Georgia guardsman [Vol. 2, Issue 2 (Mar. 1, 2010)]

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Tifton unit mobilizes for Iraq deployment
Georgia Department of Defense Public Affairs Office
FORT GILLEM, Ellenwood, Feb. 8, 2009 More than 100 family members, friends and fellow Guardsmen said goodbye to the more than 90 Soldiers of Tifton's 110th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion during a ceremony at Neil Fitness center. A short time later, the unit boarded buses waiting to take them to Fort Bliss, Texas, where they will prepare for their yearlong deployment to Iraq.
After spending a month at Bliss getting "spun-up" on the unit's primary mission upgrading and repairing the equipment destined for return stateside as
The 110th CSB formed up for the deployment ceremony.

is a full-time quality assurance inspector for the Army Guard's FMS No. 1 in Atlanta, will oversee the "maintenance side of things."
As an active duty Soldier, Hobbs deployed with the 10th Mountain Division during the first Gulf War. As a Guardsman with Jackson's former 166th Maintenance Company, he defended the main gates of Fort Gillem and Fort McPherson as part of the homeland security mission, Operation Noble Eagle.
"I've been doing this a long time," he said while holding on to his wife, Julie. This is her first deployment. "It's the thing we do as Soldiers," he added.
"What's hard is the letting go," Juile said, clinging to him ever-tighter. "I know he's got to go, that what he's doing is important, but it's still hard having him there and not here with me."
Captain Shauna Evans, the unit's intelligence officer, is one of the first-timers. A marketing manager for Clear Water, Florida's, Tech Data Systems, Evans drives five hours, one way, from Tampa to Tifton for drill each month. "If you're like me, and you love what you do, it's worth the drive. But I also know I'm going home when drill's over and see my family [Isabella, 11, Devin, 2, and husband Ben, himself a former Army staff sergeant]," Evans said. She leaned over, kissed Devin's face and added, "This time, it's gonna be a year before I hold them again. I love being a Soldier, but I guess I'm also a typical mother, who's torn between doing the job and being at home with her family."

part of the drawdown of forces from Iraq the 110th will move to Camp Adder at Tallil Air Base. Tallil is about 192 miles Southeast of Baghdad and adjacent to famous archeological sites at Ur.
While there, the unit will act as higher headquarters for active, Guard and Reserve units, explained Command Sgt. Maj. Ed Andrews, the battalion's senior enlisted leader. Andrews is also the full-time shop foreman for the Georgia Army Guard's Field Maintenance Shop No. 4 in Winder.
"We've already validated most of our basic Soldier skills at home station," Andrews said. "The rest, we'll take care of for the month we're at Fort Bliss.
"Our people are confident, capable and ready to do whatever is asked of them," he added. "They'll do the unit, themselves, Georgia and their families proud."
For unit members like Sgt. 1st Class Randy Hobbs Families and friends applaud the 110th CSB. of Thomaston, "it's not their first rodeo." Hobbs, who

www.gadod.net - 3

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Every Soldier, every Airman MUST receive H1N1 shot

Georgia Department of Defense Public Affairs Office

JOINT FORCES HEADQUARTERS, Ellenwood,

According McKinley any Soldier or Airman who

Feb. 8, 2010 Gen McKinley, Chief of the National has yet to receive any flu shot required for individual

Guard Bureau, through the Army Surgeon's Office, readiness must get that shot in order to perform his or

has mandated that all Army and Air Guardsmen na- her duties in a Title 32 or Title 10 status. Anyone who

tionwide must receive the H1N1 Novel Influenza shot does not have their flu shots, to include the H1N1,

by the end of April, 2010.

by April 30 "is to be handled by the state in the same

Today, the Georgia Army National Guard kicked off manner as having not complied with any other man-

its annual H1N1 and Seasonal Influenza vaccination dated vaccine," said McKinley.

mission, aptly named "Shots Across Georgia." This

Should a Guardsman refuse to take the mandatory

operation will meet the NGB policy mandate and si- vaccination H1N1 or otherwise that Soldier or Air-

multaneously provide Soldiers and Airmen with other man's commander has the authority to take appropri-

routine vaccinations such as Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B ate action According to Chapter 2, Paragraph 2-10, of

and Tetanus Diphtheria-Adult

Army Regulation 40-562, which

Pertussis (TDAP).

states:

Among the first to get their

"The Commander must

shots were Brig. Gen. Maria

counsel the individual and

Britt, Georgia Army Guard

recommend approval or denial

Commander, and Army Guard

of the exemption request, by

Command Sgt. Maj. James

endorsement. The Commander

Nelson.

must counsel that noncompli-

"We wanted to step up and

ance with immunization re-

show everyone that there's

quirements may adversely im-

nothing to fear in getting the

pact deployability, assignment,

H1N1 shot, or being vaccinated Brig. Gen. Maria Britt and Command Sgt. Maj. James in general," Britt said. "As Gen- Nelson receive the H1N1 vaccine. eral McKinley said, the health of

or international travel, and that the exemption may be revoked under imminent risk conditions."

our Soldiers and Airmen is important to our readiness

Additionally, any Commander making such a rec-

as a military organization.

ommendation is encouraged to consider the potential

"That means we all need to step up and do what's impact on the individual, the unit and the mission.

required, even if we'd rather not," she added.

Colonel John Mullins, Joint State Surgeon, added that

"H1N1 poses a threat to the health and readiness of a commander can allow his Soldier or Airman to talk

our forces," Gen. Craig J. McKinley said in a recent with a healthcare provider to alleviate any individual

memorandum to the Adjutant Generals of all 50 states fears the Soldier may have.

and territories. "Successful mitigation and prevention

"But in the end, after the Soldier or Airmen has

is dependent upon vaccination...even members who been counseled, the commander can order that person

have a history of H1N1 influenza should receive the to get the necessary vaccination," Mullins added. "If

vaccine."

the Guardsman continues to refuse, he or she can then

He went on to say that he appreciates the 100%

be charged under the Uniform Code of Military Justice

compliance of each state's senior leaders, as well as for disobeying a direct order."

their support of National Guard Bureau efforts to

Of course, compliance with the order to get vacci-

maintain "the wellness and mission capability of our nated is facilitated by the fact that the seasonal flu vac-

service members."

cine has up to a 90-percent success rate among healthy

At one time, there was concern that there might not populations, according to the Centers for Disease

be enough H1N1 vaccine available for every Guards- Control and Prevention (CDC). Britt concluded, "We

man in the country. However, General McKinley's

expect soldiers to get vaccinated not just because

memorandum states that there is enough to inoculate they're being ordered to but because it's the smart

all uniformed National Guard members. 55 - www.gadod.net

thing to do for themselves and their unit." www.gadod.net - 5

Savannah's 118th Field Artillery returns from Afghanistan

Story by Sgt. 1st Class Roy Henry Georgia Department of Defense Public Affairs Office
HUNTER ARMY AIRFIELD, Savannah, Ga., Feb. 23, 2009 Stepping off a chartered airliner early this morning, more than 100 members of Springfield's Battery A, 1st Battalion, 118th Field Artillery, began the last leg of their yearlong deployment to Afghanistan.
Soldiers bear flags on their return home.
"You have no idea how great it is to be home," said Sgt. David Clark of Offerman. "Unless you've been there and back, you just don't realize how good it is to be back on Georgia soil."
This was the first group of Citizen-Soldiers redeploying to Georgia in the next two months. Arrival times for other returning flights, and dates for upcoming welcome home ceremonies are expected soon, but remain somewhat up in the air.
The Soldiers of Battery A are among the more than 2,000 members of Macon's 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team who left in June of last year to support Operation Enduring Freedom. Their mission was to train and mentor the Afghan Army and National Security Force so the Afghans can fully take on the role of protecting that war-torn country's citizens.
"I don't know that I can ever fully express how proud I am of these guys," said the unit's commander, Capt. Patrick Grover of Savannah. "From the lowest to the highest rank, they carried out every task and mission asked of them and continually made me and the Georgia Army Guard look good in the eyes of everyone they dealt with."
After turning in weapons and other sensitive equipment at the terminal, the Guardsmen boarded buses waiting for them outside the airfield's main terminal

and headed for Fort Stewart. Marching onto the post's Cottrell Parade Field with Grove leading it, Battery A received a resounding welcome home from more than 200 family members, friends, fellow Soldiers and dignitaries such Brig. Gen. Maria Britt, Georgia Army Guard commander.
Stepping to the microphone, Britt welcomed the unit back, and then told its members how proud she and Maj. Gen. Terry Nesbitt, Georgia's Adjutant General, are of them.
"When we stop and think of how being born free is `really an accident,' we realize that our staying free is paid for by our veterans, veterans such as yourselves," Britt told the Soldiers standing in formation before her.
"And just as we will always remember the eight who lost their lives during this deployment, we're also grateful to have all of you back safely with us," she added.
Britt then turned her remarks toward the families who crowed the grandstand behind her.
"You sacrificed as much as our Soldiers did, and yet you stepped up time and again to let them know you are always there for them in these challenging times," she said. "That love and support is so greatly appreciated and we ask, yes we know, that you keep it coming."
In no short order after Britt finished her remarks,
A Georgia Guardsman sits with his loved ones after returning from a yearlong deployment to Afghanistan. (Photo By Sgt. Jerry DeAvila, 124th MPAD)
the crowd rushed the formation, each family finding its Soldier, then hugging and holding on tight as if afraid

6 - www.gadod.net

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Georgia National Guardsmen open radio stations to give people of Afghanistan their own voice
Story by Sgt. Tracy J. Smith Georgia Department of Defense 48th Brigade Public Affairs

SHINWAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan, Feb. 3,2010 17 at Forward Operation Base Torkham in Muhmand

In a perfect world, accurate information would be as Dara province near the Afghanistan-Pakistan border.

close as a radio. For a country at war, accurate infor-

The Shinwar station (95 FM) celebrated its debut

mation is invaluable.

Jan. 21 during the anti-Taliban Shinwari Pact jirga.

Soldiers of 1st Squadron, 108th Cavalry Regiment, This gathering of about 170 tribal representatives, the

have opened two radio stations in the Muhmand Dara first of its kind, was organized by the 6th Kandak ABP

and Shinwar provinces to give the people of those

and prominent tribal leaders. It was held, while em-

regions a voice to counter Taliban propaganda. Popu- bracing the strictest traditions of the six district Shin-

larly known as the "Radio in a Box," this new media wari tribal councils, to denounce Taliban tyranny and

program is an initiative of the International Security passive governance. The radio station gave promi-

Assistance Force counterinsurgency process, and it

nent Afghan leaders and security forces a new media

will belong entirely to

platform to announce their

the Afghan people.

solidarity during the sta-

"It will not be a

tion's first broadcast.

facilitator of military

"It brings us together as

or security mandates,"

one community," Malik

Afghan Border Police,

Usman said of the open-

6th Kandak command-

ing and the reading of

er, Colonel Niazy said.

the council's decision to

He punctuated the

stand with their uniformed

importance of the mis-

brothers in arms. "We can

sion by stressing how

share information with the

the station's messaging

people immediately when

will embrace the needs

a crisis is identified and

of the community. "It

ensure their safety."

will be a powerful tool

Council elders received

to give our people a

gifts of hand-held radios

voice a resource.

at the conclusion of the

Our mullahs, district

jirga. The same radios

government leaders, or our local shop keepers

Staff Sgt. Scott F. McElroy, [headphones], of Canton, Ga. and Sgt. Angelo O. Bravo of Jasper, Ga., both 1st Squadron, 108th Cavalry Regiment, Task Force

will also be distributed by ANSF and coalition forces

and villagers will have Mountain Warrior communications non-commissioned officers, finalize the during patrols to outlying

full access and know setup of the Radio in a Box [RIAB] broadcast stations at the Afghan Border villages.

that they can come to Police 6th Kandak headquarters in Shinwar district. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Niazy welcomes the

us in a crisis for honest Tracy J. Smith, 48th IBCT Public Affairs)

new media as an extension

information."

of service to the people and says programming will be

The Kandak headquarters is a temporary location for created by locals with call-in segments and unique on-

the Shinwar radio station. It was also once the site for air radio talk shows that will engage government and

Radio Spin Ghar, part of a 2005 independent media village officials.

opportunity project called Support for Independent

"The station will have a strict traditional format,

Radio Stations in Afghanistan, which was co-spon- from the reading of mourners' names, to jirga results

sored by the U.S. Agency for International Develop- and the distribution of public service information,"

ment.

Niazy said. "They will celebrate with music pro-

Both stations are fully funded by the coalition with grams, but we can reinforce their personal security

Afghan National Security Force (ANSF) partners of- with information."

fering security, and they employ full-time local Af-

ghan station managers and on-air personalities.

"The Gate" (102.1 FM) began airing full-time Jan.

8 - www.gadod.net

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TAG hosts first-ever
Georgia Commanders
Summit
Story by Seth G. Stuck Georgia Department of Defense Public Affairs Office
DOBBINS AIR RESEVE BASE, Marietta, Jan. 26, 2010 Major Gen. Terry Nesbitt, Georgia's Adjutant General, called together commanding officers from every military and defense installation in the state today for the first ever Commanders Summit. The event was held at the Georgia Air National Guard Headquarters.
This gathering is the first of several this year aimed at strengthening each organization's ability to prepare and support state and emergency operations through unprecedented collaboration, information sharing and effort coordination.
"By gathering all of Georgia's commanders in one place," Nesbitt said, "we hope to streamline discussion, clear-up the lines of communication and better define the chain-of-command within the state relative to certain emergencies." He added, "We all want the same thing: for our local, state and regional citizens to be supported in the best way possible. These summits will allow us to facilitate one another's efforts and, hopefully, prevent us from stepping on each other's toes."
Attending this first summit were the commanders of Coast Guard Air Station Savannah, Dobbins ARB, Fort Gillem, Fort Gordon, Fort McPherson, Hunter Army Airfield, Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base, Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany, Moody Air Force Base, Naval Supply Corps School and Naval Supply Activity Athens, and Robbins Air Force Base. Emergency preparedness liaison officers for the Air Force, Army and Navy were also present, as were the directors of the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) and Georgia Military Affairs Coordinating Committee (GMACC). Unable to attend the summit were the commanding officers from Fort Stewart and Fort Benning.
Representing the Georgia National Guard were Nesbitt; Brig. Gen. Maria Britt, Georgia Army Guard commander; Maj. General Scott Hammond, Georgia Air Guard commander; Col. Joe Ferrero, Georgia Air Guard director of staff; Brig. Gen. Jerry Bradford, Georgia State Defense Force commander; and Brig. Gen. Timothy Britt, director of the Joint Staff.

FAA Administrator to
License first aviation
Cadets from Georgia's
Youth Challenge Acaemy
Bruce Dean Oaster Chairman and CEO On Wings of Eagles Foundation, Inc.
FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt personally presented Private Pilot certificates with Instrument Ratings to the first two cadets from the On Wings of Eagles Foundation flight academy (OWOEF) as part of the National Guard Youth Challenge Foundation's conference in Washington on February 23, 2010.
OWOEF is working in partnership with the National Guard Youth Challenge program, and it offers scholarships for flight training to selected graduates of the Youth Challenge program for at-risk youth.
Georgia YCA cadets Clarence Wesley Jones and Ryan Armenta graduated with honors from the Ft. Gordon YCA campus in 2009. Formerly high school dropouts, these two cadets completed their high school education and excelled at character training and mentoring two key components of the Youth Challenge program.
These young men were the first cadets selected for full scholarships to flight training, and they have been flying at Trans-Pac Aviation Academy at Deer Valley Airport in Phoenix, Arizona, since August. Upon completion of their Commercial and Flight Instructor certificates, these trained pilots will become flight instructors for the next class of OWOEF cadets, set to arrive in the summer of 2010.
On Wings of Eagles Foundation provides at-risk youth with scholarships for aviation training and provides mentors for character development, in order to create productive citizens for America's future, provide competent workers for aviation industries and influence life pathways toward moral and spiritual excellence.

10 - www.gadod.net

Army/Air Basketball Match to again

help military families

Story by Lt. Col. (Ret.) Kenneth Baldowski Georgia Department of Defense Public Affairs Office
It's an inter-service grudge match of significant proportions. Service reputations are at stake. An ignominious defeat at the hands of the Army Guard last year hangs heavy on the Air Guard, who contend that revenge will be sweet. Saturday, March 13th at 7:00 p.m. at Philips Arena, the second annual Army/ Air basketball matchup will take place with proceeds from ticket sales going to the Georgia National Guard Family Support Foundation.
The Saturday evening matchup follows the NBA game between the Atlanta Hawks and the Detroit Pistons. A ticket to the Hawks game constitutes a ticket to the Army/Air game.
Reports suggest that both teams have now completed their rosters, and practices have already begun for the Army team in Atlanta and the Air team in Warner Robins.
"We have a huge score to settle," said Air Coach Lt. Col. Mike "Pops" Rumsey of the 116th. He says his team is determined to revenge the 66-57 drumming last year by the Army. "We've got some of our same guys from last year, but also a few new jocks that seem anxious to take the play up a notch."
Highlighting the Air Guard team are Tech Sgt. Melvin Boyd, 165SFS, Capt. Billy Carter, 116OSS, Capt. Cyrus Champagne, 202 EIS, Master Sgt. James Gatlin, 202EIS, Larry Green, 116SFS, Senior Master Sgt. Courtland "Court" Holt, 116OSS, Senior A Prentiss Law, 116MXS, Senior Airman James Reesirman, 116SFS, Capt. Mike Roy, 330th CTS, Master Sgt. Clint Smith, HQ, Master Sgt. "Big D" Dewayne Smith; Maj. Eric "EZ" Smith, 330CTS, Maj. Chad Tuttle 128 ACCS, and Master Sgt. Calvin Willis MXG/QA.
Sgt. 1st Class Benjamin Thomas Head Coach,

Recruiting & Retention and Sgt. Camilah Gibson Asst. Coach, A CO 221st MI BN return again to coach the Army hoop masters and laugh off the exorbitant claims of Rumsey and their high-flying Airmen. The Army will be returning with its proven squad of players.
"Our guys play almost year-round in leagues around the city," said Thomas. "Honestly, we are unimpressed with the talents and the idle claims being hurled at us by the Air. While we have a few new plays up our sleeves, we'll beat `em again just by playing good solid basketball."
The Army lineup features Sgt. Brandon Underwood, 781st Troop Command,Staff Sgt. Jason Flores, 230th Brigade Support Company, Recruiting & Retention BN, Staff Sgt. George Hudson, Recruiting & Retention BN, Sgt. Cory Perriman, 170th Military Police Company ,Staff Sgt. Domonique Green, 116th Army Band, Staff Sgt. Darryl Basham, HHC 221st MI BN, Sgt. D'Juan Welton, B Troop 3/108th CAV, Maj. John Keriker Veno, and Johnathan Young.
All bravado aside, proceeds of the annual Army/Air basketball game will go to assisting military soldiers and their families during difficult times through the Georgia National Guard Family Support Foundation.
"The Foundation has approved over a million dollars in emergency relief assistance to more than 1,327 families since 2004," said the Foundation's executive director, Harriet Morgan.
In addition to the proceeds from the Army/Air game, the Foundation is one of Georgia's "CheckOff" charities meaning designated donations to the charity can benefit your state income tax return. The Foundation is an approved charity for the annual Combined Federal Campaign (CFC 70602), and it is the benefactor of the annual Top Gun Motorcycle Ride for Children, the Savannah Memorial Day Festival, and several other fund-raising events that generate individual and corporate donations.
"This game is very important to our efforts to help Soldiers, Airmen and their families during difficult times and raise awareness about the Foundation," says Morgan, who also notes that additional requests for help may be expected from the return of the 48th. "Regardless, it's a great way for the Guard family to get together for a truly fun event!"
Tickets are $25.00 each and are still available from: Maj. James Clements at (404) 556-8518.
www.gadod.net - 11

Wounded warriors recognized at Marietta event

Story, photos by Sgt. 1st Class Roy Henry Georgia Department of Defense Public Affairs Office

CLAY NATIONAL GUARD CENTER, Marietta, Feb. 11, 2010 Seven Georgia Army Guardsmen, who were wounded either during operations this year with Macon's 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) in Afghanistan or in Iraq in 2005-2006, were honored as part the city's Hearts for Heroes program.
Hearts for Heroes is a celebration of the role played by the active duty military, Guard and Reserve in North Georgia's development. It's also a fundraiser to support the addition of an aviation wing to the city's history museum. The event was held at the Earl Smith Strand Theater on the downtown square.
"As most everyone knows, the Guard is unique in that it's comprised entirely of Citizen-Soldiers. These are everyday people willing to put their civilian lives on hold to don the uniform of their country's Army, pick up a weapon and defend their communities and their Nation," Maj. Gen. William T. Nesbitt, Georgia's Adjutant General, told an audience of more than 200 people.
"But the effort of these Guardsmen, and all our service members, comes at a price. For the Georgia Army Guard, it's meant the loss of eight of our own last year in Afghanistan and many more wounded, like those you'll meet tonight," Nesbitt said. "It's essential that we always remember and honor their sacrifice."
Organizations like Hearts for Heroes, he added,
Seven Georgia Army Guardsmen who were wounded in Afghanistan and Iraq pose with their wives, daughters, Army Guard Command Sgt. Maj. James Dennis and actor Dennis Haysbert.
have helped send a "clear message to all those who serve: Your sacrifice, your hard work and your dedication are deeply, deeply appreciated."
One by one, the seven mounted the stage, and one by one, they stepped forward as Nesbitt called their names and read aloud how they became Purple Heart recipients.

Of the seven, 1st Lt. Matt Smith, sergeants first class Michael Murphy and Jeffrey Boyles, Cpl. Nathan Watson, and specialists Andrew Sullens and James Creager were among the more than 2,000 Soldiers who deployed to Afghanistan with the 48th Brigade for a year in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Sergeant Sean Long was with the brigade as a Cavalryman during its deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2005-2006.
Corporal Nathan Watson receives an award from singer Katie Kasben. Next to him are 1st Lt. Matt Smith and Sgt. Sean Long.
Last May, Sgt. 1st Class Boyles' combat patrol was ambushed in Afghanistan and his vehicle was destroyed by an IED. Boyles suffered burns on the upper half of his body and severe fractures to several parts of his vertebrate. Despite his injuries, Boyles responded to the ambush by helping to establish security and treating other injured Soldiers.
Last September 12, Spc. Creager was shot by a Taliban insider who was disguised as an ANP Soldier. Despite suffering severe wounds to his leg and significant blood loss, James pulled himself up to help his team leader provide life-saving aid to another injured Soldier.
On December 29, 2005, Sgt. Long was driving in a convoy along a highway just outside of Baghdad. When they came across a friendly group of 18-wheelers and humvees, a tragic mistake was made and Sean's vehicle took friendly fire from a .50 caliber machine gun. To save the men in his convoy, Sean slammed on the brakes and, as a result, took .50 caliber rounds in his leg leaving him with a wound so severe it normally would have warranted amputation. At one point, the doctors had to stop operating on Long because the blood loss was so significant he had

12 - www.gadod.net

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Program helps loved ones, Soldiers become close again
Story, photos by Sgt. 1st Class Roy Henry Georgia Department of Defense Public Affairs Office

GEORGIA GARRISON TRAINING CENTER, Hinesville, Ga., Feb. 24, 2010 When the Guardsmen of Georgia's 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team mobilized for Afghanistan last year, they had the difficult mission of getting to know the Afghans they would be helping while simultaneously dealing with the insergency.
Now, as more than 2,000 Georgia Citizen-Soldiers begin returning home, they face the challenge of making the transition from a full-time combat force to again being fathers, mothers, sons and daughters, members of their communities and civilian employees.

available to them for getting things back on track," Casey added.
According to the Yellow Ribbon website, the program is legislatively mandated, federally funded and designed to help National Guardsmen, Airmen, Reservists and their families deal with the stresses that come before, during and especially after deployment. To mitigate the factors that can lead to suicide or divorce, Yellow Ribbon brings about "a more positive coming home experience" for Guardsmen, Reservists and their families, said psychologist Amy Stevens who oversees the program here at the training center.

A family life counselor discusses expectations and reintegration with wives, significant others and parents of Soldiers from Battery A, 1st Battalion, 118th Field Artillery.

They have to step back, take a long look at themselves and decide how they and their loved ones can face the changes in their relationships and make their reintegration a smooth one.
"That's where the Georgia Guard's `Yellow Ribbon Expectations Training' comes in," said Maj. David Casey, the brigade's rear detachment assistant operations officer. "Any deployment, especially a long one to a combat zone, certainly plays havoc with a relationship.
"Through what's called `resilency training,' experts in psychology and family counseling work with family members to help them recognize warning signs in their Soldier, deal with those and know what resources are
14 - www.gadod.net

Resiliency training, she explained, is broken down into a couple of levels.
"Wives, husbands, significant others and even the parents of returning Soldiers receive the training," said family life counselor Lance Henson. Henson talks with participants, helping them understand why their expectations and the expectations of the service member may not always be the same.
"Before the Soldier deployed, he may have been the disciplinarian, handled the household finances or took care of home improvements and vehicle maintenance," Henson said. "When that person deployed whether for the first time or the second, third or fourth time all that changed, and the spouse or significant other

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2009 Annual Report
The Public Affairs Office has published the 2009 Georgia Department of Defense Annual Report to the Legislature. It is online and available on the Georgia DOD website at www.gadod.net. Each year, every public agency in Georgia publishes an annual report for the Governor and state legislature. This annual report discusses the GA DOD command organization, identifies Georgia Army and Air Guard units across the state, and recognizes the efforts and accomplishments of the Air and Army National Guard and the Georgia State Defense Force. This year's report also highlights Georgia's Youth Challenge Academy, Counterdrug and DDR program, State Partnership, CERF-P and 4th CST. The report ends with a special tribute to the eight Soldiers of the 48th Brigade who were killed in action while deployed to Afghanistan.
Governor and Maj. Gen. Hammond Examine Lost
Heroes Quilt

GSDF lends a healing
hand to injured Haitians
Story by Seth G. Stuck Georgia Department of Defense Public Affairs Office
Since the beginning of February, Georgia has received and provided medical treatment to dozens of injured Haitians in support of Operation Healing Hands, a program that is helping Haitians recover from the devastating earthquake that demolished their country in January.
The Georgia State Defense Force, Atlanta VA Medical Center, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Georgia Emergency Management Agency, and Dobbins Air Reserve Base have all been actively involved in this operation.
The first five injured Haitians, including an 18-month-old with brain injuries, were airlifted from the USNS Comfort, a Naval hospital ship deployed to Haiti to assist in the massive recovery effort, and transported to Dobbins Air Force Base, Feb. 2. While Florida had been handling the majority of the injured Haitians transported to the U.S., this was the first group directed to Georgia.
The GSDF, specifically, was tasked with supporting the 94th Airlift Wing at DARB with the disembarkation of medical evacuees from Haiti. GSDF troops worked to establish flight lines, ramp controls and offload of injured Haitians.
After the first week of receiving injured evacuees, the GSDF had dedicated a total of 97 troops and nearly 370 man-hours to the cause of helping 34 injured Haitians recuperate.

Governor Sonny Perdue and Maj. Gen. Scott Hammond, Commander, Georgia Air National Guard, view the traveling Lost Heroes Art Quilt which is currently on display at the Georgia State Capitol building. This contemporary art quilt display was designed by Julie Feingold, a soldier's wife, to honor fallen Americans since 9-11 in Iraq and Afghanistan. The display is intended to honor the memory of extraordinary men and women who fought for the nation during these military operations. No political or ideological viewpoint is promoted by the display, only a very personal tribute to these American heroes of our time. The distinctive quilt has traveled throughout the nation since early 2009 and will remain on display in the Georgia State capitol from February 21st through March 2, 2010.

16 - www.gadod.net

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