Online at www.dod.state.ga.us Happy Holidays January 2009 3 Bremen Post office named for fallen Soldier 6 Cobb County students get special shopping trip with first responders 8 A 2008 Georgia Guard Holiday Celebration A look at the Holiday celebrations across the world by 48th Brigade Combat Team Soldiers. 11 278th MP Company returns from Iraq 12 Governor pins first African-American General in Georgia Guard 13 Guard honors Griffin Bell's service to the nation Photo by Sgt. Tracy J. Smith, 48th IBCT, PAO Yazmin Floyd took a break from her official, unofficial, duties as Special Staff Command Sgt. Major to give advice to the `Big Man' himself. Her mother, Specialist LaTasha Simmons is proud of her 5-year old daughter. "She took the last deployment pretty hard. Of course she was much younger but watching her today she seems to be more understanding and I guess because she has a sense of my day-to-day life. I'm just proud of her and want her to be proud of me." Complete Coverage page 8 122nd RTI Changes Command Photo by Sgt. Tracy J. Smith, 48th IBCT (L) PAO NAVAL AIR STATION ALANTA -- Lieutenant Col. Diana S. Meador, returns the battalion colors to Master Sgt. Aaron Dawson, RTI first sergeant during a change of command ceremony for the 1st Battalion, 122nd Regiment, Regional Training Institute (MI) on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2008. Lieutenant Col. Cyro Harrison, outgoing commander, congratulated Meador and thanked the Soldiers and the NCO corps for making the transition in the institute's mission to support the Global War on Terror a workable vision in spite of a 50 percent reduction in instructors. Meador, finance officer for the USPFO in Atlanta, is excited as she takes the reins of the battalion and works to grow the instructor corps within the confines of budget. Her determination is to ensure the Soldiers the institute trains receive the best instructional opportunities under current mandates without overlooking the Soldier's needs. Adhering to tradition while looking progressively to the future of the learning `Sentinel of Freedom.' "I want to build on what Lt. Col. Harrison has set as a standard for military intelligence training and continue to work with the Soldiers and cadre to exceed expectation." 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. 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 Heritage painting honoring 48th deployment to hang in Pentagon Georgia's 48th Infantry Combat Brigade Team's historic deployment to Iraq during 2005-06 is now the subject of a painting in the National Guard "Heritage Collection," and will be hung outside Guard Bureau offices at the Penatgon. The painting joins 55 other historical paintings that commemorate the National Guard in battles from the earliest colonial period to the present. The 48th painting, by military artist Larry Selman, was initially proposed in late 2006, and commissioned in 2007. It depicts a brigade MiTT (Military Transition Team) conducting a joint patrol in the Mahmudiya marketplace, Iraq. Former National Guard director, Lt. Gen. H. Steven Blum, asked that the 48th Brigade painting hang outside the NGB office in the Pentagon. Copies of the painting are available this year through the National Guard Bureau Heritage Series Website at http://www.ngb.army.mil/resources/photo_gallery/heritage/index.htm Bremen Post office named for fallen Soldier Story by Amanda Kenny Georgia National Guard Public Affairs Office BREMEN, Ga. The auditorium at Bremen High School filled with students, friends, family and fellow service members to honor and remember Sgt. Paul Saylor, a Troop E, 108th Calvary Soldier, who lost his life in Iraq in 2005, by naming the local post office after him. Saylor was a 2002 graduate from Bremen High School, and was a part of the drama club and football team. Sharon Sewell, Bremen mayor, described Saylor as always cheerful and helpful. "This entire campus is marked with his foot steps," said Sewell as she spoke about him. Sewell also proclaimed Dec. 16 as Paul Saylor day in Bremen to honor his memory. Brigadier Gen. Maria Britt, Army Guard commander, read a letter from Maj. Gen. Terry Nesbitt, Georgia's Adjutant General. "The dedication of this building reflects Saylor's heroic sacrifice, and the personal price showed by all Georgia Guardsmen." Saylor's mother Patty also spoke, Photo by Amanda Kenny A painting of Sgt. Paul Saylor was deplayed by the stage along with his stetson and spurs, a symbol of the Calvary unit which Saylor was a member. Photo by Amanda Kenny Congressman Phil Gingrey and Patty Saylor unveil the replica plague that was placed outside the Bremen Post office in honor of Patty's son Sgt. Paul Saylor, who was killed August 2005 in Iraq. but instead of speaking of her son, she and three other Soldiers in the scout thanked everyone who had helped her team. get to this point. "I don't know what I Gringrey concluded by asking the would have done without everyone in assembly to not forget Paul Saylor or this community," she said. Patty also recognized the Soldiers who attempted to save Paul's life, as well as the members of his unit who were present at the ceremony. "We are here to pay honor and tribute to one of our fallen Soldiers." Congressman Phil Gingrey Congressman Phil Gingrey also spoke at the ceremony. "We are here to pay honor and tribute to one of our fallen Soldiers," he said. "He was a friend to everybody. the other men and women who had fall- "Paul wanted to go to college just en in the multiple conflicts military has like everyone else," Gingrey contin- been involved in, and also remember ued. "While at North Georgia College the families who are without them. he joined the Georgia National Guard The ceremony ended with the un- knowing there was the possibility to veiling of a replica plague that will be deploy." placed outside the post office renamed The 108th, part of Georgia's 48th In- for Paul. fantry Brigade Combat Team, deployed in June 2005. Two months later Paul's Humvee rolled into a canal killing him The First Friday Briefing 3 Youth ChalleNGe graduates class 31 Story by Pfc. Mozelle Blakley Georgia National Guard 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team MACON CITY AUDITORIUM More than 200 cadets of the Georgia National Guard's Youth Challenge Academy at Fort Stewart crossed the stage of Macon's downtown auditorium and received their diplomas, Saturday, Dec. 20, 2008 during ceremonies here. Among the dignitaries present were Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle and Maj. Gen. Larry Ross, assistant to the adjutant general for Defense Support of Civil Authorities. Cagle told the audience of more than 400 parents, relatives and family friends that "the students you see before you today have come a long way since their acceptance into the program. Each has gained a lot of confidence after going through the program, and the fact that they stand here before you today, tells us they are now more ready to stand on their own two feet and meet life's challenges." "Youth Challenge helps build upon the tangible things of a person's character, and works to help them demon- almost 1,000 of Georgia's at-risk youth the opportu- nity to become successful adults through 5 month curriculum of discipline and education As they progress in their training, each cadet goes through rigorous training in addition to contempo- rary studies, such as math and basic life skills. Many are able to adapt to the military-life style used to build self confidence and team work. Photo by Pfc. Mozelle Blakley Major Gen. Larry Ross, assistant to the adjutant gen- Georgia's Youth Chal- eral for Defense Support of Civil Authorities, poses lenge Academies, at Fort with a graduate on stage at the Dec. 20 Youth Chal- Stewart and Fort Gordon leNGe graduation in Macon, Ga. in Augusta, operate in five strate courage and self-discipline," said month iterations. When Cagle. "Confidence and courage are one class graduates another is just be- two very important ingredients needed hind waiting to gets its welcome brief. for success in life, and through this Attending the Academy offers stu- program, we give those accepted into dents a second chance. All graduate the academy, the opportunity to better with a GED, and some go on to college themselves and their standing in life." or technical school. Others go on to The Youth Challenge program es- military service, many of them with the tablished in 1994 annually provides Army and Air National Guard. Captain "Santa Clark" Howard pulls off a Christmas miracle Georgia State Defense Force Public Affairs Office Even though it was a chilly morning, hearts were warmed by the number of people who came to help foster children at Clark's Christmas Kids event in Cobb County. This was the 18th year that Georgia State Defense Force Captain and consumer advocate Clark Howard and News/Talk 750 WSB have joined together with the Georgia Department of Family and Children's Services to provide gifts for children in foster care across Georgia. Shopping cart after shopping cart filled with toys flooded the collection tables and kept Howards's elves busy all afternoon. Ten Soldiers from the GSDF, including SDF commander Brig. Gen. Jerry Bradford, joined Howard at the East Cobb Wal-Mart to spend the $2,250 collected at this year's Christmas luncheon. As always, the GSDF Soldiers proved they were "ready to serve." Because of the generosity of Howard's listeners, the Christmas Kids Campaign collected about half of all the gifts DFACs will give to children in foster care, and because of Howard's hard work, every foster child in the state will Contributed photo Brigadier Gen. Jerry Bradford, State Defense Force commander, along with Maj. Eddie Williams, SDF public affairs officer, present a check to Capt. Clark Howard at the East Cobb WalMart for Clark's Christmas Kids program. receive a Christmas gift this year. 4 The First Friday Briefing Thomasson selected as top GTCC NCO Spc. Adam Dean Georgia Army National Guard 124th MPAD FORT STEWART Georgia Army National Guard Command Sgt. Maj. Bruce Thomasson became the top noncommissioned officer for the Georgia Garrison Training Center Command during a change of responsibility ceremony at the Command Conference Center, Dec. 6, 2008. Outgoing Command Sgt. Maj. James H. Dennis retires from the Georgia Guard, but continues to serve the interests of Guardsmen as the newly elected president of the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States. "I'm honored to have been selected to back-fill Command Sgt. Maj. Dennis here at the Georgia Garrison Training Center. I've got some awfully big boots to fill, but I can assure you I'm going to do my best to do that," said Thomasson. Colonel David S. Lee, garrison com- mander, GGTCC, said there were several well-qualified candidates for the post, but that Thomasson emerged as the perfect fit. "Over the past couple of weeks, I've gotten to know Command Sgt. Maj. Thomasson, and during our time together, it quickly became evident that he is the right person for the job," said Lee. Thomasson's career with the Georgia Guard began in 1971 as an engineer mechanic with Headquarters Company, 560th Engineer Battalion. After serving with the 560th in various capacities, he transferred to the 82nd Maintenance Company where he served as first sergeant. He also served as the senior maintenance supervisor for the 110th Corps Support Battalion, and later became that unit's command sergeant major, serving as such until his appointment at the GGTCC. Thomasson, a resident of Columbus, is also employed full-time with the Photo by Spc. Adam Dean Command Sgt. Maj. Bruce Thomasson receives the guidon for the Georgia Garrison Training Center Command from Col. David S. Lee, commander. Georgia Guard as the surface maintenance supervisor for Field Maintenance Shop No. 1 in Atlanta. CSM Dennis ends three decades of service Spc. Adam Dean "Sometimes you meet Georgia Army National Guard 124th MPAD people who you recognize as someone special. James Den- FORT STEWART Friends nis was one of those people for and Georgia National Guard lead- me," he said. ers celebrated the achievements Dennis was awarded the Le- and career of Command Sgt. Maj. gion of Merit medal in recogni- James H. Dennis during a retire- tion of his 40 years of service, ment ceremony held at the Geor- and received several gifts to gia Garrison Training Center, in include a special non-commis- early December 2008. sioned officer dress saber and "I'm humbled and honored that you chose to spend this very special time with Judy and I, and Photo by Spc. Adam Dean Command Sgt. Maj. James H. Dennis receives the thanks and congratulations of Maj. Gen. Terry Nesbitt, the original command colors of the GGTCC. During the ceremony Den- our family," said Dennis. "I cher- Georgia's Adjutant General, for 40 years of service. nis's wife, Judy, was presented ish the good work that we were the Georgia Meritorious Ser- able to do, and continue to do to vice Medal in recognition of help our Soldiers and their families prepare for, fight and win her distinguished work in the development of family readi- a war," said Dennis. ness groups, and for her volunteer work with the Enlisted Georgia's Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Terry Nesbitt, Association of the National Guard of the United States. called Dennis a close personal friend, and said that he had Dennis, a resident of Douglas, will continue to serve served with him for more than 30 years. Reflecting on the Guardsmen. He recently was elected to serve as president of first time they met in 1975, Nesbitt said he could see then the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United how important Dennis would be to the Georgia Guard. States (EANGUS). The First Friday Briefing 5 Cobb County students get special shopping trip with first responders Story by Amanda Kenny Georgia National Guard Public Affairs Office AUSTELL The sound of applause was the first thing more than 75 students from Cobb Country schools heard as they entered the Wal-Mart store on the East-West Connector Dec. 12, 2008. The students were all kindergarten through fifth grade children, and the trip to Wal-Mart meant a bright and "merry Christmas," thanks to several Georgia Guardsmen and Smyrna policemen. The kids were part of "Shop with a hero," a program that pairs a child up with a National Guardsman, policeman or fire fighter to shop for Christmas goodies. "This started as Shop with a Fire Fighter eight years ago and has expanded to include police officers and military," said Michael Smith, the public information officer for the Smyrna Police Department. "Over the course of the year, we hold various fundraisers and the money goes to taking these children shopping before Christmas." This year the Guard's 4th Civil Support Team participated in the program. One student had an extra special day, Deandre Davis, 8, and 1st grade student at Belmont Hills Elementary School, was also celebrating his birthday. "It's fun to shop with them," Davis said as he and Staff Sgt. Karon Ayers, admin noncommissioned officer for the 4th CST, picked out some new shirts. "I want to get some new clothes and shoes," he said. Each of the 75 children were given a $250 budget, and could shop for anything from things for themselves to fam- Photo by Amanda Kenny Specialist Megan King, a medic with the 4th Civil Support Team, helps Aiyana, 5, a pre-kindergarten student, check out after helping her do her Christmas shopping at a Wal-Mart in Austell. The Shop with a Hero event helps under privileged children have a better Christmas. Photo by Amanda Kenny Specialist Jonathan Dean, a survey team member with the 4th Civil Support Team, helps Eric Guillen, 11, a 5th grade student at Belmont Hills Elementary School, pick out some new gloves and clothes during the Shop with a Hero. ily members to essentials they may need, said 1st Sgt. David McElwee. After the students were done shopping they were treated to lunch at the store's McDonalds. Specialist Jonathan Dean, a survey team member, and Eric Guillen, 11, a 5th grade student at Bellmont Hills Elementary School, went shopping for winter clothes. "It's kinda nice to shop with them," said Guillen. "I want to get some new clothes and shoes like long sleeve shirts and some pants." The items the students were shopping for ranged from new shoes to movies to bicycles to computers. There was nothing but smiles on their faces as they checked out and went to lunch. Students, that participate, are picked by the counselor or social worker at the school, said Jonathan Tabb, social worker for Belmont Hill Elementary. They all come from Title 1 schools with low economic status. More than 90 police officers, fire fighters, military personnel and store employees were on hand to help the students fulfill their Christmas lists. 6 The First Friday Briefing Uncommon Airman using joy, competence as `force multiplier' Story by Gene Rector can, and if I get an award that's great," Williams said. "But Macon Telegraph I'm not `Oh, I got an award. Let me brag about it.' " ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE -- Other than his flight Williams views deployment as a type of personal proving suit and the usual trappings of the military, there is nothing ground -- a time of intensified stress and testing. uniform or standard about James Williams, Jr. "You just do the job like you're trained to do with no side The senior airman -- soon to be staff sergeant -- is a thought," he said. "That's the one thing I've found out about fountainhead of smiles and joy that contrasts sharply with myself. In that environment, I can operate." his serious job as a communications technician for a Joint The one chink in his internal armor -- the one hole in his STARS mission crew. heart -- is the loss of his mother, Martha. He was 13 when Williams, 22, is also a mother lode of competence, Air- she died of lung cancer. Although he has two brothers, they man of the Quarter for his squadron and group and "Profes- are 10 and five years older. sional of the Month" according to his senior enlisted coun- "I was the baby in the family, so I guess I always got the terparts. He was chosen to fly on a "Red Flag" exercise crew special mama treatment," he said. "I guess I got more care." and selected for upgrade to instructor. Her loss still hurts. His eyes became full when he spoke Senior Master Sgt. Joe Cousins, operations superinten- of her. He remembered some of the special dishes she would dent for the 116th Air Control Wing at Robins Air Force cook: the sweet potato pie at Thanksgiving and the almost Base, calls Williams a "rising enlisted star." weekly spaghetti. "He is a shining testimony of our Air Force core values," "Spaghetti, that's my favorite food," he confided as the Cousins added. smile returned. "My mom made it a special way -- special Williams' squadron commander, Lt. Col. Bill Gould, mama spaghetti." echoes those sentiments. He also cites the young airman's Williams has some strong advice for other young men volunteer work with Airmen Against Drunk Driving and struggling with their present and their future. Meals on Wheels. "You can easily go the wrong way," he said, "particularly "He is a great asset to (the squadron) and the United States when you feel everything's against you and nothing's fair. Air Force," Gould said. But there is always a positive in the negative. That's what But Williams is not all joy and competence. Underneath my dad always said. You have to figure out how to cope and all of that is an equally uncommon mettle -- a focus and de- deal with it. Don't let anything get you down." termination that continue to thrive despite what life throws Williams said his philosophy is to try his hardest at ev- his way. Williams has had his share of hills to climb, includ- erything. ing the loss of his mother and three overseas deployments "Obviously I'm not the best at everything," he said. "But since arriving at Robins in February 2006. His fourth will if people see you put your all into it -- even if you don't do come in just a few days. it exactly right -- they'll think highly of you." Williams -- smiling as always -- believes his disposition is a "force multiplier" for his fellow airmen. "In the bad times, when every- body's feeling down, I'm always the spark of joy or happiness," the single, South Carolina native said. "I've rarely been sad. (My crew members) can always get a good laugh from me. It's a personality trait I got from my parents." The airmen grew up in Charles- ton always knowing that he would enter the military. His father is an Air Force retiree. Two uncles and an older brother also were in the military. He has not told his father about the awards he's won. Photo by Beau Cabell, The Telegraph Airman James Williams, Jr., a member of the Joint STARS crew, stands in front of one of "I'm doing my job the best I the planes he maintains. The First Friday Briefing 7 A 2008 Georgia Guard Holiday Celebration Story by Sgt. Tracy J. Smith 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office DOBBINS ARB, Marietta, Ga. - The magic of the holidays does indeed inspire one to wax poetic. Each year becomes more and more special as families feel the cloud of separation looming. The term Global War on Terror rolls from the tongue as effortlessly as saying one's name. As Warfighters the term reinforces the need to Embrace Today. Many units throughout the state are anticipating re-deployment. Some Soldiers are experiencing a third and, in rare instances, fourth trip down range as the focus on the fight trains its eye on Afghanistan. Doing those numbers, the 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team's upcoming mission puts the majority of the Soldiers in that unenviable position. Horseblankets, or unit training schedules, are multihued lines and columns of weapons, physical and basic Soldier training requirements and appointments. The chaos of preparation has become common in households as the normalcy (read tongue-in-cheek) of civilian life is interrupted by extended military training days and schools. So I honor our Georgia Guardsmen and women, our Warfighters. Celebrate the drive for normalcy, peppered with chaos by taking a personal journey, in pictures from Washington, DC to our armory in Dublin, Ga. We celebrate our families, our Soldiers and our communities. Photo by Sgt. Tracy J. Smith, 48th IBCT, PAO Rabbi Zalman Lipskier, State Defense Force Orthodox Jewish Chaplain celebrating with 78th Aviation Troop Command and talks with Command Sgt. Major Ed Hepler. "My whole life is about volunteering. It's great for people to get together. In the Jewish calendar every seven years when the temple stood there was a special gathering, (called the year of gatherings) and it's powerful when people come together for good reason and good holiday cheer to meet each other and wish each other well. It's a beautiful thing. God loves it! There is no greater joy a parent can have when He sees his children getting along." Sergeant Carlina Biascoechea, a native of Puerto Rico and six year Georgia National Guardsman, was injured in Iraq during OIF 3.5. She has endured numerous surgeries since her return and assigned to the Wounded Warrior Program at Walter Reed. She has been managing a distance learning program with the Army Management Staff College in Virginia during her treatments and received an Army Commendation medal from the commandant for her dedication to revamping the program. She is now transitioning to Ft. Bragg, NC to work with hospital staff and ultimately retire from the Georgia Army National Guard. "My regret, if I am allowed to have one, is that I will not be able to deploy again with my brothers and sisters. They mean so much to me. But I'm being held together by duct tape at this point, guess you can say I've been glued and screwed so I am returning to where it all began for me on the active side. The last HOOAH! My heart will be with you all." 8 The First Friday Briefing Photo by Sgt. Tracy J. Smith, 48th IBCT, PAO Photo by Sgt. Tracy J. Smith, 48th IBCT, PAO Sergeant Walter E. Marion is the Food Service Sergeant for Company A, 148th Brigade Support Battalion in Dublin, Ga. He received the Army Commendation medal during the company's family day festivities for his superb performance during Operation Patriot in Wisconsin. His twin daughters, Kaylee and Kaylon, were part of First Sergeant Sandra Mojica's special `Command Staff' for the day. On the eve of holidays and deployments, Throughout the Georgia Army Guard Soldiers gathered with their families; To celebrate their love for all. An old fashion Christmas was the theme at Aviation "God loves it!" Rabbi Lipskier exclaimed. " ...when His children get along at holiday celebrations." In Dublin, 148th Alpha's 1st Sergeant, ad- vised her special staff Twin eleven year olds, a five year old and her cousin... Don't ask.... The five year old mini- Sandy Mojica, took to her Sergeant Major role real quick, But found it easier to climb onto an ample lap And whisper to Ole Saint Nick. So remembering the mistletoe, holly and menorahs We are looking at the holidays through the eyes of OUR Georgians! Photo by Sgt. Tracy J. Smith, 48th IBCT, PAO Randy Martin a twenty-six years retired Air Force veteran who worked on Air Force One flying with President Lyndon Johnson. He is a WWII Military Police re-enactor chats with Georgia Army National Guard and OIF combat medic Sgt. Grace Sigunga during the 171st General support Aviation Bn. Family day. "Seeing G-Is gives me the greatest joy especially during the holidays. The neat thing about military people is they don't meet strangers and don't have a lot of barriers up like a lot of people do. With military you are instant friends and that's the way it should be." Photo by Sgt. Tracy J. Smith, 48th IBCT, PAO The Honorable Tye E. Howard, Mayor of Forsyth, Ga. is a selfdescribed military brat. His father was a Ranger and they lived at Ft. Benning; three times. Howard is sensitive to the needs of military family and the void that is left at deployment. He took the time to talk with Soldiers and spouses to remind them that the community is a force of support. The First Friday Briefing 9 117th Air Guardsman graduates with honors from AF top weapons directors school Master Sergeant Austin Blessard of Savannah adds yet another impressive angle to his military resume as a combat air controller. He's now a graduate of the Air Force's Advanced Weapons Directors School, the Air Force's premier program for the weapons directors. Blessard, a 12-year veteran of Savannah's 117th Air Control Squadron at Hunter Army Air Field is among a select number of weapons directors selected to attend the elite training program located at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. In the past 10 years, only 72 students have graduated from the Advanced Air Force Weapons School. Prior to his admittance to the elite program, Blessard was required to pass a rigorous screening process. The intensive weapons director course curriculum incorporates hundreds of hours of academics, extensive mission planning exercises and actual control of combat aircraft on the Nellis test and training range. Blessard controlled more than 20 exercises during the five-month Contributed photo Master Sgt. Austin Blessard demonstrates some of his course work from the Advanced Air Force Weapons School upon his return to the Savannah based unit. program. The classes at the Advanced Air Force Weapons School are purposefully limited to ensure the smallest instructor-to-student ratio. Not only was Blessard a graduate of the elite weapons control train- ing, he was also awarded the school's Academic Excellence Award. Blessard clearly is among the nation's top Air Force weapons directors located in fifteen Air Control Squadrons, active and reserve, throughout the country. Army, Air Guard faceoff at National Guard basketball game in March There's a real home court advantage for two teams scheduled to play on the hardwoods of Atlanta's Philips Arena in March. The teams will pair up with an awesome array of athletic abilities on each side, a fierce desire to play and win, and a commonly held goal to pay tribute to the men and women of the Georgia National Guard destined for deployment in 2009. The event is the first National Guard, Atlanta Hawks charity basketball game scheduled for March 13, 2009. Prior to a regularly scheduled NBA basketball game between the Atlanta Hawks and the Indiana Pacers, a team of Georgia Army Guardsmen face off with a team of Georgia Air Guardsmen for a high stakes, "Best in the Georgia Guard" competition loaded with pre-game fun and excite- ment. Guardsmen and their families are in- vited to witness this historic All-Guard matchup, and to remain for an exciting Hawks game and halftime activities that recognizes each unit scheduled for deployment in 2009. The Atlanta Hawks are providing discounted tickets for National Guard members and their families. Proceeds from ticket sales will go to support the many activities of the Georgia National Guard Foundation. Service reputations are on the line for this charity event that benefits everyone. Purchase your advance tickets now by completing the information on the event flyer, or call Tammy McEver at (678) 569-6025 or email tammy.mcever@us.army.mil. 10 The First Friday Briefing Home for the Holidays: 278th MPs return home from Iraq Story by Siobhan Carlile Communication was the key word during our deployment." Fort Gordon Public Affairs Office The 278th left Fort Gordon Jan. 9, 2008, to train at Fort Santa made a very special delivery in the early hours of Dix, N.J., prior to their deployment to Iraq. Christmas morning as 112 Soldiers were reunited with their Sergeant Jason Ferguson agreed with his executive offi- families and friends after a year in Iraq. cer, that the heat was a challenge but his family was never far The 278th Military Police Company arrived at Robbins from his thoughts through out his deployment. Air Force Base, in Warner Robins, at 3 a.m. Christmas morn- "We planned on getting home after Christmas," Ferguson ing and the Soldiers were given a four-day pass to spend said. "So getting home on Christmas was great, a good sur- time with loved-ones. prise." After a few days off with their families, the Soldiers re- Ferguson said the mission was similar to his civilian law ported to Fort Gordon, Dec. 29, for a welcome home cer- enforcement job because, "We were finding out what the emony and their post-deployment medical and personnel people needed, it was real up close and personal, and com- processing. munity oriented" Brigadier Gen. Jeffrey Foley, commanding general, Unit- Positively reflecting on the experience, he also added, ed States Army Signal Center and Fort Gordon, welcomed "Go Army. Re-enlist. If you're looking for a challenge, go the Soldiers home, "Most of you don't know me but I know military police." you, I know of your service and I want to say thank you A relatively new Soldier, Spc. James Kleinheinz had al- for your service to your Nation and your sacrifices... Wel- ready been deployed to Egypt before deploying to Iraq in come back, we're proud to have you here at Fort Gordon," the two short years he had been in the Army. but this hasn't he said. stopped him as he looks to deploy again, soon. Major Gen. Terry Nesbitt, Adjutant General of the Geor- "I'm thinking about volunteering by the end of the year," gia National Guard, welcomed them as well, assuring the he said. "I'll probably deploy again." Soldiers that there is no stigma attached to asking for help "We're all happy to be back," he said. "All I want to do as they reconnect with families, friends and civilian jobs, now is find some sand with water next to it instead of sand which can cause some stress. with sand next to it." "Don't be afraid to ask for help," he said. "We are here to help you." The Soldiers attended three days of out-briefings and integration training to assist them and their families in the transition back to civilian life. Many Soldiers in the unit are in civilian law enforcement in different capacities ac- cording to the unit's executive officer, 1st Lt. Albert Roberts. One of the biggest challenges of the deployment, said Roberts, was getting to know the culture and the environ- ment, which consisted mostly of blow- ing sand and dry heat. But it was worth the effort because the unit was able to make a difference, he said. "We didn't have rounds flying all over the place like there were several years ago," he commented. "We had the unique opportunity to use our minds and our mouths instead of weaponry. Contributed photo Soldiers of the 278th Military Police Company returned from Iraq Dec. 25, 2008, after spending four days with loved ones they returned to Fort Gordon for demobilization training. The First Friday Briefing 11 Wells becomes Guard's first African-American general ATLANTA - Governor Sonny Perdue made it official Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2009, when he pinned the stars on Col. Joseph M. Wells' uniform, promoting him to the rank of brigadier general in the Georgia Army National Guard. With the promotion, Wells becomes the first African-American general officer in the Guard's 276-year history. "With his distinguished record and outstanding service to his nation and Georgia, Brigadier General Wells has earned this star," Perdue said. Wells noted the significance of the occasion saying, "The main honor in being the first African-American general is to pave a good path so that people behind me can have something to shoot for." Assisting the Governor in the pinning Wells was Brig. Gen. Maria Britt, the Commanding General of the 11,000-member Georgia Army Guard and the Army Guard's first female general officer. Britt received her promotion in 2008. Wells, a native of Rome, is the Photo by Sgt. Tracy J. Smith, 48th IBCT PAO Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue attaches the star to Joseph M Wells' epaulet officially designating Wells as the Georgia Army National Guard's first African-American General Officer in the 276 year history of the organization. deputy commanding general (Reserve Component) at the United States Army Intelligence Center and Fort Huachuca, Az. Prior to this appointment, he was director of intelligence at the Georgia National Guard Joint Forces Headquar- ters in Atlanta. In his civilian profession, Wells is a Boeing 777 flight officer with Continental Airlines. This Month in Georgia GuardHistory January 1951 Battalion headquarters of the 560th Engineers (combat) moved into their offices at the new brick armory on Victory Drive in Columbus, Ga. They were joined within a few days with two other battalion units although companies A and D remained at the fairgrounds. The structure, on 6 acres donated by the city to the State, was designed as more of a warehouse with offices rather than a standard armory to reduce construction costs; hence, the cost of the building went from $225,000 to $30,000. January 1951 In the face of hostilities widening on the Korean peninsula, Adjutant General Ernest Vandiver, Jr., said, in a bulletin to the citizens of the state that "Upon the declaration of an emergency, and upon the departure of our National Guard, the Georgia State Guard will be activated in a minimum of time." As part of the plan being developed by the State and Wash- ington for the Georgia State Guard, it strength would be 5,000 and the Civil Air Patrol and Georgia Amateur Radio Operators would incorporated into the organization. Military Police duties would be assigned to the Department of Public Safety while naval craft for the State's coastal waters would be provided by the Department of Fish and Game. January 1951 Col. Jack G. Johnson, commanding officer of the 214th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Group, was named president of the National Guard Association of Georgia. He succeeded Col. James C. Grizzard who was called into federal service with the 15th Aircraft and Warning Group. Members of the board discussed ways to keep the association functioning in the event all National Guard units were inducted into federal service for the Korean crisis. 12 The First Friday Briefing Guard honors Bell's service to the nation Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Roy Henry Major Gen. Terry Nesbitt, Georgia's Adjutant General, offers Nancy Bell his condolences and the American flag that draped the coffin of her late husband judge Griffin B. Bell. Story by Sgt. 1st Class Roy Henry Georgia National Guard Public Affairs Office AMERICUS Members of the Georgia National Guard honored former U.S. attorney general Griffin B. Bell, Jan. 6, 2009, during the elder statesman's funeral here at Oak Grove Cemetery. Bell, 90, died Monday morning in Atlanta after a battle with pancreatic cancer. More than 200 of the late judge's family, friends and colleagues watched while members of the Guard's Honors and Funeral Detail, dressed in Army Blue and white gloves, removed and then folded the American flag from his coffin. Sergeant Javier Lugo handed that flag to Maj. Gen. Terry Nesbitt, Georgia's Adjutant General, who then presented it and his condolences to Bell's widow, Nancy. A color guard, flags unfurled by the wind and surrounded by onlookers, stood silently at attention nearby. Out of the thousands of funerals the detail has worked since its inception in October 2007, this is the first it's done for someone of Bell's prominence. He was accorded the honor, not just because he was the nation's 72nd attorney general, but in particular for his service with the Army from 1941 to 1946. According to members of the funeral detail, Bell's family specifically requested the Honor and Funeral Detail's presence. "It's quite an honor for us to have been asked," said 1st Sgt. Bryan Hise, the detail's senior enlisted Soldier. "Paying this last respect to Judge Bell for his service in and out of uniform -- to his country is certainly our greatest privilege." Following the service, Staff Sgt. Rustin Kilburg, a team leader with the detail, was asked if the team had to make any special preparations. "No more than for any other of the 162 funerals he and his fellows Soldiers have been doing each month," he said. "Whether the person being honored served one day or 20 years, or attained the kind of notoriety that judge Bell did in his life time, we afford them the constant care and consideration they all have earned, and most importantly, deserve," Kilburg said. "We wouldn't do it any other way." The First Friday Briefing 13 New engines solve issues, signal mission expansion for Joint STARS Story by Gene Rector other job." Macon Telegraph Those concerns now should be removed. "The re-engining MELBOURNE, Fla. December's rollout of the first re- is good news for the war fighters. That's the most important engined Joint STARS aircraft signaled the end of an era and thing," the South Carolina native said. "But it also means the potential for broad expansion in the capability for the our people will have long-term jobs. And their children hugely important ground-surveillance system. and their children after that will be able to work with Joint The Robins Air Force Base fleet of 17 aircraft is increas- STARS as well. A lot of people depend on this airplane. So ingly deployed to scour the combat landscape in Iraq and it's a good thing to have a solid weapon system with a new Afghanistan for potential threats to Army and Marine units. engine. Joint STARS aircraft have logged more than 40,000 com- The Joint STARS airframe, equipped with a 24-foot, belly bat flight hours in the global war on terror while grappling mounted radar, can detect moving ground targets at ranges with aging, cantankerous, underpowered, mission-limiting in excess of 150 miles. Eighteen mission crew members on- engines. board the aircraft then identify and track targets while pro- But those restrictions soon will be a thing of the past as viding real-time updates to commanders on the ground and new JT8D engines are installed on the unit's Boe- ing 707 airframes. Northrop Grumman, the Air Force's prime support contractor for Joint STARS, has completed commercial testing, and the new en- gines have been installed on the Joint STARS test bed aircraft. The modified test bed was unveiled in December for a host of dignitaries at the company's Melbourne, Fla., facility. Wing officials at Robins expect to receive the first re-engined, operations aircraft in 2010. The $800 million program will require three to five years to retrofit the fleet with the Pratt & Whitney power plant, a proven engine now used on Boeing 727 and MD80 commercial jets. Brigadier Gen. Thomas Moore, the 116th com- mander, hopes completion is closer to three rather than five years for the sake of the war fighters and Photo by Senior Master Sgt. Thomas McKenzie, 116th ACW PAO Lieutenant Col. Michael Gaspar, 116th Maintenance Group deputy com- the hundreds of people connected with the system mander, left, and Chuck Thomas, a Northrop Grumman fuel service rep- at Robins. resentative, are seen at the company's Melbourne, Fla., facility next to "All we've been doing is flying our butts off in one of the new JT8D engines. theater the last six years and pretty much doing it on a shoestring," Moore said during the return flight from the in the air. Melbourne ceremony. "These new engines will really help Data provided at the rollout ceremony indicated that in us forcemultiply this airplane. They will give us the ability 2008, Joint STARS crews have assisted with the location to stay up longer and fly higher. And they won't break the and seizing of .50 insurgent weapons caches, detected and backs of our maintenance people like the engines of today." helped to capture more that 100 enemy, high-value individu- Moore was a member of the 116th the Air Force's only als, and identified more than 4000 improvised explosive de- blended wing with Georgia Air National Guard and active vices along with four factories suspected of manufacturing duty Airmen -- when it was established at Robins in 2002. them. He said new engines are good news for everyone connected All of that came while nursing the deficient, 40-year-old, with the Robins-based unit. JT3D engines now on the airframe. "My concern was that the aircraft looked like it had about "Re-engining has been our number one priority for years," five more years because of the engines," he said. "I thought said Lt. Col. Tom Burgess, the 116th's director of plans and we were going to be a legacy mission and all those people programs. we hired in Warner Robins would soon be looking for an- Continued on next page 14 The First Friday Briefing From prvious page Burgess and Joint STARS pilots have to fly the aircraft at reduced power for fear of burning up an engine, take off with less fuel to reduce weight, refuel in flight more often and spend less time over the target area. "Those are things a pilot shouldn't have to do," Burgess told a group of Middle Georgia civic leaders attending the rollout ceremony. "The new engines mean we can fly at the altitude we want to be," he said. "We'll also burn 17 percent less fuel and our time on target will be almost twice as long." The modification is also great news for maintenance teams that have dealt with 40 unscheduled engine removals in the last three years. "Our number one, non-mission-capable driver for years has been engines," Burgess said. "Changing engines in 130 degree temperatures is not something you want to ask out maintenance troops to do." Tom Vice, sector vice president for Northrop Grumman, said the engine upgrade is more than a thrust and reliability issue. "It's also a mission-expanding issue," he said. "The new engines will be able to generate much more onboard power to support new sensors, not only a new state-of-the-art radar but electro-optical and multispectral systems." That could propel Joint STARS beyond its current groundsurveillance mission. Northrop Grumman is promoting the E-8D, what the company calls an advanced Joint STARS that would greatly expand the aircraft's capabilities. "Joint STARS today does ground surveillance," Vice said. "Joint STARS tomorrow will not only be ground surveillance, but the air-to-air part and looking at the air threat. It becomes the digital quarterback for the Air Force in terms of thinking through tomorrow's threat whether it's on the ground or in the air." Vice said it was difficult to overstate how powerful Joint STARS is today in detecting targets on the ground. "If you're moving, it will track you," he said. "What we're looking at is how to do that over a wider area in addition to other missions. These upgrades beginning with the engines makes the aircraft the decisional quarterback for the global war and gets us prepared for the threat that's likely to be around the next corner." All-American Bowl pairs Soldiers, best high school players Story by Amanda Kenny Georgia National Guard Public Affairs Office SAN ANTONIO, Texas A 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team Soldier is among the more than 90 purple heart, bronze and silver star recipients to be named as a Soldier hero for the 2008 All-American Bowl, Jan. 5, 2009. Sergeant Darryl Wilson of Jonesboro, and assistant operations noncommissioned officer for 2nd Battalion, 121st Infantry, represented the Brigade at the game. Wilson received a purple heart and Bronze Star Medal during his time served in Iraq with the brigade from 2005-2006. "I wanted to represent the award winners from Georgia who served in operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom," said Wilson, who missed last year's deadline for the 2007 game. Recognized as the Army's premiere recruiting activity, the annual U.S. Army All-American Bowl kicked off with a mix of heroes in Army combat uniforms, alongside the nation's most talented high school football players, many of whom are destined to become collegiate and NFL stars. More than 90 of the best high school athletes in the nation battled in an East vs. West contest in front of a nationally televised audience and 36,534 stadium fans, the highest attendance in the eight-year history of the Army-sponsored allstar game. This year the East team won the game 33 - 23. Just as many Soldier-heroes were matched on the field during pre-game activities during player introductions. A total of 91 Soldiers represented the Army -- all recipients of ei- Contributed photo Sergeant Darryl Wilson and the secretary of the Army, Pete Geren, pose for a photo during a reception at the All-American Bowl. ther the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star or the Purple Heart in actions in either Iraq or Afghanistan. For the Soldier-heroes, the All-American Bowl experience was a way for them to be publicly recognized for their service to their country. Editor's note: Michael Tolzmann and Rich Lamance, Army and Air Force Hometown News Service in San Antonio, contributed to this story. The First Friday Briefing 15 Heroes helping Heroes: Georgia Vietnam Veterans Alliance donation aids military families Story by Sgt. Tracy J. Smith their latest enemy ... the economy; an presentation, and Humphries pledged 48th IBCT PAO unforgiving foe, especially this time of to reach out to his community contacts MARIETTA A local veterans year. to help further close the gap. group has donated $2,000 in $50 gift Herndon said the contribution made "Because you never leave a fellow cards aimed at helping Georgia Guards- by the alliance will help fill a big hole Soldier behind," he lamented. men and their families who find them- in the Family Assistance Christmas When veterans of the Vietnam Era selves in financial need this holiday Stocking this year. "I know that we returned home, Humphries added, season, Dec. 9, 2008. many were not welcomed Twenty of the cards, back as heroes. about $1,000 worth, went to As a member of the Kim Herndon, coordinator Army's 1st Infantry Di- for the Guard's Cobb Coun- vision from 1968-1969, ty Family Assistance Center. Humphries displays his Herndon's office also covers Combat Infantryman's 10 other counties besides Badge with pride on the la- Cobb. The remainder of the pel of his suit jacket. cards went to Chief Warrant Still, "They [the Ameri- Officer 5 Darrell Partee for can public] didn't like us distribution to Guard fami- back then," Humphries said lies in other areas. when introduced as the Vet- The Georgia Vietnam erans Alliance vice presi- Veterans Alliance presented dent. the cards to Herndon during Herndon said she under- a visit with Maj. Gen. Terry stands what he means. Nesbitt, Georgia's Adjutant General, at Guard headquarters on Naval Air Station Atlanta. Veterans Alliance members Bob Humphries, director for Cobb Chamber of Photo by Sgt. Tracy J. Smith, 48th IBCT PAO Georgia's Vietnam Veterans Alliance, Army Col. (Ret.) Al Rowe and Bob Humphries, (left and center left respectively) a Soldier with the `Big Red One', 1st Infantry Divsion during Vietnam present a token of support to Family Assistance Coordinator for Cobb County, Kim Herndon and the Adjutant General of the Georgia National Guard, Major General Terry Nesbitt. Totaling $2,000, the gift cards will help military families who need assistance during the holidays. "I find it incredible that during their time in service they [Vietnam veterans] had no support," she said. "To reach out to our warriors in this way speaks for itself. Anyone wanting to make Commerce's Business De- a donation or contribution velopment member division, and retired have 300 families that need help this to Guard families in need, any time of Army Col. Al Rowe made the presenta- Christmas in Cobb County alone, and the year, should contact their unit fam- tion to Herndon and Nesbitt. They ex- a lot of them are preparing for deploy- ily support group. pressed the hope that this aid to Guard ment. This is definitely a blessing." families will help Guardsmen stave off Hugs and handshakes concluded the 16 The First Friday Briefing