First Friday briefing [Apr. 4, 2008]

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First Friday Briefing for April 2008

Deployment Update

Governor, Legislators
honor Guard, SDF
More than 200 Soldiers and Airmen representing the Georgia Army and Air National Guard and the Georgia State Defense Force filled the north wing of the state capitol, Tuesday, March 11, 2008, to hear Gov. Sonny Perdue praise the professionalism, integrity and sacrifice of the National Guard Full Story

Hurrex '08 tests Guard, SDF disaster skills A three-day exercise of the Georgia National Guard's hurricane plan to test its logistics, communications and planning was termed a success Sunday, March 9, 2008, by Georgia's Adjutant General. Full Story
More on the HURREX 118th FA teams with Savannah Ports
police during HURREX Video: Hurricane Exercise at JRSOI Site,
Robins AFB

Douglas' 848th Engineer Company
deploys to Iraq
More than 200 family members and friends said farewell to loved ones Saturday, March 29, as Soldiers of the 848th Engineer Company headed for Iraq. The engineers will be doing reconstruction and security missions while deployed. They left March 31 for Fort McCoy to finish mobilization training, before deploying overseas. Full Story

Foundation receives $114,000 donation
Governor Sonny Perdue presented a check in March on behalf of Georgia taxpayers who have again stepped up to help their fellow Georgians in uniform and their families. More than $114,000 were donated to the Georgia National Guard Family Support Foundation by Georgia taxpayers through the check-off box on their State income tax form. Full Story

Aviation battalion lands
in best soldier, NCO competition
Two members of the Georgia Army National Guard aviation community are going to Fort Gordon in late April to participate in the Southeast's Region 8 Soldier and Noncommissioned Officer of the Year competition. Competition for the Georgia Soldier and NCO of the Year for 2008 was held March 28 and 29 on the grounds of the Guard's Regional Training Institute. Ten Guardsmen from each of Georgia's four major commands participated. Full Story

1230th Transportation Company returns from deployment Master Sgt. Don Madden, 1230th Transportation Company, Bainbridge, Ga., completes the demobilization process at Camp Atterbury, Ind., after a tour in Kuwait and Iraq. Following full completion of the demobilization process, the National Guard unit will return home to Georgia. The unit arrived at Atterbury in the early hours of April 1st and will return to Georgia sometime the following weekend. (Army Photo by Spc. Elizabeth Gorenc, Camp Atterbury Public Affairs Office)

High-tech system will give Guardsmen control of pay, personnel data Georgia Army National Guardsmen will soon be able to check their records and their pay using a one-stop high tech system that the Army calls DIMHRS or Defense Integrated Military Human Resources System. Full Story Download DIMHRS Poster Download DIMHRS FAQ Download DIMHRS Press Release
(Adobe Acrobat Reader required get it here)

Georgia Soldiers join Japanese
counterparts in bilateral exercise
Seven members of Augusta's 560th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade spent from Feb. 27 to March 18 in the remote, mountainous area of the home island's northern section training along side soldiers of the 5th Regiment, 9th Division, Japanese Ground Self Defense Force (JGSDF) in Exercise North Wind 2008. Full
Story

116th Recruiter Captures
ANG Recruiting Award
Technical Sgt. Dianna Bowen, Air Guard Recruiter for the 116th Air Control Wing who captured the distinguished ANG Director's Challenge earlier this year for the third time in four years. Bowen won the ANG recruiting honor by exceeding by 35 percent of her established recruiting goal of twelve new recruits into the Georgia Air Guard. Full Story

NASCAR, Earnhardt honor 48th, Guard as 'patriots' Eighteen Soldiers representing the men and women of the 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team gathered at the infield of the Atlanta Motor Speedway at the March race to be celebrated as patriots and CitizenSoldiers. The up-close and personal opportunity to get a taste of the true NASCAR racing experience was yet another stop of the "Thank-a-Hero" tour sponsored by Hendricks Motorsports, the National Guard and, oh yes, Dale Earnhardt, Jr. Full Story
6th Annual Top Gun Ride To benefit Family Support Foundation For the second year in a row, the Georgia National Guard Family Support Foundation has been selected as the military support organization to receive funds from the 6th Annual Top Gun Ride for Children sponsored by The Center for Children and Young Adults in Marietta. Scheduled for April 19, the Top Gun Ride for Children will be held in Kennesaw. Last years ride included more than 300 bikes and resulted in an $11,000.00 contribution to the Foundation. For details and registration information, go to: www.topgunrideatlanta. com
48th Brigade helps celebrate opening of new Macon Veteran's Center Georgia's 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team helped open the new Macon Veteran's Center in March. The storefront office at 750 Riverside Drive is a vision of hope realized. Dignitaries, citizens and a community of veterans celebrated the grand opening, although the MiddleGeorgia facility has been assisting area veterans and their families since July 2007. "This center is part of the system to care for those who have served and seen what no one should have been called to see." said Col. Lee Durham, 48th Brigade commander, who was keynote speaker for the event. Full Story

Guard Counter Drug Soldiers help civilian officers `do it better' For the tenth consecutive year, Army Guardsmen along with the Georgia Counter Drug Task Force (GaCDTF) are helping their civilian counterparts improve their ability to sneak up on the bad guys. Exercise Woodland Training 2008 took place, just as it does every year, on the grounds of the Georgia Sheriff's Association's 2,700-acre Camp Pioneer near LaGrange, Ga. Full Story Related: Counter Drug honors camp director
USO Volunteers honored by Guard in Savannah The Georgia National Guard hosted a USO volunteer appreciation day in Savannah in March. The event, sponsored by the 1st Battalion, 118th Field Artillery, included area units along with representatives from the US Coast Station at Hunter Army Airfield. Brigadier Gen. Larry Dudney, commander of 78th Troop Command, welcomed the more that 200 USO volunteers and guests in attendance. Full Story
48th unit honors fallen Texas Guardsman At the request of one of its own, Headquarters Company of Georgia's 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team paid tribute to a Texas Army Guardsman and the Warner Robins-based family he left behind. The ceremony at brigade headquarters was presided over by Captain Andrew Lane, brigade safety officer, and honored Robert Nichols who died Jan. 22 in San Antonio while trying to recover from injuries he received while serving with the Texas Guard's 36th Infantry Division in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Full Story

Enola Gay navigator recounts dropping A-bomb on Hiroshima Sixty-three years after the Enola Gay dropped the world's first atomic bomb on Hiroshima, navigator Dutch Van Kirk remembers the "bright flash" and "shockwave" of the explosion. Speaking to a group of military aviators and others, who were in attendance at the Army Air Aviator Association meeting hosted by the Guard's 171st Aviation Battalion, Van Kirk declared "after we dropped the bomb, we made the turn and got away from there." Full Story
A look at what happened in April in Georgia National Guard history...
April 1950 Savannah's Capt. William C. Crawford, Jr., aircraft maintenance officer of the 168th Fighter Squadron, Georgia Air National Guard, was believed to have set a new speed record in his F-80C "Shooting Star" jet fighter. According to First Sgt. Thomas L. Corey, of Savannah's 158th Fighter Squadron, Crawford's time from Marietta to Hunter Field was only 27 minutes. Crawford reportedly averaged 540 miles per hour on a trip from Marietta to Hunter Field, Savannah.
April 1952 The 101st AAA Gun Battalion out of Statesboro was released from federal service following the unit's mobilization for the Korean War. (The unit was not deployed overseas). The 101st left Camp McCoy, Wisconsin, April 5 and arrived at Camp Gordon April 8. Guardsmen were discharged and home by April 15. Maj. Gen. Ernest S. Vandiver, the adjutant general, told Guardsmen that he "joined with all the officers and men of the entire Georgia Guard in welcoming [them] back home."
April 1967 A Georgia Air National Guard crew, flying the "huge" C-124 Globemaster II, returned to Dobbins AFB, GA, following the aircraft's initial mission to Vietnam. Lt. Col. Cleveland J. Perkins, Jr, commander of the 116th military Airlift Group, spoke highly of the Globemaster which had recently replaced the C-97 Stratofreighter in the Georgia Air Guard's inventory. "Except for not being pressurized, the C-124 is better in every aspect that the C-97 for our mission," said Perkins, who was aircraft commander on the 20,000 mile flight.
Complied by Beryl I Diamond, PhD,

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

April 7, 2008 Time: 7:57 am Security Notice

Army National Guard FAQ The latest news from the Georgia Army National Guard. | Counter Drug teams aid civiilan officers | Camp director honored | Georgia soldiers join Japanese counterparts in exercise | 848th Engineer Company deploys | 48th helps open Macon vet center | Avation unit lands in NCO, solider of the year competition | Enola Gay navigator discusses A-Bomb mission | lNASCAR, Earnhardt honor Guard, 48th | Hurrex '08 tests Guard | 118th FA teams with ports authority | Brigade unit honors fallen Texas Guardsman | MOUT training tests 2-121 company | 124th MPAD meets DVIDS | Service award honors WO5 Tadlock | Soldier, NCO of the year named | Georiga Guardsmen meets Gen. Petraeus | 148th detachment gets new name, new flag | Congressman Kingston thanks CH-47 crews | Task force elevates head injury awareness |

Air National Guard FAQ The latest news from the Georgia Air National Guard. | 116th reruiter earns ANG award | Studying the 'sweet dance' | Air Guard combo thrills children in Djibouti | 5 earn AFOUAs | Guard, Robins signs production space agreement | 165th returns from Afghanistan | Yancey earns 'Red Erwin Award' | 116th conducts ORE |

State Defense Force Read the latest news from the Georgia State Defense Force.
GADOD News | Govenor, legislators honor Guard, SDF | Family foundation receives donation | SDF trains with locals during casualty drill | Six earn 'Faithful Service' award |

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Governor, legislators honor Guard, SDF

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

Related Story

ATLANTA More than 200 Soldiers and Airmen representing the Georgia Army and Air National Guard and the Georgia State Defense Force filled the north wing of the state capitol, Tuesday, March 11, 2008, to hear Gov. Sonny Perdue praise the professionalism, integrity and sacrifice of of the National Guard.

In addition to an array of Georgia legislators and everyday citizens, the ceremony also was attended by Maj. Gen. Terry Nesbitt, Georgia's Adjutant General; Maj. Gen. Scott Hammond, commander Georgia Air Guard; and Brig. Gen. Maria Britt, commander Georgia Army Guard.

Major Gen. Terry Nesbitt (right), Georgia's Adjutant General, and Gov. Sonny Perdue hold up the proclamation declaring Mach 11, 2008, as National Guard Day. Nesbitt, Maj. Gen. Scott Hammond, commander Georgia Air Guard, and Brig. Gen. Maria Britt, commander Georgia Army Guard, visited the House and the Senate which honored the Guard and the Georgia State Defense Force for their commitment to serving the state and to the nation, in peace and in war. (Georgia National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Roy Henry)
there,'" he added.

"Today, we gather here to thank the men and women who wear the uniform for their commitment to their communities, to their state and their nation," Perdue told the crowd at the mid-morning ceremony. "In these times of uncertainty, they serve with a dedication and professionalism that upholds the highest ideals of who we are as Georgians and as Americans.
"They, the Soldiers and Airmen of our great state, have been, and continue to be, the epitome of their motto, `Always ready, always

In fulfilling that motto, Perdue went on, many a Georgia Guardsman has stepped up to the challenge of not only serving at home in support of homeland defense and in times of disaster, but also abroad in places like Iraq and Afghanistan. In doing so, he said, many have made the ultimate sacrifice.

"It is for them, for the loved ones they leave behind and for all who serve, that I proudly proclaim this National Guard Day," Perdue said.

Earlier in the day, Nesbitt, Hammond and Britt spent time in the House and Senate. Not an easy thing to accomplish, they agreed, with both chambers up against deadlines to get bills passed.

Soldiers, Airmen and Defense Force personnel in the galleries stood at one point to resounding standing ovations by the state's legislative bodies.

Nesbitt told legislators, "Overseas, we have had people deployed since the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq began, and we continue to take the fight to the enemy. Here, we maintain our capability to defend the home land, whether it's against a foreign enemy or against man-made and natural disaster.

"It says volumes about the patriotism of our citizens when they acknowledge with pride and respect the commitment and sacrifice that our Soldiers and Airmen make on their behalf," he said.

Nesbitt went on to thank members of the House and Senate for their continued support, and the support of Georgia's employers of the Georgia National Guard, their families and the Georgia State Defense Force.

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Foundation receives $114,000 donation

ATLANTA Governor Sonny Perdue today presented a check on behalf of Georgia taxpayers who have again stepped up to help their fellow Georgians in uniform and their families with a donation of more than $114,000 made to the Georgia National Guard Family Support Foundation.

"I am proud to present this donation on behalf of Georgia's citizens to support the selfless and courageous men and women, the citizen soldiers, of the Georgia National Guard," said Governor Sonny Perdue. "We cannot overstate the importance of the work they perform, both at home and abroad, helping to keep us safe and defending the cause of freedom around the world."

Georgia Revenue Commissioner Bart Graham (left) presents a check from the income tax check-off boxes to the Georgia National Guard Family Support Foundation. Left to right are Graham; Governor Perdue; Maj. Gen. Wiilliam T. Nesbitt, Georgia's Adjutant General; and Lt. Col. Jay Peno, foundation president.

Governor Perdue and Department of Revenue Commissioner Bart Graham presented a check for $114,195 to Major General Terry Nesbitt, Georgia's Adjutant General, in support of activities of the Georgia National Guard Family Support Foundation, during a ceremony at the State Capitol honoring the Georgia National Guard.

"Our men and women in uniform can often find themselves in financial difficulties caused by the increased operational tempo of lengthy deployments, numerous exercises, and continuous training that puts a strain both on family and finances," said Major General Terry Nesbitt. "However, it is reassuring to know that our fellow Georgians recognize these constant hardships and are willing to help."

The contribution is the result of thousands of individual donations made to the Foundation through a simple check-off box on Georgia state income tax forms. The Georgia Legislature approved the inclusion of this check-off box in 2005. In the first year it appeared on state tax forms, donations to the foundation from taxpayers exceeded $107,000. The Georgia Department of Revenue reports that 98 percent of amounts collected for the Foundation are in $1.00 donations.

"The Department of Revenue is proud to support this extremely worthwhile program that assists the members of Georgia's National Guard and their families," said Department of Revenue Commissioner Bart Graham. "We are always ready to assist Guard personnel in any way possible during these times when increasing demands are being placed on them and their families."

The Georgia National Guard Family Support Foundation was established to help families of Georgia National Guard members and other service members in Georgia during times of financial emergency. During 2007, the foundation was able to provide $325,876 in emergency relief assistance to hundreds of families. This was up more than 75 percent over relief assistance in 2006.

Georgia taxpayers once again have the chance to help Georgia service members this year when they fill out their 2007 Georgia State income tax forms by contributing a portion of their state refund using the check-off boxes.

At today's ceremony, Governor Perdue also presented a proclamation declaring March 11, 2008 as National Guard Day in Georgia in recognition of valuable work performed by the Georgia National Guard. Governor Perdue also commended the National Guard Association of Georgia on its 60th anniversary.

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DIMHRS is coming!
Georgia Army National Guardsmen will soon be able to check their leave, or pay using a one-stop, high tech system that the Army calls DIMRS or Defense Integrated Military Human Resources System. DIMHRS is a secure, self-service web based systems that will give Soldiers 24/7 access to personnel data and the ability to update and review key personal and family information without seeing a personnel specialists. Here's what you need to know... What is DIMHRS?
Defense Integrated Military Human Resources System.... a revolutionary new, web-based human resource system that gives
Soldiers 24/7 access to your personnel files. Now you have the ability and responsibility to update and review key personal information WITHOUT seeing a personnel specialist! . Is DIMHRS going to affect me?
You bet, and in a very significant way. Every Soldier's personnel records will be on DIMHRS. You will now have the capability to
access your own files through one easy database that will avoid traditional written, or verbal processes that can be time consuming and costly. What do I need to prepare for DIMHRS?
Do you have a working CAC card and a personalized PIN? You MUST have both a CAC and PIN to have access to the numerous
personnel resources soon available to you through DIMHRS. Don't have a CAC or PIN? Ask your Readiness NCO and begin the registration process IMMEDIATELY! For more how DIMHRS will make your military career easier and more convenient, check out the following links . . .
DIMHRS Program office website: www.dimhrs.mil U.S. Army DIMHRS website: www.hrc.army.mil/site/armydimhrs Download a DIMHRS factsheet Download DIMHRS posters Download latest release
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NASCAR, Earnhardt honor 48th, Guard as 'patriots'

By Spc. Tracy Smith 48th IBCT Public Affairs Office

"Strategy Equals Success" - Private Paul Ricks, a 48th IBCT Macon Volunteer assigned to the 118th Field Artillery Regiment discusses the tenets of the "Thank a Hero" tour: Power-Speed-Victory, with Hendricks motor sports crew members. He and 18 Soldiers from the 48th IBCT (L) represented the Brigade at the Hampton, Ga. Motor Speedway for the NASCAR event. (photo by Spec. Tracy J. Smith, 48th IBCT PAO)

HAMPTON, Ga. (Atlanta Motor Speedway) - It was all a blur, figuratively and literally, at the Atlanta Motor Speedway, March 8. Eighteen Soldiers representing the men and women of the 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team gathered at the infield National Guard hospitality motor coach to be celebrated as patriots and Citizen-Soldiers. The up-close and personal opportunity to get a taste of the true NASCAR racing experience was yet another stop of the "Thank-a-Hero" tour sponsored by Hendricks Motorsports, the National Guard and, oh yes, Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
These Soldiers, many of whom are veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom, got more than they bargained for when they had to do what Soldiers do; Adapt and Overcome. Mother Nature put an unexpectedly different spin on how their celebration would play out.

"No one told us it would be this cold," Private Paul Ricks said, quivering as he watched snow cover the one and a half mile track. With a smile even the icy winds couldn't crack, the young Macon Volunteer assigned to the 118th Field Artillery Regiment summed the mood for the day brightly by saying, "I'm just happy to be here."

The soldiers toured the `pits'; an access only area that serves as the pre-race garage and preparation area for the racecars, and rub elbows with the celebrity tour-de-force.

"It's important to honor our Soldier's," Dale Earnhardt, Jr. said to the Soldiers privileged with a glimpse of Racing Royalty. Humbly he outlined the significance of paying homage to America's patriots, especially during a time of conflict for our nation. "I have friends who are serving and I attended military school myself."

Earnhardt may not lace-on a pair of combats or wear the Army's uniform but he does strap on his `battle rattle' to make the public aware of the Citizen-Soldier's contributions as a driving force behind the wheel of #88.

"The discipline required to get out there and do what is asked of you motivates me and representing (the National Guard) is the least I can do to show my appreciation."

For Earnhardt, duty called and the third-generation NASCAR champ had to prepare for his 195 laps around the one and one-half mile track.

THE HANDOFF

Jeff Hammond, Fox Sports NASCAR Race Analyst is considered a legend himself turning wrenches for Winston Cup champions Darrell Waltrip and Cale Yarborough. Eyeing the uniformed posse he gladly led the way on an impromptu tour around the pit area and gained some fans himself.

"I thank you guys for all you do," Hammond, who sites John Wayne as one of his heroes, told the excited Soldiers and used his celebrity to ensure the group appreciated all the `pits' had to offer. Even signing some autographs. Noticing the nervous look on one Soldier's face he calmed his fears with a reassuring hand on the shoulder and a made-for-TV smile, "What's the hurry Sarge? This is all for you guys."

Ricks found a kindred spirit in Landon Cassill. Availing himself to the pit crew, ("I'll turn a wrench if you want me to," Ricks proudly offered) he literally bumped into the 18 year old Cassill who is considered a `wunderkind' of racing.

Cassill's history of `service on the tracks' goes back fifteen years as he began his competitive racing career when he was three years old. Conversely Ricks has only been a 48th Brigade `Volunteer' slightly more than a year, however, the pair casually talked `shop' and discussed commonalities; youth, honing their respective skills and an uncompromising drive to succeed as they are both determined to be leaders in their chosen professions.

Two-hundred miles later the flags flourish signifies the end of an adrenaline fueled day at the races. With their arms loaded with souvenirs courtesy of the tour coordinators and a few things picked up from the local vendors the whirlwind experience left a lasting impression and a reinforced sense of pride as Georgia patriots. Each agreeing that the tenets of the tour will send them down the right track: Power (empowerment as a subject matter expert) Speed (being effective when it counts) Victory (the outcome as a team).

"I love representing the National Guard," said Sergeant Alex French, a squad leader with Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 121st Infantry Regiment and a Bibb County Deputy Sheriff. "I enjoyed the race and the chance to meet the drivers, but what I value most from this experience is the company of my fellow Soldiers."

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48th Brigade helps open new Macon Veteran's Center

Story by Spc. Tracy J. Smith 48th IBCT PAO

MACON, Ga. Ties that bind Georgia's 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team to Macon's new veterans center were emphazied by the unit's commander recently as the central Georgia city formally opened its new veterans facility.

Cleverly disguised as a storefront office, 750 Riverside Drive is a vision of hope realized. Dignitaries, citizens and a community of veterans celebrated the grand opening, although the MiddleGeorgia facility has been assisting area veterans and their families since July 2007.

Its staff is comprised predominantly of veterans, many of whom

(L to R) Macon Mayor Robert Reichert (Army Veteran), Macon Vet Center Team Leader Wm. R. Taylor (Air Force Veteran) and Congressman Jim Marshall (Vietnam-era Veteran) cut the ribbon officially opening the Macon Vet Center. The three were flanked by representatives of the Veterans Administration and the keynote speaker for the event, Colonel Lee Durham, Georgia's 48th IBCT (L)

have served in combat or are otherwise affiliated with a military reserve component. That affiliation is a preferred prerequisite for counselors. This coincides with the unbiased atmosphere of providing readjustment and sexual trauma counseling, outreach services as well as military related assistance to the families of veterans including grief services free of charge.

commanding officer. "It is our duty, our commitment, to keep a promise to our veterans to be here to help them," Taylor said. (Photo by Spc. Tracy J. Smith, 48th IBCT PAO)

With the Georgia Army National Guard's 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team at their back door the occasion gave the center a chance to join the community in supporting their Citizen-

Soldiers. Members of the 48th are preparing for a second tour of

duty in support of the global war on terror. Colonel Lee Durham, 48th IBCT (L) commanding officer recognized the fated thread that binds

the 48th brigade and the Vet Center.

"We remain at War," Durham, the keynote speaker reminded celebrants. "While War is the continuation of politics it carries a high price. War puts the soldier in a place where, assuming politics has played its part, no other option is possible. This center is part of the system to care for those who have served and seen what no one should have been called to see."

Commenting on the center's services, Macon Vet Center team leader William R. Taylor, an Air Force Veteran, declared that "It is our commitment, our duty, to keep a promise to our heroes."

He added that studies indicate that veterans find it far more comforting to speak with a peer who understands what they have been through because they have been there. "Our purpose is to give these men and women who committed their lives in defense of our country an outlet. This is their window to understanding their benefits and to readjusting to life beyond the war zone."

Sharon Jackson has an intimate understanding of those words. Her slow, deliberate nods were simple validations that spoke volumes for her concerns and appreciation that the facility -- and the nearly 230 centers like it across the nation -- exists. Jackson served as a Petty Officer during the Vietnam War and eventually transitioned to the Air Force to work as a maintenance analysis technician. The resources offered through the center were not available when veterans of her era completed their service to the country. Congress did not approve the Vet Center Program until 1979.

"This has been much needed in Middle-Georgia," said the service officer and judge advocate for the Warner Robins based American Legion Post 172. "With the National Guard and other reserve components from Georgia being called constantly now I have a central location in our area to refer veterans I meet when they ask where can they get help."

The torch of freedom being passed from the veterans in attendance to the new generation of Warrior was easily recognizable during the ceremony. A multi-hued tapestry of digitized military uniforms and the brightly colors of the various veterans' organizations was a reflection of the pageantry of the day. Warriors, past and present, who have served in World War II and those who have seen combat in Iraq and Afghanistan exchanged stories and thanked each other for what they have done and are doing in defense of democracy.

It was full circle for John Skinner and his bride. They have been married 35 years, meeting less than a block west of the Vet Center at the local Waffle House. Skinner, a Specialist with the 29th Civil Affairs unit, served "19 months and seven days" in Vietnam and met Marilynn three years after returning from the war zone. He calls the Vet Center, in particular his counselor Rhonda Robinson-Hill an Army Reserve Sergeant 1st Class, a long over-due blessing for the veterans of this region. "(The Vet Center) is the best thing to ever happen to the city of Macon," Skinner said. He looks forward to the regular group sessions at the center. "I had been attempting to get my paperwork done for years and they kept telling me I needed proof I had been in combat."

He considered giving up, but his wife pushed him to continue to get the benefits he had earned. She heard about the Vet Center opening and knew that he would find the help he needed there.

"I would never have succeeded if it weren't for her," Skinner said as he lovingly grabbed his wife's hand. "Because of her support and encouragement I got more through this center and (with the help of Ms. Hill) than anyplace else."

His five-year old grandson Austin runs towards them and proudly shows off a NASCAR die-cast model he received from a 48th IBCT (L) Soldier. Pointing out the brigade's logo on the hood of the #24 his grandfather asks him, `what do you want to be when you get to be a big boy?' Without hesitation Austin states matter-of-factly, "I'm gonna be a Soldier!"

He is in good company.

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Hurrex '08 tests Guard, SDF disaster skills

Georgia National Guard

Public Affairs Office

A three-day exercise of the Georgia National Guard's hurricane plan to test its logistics, communications and planning was termed a success Sunday, March 9, 2008, by Georgia's Adjutant General.

Major Gen. Terry Nesbitt, addressing more than 150 senior staff and exercise participants, at an After Action Review, declared that "This was a great experience for us in which to recognize our strengths and to identify our weaknesses. If we're able to identify critical weaknesses in our processes, then I feel we've fulfilled the purpose of the exercise." Overall, more than 300 Georgia Army and Air Guardsmen, and members of the Georgia State Defense Force participated in HURREX 08.

Soldiers fuel vehicles so that they can move to the mock hurricane site in Savannah at the RSOI site at Robins Air Force Base in Warner Robbins, March 8, 2008. The Air Guard facilities at Robins serve as a central hub for units moving South in case of a hurricane. (Georgia National Guard photo by Spc. Amanda Kenny)

The primary focus of the exercise was to test the operation of the newly completed Joint Operations Center (JOC) at Marietta's Dobbins Air Reserve Base. Completely redesigned over the past three months, the JOC was the epicenter of all activities for the statewide exercise. The new high-tech center provided a highly functional and efficient environment to control the many moving parts of the HURREX.

Across town at Decatur's 78th Troop Command, the Joint Task Force-Georgia Tactical Operations Center (TOC) received taskings from the Dobbins center, and then assumed the responsibility of moving convoys, personnel and resources to staging sites and then "downrange" to the affected areas.

At Robins Air Force Base in Warner Robins, Air Guard Capt. Jay Elliott, a logistics officer with the 116th Air Control Wing, worked as "mayor" of the Joint Reception Staging Onward movement and Integration (JRSOI) site. Elliott said that, "this is a joint effort between the Army, Air and civilians. We want to ensure that, if a hurricane hits the Georgia coast, we can avoid any communications and logistics mistakes.

"Also, we want to make sure we have the right tools and expectations on timing. We can only do that with practice," he added.

Hurricane Katrina influenced Georgia's annual hurricane exercise, Elliot explained. The state, he said, doesn't want to repeat the mistakes made in that disaster. So it has taken the initiative to do everything it can with its assets. "Then, if the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) or the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) want to augment they can," Elliot said.

When the convoys arrived at Robins AFB, vehicles needing commodities loaded -- such ice or water -- were fueled first.

Simultaneously, troops were put through an extensive administrative and medical screening to make sure their paperwork was in order, and their health issues identified and taken care of before being deployed "down range" to the stormravaged coastal area. "Every Soldier must process through this center and get into the hurricane database," said Master Sgt. Roland Cheeks, noncommissioned officer-in-charge of the JRSOIs' personal center. "Once they're in the database, we can give them their orders and get them going."

"After their orders are cut and their identification cards and ID tags are verified, the Soldiers go to medical," said Cheeks. "At the medical area they're screened to see if they need vaccinations or need to see a doctor. From there, they move to a legal briefing, and then they and t their unit head out for their assignment."

Joint Task Force 781st CERF-P from Kennesaw was used as the "time-test" unit to see how long it would take to get Soldiers through the JRSOI and down to the coast.

"Cooperation between Air and Army Guard has been monumental," said Elliott. "People, equipment and information moved with very little problem."

About the JRSOI, he noted that, "This site can also be used to send assets to other states if Savannah and the coastal communities aren't the impact site. "It was through here (the JRSOI), for example, that the 116th Air Control Wing sent several people to support Katrina in 2005.

Specialist Douglas Bell, a combat medic with Joint Force Medical Command, gives a shot to a Soldier who is headed down range for mock Hurricane Sierra at the JRSOI site at Robins Air Force Base.. (Georgia National Guard Photo)

It wasn't only Guardsmen who made things work during HURREX 08. The Georgia State Defense Force also played a vital role in its success. State Defense Force personnel at the JRSOI, for example, provided traffic control inside and outside the site, making sure convoys of fuel, ice, water and other necessities were speedily sent to their destinations.

"We provide support to the Guard as well as to the federal and state emergency management agencies," said 1st Lt. Ron Simmons, plans and operations officer for the GSDF's 5th Battalion. "Our people not only were at the RSOI site, but at armories across the state, at the Dobbins JOC and at the JTF-Georgia TOC helping get the Guard deploy."

Observing the exercise as guests of the Defense Support to Civilian Authorities (DSCA) were Brig. Gen. Fran G. Mahon, deputy commanding general USARNORTH and 5th ARMY, and Phil May, director FEMA Region IV. Mahon and May visited Nesbitt and viewed the operations of the JOC and the Decatur TOC.

In his concluding remarks, Nesbit told his senior staff that, "We must always train as we fight, but also we must do the same in our day-to-day operations." Moreover, he noted the importance of the "adaptive battle staff concept" used for the first time during this exercise, and encouraged additional training throughout the agency in that model.

General Nesbitt also indicated that he would favor making HURREX 09 more intensive by inviting other agencies to participate and by lengthening the exercise period.

Specialist Amanda Kenny, Lt. Col. Ken Baldowski and retired Lt. Col. Jim Driscoll contributed to this story.

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118th FA teams with Savannah Ports police during HURREX

From Savannah Morning News

By Pamela E. Walck

Georgia Ports Authority Police field training officer Ronnie Cason coordinates security details with Staff Sgt. Wes Hawk of Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 118th Field Artillery from Springfield. Soldiers from their unit and others from the Georgia Army National Guard 48th Brigade are performing a joint security exercise at the ports with the GPA Police Department. (John Carrington/ Savannah Morning News)

SAVANNAH - Soldiers dressed in desert cammies and protective vests stood around their humvees Friday night, just a dozen feet away from Gate 2 at the Georgia Ports Authority.
Meanwhile, on a far corner of the authority's Ocean Terminal, soldiers rode side-byside with port police officers, scanning the perimeter for security breeches.
A little further up river, the same scenario was being played out at the Garden City Terminal.
To passersby, it might seem like an odd partnering.

But for these 250 members of the Georgia National Guard's 48th Infantry Brigade and the Ports Authority Police Department, the next 24 hours offer a joint-training opportunity neither agency has seen since the G-8 Sea Island Summit back in 2004.

This time, instead of teaming up for beefier security as world leaders gathered, the agencies are joining forces to re-establish law and order in the aftermath of a category 3 hurricane.

Think Hurricane Katrina, Savannah-style.

"Here's the scenario. Savannah has been hit by a Cat 3 hurricane that has wiped out security elements around the Georgia Ports Authority," said Maj. John Gentry, with Headquarters and Headquarters Battery in the 1st Battalion, 118th Field Artillery, 48th Infantry Brigade. "We have elements that will be mobilized to reinforce and restore the perimeter around the ports itself and augment the ports police force."

Gentry said the mock natural disaster, however, felt a little too realistic earlier Friday when tornado sirens went off across Chatham County as heavy bands of rain and winds passed through the area.

"Those sirens ... had units hitting the decks up and down the halls (of the armory)," he said with a laugh.

As he speaks, Gentry stands in the middle of a makeshift logistics command center set up inside the far corner of the gymnasium at the National Guard Armory on Eisenhower Drive.

Behind him, two large aerial maps of the Ports Authority terminals are prominently displayed, along with maps of the county and designated convoy routes. For the next 24 hours, Gentry's men will be running supplies and men back and forth from the terminals to the armory.

"There are a lot of security issues," said Capt. Kevin Nicklay. "The ports rely on surveillance cameras."

Nicklay added that this hurricane wiped those cameras out, leaving the ports police with plenty of security blind spots.

"When we worked with them during the G-8 Summit, it went pretty smooth," said Ronnie Cason, a field training officer with the ports police department. "We worked in unison with each other."

Cason added these joint exercises are very important for training.

Beyond the obvious, the weekend exercise also gives members of the 48th a chance to brush up on security checkpoint skills - skills first honed in the deserts of Iraq, when the brigade deployed in 2005.

In addition to regular deployments in support of America's War on Terror, the 48th has been charged with being hurricane responders for the state.

"If this (hurricane) really happened, we'd be helping the ports police," said Capt. Rod Tatum. "This is only the second time we're working with the Ports Authority ... but it's also helping us with preparing for our upcoming deployment to Afghanistan in 2009."

Tatum, who was stationed Friday night at the Ocean Terminal, said when the guardsmen aren't running security details with the police, they will be participating in warrior training. The sessions, among other things, include a refresher course on how to identify improvised explosive devices.

"We'll brush up on how to identify IEDs, what to do, what not to do," said Tatum, whose full-time job is teaching at Groves High School. "About half of our battery has been to Iraq. The veterans are good at assisting the new guys."

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Video: Hurricane Exercise at JRSOI Site, Robins AFB
Capt. Jay Elliott, 116th Air Control Wing, was "mayor" of the Joint Reception Staging Onward movement and Integration (JRSOI) site and talks about the joint effort to get troops and equipment ready for hurricane relief operations.
Related story >>

Aviation battalion lands in best soldier, NCO competition
By Staff Sgt. Roy Henry Georgia National Guard Public Affairs Office
MACON Two members of the Georgia Army National Guard aviation community are going to Fort Gordon in late April to participate in the Southeast's Region 8 Soldier and Noncommissioned Officer of the Year competition.
Competition for the Georgia Soldier and NCO of the Year for 2008 was held March 28 and 29 on the grounds of the Guard's Regional Training Institute. Ten Guardsmen from each of Georgia's four major commands participated.
Chosen Soldier of the Year was Spc. Anthony Garay, an aviation operations specialist with Headquarters Company, 171st Aviation Group. The 171st is based at Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Marietta. Garay, who hails from Dalton, studies exercise science at Georgia Military College in Milledgeville when he's not serving with the Guard.
Staff Sgt. Donnie Cook, the full-time admin NCO for Detachment No. 2, Company B, 935th Direct Aviation Support Battalion, was chosen Noncommissioned Officer of the Year. The detachment, a CH-47 Chinook helicopter outfit, is based at Savannah's Hunter Army Air Field. Cook, who lives in Savannah, is originally from Waverly near Columbus.
"What a great honor this is for me," said Garay while receiving congratulations from the more than 60 senior enlisted and officers who attended the awards banquet at RTI's dining facility. "There are others who deserve to be standing here along side me, but I'm proud to have been chosen the one to represent the Georgia Army Guard in the upcoming regional competition."
Cook agreed, saying, "As much as I'm proud of having been selected NCO of the Year, I owe a lot to my fellow competitors for helping me get there. I don't know that I've ever seen a better example of team work, Soldiers helping Soldiers despite the fact that they were competing against each other, than what I saw over the past two days."
Regardless of what some may think, being named Georgia's top enlisted Soldiers isn't as simply as someone saying "you're it for this year." Selection of the NCO and Soldier of the Year is made by 10 sergeants major only after each Soldier participates in an intense competition.
Each Soldier had to prove him or herself by obtaining the highest score possible in physical training, M-16 rifle qualifications and by putting into their own words their thoughts on they live the Army Values in and out of uniform. If that wasn't enough, each had to answer questions put to them by the sergeants major about everything from Army Regulations to combat tactics to current events.
Some competitors say that appearing before the sergeants major is the toughest part of the competition. For Garay and Cook, it was the Warrior Training Tasks, especially the one in which they had to disassemble, and then re-assemble the M-249B machine gun, that were the toughest.
"You have to understand that, the M-16 rifle and the M-9 9mm pistol are the weapons we're familiar with," Garay said.
"That's for sure," said Cook, with a slight smile. "But what this does is re-enforce the idea that we can at any time be asked to do just what we did...break that weapon down, clean it and put it back together again.
Competition such as we went through, really drives home the need for staying on top of your basic Soldier skills," he added, "and not just those that you think apply to you."
That's especially true, Garay and Cook agreed, about the upcoming regional competition at Fort Gordon. Both said they'll be spending as much time as possible, in person, over the telephone and through e-mail helping each other get ready to take on a whole new field of competitors.
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Georgia soldiers join Japanese counterparts in Exercise North Wind

IWATESAN, JAPAN Seven members of the Georgia Guard's 560th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade recently spent several weeks in the remote, mountainous area of Japan's home island's northern region training alongside soldiers of the 5th Regiment, 9th Division, Japanese Ground Self Defense Force (JGSDF) in Exercise North Wind 2008.

During the exercise, held from Feb. 27 to March 28, the group served as a command and control cell as well as higher headquarters for the exercise. The group also served as the "brigade response cell" for the staff exercise and collective training.

According to Col. Pete VanAmburgh, who commands the Fort Gillem-based 560th, and one the seven who took part in the exercise, "North Wind was the first exercise in which a brigade such as his had been employed as a higher headquarters and as part of a bilateral operation."

Members of Augusta's 560th Battle Field Surveillance Brigade (left) meet The other six Soldiers making up the 560th's group were:

their counterparts from the 5th Regiment, 9th Division, Japanese Ground

Self Defense Force during the opening ceremony for Exercise North Wind q Executive officer Maj. Matt Saxon, acting commander Fulton

2008. (Japanese Ground Self Defense Force photo)

County-based 3rd Squadron, 108th Reconnaissance,

q Surveillance, Targeting Acquisition.Personnel officer 1st Lt.

Colin Thompson, commander Ellenwood-based Company A, 221st Military Intelligence Battalion.

q NCOIC Personnel Section Sgt. 1st Class Brett Paul, personnel sergeant Company H Long Range Surveillance 121st Infantry.

Unit is assigned to 3rd Squadron, 108th RSTA.

q Plans and operations officer Maj. Patrick Watson, plans and operations officer for the 221st.

q Operations sergeant major 1st Sgt. Matthew Marks, command sergeant major for 3rd Squadron, 108th RSTA.

q Training officer Capt. Joseph Crervar, training officer for the 560th BFSB.

VanAmburg said the opportunity to participate in North Wind came at the last moment, and it took about 30 days to resolve the training and equipment issues the group faced before getting to Japan. "Our success in getting ready and getting there in the short amount of time that we had is a testament to ability of our Soldiers to take on any challenge with which they may be faced," he said. "The process served as a great dress rehearsal for future missions."

Exercise North Wind is an annual bilateral training exercise during which American and Japanese forces work together to strengthen the organizational and operations understanding between U.S. and JGSDF personnel.

During this year's exercise, the 560th's participants provided realistic scenarios to "drive intelligence reports to the staff exercise." During the field training part of the exercise, the group set in motion a scenario that tested forward operating base defenses.

VanAmburgh's Soldiers also coordinated with, and guided and mentored officers of the subordinate units involved in North Wind. Noncommissioned officers of the group gave hands-on cordon and search training to JGSDF and to Soldiers from the Arkansas, California, Florida and Nebraska Army Guard.

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Guard Counter Drug Soldiers help civilian officers `do it better'

Editor's Note: Because of the specialized work they do, only the radio call signs of the personnel interviewed for this story have been used. Only the operations officer for the Georgia Counter Drug Task Force is identified by name.
By Staff Sgt. Roy Henry Georgia National Guard Public Affairs Office
Related Story

LAGRANGE For the tenth consecutive year, Army Guardsmen along with the Georgia Counter Drug Task Force (GaCDTF) are helping their civilian counterparts improve their ability to sneak up on the bad guys.

Exercise Woodland Training 2008 took place, just as it does every year, on the

grounds of the Georgia Sheriff's Association's 2,700-acre Camp Pioneer. Twenty-two

counter drug and anti-terrorist agents from Calhoun Police and Gordon County

Sheriff's Office, Cobb County Sheriff's Office and Marietta Police, Coweta County

Sheriff's Office, Metro Atlanta Police, Georgia Department of Natural Resources,

Members of Red Team take down two "drug

Houston County Sheriff's Office and Paulding County Sheriff's Office participated in

suspects" during Woodland Training 2008. The face the training.

of one of the suspects has been blurred to keep his identity secret. (Photo manipulation by Staff Sgt. Roy Henry, Georgia National Guard)

Their five day exercise culminated in a night-time scenario in which they took down several "big-time drug dealers" and their "body guards," and seized a large amount of "illegal narcotics," weapons and vehicles using what they'd learned from their

instructors.Georgia's RAID helicopter equipped with a Night Sun spotlight was also utilized during the "final exam.".

Although it's not the first time the RAID chopper has been used for night missions, it is the first time air assets have been brought in and used for day operations.

There have been other changes to the training beside the way RAID has been used, said 1st Lt. Shilo Crane, counter drug's operations officer. One the most significant changes is the way the planning and execution of missions, he explained.

"This year we've put more emphasis on the `Military Decision Making Process,'" Crane said. "Based on past experience, we've found that most agencies don't involve things like risk assessment, identifying those factors that help a team decide whether an operation can be successful based on the risk involved."

Another change is that students take more responsibility for mission planning, he said.

During the first couple of training scenarios, instructors go through the planning process, from beginning to end, showing their respective teams the military method of putting together an operation. In this way, they make sure each team member knows their job and everyone else's and then how to make the mission happen.

"All-in-all, these guys have done a great job," said Instructor No. 1 for Red Team. "They've soaked up what we've taught them, and then put it into practice with a great deal of success. There have been minor mistakes, but like anything else it's a learning process that's improved upon each time it's done," he added.

Red 1, team leader for the Red Team agreed. "Getting it right the first time, every time would be a great thing," he said, "but that's not the reality. "What is real, is that we're going to make mistakes, and this is the place where we want to make them," Red 1 continued. "Because, out there, mistakes made during an actual attempt to bring down a drug dealer or terrorist will get someone hurt or killed.

And that's hopefully not going to happen as long as training opportunities like Counter Drug's Woodland Training is available, he said.

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Counter Drug honors camp director

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

LAGRANGE Georgia Counter Drug Task Force honored the man who has helped that organization meet its goals in training of civilian law enforcement officers for the past four years at PinelandCamp Pioneer.

In a ceremony outside the camp gymnasium, Lt. Col. Robert B. Gaston presented Shane Goddard the Georgia Commendation Medal and a Counter Drug Task Force challenge coin.

Lieutenant Col. Robert B. Gaston (left), commander Georgia Counter Drug Task Force, hands Shane Goddard, director Pineland-Camp Pioneer, and the task force challenge coin. Gaston also presented Goddard the Georgia Commendation Medal for all he's done in support of the CDTF. (Georgia National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Roy Henry)
more honored to receive an award than the ones Gaston gave him.

"Shane has been invaluable to our mission of helping counter drug agents and anti-terrorist officers from across the state improve on how they do their jobs," Gaston told a formation of Georgia Counter Drug Task Force instructors. "His selfless commitment to assisting us, and our students, in every possible way, is something for which we'll always be grateful."
Goddard, whose been at Pineland for the past 11 years, said he didn't believe he deserves the recognition, but has never been

"Being able to serve our National Guard, our law enforcement community, my community and my state has always been my pleasure," Goddard said.

"Our Guard, our police and our sheriff's give much to us," he added. "Having them here is only a small way of repaying them for what they do."

After the ceremony, Command Sgt. Maj. Mike Hurndon also passed on his thanks and congratulations to Goddard. Patriots such as Goddard, he said, don't do seek reward for what they do. They simply do it because it's needs to be done.

"How can we not honor that," Hurndon said. "How does that not deserve our recognition and appreciation."

Pineland-Camp Pioneer's 2,700-acre facility off Youngsmill Road, is operated by the Georgia Sheriff's Association. Besides making its self available to the training of civilian law enforcement officers, the camp primary purpose is to provide a safe and enjoyable environment to abused and neglected children.

Goddard stated that more than 700 children, alone, come to Pineland for summer camp each year. The rest of the time, the site plays host to more than an estimated 3,500 folks who come to the site to use its camping and recreational facilities.

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Return to First Friday Briefing
Gen. Dudney poses with some of the guests in front of a CH-47 Chinook from the 169th Aviation Regiment from Army Aviation Facility #3 at Hunter Army Airfield.
USO Volunteers honored by Guard in Savannah
The Georgia National Guard hosted a USO volunteer appreciation day in Savannah in March. The event, sponsored by the 1st Battalion, 118th Field Artillery, included area units along with representatives from the US Coast Station at Hunter Army Airfield. Brig. Gen. Larry Dudney, commander of 78th Troop Command, welcomed the more that 200 USO volunteers and guests in attendance.
Return to First Friday Briefing

Brigade unit honors fallen Texas Guardsman

MACON At the request of one of its own, Headquarters Company of Georgia's 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team paid tribute to a Texas Army Guardsman and the Warner Robins-based family he left behind.

The Soldier who made the request, Spc. David O'Steen, is an infantryman and the brother-in-law of the late Sgt. Robert Nichols. It was O'Steen's wife, Mary, and Nichols' sister who accepted the American flag presented by Headquarters Company in honor of her brother's sacrifice.

The ceremony took place outside brigade headquarters. Captain Andrew Lane, brigade safety officer, made the presentation.

Captain Andrew Lane, safety officer for the 48th IBCT, presents Mary O'Steen the U.S. flag in honor of her brother Sgt. Robert Nichols, who died in January from injuries suffered during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Nichols was a Soldier in the 36th Infantry Division, Texas Army National Guard. Soldiers of the brigade's Headquarters Company joined in the ceremony, as did Nichols' nieces Sandra and Ariel O'Steen. (Photo by Staff Sgt. David Bill, 48th IBCT Public Affairs)
what he was doing. We all miss him so much."

Nichols, a former 82nd Airborne Soldier, died Jan. 22 in San Antonio while trying to recover from injuries he received while serving with the Texas Guard's 36th Infantry Division in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. His wounds, O'Steen said, were the result of a November 2007 mortar and rocket attack.
"Robert had been hospitalized for about three months before he left us," he said. "He was one hell of a Soldier, and strongly believed in

Mary, O'Steen said, was having a difficult time dealing with her brother's death. O'Steen, who works as a structural mechanic for the Air Force at Robins Air Force Base, said he talked to Lane one day this past week about his brother-in-law, his death and the effect it was having on Mary.

"The captain listened and when I was finished, (he) asked me if she might accept a U.S. flag from the unit in honor of Robert," O'Steen explained. "Apparently he still had a couple left over from when the brigade had been in Iraq.

Lane had bought several, he recalled, and flew them during the 48th's yearlong deployment, said O'Steen . Most were sent to families of brigade Soldiers, for one reason or another, he added.

"I told the captain I was sure Mary would, but that was about all I could say," he continued. "It really threw me for a loop. I mean, no one in the unit knew Robert, yet the unit was willing to recognize his courage and his sacrifice as it would one of its own."

Several days later, O'Steen recalled, Lane said he talked with Headquarters Company first sergeant, 1st Sgt. Charles Sheard about honoring Nichols. Sheard, he said, stated he would be honored to perform the ceremony and have Mary and her family as the unit's guests.

"Doesn't matter that he wasn't a Georgia Guardsman or part of our unit," Sheard said. "We may not have known sergeant Nichols personally. He was, is, always will be a comradein-arms, and that's all that matters."

With the ceremony ended and the flag honoring her brother prominently displayed in the O'Steen home, Mary reflected on how she felt when Lane bent down and presented it to her, blue field up, stars showing.

"I can't begin to put into words how deeply touched I am, how very grateful I am to them for what they did," she said. "I was quite emotional then, and I remain so every time I think about it."

There's no way, Mary said, that she can ever fully express her appreciation for what the Officers and Soldiers of Headquarters Company, 48th IBCT, did. It will never be enough just to say, "thank you."

"It wasn't something they had to do," she said. "For them to honor Robert that way is about the most wonderful thing anyone could have done, for him and for us."

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Douglas' 848th Engineer Company deploys to Iraq

By Spc Amanda Kenny Georgia Army National Guard

DOUGLAS, Ga. -- More than 200 family members and friends said farewell to loved ones Saturday, March 29, as Soldiers of the 848th Engineer Company are headed for Iraq.

The members of the 848th Engineer Company say good bye to their family and friends as they depart on a year long journey to Iraq. Lead by Capt. Israel Brown, many of these engineers are volunteers from various other units. (Georgia National Guard photo by Spc. Amanda Kenny)

"You cannot get back until you get there," said Maj. Gen. Terry Nesbitt, the Adjutant General, as he addressed the men of the 848th. "That tour begins today and we will not breathe easy until you all return home," Nesbitt told the more than 100 Guardsmen at a send off ceremony at the Douglas armory."
Nesbitt specifically pointed out the families of the deploying Guardsmen, calling them, "the brick and mortar," of the Guard. "Without you (family members) standing behind them they cannot do what they need to do."

Capt. Israel Brown, commander, 848th, who was promoted during the ceremony to the rank of captain, said "this is the most diverse unit I have had the pleasure of commanding. There were so many volunteers who wanted to be a part of this unit. We even have a Soldier who came all the way from South Dakota.

"Most of these volunteers were not even engineers, but we sent them to school and all but a few are back and ready to fight," continued Brown. "The remaining few will finish school and join us in Iraq."

The 848th made its first deployment to Iraq in 2005 with the 48th Infantry Combat Brigade, the unit was then known as Company C, 648th Engineers. The unit was reflagged to its current designation June 2007.

Congressman Jack Kingston also had words of encouragement for the Soldiers he represents. Quoting President Ronald Regan, the congressman declared," Freedom is always a generation away from extinction."

Kingston also encouraged the men to write home to him about anything they see that is good or needs to be improved.

Representative Chuck Sims, a former commander of the unit, said "remain vigilant and aware and bring these men home."

The unit was adopted by two Veterans of Foreign Wars posts, as well as given two Georgia flags to take with them into battle. The family readiness group was also recognized. The commander of VFW Post 5976 presented the FRG with a $1,000 check.

The engineers will be doing reconstruction and security missions while deployed. They left March 31 for Fort McCoy to finish mobilization training, before deploying overseas.

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116th ACW recruiter nets Air Guard award
It's becoming almost a matter of routine for Tech. Sgt. Dianna Bowen, Air Guard Recruiter for the 116th Air Control Wing who captured the distinguished ANG Director's Challenge earlier this year. Bowen won the ANG recruiting honor by exceeding by 35 percent of her established recruiting goal of twelve new recruits into the Georgia Air Guard.
The 10-year Air Guard veteran has won the ANG Directors Challenge three out of the past four years.
Lieutenant Gen. Craig R. McKinley, Air Guard Director presented the honor to Bowen at the Phoenix, Ariz., recruiting conference. One hundred thirty-five recruiters from across the country also won the award.
Since November, Bowen has helped more than thirty-one men and women to enlist into the Georgia Air National Guard.
"I feel that my success is dependent upon my desire to help each potential recruit learn exactly what he or she is looking for in the Air Guard," said Bowen. "After I know what they wish to do, I continually follow through with the person. Following through is key".
Bowen is one of 11 Air Guard recruiters in the state. She began her recruiting career following two years with the 224th Joint Communications Support Squadron in Brunswick.
"At a time when the ANG is facing a critical recruiting year, Bowen continues to step up to the challenge," said Maj. Gen. Scott A. Hammond, commander of the Georgia Air National Guard. "Your professionalism and dedication has set a lofty goal for all in our organization."
The first ANG Directors Challenge took place in 2005 and Georgia Air Guard recruiter Master Sgt. Jennifer Whitehurst, a recruiting officer supervisor with the 165th Airlift Wing in Savannah.
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Enola Gay navigator recounts dropping A-bomb on HiroshimaBy Spc By By Spc
Amanda Kenney Georgia Army National Guard

DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Marietta, Ga. Sixty-three years after the Enola Gay dropped the world's first atomic bomb on Hiroshima, navigator Dutch Van Kirk remembers the "bright flash" and "shockwave" of the explosion.

Speaking to a group of military aviators and others, who were in attendance at the Army Air Aviator Association meeting hosted by the Guard's 171st Aviation Battalion, Van Kirk declared "after we dropped the bomb, we made the turn and got away from there."

Flying the four engine B-29 super fortress, he and the 11 other members concluded the bomb was a "dud because we had gotten 12 miles away in 43 seconds", and there had been no explosion. "Then we saw a bright flash of light in the plane," he said. "The first shock wave hit us at three and a half Gs of force.

"After we were sure the plane wasn't falling apart we went back to look,"

Dutch Van Kirk, navigator aboard the Enola Gay, speaks to said Van Kirk. "We flew past the southeast quadrant of the city and

the aviators and families of the Army Aviation Association

everything was covered in dust and debris."

during their monthly meeting at the 171th Aviations Drill hall

at Dobbins Air Reserve Base, March 26. The Enola Gay

Four days later another B-29, the Bockscar piloted by Maj. Charles

dropped the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima August 6, 1945. Sweeney, dropped a second atomic bomb on the port city of Nagasaki.

Van Kirk, who never returned to Hiroshima, later spent three days

accompanying scientists around Nagasaki examining the results of the second bombing.

Van Kirk, a Nevada native, joined the Army Air Corps in 1941. In 1942 he joined the 97th Bomb Group as navigator flying B17 Flying Fortress commanded by Col. Paul Tibbits. By 1943, Van Kirk had completes more than 58 mission over Europe and North Africa.

In 1944 Van Kirk was assigned to the 509th Composite Group located at Wendover Field, Utah. There, he rejoined Tibbets and helped, he said, to prepare 15 bomb crews to drop a special "weapon" on the Japanese.

Working for a group of scientists and weapon designers called the Manhattan Group after the Manhattan Project, a program to develop the atomic bomb, Van Kirk remembered that "we would practice dropping what they thought the bomb would look like. And, they (the Manhattan Group) came up with some pretty crazy ideas. One looked like a telephone pole and we couldn't even fit it in the bay of the aircraft."

The composite group had special B29s designed for this mission that were completely "stripped down" so that they could compensate for the weight of the bomb and the fact the aircraft would have to make a 150 degree turn to get nine miles away before the bomb exploded, said Van Kirk.

After training at Wendover the crew moved to a small group of islands off Guam. From there, the crews flew small bombing and reconnaissance missions over Japan so that the Japanese would get used to seeing the one or two planes, he said.

On the day of the mission, only three planes flew, said Van Kirk. One had the

bomb, one had the equipment to measure the blast and the third was for photographic evidence, but the camera didn't work. "It was the longest bombing run (13 hours) I ever sat on in my life. The Japanese had nothing that could hit us at 10,000 feet," he said.

The bomb was dropped at "9:15 and 15 seconds, and we were 15 seconds late."

The bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, through controversial in later years because of the death toll, estimated at more than 100,000 by government official, probably saved more than a million servemembers lives, who would have had to land on the island of Japan and fight their way across the island. It also saved the lives of many Prisoners of War held by the Japanese

Bill Price, an Army Air Corps pilot, who was taken captive after a mid air collision with a Kamikaze over Japan told Van Kirk and the assembled audience that he was grateful for the blasts that ended the war. "Had your crews not dropped the bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki (in early August)," he said. "All prisoners of war were set to be executed August 29."

Sergeant Maj. Henry Kimbler, of the 171st Aviation, had close ties to the bombings in Japan. His father, Randy, was a member of the occupation force that pulled into Nagasaki Bay after the bombing. "I am very honored by this once in a life time opportunity," said Kimbler about meeting Van Kirk.

Colonel John Till, commander 171st Aviation Battalion said "we stand in a room of heroes. I cannot tell my grandfather and uncles how much they mean to me, but we have the chance today to tell the ones who are still here. They are living history and want to educate young aviators."

Explosion at Hiroshima in August 1945

Van Kirk's appearance was sponsored by the Army Aviation Association.

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