Georgia guardsman [Vol. 1, Issue 10 (Oct., 2009)]

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Contents Vol. 1, No. 10

October 2009

4 `Bartender Soldier' perceiving problems in Afghanistan 6 New commander takes over at 221st MI Battalion 8 It's the General Lucius D. Clay National Guard Center...Now! 9 Discovering General Clay 14 Ground broken for new $29 million headquarters 15 New HQ will be state of the art and `green' 16 Simmons takes reigns at 165th AW 18 Georgia Guard mourns another fallen hero 21 810th departs for Afghanistan 23 Col. Tim Britt pinned with first star 25 How to access Georgia Guardsman videos

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Georgia DoD videos
To see videos, click on the name of the story.

BG Tim Britt Promotion Freedom Team Salute

Groundbreaking

Ceremony

Presentation to the

Ceremony for New

Atlanta Falcons

Georgia National Guard

Photo Galleries

Building

Georgia National Guard Leader Receives Star

BG Tim Britt and the 116th Band Jazz Ensemble

221st Military Intelligence Battalion Change of Command Ceremony

Video Galleries Atlanta Falcons Receive Freedom Team Salute Awards Transfer of Authority Ceremony, Part 1 Transfer of Authority Ceremony, Part 2 Transfer of Authority Ceremony, Part 3 Transfer of Authority Ceremony, Part 4 Atlanta Falcons Freedom Team Salute Presentation Georgia National Guard Groundbreaking Ceremony BG Maria Britt at Falcons Freedom Team Salute MG William Nesbitt speaks at Freedom Team Salute CSM James Nelson at Freedom Team Salute MAJ Hobbs at Freedom Team Salute LTC Donald McDaniel Gives Prayer at Groundbreaking CSM Lance T Rygmyr Interview LTC Raquel Durden Interview Buddy Walk for Down Syndrome, Part 1 Buddy Walk for Down Syndrome, Part 2 Buddy Walk for Down Syndrome, Part 3 Buddy Walk for Down Syndrome, Part 4 Navy Birthday Daily News Update Lt. Col. Simmons Maj. Hamm John Kerry Visits Camp Phoenix Soldiers at 1/121st Infantry Regiment Family Day

Commander-In-Chief Gov. Sonny Perdue
Adjutant General of Georgia MG Terry Nesbitt
Publisher LTC Beth Thelen Lt Col (Ret) Kenneth R. Baldowski
Editorial Staff Dr. Beryl Diamond
SFC Roy Henry Amanda Kenny SPC Mike Perry
Video-Audio Editor David Howell
Contributing writers MAJ Eddie Williams - GSDF
SPC Adam Dean
National Guard Correspondents 124th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office
Army National Guard Unit Public Affairs Officers and Representatives
Air National Guard Wing Public Affairs Officers and Representatives
The Georgia Guardsman is published monthly under the provisions of AR 36081 and AF 6-1 by the Georgia Department of Defense Public Affairs Office. The views and opinions expressed in the Georgia Guardsman are not necessarily those of the Departments of the Army and Air Force or the Adjutant General of Georgia. The Georgia Guardsman is distributed free to members of the Georgia Army and Air National Guard, State Defense Force and other interested persons at their request.
Send comments, suggestions, articles, photos
or other contributions to: gaguardpao@gmail.com
Updated news and information on the Georgia DoD can be viewed at www.gadod.net

4

`Bartender Soldier'

A skill set becomes useful in Afghanistan

Story and photos by

er for two years at Retrievers, a sports

SPC Jennifer Eddy KABUL, Afghanistan Under-
standing how to interact with people and how to pick up on subtle social cues and mannerisms not only distinguishes great bartenders from poor ones, but also great non-commissioned officers from mediocre ones.
Before SSG Lucas J. Hynes, from Springfield, deployed to Afghanistan with the 48th Infantry Brigade Combat

bar that caters to the Georgia Southern University community in Statesboro.
Working at Retrievers helped Hynes to develop a leadership style and an understanding of people, which he finds helpful when training American Soldiers and Afghan National Police (ANP).
"Soldiers respond to him, he's very outgoing, personable and funny and all of these things help him in being

a leader," said CPT Robert J.

Martin, 48th IBCT. "It's those

personality traits he developed

while he was a bartender that

contribute to his leadership

style and aid him, and the team,

greatly," Martin added.

Another benefit that Hynes'

bartending experience gives

him is how to "read people" and

to recognize when there is con-

flict or a lack of trust.

"I can tell when someone is

angry or getting rowdy, I know

how I can react to people and act

towards them, who I can joke

SSG Lucas J. Hynes, Regional Police Advisory Command Team 8, around with and who I can't," gets to know a local schoolboy and Afghan National Policeman at said Hynes. "You don't want to

Police Department 2 in Kabul, Afghanistan. Team 8 was visiting the police department in preparation for the Afghanistan National Elections.

joke around with someone who doesn't appreciate or like you that much, you should be seri-

Team (IBCT), Regional Police Advisory Command (RPAC) Police Mentor Team (PMT) 8, he worked as a bartend-

ous and frank and express common courtesies."
Hynes' experience bartending has taught him that in order to win people

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over, you have to show an interest in them so they can provide you with the information you need to better understand them.
"In bartending even if you're not interested in someone, you have to show interest; I make my money in tips," said Hynes. "You have to see what the people you're serving like, what they're into, so you can carry on a conversation and make them feel like they're the coolest person in the world."
By showing an interest in the Afghan culture he has learned how he can understand and win the trust of the local people.
"I can tell, even when I don't understand, what someone is saying and when someone is talking about me through physical mannerisms and eye contact," said Hynes. "I'll throw out a phrase in Pashto or Dari so one of the interpreters will think I speak the language; they love it when you show an interest in their culture."
Hynes' ability to win the hearts and minds of his troops and the local ANPs that he trains comes from a genuine interest in making people happy.
"The same reasons why I enjoyed bartending are a lot of the same reasons why I enjoy working with the local people here in Afghanistan," said Hynes. "I loved bartending not because it's good money, but I love interacting with people; joking around with them and making them smile, the only dif-

ference is here I need a translator and

while bartending 99 percent of the peo-

ple I talked to were drinking."

Ultimately, the joy Hynes used to

get from bartending in Georgia, he now

gets from working with the ANPs in

Afghanistan.

"When somebody is having a bad

day at the bar, most likely from prob-

lems that made

them want to go to

the bar in the first

place, as the bar-

tender you can talk

to them about their

problems and make

them feel better,"

said Hynes. "At

the same time, here

in Afghanistan, I

gave an ANP some

equipment today

that he really need-

ed to complete his

mission and he was

really grateful for

it.

"I can see the

instant gratification

out of both circum-

stances--because

I'm helping people with their problems," said Hynes.

Staff Sgt. Lucas J. Hynes, Regional Police Advisory Command Team 8, stands guard during a foot patrol in response to small arms fire heard moments earlier outside of Police Department 2 in Kabul, Afghanistan. Team 8 was visiting the police department in preparation for the Afghanistan National Elections.

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221st MI BN Changes Commander

ELLENWOOD, Ga. -- LTC Raquel M. Durden took command of the 221st Military Intelligence Battalion Oct. 3 in a ceremony at Ellenwood's Oglethorpe Armory. Durden replaces LTC Mark C. Elam who is taking a position with United States Army Forces Command.
On hand were the Adjutant General, MG William T. Nesbitt, BG Joseph Wells, COL Peter C. Vanamburgh, commander of the 560th Battlefield Surveillence Brigade of which the
LTC Raquel M. Durden, new commander for the 221st Militatry Intelligence Battalion, returns the unit guidon to the 221st command sergeant major, CSM Cheyenn Fields during a change of command ceremony at Ogelthorpe Armory in Ellenwood, Oct. 3, 2009.

221st MI is a part, and 560th BfSB CSM Lance Rygmyr.
These guests and others watched as the unit flag was passed from Elam to Durden. The colonel is no stranger to the 560th BfSB, having served in its Brigade S3 shop and also as a commander during Task Force Spartan in Afghanistan.
The 221st MI BN has a short, but rich history, replete with numerous CONUS and OCONUS deployments, including dual deployments for both Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. The battalion received 188 awards and medals during its mission in Afghanistan and Iraq, including 114 Combat Infantryman Badges.
During the ceremony, MG Nesbitt listed the past accomplishments of the 221st, but also described some present and future plans for the battalion.
"While the 221st has a colorful history," he said, "this ceremony marks a first. It's the first change of command for a unit that's part of a new organization in the Army inventory...Battlefield Surveillance Brigade. The battalion has seen great success recently in standing up a new signal intelligence company, and language programs. That program will soon be an East Coast Language Center of Excellence, consisting of two language labs."
The labs will be located at the Oglethorpe Armory and the new Clay National Guard Center in Marietta, according to Nesbitt.
LTC Elam was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, while his wife, Karen, received the Georgia Commendation Medal.
Additional photos/video at
www.dvidshub.net/

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Red Cross grant to assist 48th Soldiers, families

MACON, Ga. -- Funds totaling $80,000 will soon be available to families of Georgia's 48th Brigade, as the result of a Department of Defense grant presented to the central Georgia Chapter of the American Red Cross.
"We are extremely delighted to receive this grant, and for the increased level of support it provides us to help Soldiers of the 48th Brigade and their families from the central Georgia area," said Tracy Willis-Kight, Executive Director for the Central Georgia Red Cross.
The Macon-based 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team has more than 2,000 Soldiers currently serving in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Individual units that make up the 48th Brigade are located throughout Georgia in more than 35 large and small communities.
"The Red Cross is our natural partner in providing for the care and support for the families for our deployed Soldiers," said MG Terry Nesbitt, Georgia's Adjutant General. It is during times of uncertainty, absence or stress that our soldiers and their families, whether at home or abroad, look to the Red Cross for support."
A similar DOD grant received last year was used to assist with three major deployment/sendoff ceremonies for units in Forsyth, Milledgeville and Macon.
The $80,000 grant is already ear-

marked to support important 48th Brigade family programs, including the purchase of school supplies for children of deployed Guardsmen, and for

events when the Brigade returns in the spring.
All Red Cross events for Brigade families are intended to create strong

MG Terry Nesbitt, Georgia's Adjutant General, thanks and praises the Red Cross for all they have done and will do for the National Guard and 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. Pictured with Nesbitt are Traci Watson (left) wife of SSG Dwayne Watson and FRG leader for the Detachment 1, Brigade Special Troops Battalion, and Jody Webb (center), mother of SGT James Webb of Headquarters Company, 48th IBCT. (Georgia National Guard photo by Amanda Kenny)

the development of a local information and referral resource directory for families. Ten family events are also being planned for units in the central Georgia area that include family wellness, issues affecting the spouse, and several unit holiday events. Separate funds are in place for three special homecoming

bonds of caring and support among the families of the deployed Soldiers, and to bolster the morale of families during the times of difficulty and absence.
For more information, contact Ryan Logan, Director of Emergency Services at (478)743-8671.

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State DoD takes ownership

of Naval Air Station-Atlanta

Georgia National Guard Public Affairs Office
MARIETTA, Ga. -- In a ceremony marking the beginning of a new era in Cobb County's long and storied relationship with the military, the Georgia Department of Defense took official ownership Sept. 26, of Naval Air Station -Atlanta.
More than 600 local, state and federal officials to include U.S. Rep. Phil Gingrey members of the Georgia Army and Air National Guard and Navy and Marine uniformed and civilian personnel attended.
"Through an ending there's also a beginning," said MG Terry Nesbitt, Georgia's Adjutant General, during the ceremony in what was the air station's Hangar No. 1. "The end of one voyage can mean a new expedition to undertake. We're truly fortunate to take this facility with us as we [the Georgia DoD] `navigate the future,'" he added.
What has been the home of Naval and Marine Corps aviation in Cobb County since 1943, now becomes a full-time Naval officers case the flag of Naval Air Station National Guard reserva-- Atlanta

tion. The casing of the Navy colors, the posting of the Georgia Department of Defense flag and the formal transfer of property to Nesbitt by Navy Capt Charles L. Mingonet, Jr., NAS Atlanta commander, marked the end of the active Navy's and Marine Corps' time here on station.
For many, the day marks a bittersweet moment, Mingonet said. It's sweet because they "stand at the end" of more than six decades of proud, professional service to this community, this state and to the nation by the Sailors, Marines and civilian personnel stationed here. "The bitterness comes in the fact that we now must end that service here, leave behind the friends we've made here during that time and continue our service elsewhere," he said.
"If a man's wealth is measured by his friends," Mingonet added, "I am a very wealthy man."
With this change of ownership comes a new name. A sign proclaiming the installation as the Gen Lucius D. Clay National Guard Center has gone up over the base's George McMillan Street entrance, just off Atlanta Road.
Clay, an Army officer and Cobb County native, is best known for his heroic planning and organizational skills while serving as Germany's military governor after World War II. He is remembered for what is considered a defining moment in the Cold War by coordinating the Berlin Airlift of 1947-

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1948 that carried food and fuel for nearly a year over the Soviet blockade of roads and rails and into West Berlin.
Members of Clay's family, among them former State Rep. Chuck Clay, the late general's grandson, were present for the ceremony.
About General Clay, Nesbitt said, "His is the legacy of a great man, a true patriot. And by choosing to name this facility for him we continue that legacy and truly honor his memory."
While this was the disestablishment of NAS Atlanta and its transfer to the Georgia DoD, Army and Air Guardsmen have had a presence here since November 2007, with the move of the Office of the Adjutant General and the Army and Air command staffs from offices at the South Atlanta state complex on Confederate Avenue, and from Ellenwood's Oglethorpe Armory.
The transfer of facilities is part of the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure

(BRAC) program. While most closures are "painful" for the communities around those bases affected by BRAC, the closing of NAS Atlanta was considered, in its own way, a positive thing.
"We [the Georgia National Guard] already had been studying how to consolidate our headquarters in a North Atlanta location," Nesbitt said. "Now, as we complete the transition in the next few months, the number of full-time Guardsmen and civilian personnel will continue to increase and a new headquarters building will open within the next two years."

MG Nesbitt uncases the flag of the National Guard at the transfer of facililties ceremony Sept. 26.

More photos at www. gadod.net
At left an Army Guard UH-60 helicopter hovers a few feet off the gound as a visual indication that the Georgia Army Guard will be taking over facilities once known as NAS-Atlanta.

From top left to right: Sailor's from US Navy Band East await the arrival of the official party. MG Terry Nesbitt speaks to guests during the Transfer of Facilities Ceremony. Georgia's Army Guard Soldiers and State Defense Force volunteers present the colors during ground breaking for the new headquarters building. Black Hawk helicopter from 171st Aviation departs the ceremony. MG. Terry Nesbitt salutes after "Piping the Side" was played. MG. Terry Nesbitt at podium accepts NAS Atlanta. Salute battery from the 1/76th FA, 4th IBCT, 3rd ID.

12 Who is General Clay?

Versatile Georgian helped win wars, build highways and face down adversaries

When the Georgia National Guard took possession of the former Naval Air Station--Atlanta and renamed the General Lucius D. Clay National Guard, few in the throng gathered for the ceremony in late September were aware of the center's namesake's place in the nation's history.
Born in Marietta, in 1897, Clay was the son of U.S. Sen. Alexander Stephens Clay. The younger Clay served as a Senate Page and in 1915 entered West Point. He graduated as a second lieutenant in 1918 as an Engineer, though he saw no combat in World War I. In the late 1930s he was on the staff of General Douglas McArthur, whose mission was to improve and strengthen the Civil Aeronautics Authority's Defense Airport Program.
World War II found now Brigadier General Clay working with General Dwight D. Eisenhower, Supreme Allied Commander in Europe. Clay was instrumental in keeping supply lines of critical material flowing to the front. Following the war, Clay was appointed the Deputy Governor of Germany, becoming the Military Governor for the U.S. Zone in Germany in 1947. It was in this role that Clay made his greatest impression.
In June 1948, Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin imposed a blockade on the city of Berlin which sat in the Eastern zone of occupation in an attempt to stop the unification of West Berlin and standardization of it currency. Clay, who observers noted was "wound tighter than a spring," first argued for an "armed convoy" to break the blockade.

At top, an official portrait of General Clay. Above Berliners watch as another cargo craft comes in with a load of supplies to aid the beleaguered city.

Continued on next page

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Clay
As the late Under Secretary of the Army, General Henry Draper noted: "In Berlin the war clouds were everywhere. It was a question of what hour or day the war might break out. We didn't know." (Oral interview with General Henry
Draper, Harry S. Truman Library, 1972, 66) Ultimately the Joint Chiefs settled on the concept
of an airlift, and as President Harry Truman later told Clay: "he wanted me to know that he wasn't the one that had not approved my armed convoy. All the military chiefs were against it. He said, `I didn't want to go against my military chiefs. If they had been for it, you would have had it,' or words to that effect." (Truman library, p. 38)
The airlift, under the direction of Clay was an enormous success, feeding thousands of Berliners. C-47 transports, many of which were secured through the persuasive power of Clay, who overcame General Curtis Lemay's argument that he needed his transports in case of war, continually flew in and out of Berlin bringing everything from Above, the Clay Committee presents its report with recommenda- coal to candy. Draper later the described the airlift tions concerning the financing of a national interstate highway as "a continual bridge of planes that Berliners . . . network to President Eisenhower on Jan. 11, 1955. Standing be- kept seeing day after day." (Draper interview, 69) hind the president are (from left) Gen. Lucius Clay, Frank Turn- During the administration of Dwight D. Eisener, Steve Betchel, Sloan Colt, William Roberts, and Dave Beck. hower, Clay again served the nation, this time lending advice and counsel on the construction of the interstate highway system. It was the "Clay Committee" which he chaired which was tasked with figuring a mechanism for financing the highway system which would span the nation. During the 1960s Clay again was called upon by a President, this time, John Kennedy, who asked Clay to be his personal representative in Berlin, which was then experiencing the crisis over the Soviet building of the Berlin Wall. Said Clay of his experience, "I recognize that any influence that I had on the situation was that of personal representative of the President, and that it would have only such values as would result from my ability to communicate directly with the President." (Lucius D. Clay, recorded interview by Richard M. Scammon, July 1, 1964, (p. 6), John F. Kennedy Library Oral History Program.)
The General stayed on until the Berlin Crisis subsided and then retired to a quieter life and died in Above, General Clay meets with General Eisenhower during the 1978 at the age of 81. He is buried in the cemetery at Berlin Airlift period. Above right, a U.S. tank faces off with a West Point. Soviet tank during the Berlin Crisis of 1962.

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Ground broken for new Headquarters at Clay National Guard Center

CLAY NATIONAL GUARD CENTER, Marietta, Ga. -- Fifteen distinguished military and civic leaders donned construction hardhats and glistening silver shovels to make the first ceremonial "dig" toward the realization of the new Joint Force headquarters on the new General Lucius D. Clay National Guard Center on Saturday, Sept. 26, following the official military transfer ceremonies.
The new $29 million Joint Force Headquarters building will be the showcase for the more than 100 acres that is part of the Georgia National Guard's historic takeover of property formerly known as Naval Air Station Atlanta.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the new headquarters building occurred

shortly after MG Terry Nesbitt officially unfurled the National Guard flag over the newly named General Lucius D. Clay National Guard Center.
Nesbitt, Cobb County Commission Chairman Sam Olens, and State Senator Jack Hill joined other distinguished community visitors and military guests to witness the official groundbreaking for the new 220,519 square foot, threestory headquarters building scheduled for completion in 2012.
"This is an exciting moment for the Georgia National Guard, as we take the first steps in the realization of a dream," said Nesbitt. "Our new headquarters will be a one-of-a-kind military headquarters showcasing state-of-the-art construction techniques and high tech features."

"We are looking forward to again having the National Guard as a integral part of our community," said Chairman Olens, who was instrumental in consolidating the community's support and encouragement for the transfer of property to the National Guard.
State Senator Jack Hill, a former Georgia Air Guardsman, recalled the strong relationship that has always exisited between Cobb County and the Guard.
"This is a great day for the Georgia DoD to again re-establish a wonderful relationship between Cobb County and the Georgia National Guard," added Hill.
The 116th Army National Guard band supported the event.

Thirteen Cobb County community leaders joined Maj. Gen. Terry Nesbitt and other Georgia National Guard leaders in the ceremonial groundbreaking for the new Joint Forces Headquarter Building scheduled for completion in 2012. Included in the ceremony with Maj. Gen. Nesbitt was Sam Olens, Chairman Cobb County Commission; State Senator Jack Hill; Chuck Clay, grandson of Gen Lucius Clay; Maj. Gen. Scott A Hammond, Commander, Air National Guard; Brig. Gen. Maria Britt, Commanding General, Georgia Army National Guard; Brig. Gen. Jerry Bradford, Commander, Georgia State Defense Force; Mike Fowler, Assistant Adjutant General, Sergeant Major James Nelson, and Command Chief Donald Camp. The Joint Force Headquarters Building will have more than 220,000 square feet of working space.

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$29 Million Joint Force Headquarters building to showcase of Clay National Guard center

CLAY NATIONAL GUARD CENTER, Marietta, Ga. - A $29 million Joint Force Headquarters building showcases future plans for the Georgia Guard's newly-aquired facility situated on more than 100 acres which was part of Naval Air Station Atlanta.
"However, we are particularly excited by the building's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification by the U.S. Green Building Council," says MAJ Flint Tyler, program manager. LEED is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings. LEED gives building owners and operators the tools
Site of the new HQ building

they need to have an immediate and measurable impact on their buildings' performance. The LEED certification promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability by recognizing performance in five key areas of human and environmental health: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality.
The building contractor is New South Construction Company of Atlanta, and the building's designer is the Facilities Group. Funding for the building is a combination of state and federal funds, as part of the 2009 military construction budget, with approximately 10 percent matching state funds. The building is expected to be completed in January 2012.
The Joint Force Headquarters will be the official Headquarters for the Georgia National Guard and include the offices of TAG, the commanders of the Georgia Army National Guard and the Georgia Air National Guard and their staffs. Also a number of administrative departments currently located at Confederate Avenue in Atlanta and at Oglethorpe Armory in Ellenwood will

MG Terry Nesbitt, Georgia's Adjutant General, addresses the crowd during the groundbreaking ceremony at the Clay National Guard Center.
move into the new 220,000 square foot facility. Approximately 750 employees -- Guardsmen, federal and state employees -- will occupy the new build-

More Photos at www.gadod.net

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165th Airlift Wing gets new commander
Col. Jesse Simmons Jr. takes helm of Air Guard unit

By Pamela E. Walck

"I could tell these stories all day," pleted.

Military Reporter

he said. "I'm where I want to be, and, Planned almost 20 years ago, the

Savannah Morning News

while I might be biased, I think we're structure serves as a command head-

Col. Henry Smart Jr. took to the po- the best."

quarters for the 165th Airlift Wing and

dium one last time and addressed the Simmons said it's that legacy of the Georgia National Guard's Combat

airmen gathered before him in the

Readiness Training Center,

165th Airlift Wing's fuel cell han-

also located at the National

gar.

Guard complex, tucked on a

"I would put you up against

far corner of the Savannah-

any other wing, any other time,

Hilton Head International

anywhere," Smart said, his voice

Airport property.

bursting with pride. "And I chal-

"There's a long-held tra-

lenge you to improve yourselves.

dition in the Air National

... Always strive to raise the bar."

Guard," said Smart, dur-

Moments later, the outgo-

ing remarks at the ribbon-

ing wing commander passed the

cutting ceremony. "We run

165th's guidon to Maj. Gen. Scott

lean. Very lean. From air-

Hammond, commander of the

planes to paperclips, we use

Georgia Air National Guard, who

and reuse."

in turn passed it to Col. Jesse Sim-

He recalled how the

mons Jr., the airlift's new leader.

165th had a command-wide

It was a brief change of com-

meeting in an old World

mand ceremony Saturday, Oct.

War II-era hangar on a Sun-

3, 2009, that brought Smart's 25-

day, only to have the ceiling

year Guard career to an end, while

cave in the very next day.

simultaneously ushering in a new

"It took 25 years to get

commander tasked with oversee- Maj. Gen. Scott Hammond, left, passes the 165th Airlift

ing

about

1,400

Guard

personnel,

Wing's Guidon to incoming Commander Col. Jesse Simmons, Jr. during a change of command ceremony Saturday

this," Smart added. Even as event dignitaries

eight C-130 H2 aircraft and $317 at the Georgia Air National Guard complex. Hunter McRae/ cut the red ribbon, a stone's

million in military assets.

Savannah Morning News

throw away new dormitories

"Well, I don't feel any differ-

were under construction.

ent," Simmons joked as he took the po- greatness - started by Smart and count- The three-story dorms will be used

dium. "I am so honored and so proud to less commanders before him - he hopes by local Guard units during weekend

be your wing commander."

to expand and build upon.

drills - and by units being validated at

Simmons shared stories of instanc- Part of the challenge ahead, Sim- the training center.

es in the field when he was proud just mons said, is to continue building on "The men and women who serve

to be a part of the 165th Airlift Wing the legacy of past commanders who here have one foot firmly planted in

- from deployments to Afghanistan worked tirelessly to advocate for fed- civilian society and one foot firmly

when mechanics stayed on the tarmac eral dollars to upgrade old structures planted in military society," said U.S.

to fix planes while the forward oper- and improve the training of Guard per- Rep. John Barrow, D-Ga., during brief

ating base sustained incoming mortar sonnel.

remarks at the building dedication.

rounds from the Taliban, to active duty An hour before the event, Simmons "If we are going to call on folks to

officers praising the Savannah-based attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony for make that kind of sacrifice, we need to

Guard unit for its professionalism in a new $7.2 million, 36,000-square-foot provide them with the facilities they

the skies of Iraq.

facility the Guard unit recently com- need."

17

Army `prevention leaders' certify for the substance abuse program

Story and photos by Amanda Kenny Georgia National Guard Public Affairs Office
CLAY NATIONAL GUARD CENTER, Marietta, Ga Fifteen Soldiers from units statewide were certified as unit substance abuse prevention leaders following a course designed to teach them to assist in testing for, and reporting of, substance abuse problems in their commands.
SSgt Jennifer Roberts, the Joint Substance Abuse Program coordinator for Georgia, along with SSgt Debraca Russell, SGT Willie Robinson and SGT Brian Felker gave the 40-hour course mandated by the National Guard Bureau. All four instructors are members of the Georgia Counterdrug Task Force.
"This class is to help decentralize the substance abuse program to the unit level for the Army and Air National Guard," said Roberts. "We have to cer-

tify unit prevention leaders for the Army."
The group also has to certify the drug testing program managers for the Air Guard to perform these duties.
The Soldiers, as part of this course, learn how to do the legal correspondence, the collection process as part of an urinalysis, and how to keep accurate statistics for the units, said Roberts.
At right SSgt Jennifer Roberts, course instructor and joint substance abuse program coordinator for Georgia, instructs SSG Mark Montgomery, an airborne rigger with the 165th Quartermaster, on how to apply the tamper proof tape to a urine specimin bottle after the collection process.

Falcons donate 10K to Foundation

(left to right) BG Maria Britt, MG Terry Nesbitt and Warren Parr, manager of group ticket sales for the Falcons.

ELLENWOOD, Ga -- Members of the Atlanta Falcons organization were honored by the Georgia National Guard for their contribution to the Georgia National Guard Family Support Foundation at a Freedom Salute Ceremony at Oglethorpe Armory. The Falcons donated $10,000 from tickets receipts of their game against the Carolina Panthers. Part of the money also came from a block of tickets sold to various Guardsmen at a reduced rate.

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Staff Sgt. Alex French IV

CLAY NATIONAL GUARD CENTER, Marietta, Ga -- The Department of the Defense announced Oct. 1, the death of SSG Alex French IV, a member of Company A, 1st Battalion, 121st Infantry who died on Sept.
30, 2009 in Afghanistan. According to the Department of the
Defense, French, 31, of Milledgeville, Ga., died Sept. 30 in Kwhost, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit using an impro-
vised explosive device. Governor Sonny Perdue issued
the following statement on notification of the death of Staff Sgt. French, "Our hearts and prayers go out to the family of Staff Sergeant Alex French. Sergeant French laid down his life to defend our country. He will be remembered as a hero not only by his wife, Shanoca, and children, Shaniya, Alex and Madison, but by the entire state of Georgia. While we can never do enough to console his family, we offer our deepest gratitude for his sacrifice
and service." "Word of the recent death of Staff
Sergeant Alex French IV deeply sadden our Guard family," said MG Terry Nesbitt, Georgia's Adjutant General. "This was Staff Sergeant French's second deployment, having deployed with the 48th Infantry Brigade Combat

Team to Iraq in 2005-06. "This hero's passing leaves each of
us with the Georgia National Guard mournful, yet determined to see this important mission through," Nesbitt added. "I feel certain that Staff Sergeant French would have wanted us to do just that. Our heartfelt condolences are extended to his wife and three children, to his parents, and of course, to
family and friends."

19

Did you know?
`Georgia's horse cavalry'

More Georgia Guard history at
www.hsgng.org/

Here's a brief look at what the Georgia Guard was doing in October 1940, 1955 and 1986.
1940 General Order No. 29, dated 1 Oct., converted Georgia's 108th Cavalry units into coast artillery batteries. Troops A (Georgia Hussars) and B (Liberty Independent Troop) became batteries A and B, 101st Separate Coast Artillery Battalion. Machine Gun Troop (Governor's Horse Guard) became Battery C of the 101st. The state's new artillery battalion had a headquarters, a medical detachment and a new unit, Battery D, in Bainbridge.
1955 Georgia Air National
The 108th Cavalry on parade circa. 1938.
Guardsmen participated in a nationwide "surprise" practice alert, code name "Operation Stopwatch." Brigadier Gen. Homer Flynn, Georgia's Assistant Adjutant General for Air, noted

at the time that of the 73 Air Guard fighter-interceptor squadrons nationwide scrambling for the exercise, four were from Georgia. Squadron commanders were alerted when the operation began and then unit members were contacted. Within an hour of the alert, Georgia pilots were flying their F-84D Thunderjets from Marietta and Savannah toward Oak Ridge, Tenn. Their practice mission was to protect Oak Ridge's Y-12 atomic energy plant from enemy bombers.
1986 The new 244th Aviation Battalion, comprised of Detachment 1, Headquarters, and Det. 1, Company
D, and an aviation company, Company B, drilled for the first time in Winder. The 244th replaced Company A, 158th Military Intelligence Battalion, which moved to Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Marietta. Also drilling for the first time in Winder was the aviation section, previously stationed at Dobbins, of the 265th Engineer Group. Both units flew the UH-1 "Huey" helicopter. The 265th also flew the OH-58 "Kiowa" light observation helicopter.

20

Georgia Southern University to salute Military

Georgia Southern University will salute the military and the Georgia Army National Guard during its football game against the Citadel Bulldogs, Nov. 21, 2009 in Statesboro, Ga., at Allen E. Paulson Stadium.
The GSU Eagles will wear the 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team's shield and the Boar's head patch, the offical Georgia National
Guard insignia on their helmets in support of Soldiers deployed overseas. GSU and the National Guard will conduct a formal sticker presentation on Nov. 18, 2009 at 5:00 p.m. at the GSU football practice field.

GSU Military Appreciation Day will offer free tickets for all Soldiers and their family members. A tailgate party for all Soldiers and their families will be sponsored by the GSU Eagle Battalion (ROTC) 11 a.m. at the Recreation Activity Center (RAC) complex.
Helicopters from the 1/171st Aviation Regiment (GAARNG) are slated to conduct a flyover prior
to kickoff at Paulson Stadium. LTC Randal Simmons, 1st Battalion, 108th RSTA Battalion commander will participate in the official coin toss.
GSU will pay special tribute to the Georgia Army National Guard Wounded Warriors during halftime activities. In attendance for the game will be Brig. Gen. Tom Moore, Commander of the 116th Air Control Wing at Robins AFB. The GSU Military Appreciation Day event is being coordinated by the GSU Eagle Battalion (ROTC). For more information, call MAJ David Casey at 678.247.3564.

21

810th departs for Afghanistan

CLAY NATIONAL GUARD CENTER, Marietta, Ga -- The ominous storm clouds overhead did little to dampen the anticipation tempered by some sadness for approximately 100 Georgia Army National Guard Engineers, members of the 810th Engineering Company of Swainsboro as they prepared for their year-long deployment to Afghanistan.
The City of Swainsboro gave a hero's sendoff to the National Guard engineers on Sunday, Sept. 20 as they boarded buses for their mobilization station of Fort McCoy, WI, prior to their ultimate deployment to Afghanistan.
Swainsboro's 810th is part of the 878th Engineering Battalion of Augusta. For many of these Guardsmen, this is their second deployment in support of ongoing overseas operations.
"I'm really looking forward to this deployment because of where we're going and the new equipment we have received and been trained on, "said SPC David Holmes of Swainsboro. "This deployment will be different than when I deployed before with the Marines as a truck driver during my first deployment."
The 810th, formerly Alpha Company of the 878th, transformed from a heavy engineer company to a combat engineer company in 2007. The mission of the Swainsboro unit, along with three other engineer units from South Dakota and Missouri will be to clear and maintain roads throughout the area of operation.
"You will be doing many different things while they are gone," said BG Maria Britt, Army Guard commander,

speaking to the families and spouses of the deploying troops, "but realize that you are not alone and that we have many resources available to help you during this time of absence."
"We each have a responsibility to watch out for one another, and to see that everyone comes home together," said CPT Ken Jones, company commander of the 810th.
The Swainsboro engineers will assist in Operation Phoenix and will work alongside more than 2,000 members of Georgia's 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team currently serving in Afghanistan
"We have a great unit and outstanding Soldiers," said Holmes. "I'm ready for the mission to begin, but also ready to come back home."
More than 300 family members, Swainsboro VIPs and friends were at the sendoff ceremony.

More photos at www.gadod.net

A few of the more than 100 members of Swainsboro's 810th pose for a parting picture before departing for one year to Afghanistan.

22

COL Timothy Britt promoted to brigadier general at ceremony in Monroe

Joint Staff Director COL Timothy Britt was promoted to Brigadier General Oct. 3, 2009 at the Georgia National Guard Armory in Monroe, Ga.
The armory, home of the 178th Military Police Company, held a special place for BG Tim Britt. It was his first command as a Guardsman. "I chose the Monroe armory to hold my promotion ceremony today because I think it's very important to never forget where you came from," the general said. "Or those who helped you along the way."
MG William T. Nesbitt, the Adjutant General, and BG Maria Britt, Commander, Georgia Army Guard, attached the one-star epaulets to Britt's jacket. Britt's daughters Ava and Chelsea then slid the new rank on their father's shirt. His youngest daughter Joy handed him his new beret.
Kissing his daughters, BG Tim Britt received a standing ovation. The general reflected on his 26- year career in the

Army, taking the time to give credit to your battle buddies here, we salute you,

the many NCOs who worked for him. Great job!"

During the ceremony, solemn trib- A reception was held at the Monroe

ute was page

to fallen he-

roes and mes-

sages from

officers close

to the general

were read, in-

cluding one

from COL

Joe Hoffman,

currently de-

ployed in

Afghani-

stan. "From

one old Sol-

dier's point of view," it read, "the

BG Maria Britt (right) and MG Terry Nesbitt pin a "star" on Tim Britt, the Georgia Army National Guard's newest brigadier general during a ceremony in Monroe recently.

good guys

have won one with your promotion. Country Club, following the armory

From the Soldiers back home, and all ceremony where well wishers took the

opportunity to congratulate the general.

BG Timothy Britt and family (l-r) daughter Chelsea, BG Maria Britt, daughter Ava (pinning epaulet) and in front, daughter Joy.

General Britt and mother, Joyce

23

Dobbins clears final hurdle for commissary

WASHINGTON -- Dobbins Air Reserve Base has received approval from the Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness to build a military commissary on the base. The decision will give military personnel in metro Atlanta a commissary to shop at when the ones at nearby Fort Gillem and Fort McPherson close within two years.
U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., and U.S. Rep. Phil Gingrey, R-Ga., have been working for more than a year to try to ensure a seamless transition between the closure of existing commissaries serving metro Atlanta and construction of the new commissary.
"This is fantastic news for Dobbins as well as for the thousands of military personnel and veterans in the metro Atlanta area," said Isakson, a member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee. "I'm extremely pleased the Department of Defense has given final approval of the commissary at Dobbins and I will now work with my colleagues to ensure Dobbins receives the necessary funding for the commissary."
"This approval is welcome news for the thousands of military personnel, their families, and veterans in the metro Atlanta area and it has been a long time coming," said Gingrey. "This was the final step in a five step process of getting the application for the commissary approved. I applaud the Department of Defense for recognizing that those

men and women who have served our country so honorably should not be left without convenient access to these critical facilities. I look forward to continuing to work to make this become a reality."
"This new commissary will provide a much-needed service for our military men and women in the Atlanta area," said Chambliss, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. "I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure Dobbins receives the funding to move forward with this project."
On March 31, the Commissary Operating Board of the Defense Commissary Agency agreed to recommend approval of a commissary at Dobbins Air Reserve Base to the Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, who ultimately made the final decision on the facility.
Fort Gillem and Fort McPherson in Atlanta, as well as the Naval Supply School in Athens, are scheduled to close in 2011. At that time, Fort Benning, which is located two hours southwest of Atlanta, will be the closest commissary serving the metro Atlanta military population.
Isakson, Chambliss and Gingrey believe it is critical to maintain a convenient commissary for the metro Atlanta military community, and Dobbins Air Reserve Base meets all the requirements outlined by the Department of Defense to build and maintain a commissary.

24

Building Afghanistan one city at a time

KABUL, Afghanistan Bringing

humanitarian aid to the poor and sick

in this, the world's third most impover-

ished nation, has been one of the more

rewarding missions for Police Mentor-

ing Team (PMT) 9, from Alpha Bat-

tery, 1st Battalion, 118th Field Artillery

Regiment.

Delivering crucial

supplies to communi-

ties in need can aid both

the Afghan people and

the U.S. mission here.

For years villagers who

sought help had no as-

sistance. "The people

have a lot of hostility to-

wards us, they've come

to us for help and we

couldn't help them be-

cause we didn't have the

resources. This problem,

matched with a long his-

tory of police corruption,

Afghan villagers are met by SFC James Creager has turned the people

of Alpha Battery, 1st Battalion, 118th Field Artil- against us," said LTC

lery Regiment at the proposed humanitarian aid drop site.

Akhtar Chief of

Mohammad, Police Depart-

ment 8.

Thus when PMT 9 was dispatched

to provide aid to a nearby village on a

regular basis in an attempt to establish

some normalcy in their lives, members

of the Georgia unit could see their work

paying off. "This is more of a reward

because the community has been doing

their part reporting Improvised Explo-

sive Device findings and suspicious ac-

tivity," says SSG Jeremy Zeigler. "The

entire community has pulled together as a team in support of Chief Mohammed, the chief of the police department."
The meeting between the Georgia Guardsmen and the village chief also produced a security plan to protect those who are giving and receiving the aid, to include personnel searches to ensure that the correct people are receiving the supplies, as well as an army medic to aid anyone needing medical attention.
The police chief, said SFC James Creager, "is very patriotic, also very professional and passionate about doing the right thing. He has never asked for anything - he'll tell us about the needs of his people and whatever he gets, he makes sure it's spread evenly throughout the village."
The Afghanistan National Police will be providing security for the drop. The PMT is very confident in their ability to secure the area as they were recently tested when they were fired upon by insurgents. They quickly identified the threat, negotiated and eliminated both targets.
"They did everything that we trained them to do in this situation," said SGT Rickey Rogers. "We didn't have to tell them anything - we are definitely making progress in the right direction."
Speaking with Mohammed, it is clear that his heart rests with his people. The community is feeding off his determination and continuing efforts to improve the living conditions for his people.

25

How to Access Georgia Guardsmen Videos

Story by David Howell Georgia National Guard Public Affairs Office
At the next change of command or promotion ceremony, unit deployment or redeployment, or any significant event of the Georgia National Guard,video cameras are in place capturing the moment. Video has become the preferred medium for presenting news and information on a timely and entertaining basis.
New video features and news articles are being produced weekly by the Georgia DOD Public Affairs department and the 124th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, and then placed on the Georgia DOD website at www. gadod.net. Videographers are attending many important Guard events and producing video features that are available to all Guardsmen and often appearing on selected external websites.
This increased use of video comes as a result of new software and hardware designed to handle the increased technical requirements of video.
The following is a quick look at where you might find both recently produced videos as well as a large number of archived videos.
Georgia Guardsman website (www.gadod.net)
As previously noted, this is the featured website and is the place you can locate new and archived videos. Our webpage features not only stories from the field and local event, but links to videos short each month. Click on the video section of the Guardsman page to see the stories, behind the scenes footage, and occasional interviews. You may also wish to check the many photo galleries of still photographs taken of the event. You can download photos from the page just by clicking on the download for each photo or video.

Trooptube (www.trooptube.tv)

Military One Source is the military's

answer to the popular "Youtube". Mil-

itary and family members can upload

videos to this page and send meddages

to loved ones in theater.

Flickr

For social networking, the Georgia

Guardsman has pages of photos on

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ganatl-

guard.

DVIDS

(www.divdshub.net)

DVIDS, or the Digital Video Imagery

Distribution System, is the repository

for many video, photo and electronic

products and publications of the U.S.

military. Here you will find the latest

video and photo products from the 48th

IBCT in Afghanistan as well as our

units serving around the world. Look

to DVIDS also to view local stories on

the Georgia National Guard. The Geor-

gia Guardsman's index page has an

extended list of Georgia Guard stories

that have been posted on the DVIDS

site.

If DVIDS is new to you, here is a

short Q&A on how to use this exciting

new information resource.

Q. What type of video and photos will I find on DVIDS?
A. DVIDS posts low resolution Windows Media files and photos on the page, but you can download high quality video and photos upon request. You can review the product via either full screen for videos, and at high resolution for photos.

Q. If I see a picture or photo that I want to send to someone else, can I do that?
A. Absolutely. You'll find buttons for emailing links to family and friends on the product you're viewing.

Q. Are there any restrictions on viewing material on the DVIDS page?
A. DVIDS is a public site, thus you can review all of the products there without restrictions.
Q. How do I download video and photos from DVIDS?
A. It's easy. First you need to register for a free DVIDS account. Click on Register for a Free DVIDS Account and fill in the application form. Once you receive confirmation via email from DVIDS, you can download photos and videos.
Q. Can family members download video and photos from DVIDS?
A. Yes, they can! All they have to do is use the same Register for a Free DVIDS Account and they'll get a free account also.
If you have any questions about our videos and photos, don't hesitate to ask. I'm at David.Howell@ga.ngb. army.mil