June 2014 Edition

June 2014

flashback to the flood

twenty years later Plus: Golden Coyote 2014 | GSDF Birthday ball | And so much more

CONTENTS ISSUE: June 2014

w w w. g a d o d . n e t

Features 03| Golden Coyote 2014

More than 4,000 Soldiers participated in the Golden Coyote training exercise.

cover story

04| Second chances

19| Flashback to the flood

Guardsman uses legal skills to help veterans.

Remembering Operation Crested River twenty years later.

05| GSDF Ball

GSDF celebrates its 270th birthday.

11| Forming lifelong friendships The Family Readiness Group has brought members of the 1230th TC together.

12| Return of the Air Sentinels

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117th Air Control Squadron completed a six month deployment in Southwest Asia.

News

13| Air surgeon retires

10| Senior enlisted Advisor vists

14| Character through honor

16| Neurons connect

Col. John “Doc” Mullins, state air surgeon for the Georgia Air National Guard, recently retired after 41 years total service.

Ga. Guard purchased 1,200 Medal of Honor character development kits.

18| Toccoa sends their best again

The Georgia Army National Guard’s 876th Vertical Engineer Company departs.

The Georgia National Guard hosted Chief Master Sgt. Mitchell O. Brush, senior enlisted advisor for the National Guard Bureau.

The U.S. Army’s ‘Cyber Center of Excellence’, Fort Gordon in Augusta, Georgia, hosted a multi-service ‘NetWar’ to show, and build, cyber warfare capabilities.

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columns

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07| Historic Battle Review

Crisis at Kennesaw: Sherman assaults Entrenched Confederate Soldiers.

09| Chaplain’s Corner

The impact of suicide on the Guard.

15| NCO Notepad

Maintaining personal records.

17| Book Review

“How to Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie.

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23| Road map to resources Ways to have fun this summer.

25| Around the Guard

Georgia National Guard Commander-in-Chief Gov. Nathan Deal Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Jim Butterworth State Public Affairs Director Lt. Col. Thomas Lesnieski State Public Affairs Officer Capt. William Carraway Operations NCO SFC Gerard Brown Editorial Staff Managing Editor Capt. William Carraway Creative Director Steven Welch Contributors Desiree Bamba Master Sgt. Bucky Burnsed SFC Gerard Brown Maj. Will Cox Chaplain Lt. Col. Blair Davis Chief Master Sgt. Joseph Greene Capt. Greta Jackson Ashlie Shrewsbury Julie Paulk Staff Sgt. Tracy J. Smith Cpl. Eric Tedder Capt. Vadim Timchenko Sgt. Michael Uribe Contributing DOD Organizations 124th Mobile Public Af fairs Detachment, 116th Air Control Wing Public Affairs Office, Army National Guard Unit Public Affairs Representatives, Air National Gu ard Wi n g P u b l i c A f f ai r s Representatives, Georgia State Defense Force Public Affairs.

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Disclaimer The Georgia Guardsman is published monthly under the provisions of AR 360-81 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, Air Force or the Adjutant General of Georgia. The Georgia Guardsman is distributed free-of-charge to members of the Georgia Army and Air National Guard, State Defense Force and other interested persons upon request.

June 2014 | 2

Golden Coyote 2014

By Sgt. Michael Uribe | 124th MPAD | Georgia Army National Guard

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or two weeks in June, Georgia Army National Guard Soldiers of the Metter-based 265th Regional Support Group provided reception, staging, onward movement and integration, or RSOI, supporting more than 4,000 Soldiers participating in the South Dakota National Guard’s Golden Coyote training exercise at Camp Rapid, South Dakota.

Now in its 30th year, Golden Coyote is the largest combined joint U.S. sponsored National Guard exercise in the United States with participants from 15 states, the United Kingdom, Canada, Denmark and Suriname. The primary mission of the 70 members of the 265th RSG was to coordinate administrative and logistical functions for the exercise.

“We act as the unit that will (provide reception, staging, onward movement and integration to) units going out to affected areas,” said Maj. Cortney Hawkins, administrative officer, for the 265th RSG. “Our mission is to in-process those units and provide them with any resources that are mission essential down range.”

Making sure Soldiers were up to date administratively throughout their training experience at Golden Coyote was a paramount task for the 265th.

“On the real-world side, we look to make sure all Soldiers have their family contact, insurance paperwork and identification tags, those things that will make it easier for unit response in emergencies such as injury,” said Hawkins. “From the situational standpoint, we account for every Soldier, make sure personnel reports are updated daily and anymedical resources and/or information is funneled to the higher command.”

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Not only was the 265th RSG responsible for providing valuable administrative support during Golden Coyote, the Georgia Guardsmen also provided realistic training.

“Our mission is also to hone our mission essential task list (METL) which directly impacts the missions of units training at Golden Coyote,” Said Col. Lanita Kuhn, commander of the 265th RSG. The exercise provided the 265th with the opportunity to provide primary administrative support on a large scale “We were a little nervous; however I know that my staff has done all of our homework to prepare,” said Kuhn eyeing activity inside the 265th’s bustling Camp Rapid administration and logistics center.

“Probably the most educational part for us has been integrating with all geographic units including foreign forces.”

The Metter-based Guardsmen impressed both U.S. and international exercise participants with their professionalism.

“Over here, we have to do a lot of coordination beforehand and we need to adjust and adapt to your way of doing things,” said Capt. Sune Salicath, a liaison with the Danish Army Engineers. “That alone is actually quite a task, and it’s also one of our main training objectives in this exercise. Just working with (the 265th), we are learning a lot all of the time.”

The positivity and cohesiveness during Golden Coyote generated an upbeat, energetic atmosphere that connected all forces.

“Once we managed the nuts and bolts of the mission flow it all worked well for us,” Kuhn said. “The way forward will be to focus on where we need to improve our RSOI functions and fine-tune our METL. That is what we came here to do and that is what we accomplished.”

Photo by Sgt. Michael Uribe | 1 2 4 th MPAD | Georgia Army National Guard

Bringing legal expertise to the Guard

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By: SFC Gerard Brown | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Department of Defense any Citizen Soldiers return to civilian jobs separate from the military at the conclusion of drill. Not in the case of Major Scott Delius. When serving in the uniform of the Georgia National Guard, Delius performs duties as an assistant state judge advocate, providing legal aid to Soldiers and their dependents while also serving as prosecutor and legal adviser in administrative discharge hearings.

The events of 9/11 changed many lives. For Delius, the events on that day inspired him to join the Georgia Army National Guard and bring his knowledge and expertise to the war fight. While serving in Afghanistan he helped the Afghans develop a military justice system by training Afghan legal officers in the establishment of a military court.

“I wanted to have a direct impact on that country’s future.” said Delius.

On the civilian side, Delius has a solo law practice and works as a civil mediator helping litigants resolve their cases. But his assistance to veterans continues even after he transitions from his Army Combat Uniform to a business suit.

Veterans who have never been criminal offenders have found themselves in courtrooms for criminal actions after deployments or completion of their military service, many due to the effects from of PTSD. Delius volunteers with the Fulton County Veterans Court that gives non-violent veterans who have pending criminal charges a chance to have them dismissed.

Veterans who have served honorably and those currently serving honorably have an opportunity to have their criminal charges dismissed if they successfully complete a year-long program. Qualifying veterans enter into and agree to the guidelines of the program that involves rehabilitation, counseling and job training as well as provided housing.

“We have one veteran who was discharged in 1963, and we have Vietnam veterans; veterans who served in the 70s, 80s and right up to today.” said Delius.

Needless to say, this program takes a lot of work and dedication.

The veteran must demonstrate working hard to rehabilitate. The rehabilitation program has several phases and during those phases the veteran is tested regularly for drug and alcohol use. Failure to remain clean or observe any other rules in this strict program, they could receive work detail or face the punishment of the original crime committed which could be jail time. Through this program to assist veterans on not breaking the rules and staying on the road to rehabilitation, each one is given a veteran mentor who provides encouragement and guidance as needed.

“It’s not just beneficial to National Guardsmen; it’s beneficial to our society as a whole. These veterans would otherwise be serving time in prison.” said Delius.

Currently the program has approximately thirty-three participating veterans, four of which previously served in the National Guard.

“We rehabilitate them and make them contributing members of society again,” said Delius. “That benefits everyone and literally transforms lives for the better.”

June 2014 | 4

GSDF Birthday Ball

By Capt. Vadim Timchenko, Corporal Eric Tedder | Georgia State Defense Force

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Photos courtesy of Julie Paulk

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undreds of Georgia State Defense Force members, family members and friends gathered together at the Marietta Hotel & Conference Center to celebrate the GSDF’s birthday. The conference center location has an inspiring history. The cannon that announced the beginning of the GSDF Birthday Ball was originally deployed by the Georgia Military Institute that was established in 1851.

The ball featured the guest speakers Brig. Gen. John King, Director of the Joint Staff, and the GSDF Commanding General, Brig. Gen. Tom Danielson.The birthday ball was emceed by 76th Support Brigade Commander Col. Eddie Williams, organized by the 1st Brigade Commander Col. Brad Bryant and the Aide-de-Camp Maj. Cathy Page.

GSDF has a long history – In 1733, when James Oglethorpe established the

thirteenth American colony of Georgia he knew that the threat of a Spanish invasion from Florida was imminent. In response he organized and trained a militia force in the colony that would be ready to respond at the first sign of aggression from any outsider.

In 1742, Oglethorpe’s fear was realized when Spanish forces under the command of General Manuel de Montiano invaded the colony of Georgia. The Spanish attacked a force of British Regulars and Georgia Militia under Oglethorpe’s command and were soundly beaten back forcing a full scale retreat by the Spanish back to Florida. Due to the overwhelming defeat, this Battle of Bloody Marsh was the first and only attempt

by Spanish forces to invade Georgia.

The Georgia Militia was again called upon to defend Georgia during the American Revolution. Georgia militiamen fought long and hard against British Regulars and loyalist forces in a deeply divided Georgia back country and throughout the south for

American Independence. In 1779, Georgia militiamen alongside those from South Carolina surprised and defeated a superior force of loyalists at the Battle of Kettle Creek near Washington, Georgia. After the American Revolution, Georgia continued to maintain an active militia force throughout the 19th century. In 1836, a battalion of Georgia militia aided Texas’ freedom fighters in their fight against Mexican forces during the Texas Revolution.

In 1861, when civil war broke out in the United States, Georgia Governor Joseph Brown activated numerous recruiting drives throughout the state to bolster the strength of the Georgia Militia. Although Brown tried to maintain his militia forces within state boundaries many Georgia units were called up to join larger armies established by the Confederate government. Throughout the war, Georgia sent the second largest number of volunteers to fight for the Confederacy (only eclipsed by Virginia).

These volunteers took an active role in

Battle of Griswoldville, near Macon, Georgia militiamen put up the only substantial resistance to Sherman’s March to the Sea when a force of militia attempted to slow the Federal onslaught.

During World War I, the Georgia Militia was again called upon to serve the state. During this activation Militia units were assigned to guard key military targets around the state and take an active role in patrolling the Georgia coastline. In the 1940’s, Georgia Governor E.D. Rivers activated the Georgia Militia under a new name, the Georgia State Defense Corps. In addition to guarding key military targets in Georgia during World War II the State Defense Corps was also assigned to undergo training that would necessitate preventing an invasion by one of the Axis powers. As World War II came to a close, the State Defense Corps, under a new nom de plume, the Georgia State Guard reached a record strength of almost 5,000.

In 1947, the Georgia State Guard was

almost every front during the American Civil War. In 1864 as Maj. Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman organized a large force of Northern troops in Chattanooga to begin his invasion of Georgia, militia units joined other Confederate troops in a gallant attempt to defend Georgia, as well as Atlanta.

After the fall of Atlanta on September 2, 1864, Sherman drove deep into the heart of Georgia, pushing towards Savannah. At the

inactivated and remained inactive for the next thirty seven years. It was not until 1985 that a new breath of life was given to the State Guard when it was reactivated and authorized as the Georgia State Defense Force. Since its reactivation, the Georgia State Defense Force has served the citizens of Georgia alongside the Georgia National Guard in every mission given from search and rescue to natural disaster relief.

Currently the Georgia State Defense Force supports the state in the wake of the federal activation of the Georgia National Guard in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Throughout its history, the Georgia State Defense Force has played numerous different roles in the state’s proud history.

Whether as an armed force or in a support role, the primary mission of the Georgia State Defense Force has not changed in more than two hundred seventy years as it continues to be “ready to serve” the needs of State of Georgia and its citizens.

June 2014 | 6

CRISIS AT KENNESAW: SHERMAN ASSAULTS ENTRENCHED CONFEDERATES

By Capt. Will Carraway| Public Affairs Office| Georgia Department of Defense Talk about other battles, victories, shouts, cheers, and triumphs, but in comparison with this day’s fight, all others dwarf into insignificance. The sun beaming down on our uncovered heads, the thermometer being one hundred and ten degrees in the shade, and a solidline of blazing fire right from the muzzles of the Yankee guns being poured right into our very faces, singeing our hair and clothes, the hot blood of our dead and wounded spurting on us, the blinding smoke and stifling atmosphere filling our eyes and mouths, and the awful concussion causing the blood to gush out of our noses and ears, and above all,the roar of battle, made it a perfect pandemonium.

Afterward I heard asoldier express himself by saying that he thought “Hell had broke loose in Georgia, sure enough.”

– Private Sam Watkins, 1st Tennessee PROLOGUE Flanked from his position at Resaca on May 15, Confederate General Joseph Johnston maneuvered to place his Army of Tennessee between Atlanta and the oncoming Federal armies of Maj. Gen. William Sherman. But Johnston was losing ground.

Skirmishing occurred at Adairsville and Cassville, the latter of which Sherman occupied and devastated to such a degree that it has never been rebuilt.

Again slipping south, Johnston established strong defensive lines near Allatoona Pass, but as he had at Dalton and Resaca, Sherman’s forces went around these positions and forced Johnston to abandon his works in favor of contests on open ground. In late May the Armies contended in Paulding County as Sherman attempted to seize Dallas. Savage but inconclusive fighting raged at Pickett’s Mill and New Hope Church. While Johnston was not able to gain a clear advantage, his delaying tactics abetted by late spring rains compelled Sherman to abandon his advance and return to his main supply route along the Western Atlantic Railroad roughly paralleling the present course of I-75.

A Critical Loss Johnston established defenses along the heights northwest of Marietta. On June 14, 1864, a group of senior Confederate commanders gathered on Pine Mountain, to survey the enemy lines. Sherman, by coincidence was conducting a personal reconnaissance of his lines. Spying the impetuous group in his field glasses, Sherman ordered an artillery battery to open fire on the position. The gunners of the 5th Indiana Battery placed lethal fires, scattering the Confederates. In the barrage, a solid shot struck Lt. Gen. Leonidas Polk in the chest killing him instantly.

With the loss of his corps commander, Johnson sought more defensible terrain. He found it in the form of Kennesaw Mountain and Pigeon Hill. These prominences, composed of the same granite deposits that formed Lookout Mountain in Tennessee and Stone Mountain in Atlanta provided Johnston with an ideal position

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for artillery emplacements that would threaten Sherman’s lines of supply. Arranging his lines in an arc from Big Kennesaw to Little Kennesaw, Johnson ordered his men to dig in and entrench.

As Sherman surveyed the maps of the region it appeared that Johnston had finally found a position that he could not out flank.

He could not continue to move along the Western Atlantic Railroad corridor because of the presence of Johnson’s artillery and due to insufficient roads, he could not flank Johnston to the west Even if he attempted a westward flanking movement, he would expose his support elements to galling fire and his armies would no longer be able to mutually support one another. With limited options and a growing frustration with Johnston’s cat and mouse game, Sherman resolved to attack. On June 24, 1864 he issued orders to his armies to be prepared to strike in three days.

The Battle Plan Sherman’s battle plan was to push Federals under Maj. Gen.

Map courtesy of the Library of Congress

Schoefield west while attacking with Maj. Gen. James MacPherson’s army to the east in order to compel Johnson to thin out his defensive line. Federal troops of Maj. Gen George Thomas’ division would strike generally along the lines. Sherman’s tactic was likely prompted by an unsuccessful Confederate attack launched at Kolb’s Farm west of Kennesaw Mountain on June 22. Visitors to the Kennesaw Mountain Battlefield Park can take a trail from the visitor center to the Kolb Farm some eight miles distant and get an understanding of how far the Confederate lines extended. The presence of Confederates at the Peter Kolb Farm convinced Sherman that Johnson’s line was weak in the center and he ordered the main effort to strike the lines occupied by the divisions of Maj. Gens. Ben Cheatham and Patrick Cleburne.

including that of Brig. Gen. Dan McCook valiantly assaulted the works to no effect. McCook himself was mortally wounded in the assault as was Brig. Gen. Charles Harker.

Meanwhile, to the north of Cheatham’s line, Confederate Soldiers of Maj. Gen. William Walker’s Division repulsed assaults of Federal XV Corps. Brig Gen. Joseph Lightburn’s Federal brigade was caught in a crossfire while attacking the Georgia brigade of Brig Gen. Hugh Mercer and was compelled to retreat with heavy losses after 15 minutes on the field.

“There are some roads not to follow; some troops not to strike; some cities not to assault; and some ground which should not be contested.” – Sun Tzu

“I will ever think that the reason they did not capture our works was the impossibility of theirliving men passing over the bodies of their dead. The ground was piledup with one solid mass of dead and wounded Yankees. I learned afterwards from the burying squad that in some places they were piled up like cordwood, twelve deep.” – Private Sam Watkins, 1st Tennessee

Unfortunately for the attacking federals, the troops of Cheatham and Cleburne were the most elite of the Army of Tennessee.

Moreover, they held entrenchments on high ground that would frustrate all but the most coordinated attack. But Sherman’s attack was not coordinated. Preceded by an artillery barrage of 200 cannon, the Infantry assault by the Federals had to be conducted uphill against entrenched defenders. The odds were greatest at a feature of ground called the dead angle on Cheatham Hill. Federal brigades

Despite their numerical superiority, the assaulting Federals could not overcome the terrain advantages of the entrenched Confederates.The assault bled Sherman’s Army of 3,000 men. The Confederates lost one third that number. Sherman seemed chagrined by his repulse. Kennesaw Mountain would be his last direct assault against Confederate entrenchments. From here on, he would prefer a war of maneuver, and a war that would increasingly impact the civilian population of Georgia.

June 2014 | 8

Chaplain’s corner

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By Chaplain Lt. Col. Blair Davis | Georgia National Guard

nce again, suicide has impacted our Guard family. Once again, each of us in some way will be affected by the loss of a team member. O ver the next few months, questions will inevitably be asked: “Why did this have to happen?

What could I have done differently? Did I miss something?” Those questions are all valid and leadership is tasked with providing answers. Chaplains and Behavioral Health personnel labor to provide answers. Because no Soldier’s suicide is simple, answers also involve multiple layers of understanding.

We have poured countless hours of training into teaching Soldiers at every level how to identify the warning signs. Yet suicide numbers continue to climb. Unfortunately, if our culture at large provides any insight into future trends, suicide will continue to impact our society in the years to come.

Maybe we ought to ask the question, “Why shouldn’t I commit suicide? I mean, if one feels hopeless and full of despair with no end in sight, shouldn’t that be an option?”

No one seems to care or understand where you are coming from. Life is just not worth living…or is it?

I have been in that situation and have experienced similar feelings in my own life, but didn’t act on them. The real truth is this: every one of us is one significant emotional event from having those same feelings. It’s what you do prior to experiencing those emotions that will enable you to overcome them when they assault you, before you encounter that situation.

As a Chaplain, I have a personal relationship with God through the person and work of Christ. It was in my time of need that the truth of God’s Word spoke to me and reminded me that God has a plan for my life, and that He would get me through the pain. God is not a God who is far away, the Scriptures say, but a God who is near to the contrite of heart. What is often difficult to admit is that humility precedes mercy. The Apostle James wrote that “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the

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humble” (James 4:6).

It may sound simplistic, but because it is true, it really works. Over the course of 30 years, the practice of prayer and studying God’s Word have strengthened me. They encourage me in my season of pain. I have learned to identify that I had a dark side that needed to be given to God. Unfortunately, many people today are living in a state of denial. They view themselves as being really good. Herein lies the problem. When faced with failure it is easier to choose the easy way out, rather than admit our need help.

This is especially true in our military community. We are surrounded with men and women who are in denial. We are often prideful, self-serving, and arrogant. What Scripture calls humility and meekness, the military is wont to label as weakness and fear. However, they are not synonymous.

Whereas weakness and fear lead to rash decisions that often lead to regret or even suicide, humility and meekness recognize that wisdom is found from outside us; it comes through God’s revelation. For me as a Christian and a chaplain, I’m convinced that God has revealed his will through creation, through the Scriptures, and supremely through the person and work of Christ (God in the flesh). Therefore, I do not face failure alone, because I know the One who has conquered the grave.

When faced with failure or defeat, it is easier to pursue destructive behavior than ask for help. Proverbs 16:18 tells us that, “Pride leads to destruction, and arrogance to downfall.” God’s Word is clear on how to overcome the obstacles in our lives. If we are going to make changes, and re duce (and hop ef u l ly, eliminate) suicides, it’s time for each of us to examine ourselves.

It takes humility to admit we have problems and to embrace the truth that reaching out for help is not weakness but strength.

Spending time developing your relationship with God through

the person and work of Christ, through meditation upon his Word, in prayer to the One who conquered the grave—this is not folly, but rather wisdom. It is my privilege as a Christian chaplain to demonstrate how family and friends are vital, but ultimately, Soldiers need to know wisdom itself. That is why Christ is called the wisdom of God who came to seek and save the lost. The One who created, sustains and upholds his creation also seeks and saves those who know that hope has to be anchored to ultimate truth if it is to mean anything. So long as the gospel is proclaimed, God has promised hope and redemption where otherwise there are hopelessness, weakness, and fear.

The answer to suicides is not moralism (bootstrap theology: do better next time) or programs at self-reformation. If those things worked, we’d not be having this discussion.

The answer comes by evidence of the truth proven by the one who regenerates the soul.

As a Christian chaplain, I’m convinced in my core that the only hope for all of us (whether Soldier or civilian) is the gospel.

“For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thessalonians 5:9 ESV).

Georgia Guard Hosts NGB Senior Enlisted Advisor

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By Staff Sgt. Tracy J. Smith | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Department of Defense he Georgia National Guard hosted Chief Master Sgt. Mitchell O. Brush, senior enlisted advisor for the National Guard Bureau on a three-day whirlwind tour of Georgia National Guard facilities. From the 122nd Regional Training Institute in Marietta to the 116th Air Control Wing at Robins Air Force Base and the Georgia Garrison Training Center at Fort Stewart, CMSgt. Brush spoke with Army and Air Guardsmen about community and encouragement.

“We are more than 39-days a year,” Brush addressed enlisted members of the 122nd RTI. “We are that hand in an emergency and when we pull our citizens to safety they don’t see uniform, they see a friend.”

Command Sgt. Maj. Walter Swinson, of the 122nd RTI echoed Brush’s observations.

“We want to follow-through on the (National Guard Bureau Chief General Frank Grass’) expectation of readiness with real-life engagement,” said Swinson. “When (Soldiers) walk through the doors (of the 122nd RTI) we are ready to prepare and engage their minds and also make them ready physically to perform alongside our active counterparts on a joint battlefield.”

Photo by Staff Sgt. Tracy J. Smith | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Department of Defense

Brush also visited the 116th Air Control Wing at Robins Air Force Base and met the pilots and crewmembers who fly and maintain the unique Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System.

While with the 116th, Brush spoke with enlisted Airmen, senior leaders and family readiness group members.

While at the Georgia Garrison Training Center at Fort Stewart, Brush asked Guardsmen about their story of service. Upon meeting Spc. Allison Stahl who joined the National Guard straight out of high school, Brush learned that he and Stahl had something in common: they were both from Montana. The two discussed their homestate and Stahl’s decision to enlist. Brush was so impressed with the 148th Brigade Support Battalion communications specialist that he presented her with his challenge coin.

Stahl, Brush says, is a perfect example of the Citizen-Warrior who is committed to being more than the 39-days a year of training we are thought to be. It is now a matter of getting the community to know us as a Guard and a ready force.

“We are all humble servants and even have a tough time introducing ourselves to ourselves,” Brush said. “Our communities need to know it is time to take possession of their National Guard and that is the most important thing we can do to help ourselves.”

June 2014 | 10

forming Lifelong friendships

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By Maj. Will Cox | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Army National Guard

here was no doubt that family and friends were glad to see their Georgia Guardsman at the Thomasville High School’s football field May 31st as the 1230th Transportation Company exited the bus and took the field. The 1230th drove over 220,000 miles during their eleven month deployment to Afghanistan. Combat is known for creating lifelong friendships but the Guardsmen were not the only ones who built enduring relationships.

“I met amazing friends [in the Family Readiness Group] and we [the FRG] gave spouses someone to talk to when they were having a hard time or a bad day,” said Michelle Lopez, 1230th FRG leader. “I love these people and I would not have made it through the deployment without them. They are lifelong friends.”

Spouses are trained prior to deployment that community is important while their Guardsman is deployed. The Family Readiness Group is one of the most important communities spouses have during a deployment.

“Your neighbors are an important source of encouragement, but they just don’t understand what you are going though the

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same way a spouse of a deployed service member does,” said Lopez.

Family Readiness Groups are designed with a phone tree coordinator whose job is to contact the deployed spouses periodically throughout the deployment just to check in and share any updates the FRG may have.

“It was great calling the spouses,” said Danisha Dewberry, 1230th FRG phone tree coordinator. “They encouraged me just as much as I encouraged them.”

The 1230 TC’s return ceremony was short and sweet, intended to get families back in each other’s arms. This was highlighted by Capt. Brantley Lockhart’s quick comments on safety before releasing them to their families.

The 1230th Transportation Company is a medium truck Georgia National Guard unit from Thomasville, GA, staffed with about 115 Guardsmen. The convoy escort platoons exceeded over 220,000 total troop miles during their deployment. The maintenance platoon hung over 2,500 parts in support of the 450 job orders, bringing the operational readiness rate up to nearly 100%. And the unit’s master drivers provided over 115 coalition partners from six countries drivers training on advance mine resistant ambush protected (MRAP) vehicles.

Photo by Maj. WIll Cox | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Army National Guard

return of the air sentinels

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By Master Sgt. Bucky Burnsed | CRTC | Georgia Air National Guard

t 8:36 a.m., the 117th Air Control Squadron touched down at Hunter Army Airfield, Savannah, Ga. completing a six month deployment to an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia. The prayers of more than 100 Airmen and their families answered once again; mission successfully completed, every Airman safe and accounted for. But what was their mission? Why are they important? The answer is simple; they are the Sentinels.

The 117th Air Control Squadron, and like units, are the sentinels of today’s Air Force. Commanders of all military branches depend on the information provided by the 117th ACS which not only controls the skies above the battleground but positively identifies every element that could be a threat to valued assets, whether armed or civilian. The highly trained Airmen of the 117th bombard the skies with charged electrons ever watchful for the electronic return signature announcing friend or foe, trajectory and likely target.

So highly prized is the work of the ACS that immediately following the fall of the Twin Towers in New York, the 117th was ordered into action. Their state of readiness allowed them to deploy within hours to protect some of America’s most valuable assets and in the years following they have seen worldwide deployments on the average of six months out of every eighteen.

“I have had many deployments over the years but I especially enjoyed this one because it allowed me to gain a true perspective on how the Air Force performs command and control of an entire region from a Theater Air Control Squadron,” said Maj. Ryan Hampton.

Realizing this type of operational tempo one could easily expect fatigue. But note the tenor of these Airmen’s own words.

“It’s an amazing feat to watch a group of Air National Guard

Photo by Master Sgt. Bucky Burnsed | CRTC | Georgia Air National Guard

Airmen don the uniform, answer their nations call, and make the switch from civilians to Active Duty without a hitch,” said Tech. Sgt. Christopher Ambrose.“And even more surprising when the Ops Group Chief Master Sergeant doesn’t know we are ‘Guard.’ That alone speaks volumes for the professionalism and hard work our team puts out.”Master Sgt. Jason Freeman also spoke highly of the deployment.

“As a Georgia Air Guardsman, I was given the opportunity to work with active duty and Guard Airmen and see the professional working relationships form a single team,” said Freeman. “This blended team of men and women molded into and became a successful, accomplished squadron. These Airmen gave up countless hours of time and rest to make this deployment a success.”

Georgia Guardsmen spent part of April learning how to fight forest Their mission required the 117th to split into three separate fires near Athens with a 660-gallon water bucket attached to a Black elements, located in three different countries providing air Hawk helicopter in an effort to protect life and property from wild defense across a 900,000 square mile expanse to ensure the fires. safety of coalition forces in the region. Despite the adverse desert conditions the 117th and its fellow elements units achieved a 99.8% on-station rate while executing constant operations for 179 days, tracking more than 317,000 aircraft and supporting more than 20,000 coalition aircraft sorties.

“Being able to come here and complete the mission with an outstanding team was great,” said Chief Master Sgt. Al Flanders, who at age 58 was completing his last deployment. “Being here and being a part of the team that was the project lead for the mission to expand from Expeditionary to Enduring was fantastic.”

The unit’s commander, Lt. Col. Ron Speir, has reason to be proud of his assigned Airmen, “Considering all aspects of the mission, the challenges, and the strength of our entire team, this was one of the top deployed performances by the 117th ACS,” said Speir.

June 2014 | 12

Georgia State Air Surgeon Retires

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By Capt. Greta Jackson | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Department of Defense olonel John “Doc” Mullins, state air surgeon for the Georgia Air Nat i on a l Gu a rd , recently retired after 41 years total service

time.

Mullins served on active duty after the Air Force paid for two years of his medical education at Emory University in Atlanta on a 1:1 exchange, but he gave back more than three years, not including a year-long internship at Wilford Hall at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

After completing his internship, Mullins was assigned to the 94th Fighter Squadron, 1st Tactical Fighter Wing at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia. There he received his flight surgeon rating in the F-15, one of the Air Force’s newest jets. As a flight surgeon, Mullins had various responsibilities, including deploying to the European theater to certify allied F-15 pilots, as well as investigating crashes.

It was during a Red Flag exercise at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada that he had his first contact with the Georgia Air National Guard. The 128th Tactical Fighter Squadron had just transitioned to the F-105 Thunderchief, commonly known as the Weasel, and Mullins was invited to sign on as a flight surgeon.

With his 1:1 obligation met, Mullins was no longer required to serve, but as with any visionary, he understood the necessity of being a part of something greater than himself. He also understood his particular skillset would be a positive contribution to that greater entity.

Mullins returned to the Atlanta area and became part of the Georgia Air National Guard family in 1979. He was assigned as a flight surgeon with the 116th Fighter Wing, located at the time on Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Marietta, Georgia. He remained with the wing throughout is physical relocation to Robins Air Force Base

13 | The Georgia Guardsman

in Warner Robins, Georgia and its subsequent mission changes.

Throughout that time, he held many positions, including commander of the 116th Medical Group. During his tenure, Mullins implemented a “Duty limiting condition” program that the Air National Guard Surgeon General adopted for use by all 89 Air Guard medical groups.

In October 2001, Mullins was assigned to the Georgia Air National Guard headquarters to serve as the State Air Surgeon. In that position, he was responsible for overseeing medical readiness for both flying wings and all Geographically Separated Units within the state. With all the personnel deployments, his aggregate combat flying hours in support of the Global War on Terrorism totaled more than 94,000.

With the flight surgeon specialty, a doctor is also considered a family practitioner, but Mullins chose a different path in his civilian life. On the outside, his chosen practice is plastic and reconstructive surgery. With his practice in the local Atlanta area, his talents are not confined to this region. Mullins has been known to take several trips to third world countries to provide care to people who might not otherwise receive treatment.

Mullins is held in high esteem by many people, and that sentiment was echoed with Maj. Gen. Tom Moore, Georgia Air National Guard commander, who presided over Mullins’s retirement ceremony in May 2014.

“After knowing Doc Mullins for almost 20 years, he has always been professional, both as an officer and a civilian,” Moore said.

“People under his care have always been his priority.”

Mullins is a family man. The family he has with his wife and six children was significantly expanded when he joined the Georgia Air Guard.“I’ve been privileged to be there for the Georgia Air Guard,” Mullins said. “The will always be part of my family.” He went on to say he would continue to be there for them even though he is no longer in uniform.

He was a quiet presence here at the headquarters, but even in his quietness, his presence will be missed. “I couldn’t ask for a better friend and physician. He will always be part of the Georgia Guard family,” Moore said.

Photo courtesy of Col. John Mullins

Character through honor

By Maj. Will Cox | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Army National Guard

I

t has been said, “a country built on knowledge alone will end with corruption and pain. It is our values that lead us.

It is values that make a nation great.” That is why Georgia is investing into character development programs for middle and high school students. The Georgia National Guard realized the need as well and purchased 1,200 Medal of Honor Character Development kits to distribute to high schools throughout the state.

“The only way you change character is through the heart,” said George Chip, Georgia Guardsman and educator as he addressed the Board of Education. “(The curriculum) offers opportunities to explore concepts of courage, integrity and citizenship.”

In August 2013, representatives from the Georgia National Guard achieved approval for the MOHCD program to be adopted as part of the state’s approved curriculum for character development.

“The idea of buying the kits for schools started out with a few of us officers who were teachers,” said Maj. Mike Lipper, former education officer for the Ga. Army National Guard. “At first, we were only approved to buy ten of them, but after thinking about it some more, Chief Chip and I thought Georgia deserved more.

So we put a brief together and presented it to our Army National Guard Commanding General and the Adjutant General who green lighted it for funding pending Board of Education approval.”

Now Guardsmen with the recruiting office are delivering nearly 900 of the kits to public middle and high schools across the state.

“I am happy to see that character development is taught at such Photo by Maj. WIll Cox | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Army National Guard

a young age to help these students grow into better people, not only for the school but for the community as well,” said Staff Sgt. Rutha Nations, a recruiter for the Georgia Army National Guard.

“I think the principles and ideas are right on and can be used in conjunction with current programs our counselors already use,” said Maria Vandermey, a Campbell high school teacher.

“We have a number of different avenues to incorporate the Medal of Honor Curriculum,” said Denise Magee, principal of Campbell High School. “We have a mentoring program called the elite gentlemen; a peer mediation program; a sources of strength program; a student advisory council and monthly home room meeting where teachers can incorporate this curriculum. [These programs] focus on how we can permeate character and leadership traits, not only here at Campbell but beyond Campbell to help with the development of the whole student.”

According to the Medal of Honor Character Development Program’s website, the program incorporates the ideals of courage and selfless service into the middle and high school curriculum to build character and promote responsible citizenship. The program was designed for use in a variety of education purposes, with lesson plans that use best practices based on national standards and core values. The program is enhanced by the addition of video teleconferencing with a Medal of Honor recipient addressing student assemblies or classrooms and interacting with students in question and answer sessions.

June 2014 | 14

A Chief Master Sgt Joseph Greene State Command Chief Georgia Department of Defense

NCO Notepad Words of wisdom from one to another

15 | The Georgia Guardsman

part of Force Development means ensuring accurate personal records: Back in 1996, while I was attending the Senior NonCommissioned Officers Academy (SNCOA), was the first time that I heard about a move to make a Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) degree a promotion requirement for Senior and Chief Master Sergeant. Fast forward almost 18 years and this change is set to become a reality on October 1, 2015.

According to data pulled and compiled from the personnel system, only 11 percent of Air National Guard members have earned a CCAF degree. Senior leaders strongly dispute this number arguing that the Air National Guard is the best educated workforce. This 11 percent figure has highlighted a Guard-wide problem. According to the various personnel database systems only 11 percent of the 105,000 ANG members have their CCAF degree documented in their records.

It is critical to your future promotion and success to ensure that your personal records are correct and current.

I have witnessed too many opportunities lost as a result of incorrect or missing information. I encourage you to review your record at least annually or after any major transition to ensure accuracy.

The ANG Command Chief has asked that each enlisted member get with the Base Education and Training Managers (BETM) to request their college transcript and update their degree status.This documentation disconnect is not an enlisted only problem.

A couple of years ago, this same type of record problem was highlighted nationally at the O-6 level. Once identified and publicized,the percentage jumped from an anemic 17 percent to a healthy 47 percent. The fix was simply to provide supporting documentation to the Force Support Squadron. Hopefully, we will see similar results when the college transcripts start rolling into the BETMs. Another part of Force Development that is often overlooked is preparing all Airmen for change. Starting with Professional Military Education (PME), the Air Force is eliminating paper and is moving to an online education delivery system. This learning format is less dramatic for the younger Airman who were raised reading on IPAD or Kindle than for NCOs who grew up on paper technical orders. This shift is more than just a curriculum delivery method, it is also a significant change to testing.

The typical Air Force test question was knowledge based where memorization was the key for a good grade. The Air Force’s exam methodology has evolved to a comprehensive style of testing where a deeper understanding of the material is required to select the “more” correct answer. The old Air Force test adage of “when in doubt pick C or the longest answer” will not help you pass the test.

Every military supervisor and trainer has a responsibility to help their Airmen and junior NCOs by ensuring they are well prepared and possess that operational level of knowledge necessary for success.

Final words: Force Development does not happen by accident and it never stops. Nobody, regardless of the rank attained, should ever stop learning or cease striving to improve their performance. This requires a personal commitment to do your best every day because your fellow Guardsmen are depending on you.

NEURONS ‘CONNECT’ FOR MILITARY NETWARS

By Staff Sgt. Tracy J. Smith Public Affairs Office Georgia Department of Defense

Photo by Staff Sgt. Tracy J. Smith | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Department of Defense

T

he U.S. Army’s ‘Cyber Center of Excellence’, Fort Gordon in Augusta, Georgia, hosted a multi-ser vice ‘NetWar’ to show, and build, cyber warfare capabilities Tuesday, June 10.

Twenty-eight Soldiers, Airmen, Navy and Marine Corps computer professionals comprised four teams representing the U.S. Army’s active, reserve and National Guard, with one Joint-services team that included a U.S. Special Operations Command civilian.

The scenarios tasked teams to reach three kinetic objectives given notional operation orders and varying levels of difficulty.

A series of questions granted passage steps towards completion.

Each maneuver through the miniaturized cyber-city structures encouraged communication and knowledge sharing akin to a ‘shoot, move and communicate’ obstacle on an infantry STX field training lane.

“It reinforces the idea of a truly blended battlefield,” explained Army Chief Warrant Officer 3 Sam Blaney, an information and technology manager for the Georgia National Guard’s joint force headquarters in Marietta, Georgia. “By challenging ourselves we test our mettle to overcome in a crunch.”

Team Bravo, the multi-state U.S. Army National Guard team, completed the first mission through innovation and teamwork.

“They were the first to write their own script (computer specific algorithm code) and use SQLMAP (an open source database takeover tool) to clear their objective whether it was restoring power or deflecting the onslaught of attack by subversive forces,” Tim Medin, SANS Institute CyberCity cocreator and exercise facilitator, said.

Cyber WarFare is very real and although the scenarios are contrived the threat was realistic enough to generate a sense of urgency in resolving and showing true emotion when a team felt it had failed.

“We encourage the participants to look at the benign to resolve the obvious,” Medin continued. “A coffee shop can be innocuous enough but if there is free WiFi available most will (connect to a private network from a public one), doctors, bankers, etc. so its imperative to do a solid visual reconnaissance of the battlespace as your target could have set up operations in the most unlikely places.”

Mission planning strategy is nothing new for the military.

The D-Day invasion of Normandy is the textbook example in the capability of military strategy.

“Because there are separate components to every battle plan, each individual may have separate segments to achieve resolution,” said Medin. “Come together and share how you arrived at those steps and hidden within may be the key to solving another.”

Captain George Allen, a Georgia Army National Guard network engineer, acted as team leader and agrees that collective connections are the recipe for success.

“Intel brief cards are one of the most simplistic ways to summarize movement and execution,” Allen added. “By connecting those dots and getting wired in to the resolution process we are systemically degrading threat efforts while building checkpoints to deny furthering cyber aggression.”

June 2014 | 16

Professional Development

reviews of books that teach us about our craft

By Lt. Col. Thomas Lesnieski | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Department of Defense How to Win Friends and Influence People written by Dale Carnegie has withstood the test of time since the first edition was published in 1936. Since then, over 15 million copies have been sold, equipping readers with the knowledge and practices necessary to meet life’s challenges and maximize their interaction and relationships with others.

The author states “If out of reading this book you get just one thing: an increased tendency to think always in terms of the other person’s point of view, and see things from his angle – if you get that one thing out of this book, it may easily prove to be one of the milestones of your career”.

All too often, many of the books, seminars or other types of life coaching and social skills training that we engage in, leave us with excellent scholarly advice but without the understanding of how to properly action what we learned. And isn’t that what we are trying to do? Not just learn something but to place that knowledge into action for an intended result – be it to be happier, more productive, more supportive?

Dale Carnegie successfully arms readers with advice in a manner which they can then immediately put to use when relating to everyday situations and in their relationships with others.

Focusing on the old proverb, “By fighting you never get enough, but by yielding you get more than you expected” the author divides the book into five main sections so that one comes away with a better understanding of: fundamental techniques in handling people; ways to make people like you; winning people to your way of thinking; changing people without giving offense or arousing resentment and rules for making your home life happier.

Throughout this light read, the reader’s attention is secured and maintained through insightful advice derived from the author’s

research, observations, personal experiences as well as personal experiences of everyday people and legendary figures. Real life examples of these personal experience and his advice being put into play are sprinkled throughout the book, enticing the reader to read further as well as come to the realization that the practical application of Mr. Carnegie’s advice is not only feasible but that it can have immediate, positive results.

So, if you are interested in trying to maximize your ability to relate to others, be it your children, spouse, friends, business associates or complete strangers, this is a must read for you. The advice and practical examples are as relevant today as they were back in 1936. As a Guardsman, this book can serve you well to read as we should always look for ways to improve our ability to interact and relate with our subordinates, peers and superiors.

Effective communication and team building are crucial elements in being able to efficiently and effectively accomplish our mission.

By reading this book, you will not only be more fulfilled in your personal and professional relationships, but you will be more effective in obtaining your intended goals in life.

“

17 | The Georgia Guardsman

All too often, many of the books, seminars or other types of life coaching and social skills training that we engage in, leave us with excellent scholarly advice but without the understanding of how to properly action what we learned.

Toccoa sends their best again

T

By Maj. Will Cox | Public Affairs Office| Georgia Army National Guard he Georgia Army National Guard’s 876th Vertical Engineer Company stood tall as family and friends cheered during their departure ceremony May 29, 2014 at the Georgia Baptist Convention Conference Center in Toccoa. They are the last Georgia ARNG unit scheduled to depart for Afghanistan.

“This is one of the few vertical engineer units in the nation, chosen for their unique skill that our military needs in Afghanistan right now,” said Col. R. Scott Carter, commander of the 648th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade. “They are ready; they are well trained; they are well equipped; but more importantly, they are well led.”

Commanded by Capt. Tyler Cook and 1st Sgt. Danny Williamson, the unit will conduct repair and construction operations to include plumbing, electrical, carpentry and concrete work for facilities in their assigned area of operations. They will also train their Afghan counterparts to do the same.

“I see this day as the beginning and end of a journey, because for 13 years America has been fighting a war on terror,” said Capt.

Tyler Cook. “The 150 brave men and women sitting behind me see this as an opportunity to serve their country and its people; an opportunity to make sure their family’s freedom remains secure

Photo by Maj. Will Cox | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Army National Guard

for generations to come. The Guardsmen here represent the best of America’s ideals, willing to fight for the values we all share.”

The 150 engineers will join 260 other Georgia Army National Guardsmen currently serving in Afghanistan and will be counted among the 5,000 plus Georgia Army National Guardsmen that have served in Afghanistan since the War on Terror began.

In addition to training for their unique engineer mission, the unit has been preparing to keep in touch with their family, community partners, and employers while deployed.

“We are ready. We have a really strong family readiness group and FRG leader. We have been using newsletters and publishing photos to Face Book so that all of our Guardsmen’s families stay informed and connected.”

The president announced earlier this week that another 22,000 troops will come home by the end of 2014, leaving 9,800 U.S. service members in different parts of Afghanistan, contingent upon the signing of a bilateral security agreement and a status of forces agreement. By the end of 2015, that presence could be reduced by half.

“It means a lot to us, to be the last ones from Georgia to take this role on,” said Spc. Shawn Israel. “We are a trained and we are ready.”

June 2014 | 18

4 9 ‘ f o d o o l f e h t

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by S d e t c ndu way o c rra rch a a e C s iam d re l l n i a iews Capt. W v r e Int and c i n r o o t Hist in-Carl b Dur

: k c a b h s a Fl

T

wenty years ago this month, the Georgia Guard participated in its largest natural disaster response until Hurricane Katrina. OnJuly 5, 1994, Tropical Storm Alberto inundated the state with unprecedented rain. ByJuly 6, the rain had washed out roads and dams, and the Georgia Guard had opened six armories as shelters for people displaced by floodwaters. The next day, the 48th Infantry Brigade began to mobilize. By the end of the July, more than 3,600 Guardsmen had been called to active-duty. They came from Toccoa to Valdosta and from Savannah to Columbus. They all came together with one mission— to help Georgians in need. The response became known as Operation Crested River.

19 | The Georgia Guardsman

Photo courtesy of the 1 6 1 st Military History Detachment

TIMELINE: OPERATION CRESTED RIVER TUESDAY, JULY 5, In 24 hours more than 21 inches of rain was recorded in Americus from Tropical Storm Alberto. The storm had been tracking north over Georgia on July 3 and 4, but then reversed itself and poured rain from Metro Atlanta south.

THURSDAY, JULY 7 The 48th Brigade headquarters is activated to command and control the flood relief task force. The 148th Medical Company from Dobbins, ARB begins medical evacuation missions and transports here critical patients from Leesburg to Albany.

By evening, flash flood warnings exist for six counties in southwest Georgia.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 13 President Clinton tours impacted counties. Air National Guard security personnel assist local police in Albany.

Engineers labor to construct floors for voting stations in six counties.

In Macon County, Guardsmen used pitchforks and gloves to collect 250,000 dead chickens from 17 damaged chicken houses.

SATURDAY, JULY 16 The Georgia Guard’s response re aches p e a k st rengt h of 3,683 personnel. Engineer assessment teams survey flooded areas to determine support needed. Additional combat engineers are moved into the area.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 27 Guard aviation assets assist in aerial assessment while Guardsmen assist FEMA in warehouse operations.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 5 O p e r at i on C re ste d R ive r is complete. While most Guardsmen have returned home, 30 engineers remain in Newton.

June 2014 | 20

T H E I N FA N T R Y C O M PA N Y EXECUTIVE OFFICER

THE CAPTAIN OF ENGINEERS Retired Lt. Col. Matthew Shannon was a captain with the Statesboro-based 648th Engineer Battalion. Working as the assistant operations officer of the battalion, Shannon relayed assignments to units within the battalion after they came down from the 48th Infantry Brigade. “(The operations center was) located on a college campus and we were tasked to assist local police,” Shannon said. “Part of the mission was recovering bodies that had come up through the graves because of the flood.”

Shannon described how the Soldiers of his unit not only recovered bodies dating back to the Civil War, but also ensured artifacts were recovered.

“I remember them saying they recovered a lot of sabers, other weapons and artifacts from the Civil War,” he said.

“They would then take everything to a central location for graves registration.

Their goal was to try to put as much back together for re-burial.” Shannon recalled how strange it was to have so much flooding in the south when much of the rain had fallen in the north of the state.

“It was such an oddity because there was a lot of sun and a lot of water,” he said. “It’s not something you would have expected to see.”

Georgia Army National Guard Chief of Staff Thomas Carden recalls his part in the flood response. As a 1st Lt., Carden was responsible for a detachment of Headquarters Company 2nd Battalion, 121st Infantry in Tifton.

“We rallied at Cordele and were sent to Albany,” said Carden. Upon reaching Albany, the 2-121 Soldiers were tasked with building a sand-bag dam for local hospital.

“Some of the patients were too weak to evacuate,” recalled Carden. The power was out and the critical patients at the hospital relied on a generator to supply power to ventilators and life support.

“If that generator went out those people would not have survived.” Thanks to backbreaking effort, the dam constructed by the Warriors of 2nd Battalion held and the patients were saved.

THE STAFF SGT. ON THE FRONT LINE State Command Sergeant Major Phillip Stringfield was also with 2-121 during Crested River. Having recently transferred into the Georgia Guard from the 82nd Airborne Division, Stringfield, was on his first disaster response mission.

“It w a s my f i r s t c a l l out a s a Guardsman for state activation,” said Stringfield “It was a unique experience because I will always remember how the service members, whose homes were destroyed, reported for duty. That was so amazing to me, and that will always remain in my mind as an example of the true character of our service members and what we do in this organization.” Two decades later, Stringfield vividly recalls details of the flood response.

“I remember driving through Albany and feeling amazed at the destruction of all those buildings,” recalled Stringfield. “The cries for help from the people in the area was devastating.”

Stringfield was among the first Guardsmen to reach Albany. With 24,000 evacuees in the area, large public facilities, like the high school gymnasium, were converted into temporary living quarters for displaced families.

“I was assigned to a shelter that I worked at during the day,” Stringfield said. “We provided security and brought them hot meals. Once the permanent housing became available, we transported them there.” He added, “We also transported doctors and first responders who couldn’t get to their jobs because of the flood.”

21 | The Georgia Guardsman

T H E O P E R AT I O N S S E R G E A N T MAJOR

“It was a unique experience because I will always remember how the service members, whose homes were d estroy ed , re p or ted for duty. That was so amazing to me, and that will always remain in my mind as an example of the true character of our service members and what we do in this organization.”

-CSM Phillip Stringfield

The Georgia Guard coordinated the statewide response from the tactical operation center in Atlanta. Sergeant Major Jacqueline McKennie (Ret.) was assigned to the TOC Emergency Operations Center during the flood relief.

“The EOC was the central command and control facility over all of the National Guard units—both Air Guard and Army Guard—throughout the state of Georgia,” said McKennie.

McKennie was responsible for personnel control. She assisted with the mobilization of units and made sure the units knew where they were supposed to go while maintaining accountability for personnel. Once the units were dispatched, the EOC handled the command and control for each of them.

“It was kind of hectic at first, because the flood hit so hard and so fast that it caused so much death and destruction,” said McKennie.

“But things eventually mellowed out once we got people into place where help was needed.”

THE AFTERMATH Tropical Storm Alberto claimed 30 lives.

The ages of the ranged from 2 to 84 years old.

More than 35,000 citizens were forced from their homes and more than $203 million in infrastructure damage had occurred.

The Georgia Guard responded by mobilizing, 3,683 Guardsmen, nearly onethird of the state’s force. In the weeks that followed, These Guardsmen distributed more than 10.2 million gallons of water, served 154,000 meals and repaired hundreds of miles of damaged road. For those who served, the memory of the response remains and the lessons learned have been applied to ensure that the Guard remains ready to respond.

June 2014 | 22

So, what exactly is out there for Georgia Guardsmen and their families to do this summer? The kids are out of school, the heat is accompanied by a slight breeze as the days get longer, cool starlit nights are filled with the bugs’ symphonies and blinking fireflies and vacation ideas are running through our heads. We find ourselves looking longingly out the window thinking where should we go this time or what should we do? Are there any benefits or resources that can be utilized? Many may be surprised to find out that there are quite a few resources that would be useful in planning events this summer. Therefore here is a guide to some summer fun resources that are available to Georgia Guardsmen.

Clay National Guard Center Gym

- Free weights - Basketball - Racquetball - Sauna -Exercise equipment

Let us venture down this road to resources for this summer by beginning with what is available to Guardsmen at the Clay National Guard Center.

Na As we continue our adventure we will head off base to the Navy MWR at Lake Allatoona.

Road Map to Resources

By Desiree Bamba | Public Affairs Office Georgia Department of Defense 23 | The Georgia Guardsman

- 10 fully furnished ca - 12 RV sites - Three boat docks wit accessories.

Dobbins MWR/ITT After hitting the gym, head across the flight line to the Dobbins MWR and ITT for some great rentals and discounted tickets.

avy MWR

abins

- Boating/camping rental - Sports equipment rental - Van rental - Discounts on local attractions

- Theme park discounts - Discounts on hotels - To get on the distro list, email: susan.shortus.af.mil

- Gym- Building 400; Open 0630-2000; - Dobbins MWR- Building 558 Dobbins ARB; 678-655-4870 - ITT- Building 558 Dobbins ARB; 678-655-4797; susan.short@us.af.mil - Navy MWR- 166 Sandtown Rd, Cartersville, GA 30121; 770-974-630; navylakesite@yahoo.com

th available boat rentals and

Contact Info

June 2014 | 24

Around the Georgia Guard ATLANTA BRAVES ARMY BIRTHDAY

HONOR

U.S.

Members of the Georgia National Guard attend a celebration at Turner Field in honor of the U.S .Army’s 239th birthday.

GA AIR GUARD OVER SAINTE MERE EGLISE A C-130H Hercules aircraft from the 165th Airlift Wing, Georgia Air National Guard, flies over the church square in Sainte Mère Eglise, France, as part of a four aircraft formation that marked the start of the 70th Anniversary D-Day ceremony.

25 | The Georgia Guardsman

TRAINING TOMORROW’S LEADERS Sergeant David McCloud, 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Georgia Army National Guard, shakes hands with Col. Randall V. Simmons, Jr., 48th IBCT commander, after receiving an Army Commendation Medal for meritorious achievement in graduating 1st out of 125th in his Warrior Leader Course at Camp Buehring, Kuwait.

NEW OFFICERS SWORN IN Newly elected officers for the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of Georgia (EANGGA) take the allegiance to lead with honor and integrity during the 66th Annual NGAGA Conference.

june 2014 | 26

US Army Birthday Atlanta Braves honor Soldiers

Public Affairs Office Georgia Department of Defense 1000 Halsey Ave. Bldg. 447 Marietta, Ga. 30060