Georgia guardsman [Vol. 1, Issue 9 (Sept., 2009)]

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Contents Vol. 1, No. 9

September 2009

4 French soldiers learn combat life-saving skills 6 Beans and Bullets 8 Local Afghans weigh-in on presidential election 9 Medical support provides critical need 10 Brigade Soldiers receive combat honors atop Afghan
summit 12 108th Cav learns the art of Fast Ropes 14 Brigade, others celebrate women's right to vote 16 165th firefighters set national record for excellence 18 Did you know? A look at Georgia Guard history 19 Bulldogs wear sticker honoring 48th Infantry 20 Guardsmen take part in annual combatives
competition 21 The Georgia Guard launches new Web site 22 169th Soldiers deploy 22 New commander for the GSDF band 23 Airmen return home to eager families 24 Atlanta Motor Speedway selects Army
widow to serve as Grand Marshal

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

COL Hoffman Interview CSM Dover and LTC Neal

Combined Joint Task

in Afghanistan

Force Phoenix Transfer of

Authority

BG Maria Britt speaks at Family Readiness Conference banquet

Reverend and Mrs. Forrester receive award

Ruth Lee Receives Outstanding Service Award

Aurie McMullen Receives Volunteer Service Award

Courtney Richards Receives Outstanding Service Award

Tina Brants Receives Special Appreciation Award

MG Terry Nesbitt interview in Afghanistan

National Guard Association of the United States

Rep. Jim Marshall

Brig. Gen. Lawrence Dudney

Rep. Jim Marshall Visits Combined Joint Task Force Phoenix

Lt. Col. Thomas Bright

SGT Clara Dady interviewed at 1st Battalion, 169th GSAR REGT

deployment ceremony

Lisa Vincent interviewed at 1st Battalion, 169th GSAR REGT deployment

ceremony

Chief Warrant Officer Ladson and Family

Sgt. 1st Class Brock and Beth Brock

Congressman John Barrow and Capt. Merrick

1st Lt. Downey

169th General Support Aviation Regiment deployment ceremony, Part 1

169th General Support Aviation Regiment deployment ceremony, Part 2

Youth Challenge Academy PSA

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Commander-In-Chief Gov. Sonny Perdue
Adjutant General of Georgia MG Terry Nesbitt
Publisher 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

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French Soldiers learning combat life-saving skills

Story and photos by SPC Jennifer C. Eddy CJTF Phoenix IX PAO

CAMP PHOENIX, KABUL, Afghanistan, Aug. 21, 2009 Members
of French army detachment Unit Epidote 24, graduated today from a four-day Combat Lifesaver (CLS) training course conducted by Army medics of the Surgeon Cell, Headquarters Company, 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT).
Life saver training teaches Soldiers who are not medics how to treat injuries during combat. A combat lifesaver is trained in various techniques to stabilize wounds which include, but are not limited to, blast injury, severe bleeding and penetrating chest injuries.
"As a Combat Lifesaver course instructor, I teach my students that there are three types of people," said SGT Stephanie N. Wammock, of Macon. "There are people who will live, treated or not, and then there are the people we train for, the ones who,

CPT Antoine Naulet of French army detachment Epidote 24 (standing left) proudly shows off his work of administering an intravenous needle to SGT Stephanie N. Wammock of Surgeon Cell, Headquarters Company, 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team.

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with our help, we can save. And, there are people who will die no matter what we do," she said.
Wammock, one of two instructors assigned to teach the class, is a licensed practical nurse (LPN) in the fields of trauma, women's surgery and obstetrics and gynecology (OBGYN) at the Medical Center of Central Georgia.
Epidote service members don't usually have the opportunity to learn these skills they're only taught basic first aid by the French military. "Unless you are a French doctor or medic, it is forbidden to insert intravenous needles, nasal tubes, or needles in the chest," said Premier Maitre (master sergeant) Laurent Lecrivain of the French navy, who is attached to the French military's Epidote 24. "For me, it's very important to have this training... it's necessary."
Epidote 24 members learned how to secure an open airway, how to insert a nasopharyngeal airway (nasal tube); how many breaths-per-minute is considered a normal rate of respiration, and how to insert an intravenous needle (IV) into the body to boost blood volume by replenishing fluids.
"This training is what saves people's lives," said Wammock. "These

basic, simple steps are what sends a father home to his wife and children."
For an American CLS instructor, educating foreign service members in Army techniques can be exceptionally rewarding. "The French were so motivated and attentive during the training because it was so new to them," said Wammock.
SFC Mark Southerland, a fellow CLS instructor and biomedical electronics manager at Piedmont Fayette Hospital, has previously deployed to Bosnia and Iraq, and learned from his French students that, "It's important for us to know what skills they have before we go out in the field with them.
"Teaching them gave me the opportunity to gain insight into their country's military medical culture," said Southerland. "I learned what kinds of medical treatments and systems their doctors and medics receive.
"I, for one, would like to see more coalition training. It opens up your perspective to the different cultures you're fighting along side," he added. "It's a lot like Army Basic Combat Training; it breaks down the stereotypes you once had."

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Beans and Bullets
Teaching Afghans a new way to manage supply issues

Story by SPC Jennifer C. Eddy CJTF Phoenix PAO
CAMP PHOENIX, Afghanistan, Aug. 20, 2009 -- Leaders from the Afghan National Police (ANP), Regional Police Advisory Command (RPAC), Kabul, and coalition forces met here recently to address logistical obstacles, as well as countering fraudulent activity in the supply system, and the implementation of more accurate record keeping.
This was the first meeting of its kind between the key ANP and RPAC leadership of the 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) and 33rd IBCT. Afghan and American officials see this type of meeting as imperative to building the national police force into a well-trained, equipped and selfsufficient force.
During the meeting at the Kabul City Police Center (KCPC), commander LTG Abdul Rahman spoke for the ANP saying, "We need supplies and equipment, but also cooperation from each other if we are to establish a good system." The lack of equipment includes computers, among other things. "In most cases they have to write things down because they don't have computers," said COL Anthony Libri of the 48th IBCT. "When you ask for a long list of weapons it might take them hours to write that list."
"Our reporting typically requires spreadsheets, databases and some form of logical organization, and the

ANP hasn't fully developed that yet," said 1LT William Gaefcke, of the 48th IBCT. "Even instilling some of the basic functions is a challenge because Afghanistan only has 15 percent power throughout the country."
In addition to technological hurdles, the Afghan supply system has historically relied on techniques developed in the Soviet-era, such as hoarding supplies that can be meted out at a later time, Gaefcke added.
"In the Soviet supply system, they (Soviets) would come in with a truckload of stuff that they would dump off at a warehouse, and say, `This is all the stuff you are getting for the winter,' and they wouldn't be back for six months," said 1LT Bryan Addington, another 48th Brigade officer. "For the Afghans, it was feast or famine, and they had to develop the technique of hoarding to survive."
While the objective of RPAC Soldiers is to help the Afghan Police move away from stockpiling supplies, they are finding that they must still adapt to it.
"We incorporate the Soviet style into the mentoring process, we don't disregard it whatsoever," said Gaefcke. "We take something they've already learned and add to its foundation."
Another apparent challenge is fraud. It takes hard work, communication and patience for Regional Division Advisory Command (RDAC) Sol-

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CWO 2 Robert Stiner of Nahunta (center) demonstrates to Afghan National Police how to properly inventory weapons by serial number. (Contributed photo)

diers and Afghan Police to establish enough trust to accurately spot fraud with in the ANP ranks. "When you take lists from KCPC and compare it to what police districts (PDs) actually have there are a lot of shortages," said CPT Robert J. Martin, RDAC Police Mentor Team (PMT) 8 leader. "I don't know why that is; it could be because someone at the district took the stuff and sold it, or it could be that KCPC directors haven't updated the information in awhile."
"No doubt, there is fraud out there, and when we identify it, we fix it. The ANPs have a desire to work with us and fix the problem." added Libri. "The Afghan government, and those in charge of the Afghan National Police, have taken action 100 percent of the time when we have identified fraud

and have arrested those involved." In addition to aggressive action
against fraud, the recent increase in the total number of PMTs has yielded some benefits.
"When I led Team 3 with the 33rd IBCT, I had 10 ANP PDs," Addington explained. "We never really had a chance to sit down and thoroughly discuss what they had. Now there are 11 teams, each team has two or three districts and they can spend all day there or even come back the next day.
"A quarter of our job is tedious administrative paperwork and training them in how to use their system," he added. "If we don't teach them how then we'd be doing their job for them and we'd never leave, we'd be here forever."

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Left: A young Afghan boy shows his support for presidential candidate Abdullah Abdullah in the Mir Bacheh marketplace.

Local Afghans weigh-in on presidential election

Story and photos by SPC Jennifer C. Eddy CJTF Phoenix IX PAO

MIR BACHEH, Afghanistan, Aug. 21, 2009 -- On the outskirts of Kabul, it was business as usual for local residents and shopkeepers the day after the Afghan presidential election.
Most area residents interviewed said they felt safe and content on election day. "There were no `accidents' in the area," said Shafiq, a shop owner in the local market. "It was good, and I felt pretty safe.
"At the last elections there were only two polling areas in the district," said Shafiq, "now, there are 12. Unfortunately, there wasn't a huge turnout because of the car bomb a few days ago."
That suicide car bombing, coming on Aug. 15, .according to Reuters News Service, killed seven and wounded another 100. The bomber apparently targeted the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF)

Headquarters in Kabul, near the U.S. embassy.
Fear wasn't the only deterrent for some local voters. Trust was also an issue. Some voters were appreciative of coalition forces, but were still skeptical about how the elections were run.
"Some people voted 5, 6, 10 times; there's no way to track it with the ink," said Moheyedin, a local resident, referring to the vote-tracking method of dipping voters' fingers in indelible ink to indentify them as having cast their votes. "They should be given individual identification so there is no voter fraud."
Even as some questioned aspects of the day's events, others felt that the fundamentals of a successful election were present. "Each voter was able to vote for the candidate they wanted, and it was an election for the people," said Maruf, a salesman.

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Medical Support provides critical need

Story by MAJ Matthew Way

Talerico. It was part of a larger plan

CAMP PHOENIX, Afghanistan, to counter Taliban influence in Moashi

Aug. 12, 2009 -- Medical Soldiers

where, on nearby roads, coalition forc-

from Forsyth's Company C, 148th

es had earlier discovered Improvised

Brigade Support Battalion, 48th In- Explosive Devices (IEDs).

to a medical professional. Afghan

fantry Brigade Combat Team, recently The CMA missions create training doctors took the lead in treating pa-

accompanied members of Combined opportunities for mentor teams while tients and providing prognoses. The

also providing criti- process is designed to maximize Af-

cally needed medical ghan government participation and

care to hundreds of interaction with local leadership.

Afghans. As part

While in Mosahi, medical profes-

of new efforts to

sionals treated more than 300 Afghans

maximize Afghan-to- of all ages in less than five hours. The

Afghan interaction, medical assistance often leaves the

medical personnel medical teams exhausted from the

work behind the

constant flow of patients, but, as Reabe

scenes when advising noted, "it is always rewarding, though,

local doctors on pro- because each CMA we conduct, we're

viding care. "These always able to assist several people in

are all key elements critical need of care."

in helping Afghan

forces mature to a

level where they can

assume complete

An Afghan Man and child await their opportunity to see doctors during the Civilian Medical Assistance visit at the Village of Mosahi. (Contributed photo)

control of civil assistance missions," said Reabe.

This particular

Joint Task Force Phoenix's Police

mission started early with a 90 min-

Mentor Team 3 (PMT) to the village ute convoy to the village. When it

of Mosahi in the southern portion of arrived, the team set up a treatment

Kabul Province to conduct a Civilian area and pharmacy while an Afghan

Medical Assistance (CMA) mission. Army delegation informed the village

This mission marked the culmina- elders that the medical clinic was

tion of several days planning and coor- open for business.

dination by the police mentor team led As people seeking treatment arby 1LT Jonathan Reabe and Company rived, they were searched by Afghan C medical personnel led by CPT Anna police, as a precaution, and assigned

LTC Robin DeLeon examines a Afghan boy from the Village of Mosahi. (Contributed photo)

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`Higher recognition'

Brigade Soldiers receive combat honors atop Afghan summit

Story and photos by LTC Gretchen E. Harbin 48th IBCT PAO
CAMP PHOENIX, Kabul, Afghanistan, Aug. 14, 2009 - Earlier this year, most of the more than 2,000 members of Macon's 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) prepared for the mission of mentoring and training the Afghan army and Afghan National Police.
At the same time, there were some in the brigade training for a slightly different, equally challenging and possibly even more dangerous task.
They are the Soldiers of the Combined Joint Task Force (CJTF) Phoenix IX Personal Security Detachment (PSD). On any given day, they have the job of protecting BG Larry H. Dudney, the CJTF commander, members of his staff and any VIPs who visit here. All were hand selected from

the 48th's best Soldiers. In the course of their normal, daily
duties, they face any number of life and death situations. But, on this day, they endured a different, more physical challenge.
The obstacle, this time, wasn't human in nature, but one of Mother Nature. Mount Gharib Ghar, or "The Ghar," as the Soldiers call it, isn't just any mountain.
Rising out of the landscape near the capitol city, The Ghar begins its ascent at about 6,100 feet above sea level and rises to an altitude of 7,245 feet, with the climb up at nearly eight-tenths of a mile.
The mission on this particular day was to climb The Ghar and join Dudney at the summit. The general wanted to personally recognize these elite Soldiers in a symbolic combat patching ceremony.
Awarding and wearing the combat patch has been an Army tradition since 1918. The placing of the patch - in this case, the 48th IBCT flash and thunderbolt - on the right arm recognizes a Soldier's participation in combat operations.

SPC Nicholas Brannan (left) and SSG Steven Archer, both Personal Security Detachment members, display the detachment guidon.

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SPC Roswell McLarin of the CJTF Phoenix Personal Security Detachment, shows off his newly awarded combat patch.
Showing off the patch that signifies their combat service with the 48th and CJTF Phoenix IX, the Soldiers of the PSD now are part of a very long and distinguished line.
"The 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team has a long and proud history," Dudney recalled during the ceremony. "It's a heritage that dates back to1825.'
Since its inception, the brigade has been involved in numerous deployments, including the Indian Campaign, the American Civil War and both

World Wars. The 48th also deployed to Bosnia in 2001 as part of Stabilization Force IX and to Iraq in 2005 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
"You carry on that lineage today with your service here," he added. "Be proud of who you are and where you come from, and carry that pride with you where ever you go...you've earned it."
After receiving his combat patch, PSD team member SPC Roswell McLarin, felt his right shoulder, and said, "I know I'm proud to wear this, and to be in an organization that has such a distinguished history."
It was obvious to everyone standing there on that summit, on that particular day, that McLarin's sentiment was shared by his teammates.

Soldiers from the Task Force Phoenix IX, and members of Combined Task Force Phoenix Personal Security Detachment gather on Mount Gharib Ghar to receive their combat patches.

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108th Cav learns the art of Fast Ropes

Georgia National Guard Public Affairs Office
CHARLIE BROWN AIRPORT, Atlanta There are times when getting into or out of an area means doing so by the fastest method possible. And depending on the place you want to get into, or out of, a helicopter, a long, long rope and a whole lot of daring most likely will be your only option.
That's why Soldiers, like those of 3rd Squadron, 108th Cavalry, stationed here, make it their business to know how to do that, do it right and do it safely.
Recently troopers of 3rd Squadron, Georgia's equivalent to an Army Ranger company got together with members of the Georgia State Patrol (GSP) Special Weapons and Tactics Team and a GSP aviation crew to train and qualify using the Fast Rope Insertion-Extraction (FRIES) and Special Patrol Insertion-Extraction (SPIES) systems.
Some among the 3rd Squadron received their first-time qualifications, while others refreshed their skills. For the GSP SWAT team and aviators, it was an all too infrequent opportunity to train with a Georgia Army Guard unit.
As private and commercial aircraft took off and landed nearby, the troopers and SWAT team went about the business of first simulating getting out of the helicopter while it was on the ground. Eventually the Huey took to the air, and circled the grassy enclave where the group held its training.

According to Army Training Circular 21-24, FRIES is employed by small units to insert and extract from an area where aircraft cannot land using a helicopter, in this case a UH1N-Huey. With FRIES, groups of three people leave the aircraft by a rope secured to a stabilization bar extending outward from inside the cabin.
Each team member upon command grabs the rope, wraps his feet around it, swings out and heads for the ground.
"Quite a rush when you think about," one of the 3rd Squadron troopers said with a wide grin after his fourth time.
On the other hand, SPIES provides a form of extraction over short distances. In this situation, a specially designed rope is connected to the helicopter either through the hoist hole in the bottom of the cabin floor or directly to the bottom of the aircraft, as was the case with the GSP Huey. Each team member is connected to the rope, and dangles freely as the aircraft moves.
This method, according to the troopers and the training circular isn't recommended for infiltration because team members are exposed the entire time.
"And we all know what kind of havoc that can wreak on a team trying to get out of enemy territory," another trooper said, just before he and four others were gently picked up and taken skyward for a short trip around the training area.

A 3rd Squadron, 108th CAV trooper seems to dangle in mid-air as he heads for the ground in a safe, but hurried fashion after leaving the GSP UH1-N helicopter hovering above him.

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Members of 3rd Squadron, 108th Cavalry and the Georgia State Patrol Special Weapons and Tactics (GSP SWAT) Team run out and inspect the rope on which they'll leave the GSP helicopter during training.

While their helicopter hovers several feet above the ground, 3rd Squadron, 108th Cavalry troopers prepare to make one of the more than 20 descents done during Fast Rope Training.

Soldiers of 3rd Squadron, 108th CAV "hit the ropes," and make their way to the ground where they'll await their chance to do it again and again to get it right before the training ends.

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Brigade, others celebrate

women's right to vote

Story by SGT Tracy J. Smith 48th IBCT Public Affairs
CAMP PHOENIX, Kabul, Afghanistan, Aug. 26, 2009 Among the Pashto people there's a proverb that embraces the journey toward freedom for these storied people; Qattara Qattara, darya mesha! (Drop by drop, a river is formed.)
Its intent is to show how a small, seemingly insignificant action can be the catalyst necessary for affecting change.
Members of Macon's 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT), along with other American servicemen and women, and their coalition partners, took time from battlefield operations here to participate in this year's Women's Equality Day. The "day" honors the contributions of women throughout history in the fight for women's rights.
CPT Ester Gant, the Georgia Army Guard's first female

chaplain, and COL Vida D. Longmire, joint operations personnel director for Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan were guest speakers at Combined Joint Task Force Phoenix Headquarters.
Longmire saluted the contributions of women in the audience, and pointed out that it was the professionalism of women during World War I that prompted Congress to pass, and send to the states, the Nineteenth Amendment to the Constitution for ratification. By the summer of 1920, the amendment, which guarantees a citizen's right to vote, regardless of gender, was added to the Constitution.
"I was surprised to learn," said Longmire, "that we're not the first country to allow women the right to vote, that was New Zealand in 1893," Longmire told her audience. "I was really surprised to find out that, in 1918, Germany and the Russian Federation, both granted women the right to vote before the United States. It was no coincidence that this right to vote was granted following the bravery of the women that served in the Army, Navy and Marines."
Some 30,000 women served with the Army and Navy Nurses Corps, and as the doors to the military were opened ever so slightly they served in Europe. The nation's second high-

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est honor, the Distinguished Service Cross, was awarded to three of these 30,000 "trail blazers," and more than 20 were awarded the French Croix de Guerre.
Longmire said her history lesson made her feel a bit old as she recalled her youngest sister being a Women's Army Corps enlistee, but her [Longmire's] 28 years in the Army gave her special insight into change. And the changes have been positive.
"Changes in the way women are employed in the Army and changes in human rights all around the world have made a difference," she explained reflecting on her 1981 enlistment. "Back then, women were only allowed to do a select number of jobs. We were only allowed to have certain types of commands. Now we make a difference everyday."
Gant agreed that military women have, indeed, come a long way. She, too, felt the challenges of working in an all male environment, and like those before her, she was determined to succeed. She even went so far as to call women in the military the "jewels of freedom."
"When you get a good woman, you get a good weapon and a force to be reckoned with," Gant said. Taking a quote from author, and lecturer, Mari-

anne Williamson, Gant declared that, "When we are liberated from our own fear, it automatically liberates others."
Fearlessness continued as the focus of her speech as she referenced the Bible story of the Hebrew general AlBaraq, whose name in Arabic means "lightning."
According to the Book of Judges, he wouldn't take his 10,000 Israelites into battle without the counsel and presence of Deborah, the prophetess and heroine of the Old Testament. Deborah, for whom Al-Baraq named his army, foresaw the death of the Canaanite commander, Sisera, at the hand of a woman, Jael. The prophecy was realized, and Jael's act of courage and foresight won the war against the Canaanites for the man of lightning.
"The battle was won because a woman thought hard, strategically and deliberately about what needed to be done so an army would be victorious," Gant told her audience. "This is how women think.
"To work cohesively so that we become one strong unit, one strong family, one strong force to be reckoned with," she said.
Engaging the crowd, Gant had all women stand and, in an act of solidarity with their Afghan sisters, raise the symbolic finger that would validate

her vote. "I want to suggest to you that God
voted us women in from the beginning of time," she said, referencing interpreted scripture. "I'm glad that I am a woman. I am glad we have the right to vote."
In the back of the room, SPC Danielle Bentley, a 48th IBCT logistics specialist, said she was in awe of Gant's and Longmire's accomplishments, but more so their ability to encourage.
Bentley, a full-time college student and a single parent, was happy to learn from these "ladies of the battlefield," and never imagined she would be responsible for the education of others.
She is assisting the Afghan National army (ANA), comprised mostly of men, learn to be accountable for their supplies and their Soldiers. Most importantly, she's teaching them what she took away from the luncheon -- independence.
"For a while, the ANA didn't have any type of structure in how they went about their jobs, so we are helping to create that structure. The entire 48th Brigade is...how can I put it," thinking about what she'd just learned, "putting its mark on history."

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165th firefighters set national record for excellence

Story by Capt Amy Sandbothe, Photo by SSgt Mary Marchese 165th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
SAVANNAH -- Most firefighters will discuss their job description with great pride. Running into a burning building when most are running out of it is incredibly brave and admirable.
Running into a burning building, however, is somewhat of a light duty assignment for the firefighters of the 165th Airlift Wing, and is considered an appropriate vacation activity. Recently, one firefighter ran into a burning building to rescue an occupant while on his honeymoon in Key West, Fla. The mayor of Tybee Island, Jason Buelterman, was so impressed by the heroic actions taken by the Tybee resident that he declared Aug. 29th "Lawrence Edgerly Day."
For more serious assignments firefighters in the 165th run towards aircraft filled with thousands of gallons of jet fuel. They run forward knowing there's little possibility of escape if an
explosion occurs, and they train physically each day to ensure they can run as fast as possible in order to protect others. These

men and women not only meet the definition of courage, they exceed it to such a degree other fire departments honor them. Their courage is fed by their training, and their training shines through each time the alarm sounds.
For their work, the men and women of the 165th Airlift Wing Fire Department were recently awarded the Air National Guard Fire Chiefs Association Fire Department of the Year Award, also known as the CMSgt Edward W. Wolbert Award. The 165th is the only department in the nation to have received this honor three times, and it achieved this in less than a decade.
This past year, the 50 firefighters assigned to the 165th responded to more than 350 alarms, including 140 medical emergencies and 22 motor vehicle accidents. The unit was nominated for the Georgia Medal of Valor for its members' brave actions in responding to the Imperial Sugar Refinery explosion in February 2008.
The award was presented in Dallas, Texas, during the Department of Defense Fire and Emergency Conference in August. More than 10,000 firefighters from across the nation attended, and fire trucks lined city blocks farther than the eye could see.
Not only did the department receive the annual award for the most out-

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standing department, Garrett Bodaford mander, said "I am always proud to

received the Air National Guard Fire see the men and women of our unit

Chiefs Association Civilian Firefighter rewarded when they achieve mission

of the Year Award, also known as "The success to the degree these folks have.

Chief Wayne Farrar Award." Bodaford The firefighters' avid determination

was among the first

emergency responders

to arrive at the Imperi-

al Sugar Refinery, and

quickly volunteered

to become the depart-

ment's training officer

when the opportunity

became available in

2008

Col Todd Freese-

man, Mission Support

Group commander

noted, "Attending

the awards ceremony

really drives home

the importance the

national achievements

of this department.

We see its consistent

level of excellence on

a daily basis, and to

personally witness it

receive the national

attention it truly de-

serves, is very mean- 165th Airlift Wing firefighters extinguish flames from an engine fire during a training exercise.

ingful for the depart-

ment and the 165th

Airlift Wing."

and commitment to achieve more, and

Lt Col Salvador Sancheztroche,

to become better assets to the base and

Civil Engineering Squadron com-

community, is truly inspiring."

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Did you know? A look at Georgia Guard history

The first Guardsman (then named The Georgia Guardsman) magazine was published and distributed in May 1949 and was an official publication of the National Guard Association of Georgia. The association financed the approved monthly magazine in the interest of the Georgia National Guard. Its first managing director was MAJ Homer Flynn.
The initial annual subscription rate was $2.25, or twenty-five cents a copy until the start of 1950 when the annual rate was reduced to $2. A page in the February 1950 magazine invites officers of the Georgia National Guard to join the association for $3 a year, "of which $2 goes for a one year subscription to The Georgia Guardsman, the official publication of the association."
Governor Herman E. Talmadge's picture was featured on the May 1949 cover, with a letter of support from

him on the inside. Articles in the issue included the Army Day parade in Macon by units of the 121st Infantry, the second annual encampment of the 108th Anti Aircraft Artillery Brigade, unit news from around the state, and among the photographs a picture of a Piaggio P-166 Flying Boat assigned to the 158th Fighter Squadron.
The 1958 Report of the Adjutant General noted that, due to officers being called to active duty for the Ko-
rean War (1950-1953), the association did not have sufficient revenue to continue the magazine's publication, and in the spring of 1951 ceased its production. The Report adds that the magazine was popular enough to press for continued publication under state financing.
The Adjutant General, MG Ernest Vandiver, authorized the Public Information Office to produce the magazine in a similar format, and in November 1951 The Guardsman was published. In his initial message, Vandiver wrote, "This is The Guardsman an entirely new publication sponsored entirely by the Department of Defense, Military Division, for the enlightenment of the officers and men of the Georgia National Guard. The Guardsman will be independent of the National Guard Association of Georgia, and will be separate and distinct from its former publication, The Georgia Guardsman....."

The new magazine was free and was distributed to all Georgia National Guard units, and published "in the interests of Georgia Guardsmen specifically, and to serve as a permanent historical record of National Guard activities."
CPT Harold E. Kite, commander of the 201st Ordnance Medium Maintenance Company, made the news when he won the 200-mile, caution-free NASCAR National Daytona BeachRoad Course stock car race with a new world record. Kite, a Georgia Army National Guardsman from East Point, in his first start, averaged 81.75 miles per hour driving a 1949 Lincoln. He completed the race in 2 hours, 26 minutes and 30 seconds, and was awarded a trophy and $1,000.
Kite joined the Georgia National Guard in May 1947 as executive officer of the 201st, and became its commander in February 1948. In late summer 1950, he moved to the inactive roll of the National Guard. Kite was a World War II veteran, serving with the 1st Armored Division Tank Regiment and the Armored Ordnance Maintenance Company.
Kite continued to compete in NASCAR races in the following years, though without the success of his first race. His NASCAR race in 1965 was tragic in that he did not survive a crash. He was 43.
*photo is from The Georgia Guardsman, February 1950 magazine.

19

Bulldogs wear sticker honoring 48th Infantry

Article and photo courtesy of the University of Georgia Sports Information
ATHENS -- The Georgia Bulldogs wore a helmet sticker to honor the Georgia-based 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) during the UGA game against South Carolina on Saturday, Spt. 12. The 1-inch by 1.5inch sticker is a replica of the combat team's shoulder sleeve insignia.
"When I heard that the 48th was from throughout the state of Georgia, I was excited about the opportunity," head coach Mark Richt said. "Hopefully, this is a sign of our appreciation for all the men and women who are serving and for their families. We owe them all the support we can give."
About the honor, COL Lee Durham, 48th commander said, "As the commander of the 48th Brigade, I am proud to be associated, and serve, with the quality of Soldiers in the Georgia Army National Guard. To have a great program like the University of Georgia honor their service is truly humbling. I know it means a great deal to all the Soldiers here in Afghanistan and to their families at home, be they UGA fans or not; on Saturday we all rooted for the Bulldogs."
Richt was originally contacted this summer via email by LTC John Gentry, a member of the 48th who also serves as the director of Oconee County Parks and Recreation Department.
"To date, we have lost seven soldiers in the line of duty," Gentry

wrote. "A thought that I had to honor those soldiers and families whom have paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving the 48th IBCT, the state of Georgia and the U. S. is this: I wanted to know if coach Richt and the university would consider sewing on the 48th IBCT patch on No. 48 during this football season?"
The 48th IBCT Soldiers who have been killed in action are: 1SG John D.
Blair; MAJ Kevin M. Jenerette; SFC John C. Beale; SGT Brock H. Chavers; SGT Issac L. Johnson, Jr.; SGT Jeffery W. Jordon; and SGT Raymun-

do P. Morales. The Georgia staff made the deci-
sion to place a sticker on the helmet of every Georgia player for a particular game.
Last summer, Richt was among a group of five college football coaches who toured, and visited, with U.S. troops in Germany and throughout the Middle East.
"After that trip, I certainly have a
greater appreciation for their sacrifice," Richt said. "To be there, and see them face-to-face ,was definitely an eye-opening experience."

20

Guardsman take part in annual combatives competition

Story by LTC Brock Gaston State Training Officer

FORT BENNING, Aug. 30, 2009

Two Georgia Guardsmen finished

in the top five of their categories in

the Army National Guard Combatives

Championship held here. This national

competition pitted teams in hand-to-

hand combat.

SGT Kenneth

Jackson and SFC

Erick Green success-

fully fought their way

into the matches for

third place.

Jackson, at 155

pounds, was up first

for Georgia. He was

able to nimbly work

his opponent into a

submission late in

SSG Robert Taylor watches as Cadet Ryan McCormick and Airmen 1st Class Kyle Drain compete in the consolation championship Aug. 1 at Smith Fitness Center, at Fort Benning (Photo by Rachel L. Watkins, The Bayonet)

the first round with a triangle choke. He was awarded the 3rd Place Medal for his hard fought perfor-

mances during this two-day event.

Green fought for the 3rd Place

Medal in the 205 and up weight class.

He battled his way in a hard fought

match and lost by submission late in

the second Round. He was awarded

a fourth place finish. His finish was

astounding considering he had only

trained for about two weeks before the

competition.

The team from Georgia was com-

prised of the following Soldiers: LTC

Christopher Voso (205>), LTC Brock

Gaston (205>), SFC Erick Green

(205>) and SGT Kenneth Jackson

(155). All Georgia fighters made it to

the intermediate rounds.

The team was coached by local

Haganah instructor Misha Novitzky, a

doctorate student at Georgia Tech and

a mixed martial arts expert. This was

a great experience for all of our competitors who took this competition on short notice.
This was Gaston's second competition in as many weeks, having earlier competed in the World Master's Judo Championships in Atlanta. He fought in the under 100 Kilos weight class for brown belt competitors and took the Silver Medal in that event.
"All of our fighters did a great job," said Gaston, " and put in some hard training in a short period of time to be ready for this competition. They are to be commended for their hard work, dedication and determination stepping on the mat with some really tough fighters from other states."
Georgia will field a team to compete again in March 2010 where we expect to be a force to be reckoned with in the team competition. Any Soldiers interested in training to compete in March are encouraged to contact Gaston, 560th BFSB XO and State Training Officer at 678-569-3952 or e-mail robert.brock.gaston@us.army. mil.
The tournament was hosted by the Army National Guard Warrior Training Center (WTC). The fighters competed in a graduated set of rules that required skills in ground fighting, striking and submission techniques.
The objective of the competition was to motivate individual Soldiers to train their warrior tasks and drills, react to man-to-man contact and inspire Guard units around the U.S. and its Territories to support their Soldiers in the arena of Combatives. Competitors were able to match their skills against the best fighters in the National Guard.
The competition pitted fighters in seven set weight classes with a modified double elimination tournament format.

21

The Georgia Guard launches new Web site

Enhanced resources on gadod.net include online photo gallery, streaming media, and new stories about Georgia's Soldiers' and Airmen.

Georgia National Guard Public Affairs Office
ATLANTA, Sept. 9, 2009-- The newly redesigned Web site of the Georgia Department of Defense went live Sept. 9 on the World Wide Web. Gadod.net aims to extend the reach of the Georgia Guard by serving a broad audience of Soldiers', Airmen, and members of the general public interested in the events and people of the Georgia National Guard. The new Web site features expanded content and streaming media, photo galleries, units, and deployment news. The redesign incorporates bold colors and graphics, and completely new navigational tools.
"Our online visitors will now experience a more vibrant and seamless view of the entire Georgia Guard and its deep online resources," says SPC Michael Perry, project developer for gadod.net. "In the same way that the creation of the dod.state.ga.us united all of our news information in one physical location, the redesign of the dod.state.ga.us site creates a new home in cyberspace for the wide-ranging resources of the Guard.
Content deeper and more accessible
In addition to a searchable news catalogue and other online research tools, the new Web site offers users stories related to the jobs of Soldiers and Airmen in the Georgia Guard. The site is organized to provide quick and

direct access to all these resources for all audiences. And if a user is not sure exactly where to look for specific information on gadod.net, the newly developed site-wide search engine will help.
A feature of gadod.net's homepage is the National Guard Bureau widget, which provides images and information on the NGB website (www. ng.mil). It can take visitors quickly to the latest news from NGB.
The site's Video Gallery features a flash video player, that will showcase video packages from the Public Affairs Office as well as from the 124th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment.
The Photo Gallery provides users access to photos taken by Georgia's public affairs staff. Visitors will be able to download the hi-resolution version of the image for personal use.
The Publications gives visitors a place where they can download state publications like the Georgia Guardsman and the air Guard's The Boars Tale.
The Georgia Guard's online resources are as diverse as the visitors who use them. Gadod.net serves Guardsmen, families and the general public. The site will also appeal to members of the general public who may know little about the Guard but simply enjoy

browsing the Internet for engaging ideas and images.
Design team The Web team, led by LTC Beth Thelen , Ken Baldowski and Beryl Diamond, has been developing the new design over the past year, working with staff to better support the Georgia Guard's multifaceted mission.
"This new design was created specifically for our online audience of both general visitors and traditional guardsmen," says Perry. "Packed with high-quality videos, news and stories that will be constantly updated, the Web site will help make the site more attractive and accessible to a global audience of all ages and backgrounds."

22

169th Soldiers deploy

HUNTER ARMY AIRFIELD SAVANNAH, Sept

1, 2009-More than 100 Georgia Army Guardsmen

from Detachment 1, 1st Battalion, 169th General Avia-

tion Regiment, were honored by family, friends and

fellow Soldiers during a departure ceremony at Army

Air Facility No. 3.

The 169th then headed to Fort Sill, Okla. for post-

mobilization training. After completing its training

there, the unit will deploy for a year to Afghanistan

in support of Operation Enduring Freedom as part of

Combined Joint Task Force Phoenix.

Once in country, crew members of the 169th's CH-

47 Chinook helicopters will partner with the Alabama

Army National Guard to support ground troops and

deliver humanitarian aid wherever needed.

This is the second time the Soldiers of the 169th

have supported Operation Enduring Freedom. Previ-

ously, the 169th air crews flew more than 7,500 combat From the left, Sherry Adamson, two-year-old Jeremiah and

hours without loss of life or aircraft. In 2005, not long five-year-old Abby Kate, say goodbye to WO1 Jeff Adamson

after their return, 169th air crews, the unit immediately went into domestic operations supporting Hurricanes

and other Citizen Soldier's of Savannah-based Detachment 1, 1st Battalion, 169th General Aviation Brigade. Adamson is among the more than 73 Guardsmen who left for Fort Sill,

Katrina and Wilma relief efforts.

and twill deploy for a year to Afghanistan.

Moore takes baton at GSDF Band

Story by CPL Diane Hawkins-Cox, 105th GSDF Band

cessors. Moore retired from the Army following nearly 22 years service with

105th Band first sergeant, SSG Calvin Waldroup, preparing to assist BG Jerry Bradford (GSDF Commander) transfer the staff of leadership from CPT John Miller to CW3 Glenn Moore.

The 105th Georgia State Defense Force Band has performed dozens of events but its most recent performance was personal -- the change-of-command ceremony for the band itself.
On July 25, 2009, CW3 Glenn Moore took command of the band from 1LT John Miller, who has been promoted to captain and is now in the communications detachment of the 911th Support Battalion.
Chief Moore is the band's fourth commander, and is building on the success of his prede-

six Army bands and the Armed Forces School of Music. He excelled as a French horn player, drum major and composer/arranger.
Moore said he focus on increasing the band's capabilities so it can also perform as several smaller musical groups woodwind choir, brass ensemble, jazz band, and ceremonial band in order to increase the band's versatility.
Toward this effort, Moore led a brass ensemble this past Memorial Day, at services in Fairburn to great acclaim and rave reviews.

23

Airmen return home to eager families

Story and photo by Justin Burrows Savannah's WTOC-TV
SAVANNAH -- On a weekend that families get together around the grill and say goodbye to summer, these families gathered to await the arrival of their loved ones.
"The first thing I know I'm going to do is run up and give him a hug,"

Barrow. Capt Will St. Clair said he wanted
to eat some good BBQ and watch some Georgia football.
But just having them home is what matters the most.
"Regardless of how you feel about the conflict itself you just have to love

said Ayana Johson.

The 165th Airlift Wing Airmen

and 224th Joint Communications

Squadron returned home from

their recent deployment to Iraq.

And while it's a joyous day for

the waiting families, their pres-

ence means that much and more

to the men and women in uniform

returning home.

"There's so much support be-

hind the scenes that people don't

see. The community, the kids, the

extended family, and we really

need to recognize all of them be-

cause no Airman does it by him-

self or herself. It's everybody that

has to help out," said Maj Charlie

West. "It's just great to have them

Family members wave flags while they await the return of their Airmen.

home in their loved ones arms

today," said Lt Col Deborah Nazimiec. And as most of the tears were
wiped away and frenzy of hugs ended, there was a common theme on what these Airmen missed the most and what they planned to do next.
"The food, the people, and most of all your family," smiled MSgt Jamal

our Airmen and Soldiers. These are true American heroes. They're serving all of us by what they are doing," said Maj Gen Scott Hammond, Georgia Air Guard commander.
"And that makes this reunion one we all share together."

24

Atlanta Motor Speedway select Army

Guard widow to serve as Grand Marshal

HAMPTON, Aug. 20, 2009 The widow and family of fallen Georgian Guardsman John Beale were honored recently as they helped kick off the running of the "DegreeV12 300" at the Atlanta Motor Speedway.
Crystal Beale of McDonough hserved as grand marshal for the race. Beale's husband, SFC John C. Beale, died June 4 in Kapisa, Afghanistan, at age 39, from wounds suffered from an
IED and small arms fire. "My husband would be very happy
with our community if he knew the level of outpouring and support," said Crystal. "Being selected is very humbling, and it was a very big surprise. My children are ecstatic and we're honored to be able to participate."
Beale was selected to serve as Grand Marshal for the Degree V12 300 after

the Degree Brand team heard her husband's courageous story.
Crystal not only represented her late husband on race day, but also the families of many other wounded and departed American Soldiers.
"We were honored to host Crystal Beale as our grand marshal for the Degree V12 300," said Ed Clark, Atlanta Motor Speedway president and general manager. "Crystal's presence will not
only serve as a memorial to her husband, John, but also to all of America's heroes who have been lost serving to protect our freedoms."
A native of Riverdale, John C. Beale served in the United States Army from 1989 through 1994, and was deployed in Operation Desert Storm. He returned to service in 2005 with the Army National Guard. In a civilian role, John served the Clayton County Water Authority, and was active in the authority's youth programs. He also enjoyed assisting with career days at local schools. Married since 1990, The Beales moved to McDonough in 1997 where they resided with their two children, Christopher and Calye. "We had the forbidden conversation about what would happen," said Crystal, describing a pre-deployment conversation with her late husband. "He told me, `You guys will be taken care of through the military and even our community.' I never could have imagined all the support it's been amazing. My husband would be very proud."