding for the new center is listed in the 2008 federal budget and construction is scheduled to be complete in the next three to five years.
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Second Lt. Greg Calhoun of Co. H, 121st Infantry, is nearly overwhelmed with emotion as he clings to family members who welcomed him back to Georgia from a year of supporting coalition forces in Iraq. (Georgia National Guard photo by Pfc. Adam Dean)
Ellenwood unit returns from 2nd deployment
Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2007 Smiles and tears greeted the Soldiers of the Georgia Army National Guard's Company H, 121st Infantry, Long Range Surveillance, as family members gathered before dawn at Fort Stewart's Cottrell Field to welcome their heroes home from a year-long deployment in Iraq.
After thanking the troops and their families for their sacrifices over the course of this latest deployment, Brig. Gen. Lawrence Ross, commander, 78th Troop Command, who kept his remarks brief, acknowledged that what everyone there wanted most was to be reunited with their loved ones.
"Welcome home to Georgia," said Ross to the Rangers, and with that, mothers, fathers, children and spouses poured out of the bleachers into the field, eagerly seeking out their Soldiers.
Many of those waiting for the first glimpse of their returning Guardsmen had arrived well before the break of day. Braving the early morning South Georgia heat and the mosquitoes, they lined the stands with signs and banners, and talked with one another about how much they had looked forward to this day.
Brenda Redd, of Thomaston, said that her son, Spc. Rod Davis, was returning from his second deployment, and that this moment was like an answer to her prayers. "We're just real excited to have him home and safe, and so proud of everything he's done," said Redd.
After finally being reunited with their families, many of the Soldiers showed their own excitement with long-overdue hugs and tears of joy.
Embracing his eight-year-old daughter, Alycia, for the first time in more than 14 months, Cpl. Carlos Lugo glowed as his wife, mother and son, who surrounded him, waited their turn in his arms. "It just feels great to be home again, and to see my family," said Lugo.
This was the second time that Company H had been called to active duty in Support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Reporting on June 4, 2006, the LRS Company trained for over two months in Fort Hood, Texas, before leaving for Kirkuk in Northeast Iraq.
After one month in Kirkuk, the unit moved to Tal Afar along Iraq's border with Syria. Its mission involved securing the Syrian border, and training Iraqi Border Police. During that time, Company H detained more than 350 insurgents and foreign fighters, and earned more than 200 awards and decorations for the exemplary nature of their service.

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Governor announces retirement of Lt. Gen. Poythress; appoints Maj. Gen. Nesbitt as replacement
Sept 4, 2007 - Governor Sonny Perdue has announced the retirement of Lieutenant General David B. Poythress, Georgia's Adjutant General, from the National Guard and the military. Lt. Gen. Poythress, who has led the Georgia Department of Defense and the National Guard since 1999, will retire in November, capping a 44-year military career. He will enter private business as the Chief Executive Officer of American United Bancorp, Inc., in Gwinnett County.
Governor Perdue announced General Poythress's retirement at a ceremony marking the Georgia National Guard's headquarters relocation to Naval Air Station Atlanta, in Marietta. "Lt. Gen. Poythress has been a devoted, committed servant to our state," said Governor Perdue. "I am grateful for his steadfast leadership and dedication to the safety and security of all Georgians."
As Adjutant General, Lt. Gen. Poythress reports directly to the Governor with responsibility for providing command and control authority over the 13,000 personnel of the Georgia Army National Guard, the Georgia Air National Guard and the Georgia State Defense Force.
Lt. Gen. Poythress has led the Department of Defense during its busiest time in National Guard history. Under his leadership the National Guard:
q Deployed nearly 10,000 Soldiers and Airmen to Iraq, Afghanistan, Bosnia, Kosovo and other places around the world in support of the Global War on Terrorism;
q Sent Guardsmen to the Mexican Border as part of Operation Jump Start; q Completed a high profile security mission in our state's airports in the months following 9/11; q Provided more than 2,200 Guardsmen to help Gulf Coast states in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina; q Completed a statewide armory renovation project; q Acquired the Naval Air Station Atlanta property following the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) decision and began the
process of moving units and functions onto the facility; q Provided more than 5,000 Georgia Air and Army Guardsmen to support the security efforts of the G-8 Economic Summit. q Lt. Gen. Poythress oversaw the transition of the 116th Air Control Wing at Robins Air Force Base, to a Joint Stars unit and the
only Air Force total-force blended wing. Under his leadership, the Department of Defense was the first state agency to receive the Oglethorpe Award for performance excellence.
The general is a distinguished military graduate of the Emory University Reserve Officer Training Corps program and was commissioned in 1964. His active-duty service included a tour as chief of military justice at DaNang Air Base, Republic of Vietnam. He was called to active duty during Operation Desert Shield/Storm to supervise the continental United States backfill of reserve legal personnel. In 2006, he was promoted by Governor Perdue to the rank of Lieutenant General, making him the first Adjutant General in the Georgia Guard's 273 year history to wear three stars.
Governor Sonny Perdue named Major General William T. Nesbitt as the replacement for Lt. Gen. Poythress. General Nesbitt commanded the Joint Task Force G8, a task force of over 7,000 personnel from all services to conduct military support operations for the Group of Eight Summit at Sea Island, GA in June 2004.General Nesbitt was the first National Guard officer selected to command a task force comprised of both Active Duty and National Guard personnel.
"General Nesbitt brings with him a wealth of knowledge and more than forty years of military experience that have honed his leadership skills," said Governor Perdue. "He has demonstrated deep commitment and serious dedication to helping Georgia meet the challenges of the future."
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Soldiers (left) who assisted with Operation Jump Start along the New Mexico border for the past year in- process at Joint Forces Headquarters in Ellenwood. (Georgia National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Roy Henry)
Guardsmen back from border mission
Forty-two Georgia Guardsmen, who spent the past year assisting border patrol agents in stopping undocumented aliens from crossing into New Mexico and the U.S., have returned home. The Georgia Guardsmen have been among the 150 who deployed in July 2006 to help secure the 180-mile border separating New Mexico and Mexico. The overall Georgia support will continue on through next summer. The Soldiers, who arrived Wednesday, Aug 29 at Joint Forces Headquarters, spent their first day back being debriefed and finishing administrative and medical issues. Their second day found them turning in they equipment they'd been issued for the mission before joining their families for Labor Day weekend.
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Det. 9, 171st AVN readies for deployment

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

Aug. 22, 2007 Soldiers of Detachment 9, 171st Aviation Regiment at Dobbins Air Reserve Base, have mobilized for their first-ever wartime mission.

The unit cased its colors during an Aug. 19 ceremony at Army Flight Facility No. 2 and members reported Saturday, Aug. 25, for mobilization training at Fort Benning in Columbus. "While we have responded to calls for support during domestic situations here at home and across the nation, this is the first time this unit, as a whole, has been called on for a wartime mission," said Chief Warrant Officer 4 John Ely, detachment commander and the full-time Georgia DoD physical security manager. "We'll be taking one C-26 Merlin with us and picking one up in country.

When he and his Soldiers return from deployment, sometime next year, the twinengine turbo-prop Merlin aircraft they'll be flying will stay behind for the next unit to use, said Ely.

From the left are Command Sgt. Maj. Ed Hepler, command sergeant major 1st Aviation Group; Chief Warrant Officer 4 John Ely, commander Detachment 9, 171st Aviation Regiment; and Col. Brent Bracewell, commander 1st Aviation Group. The three case Det 9's guidon in anticipation of its OIF deployment.
way to Djibouti and the Horn of Africa via Canada and Iceland, France, Germany and the Mediterranean.

While the unit is at Benning, Soldiers will spend a week doing weapons qualification and conducting other training. Other computer-based training such as survival, escape and evasion was done prior to mobilization, Ely explained. The unit departs Benning sometime after the first week of September, Ely added, and then makes its

"We've flown overseas before to places such as Columbia, Venezuela and Guatemala, but only for short stays," he said, "[but] this is the first time we'll `cross the pond' and stay for an extended period of time." The unit expects to be tasked with passenger movement throughout the theater and also supply pickup and transport.

While this may be the first war-time deployment for its aircraft, it's not the first time for many of its soldiers.

"There are several among us, my self included who, in one form or another have seen combat, either on active duty or as Guardsmen," Ely said. "And in that, we know the risks of what we do. We accept them as our duty and we do what needs to be done."

Georgia's Detachment 9 is one 10 such units across the United States flying the C-26. Each unit, Ely said take 6 month rotations in and out of the war zone.

Ely has been with Guard more than 10 years, and he spent more than 22 years with active Army aviation. One the civilian side, he has taken military leave from Delta Airlines where he works as pilot. At least one other Det 9 pilot is on leave from Air Tran Airlines and another from ASA, a Delta connection carrier.

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GADOD employees earn 'Faithful Service' honors

Click Here for photographs of the honorees.

August 22, 2007 Eight state employees received awards for their years of service, ranging from five years to 30 years, at a ceremony in the conference room of Building 21 at the Confederate Ave. complex in Atlanta.

Lieutenant General David Poythress, Georgia's Adjutant General, made a few observations before the awards were given out.

"State employees have a unique job," he said. "You are not like the public sector in which you don't get stock bonuses or money for your years of service, you get certificates, pins, ribbons and respect from your peers."

These state employees are:

Alcenda Allen, 5 years Karen Everett-McNail, 5 years Rodney Wright, 5 years Terry Nesbitt, 5 years Marianna Eaton, 10 years Felicia Nichols, 10 years Randy Drummond, 15 years Evelyn Watkins, 20 years Nellie Owens, 20 years Sandra Lightman, 20 years Kevan Farrell, 30 years

Kevan Ferrell, multimedia integration coordinator, receives a certificate and pin for 30 years of faithful service as a state employee from Lt. Gen. David Poythress, Georgia's Adjutant General. (Georgia National Guard photo by Spc. Amanda Luksic)

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Back to Georgia DOD Homepage For photos of events prior to August 2004, click here for our previous photo gallery
GADOD Faithful Service Awards
8 images in this album

Kevan Farrell, 30 years

Maintained by the Directorate of Communications, Georgia DOD Back to Georgia DOD Home Page

William T. Nesbitt, 5 years

Sandra Lightman, 20 years Alcenda Allen, 5 years

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Nellie Owens, 20 years Randy Drummond, 15 years

Evelyn Watkins, 20 years Marianna Eaton, 10 years

[slideshow] [login] Gallery: Georgia Department of Defense
Gallery: Georgia Department of Defense

Lt. Col. Joseph Richardson (right) accepts the 2007 Blacks in Government Meritorious Service Award, Aug. 17 at a ceremony in Nashville, Tenn. at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel from the 116th Air Control Wing commander, Brig. Gen. Tom Moore. The award is given annually to a military member or Department of Defense civilian employee who has distinguished themselves through significant contributions to their service, the advancement of African Americans and to our nation.
116th's Richardson earns 'BIG' award
By Senior Airman Paul Ross 116th Air Control Wing Public Affairs
August 17 -- Lt. Col. Joseph Richardson accepted the 2007 Blacks in Government Meritorious Service Award, during a ceremony in mid-August at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel in Nashville, Tenn.
The award is given annually to a military member or Department of Defense civilian employee who has distinguished themselves through significant contributions to their service, the advancement of African-Americans and to the nation.
The 128th Airborne Command and Control Squadron director of operations and E-8C Joint STARS navigator has a gracious attitude toward winning the prestigious award.
"If a farmer got picked to be farmer of the year it isn't really a big deal to him," said Colonel Richardson. "The farmer just cares about the results of what he did that made him farmer of the year -- all the people that were fed, all the needs that were met and the meals that were eaten because he was doing a great job."
The Lima, Ohio native insists that this award is due to the contributions of many.
"An award like this is a reflection that I'm part of a core of people ... out there doing something, something beyond rhetoric," said the colonel. "To me it's just an acknowledgment of the fact that I'm doing a little more than providing rhetoric. I'm actually putting some skin in the game and hopefully making a difference in some people lives."
Richardson is actively involved with the community through Aviation in Schools Incorporated, an organization that introduces students to the field of aviation. "We give them someone who is personally involved in aviation. We tell them what we do, why we like what we do and how we got to where we are."
The colonel and Aviation in School Incorporated have three main goals.
"We want to motivate the kids to educational excellence, we want to introduce them to the aviation career field and then we want to help facilitate the pursuit of their goals."

The colonel didn't have a program like Aviation in Schools but he did have a brother -- and a goal to make something of himself.
"For me it was just seeing my brother enlist in the Air Force," said Colonel Richardson. "He came home from basic training cleanly shaven, in a sharp uniform, with money in his pocket and a sense of purpose. Just that visual image was enough for me to realize the Air Force was worthwhile."
The colonel sees himself as an advertisement for everything the Air Force has to offer.
"I'm a walking advertisement, a billboard and a speaking poster of the opportunities the Air Force has to offer," he said. "Look around you and see the blessings, the opportunities and the privileges that are yours by being a part of the greatest air and space force in the history of mankind. Take advantage of them to grow and develop and go out and tell people about them."
He feels that military members have a responsibility to inspire those who need guidance.
"There are people out there that don't know what they want to do," Colonel Richardson said. "They are looking for guidance, for direction. You may go out and speak to fifty kids and you'll see that one C student with a glimmer in his eye who will say, 'that's it, that how I can become a positive member of society and contribute to my country.' You've got to reach that one student. I was that one student.
As an airman basic and personnel specialist, Colonel Richardson stumbled upon the Air Force Academy and it made all the difference in the World.
"I was using the copy machine and someone had left a pamphlet that talked about some place called the Air Force Academy," he said. "I had never heard of it before. I read the pamphlet and thought, 'the Air Force actually has a college that you can go to?' "
Finding the pamphlet that day at the copy machine is what motivates him to give back to the community.
"I found out about it by accident," he said "If I found out by accident and it has made such an impact on my life, what would happen if we were proactive? If we intentionally let people know about the opportunities out there, how many lives could we change?"
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Georgia State Defense Force Sgt. Robert Flavin (center), masquerades as an Iraqi farmer as Soldiers from the 221st practice intelligence gathering techniques during a field training exercise at Fort Gillem. (Georgia National Guard photo by Pfc. Adam Dean)
221st MI teams with SDF for training
Story by Pfc. Adam Dean 124th MPAD
Aug. 4, 2007 Fort Gillem's 221st Military Intelligence Battalion engaged in the second part of a three part field training exercise designed to enhance the unit's capabilities if ordered to deploy. The exercise, held in early August, at Fort Gillem was supported by volunteers from the Georgia State Defense Force, who masqueraded as Iraqi citizens.
Through six stations of training, the 221st practiced skills such as conducting convoy and foot patrols, reacting to an IED, and gathering information from foreign nationals.
Many of the Soldiers of the 221st have already experienced action on the battlefield during the Global War on Terror, but some have not. First Sgt. Ed Head, of Company B, said that this type of training is a great way for younger Guardsmen to learn from the experience of the unit's war veterans.
"This is about the best training I've seen, especially for those who haven't been over to Iraq or Afghanistan yet," said Head.
However, Head added that this type of hands-on, in-the-field training is crucial to help both younger and more experienced Soldiers maintain a high level of preparedness.
In addition to military intelligence training, there was a focus on basic warrior task training, to include pulling security for teams conducting information gathering missions and reacting to casualty situations.
Head said that these skills are crucial for Guardsmen of every military occupational specialty to know, because first and foremost, the job of every Soldier is to bring the fight to the enemy.
"Overseas, everybody has to know how to do everything, so warrior task training is just as important as working on intelligence gathering techniques," said Head.
To make things as realistic as possible on the training lanes, volunteers from the Georgia State Defense Force played a number of roles from Iraqi police officers and civilians, to religious leaders and foreign government officials.
"This training wouldn't have been nearly as effective if it hadn't been for them," said Head about the SDF.
The officer-in-charge of the volunteers, 2nd Lt. Peter Latka, 2nd Battalion, SDF, said that it was an honor for his militiamen

and women to play an active role in helping the Guard stay sharp. "Being able to help in situations like this is one of the many reasons why we join the organization in the first place," said Latka. Sergeant Gerald Wingate, acting first sergeant, Company A, 2nd Battalion, SDF, said that many of his comrades are prior service members themselves, and that their experience should not be wasted. "I think we have a lot to contribute in terms of helping to make this kind of training more realistic," said Wingate. Sergeant Robert Flavin, a platoon sergeant with the volunteers agreed. He added that the cooperation between the Guardsmen and the SDF helps to cement bonds between the two groups. "I think it's important for a lot of these guys who go overseas to know that while they're over there, protecting our country, we're gonna be back here making sure that their families and homes are safe too," said Flavin.
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From the left, newly graduated second lieutenants William Carraway, David Esra, Billy Henderson, Todd Peterson, Nicole Pugh and Chad Tyson recite their oath of office as administered by Brig. Gen. Stewart Rodeheaver, deputy commander, First Army, during their graduation ceremony at Atlanta's Fort McPherson. (Georgia National Guard photo by Spc. Amanda Luksic).
Six earn commissions at Guard ceremony
By Spc. Amanda Luksic Georgia National Guard Public Affairs Office
August 10, 2007 Six Georgia Soldiers became new Army National Guard officers during commissioning ceremonies held on Saturday, August 10, 2007 at Fort McPherson.
The six newly pinned second lieutenants are William Carraway of Canton; David Esra of Athens; Billy Henderson of Griffin; Todd Peterson of Smyrna; Nicole Pugh of Atlanta; and Chad Tyson of Jonesboro were part of OCS class 46.
Brig. Gen. Stewart Rodeheaver, deputy commander First Army at Fort Gillem, offered the newly commissioned officers a few words of encouragement and professional advice.
"As a lieutenant," Rodeheaver said, "there are four things you have to do. You must motivate your Soldiers, inspire them, give them good guidance and train someone to take your place and be the best you can be."
Rodeheaver added that there are a number of important "balls" which each Guardsman must keep in constant balance as they progress in their military career. "Some of these 'balls' are made of rubber and will bounce back," Rodeheaver said, "but others are made of glass, and can easily be shattered."
"Keep you life in balance," he said. "And remember that your family is most important."
Several of the newly commissioned officers were individually recognized for outstanding accomplishments while in OCS. 2Lt William Carraway was the recipient of the General George J. Hearn Trophy for posting the highest academic average and being among the top 50 percent of the class in leadership. Carraway will be assigned to Company D, 2nd Battalion, 121st Infantry in Columbus. Second Lt. David Esra, was the recipient of Carl Campbell Fitness Award for having the highest score on the final Army physical fitness test. Second Lt. Esra will be assigned to Company H, 121st Military Intelligence Battalion, Long Range Surveillance team at Fort Gillem. Second Lt. Chad Tyson received the Erickson Trophy for his fitness ranking, academy grade point average, company leadership ranking and cadre ranking. He will be assigned to the 171st Aviation Battalion at Dobbins Air reserve Base in Marietta.
The remaining three commissioned officers, 2Lt Second Lt. Billy Henderson of Griffin, will be assigned to Company B, 148th Brigade Support Battalion in Hinesville, GA. Second Lt. Todd Peterson will be assigned to Company E, 148th Brigade Support Battalion in Winder, GA, and 2Lt Nicole Pugh of Atlanta, will be assigned to Company A, 148th Brigade Support Battalion in Dublin, GA.

Brig Gen. Rodeheaver, former commander of the 48th Brigade Combat Team, administered the oath to the six officers while Capt Pervis Brown presented their OCS certificates of graduation. Friends and family members continued the age-old custom of pinning on the new officers the gold bars of a second lieutenant.
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The 28 graduates of the Six Sigma class poss for a "class photo" (photo by Spc. Adam Dean)
28 earn 'Six Sigma' black belts
By Spc. Adam Dean Georgia National Guard Public Affairs Office
Aug. 10, 2007 Twenty-eight Soldiers, Airmen and civilians, most of whom are employees of the Georgia Department of Defense, graduated as black belts from the Lean Six Sigma (LSS) program during a late morning ceremony held at the Finch Building on Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Marietta.
Randy Canfield, who has been a black belt instructor for 20 years, described LSS as a business methodology that can be summed up with three words; better, faster and cheaper.
Championed in the 1980's by companies such as Motorola and General Electric, LSS focuses on finding ways to cut wasteful spending, improve efficiency and streamline business practices.
Before becoming certified as black belts, candidates must first be awarded a "green belt" in LSS. Canfield said that the difference between the two levels of learning lies in the depth of knowledge students have of the discipline.
"For example, a lot of times, I'll be out having lunch with some of my black belt students, and they'll be able to identify broken processes in civilian world restaurants," said Canfield.
Black belts become more valuable members of their organizational teams because they learn how to find and fix broken processes, instead of blaming employees for failures that are a result of inefficient systems, said Canfield. In remarks prior to the awarding of degrees, Lt. Gen David B. Poythress, adjutant general, Georgia National Guard, congratulated the students and applauded the program in general.
"Lean Six Sigma is, and should remain, a significant part of our corporate culture here at the Georgia National Guard," said Poythress. "You have really accomplished something spectacular here."
One student, Capt. David Hunter, the director of design and project management for the construction and facilities management office, said that the LSS training he received will make him more effective in his everyday approach to his job.
"It gives me a better understanding of the overall picture of how an organization works. I feel like I now have a better avenue for being able to deal with large workloads, while still being able to function at a high level of performance," said Hunter.
Congratulations to the following graduates:
Lt. Col. Matt Shannon Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Herndon Col. Steve Joyce

Maj. Larry Deaton Capt. Bobby Brookshire Maj. Jeffrey Farrell Lt. Col. Joe Hale Maj. Kenny Payne Maj. James Clements Maj. Roger Dillard 2nd Lt. Hervaye Thomas Capt. Israel Ham Ms. Valerie Thomas Capt. Bob Hunter Mr. David Holland Lt. Col. Jeffrey Edge Maj. Tony Poole Maj. Jim Schroder Maj. Elton Brown Lt. Col. Jean Specht Master Sgt. Noah Brock Col. Thomas Blackstock (Valedictorian) Capt. Jackie Jackson Col. Shane Deverill Mr. Ronald Nash (Salutatorian) Capt. Vernon Shaw Maj. Tiffany Sneed Mr. Daniel Galarza
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From the left Georgia Army National Guard Maj. Jim Schroeder, a member of the Greater Atlanta Chapter of the Army Aviation Association of America, presents $4,400 to Col. (Ret) Ed Chamberlain of the Georgia National Guard Family Support Foundation. With them is Lt. Gen. David B. Poythress, Georgia's Adjutant General. (Georgia National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Roy Henry)
Aviation association presents foundation with $4,000 check
Members of the Greater Atlanta Chapter of the Army Aviation Association of America, or Quad A as it's known, have turned over $4,400 to the Georgia National Guard Family Support Foundation. The amount is 10 percent of the total proceeds raised by the the national organization during its annual golf tournament and conference held May 5 at Stone Mountain. Colonel (retired) Ed Chamberlain, foundation member and director of the Georgia DoD's Directorate of Workforce Development, accepted the check on the foundation's behalf during a senior leader's meeting at the Finch Building on Dobbins. Major Jim Schroeder, an Atlanta Chapter member and aviation supply officer for 78th Aviation Troop Command, made the presentation. Chamberlain said the money will help the organization continue its work in serving the families of Georgia Guardsmen, Army and Air, who are deployed throughout the U.S. and the world.
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Hickey joins Guard as Senior Army Advisor
Colonel James R. Hickey, combat veteran of two tours of duty in Iraq, has been assigned to the Georgia Army National Guard as senior Army advisor, a position that has been vacant for more than a year. Hickey, who's last active Army posting was four months as chief of strategy, Multi-National Force Iraq (MNF-I), and eight months as chief of staff, strategic operations for the MNF-I in Baghdad, will spend two to three years in the senior advisor slot. The last advisor to the Georgia Army Guard, Col. Al Jones, retired from military service a little more than a year ago. He holds the civilian position of deputy chief of staff at Headquarters First Army at Fort Gillem. As senior advisor, Hickey is liaison between Georgia's Adjutant General and the active Army. In this position Hickey is the active component spokesman in all matters dealing with the National Guard. He will provide advice and other assistance to Guard commanders in issues concerning organization, training, and unit readiness. Hickey will help Georgia commanders in preparing their units for their war-time missions, while placing emphasis on "development and operational programs." His duties also include enforcing standards set for appointments, branch transfers and promotions on federal recognition boards. He will "accomplish responsibilities related to federal recognition of units, selective retention board and perform other duties." Hickey, a Bay City, Mich., native, holds a bachelor of science degree from the United States Military Academy at West Point. He also has two masters of science degrees from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, in Troy, N.Y., one in applied mathematics and one in operations research and statistics; masters in business administration in finance, with honors from Long Island University and masters in security strategy from the U.S. Army War College. His military schooling includes the Field Artillery Officer Basic, Cannon Battery Officer, and Advance Officer Courses; Combined Arms and Services Staff School; Army Command and General Staff College; Armed Forces Staff College and the U.S. Army War College. Upon graduation from the U.S. Army War College at Carlisle Barracks, Hickey assumed duties as commander, U.S. Military Observer Detachment-Kuwait, with duty to the United Nations Iraq-Kuwait Observer Mission in Umm Qasr, Iraq. Returning from Iraq, he commanded 5th Brigade, 78th Division, a training support unit at Fort Meade, Md. He was responsible for training, readiness oversight and mobilization of all Reserve component units. Hickey also saw duty as defense coordinating officer in the seven-state, Mid-Atlantic Region to include Washington. Next he served two years as chief of staff, First U.S. Army, where he was responsible for training, readiness oversight and mobilization of all Reserve component units and home land security throughout the continental U.S., Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands. His military awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster; Bronze Star Medal; Defense Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster; Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf clusters; Joint Service Commendation Medal; Army Commendation Medal; Joint Service Achievement Medal; Army Achievement Medal w/ two oak leaf clusters; and the National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Service Star. He also has earned the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; Iraq Campaign Medal; Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary and Service medals; Korean Defense Service Medal; Armed Forces Service Medal; Humanitarian Service Medal; and Army Service Ribbon. Other awards include three Overseas Service ribbons; Joint Meritorious Unit Award with oak leaf cluster; Army Superior Unit Award with oak leaf cluster and the United Nations Service

Medal. He has also earned the Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge, Master Parachute Badge, Ranger Tab, U.S. Navy parachute badge and the Australian and French parachutist badges. He and his wife, Shelly have two children.
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224th earns 2nd 'Meritorious' award
Brunswick's 224th Joint Communications Support Squadron of the Georgia Air National Guard has recently been awarded its second Joint Meritorious Unit Award presented by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the U.S. Joint Forces Command in Norfolk, VA.
The distinctive honor recognizes the role played by the 224th in Command and Control Communication Computer Information weapons systems to coalition forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. Additionally it acknowledges the domestic support the Brunswick Guardsmen provided during hurricane recovery efforts along the Gulf Coast in 2005.
According to 224th Commander, Lt. Col Richard Austin, "Winning this award is an honor for the squadron and a direct reflection of the courage, sacrifice, and professionalism of our airmen."
Georgia's 224th supported the Joint Communications Support Element located at MacDill AFB, by deploying more than 40 Guardsmen to 3 different sites to provide Command and Control Computer Communication Information (C4I) Weapons Systems to Special Operations Forces operating both in Iraq and Afghanistan. This support enabled the war fighters to respond quickly to enemy threats as well as engage time sensitive targets.
In July 2007, departing JCSE Commander, Colonel Thomas Hopkins said of the 224th that there was no way the Joint Communications Support Element could have accomplished its technically demanding and difficult mission without the efforts of the 224 JCSS. Numerous members of the 224th have received Joint Service and Army medals for exceptional leadership and technical knowledge in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.
In addition to fighting the global war on terror, the squadron played a vital role in establishing communications systems in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. The unit deployed over 50 Guardsmen to the effected area 48 hours after initial notification.
In November 2006, the squadron operated the first "Everything Over Internet Protocol system" in the Air National Guard. In the midst of these real world commitments, the squadron experienced significant military communications and weapons systems transformation.
Three additional communications teams are set to deploy in October in continued support of Joint Communication Support Element and U.S. Joint Forces Command requirements.
The unit was awarded it first Joint Meritorious Unit Award in 2003
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