First Friday briefing [Nov. 7, 2008]

Online at www.dod.state.ga.us
A day in the life ...

November 2008
3 48th IBCT Soldier receives Purple Heart
Three years after returning from Iraq a medic assigned to the 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team is awarded the Purple Heart, all the while he prepares for the brigades's upcoming deployment.

4 New commander selected for GaSDF
Colonel Jerry J. Bradford has been
named commander, the Georgia
State Defense Force.

9 Guard plays host to Cobb honorary commanders
Members of the Cobb County
Honorary Commanders Class
of 2008 recently visited Georgia
National Guard facilities at NAS
Atlanta and Dobbins ARB.

10 Soldiers join timehonored corps, run annual road race
Augusta's 278th Military Police
celebrated the promotion of 11
soldiers to sergeant and held its
own version of the annual Army
Ten-Miler in Iraq.

photo by Sgt. 1st Class Roy Henry
Sergeant Ryan Schwartz, a survey team leader for the Guard's 4th Civil Support Team, explains to a group of Cobb County honorary commanders touring the CST's headquarters how the device he's holding identifies unknown liquids.
Complete coverage, page 9

11 48th IBCT takes lead in talks with coalition partners

Letter from the Editor
Dynamic is the word that the editors of the First Friday are using to describe the change coming to the publication. And, as the marquee publication for the men and women of the Georgia National Guard, First Friday must continue to evolve so that it remains a timely and exciting monthly update of news of your Georgia National Guard.
Beginning with this issue, therefore First Friday will be published only in PDF, Constant Contact and podcast versions. A link to the PDF version will still be available on the web at "http://www.dod.state.ga.us/ pages/1stfriwebver.html
Publishing in only in these formats will allow us to provide fuller features and information than the web version allowed us.
Links for the old web versions will remain active.
As always, your comments and suggestions are welcome. Email us at DOC@ga.ngb.army.mil. If you have a story you want us to consider for publication send it to Sgt. 1st Class Roy Henry at roy.henry@ga.ngb. army.mil.
Deadline for each issue is close of business the Wednesday before publication (First Friday of the month).
Thank you! The Editors

Federal Benefits Open Season 2009 is Nov. 10 through Dec. 8, 2008
Specific Federal Benefits Open Season information can be found at http:// www.opm.gov/insure. FEHB and FEDVIP premiums for 2009 are already posted on this web page.
New FEHB enrollments, changes to current FEHB enrollments and changes to premium conversion elections made during open season become effective Jan. 4, 2009. New enrollments in FEDVIP and FSAFEDS or changes in FEDVIP and FSAFEDS enrollments will become effective Jan. 1, 2009.
Point of contact for this information is Kelly Bourbon, Ga HRO employee relations and benefits chief (678) 5695705/5706/5707/5708.
The First Friday is published monthly under the provisions of AR 360-81 and AF 6-1 by the Directorate of Communications, Georgia Department of Defense. The views and opinions expressed in the First Friday are not necessarily those of the Departments of the Army and Air Force or the Adjutant General of Georgia. The First Friday is distributed free to members of the Georgia Army and Air National Guard, State Defense Force and other interested persons at their request.

Command Changes
Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 170th Military Police Battalion Change of Command, Nov. 1, 2008 Outgoing Commander: Capt. James Childers Incoming Commander: 1st Lt. Stacey McLouth
190th Military Police Company Change of Command, Nov. 1, 2008 Outgoing Commander: Capt. Tarsha Williams Incoming Commander: Capt. James Childers
179th Military Police Company Change of Command, Nov. 2, 2008 Outgoing Commander: Capt. Adam Smith Incoming Commander: 1st Lt. Ana Marie Berrios-Flores
3rd Squadron, 108th Calvary Change of Command, Nov. 2, 2008 Outgoing Commander: Maj. Matthew J. Saxton Incoming Commander: Lt. Colonel Paul Smith
Don't see your unit's change of command? Email Amanda Kenny at amanda.luksic@ ga.ngb.army.mil or Sgt. 1st Class Roy Henry at roy.henry@ga.ngb.army.mil

Commander-In-Chief Gov. Sonny Perdue
Adjutant General of Georgia Maj. Gen. Terry Nesbitt
Publisher Lt. Col. Kenneth R. Baldowski
Historian/Editor Dr. Beryl Diamond
Managing Editor Amanda Kenny
Assistant Editor Sergeant 1st Class Roy Henry
National Guard Correspondents 124th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
Unit Public Affairs Officers and Representatives
Georgia Air National Guard Public Affairs Representatives
Send comments, suggestions, articles, photo or contributions to:
The First Friday doc@ga.ngb.army.mil

2 The First Friday Briefing

Soldier credits Army Values for life-saving actions in Iraq

Story by Sgt. Tracy J. Smith

saw a laceration on my knee."

Infantry. It was what he had signed up

48th IBCT PAO

The laceration was a deep four inch for, Towler said. It was there that he

SUWANEE In preparation for gash that needed more intense treatment was encouraged to pursue the awarding

battle, warfighters train with one thing than could not be provided in Iraq. He of his Purple Heart.

in mind, muscle memory. They con- was flown to Lanstuhl Regional Medi- The Veteran's Administration did

stantly repeat and learn actions that are cal Center in Germany, where he re- not immediately recognize his origi-

part of every Soldier's common task mained until one week before the bri- nal submission. Towler felt it was not

training. In battle, these tasks are vital gade's rotation home.

worth the trouble and research, but his

components that must be carried out as Returning to Iraq, Towler was not fellow Soldiers and Deborah Poirot, a

effortlessly as taking a breath, and done concerned with awards or accolades. congressional constituent services rep-

without thinking twice.

He was busy catching up with the Sol- resentative for 7th District Congress-

Sergeant Travis Wayne Towler, a diers he had treated, and accepting the man, Rep. John Linder (R-Ga), helped

119th Field Artillery

him put the final

combat medic as-

pieces together and he

signed to a 48th Infan-

was finally awarded

try Brigade Combat

his Purple Heart.

Team support com-

Towler settled

pany from the Mary-

back into his once-a-

land National Guard

month military train-

during Operation

ing schedule. He was

Iraqi Freedom cited

motivated to get back

this muscle memory

to what he originally

and the Army Values

signed up for be-

with allowing him to

ing an infantry Sol-

react quickly when

dier who happened to

his patrol was hit by

be a medic trained in

explosives concealed

traumatic injury treat-

in several suspicious

ment.

vehicles three years

The official pin-

ago.

ning ceremony was

"It happened very

Photo by 1st. Lt. Michael E. Thompson, 1/121 Inf., 48th IBCT
First Lt. David Bidot, mortar platoon leader for Headquarters and Headquar-

humbling, but it was

quickly," Towler said ters Company, 1st Battalion, 121st Infantry congratulates Sgt. Travis Towler the support of family

as he recalled the for finally being awarded his well deserved Purple Heart.

and community that

event like it was yes-

made it all possible.

terday. "I can hear them (wounded sol- reassurances of his colleagues that his "It's an honor and it's different now

diers) calling me as sure as I am stand- absence was part of the job.

that I have received the Purple Heart

ing here."

"The hardest part was being in Ger- because I get asked a lot of questions

Towler and two of his fellow Sol- many and not knowing what was going about how it happened and how I felt,"

diers from Company B, 1st Battalion, on with my unit," he said. "I tried to Towler's voice trails as he humbly takes

115th Infantry were attacked. Shrapnel focus on my therapy, but it wasn't fair in the day's event. It is this invaluable

from four separate devices caused se- to be there and the other medics in my spirit, sense of pride, adherence to the

rious injury to two of his fellow Sol- platoon having to take on extra patrol values and ethos of being a Soldier that

diers and the medic from Grayson, Ga., rotations."

drove his peers and his community to

found himself preparing his friends for Arriving home, Towler struggled champion his cause three years later.

medical evacuation, but unaware of his with the transition from combat to ci- Headquarters and Headquarters

own injuries.

vilian life. His assignment to a support Company executive officer 1st Lt.

Towler recalled that something was unit was not what he really wanted, Aaron Holt addressed the well-wishers

not quite right, upon his return to the but with the 48th IBCT's upcoming gathered to honor the combat medic.

unit's base. "When they (medics) ex- deployment to Afghanistan, he took "It was an honor to pin the Purple

amined me, I had some wounds to my control of his destiny and it brought Heart on such a distinguished Soldier,"

head that I didn't think were that seri- him `full circle' as he returned to his Holt said.

ous, and when I took off my gear we infantry roots with 1st Battalion, 121st

The First Friday Briefing 3

New commander selected for GaSDF

Colonel Jerry J. Bradford of Suwanee has been appoint- nam, and included service in a variety of field, administrative

ed commander of the 600-member Georgia State Defense and diplomatic positions. He served as a tank platoon leader

Force. The announcement was made recently by Maj. Gen. and company commander of an armored reconnaissance unit

Terry Nesbitt, Adjutant General of Georgia.

during the Korean War and earned battle stars in the Chor-

Bradford is a 30-year Army veteran and a six year mem- won Valley, Pork Chop Hill and Alligator Jaws areas. He was

ber of the State Defense Force. Georgia's State Defense later assigned as military attach for the American Embassy

Force is the third leg of the Georgia

in Denmark during the height of the

Department of Defense which also

Cold War. He served as assistant

includes the Georgia Army and Air

secretary of the general staff during

National Guard. An all-volunteer,

the Cuban Missile Crisis and dur-

professional and uniformed force,

ing the uncertain hours following

Georgia's SDF is composed of well

the assassination of President John

trained and highly motivated mili-

Kennedy. Following an assignment

tary units, capable of responding

with the British Army, McGuinn

immediately to the needs of local

returned to the U.S. to serve on the

communities and civil authorities.

staff of the Chief of Army Logis-

During Bradford's 30 years of

tics. Serving in Vietnam, McGuinn

active duty and reserve service, in-

was the ports operations officer at

cluding two tours in Vietnam, a tour

Cam Rahn Bay. He completed his

in central America, and extended

military career as chief of transpor-

tour in Europe and a Pentagon as-

tation at Headquarters, U.S. Joint

signment , he has commanded bat-

Readiness Command.

talion and brigade-sized units and

McGuinn continued to serve in

also served in multiple battalion

senior positions with the Depart-

and brigade staff positions includ-

ment of Administrative Services for

ing operations and training officer (G-3) for the 95th Division.

Colonel Jerry J. Bradford

the state of Georgia. He was later appointed by the Governor as as-

Bradford earned his masters de-

sistant commissioner of corrections

gree in Business Administration. He is a graduate of the and later deputy commissioner of the Department of Com-

Army Command and General Staff College. Among his nu- munity Affairs. He served as the full time representative of

merous awards and decorations, Bradford holds the Legion the state to the Federal Regional Council.

of Merit, the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. He also has Joining the Georgia State Defense Force, McGuinn served

earned the Air Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the for more than nine years as chief of staff until his promotion

Army Achievement Medal, the Vietnam Cross of Gallant- to brigadier general and assignment as commander of the

ry, the Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Vietnam Service GSDF.

Medal with six combat stars.

The official change-of-command for the Georgia State

Bradford replaces retiring Brig. Gen. Mike McGuinn who Defense Force takes place during annual training at Fort

has served the GSDF for more than 18 years. McGuinn's Stewart, near Hinesville, in November.

Army career ranged from World War II to Korean and Viet-

171st Aviation welcomes new commander

Story by Amanda Kenny

Order of St. Michael for his hard work canes Ike, Katrina and Rita. It also as-

Georgia National Guard Public Affairs Office

and contributions to the aviation regi- sisted in the South Georgia wild fires

ment and the National Guard.

in 2007. They have also seen a deploy-

MARIETTA Lieutenant Col. "We do our combat missions no ment to Iraq in 2003, and continue to

Richard Wilson took command of 1st matter where we are," said Col. Brent train and prepare units for the same

Battalion, 171st Aviation Regiment Bracewell, 171st Aviation Regiment deployment.

from Lt. Col. John Till in a ceremony commander. "We do it safely because "Command is a big responsibil-

at the unit's flight facility Sunday, Oct. of good leadership."

ity," said Brig. Gen. Maria Britt, Army

5, 2008.

The 171st Aviation Regiment has Guard commander. "You are in charge

Till, the outgoing commander, re- been involved in many domestic mis- of a very valuable resource, our sons

ceived an honorary membership in the sions including support during hurri- and daughters."

See 171, page 12

4 The First Friday Briefing

116th Chief of Staff retires, leaves a legacy

Story by Maj. Renee Massey 116th Public Affairs
It began in 1976, when a young petite woman, born and reared in Tulsa, Okla., surprised her parents by enlisting in the U.S. Air Force. That decision, more than 30 years later, has produced a remarkable career, that has marked her as the first woman in Georgia Air National Guard history to be promoted to the rank of colonel.
Colonel Lois Stark, 116th Air Control Wing chief of staff, retired Oct. 30, and leaves a "rewarding career" in the Georgia Air National Guard.
She entered the active Air Force as an enlisted behavioral scientist assigned to Williams Air Force Base, Ariz., to research experiments carried out during flight simulations. During this time, she also earned a master's degree in psychology and then separated from the military for a short time.
Upon re-joining the Air Force in 1981, she was commissioned as a missile launch officer, and was assigned to McConnell Air Force Base, Kan., to work with the Titan II missile program.
"What I remember distinctly about missile training is being asked are you prepared to kill over 100 million people? That was a realistic question at the time," said Stark. "This was an atmosphere where there was no room for error--it was during the Cold War and this was top secret work."
The Titan II was the largest intercontinental ballistic missile in the Air Force inventory at that time, and remained on alert from 1962 to 1987. The Titan had an estimated target range of 5,500 miles. The Air Force had 54 missiles in

its inventory with three separate bases housing 18 missiles each.
"I supervised a four-person crew. A typical shift was about 27-hours. My responsibility was to hold the launch key. As a precaution, it takes two people turning keys to launch a Titan II missile," said Stark. "It was a unique
experience. I truly believe the missile program helped end the Cold War."
The colonel's next assignment landed her on the faculty of the Air Force Academy in Colorado. She was a member of the behavioral science department, and a counselor for cadets struggling with the decision of whether to leave the academy.
In 1987 she joined the Georgia Air Guard's 116th Fighter Wing as an equal opportunity officer.
"People jokingly referred to me as `the bulletin board captain' because one of my responsibilities entailed the standardization of all boards in preparation for an inspection. It was sort of like being the webmaster in today's environment since there weren't many computers then," Stark explained.
For the next several years, she worked as the top military personnel specialist for Georgia and then as the executive support staff officer to the

Air Guard commander. This position provided many unique insights into the various missions within the state, and an opportunity to witness military and governmental leadership up close.
With the move of the 116th to Robins in 1995, Stark moved her family to Middle Georgia and accepted the po-
sition of 116th Mission Support Group commander. She was responsible for six uniquely different squadrons.
"This was a challenging job, but I quickly learned to place trust in my commanders, which meant grooming and selecting the right people." said Stark. "I'm so very proud of the leaders I had working for me."
As the 116th Air Control Wing chief of staff, she also is proud of the teamwork and talented professionals within the staff offices who performed exceptionally well during an operational readiness inspection and a recent unit compliance inspection. Asked what is means to be the Air Guard's first female colonel, Stark humbly flashes a smile and shrugs her shoulders. "It's about being qualified to do a job and oh, by the way, you happen to be a female...that's how I see it," she said. "I leave the military with no regrets. In looking back, it's about taking care of people - they are the most valued resource and they are what you will miss the most after retirement."

The First Friday Briefing 5

Funeral Honors Team in the spotlight
Story by Spc. Adam Dean Georgia Army National Guard 124th MPAD

BRASELTON Three members of the Georgia National Guard's Military Funeral Honors Team participated in a ceremony honoring the Corvette Racing Team prior to the 11th Annual Petit Lemans held at the Road Atlanta Race Track, Oct. 4, 2008.
Sergeant 1st Class Kim Gilleran, Sgt. Javier Lugo and Pfc. Wesley Burford, all full-time members of the Special Honor Guard Team, hoisted an American flag at the Corvette Corral just before the race began.
"We are raising a flag flown over the U.S. embassy in Baghdad in honor of all those who are serving in Iraq and Afghanistan," said Gilleran.
Before being raised, the flag had been presented as a gift by Maj. Gen. Terry Nesbitt, Georgia's Adjutant General, to Gary Claudio, manager of the Corvette Racing Team. Corvette had provided Nesbitt with 25 all-access passes to distribute to Guardsmen interested in seeing the race.
This celebratory event represented a stark departure from the usual tasks assigned to the Funeral Honors Team. Lugo, a team instructor, explained that their full-time job is to provide burial honors for fallen Soldiers, Guardsmen and veterans.
"We participated in about 105 funerals last month alone," said Lugo.
According to Lugo, there are three different types of military funeral honors ceremonies, including a standard honors detail, a seven-person detail and a full military honors detail, said Lugo.
In the standard detail, a three-person team honors veterans

Photo by Spc. Adam Dean
Major Gen. William T. Nesbitt, Georgia's Adjutant General, presents Gary Claudio, group-marketing manager for Corvette Racing, with an American flag during a ceremony preceding the 11th Annual Petit Lemans at Road Atlanta Race Track.
with an honorable discharge on their certificate of release, typically specialists and sergeants, he explained. Seven-person details are for retired service members with 20 years of service, and active duty Soldiers, Guardsmen and Reservists not killed in action. A full military honors detail is reserved for those killed in action, retired officers and sergeants major, said Lugo.
Burford, who has only been with the team for two months, takes the job very seriously. "I feel honored to be involved in this. It's a real priviledge," he said.
"Any event I serve in is a privilege, including this one. We're here to serve and to do what we have to do, and at the end of the day, it's an honor," said Lugo.

560th BFSB participates in CAMEX at Fort Knox

The 560th motto of "To the Point!" was the order of the week as elements of the 560th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade's (BFSB) command and staff participated in a computer assisted map exercise (CAMEX) in late October 2008 at Fort Knox, Ky's, Maneuver Battle Lab--Virtual & Con-
Contributed photo
Members of 221 MI BN & 3-108th CAV begin the war gaming process inside the Maneuver Battle Lab.

structive Simulation Division (VCSD). The Directorate of Training, Doctrine, Combat Develop-
ment and Experimentation of the U.S. Army Armor Center hosted the CAMEX. "The BFSB CAMEX provides a great forum for the 560th to bring together key subject matter experts from within our organization," said Col. Pete Van Amburgh, 560th BFSB commander. "The exercise strengthened our understanding of BFSB operations and employment, and (how to) work as a team using a modern threat scenario," addedVan Amburgh.
The intent of the CAMEX was to seek a consensus whether BFSB development is on track or in need of a mid-course correction. Insights gained from the exercise provides guidance to major follow-on BFSB development efforts, and may shape future doctrine.
Formal results from the CAMEX inform the See CAMEX, page 8

6 The First Friday Briefing

NGTC becomes Georgia Garrison Training Center

The National Guard Training Center at Fort Stewart has been renamed the Georgia Garrison Training Center (GGTC) to more accurately reflect the role this facility has in housing and supporting Soldiers as they deploy to fight the Global War on Terror.
The new garrison structure is more responsive to the modern mission requirements of the 21st century, and provides a unique role that can access nearby eastern seaports and Hunter Army Airfield.
This organizational model began in December 2007 when the GGTC was home to the Indiana National Guard's 76th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, the "Nighthawks." Its mobilization from the center was significant not only for Fort Stewart and 76th. It was the largest deployment of "Hoosier" Guardsmen since World War II.
More than 3,000 Indiana National Guard members lived and trained there during their three month stay. The 76th had more than 72,000 hours of language training, and they learned to speak common Arabic phrases from U.S Army intelligence interpreters, taught in the upgraded and newly remodeled GGTC classrooms.
The GGTC now is providing support for the "Greyhound Brigade" of the Texas Army National Guard, and for an estimated 800 observer-controllers, trainers and support personnel from First Army Division who have also come to support the Texas National Guard's 56th IBCT.
The GGTC facilities, and the support provided by them, are based on the concept of "Theater-Immersion training." It is the cornerstone of mobilization training for today's deploying troops, and consists of an aggressive training regi-

Contributed photo
A new sign welcomes Soldiers and visitors to the newly renamed Georgia Garrison Training Center at Fort Stewart.
men to replicate the operational environment Soldiers will encounter overseas.
With this concept in mind, the center modified and built new facilities and it also created a Forward Operating Base (FOB) for the deploying units.
This capability makes the GGTC a valuable training asset by matching the talent and resources of the organization to the increasing needs of theater immersion training. It also means the assigned Soldiers and their civilian counterparts can effectively support the mobilization missions that are conducted here.

This Month in Georgia GuardHistory
2004 - Colonel Thomas R. Moore assumed command of the 165th Airlift Wing, Ga Air National Guard, in a ceremony at the unit's headquarters at the Savannah International Airport. Members of the 165th were serving in Southwest Asia in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.
2001 - The 122nd Rear Operations was mobilized in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The following November unit members were presented with a number of awards for their service in Afghanistan as part of the Coalition Joint Civil-Military Operations Task Force in a ceremony at the Eighth Air Museum in Pooler, Georgia. The 122nd is again deployed to Southwest Asia.
1999 - Members of Company H, 121st Infantry deployed to Bizerta, Tunisia for their annual training where they participated in Operation Atlas Drop with a Tunisian Special Forces unit. The training focused on surveillance and airborne missions and live fire exercises.
1864 - General William Tecumseh Sherman's troops left Atlanta mid-month as his forces began the next phase of the Union campaign in Georgia. Before moving out of the Atlanta and surrounding countryside in the `march to the sea,' he authorized the burning and destruction of structures vital to the Confederacy's war effort however much of the city was burned as Union soldiers set fire to homes. Sherman had entered Atlanta after Hood's forces evacuated the city on September 1.

The First Friday Briefing 7

Guardsmen join local golfers in supporting USO

Georgia National Guard Public Affairs Office
MARIETTA Soldiers and Airmen of the Georgia National Guard "teed it up" along with Barton Malow Company of Roswell at Cobblestone Golf Course that ultimately put $50,000 in the USO's coffers and another $5,000 toward a proposed aviation museum in Marietta.
More than 180 civilian and military golfers participated in the Oct. 9, 2008, tourney. Assisting with support of the tourney were representatives of the Georgia Guard recruiting community, the Governor's Counter Drug Task Force and Marietta's 171st Aviation.
"What better way to spend one's time than by showing appreciation for folks who ask for nothing yet give everything to make sure we have a warm smile, a cup of coffee, a place to rest and friendly smile on our way to and from the Global War on Terror," said Sgt. Timothy Wilder. Wilder is with the Counter Drug Task Force.
The event, the first held by Barton Marlow to raise funds for the USO, brought in more than $50,000 from the

teams that participated, company officials said.
"USO has for years given its all to the service men and women of this country," said Maj. Gen. Scott Hammond, commander, Georgia Air Guard. "From World War II to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, its volunteers have been there for us.
"What a great way to return the favor and give back to the organization that has done so much for all of us in uniform," he said.
Hammond and his partner Air Force Reserve Chief Master Sgt. Mike Boozer of 22nd Air Force Headquarters, Dobbins Air Reserve Base, also noted that $5,000 of the tournament's proceeds also go toward funding a proposed Aviation Museum. The base wants to put the museum into the old Army Corps of Engineers building just off Delk and Atlanta roads.
"The museum at Warner Robins Air Base and the Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum in Pooler near Savannah are wonderful," Hammond said.
"But with the rich aviation history that's here in Cobb County, especially

Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Roy Henry
Major Gen. Scott Hammond sends his ball on its way to the cup while his partner, Air Force Reserve Chief Master Sgt. Mike Boozer waits his turns.
when it comes to Dobbins, we need a place closer to home from which residents from the surrounding communities can enjoy it," he added.

BFSB learns team work against modern threats

CAMEX, continued from page 6
RECON Summit, comprised of Senior Army and proponent leaders, who met at Fort Knox in mid-November of current capabilities and recommend modifications to the BFSB operational and organization concept.
Command and staff BFSB elements from the Alaska, Indiana, Nebraska, and Texas Army National Guard as well as the active Army's 525th BFSB participated in the doctrinal discussions and exercise. Analysts from the Fort Knox facility probed and documented each BFSB action, reaction and counter-action as the event unfolded.
Chief Warrent Officer 3 Stephen Puckett, 221st Military Intelligence Battalion's signals intelligence chief, said he learned the extended capabilities of each unit within the 560th and gained a better comprehension of the roles and responsibilities of unit leaders and staff members.
The collaborative portion and visual depiction of the war gaming process enabled participants to examine four

separate solutions to the same scenario that in turn provided valuable insights on current BFSB capabilities and limitations.
Sergeant 1st Class Richard Vickers, 3-108th Cavalry senior intelligence NCO, said he saw how the BFSB was formed and how it continues to evolve, "It has been very educational to see the interaction between the intelligence community and the combat community," he said. "The exercise highlighted what each branch needs, and how we can help each other in the fight."
Each member of the 560th BFSB who participated was awarded a certificate of appreciation for professional excellence.
Editor's Note: The original story and photos were contributed by Maj. Raquel Durden, the 560th's administrative officer. She's also the brigade's operations and training officer.

8 The First Friday Briefing

Guard plays host to Cobb honorary commanders

By Sgt 1st Class Roy Henry

165th Airlift Wing in Savannah and Atlanta's Defense Sup-

Georgia National Guard Public Affairs Office

port for Civil Authorities. The day, however, just wasn't about sitting in chairs

MARIETTA Members of the Cobb County Honor- listening to someone talk and watching slides shows. The

ary Commanders Class of 2008 visited Georgia National group got to see some of the specialized equipment used by

Guard facilities at Naval Air Station Atlanta and Dobbins the 4th CST in dealing with nuclear, biological and chemical

Air Reserve Base, Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2008. During their emergencies, and also got close up to some of the aircraft

day-long tour, the group of more than 20 area businessmen flown out of the Guard's Flight Facility No. 2.

and community leaders received briefings about the Guard's "What better opportunity than this to showcase who we

role, both Army and

are and what we

Air at home and

do," said Sgt.

abroad and had

David Rygmyr,

the opportunity to

a CST survey

meet, and talk with,

team member.

Soldiers and Air-

"The more they

men about the work

know about us,

they do.

the better un-

This isn't the first

derstanding they

time the two organi-

have of the im-

zations have gotten

portant part we

together. The Cobb

play at the local,

County Chamber of

state and nation-

Commerce program

al level."

has been sending

Culminating

its participants to

the visit was

the NAS and Dob-

the presentation

bins to become

of an American

more familiar with

flag to James

the Guard and Re-

Hudgins, class

serves for at least a

president and

decade.

senior project

"We greatly appreciate all these folks do in support-

photo by Sgt. 1st Class Roy Henry
James Hudgins (left), president of the Cobb County Honorary Commanders Class of 2008 thanks Col. Dennis Brown of the Georgia Guard's Defense Support of Civil Authorities Office for helping set up the class' visit. In front of Hudgins is the American

manager for Atlanta-based infrastructure and

ing our organiza- flag presented to the class by the Guard's honors and funeral detail.

environmental

tion, our Guards-

facilities com-

men and the military as a whole," said Brig. Gen. Larry pany Arcadis, by the Guard's Honors and Funeral Detail.

Dudney, commander 78th Troop Command in Decatur. "It's Before leaving NAS, Kirk Walsh, security and commu-

our privilege to host their visit, to be able to strengthen the nications specialist for Well Star Health Systems, said that

bond the Guard has with the Honorary Commanders Pro- he'd learned much from his group's visit. "I am -- and I know

gram, and to let them know just how glad we are to be here several in our group feel the same way -- better acquainted

in Cobb County."

with what the Guard does," he said. "We all need to be more

Throughout the day, the group received briefings on the aware of the dedication and sacrifice it takes to put on that

Guard's capabilities and how the organization, on the Army uniform and serve, especially when you're that `traditional

and the Air side, continues to grow. The recently re-desig- part-timer.'"

nated 78th Aviation Troop Command, Joint Task Force 781st The Honorary Commanders Program is a cooperative

CERP and 4th Civil Support Team, all stationed at Dob- effort between the Cobb Chamber, the Guard and Reserve,

bins were among the units on which the group were briefed. Army, Air Force, Navy and Marine. Program participants

The honorary commanders also received a briefing on the are paired with military leaders in a yearlong partnership,

recently organized 648th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade giving them the opportunity to learn about local military ac-

in Columbus. Other commands the group learned about in- tivities, their impact on the economy and various aspects of

cluded the 116th Air Control Wing at Warner Robbins and the national defense.

The First Friday Briefing 9

Soldiers join time-honored corps, run annual road race

By Sgt. 1st Class Roy Henry

honored tradition of the

Georgia National Guard Public Affairs Office

active, Guard and Reserve force. It's a celebration

CAMP BUCCA, Iraq Members

of their joining the corps'

of Augusta's 278th Military Police

ranks, and it emphasizes

Company took time out from their

and builds on the pride

regular duties to induct several newly

NCOs share as members.

promoted sergeants into the Noncom-

"It marks their transi-

missioned Officer Corps and to con-

tion from being a lower

duct their own Army Ten-Miler Road

enlisted Soldier just one

Race.

of the guys or gals to

The 278th, which deployed Jan. 7,

the mantle of leadership

2008 to Iraq, is serving as part of the

within the enlisted ranks,"

active Army's 42nd Military Police

Leaver said.

Brigade from Fort Lewis, Wash. Its Soldiers have been working with detainees since March 26.
"Activities such as these are great

Photo by 1st Sgt. Callie Leaver
Sergeant Chad Hutchinson is among the Soldiers of the 278th who participated in the unit's version of the annual Army 10 Miler Road Race.

That transition culminated with the new NCOs affirming their commitment to the professional-

distractions from the rigors of the dai-

ism of the corps and Geor-

ly routine," said 1st Sgt. Callie Leaver,

gia Army Guard by reciting the NCO Creed.

the units senior enlisted Soldier. "Our folks work hard and Early said the ceremony made him realize the importance

remain professional in carrying out the mission, so recogniz- of his role as an NCO. It inspired him, he said, to think about

ing those being promoted and putting on our own version of how his new role as a leader places more responsibility on

various events helps keep morale high."

him when it comes to taking care of Soldiers and meeting the

On Sept. 30, sergeants Joseph Richard, of Union City; needs of the mission.

Chris O'Neal, of Adairsville; Gregory Hattaway, of Hawk- "I have, as we all have, started a new page in our careers,"

insville; Chris Lewis, of Carrolton; Chadwick Bingham, of Early said. "Not only do we have to grow as leaders, we

Commerce; Antonio Blasini, of Jackson; Ronnie Murray, of must also more than ever set the example for those we

Stone Mountain; Jonathan King, of Augusta; Chad Hutchin- lead."

son, of Duluth; Joseph Earley, of LaGrange and Arista Cow- Nine days later, Hutchinson, Leaver and other members

an, of Jasper, became a part of what is known as the "back- of the 278th participated in the unit's own version of the an-

bone of the Army."

nual Army Ten-Miler here, as did other units at throughout

Inducting new sergeants into the NCO Corps is a time- the war zone. The 24th running of the actual race took place

Oct. 5 in Washington, D. C.

Put on by U.S. Army Military District

of Washington, the Ten-Miler is America's

largest 10-mile road race, and the second

largest in the world. Considered the Army's

premier running event, the stateside race

route begins and ends at the Pentagon.

"If you're a runner like me, you gotta

love a race like this," Hutchinson said. "It

surely would have been great to be in the

real thing, but this considering the situa-

tion will suffice until next year when we're

back home."

As important as it is to recognize the run-

ners, it's just as important to applaud those

who organized the race, Leaver said. First

lieutenants Albert Roberts and Latasha Wil-

liams, along with staff sergeants Keith Mar-

kle and Robert Hathcock did an outstanding

job, he said.

10 The First Friday Briefing

48th IBCT leadership takes lead in talks

with Afghanistan coalition partners

Story by Sgt. Tracy J. Smith

German Armed Forces and foreign forces LNO based at Fort

48th IBCT (L) PAO

Benning, cited the security sector reforms mandated at Ju-

FORT BENNING, Columbus, Ga. Georgia's 48th ly's G-8 summit in Tokyo as punctuating the need for these

Infantry Brigade Combat Team Volunteers joined their co- exchanges.

alition partners in a first-of-its-kind proactive planning con- "We are consistently in transition as we work to progress

ference at the Fort Benning National Guard Warrior Train- the Afghani security forces," Schleff said. "Because we have

ing Center recently to formally- and informally- network, the common mission of empowering the Afghan government

establish acquaintances and benefit from lessons learned in to run the democracy without support of NATO troops, we

preparation for their upcoming deployment. The two-day help each other in making this mission successful."

conference with French, Italian, German and Canadian force Lieutenant Col. Ricky Wallace, 48th IBCT projects of-

LNOs (liaison officers), put Volunteer senior leadership ficer, agreed with what was a common theme of the confer-

face-to-face with those they will be working with through- ence - empowerment. Wallace, who deployed in support of

out Afghanistan.

Operation Enduring Freedom in May 2007, said some of the

The end state was familiarization and facilitating suc- challenges he faced then could have been avoided if he, and

cess for the Afghan forces they will be training. Colonel his staff, had been able to participate in similar discussions

Lee K. Durham, commander 48th IBCT, stressed battlefield prior to his deployment.

cohesiveness in The Global War on Terror. "The purpose "This is a significant model for future pre-deployment

is to be proactive," Durham,

told the gathering of American

and NATO battalion and staff

leaders. "We want to prevent

our Soldiers from being caught

flat-footed as we support the

training of Afghan security

forces."

With an increase in forc-

es deploying to Afghanistan

projected during the next 18

months, Durham said he felt

it important for his staff to be

familiar with the complexities,

military and cultural, in man-

aging the country's regional

diversity. Jast as importantly,

said Durham, it was time to

begin "growing" the junior

Soldier or Officer who "will

be the face" working to guide

Afghani forces to become self-

sufficient.

"We need to make them,

our Soldiers, understand that they are not to impose on the moral standards the Afghan na-

Photo by Sgt. Tracy Smith
Lieutenant Col. Walter Schleef, a German Armed Forces Liasion Officer stationed at Fort
Benning, discusses the Afghanistan mission with the 48th IBCT's Lt. Col. Kenny Payne.

tion developed over thousands of years. When we send our preparation and planning," Wallace, a Mercer University

strategic corporals and lieutenants out and they are doing professor, stated. "It's significant in terms of the country's

a unilateral action, or the patrol is engaged by the enemy, political strategy and the brigade's involvement in influenc-

they must allow those forces to lead the fight," Durham con- ing any outcomes in Afghanistan that will help the people

cluded.

there establish a credible government."

Lieutenant Col. Walter Schleef, a 27-year veteran of the

The First Friday Briefing 11

YCA lives for `Sunny' days as Good Neighbors

Story by Sgt. Tracy J. Smith 48th IBCT (L) PAO

FORT STEWART, Savannah, Ga.

Sunny Park stood humbly before the

packed auditorium of uniformed teen-

agers.

"If Sunny Can, I Can!" Park ex-

claimed and engaged the young people

to join him in the chant that he hoped

would change their lives.

Parks excitement was obvious as he

moves between each of these poten-

tial future leaders in hopes of inspiring

them in a way he has been as an im-

migrant and now a trusted confidante

to some of the nation's most influential

leaders.

That proclamation of self-motiva-

tion was the beginning of Park's annual

Good Neighboring day. A celebration

of his Korean heritage and a motiva-

tional outreach to the young minds of the National Guard's Youth ChalleNGe Academy program.
"To the future leaders of this country, thank you," Park said in his intro-

Photo by Sgt. Tracy J. Smith
Sunny Park, a Korean immigrant who came to America with an unusual dream of paying $1-million in taxes speaks with cadets of the Ft. Stewart Georgia Youth ChalleNGe Academy sampling a traditional Korean meal during one-on-one sessions as part of Park's Good Neighboring day program.

duction. "This is one of those events your mind?" Park asked. "By becom- about yourself, your potential and what

I am always looking forward to and I ing a scientist, businessman or even a God has given you. But you should be

hope to show you my appreciation for politician, you can use what you have more excited about what you will give

being those who will make this country and be able to take care of me when I back."

even greater than it is."

am old and repay this country, which Describing Park's achievements as

YCA is designed to give high school has given so much to all of us."

truly inspiring, Peterson reminded them

dropouts a fresh start in pursuit of their With a cadre of chefs, special guest that it is a combination of personal lead-

dreams and has grown since its begin- speakers and traditional tae-kwon-do ership, confidence in their own talents

nings, 1993, at Fort Stewart, Ga., to 34 demonstrators, he gave the YCA audi- and confidence that America is truly

programs in 29 states. Park signed on ence a chance to appreciate his humble the land of opportunity that should be a

as a YCA mentor when he realized his beginnings and learn from those who driving force in showing what could be

dream.

have succeeded in spite of odds.

their own successes. "You all are lead-

"In 1973 I came to this country with The guest speaker, Lt. Gen. Joseph F. ers here and to paraphrase President

$200 and a dream of paying $1-million Peterson, deputy commanding general John Buchannan; the task of leadership

taxes," Park told the students. "I am and chief of staff, United States Army is not to put greatness in humanity but

here to give you the secret to doing the Forces Command, is one of those suc- to elicit it from what is already there.

same. Your success is measured in how cess stories.

That is my challenge to you!"

much you give back to your neighbors Peterson is the first Hawaiian native

The program ended with the stu-

and your country."

to be selected as a three-star general dents participating in the basic martial

Park explained that giving back goes and, as an Asian-American, wanted to arts moves of Tae-kwon-do, one-on-

beyond money or fame and the most im- show the young crowd that even with one conversations with Peterson and

portant contribution to their own future obstacles placed before you there is Park and sampling traditional Korean

is to share with others. That the secret nothing that you cannot achieve.

foods, such as Kim chi, grilled beef and

lies in saving and getting an education, "It is an extreme privilege to be with noodles.

which it is easily achieved by exercis- you," Peterson said, ignited by the en- Private First Class `Taylor' from

ing their most invaluable possession. ergy in the room. "I can feel the excite- Kingsland, Ga., found himself re-

"How much value can you place on ment here and you should be excited

continued on next page

12 The First Friday Briefing

from previous page
energized by the events of the day and meeting these men who look at him and his fellow cadets as the future of America. He has never envisioned himself in that way.
"It's nice to meet someone who has achieved what they have and it's cool that he has done all this for us," `Taylor' said as he attempted to follow along with the Tae-kwon-do demonstration. "Its crazy that someone can care so much about someone they don't really know."
When asked where this exposure will lead him in accessing his future, the 18-year-old student's response was unhesitant.
"I see myself in the Army working on missiles and radars because after meeting the general and Mr. Park lets me know I can do it!"

Photo by Sgt. Tracy J. Smith
A young cadet with the Ft. Stewart Georgia Youth ChalleNGe Academy prepares to experience a traditional Korean meal during Good Neighboring day program.

171st legacy continues with new commander

171, continued from page 4
Britt also praised Wilson as a proven and competent leader, and thanked him for stepping up to lead.
"This battalion is blessed to be welcoming such a great leader," said Bracewell. "Wilson lives in such a way that he puts Soldiers before himself. My challenge to you," he said looking at the new commander, "is to take a good unit and make it better."
Wilson thanked Bracewell and Till for their mentorship, and the for opportunity to command the 171st. "As an officer, there is no greater job and no greater responsibility than to be entrusted with the care of the sons and daughters of this great nation," said Wilson. "It's a sacred trust that I do not take lightly."
In parting, Till had a few words for Wilson. "Get ready for the best assignment in your military career, as the commander of the best battalion in the Army."

Colonel Brent Bracewell, 171st Aviation commander, passes the guidon of 1st Battalion, 171st Aviation, to Lt. Col. Richard Wilson. With the passing of the colors, Bracewell entrusts Wilson with the responsibility of leading the Citizen-Soldiers of the aviation regiment.

Photo by Amanda Kenny

The First Friday Briefing 13