Commander-In-Chief Gov. Sonny Perdue
Adjutant General of Georgia MG Terry Nesbitt
Publisher Lt Col (Ret) Kenneth R. Baldowski
Editor/Historian Dr. Beryl Diamond
Managing Editor SFC Class Roy Henry
Assistant Editor Amanda Kenny
Video-Audio Editor David Howell
Contributing writers MAJ Eddie Williams - GSDF
SPC Adam Dean SPC Mike Perry
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
Contents Vol. 1, No. 5
The Georgia Guardsman
Send comments, suggestions, articles,
photos or other contributions to: gaguardpao@gmail.com
The Georgia Guardsman is published monthly under the provisionsbi-of AR 360-81 and AF 6-1 by the Directorate of Communications, Georgia Department of Defense. 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.
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All submissions for the Georgia Guardsman can be sent to Amanda Kenny at gaguardpao@gmail.com. Please submit your stories in a Word document. All photos should be in a JPEG format and NOT embedded in the document. Online at www.dod.state.ga.us
A 4th of July Message from the TAG
3
Video and Announcements
4
Air MEDEVAC unit participates in annual exercise
5
Singing Georgia Soldier knows about second chances
6
Army offers 10-day leave for new fathers
7
MP commander back from Israel
8
GMI achieves Learning Institution of Excellence
10
Saudi Nights, Air Guard in the Desert
10
Guard History: `Battle of the Boat' part 3
12
Tragedy strikes Georgia Guard as four are KIA in Afghanistan
14
Jekyll conference focuses on `Soldier, Airmen, families'
16
116th Airmen awarded Bronze Star
17
Georgia Soldiers reflect on training, mission at departure ceremony
18
Dobbins C-130 logo contest won by GSDF Soldier
19
139th IS celebrates one-year anniversary
19
An interview with Col Dan Zachman
20
6,000th YCA graduate receives diploma
22
ROC drill preps officers for disasters
23
A different look
Readers of the Georgia Guardsman will notice a change in the way we denote military ranks beginning with this issue. After much discussion, articles now appearing in internal publications with an audience largely comprised of Guardsmen -- will feature ranks written in the appropriate military style. For example, LTC for Army (active, Guard and Reserve) or Lt Col for Air (active, Guard and Reserve). Rank style for other services such as the Navy, Marines and Coast Guard will be used when the branches are mentioned. For news releases or publications aimed primarily at our external non-military audience, the Associated Press style for all military services is still the preference. For further information contact the Guardsman at gaguardpao@gmail.com.
Georgia Guardsman : 2 : No. 5
3
A 4th of July Message ...
To All Georgia National Guardsmen, and Civilian Employees of the Georgia Department of Defense:
As we celebrate the birth of our country this Fourth of July, let us recognize the brave militiamen who fought skirmishes and full battles at Lexington and Concord well before July 4, 1776, in support of America's will to escape tyranny and form a nation.
On July 3, 1776, as the Declaration of Independence had just been approved, our one-day second President John Adams, wrote in a letter to his wife Abigail, "It ought to be commemorated...solemnized with pomp and parade, with shews, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other from this time forward forever more...I am well aware of the toil and blood and treasure, that it will cost us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. Yet through all the gloom I can see the rays of ravishing light and glory. I can see that the end is more than worth all the means. And that posperity will triumph in that day's transaction..."
In undertaking to uphold the basic principles on which our nation was founded, that all men are created equal and endowed with unalienable right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, John Adams and our founding fathers solemnly recognized that freedom would not be free.
Paying the price of freedom, the National Guard's evolved and seasoned minutemen are a crucial part of today's total force. Your Georgia National Guard is standing firm in freedom's defense. Today, Georgia's Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen carry on the tradition of protecting our homeland, fighting for freedom and serving our fellow citizens.
Words cannot adequately express my gratitude to you and your families for your contributions to the freedom we share. I wish you all a safe and enjoyable Independence Day.
William T. Nesbitt Major General The Adjutant General
Georgia Guardsman : 3 : No. 5
4
Videos and Announcements
To see videos, click on the name of the story.
205th INF BDE Col speaks to Georgia Families Gayle Wells Interview (speaks about her husband becoming the first Georgia Guard African American General) Georgia Guard Generals Send Message About Suicide Prevention Georgia Senators Deployment Preparation at Camp Shelby 1-108th CAV REGT Media Day General Campbell Speaks at Georgia Governor's Memorial Day Ceremony An Interview with Brigadier General Thomas McCullough 48th IBCT trains at Camp Atterbury Georgia Governor Speaks at Memorial Day Ceremony Georgia Army Guard, Air Guard Basketball Game Coalition Joint Task Fort Phoenix Press Conference, Part 2 Coalition Joint Task Force Phoenix Press Conference, Part 1 Brigadier General Wells Post Promotion Interview Colonel Steven Merkels Georgia Family Message
July Events
July 3, 2009
Villa Rica Independence Day Celebration at the Villa Rica Civic Center, Villa Rica.
The 116th Army Band's "Funk Band," will provide a free concert at the Georgia Music Hall of Fame, Macon.
July 4, 2009
BG Maria Britt is the keynote speaker for the Fabulous Fourth Festival at the Georgia International Horse Park, Conyers, Ga., at 5 p.m.
The 116th Army Band will be marching in the parade and 78th Aviation Troop Command will provide a helicopter fly-over of the parade route during the Dunwoody Independence Day Parade, Dunwoody.
For more events visit: http://gadod.net/index.php?option=com_eventlist&view =eventlist&Itemid=105
Social Networking
The Georgia Guardsman is now on: Twitter Facebook
Georgia Guardsman : 4 : No. 5
5
Air MEDEVAC unit participates in annual training exercise
Story by SPC Adam Dean Photos by SGT Jerry DeAvila
trained. "These guys [the medics] go into the box for
AUGUSTA Members of Marietta's De- the duration of the exercise. Morning, noon and
tachment 1, 832nd Medical Evacuation Com- night they're there 24 hours a day doing their
pany, participated in joint operations exercise jobs," he said. "They don't know when they're
Global Medic 2009 at Bush Field here, June 8 getting missions, they don't know when they're
to 27, 2009.
getting patients, they don't know what they
The annual joint-force training exercise took have or when it's coming. They're sitting there
place at multiple installations across the coun- and suddenly they're alerted that three patients
try, and incorporated assets from the Georgia are coming in from an IED blast.
Army Guard, Army Reserve, Air Force Reserve "It's literally real world training for these
and the Navy Reserve, said 1SG Steven K. Heb- people," said Palmer.
blethwaite, the 832nd's acting first sergeant.
CW4 Peter J. Demkow, a pilot with the 832nd
Hebblethwaite participated in the exercise and a four-year Global Medic veteran, agreed
for the fifth time. "In addition to MEDEVAC with Palmer about the realism of the training.
operations we did here, there were elements "Other than the distances we have to travel in
participating simultaneously at Camp Parks, theatre, it mirrors reality very closely," he said.
Calif., Fort McCoy, Wis., and at Fort Gordon," Demkow said that one of most important ele-
he said.
ments of the exercise was the joint forces nature
The exercise prepares medics and pilots of the training. This helps make it more real-
for the real world missions they'll encounter istic, since cooperation between the services is
in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere, said SGT crucial in Iraq and Afghanistan.
David Palmer, a Black Hawk helicopter crew "There are several important things at play
chief with the 832nd and a four-year veteran of here. One would be the interaction with the
Global Medic.
"What we do is simulate battle-
field injuries by taking `patients'
and moving them through the sys-
tem from the point of injury, through
the forward support base (FSB)
and emergency surgical stabiliza-
tion, and on to the combat support
hospital (CSH). From there, we fly
them out to a mobile aeromedical
staging facility (MASF) where they
receive more surgical stabilization
while awaiting evacuation," Palmer
explained.
He said the experienced train-
ers overseeing the event are subject
matter experts, most of whom have
been to Iraq or Afghanistan several
times. Palmer added that their ex-
perience is essential since it helps them to create a realistic operating environment for the medics being
SGT David Palmer (left) administers a bag of intravenous fluid to a "patient" while Army Reservists stand ready to move the role-player to a nearby Black Hawk helicopter.
Georgia Guardsman : 5 : No. 5
PFC J.P. Lawrence, serving with Multinational Division South, contributed this story.
different branches of service, not only the Air Force, but the Army Reserve, where most of the medical personnel here are from," said Demkow. "It helps us learn about their skills and their assets, and they get to learn about our ca-
pabilities and our assets. That intermingling of the forces and the joint operations are the biggest benefit that we get from Global Medic."
Singing Georgia Soldier knows about second chances
Filed by Armed Forces Press Service
go home to back them up."
OPERATING BASE BASRA, Iraq, June The situation escalated, and guns than came
5, 2009 Georgia Army National Guard SPC into play. "I ended up getting caught with a
Cleon Shack of Monroe's 178th Military Police firearm," Shack said. His scholarship was
Company stood in the shadows near the stage, long gone, but the courts decided to give him
waiting on his second chance.
a choice. As a result, two of his charges were
A week before, Shack and eight others had reduced to misdemeanors on the condition that
entered "Basra Idol," a music competition for he joined the military.
service members
The Army be-
here. Shack had sung
came his second
"Midnight Lover," a
chance. "Without
song he and his broth-
the Georgia Army
er wrote, a song that
National Guard,"
featured such lyrics as
the all-wheel me-
"I want to do freaky
chanic said, "I
things to you freaky,
probably would
freaky things."
have had time in
He didn't make the
jail, and I would
cut, that time.
have had a felony
But now that one
on my record."
of the contestants was
The show was
going on leave, there
about to begin
was a chance a good
when the master of
chance he could sneak into this round as a replacement.
"Practice," the
SPC Cleon Shack performs in Round 2 of "Basra Idol," a music contest at Contingency Operating Base Basra, Iraq. Shack was one of three finalists to make it to the final round. (U.S. Army photo by PFC .P. Lawrence)
ceremonies, SFC James Cookman, approached Shack. "Are you comfort-
judges had told him.
able with perform-
"You may be able to sing, you might not. Just ing tonight?" he asked. Shack was very com-
come. If they let you sing, if they let you per- fortable performing that night. The last time he
form, be ready. Just come prepared." And so he was on stage, he said, he was "in a rush, trying
waited, ready to perform. He just wanted a sec- to get it over with." The second performance
ond chance.
saw a calmer, cooler Soldier.
Then again, Shack knows a thing or two "I kinda' calmed down," he said, "because I
about second chances.
knew the song. I knew R. Kelly."
"I had a full scholarship to Albany State Uni- As he ran through R. Kelly's "I Believe I
versity," the Columbus native said. He was a Can Fly," the crowd, which seemed to know all
linebacker with the school's football team. But the words, began singing along with him. The
when his brothers ran into trouble and got into judges took notice of the crowd's reaction, and
an altercation, he said, "I made the decision to when the final scores were tallied, Shack had a
Georgia Guardsman : 6 : No. 5
ticket to the finals. "I was kind of shocked," said Shack, who had
enrolled in Basra Idol to join his friend, SPC Russell Dudley, in the competition. "I thought for sure Dudley would have made it."
The judges invited Dudley and all the other eliminated contestants to sing at the final round the next week, where one of them will get a second chance to win it all.
Shack knows that if not for a fellow contestant going on leave, he would not be in the finals. He also knows that if he hadn't received a second chance back home, he would be in jail.
"I can't honestly say everyone deserves a second chance," he said, "but in certain situations, they are given. If you're ever given a second chance, just take advantage of it."
Army offers 10-day leave for new fathers
Story by Rob McIlvaine
Price remembered.
FMWRC Public Affairs
Recognizing the importance of families be-
ing together during significant events such as
The Army's new paternity leave policy gives the birth of a child, the Army has developed a
fathers additional time to be with their Families flexible paternity leave policy that allows male
when a child is born.
Soldiers to support their spouses during the joy-
The policy, signed into law under President ous, but possibly stressful, time of adjustment
George W. Bush on Oct. 14, 2008 grants mar- following the arrival of a new family member.
ried Soldiers up to 10 consecutive days of non- This new policy also provides Soldiers re-
chargeable administrative leave after the birth turning from deployments uninterrupted time
of a child.
with their child to begin building bonds that
MAJ Rodney Price, with the Army Inspec- will last a lifetime.
tor General Agency, has spent 23 years in the The policy allows Soldiers who have taken
Army three as a paratrooper, followed by a annual leave in connection with the birth of a
tour as infantry drill sergeant before being com- child since October 2008 to request up to 10
missioned as an adjutant general officer. He re- days of leave be restored and re-credited to their
members what having a baby was like before leave account. Soldiers must provide documen-
this new law.
"When our now 9-year-
old daughter, Fiona was
born, I was a battalion
operations officer. I was
only able to take a day-
and-a-half off work to be
with my wife, who expe-
rienced a horrible delivery
and was in pain for nearly
a year following the birth.
I can't tell you how many
times since then that I've
wished I could have been
there for her in a more
meaningful way. I'm not
sure a 10-day paternity
leave would have provid-
ed everything we needed, With the birth of his third child, Maj. Rodney Price was finally able to
but it would have been spend quality time with his wife and their baby, Valerie, during her first
better than what we got," weeks of life. (Photo by Price Family)
Georgia Guardsman : 7 : Issue 5
tation to support their claim (e.g., DA Form 31 or LES) and submit it through the unit personnel officer or Personnel Administrative Center.
Paternity leave must be taken within 45 days of the child's birth; deployed Soldiers must take the leave within 60 days after returning from deployment. Leave not taken within the established timeframe will be lost.
Single Soldiers who father a child out-ofwedlock are not eligible for paternity leave. For those who adopt, the Army Adoption Program that has its own non-chargeable leave policy of three weeks.
"The first opportunity I had to really bond with Fiona came 18 months later when we transferred from South Carolina to California, and she and I drove across the country together," Price said.
The story was the same with their second child.
"Our son Shane was born while I was a student at the Defense Language Institute. Again, there was not much opportunity to take time away from the classroom without getting too far behind to recover. Although difficult, this delivery was not as difficult as the first. With support from our Family, we made it through. Again, a 10-day absence to be with my wife and two children would have eased a lot of the stresses in the Family."
Soldiers and officers are encouraged to take advantage of this valuable family bonding op-
portunity, and supervisors and commanders at all levels should approve paternity leave whenever it is feasible.
Paternity leave provides greater stability and predictability to Soldiers and their families. By providing a benefit that is increasingly more common in the civilian sector, the Army is building on its reputation as an organization that takes care of its families.
The opportunity finally came about for Price to enjoy the birth of his third child.
"Actually, I had just finished up as aide-decamp and was on regular leave seven days after baby Valerie was born, the Army policy for paternity leave was released so I was able to get the paperwork adjusted."
The parental leave provision was put in the 2009 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) authorization bill at the urging of the U.S. Navy and with the backing of Sens. James Inhofe - Okla., and Claire McCaskill - Mo. Until then, none of the services had the authority to grant non-chargeable paternity leave.
"There's no feeling quite like holding your new baby girl. I am really glad that the services are doing more than just talking about supporting our families. Army families do a lot for the service, and it's appropriate for the Army to do something to support the family. Kudos to the folks who helped make this a reality," Price said.
MP commander back from Israel
Story by SFC Roy Henry Georgia National Guard Public Affairs Office
ATLANTA The commander of Decatur's 170th Military Police Battalion was part of an 18-member delegation that returned June 17, 2009, from Israel where they spent two weeks studying counterterrorism tactics and other policing strategies with the Israeli National Police.
LTC Lutalo Olutosin, a Fulton County resident, is also the full-time executive officer to BG Maria Britt, Georgia Army Guard commander. It's the first time he's participated in the Georgia International Law Enforcement Exchange (GILEE) program and his first visit to the Jewish State.
His trip also marks the 17th time a GILEE delegation has made the trip.
"It was for me as a military policeman and as a Soldier a life-changing experience," Olutosin said from his office at Joint Forces Headquarters in Ellenwood. "I strongly encourage any senior law enforcement leader, military or civilian, who has the opportunity to be part of this program to take full advantage of it."
That's just what Olutosin did, when he found out earlier in the year that COL Joe Hoffman, then 78th Troop Command's deputy commander, wouldn't be able to go. Hoffman had to drop out because of his deployment to Afghanistan as part of Joint Task Force Phoenix.
Georgia Guardsman : 8 : Issue 5
"I'm always looking for opportunities to learn more, and when the adjutant general [MG Terry Nesbitt] told me Hoffman wouldn't be going, I didn't hesitate about applying," Olutosin said. "It's like the general said, `who better to learn counterterrorism from than the Israelis."
The GILEE exchange program, founded in 1992 by Dr. Robert Friedmann of Georgia State University's Criminal Justice Department, provides senior law enforcement leaders like Olutosin the opportunity to train with their overseas peers. It also allows their Israeli counterparts to come here and see how U.S. agencies battle terrorism.
"Law enforcement and public safety agencies know that serious threats [to local and national security] are still out there despite the relative lull [in terrorist activity] after Sept. 11, 2009," Friedmann said. "Those same agencies are eager to benefit from the experience and expertise of their Israeli counterparts."
And benefit they did, said Olutosin. Not a day went by that he and his fellow delegates didn't learn something from their hosts.
The importance of cooperation between agencies, for example, is something the Israelis really work at he said. Doesn't matter who has what information civilian, governmental or military they share everything. There's never an issue of what agency may be in charge... even the military will step back and give a civilian partner the lead.
"They've really `cracked the nut' on what we call joint operations," Olutosin said.
At one point in the trip, he and his fellow delegates traveled to Jerusalem and visited the Israeli National Police Command Center. Inside, the delegation was briefed on what takes place inside the center, and watched the Israelis in action.
Because of the surveillance technology the Israelis employ, Olutosin and the delegation
saw a man their counterparts identified as a terrorist stab three Jewish citizens, and then run away.
"They [the police] made it clear that what we saw was no random act of violence," he said. "By replaying what had happened and looking at it from several angles, police were able to catch the suspect within a short time of the incident."
Olutosin said that, with the world situation
LTC Lutalo Olutosin (center) poses with two Israeli Defense Force paratroop commanders during a break in training with Israeli National Police. (Contributed photo)
what it is today, any opportunity to see how others deal with terrorism and apply those lessons to their own procedures is something no law enforcement official should pass up. Olutosin said that any chance he gets, he's on the next plane to whereever that opportunity may be.
Georgia Guardsman : 9 : Issue 5
Institute of Excellence award goes to GMI
The Army School System awarded
Georgia's 122nd Regional Training In-
stitute's (RTI) Officer Candidate School
(OCS) the ranking of "Learning Institu-
tion of Excellence" this week. This is the
second time in a row that the Georgia
Military Institute and OCS has achieved
the prestigious ranking that sets it among
the top 10 percent of all training pro-
grams across the nation. Institution of
Excellence is the highest academic ac-
creditation ranking available through
The Army School System (TASS), and
requires a score of 95 percent or higher
in 30 standard training criteria. "Every-
one in the program worked really hard
to get it [the ranking] again," said MAJ
Bill Bailey, the OCS commander. Many
of the OCS cadre are at Eastover, S.C.
Attached is a picture of SFC Melody Springs (course manager) and MAJ Bill Bailey This month providing instruction to OCS
(company commander) of the Officer Candidate Training Company (Georgia Military Institute), 122nd Regional Training Institute (RTI) holding the Institute of Excellence certificate for 2009. (Contributed photo)
candidates from across the South East for Phase 1 of the OCS program. COL Randal "Scott" Carter, commander of the
122nd RTI said, "We're extremely proud
of the entire OCS team. They set the bar
for the other courses here at the RTI."
Saudi Nights: 165th SF in the desert
Filed by the 165th AW Security Squadron 28 May, 2008, 2 a.m., 91 degrees. Ninety-one degrees does not refer to units of latitude or longitude. No, 91 degrees refers to temperature, at two in the morning. Twenty-six members of Savannah's 165th Security Forces Squadron stepped off an aircraft in the Saudi Desert, May 28, to a balmy 91 degrees. This marked the beginning of a seven-month deployment to Saudi Arabia, or more accurately Eskan Village, what could best be considered as a military suburb of Riyadh. Joining the 64th Air Expeditionary Group in a forward deployed location, the Airman faced several challenges, including heat stressed working conditions. Led by MSgt Casey Shelby, the Airmen soon learned the next 2,520 hours, or 151,200 minutes of duty would be at
night. These Airmen joined Air Guard units from Guam, Minnesota, Iowa and Utah to make up the security package for the 360-acre village. For the most part, Eskan provides the living quarters for the Army and Air Force personnel assigned to Riyadh Air Base, home of the Saudi Arabian air force.
The duty day required the Airmen to "arm up" about one hour before the beginning of their shift, which began at 6 p.m. The duty day itself was 12 hours, but by the time the Airmen reported for duty and repeated the maneuver in reverse, 12 hours later, the duty day had grown to 14-plus hours.
The Airmen were not given to complain of their duty despite the heated conditions, especially considering their counterparts were standing their posts and providing security in
Georgia Guardsman : 10 : No. 5
temperatures ranging from 120 to 135 degrees. world" training while deployed, sharpening
Still, the Saudi desert has a disturbing quality their skills while participating in "escort duty"
all its own without the benefit of sunlight.
and QRFs, or quick response forces. The role
Threat conditions remained elevated of the QRF is to be the first eyes, and weapons,
throughout the seven-month deployment. "FP- trained on any actual or perceived act of aggres-
CON Charlie," or Force Protection Condition sion toward U.S. assets.
Charlie, was the constant level of security. Ac- As one might imagine, the security forces de-
cording to the Joint Chief's of Staff, "FPCON tachment was confined to base throughout the
Charlie" is defined as, "when an incident occurs seven-month deployment, except for one very
or intelligence is received indicating some form brief morale visit to Riyadh, that visit lasted
of terrorist action against personnel or facilities only a few hours. One area of particular inter-
is imminent. Implementation of measures in est in the city, Chop-Chop Square, was not on
this FPCON for more than a short period prob- the tour itinerary, so the Airmen were prohibited
ably creates hard-
ship and affects
the peacetime
activities of the
unit and its per-
sonnel." Seven
months was prob-
ably not included
in the timeframe
alluded to by the
Joint Chiefs. The
constant height-
ened threat level is
easily understood
given the sensitive
location. Recog-
nizing its proxim-
ity to Riyadh, the
political climate
of the region, the
location of stra-
tegic national oil refineries, and
Members of the 165th Security Forces Squadron proudly display the Georgia Flag as they pose for a group photo. (Contributed photo).
the memory of
the 1996 Khobar
Towers bombing that resulted in the deaths of from visiting. Chop-Chop Square is the central
19 U.S. service members, Eskan Village must city location of public punishment for crimes,
be secured with a delicate threat assessment. including the chopping off of hands of a thief
The Airmen, who stood their posts near or burglar, or the beheading of someone found
the village gates, reported several incidents in guilty of more serious offenses.
which their uniforms were illuminated by lasers After seven months of three days on and one
from weapons off-base and probing of the gates day off, the detachment returned to south Geor-
by "individuals". These "people" would simply gia; quite a satisfying adjustment from the con-
walk up and ask permission to enter the base fines of Eskan Village and the constant threat
for no apparent reason other than to test base those who do not appreciate the U.S. presence.
security, or in the words of one Airman, "to see The newly refurbished gates of the 165th Airlift
what we would do."
Wing never looked so good.
The airmen remained in near constant "real
Georgia Guardsman : 11 : No. 5
History: `Battle of the Boat' (part 3)
Part 3 of 3, continued from No.4 The Illinois troops began firing into the men fighting on the ship. CPL John Whalen of the Greens, "aye, a fine lad he was, too," died instantly, a ball and two buckshots evidently discharged from the lower deck passing through his heart. When some days later the Greens were moving to the south the corporal's body was at rest beside the Rio Grande in a grave long since lost and forgotten. "Boys, they are killing our captain!" yelled one of the Greens, and they all seized muskets and cleared the deck. On shore the tumult gradually subsided. Greens and Rangers and Illinois volunteers retired to nurse their bruises and wounds. In the 12 following months in which they served together there appears no evidence of further enmity or outbreaks of violence between the Greens and Rangers. Wild reports of the encounter of August 31 were circulated and found their way back to Georgia. One was that COL Jackson had shot two men and wounded others with his sword, whereas Jackson was many miles away. Another report was that several bodies were seen floating in the river. Still other reports announced COL Baker as dying from a bullet wound in the neck and gave the deaths as several among the Illinois men and the wounded as quite numerous. Actually, only one Illinois volunteer was killed. He received a fatal wound while standing by COL Baker. The several wounded of that regiment all recovered. CPT McMahon received a bayonet wound in the mouth. COL Baker was reported hit in the neck by a bullet from one of his own men. Reports as to his injuries were very conflicting. Some months later, he was leading his men in battle. The 4th Illinois Volunteers took a prominent part in the battle of Cerro Gordo, where Baker led a full brigade. Taylor denied the 1st Georgia the honor of playing a part in the victories anywhere in Mexico.29 The reports shocked the country, intimating that the Georgia troops were a rabble. Impossible to secure correct details for some weeks, the Georgians were in somewhat of a frenzy as to what had occurred to their soldiers, all of whom COL Jackson had put under temporary arrest. Jackson quickly ordered CPT McMahon and three others before a court of inquiry, but just as speedily the court exonerated them of any wrong-doing.30 COL Jackson, after the court of inquiry, in surveying the "Battle of the Boat," held that "the word `surrender' addressed to an officer in command of his men was insulting and well calculated to provoke indignation." He continued, "It was not until the command charge was repeated and the words came `Damn him, run him through,' that the Greens rushed over the prostrate body of CPT McMahon and struck down the bayonets aimed against him." "I ask, could Captain McMahon have acted otherwise? Could the Greens have done less?" 31 Jackson was emphatic in his statement that but for the interference of Baker with his Illinois Volunteers, the quarrel between the Rangers and the Greens would have been suppressed by their captains. The commander of the Georgia regiment was naturally bitter over the position in which the Greens, his favorite company, were placed, and he was emphatic in his expression of his views as to Baker's "unfortunate interference." "I challenge comparison of the regiment, in point of drill, discipline, and soldierly deportment," he declared. "Proud of his regiment, outraged by what he deemed unjust attacks, the somewhat hot-tempered Jackson quickly gave it the appearance of a personal issue, and, without the formality of a regular challenge, forbidden by federal military law, through the grapevine of that day conveyed to the Illinois colonel an unmistakable intimation that the Savannahian stood prepared to individually maintain the; honor of the First Georgia, and would waive any military restrictions if the Illinois
Georgia Guardsman : 12 : No. 5
commander were willing to likewise become personal champion of his regiment in a meeting under the code. For a time it seemed as though the two officers might settle the issue with their swords or pistols, as neither was inclined to accept the other's attitude with regard to what had occurred on the boat. Jackson held to the end that the responsibility attached to Baker for his "precipitate action."
"Under the United States military law of that day, to send a challenge, to accept a challenge, or to fight a duel, called for the court-martialing of the officers involved, and, if convicted, their being cashiered, a penalty which the friends of both officers were most anxious to avoid."
Conclusion: The altercation, or "Battle of the Boat," essentially removed the Georgia regiment from the war. That evening the steamer left for Camargo with the now quieted troops and upon arrival, COL Jackson approached General Taylor to report his regiment ready to join the fight. Taylor was aware of the fighting on the boat before it left Camp Belknap and did not take the regiment, indicating he did not want regiments that fought among themselves. Jackson's men remained in Mexico, and were later ordered to Vera Cruz where they did take a hand in the siege. Before the 12 months expired, troops were asked to extend their enlistment. Some did, but others declined, to include the Georgia regiment, knowing that Taylor would never forgive the boat incident. The 1st Georgia was ordered to New Orleans where its soldiers were mustered out of service in May 1847. Notes 29 Despite this terrible affront to the Irish Jasper Landing of american forces under General Winfield Scott at Vera Cruz Greens of Savannah, that city still named a major street there in Taylor's honor. 30 "From Comargo" in DG, 15 October 1846; "Capt. McMahon" in DG, 22 October 1846. 31 Captain John McMahon (1815--1881), a native of County Clare, Ireland, was exonerated for his actions at the "Battle of the Boat," but "his system was shocked by his wound" and his health failed. He resigned his commission from the Jasper Greens and returned to Savannah to resume the management of the City Hotel. During the early part of the War Between the States he first served as a lieutenant in the Pulaski Guards, and subsequently as captain of the Washington Volunteers, both composed of Savannah Irishmen. He and his company were among those taken prisoner at the surrender of Ft. Pulaski and later exchanged for some Pennsylvania "Bucktails." After his exchange he moved to Milledgeville, where he lived until the close of the war. He died in January of 1881. "The Death Of Captain John McMahon" in SMN, 22 January 1881.
Guard foundation partners with Falcons
The Georgia National Guard Family Support Foundation is partnering with the Atlanta Falcons in offering tickets to the Falcons vs. Panthers game Sept 20, for $30 each (regular $55 value). All proceeds benefit the Georgia National Guard Family Support Foundation.
Falcon Cheerleaders will be at Oglethorpe Armory July 11, from 11:30 a;m. to 1 p.m. to visit with soldiers and promote the game.
TICKETS ARE LIMITED. Please take advantage of these discounted FALCON tickets! Tickets are available by calling Tammy McEvers at 678 569-5756, BB 404 695-9770.
Georgia Guardsman : 13 : No. 5
Tragedy strikes Georgia Guard as four are KIA in Afghanistan
The perils of the Afghanistan mission of was 1SG John D. Blair of Calhoun who died
the 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team be- June 20, 2009, while on a combat patrol with
came vividly clear in June when four Georgia the Afghanistan army when a Rocket Propelled
Guardsmen were killed in action. The death of Grenade (RPG) struck the turret area of the ve-
the four Guardsmen, three from the 1st Battal- hicle occupied by Blair who was in the gunner's
ion 108th RSTA and one from the 1st Battalion position.
121st Infantry at the early stages of the deploy- Governor Sonny Perdue issued the following
ment, underscores the risks which more than statement on the death of three 108th Guards-
2,000-members of the 48th face daily .
men, "News that MAJ Kevin Jenrette, SSG
MAJ Kevin Michael Jenrette of Lula, SSG John Beale and SPC Jeffrey Jordan died serv-
John Curtis Beale of Riverdale, and SGT Jef- ing in Afghanistan is a sobering reminder of the
fery William Jordan of Rome were all killed dangers our Citizen-Soldiers face there every-
in a single incident June 4, 2009, near Kipisa, day. I know the families' of these Guardsmen
have broken hearts, and though we can not
comprehend the loss they are feeling, Mary
and I join them in mourning. I have person-
ally visited with our troops, both here and
overseas, and I am always deeply moved by
their dedication to serve others. These men
and women go where they are asked on a mo-
ment's notice, leaving behind families and
communities that miss them dearly. It is our
responsibly to do all that we can to comfort
these families and all of the families with a
loved one in the line of duty."
On the death of Blair, Perdue said, "1SG
Blair demonstrated courage and a readiness
to accept the same dangers that he asked of
the Soldiers under his command. Mary and I
continue to pray for all our Soldiers in harm's
way, and we know Georgians will remember
1SG Blair's service and sacrifice."
"The recent death of three Georgia
Guardsman is very traumatic to our Geor-
gia National Guard family," said MG Terry
MAJ Kevin Jenrette was laid to rest Saturday afternoon at Timber Ridge Baptist Church. Jenrette, 37, of Lula, died June 4 from wounds suffered in an attack while
Nesbitt, Georgia's Adjutant General. "Their deaths occurring so early in the deployment
serving with a Georgia Army National Guard unit near Kapisa, Afghanistan. Two other Guardsmen were lost in the attack. (Photo curtesy of Scott Rogers, photographer and the Gainsville Times Newspaper)
of the 48th Brigade underscores the very real challenges facing our Soldiers and the inherent risks of the mission. We extend our heart-
felt condolences and support to the families
Afghanistan when their vehicle struck an IED, of these brave Guardsmen.
and the Soldiers encountered small arms fire. "1SG Blair was a senior enlisted leader with
The 1/108th had been in Afghanistan less than a true `Follow Me' spirit," said Nesbitt. "He
a month.
was a hero to the men he commanded and to the
The fourth Guardsman to die in Afghanistan members of the 48th Infantry Brigade Combat
Georgia Guardsman : 14 : No. 5
Team with which he served. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this very difficult time."
The support for these local heroes was clearly shown in their home communities. In Rome, hundreds of residents lined the main street when the hearse carrying Jordan made its way from the airport to the funeral home. At Jordan's funeral, American flags flew from every building, appeared in shop windows and were carried by citizens lining the streets.
In Clayton and Henry, counties through which the Beale funeral procession travelled, the tribute was equally moving as literally thousands lined busy streets and neighborhoods waving the American Flag.
In the small community of Lula, hundreds of
friends and National Guardsmen turned out in dress uniforms for the horse-drawn cortge that carried the body of Jenrette from the church to the cemetery. A riderless horse followed the solemn march to the burial site. As with all three funerals, the bodies were transported in ultimate reverence and honor by the Georgia Army National Guard Honor Guard. Four Black Hawk helicopters flew the poignant "missing man" formation over all three funerals.
At the time of this issue of the Georgia Guardsman, funeral ceremonies for Blair were still being arranged, but, as with the others, Georgians in his hometown of Calhoun will certainly honor their hometown hero with a very special tribute.
Service members in Afghanistan pay final respects to their fallen comrades, MAJ Kevin M. Jenrette, 37, of Lula; SFC John C. Beale, 39, of Riverdale; and SPC Jeffrey W. Jordan, 21, of Rome, all three are members of the 1st Battalion, 108th Reconnaissance, Surveillance and Target Acquisition Squadron, 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Calhoun; and for MAJ Rocco M. Barnes of the California Army National Guard. (Photo by SGT James D. Sims)
Georgia Guardsman : 15 : No. 5
Jekyll conference focuses on
`Soldier, Airmen, families'
Story and photo by SFC Roy Henry Georgia National Guard Public Affairs Office
JEKYLL ISLAND, June 12 through 14, 2009 More than 200 members of the organizations that are the voices of Georgia's CitizenSoldiers and Airmen in the halls of Congress came together under the common cause of "Soldiers, Airmen and families matter," at this coastal community's convention for their annual meetings.
For the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of Georgia (EANGGA), it was that group's 35th annual meeting; and, the 61st assembly of the National Guard Association of Georgia (NGAGA), which acts on behalf of the Army and Air Guard officer corps.
Although they represent two different factions within the Georgia Guard, the associations have the same mandate -- promote the status, welfare and professionalism of their memberships, and families, while promoting matters of national defense.
Usually the enlisted and officer associations conduct their conferences separately. What
brought them to the same place on the same weekend, was economics, according to CSM Tony Willis, secretary for the enlisted association.
"Things are tight these days, so anything we [EANGGA and NGAGA] can do to save money and still serve our memberships is important," said Willis, who is also the senior enlisted Soldier for Metter's 265th Regional Support Group. "Since our organizations use many of the same vendors, and often compete for the same guest speakers, we decided both groups would be better served by combining our meetings."
Those who spoke during the combined conference, for example, were U.S. Rep. Jack Kingston Ga. and Sen. Saxby Chambliss Ga. (via video); MG Terry Nesbitt, Georgia's Adjutant General, and MG Todd Bunting National Guard Association of the United States chairman of the board; and LTG Thomas Miller, First Army commander.
Had the associations held their conferences separately, and had invited the same speakers, any one of them would have had to decline one or the other group's invitation.
MAJ Alex McLemore, branch chief for Information Systems Support at Joint Forces Headquarters in Ellenwood, and secretary for the officers association, agreed with Willis. Conducting the two conferences together was an effective arrangement.
"I know that throughout the weekend, I came across enlisted and officer alike who told me that bringing our groups together provided them the opportunity for even greater professional growth," McLemore said. "At the same timethey could work that much closer on issues of mutual interest regarding quality of life for them, their fellow Soldiers or Airmen and their families...right in line with this year's theme.
From the left Marshall Kennemer and Col Murray Hansen, executive director and president of the National Guard Association of Georgia, and CSM (Ret) James Dennis, president of the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of Georgia, convene the combined conference of their two organizations.
Georgia Guardsman : 16 : No. 5
116th Airmen earn Bronze Star
ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE MSgts John Bell and Greg Stephens, both from the 116th Air Control Wing, Civil Engineering Squadron, Explosive Ordnance Disposal flight, were awarded Bronze Stars during a ceremony May 17, 2009.
The sergeants received the awards for their work in supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom from October 2008 to April 2009 as members of the 447th Expeditionary Civil Engineering Squadron, Bravo Flight, Multi-National CorpsIraq, Baghdad.
Bell was in charge of a team of more than 25 personnel that executed more than 800 combat missions covering more than 190 square kilometers.
Stephens was instrumental in the recovery of notebooks containing bomb building instructions and other information coalition forces were able to use in identifying insurgents.
On short notice, Bell acquired 1,300 pounds of demolition explosives to dispose of more than 4,000 enemy munitions collected from
Baghdad, starving the enemy of munitions required to build IEDs for attacks against coalition and Iraqi Security Forces.
Stephens disrupted two devices in two separate responses and provided specifics of both events to the brigade counter improvised explosive device cell. The cell was then able to build a prosecution package for the insurgent responsible.
MSgts Greg Stephens and John Bell, 116th Civil Engineering Squadron, Explosive Ordnance Disposal flight, were awarded Bronze Stars May 17, for their work in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. (Contributed photo)
Georgia Soldiers reflect on training, mission at departure ceremony
Story by SGT Tracy J. Smith Combined Joint Task Force Phoenix IX
CAMP ATTERBURY JMTC, Edinburgh, Ind The departure ceremony here June 6, 2009, was a time for reflection for the men and women of the 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team and combined Joint Task Force Phoenix.
The Army Guardsmen had completed eight grueling weeks of scenario-based training at their final mobilization station dubbed `Indianastan.' A play on the joint maneuver training center's true purpose...preparation for the mission in Afghanistan.
The ceremony, less pomp and circumstance, and more opportunity for leadership, First Army and Georgia, to brag on the Soldiers ac-
complishments. Guardsmen logged countless range hours,
safety training and basic Soldier tasks as well as thousands of hours doing convoy training.
It is the camaraderie that had been established throughout the hard, focused training that will get the Georgia volunteers through the inevitable difficult times.
With a firm understanding of the Phoenix mission, the Soldiers begin their transition to in-theatre operations over the next few weeks. They closed the ceremony with a recitation of the code of every Soldier the Soldier's creed led by SPC Cort Webb, a Task Force Phoenix joint operations specialist.
Georgia Guardsman : 17 : No. 5
SPCs Russell Jordan, Larry Griffin and PFC. Jeremy Malano (L to R) of 148th Brigade Support Battalion after the send off ceremony. (U.S. Army photo by PFC Mozelle Blakeley)
CPL Stephanie Wammock, a medic with Company. C, of the 148th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, contemplates the approaching tour in Afghanistan as the unit gathers around the reflection pool located within the Veteran's Memorial at the Joint Maneuver Training Center. (U.S. Army photo by PFC Mozelle Blakley)
PFC Sol Lopez 148th BSB, redresses her gear to march out with the unit. Lopez, a supply specialist from Athens,says she's ready for the mission ahead in Afghanistan. (U.S. Army photo by PFC Mozelle Blakley) Georgia Guardsman : 18 : No.5
How I created the C-130 offical logo
Story By SGT Jeffrey Stone 1st Battalion, 1st Brigade Public Affairs Office
A good friend of mine, Maj Jim Martin, is a flight nurse in the Air Force Reserve flying in C-130 Hercules Aircraft, and currently deployed overseas. He told me that, in celebration of the 94th Airlift Wing's transition from a training wing to an operational wing, senior leadership was sponsoring a contest to give their C-130's a new look on their tail fins. The current "tail flash" features our base name-"Dobbins ARB," with a blue background and yellow stripes. Maj Peter Wojihowski, 94th Aircraft Maintenance Flight commander said, "A new tail flash look that would signify our new upcoming mission is exactly what we're looking for. The senior leadership wants the opportunity to create a new logo to all of our Airmen and civilians within the wing."
Besides the dimensions of 12-foot high by roughly 12-foot long, and how the design was to be placed on the aircraft's tail, the guidelines were few. The design was wide open. As an example of what to use as a guide, I was directed to look at the tail flash of the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station. My idea was to design an eyecatching flash that also displayed the pride of the Georgia based unit. To achieve this, I used elements and colors from the Georgia state flag along with adding stylized gold wings on the back of the flash to signify flight and the U.S. Air Force.
After submitting my entry a few weeks, I got an email from a SMSgt Joseph Brown. He told
me that I had "co-
won" the competi-
tion with SSgt Seth
Richards of the
94th Airlift Wing.
He invited me to
Dobbins to discuss
some changes they
wanted to make to
my design, and also
show me around
the hangar and ex-
plained how the
flash would be ap-
plied to the tail. I
was told the vot-
ing was almost a
tie, so they decided
to have co-win-
ners. Col Heath J.
Knuckolls, of the
94th Airlift Wing
Commander had SGT Jeffery Stone, a member of the State Defense
the final say on the design. My original design was a red
Force, holds a replica copy of the new Dobbins Logo which will be displayed on the tail of the C-130 aircraft. (Contributed photo).
bar in the middle
with only the gold crest of the state flag on a
blue background. The decision makers decided
to change it to a blue bar with the entire state
flag on the end. In my line of work as a graphic
designer for The Home Depot, I'm used to hav-
ing my ideas changed, so I didn't have a prob-
lem with their suggested changes.
139th IS celebrates one year anniversary
FORT GORDON Augusta's 139th Intelligence Squadron took time to recognize a key proponent during June drill celebrations of the one year anniversary of the squadron activation.
Maj Gen (Ret) William N. Searcy, former Georgia Air Guard commander, was honored June 6, 2009, with the official dedication of the William N. Searcy Cyber Training Facility.
When NGB was conceptualizing the formation of additional ANG cryptologic intelligence
entities, Searcy was instrumental in garnering support to bring this critical mission to Georgia and Fort Gordon.
Maj Gen Scott Hammond, Georgia Air Guard commander, presided over the dedication, which was emceed by 139th commander, Lt Col Kimberley Chatfield. Searcy praised the bright future of the squadron's Airmen and their exciting mission, and he urged them to take advantage of every opportunity to learn more
Georgia Guardsman : 19 : No. 5
about the history of the Georgia National Guard .
The Searcy Cyber Training Facility is the heart of the 139th. The dedication was preceded on Friday, June 5 2009, with the 139th's first anniversary golf tournament, which raised funds for the squadron's booster club. Hammond and Searcy led 13 teams from the Air Guard, active duty Air Force, and Army that competed for fun, glory and prizes. Teams from the 31st Intelligence Squadron, an active duty Air Force unit here (and the squadron that the 139th is associated with), took home two of the top three team honors. To wrap up the anniversary weekend, a formal ceremony was held for the promotion of Maj Troy Lewis, 139th IS Detachment commander, to lieutenant colonel. The 139th Intelligence Squadron was activated on May 28, 2008, here at Gordon.
Maj Gen Hammond, and Maj Gen (Ret) Searcy speak of the origin of the 139th with the Airmen prior to the unveiling of the plaque dedicating the facility to Maj Gen Searcy. (Contributed photo).
An interview with Col Dan Zachman
The Georgia Guardsman recently sat down with Col Dan Zachman who has occupied the position of chief of the Joint Staff since February 2009. Zachman was formerly chief of staff of the 116th Air Control Wing and has spent more than 21 years as a member of the Georgia Air National Guard. During the interview, Zachman spoke of his new responsibilities as chief, how he sees the Joint Staff concept developing, and what the new organization means to our Soldiers and Airmen. He also took time to speak about his lengthy involvement with the State Partnership Program and his six trips to the country of Georgia. Read excerpts from this interview below. View entire interview with Zachman at
GG You have now been in the position of chief of the Joint Staff now for about five months. During that period, how do you see the program developing and what remains to be done?
Zachman Basically, the focus of my new position is on the state mission in context of the Army and the Air. How we can use Army
and Air assets in statewide emergencies. I am responsible for all things Joint, for instance, the personnel piece. HRO is Joint, under the J-1; also the chaplain's office, the state partnership that falls to the J-5 and several other activities. My focus is also in working with the other state, local and federal agencies.
I see the Joint force as a "work in progress." We're modeling ourselves to other joint staffs at the national level, at DoD and at Guard Bureau. We have work to do, but we are making good progress.
GG The Air is now more involved in the Joint Forces. How do you view the Air fitting into the JFHQ structure?
Zachman I see the Air bringing to the JFHQ many unique capabilities, lots of core competencies. There's a great deal of interest from the Air (in being part of the JFHQ). MG Hammond [Georgia Air Guard Commander] has been a great asset in getting the Air more involved. While the JFHQ was been `Armycentric" due to the manpower involved, the Air
Georgia Guardsman : 20 : No 5
brings new capabilities to the table. For example, tactical communications. The Air Guard has large tactical communications capabilities. Hurricane Katrina taught us a valuable lesson. We had the capability (communications), but we came up short. The Air Guard also has lots of engineering capability and competence, with both wings having engineering units that have wartime experience. We have lots of aircraft ground equipment (AGE) that can be brought to assist in a disaster almost immediately. As for our security forces, many Air Guard security personnel are law enforcement officers in their local communities.
GG As we look ahead, how do you see the JFHQ further developing?
Zachman We are right now developing plans on how to respond to various scenarios. For instance, we're working on a scenario involving a 10 kiloton bomb at the atlanta Airport and the role we'll play along with other state and federal authorities. But we have been involved in "planned events" before, such as the G-8 Summit and support for the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. So we've been involved in more than just disaster, situations and with significant large-scale events. Hurricanes are the most likely scenarios which we will have to deal. We were recently involved with the flu pandemic. Atlanta is one of the nation's distribution and storage sites for flu vaccines, so we looked at possibly using our security forces if needed. Although we were not called to assist, we certainly could have. This was just another example of how the National Guard lends support to local, state and federal authorities.
GG- Much has been said about the inability of the Army and Air to communicate with one another. How do you see this obstacle?
Zachman We've faced obstacles in the ability of Army and Air to communicate with one another, but we are making progress. Our intranet goes through two different networks to connect However, on the tactical side, we have more in common. New capabilities regularly are coming on line,
but there's room for improvement in our Army and Air communications.
GG Recently, many members went
through the Adaptive Battle Staff program.
How do you see this working?
Zachman The Adaptive Battle Staff (ABS)
is what the JFHQ will `morph' into in the case
of a disaster situation. Through ABS, we have
the ability to lend Army, Air and State Defense
Force capabilities to a situation from a local
emergency to a Katrina-size disas-
ter. We will move from a small,
trained and focused force into a
huge "Joint Task Force Georgia"
that is able to function effectively
in a situation. We are building an
SOP now for how we work. We
received our training by an orga-
nization that trains states in ABS
and JOC 101, and we were told
that Georgia is among the most ad-
vanced states in the development
of the ABS. We are out front of
many states.
Later this spring, we will con-
duct a ROC (Rehearsal of Con-
cept) drill to work out any incon-
sistencies as a trial run of the ABS system in preparation for the be-
Col. Dan Zachman
ginning of hurricane season.
GG As the JFHQ concept develops, what does it mean to the average Soldier or Airman?
Zachman I believe it will have many benefits. I see it as a more tangible connection to one's local community. We not only have a federal mission, but also a state mission. We are the first responders, able to respond quickly and effectively in an organized manner. Young Soldiers can say with pride that "the Army has trained me for war missions, and at the same time we're able to respond to events when you need us at home." This is the unique capability of the Guard. We live in the community and we are there when we're needed.
GG- You have been very active in the State Partnership Program for several years. Tell us about this experience.
Zachman I have made six visits to the country of Georgia. We've had a relationship with
Georgia Guardsman : 21 : No. 5
Georgia since 1995. In 2004, it left the Soviet Union and became a democratically elected na-
tion. Since then, there has been tremendous progress. Georgia, which is about the size of South Carolina with a population of 2 million, finds itself in key geopolitical situation. Three oil pipelines go through the country, and they are the only oil pipelines not under control of Russia. It has a strategic location, it's a Christian nation and it's now exercising capitalism. It wants to be a part of the European community. Geor-
gia has shown great support to the U.S. operations in Iraq, and it is the second largest supplier of troops. Georgia has also indicated its interest in sending a battalion sized unit to Afghanistan. Success in this part of the world comes in developing relationships. Recently we met with the U.S. Ambassador to Georgia who told us that by far the Georgia Guard partnership with the country of Georgia is the best partnership program he has seen. We have done a tremendous amount of nation building...it's a beautiful relationship with which to be involved.
Col Daniel J. Zachman is the chief, Joint Staff, Georgia National Guard, Joint Force Headquarters, Georgia. The joint chief manages and directs the administration, coordination, planning, development, execution and supervision of all Joint Staff programs that prepare the state for contingency operations in either a federal or state emergency, to include man-made or natural disasters, and federal military mobilizations. He ensures that contingency plans provide for alert, mobilization, deployment, and employment of National Guard assets in response to a wide range of emergency situations. Zachman also oversees the state's Homeland Defense Program includes the state rapid reaction force, the contingency
emergency response force, counterdrug operations, civil support teams, expeditionary medical support, and explosive ordnance disposal.
Col Zachman entered the Air Force in June, 1980, earning a commission through the Reserve Officer Training Corps Program at the Georgia Institute of Technology. He has commanded a services flight, two aircraft maintenance squadrons, and a maintenance group. He also served as chief of transportation-
Exercise Elf One, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, director, Logistics Readiness Center, Joint Task Force - Southwest Asia, and as battle watch captain, Joint Operations Center-Headquarters European Command, Patch Barracks, Stuttgart, Germany. He further served as a chief of supply, and a logistics division chief. Zachman was the 1999 Lt Gen Leo Marquez Outstanding Aircraft Maintenance Manager of the Year for the Air National Guard, the 1994 Senior Supply Manager of the Year for the Air National Guard and the 1990 Transportation Company Grade Officer of the Year for the Air National Guard.
6,000th YCA graduate receives diploma
MACON -- It was a "red letter date" Georgia's Youth Challenge Academy Fort Stewarton Saturday, June 20, 2009, when more than the 200 cadets filed across the stage of Macon City Auditorium to receive their diplomas. However, besides receiving her diploma, Cadet Diah C. Nelson of College Park also moved into the YCA history books as she followed in the path of 5,999 previous students from throughout the state whose lives have been changed by completing the 22-week National Guard youth program.
Nelson was the 6,000th student to graduate from the Fort Stewart-based Youth Challenge
Academy since it opened as a pilot program in 1993. When adding that number to the number of graduates from the second Youth Challenge Academy campus at Fort Gordon in Augusta, Georgia's total number of YCA graduates now exceeds more than 9,000.
Georgia continues to rank among the top states graduating the highest number of YCA cadets. Since its early days at Fort Stewart, and an initial enrollment of 100 students, Georgia's Youth Challenge has boasted graduation classes of more than 800 students each year from its two campuses.
Youth Challenge is a voluntary in-residence
Georgia Guardsman : 22 : No. 5
program for teens who have dropped out of high school. Within the regimented, military-styled environment, YCA students complete their academic requirements to graduate, or earn a GED, while receiving a healthy dose of physical fitness training, personal discipline and life skills training.
"We receive our students often as troubled teens, but they leave here with a high school education, drug and alcohol free, physically fit, goal-oriented, and ready to deal with life's many challenges," said Robert Hughes, Fort Stewart's YCA director.
State Sen. Jack Hill, Senate Appropriations chairman, was the commencement speaker at the 32nd graduation ceremony. Hill, a former Georgia Air National Guardsman with Savannah's 165th Airlift Wing, has been a legislative champion of the YCA program since its beginning. Georgia's General Assembly has continued to provide financial support for the program since its inception.
Diah C. Nelson
ROC drill preps officers for disasters
Senior leaders and key staff members of the Georgia Department of Defense participated in a Rehearsal of Concept Drill at Jekyll Island, June 11, 2009, as part of the Joint Planning Group's strategic preparedness efforts. The ROC Drill focused on hurricane response preparedness and planning for two phases: Deploy and Operate.
All six phases were rehearsed in order to incorporate input and changes from several Emergency Management Agencies across the state in late May. The ROC Drill at Jekyll Island included representatives from across the GaDOD and included local emergency response authorities from Glynn and Chatham Counties and the Georgia Emergency Management Agency.
ROC Drills are intended to put exercise plans into a tangible format with movement of organization-designator icons on large floor maps that indicate phase-dependent deployment and placement of assets, troops, and equipment.The drill at Jekyll Island focused on the Deployment and Operational phases of response operation plans for Defense Support to Civil Authorities, as spearheaded by the J-5/7/9 division, under the supervision of Don Venn, in conjunction
with COL Michael Scholes with participation
by representatives from the full Joint Staff.
Guidance and additional planning consider-
ations were provided to the staff as feedback
from MG William T. Nesbitt, Georgia's Adjutant
General; BG Maria Britt, commandier, Army
Guard; Maj Gen
Scott Hammond,
commander, Air
Guard; Col Dan
Zachman, Chief
of the Joint Staff;
BG Jerry Brad-
ford of the State
Defense Force;
and COL Timo-
thy Romine,
Army Guard
chief of staff.
The next major
planning event for DSCA will be an off-site with
Senior leaders and key staff members of the Georgia Department of Defense participate in a Rehearsal of Concept Drill at Jekyll Island. (Contributed photo)
the Joint Planning
Group, scheduled for the end of August at Fort
Stewart.
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