First Friday briefing [Jan. 4, 2008]

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First Friday Briefing for January 2008

Deployment Update

Georgia Guard transitions to Joint Staff;
Establishes new DSCA office
The new year is bringing some significant organizational changes for the Georgia Department of Defense and National Guard headquarters. As he enters his first months as Georgia's 41st Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Terry Nesbitt has announced a number of appointments and structural changes. Among his priorities is completing the transition to a joint headquarters staff and establishing a new Directorate of Defense Support to Civil Authorities. Full Story

116th ACW passes 33,000 combat hours
Hitting historical landmarks is an ongoing occurrence for the Georgia Air Guard's 116th Air Control Wing. A year after hitting the 20,000-combat-hour milestone, the Joint STARS mission has reached 33,000 -- the most flown by any platform supporting Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom. At any given time since 2003, more than 200 116th members are continuously deployed in support of OIF and OEF, and over 2,975 combat sorties have been flown. Full Story

GSDF assists in search for missing
hiker in north Georgia mountains
More than 60 members of the Georgia State Defense Force participated in the search for Meredith Emerson, the 24-year old hiker who disappeared on New Year's Day while hiking near Blood Mountain in north Georgia. Officials from Union and Lumpkin counties requested assistance from the GSDF which provided manpower over a four-day period to help find the hiker. Full Story

Ceremony marks change in leadership
at 78th Troop Command
Brigadier Gen. Larry E. Dudney Jr. assumed command of Decatur's 78th Troop Command of the Georgia Army National Guard at change of command ceremonies held at the Decatur National Guard armory in early January. "I am genuinely humbled to be standing here today," Dudney said in his address to Soldiers, families and friends attending the ceremony. "It is truly an honor to be your commander, and I look forward to the days ahead as we begin our service together." Full Story

Photo: Staff Sgt. Chester Mingledoff, a squad leader with the 278th Military Police Company, tearfully says goodbye to his wife Diana after a departure ceremony at Fort Gordon. The 278th, the newest unit within the Georgia Army Guard's 170th MP Battalion, is making its first-ever war-time deployment. (Georgia National Guard photo by Spc.Amanda Luksic)
Army Guard's 278th MPs off to Fort Dix, then Iraq More than 100 members of the Augustabased 278th Military Police Company said their final goodbyes to families, friends and fellow Soldiers during the unit's departure ceremony at Fort Gordon in early January.
The unit left the following day for 80 days of mobilization training at Fort Dix, N.J., and the beginning of its 13-month deployment to Iraq. According to 1st Sgt. Callie Leaver, the 278th's senior noncommissioned officer, the company will move on to Kuwait and then into Iraq where it will join the active Army's 300 Military Police Brigade.
"Our primary mission is detainee operations...caring for them and providing security while they're being detained and during movement from one place to another," Leaver said. "There will most likely be other missions, but that's something we'll find out once we arrive at our final destination."
Just where the 278th is going in Iraq has not been disclosed, she added. That probably won't happen until the unit has reached Kuwait. Full Story

Ross pins on second star,
moves to new Defense Support office
Brigadier Gen. Larry H. Ross not only moved out of his job as commander, 78th Troop Command recently, but he's moved up in rank becoming Georgia's newest major general. Ross turned over Troop Command to Brig. Gen. Larry E. Dudney Jr., and now serves with the Guard's Defense Support of Civil Authorities office. Full Story

Airman is winner of NGB's
Red Erwin Award
A combat training squadron communications specialist technician instructor from the 116th Air Control Wing was recently selected as the National Guard Bureau's Red Erwin Outstanding Enlisted Aircrew Member of the year for 2006. Technical Sgt. James Yancey, of the 330th Combat Training Squadron, has won the prestigious award that recognizes career enlisted aviators for outstanding job accomplishments, demonstration of leadership and sustained selfimprovements in support of the enlisted aircrew operations career field. Full Story

Atlanta Thrashers to salute military and ESGR The Atlanta Thrashers will salute the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces reserves and the employers who employ them at a special Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) night on Feb. 1. The Thrashers will be hosting the Buffalo Sabres at Philips Arena. Military will be able to purchase half-price tickets to the game with an official ID. Georgia Guard members wishing to order tickets should go to www.ticketmaster.com/
promo/4l1mvq and enter the promo code
"ESGR."

A look at what happened in January in Georgia National Guard history...

Fallen Georgia Guardsmen honored
with Forsyth unit memorial
Members of the Georgia Army National Guard's 148th Brigade Support Battalion honored three of its fallen soldiers in December with the dedication of a commemorative statue and plaque. Soldiers, former unit members and community leaders gathered at the Forsyth Armory to unveil and dedicate the statue depicting the boots, rifle and helmet of the fallen Guardsmen. Full Story

Youth Challenge Ft. Stewart campus
Holds graduation for 150
More than 150 former "at risk" teens from across the state walked across the arena floor and onto the stage where they happily received diplomas for making it through sixmonths of intense life-skill and militarystyle training to better themselves as up and coming Georgia citizens. "Congratulations on being here today and for what you have achieved," said Col. Frank Williams, who oversees the YCA at Fort Stewart and Fort Gordon. You are no longer children, but drug-free, alcohol free young adults." Full story

ORE at Combat Readiness Training
Center prepares 116th Airmen
The war at the CRTC in Savannah began around 4 a.m. last month. Of course, it wasn't a real war. It was a simulated ORE (operational readiness exercise) - marking the first of many that members of the Georgia Air Guard's 116th Air Control Wing will participate in before facing an operational readiness inspection in December 2010. The purpose of the exercise was to refresh memories of how an ORI is performed as various attacks were executed to all areas of the wing, from the maintenance shop to finance, and even to a JSTARS crew while in-flight.. Full Story

Army Guard's LRS company
changes commanders
Captain William Parker assumed command in early January of Company H, Long Range Surveillance, from Maj. Kenneth Hutnik. The LRS Company, which recently returned from Iraq, gained more than just a new commander, but also a new first sergeant as 1st Sgt. Matthew Marks handed the guidon over to 1st Sgt. John Gunning. Full Story

Oct. 1962- Jan. 1963 - During the height of the Cuban crisis in late 1962, when it appeared a clash between U. S. and Soviet forces was inevitable in the Caribbean, four Georgia Air National Guard C-97's of the 116th Air Transport Wing took off on support missions. Their destination? Thule, Greenland. Called upon by the Military Air Transport Service to fill in for regular MATS cargo hauls to the Arctic outpost, crews were assembled on short notice at Dobbins Air Force Base and briefed on their assignment. The Greenland base is not on the regular route usually flown by ANG transport crews on overseas missions, but the pilots, flight engineers, load masters and the allimportant navigators were ready for the undertaking.
Jan 1966 - A resolution commending members of the Georgia Air National Guard who participated in "Operation Christmas Star" was passed unanimously by the Georgia General Assembly during House and Senate sessions January 18-19th
The citation reads: A Resolution Commending the Georgia Air National Guard for volunteer flights to Vietnam; and for other purposes. Whereas, the Military Airlift Squadrons of the Georgia Air National Guard flew six (6) flights to Viet Nam in December of 1965 in support of operation "Christmas Star" and transported to Viet Nam over 45,000 tons of Christmas gifts and military cargo.
Jan. 1970 - During more pleasant months, Hard Labor Creek State Park is the scene of carefree, happy activity as nature lovers take to the woods for picnics and easy living. The weekend of Jan. 17-18, however, as a dripping rain beat steadily down, the park, or at least a part of it, resembled an Army basic training bivouac site as 111 combatready soldiers conducted mock exercises in their craft as military policemen. It would be wrong to use the term "basic training" to apply to these trained professional soldiers of the 178th Military Police Company, Monroe.

Georgia Army, Air Guard
exceed recruiting goals
The end of 2007 was another record setting year for Georgia Army and Air Guard recruiters. "We are at 147 percent of our goal," said Lt. Col. Thomas Carden, commander of the Army Guard Recruiting and Retention Battalion as the November results were announced. Army Guard recruiters in Georgia have continuously recruited above and beyond the number of Soldiers set as a goal by the National Guard Bureau. Full Story

Sandi Lightman retires after 22 years with state Family, friends and coworkers gathered to congratulate Sandi Lightman for her 22 years service with the National Guard and Georgia Department of Defense in early December. The mid-day ceremony was held at the Oglethorpe Armory in Ellenwood. She was presented The Oglethorpe Distinguished Service Medal by Brig. Gen. Maria Britt. Ms. Lightman served as an administrative assistant for the Commanding General's office and the office of the Adjutant General.

Usually the unit trains in Monroe at the General George J. Hearn Armory this special weekend they took to the woods for room to exercise their know-how and for training of a more practical nature -- complete with simulated tear gas, rifles, bayonets and full combat gear. Commanded by Capt. Mell A. Cleaton, of Monroe, the unit was one of the oldest in the state, with a historic background dating to Militia days.
Complied by Beryl I Diamond, PhD,

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

January 14, 2008 Time: 11:01 am Security Notice

Army National Guard FAQ The latest news from the Georgia Army National Guard. | 278th MPs deploy | Ross earns second star | Dudney takes reins of 78th | Army, Air exceed recruiting goal | Parker takes reins of Company H | Brigade alerted for '09 deployment |148th memorial honors fallen | Guards welocmes first female chaplain | Stronger Bonds joins couples | Honoring the fallen | AJC Award winners named | New hangar opens at Hunter | CST undergoes 18 month evaluation | Brtit earns first star | Guard welcomes Nesbitt as TAG | Col. Durhham takes command of 48th | 2/121 trains in Britain | 121st soldiers train in Germany | Det. 9, 171st rmobilzies | LRSU feted at 'Stewart' | LRSU returns from 2nd deployment | 6 graduate form OCS | 221st Mi trains with SDF | 265th begins new era | 118th FA welcomes new commander | Aviation Regiment welcomes new NCOs | 48th trains with British | 48th transforms from armor to light infantry | Aviators meet with students | 1-121 trains in dual role at Wisconsin post | 9 graduate from academy | Guard air ambulances take part in Golden Medic |

Air National Guard FAQ The latest news from the Georgia Air National Guard. | Yancey earns 'Red Erwin Award' | 116th conducts ORE | 116th hits milestone | Family to Family continues tradition |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 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 | Six earn 'Faithful Service' award | 9/11 Commemoration '07 | Poythress announces retirement; Nesbitt named as TAG | NAS passes to Guard | Employees earn 'Faithful Service Awards | 28 Graduate from Six Sigma Course | Guard Acquires NAS Atlanta property |

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Georgia Guard transitions to Joint Staff; Establishes new DSCA directorate
The new year is bringing some significant organizational changes for the Georgia Department of Defense and National Guard headquarters, and as he enters his first months as Georgia's 41st Adjutant General Maj. General Terry Nesbitt has announced a number of appointments and structural changes.
Among his priorities is completing the transition to a joint headquarters staff and establishing a new Directorate of Defense Support to Civil Authorities.
"Over the last decade we have raised the bar of excellence, efficiency and quality," said Gen. Nesbitt. "Yet, we are a dynamic organization, and change is the only way we can ensure that the bar continues to rise and the future continues to afford us opportunities."
Introducing his vision for the Georgia National Guard, Gen. Nesbitt said that the focus must remain on three fundamental priorities: 1) be prepared to defend our state and nation; 2) continue the significant support we've provided to the Global War on Terrorism; and 3) continue to transform and modernize.
"These priorities are not new," explained the new TAG. "They are consistent with the way we have operated at every level of the Georgia Department of Defense over the past several years."
One of the most significant changes will be implementation of a Joint Staff that will assimilate the individual staffs of the Army National Guard, the Air National Guard and the Georgia State Defense Force into a single, joint organization. It also will absorb the functions of the Directorate of Workforce Development (DOWD), the Joint Operations Staff (JOPS) and the Organizational Development Office (ODO). It will support the commanders of all three components as well as being the TAG's Joint Staff.
"Most of our Soldiers and Airman in units in the field will continue to interact with their staff contacts as they have past -- and many times with the same individuals," explained Gen. Nesbitt. "The only change will be that those staff sections will now be part of the Joint Staff."
Another major change is establishing a new Defense Support to Civil Authorities (DSCA) office. "During my tenure as the state's Director of Homeland Security we developed great synergy between the Georgia DOD and other state and federal partners. I want to continue that close connection with the interagency community," explained Gen. Nesbitt.
Maj. Gen. Larry Ross has been appointed director for this new directorate and will maintain a senior-level relationship with other agencies involved with homeland security operations including the Department of Homeland Security, Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA), Georgia Department of Agriculture, Georgia Division of Public Health, and others. He will also coordinate closely with the units and functions with significant homeland security responsibilities including JTF 781st CERFP, the National Guard Response Force, 4th Civil Support Team (WMD) and the Counter Drug Task Force.
To support the new structure, Gen. Nesbitt has outlined several significant leadership changes for the new jointheadquarters organization:
q Brig. Gen. Maria Britt, formerly Chief of Staff of the Georgia Army National Guard, has replaced Gen. Nesbitt as Commander of the Georgia Army National Guard.
q Maj. Gen. Larry Ross, formerly Commander of 78th Troop Command, assumed the position of Assistant Adjutant General for Defense Support to Civil Authorities (ATAG-DSCA) on January 6, 2008.
q Brig. Gen. Larry Dudney, formerly Commander of the 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team has taken over as Commander of the 78th Troop Command.
q Col Bobby Shannon, formerly Inspector General for Headquarters, Georgia Air National Guard, is assuming the position of the Director of the Joint Staff. He will have oversight of the Joint Staff and will maintain a strong liaison with National Guard Bureau (NGB), as well as our federal and active duty partners
q COL Tim Britt, formerly the Director of Military Support and Chief of the Joint Staff, will be Chief of the Joint Staff and will have responsibility for the staff's day to day operations.
q Primary staff positions are:
q J-1: Personnel and Administration: COL Steve Joyce
q J-2: Intelligence and Security: COL Joe Wells
q J-3: Operations and Training: COL Woody Radcliffe
q J-4: Logistics: COL Alan Dent
q J-5/7: Exercises and Planning: COL Tim Romine
q J-6: Communications Services: Col Bill Day
q J-8: Financial Management: Col Ricky Poppell
"These are positive changes, said Gen. Nesbitt. "They reflect our ongoing transition to a joint environment in which the Georgia DOD leadership, staffs and units can work together to plan for and execute joint missions in support of domestic operations."
He explained that this structure also increases the opportunities for components to support each other in preparing for federal wartime missions. The Joint Staff will "flatten" our structure and eliminate the need for multiple separate staffs. Also significant, the Georgia State Defense Force will become an increasingly key player in this joint environment..
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SDF aids in seach for missing woman
Jan 8, 2008 - More than 60 members of the Georgia State Defense Force participated in the search for Meredith Emerson, the 24-year old hiker who disappeared on New Year's Day while hiking near Blood Mountain in north Georgia. Emerson's body was eventually found by police on Monday in Dawson County.
Officials from Union and Lumpkin Counties requested assistance from the GSDF which provided manpower over a four-day period to help find the missing hiker.
Members of the GSDF's 4th Battalion, 1st Brigade responded almost immediately to address logistics issues and to prepare for the arrival of additional GSDF assets. While the call initially came for 30 SDF members, at the peak of operations, more than 60 were involved. The response included members of the 1st Brigade's 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Battalions; Medical Detachment; 911th Support Command; and Brigade Headquarters elements.
In November, the Atlanta-based 1st Brigade assisted Gwinnett County authorities in their efforts to find 18-yearold Justin Gaines who disappeared. More than 135 GSDF volunteers used their military skills to help law enforcement officers scour Gwinnett County and the surrounding country side in the hope of locating the Gainesville State SDF members plot a search route. College student.
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Ross pins on second star, moves to new position

By Staff Sgt. Roy Henry Georgia National Guard Public Affairs Office
Click Here for video of the ceremony
Jan. 6, 2007 Brigadier Gen. Larry H. Ross not only moved out of his job as commander of Decatur's 78th Troop Command recently, but he's moved up in rank pinning on a second star to become Georgia's newest major general.

Ross, who has been a Guardsman since 1978 and also served six years as a Marine Corps Reservist, was presented his second star by his wife Cathy during a change-ofcommand ceremony at the Decatur armory in early January. Ross turned over Troop Command to Brig. Gen. Larry E. Dudney Jr., and now serves with the Guard's Defense Support of Civil Authorities Office.

"These are some of the greatest Soldiers I have ever served

with," Ross said about those of 78th Troop Command. "We have been through much, and I will always remember, and their professionalism and commitment to excellence."

Photo: Cathy Ross places the rank of major general on the uniform of her husband, and former 78th Troop Command leader, Larry H. Ross

during a promotion ceremony. (Georgia National Guard photo by Staff

Ross also received the Army's Legion of Merit from Maj. Gen. Sgt. Roy Henry)

Terry Nesbitt, Georgia's Adjutant General, for leadership that,

during Ross' command of the 78th, "enabled the state of Georgia, to be recognized nationally as a leader in strength maintenance and

Soldier support," his award certificate.

"His dedication and support of his Soldiers and officers has gained him universal respect and admiration that few ever earn during their careers," the certificate stated.

About his promotion, Ross recounted on something his late mentor and former 78th Troop Commander Brig. Gen. Terrell Reddick, used to tell him. "He always reminded me that we as officers, and especially generals, are only borrowing our rank from our Soldiers," he said. "It is because of them that we and the organization (the Georgia National Guard) are successful.

The reality of that statement, then and now Ross said, has never changed.

When he ended his address to the Soldiers, families and friends who had come to see him promoted, Ross quoted Reddick yet again, by reminding everyone that no matter whom they are or what rank they hold, "Soldiers matter, always."

During the ceremony, Cathy Ross was presented the Georgia Meritorious by General Nesbitt in recognition of the support she has given her husband over the years and her dedication to his career as a Soldier. With some emotion in his voice, General Ross told her in his address, "Thank you for all you have done for me. Yours has been a very sacred chore, and you have been there beside me in everything I have done...thank you."

Following his service as a Marine, Ross, a native of Ticonderoga, N.Y., joined the Florida National Guard. As a member of Class No. 18, he was honor graduate of the Florida Army Guard Military Academy Officer Cadet School at Camp Blanding in May 1979.

Ross moved to the Georgia Army Guard as a second lieutenant in January 1980. He has served as a platoon tactical officer and senior tactical officer at the Guard's Regional Training Institute in Macon; and as a platoon leader, executive officer, company commander, personnel officer, intelligence officer and battalion executive officer with Georgia's 1st Battalion, 121st Infantry.

Other assignments have included service as deputy inspector general and inspector general for 48th Infantry Brigade, now Georgia's 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team; commander 1st Battalion, 121st Infantry; and as operations officer and commander for the state's 122nd Rear Operations Center.

Ross also served as deputy commander of 78th Troop Command before taking over as its commander.

His award and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Georgia Meritorious Service Medal and the Georgia Commendation Medal.

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Forsyth unit memorial:
'Honoring the fallen'
Photo courtesy Staff Sgt. Robert L. Johnson, Ga. National Guard Recruiting Forsyth, GA, December 2007 -- Members of the Georgia Army National Guard's 148th Brigade Support Battalion honored three of its fallen soldiers in December with the dedication of a commemorative statue and plaque. Soldiers, former unit members and community leaders gathered at the Forsyth Armory to unveil and dedicate the statue depicting the boots, rifle and helmet of the fallen Guardsmen The three National Guard soldiers honored were Sergeant Marcus A. Futrell, Sergeant Phillip A. Dodson and Staff Sergeant Phillip L. Travis. All three Guardsmen were killed during the unit's year long deployment to Iraq in 2006.
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Savannah ORE prepares troops

by 2nd. Lt. Sarah Meinecke 116th Air Control Wing

12/4/2007 - ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- The war at the CRTC in Savannah began the morning of Nov. 3.

Around 4 a.m., to be more precise.

Of course, it wasn't a real war. It was a simulated ORE -- marking the first of many that the members of the 116th Air Control Wing will participate in

before facing the real inspection in December

2010.

Lt. Col. Vernon Conaway, 16th Airborne Command and

The purpose of the exercise, that lasted just that Saturday, shorter than the usual week-long rehearsals, was to refresh memories of how an

Control Squadron, and air crew members ride the bus to the flightline to board a Joint STARS aircraft for a mission during the Operational Readiness Exercise, Nov. 3.

ORI is performed. Various attacks were executed to all aspects of the wing, from the maintenance shop to finance, and even to a JSTARS crew while in-flight.

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"It's been about half and half," said Chief Master Sgt. Billy Messer, about the performance of the

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wing early Saturday morning. "You've got to start somewhere. You have to be ready for something that is possible anywhere."

The focus of the ORE was to continue the mission while under attack or in imminent attack situations. The ORE began earlier in the week with the arrival of the participants, all of whom aided in the set-up for the exercise and also took part in training, focused on being productive while wearing the chemical gear or in high-pressure situations.

After a long day of going through simulated situations on Saturday, the rehearsal ended earlier than expected, giving the players a chance to rest before enjoying camaraderie at the Low Country Boil later in the evening. And by Sunday, all evidence of the exercise had been taken down and packed up, with the only foreseeable task of the day was making it home safely.

"Our training requires the ORE to stay proficient," said Col. William Welsh, who was the Commander over the exercise. "The (practice) covers every aspect of the wing."

Col. Welsh was located in the Emergency Operations Center, which was the pulse of the activity. If any direction were needed, it would come out of the EOC, which was covered in dry erase boards tracking everything from the location of personnel to where an unexploded ordnance (UXO) was found and what, if any, damage was done.

The Finance and MPF offices were housed together, while the Communications was in a separate location, as were the Civil Engineers, While every shop was targeted at least once, Finance, Civil Engineering and Maintenance were targeted following the lunch break as the exercise came to a close.

Finance dealt with everything from keeping up with changing exchange rates, keeping track of both foreign and U.S. currency as well as opening banking accounts and cashing checks.

"We're closed," said Staff Sgt. Josh St. John, as he sat behind a simulated bullet-proof glass partition before MOPP 4 was announced. "We lost a whole lot of money."

But despite the hardship in finance, Sergeant St. John added that it had been a great learning experience. CE dealt with a security breach within their office that led to a chemical attack (or really, a suitcase shooting out water), and Maintenance found themselves dealing with a chest and head wound before the exercise was called for the day at around 1:30 p.m.

All that was left was the clean-up and evaluations -- and to rest up for the Low Country Boil that evening. The Senior Staff provided the dinner, which was set-up and spearheaded by Col. Lois Stark. Everyone feasted on shrimp, crab legs, sausage, corn on the cob and potatoes.

"We wanted to start at a crawl, (then move to a) walk and (then move to a) run," said Senior Master Sgt. David Fite, who added that those who participated in the ORE will be asked for their opinion on whether or not to hold the remaining exercises as well as the ORI at the CRTC.

Added Sergeant Fite, "Our role is to educate. We have a lot of new people and we want to make sure they understand a lot of different (scenarios)."

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Georgia Army, Air Guard exceed recruiting goal

By SPC Amanda Luksic Public Affairs Office Georgia Department of Defense

ATLANTA, November 2007 November was another record setting month for Georgia Army and Air Guard recruiters.

"We are at 147 percent of our goal," said Lt. Col. Thomas Carden, commander of the Army Guard Recruiting and Retention Battalion.

In the past the Army Guard recruiters have continuously recruited above and beyond the number of Soldiers set by the National Guard Bureau. In November 2005, the Army Guard recruited 136 new Soldiers while in 2006, recruiters exceeded NGB's goal by more than 30 enlistments, gathering 174 new Soldiers. This year Army Guard recruiters enlisted 180 new Soldiers, 46 more than needed to reach 100 percent for the month.

Major General Larry Ross swears-in a group of Army Guard recruits during a cermeony at the state Capitol.

Nationwide the Army National Guard brought in 5,135 Soldiers, which was 1,000 more than

the 4,423 goal set for the month. National

Guard officials said that in November the Army Guard enlisted 264 soldiers under the Active First program. That program awards recruits an

enlistment bonus upon joining the active-duty force and another bonus when they transfer to the Guard.

The Air Guard also exceeded NGB's expectations for recruiters. Last year recruiters reached 125 percent of their goal enlisting 318 new Airmen, nearly 100 more than the Bureau's goal. This year was no different. Forty-four new Airmen already were recruited and the Air Guard has already pushed past the 42 accession goal set for the year. Some 17 of those new recruits joined in November alone, reports Senior Master Sgt. Rick Hamilton, recruiting and retention superintendent for the Air Guard.

The Air National Guard and Army National Guard easily made their November goals at 133 percent and 116 percent, respectively. The Air National Guard had an accessions goal of 551 and signed up 735 airmen.

"This is a result of hard work by more than 8,000 recruiters nationwide," Army Recruiting Command spokesman Douglas Smith said. "It is a difficult recruiting environment, but we have a great benefits package for young men and women, and we are making the best use we can of the service bonus programs."

The American Forces Press Service contributed to this report.

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116th continues success

by Capt. Sandy Smock 116th Air Control Wing
12/6/2007 - ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Hitting historical landmarks is an ongoing occurrence for the 116th Air Control Wing.

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A year after hitting the 20,000-combat-hour milestone the Joint STARS mission has reached 33,000 -- the most flown by any platform supporting Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom.

December also marks 10 years since the officials declared Initial Operational Capability (IOC) for Joint STARS.

At any given time since 2003, over 200 116th members are constantly deployed in support of OIF and OEF and over 2,975 combat sorties have been flown.

Reaching these milestones means time away from home for 116th members. Some members have deployed in the last five years over five times.

"The most difficult part of deployments is the three month on and three month off rotation," said Staff Sgt. Nicole Beyer, an Airborne Target Surveillance Supervisor Army member who will be deploying for the sixth time in three years this December. "You are never really at home or deployed long enough to be considered in one place for a long time."

Providing theater ground and air commanders with ground surveillance to support attack operations and targeting to delay, disrupt or destroy enemy forces is the primary mission of the modified E-8C. Joint STARS serves as an airborne battle management, aircraft command and control, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance platform. Working in conjunction with the Army is one of the many unique characteristics associated with the 116th ACW. Every mission is a test of communication and team effort between the army and Air Force members.

"It was a culture shock to join the 116th Air Control Wing," said Staff Sgt. Beyer. "Air Force communication is so different than the Army. On the jet during a mission there is constant communication between officers and enlisted. The 116th environment is so diverse. There are so many groups of people working together to get the job done."

Staff Sgt. Beyer, who plans on getting out later next year to return to college full time back home in Wisconsin, attributes her military experience to her confidence and discipline. "I know these characteristics will be useful in the civilian world."

"We are able to solely focus on the aircraft and how we do business on deployments," said Sgt. 1st Class Kevin Baker, also an ATSS.

Baker has been in the Army for eighteen years and has been deployed with Joint STARS four times in the last three.

One of the most important roles of Joint STARS is collection management.

"Some of the most important success stories for Joint STARS are based on forensic analysis," said Sgt. 1st Class Baker. "Soldiers are looking at real time imagery and noting patterns and activities out of the ordinary. This information can initiate army patrols to look at suspicious areas which can lead to threat termination to coalition forces."

With such a critical mission, Joint STARS high operations tempo affects all 116th members and their families. Responsibilities and stresses increase when deployments come into play.

"Being married to a soldier who has been deployed three times so far to fight for his country is a mixture of pride and heartbreak," said Bridgett Standring, Houston County school teacher and wife of Air Intelligence Officer 1st Lt. Keith Standring. "I feel pride in the fact that my family is bringing personal freedoms and liberty. Knowing that ideals which our country was founded on are being created for people in another country, especially children, is very rewarding. At the same time, every time my husband packs his bags and we say goodbye my heart breaks and our two young boys cry."

Being a part of the Joint STARS mission usually entails a guarantee of time away from home.

"I really appreciate the support of our families especially when their spouses are deployed during the holiday season," said Brig. Gen. Moore, 116th ACW commander. "I know separation is difficult for members and their families during all deployments but during the holidays it is so important that family members know they have our support."

Hitting milestones are a routine occurrence for the nation's premiere blended wing. Through future deployments and sacrifices members of the wing are sure to continue their excellence.

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Dudney takes leadership of 78th Troop Command

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

Click Here for video of the change of command

Jan. 6, 2007 Brig. Gen. Larry E. Dudney Jr. assumed command of Decatur's 78th Troop Command of the Georgia Army National Guard at change of command ceremonies held at the Decatur National Guard armory in early January.

Dudney, who has commanded the 78th since November 2007, is the former commander of Macon's 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. He served as brigade deputy commander under Brig. Gen. Stewart Rodeheaver during the unit's deployment to Iraq from May 2005 to May 2006.

"I am genuinely humbled to be standing here today," Dudney said

in his address to the Soldiers, families and friends attending the

Brigadier Gen. Larry Dudney accepts the guidon of 78th Troop Command from Brig. Gen. Maria Britt, Army Guard

ceremony. "It is truly an honor to be your commander, and I look forward to the days ahead as we begin our service together."

Commander (Photo by Staff Sgt. Roy Henry)

Troop Command's reputation for excellence is known across the

state and the nation, Dudney added. It's well-earned and speaks for its self, he said.

Ross, who led Troop Command from May 2004 to November last year, has moved to a position with the Georgia Guard's new Defense Support of Civil Authorities Office. He serves alongside Colonel retired Don Venn, Colonel Greg Edwards, and Lt. Col. retired Steve Kuhn.

Turning his attention to his predecessor, Dudney pointed out how Ross has served the Guard and his Soldiers with the professionalism and distinction over the years the two have known each other.

To Maj. Gen. Terry Nesbitt, Georgia's Adjutant General, Dudney exclaimed, "Sir, `Hog Six' (Dudney's call sign) is on the net and ready to serve this great organization (the Georgia Guard) and 78th Troop Command."

General Dudney began his military career as an enlisted Soldier and cannon fire direction specialist with Battery C, 1st Battalion, 214th Field Artillery. He was later commissioned a second lieutenant and served with Headquarters Battery, 2nd Battalion of the 214th and as the battalion's Battery C commander.

Dudney volunteered to join 1st Battalion, 230th Field Artillery in November 1990 when it mobilized along with what was then 48th Infantry Brigade for the first Gulf War.

During that mobilization, he served as assistant brigade support officer. After mobilization, he remained with the 48th, serving as fire support officer for the brigade and for the battalion.

Besides his stint as deputy commander and commander, 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Dudney has also commanded 1st Battalion of the 214th. Other assignments have been strategic planner for the Director of the Army National Guard in Washington; Headquarters Department of the Army Working Review Office; and as a member of the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, for Programs in the Army Quadrennial Defense Review Office.

Dudney moved on to serve as senior Army National Guard advisor United States Forces Korea and Eight United States Army at Yongsan Garrison.

His military awards include the Legion of Merit, Soldier's Medal, Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. Dudney also holds four Meritorious Service medals, three Army Commendation medals and the Army Achievement Medal.

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Yancey earns 'Red Erwin Award'

Public Affairs Officer 116th ACW

By Capt. Sandy Smock

Robins Air Force Base, Ga., December 2007 -- A Combat Training Squadron Communications Specialist Technician Instructor for the 330th Combat Training Squadron was recently selected as the National Guard Bureau's Red Erwin Outstanding Enlisted Aircrew Member of the year for 2006.

Tech. Sgt. James Yancey is the recipient of the prestigious award that recognizes career enlisted aviators for outstanding job accomplishments, demonstration of leadership and sustained selfimprovements in support of the enlisted aircrew operations career field.

"Sergeant Yancey displays rock solid leadership," said Lt. Col. Patrick Taylor, 330th CTS commander. "He solves any issues prior to a crisis."

As shop chief in the casual flight Sergeant Yancey is responsible for training over three hundred students. For most students, the 330th CTS provides an initial military experience. One of his primary roles is to mentor and advise these students in their young military careers.

"Winning this award was well deserved recognition for a true team player," said Senior Master Sgt. Steven Helms, 330th superintendent. "He is an extraordinary NCO who I can always count on to get it done right the first time in the air or on the ground."

Sergeant Yancey, who has been a member of the 116th since January 2000, spent some

time with the 12th Airborne Command and Control Squadron as a security manager before transferring to the 330th.

Tech. Sgt. James Yancey

"I am so honored to be recognized with this award but there are so many other people that also deserve it," said Staff Sgt. Yancey. "I am so grateful to all the crewmembers and Leadership that have played a part in my success. Chief Master Sgt. Lorenzo Anastasie and retired Tech. Sgt. Mike Thorne provided examples of NCO leadership and team-building skills. I am also appreciative of Master Sgt. Wayne Forsyth, my first shop chief in maintenance."

Sergeant Yancey has deployed five times since 2003. In 2006 he flew more than 100 combat missions and amassed well over 1,100 combat hours in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. In addition, he received an Air Medal and Air Force Recognition Medal during this time.

"It really is your family that makes all the sacrifices," said Sergeant Yancey. "My wife, Susan, and three sons have always been so supportive of me."

Sergeant Yancey has received numerous congratulatory messages since receiving the award and has had an opportunity to reflect on past accomplishments. He looks forward to future challenges and opportunities to serve and make a difference.

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YCA graduates last 2007 class

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

Dec. 22, 2007 Usually, the noise that fills Augusta's James Brown Arena comes from sports fans cheering on their favorite sports team. This time it came from the families, friends and supporters of the National Guard's Youth Challenge Academy at Fort Stewart who watched as their sons and daughters who composed class 07-04 became the last graduates 2007 to finish the program.

More than 150 former "at risk" teens from across the state walked across the arena floor and onto the stage where they happily received diplomas for making it through six-months of intense life-skill and military-style training to better themselves as up and coming Georgia citizens.

"Congratulations on being here today and for what you have achieved," said Col. Frank Williams, who oversees the YCA at Fort Stewart and Fort Gordon. You are no long children, but drug-free, alcohol free young adults, and we at Youth Challenge wish you all the best as you step up and step out into the world.

Fort Stewart Youth Challenge Academy Class 07-04 graduates raise the roof after accepting their diplomas at Augusta's James Brown Arena. (Georgia National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Roy Henry)

Williams reminded the graduates that they now make the choices that will affect the rest of their lives. They can, he explained, choose whether to stay drug and alcohol free, whether to continue their education, go to work or "do other things."
"Think seriously about those choices and the consequences of your actions. Choose what is right, not what is easiest or what is popular," Williams said. Looking out over the white and black-clad cadets, he added, "Be proud of who you are and what you've accomplished, for you have grown much in the past 22 weeks...and good luck in all you do."

Brigadier Gen. Maria Britt, commander Georgia Army Guard, who offered a congratulatory handshake to each cadet as they accepted their diplomas, encouraged the graduates to continue the trek toward "being better than you were, being better than you are now and always, always accept responsibility for your actions."

"It says a lot about a person who can do that," she said. "I encourage you to be that person and to make a difference in the world around you. The moral courage you show will inspire others to follow your example."

For Cadet Sgt. Kati-an Ambrose, chosen Distinguished Challenge Graduate for Class 07-04, the YCA experience, from that first day on campus to graduation, has been an especially moving experience.

The 18-year-old Hinesville resident said she didn't do drugs or alcohol, but she'd become so rebellious in other ways at home and at school that she almost didn't recognize in time that she needed a new direction in her life. When she learned about YCA and applied, she nearly wasn't accepted because she was 17 and about to turn 18, the age at which a teen is no longer eligible to apply, Ambrose said.

"I got hold of the people in charge and convinced them that I needed this, and that I wanted to change my life badly enough that they accepted me anyway," she said. "YCA really helped me get my act together. I doubt I can ever say, or do, anything to fully show my thanks for how the program and the staff have helped me," she added.

Like many of her fellow cadets, Ambrose has plans to get a job, and then go on with her education. Joining the military isn't in the cards right now, she said, but like anything else, things could change.

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Army Guard MPS off to Ft. Dix, Iraq

By SPC Amanda Luksic and Staff Sgt. Roy Henry Public Affairs Office Georgia Department of Defense

Jan. 9, 2007 The more than 100 members of the Augusta-based 278th Military Police Company said their final goodbyes to families, friends and fellow Soldiers during the unit's departure ceremony at Fort Gordon.

The unit was scheduled to leave the following day for 80 days of mobilization training at Fort Dix, N.J., and the beginning of its 13 month deployment to Iraq. According to 1st Sgt. Callie Leaver, the 278th's senior noncommissioned officer, the company will move on to Kuwait and then into Iraq where it will join the active Army's 300 Military Police Brigade.

"Our primary mission is detainee operations...caring for them and providing security while they are being detained and during movement from one place to another," Leaver said. "There will most likely be other missions, but that's something we'll find out once we arrive at our final destination."

Just where the 278th is going in Iraq has not been disclosed, she added. That probably won't happen until the unit has reached Kuwait.

Staff Sgt. Chester Mingledoff, a squad leader with the 278th Military Police Company, tearfully says goodbye to his wife Diana after a departure ceremony at Fort Gordon. The 278th, the newest unit within the Georgia Army Guard's 170th MP Battalion, is making its first-ever wartime deployment. (Georgia National Guard photo by Spc. Amanda Luksic)

As a unit, the 278th stood up and conducted its first drill in December 2005. While this is the first war-time or peace-time deployment, for the unit and some of its Soldiers, at least 50 percent of the Soldiers have deployments under their belts, Leaver noted. Many of them, she added were with the 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team during its 2005-2006 mission in Iraq.
"That's certainly a plus for us," Leaver said, looking over her troops as they mingled with family, hugged spouses and children tightly and shook the hands of friends who'd gathered to see them off. "Their experiences in that troubled land give us a whole host of invaluable knowledge to lean on, as we train up and then as we finally get into the mission."

Elaborating on that, Brig. Gen. Larry Dudney, commander 78th Troop Command, reminded the MPs that they needed to "trust your training, trust your battle buddy, trust your leaders and last trust in your God."

"For that trust will see you through this and bring your home," he said.

"Be proud of who you are, what you do and whom you represent," Dudney added, "For we are proud, so proud of you...we're here for you and your families. Good luck and we look forward for your safe return."

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