may 2014
making history teams conduct first air mobile mission
Plus: Some Gave All 2014 | the little chapel that is | And so much more
CONTENTS ISSUE: May 2014
cover story
w w w. g a d o d . n e t
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Features 03| chapel time
Newly rennovated Clay chapel holds its first service.
04| Saving lives
Sgt. Ryan Leone sprang into action to save an unconscious woman at Lake Lanier.
19| Making history
10| GMI Training
Air and artillery team to conduct first air mobile mission in Georgia Guard history.
Georgia Military Institute continues a tradition of military excellence.
11| Cyber Security
The GTRI and the Ga. National Guard participate in a joint cyber security training.
13| the american dream
One GASDF member is giving back to the country that helped him realize his dreams.
14| MOS Story
This month’s MOS story profiles a 19D, Cavalry Scout.
16| Make it happen
Ga. Guard rededicates armory in honor of CSM William Manning.
21| Memorial day
Those who have given their lives in defense of our country are honored at the capitol.
News 18| GEMA Hurrex 2014
Representatives of the Georgia Department of Defense and local, state and volunteer agencies participated in the biennial Georgia Emergency Management Agency/Homeland Security hurricane exercise.
23| Some gave all 2014
For five straight years, one Georgia Guard family has channeled the memory of their fallen loved one to make a difference.
columns
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05| the chapel that is
The Dobbins Chapel has welcomed all faiths.
07| Historic Battle Review
Rebuke at Resaca: Federals fail to isolate and destroy Confederate army.
15| NCO Notepad
New standards and procedures.
17| Book Review
21
1 | The Georgia Guardsman
23
“Exceeding Expectations: Reflections on Leadership” by Gen. Bill Looney.
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 Elizabeth Blackstock SFC Gerard Brown Maj. Will Cox Sgt. Ashley Fontenot Capt. Greta Jackson Tech. Sgt. Julie Parker Cmd. Sgt. Maj. Philip Stringfield Ashlie Shrewsbury Staff Sgt. Tracy Smith 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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Twitter.com/GeorgiaGuard Youtube.com/ GeorgiaNationalGuard
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. May 2014 | 2
Let’s all go to the chapel A By Capt. Greta Jackson Public Affairs Office | Georgia Department of Defense
t 8:30 on the very beautiful morning of May 4, 2014, the first chapel service held inside the newly relocated, renovated and rededicated chapel was opened on Clay National Guard Center for a joint service by Army Chaplain (LTC) Blair Davis, who welcomed all in attendance, including the senior leadership of the Georgia Department of Defense. Chaplains and chaplain assistants at Clay assisted or participated in the service, including Air National Guard Chaplain (Maj) Brannon Bowman, who offered the opening prayer and State Chaplain (LTC) Michael Summers, who delivered the first sermon. During the service, Maj. Gen. Jim Butterworth, adjutant general of Georgia, spoke about the significance and history of the chapel and made it clear the chapel was not limited to use just on Sunday of drill weekends, but will always be available to serve the Guard community in various capacities. Immediately after the sermon, Army chaplains and staff prepared and served communion. A final prayer was offered and the congregation dispersed.
3 | The Georgia Guardsman
Photo by Capt. Greta Jackson | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Department of Defense
Saving lives on your day off
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By: Maj. Will Cox | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Army National Guard hen someone’s life hangs in the balance will you know what to do? Karen Christy is eternally grateful that Sgt. Ryan Leone of the Georgia Army National Guard did not freeze Memorial Day weekend 2013 at Lake Lanier when she was rendered unconscious as she attempted to exit the boat onto a marina’s dock. “As we were pulling into a slip to tie off our vessel, one of our passengers, Karen, stepped off the boat onto the dock when she lost her footing, slipped and hit face first onto the dock,” said Wes Usher. “She was immediately knocked unconscious and half of her torso was on the dock and the other half in the water.” Leone was on the marina’s dock when he saw Christy fall and immediately ran to secure her so that she did not slip further into the water. He held her until Usher and others were able to help pull her to safety back on the dock. “When I came to after fainting, Ryan was over me holding my head still and asking me specific questions to check my awareness,” said Christy. “Ryan took the extra time and special care to clean my cut and bandage me. Then he turned his attention to my shoulder
Photo by Maj. Will Cox | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Army National Guard
and made a compression sling with ice from a beach towel. He instructed me to keep ice on and off at intervals to avoid irritation to the skin on both my face and shoulder.” “When I visited the doctor, they were also very complimentary of the work Leone did on my face to minimize the swelling and scarring,” said Christy. “In addition, the doctors concluded that I fractured by upper arm and that the care that I received at the dock that night was critical in my recovery because the swelling was minimal and the bones were held in place by the make-shift sling made from a beach towel.” Almost a year after the rescue, Christy attended an award ceremony in Winder and pinned a Georgia Meritorious Service Medal on Sgt. Ryan Leone for his help. Also in attendance was Mayor David Maynard, along with Leone’s daughter, mother and father. “I am eternally grateful for the care he gave to me that night and impressed that he selflessly sprang into action to help me in my time of need,” said Christy. “He is very well-trained, very good at what he does, and I am glad he was recognized for his abilities and willingness to help.”
May 2014 | 4
the litt By Staff Sgt. Tracy Smith | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Department of Defense
5 | The Georgia Guardsman
Photo by Elizabeth Blackstock | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Department of Defense
that is
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here is much that has been written about the small, nondescript chapel that sits humbly on the Clay National Guard Center Campus. For nearly six decades, the Dobbins Chapel has welcomed all faiths who needed a place for comfort or a space to faithfully rejoice. As one of some 600 contracted containment chapels built in the early 1940’s at Pope Army Air Field, Goldsboro, North Carolina, the sanctuary was mobilized to Germany for an initial tour of duty during World War II before permanently returning to its home station within the Marietta community. In 2005 the little chapel that meant so much was slated for demolition to make room for a new road at Dobbins Air Reserve Base. It took five retired members of the Georgia Air National Guard to come together as the Dobbins Chapel Foundation and halt the destruction of the building. All told, donated labor, grants and anonymous donations raised more than $300,000 needed to resurrect the building. The 2014 Dobbins Chapel rededication ceremony, again, brought a community together and officially transferred ownership to the Georgia National Guard. John Powers is just one of those who ‘led the charge’ to save the chapel. The retired U.S. Air Force colonel and his wife, Ann, were married in the chapel 44 years ago and sat proudly in the front pew appreciating the fruits of the group’s labors. “Many hours have been invested here,” Powers said accepting a pat on the back from the Adjutant General for Georgia, Maj. Gen. Jim Butterworth. “I think (Ann) thought I had been recalled to duty and deployed with all the hours we were putting in.” With the help of a group of churches known as the Covenant Churches and the Mount Bethel Handy Helpers, the 4,000-square-foot structure was again resplendent. Andy Smith and his wife, Elizabeth Ann, were two of the Mount Bethel Handy Helpers who worked alongside Powers pounding, sawing and praying. “No greater joy can be found than in investing in those so willing to give to us,” Smith said of his work with the foundation. Paraphrasing the Bible’s Galatians 5:22, Butterworth applauded the dedication of those who ‘saved’ the tiny structure and worked relentlessly to reinforce its foundation; frame-by-frame, one spirit at a time. “This (rededication) was given to us through grace and patience,” Butterworth said. “The fruit of the spirit has produced a proud work, and through your faith, patience and kindness, we find joy!” Through it all, the tiny chapel that stood up to the Third Reich and served as a memorial to those who have, and continue to give so much, will not perish under the wrecking ball. Its first official duty assignment for the Georgia National Guard was to host the 63rd National Day of Prayer. The assembly-line structure that has become a beacon of faith and hope for many was bestowed to the Marietta military community just months before Congress established the annual prayer event in 1952. As an illustration of the strength of the Dobbins community as a force of faith, Lee Haney, an eight-time consecutive Mr. Olympia title holder, and 2011 National Fitness Hall of Fame inductee, served as guest speaker for the 2014 National Day of Prayer observance. The fact that he and the Dobbins Chapel both found their strength through divinity and faith was not lost on Haney. He compared his role in life to the structure’s repurposing. “(Dobbins Chapel) is an institution unto itself with the chapters being rewritten at each turn of the page of its history,” Haney said. “The stories we share will carry forward to different generations and, as with this building, we can inspire others revealing different aspects of those chapters as positive testimony to God and service.”
May 2014 | 6
REBUKE AT RESACA: FEDERALS FAIL TO ISOLATE AND DESTROY CONFEDERATE ARMY By Capt. Will Carraway| Public Affairs Office| Georgia Department of Defense
Map courtesy of the Library of Congress 7 | The Georgia Guardsman
Recap Last month’s article chronicled Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman’s demonstration against Rocky Face Ridge. This battle kept General Joseph Johnston’s Army of Tennessee in place while Federal Maj. Gen. James McPherson and his Army of the Tennessee executed a flanking maneuver south and west through Snake River Gap. McPherson’s circuitous march brought his army west of the Confederate rail depot of Resaca, prompting Sherman to exclaim “I’ve got Johnston dead!” M ay 9 , 1 8 6 4 , Mc P h e r s on Approaches Resaca McPherson’s army tentatively emerged from Snake Gap. With only one mounted regiment, the 9th Illinois Mounted Infantry, McPherson had limited reconnaissance capability. Moving into the open terrain west of Camp Creek and north of the Oostanaula River the Federals made contact with advanced Confederate elements. By 2:00 p.m., McPherson had deployed one division into line of battle and driven the Confederates from the heights west of Resaca. He then sent a detachment of the 9th Illinois to cut the telegraph wire between Resaca and Dalton. The 9th severed the communication lines and burned the telegraph station before Confederate cavalry intercepted them and sent them riding back to McPherson’s lines. The Institute Engages As McPhers on sur ve yed t he Confederate works with his corps commanders, he had reason for concern. Four thousand Confederates manned the works of Resaca, and although he had a three-to-one advantage, McPherson’s army would have to cross Camp Creek while under fire from an entrenched enemy. In front of the works, a skirmish line composed of Georgia Military Institute cadets was positioned to thwart Federal probes. McPherson sent a division forward
against the works with the intrepid 9th Illinois serving as skirmishers. As the 9th crossed Camp Creek, the GMI cadets fired a volley into their ranks. Lieutenant James Oates, of the 9th Illinois, described the action of the cadets. “It was during the advance of that day that we came in contact with the Georgia Cadets, from the Military Institute at Marietta, who had come out from the woods at Resaca and formed their line behind a rail fence. After a volley from the Cadets, which killed several of our men, our regiment charged them.” The defenders retreated to the Resaca entrenchments. The site of the engagement between the 9th Illinois and GMI Cadets is just southwest of Exit 320 on Interstate 75. McPherson Withdraws Unnerved by the spirited resistance and aware of his isolated position, McPherson withdrew to Snake Gap and dispatched a message to Sherman informing him of his redeployment. Sherman openly criticized McPherson for failing to take Resaca. Chafing at his subordinate’s caution, Sherman determined to move his army in force through Snake Gap to seize Resaca. On May 11, he set his armies in motion. By dawn of May 13, Johnston had abandoned his Rocky Face Ridge defenses. Sherman’s forces followed, and by the morning of May 13, 1864, the battle lines were largely set. May 13: The Armies Move Into Position The Confederate positions ran parallel and west of present-day
I-75, a distance of approximately four miles. Travelling north, you can see the high ground occupied by Leonidas Polk’s corps, then the positions of William Hardee’s Corps. The battle line then curved east terminating at the bank of the Conasauga River. This portion of the line was defended by the corps of Lt. Gen. John Bell Hood. The Federals formed an exterior line to the west and north of the Confederates. The Federal right flank was anchored on the Oostanaula River. McPherson’s XXth Corps constituted the Federal right west of Resaca. To McPherson’s north, were the XIV and XX Corps of Maj. Gen. George Thomas’ Army of the Cumberland. Maj. Gen. John’s Schofield’s Army of the Ohio was positioned north of the XIV Corps. Thomas’ IV Corps was next in the Federal line. The left of the Federal Army extended just east of present-day U.S. 41. The First Day The morning of May 14, 1864 began with skirmishing along the entire lines. The Union attack began in earnest around 11:30 a.m. Schofield moved against the Confederate works with two divisions; however, due to terrain considerations and poor field management, the attacking divisions became hopelessly entangled and the attack sputtered. Enraged, Schofield relieved one of thedivision commanders for incompetence. The Confederates struck next. Realizing that the left flank of the Union Army was in the air, Johnston ordered Hood to strike. Two Confederate divisions overlapped the Federal left flank but were halted by the timely arrival of massed Union artillery.
May 2014 | 8
With action at the Union left and center achieving no advantage, McPherson launched an assault against the Confederate entrenchments near the Oostanaula. The Federals succeeded in driving the Confederates from the high ground. This action would mark the only significant change of ground during the battle. The results of the first day were inconclusive. Despite the loss of 1,600 Federals and 500 Confederates, both commanders resolved to continue to attack. The Second Day Anticipating renewed attacks, Hood ordered Capt. Max Van Den Corput’s Georgia Battery forward in advance of the main Confederate works. His intent was to achieve enfilade fire on attacking Federals. Ultimately, the Federals massed and charged the battery’s protective earthworks and drove the artillerists from their pieces. Participating in this charge was the 70th Indiana, whose colonel personally led his men into the fortifications of Van Den Corput’sBattery. The colonel was future president Benjamin Harrison. Harrison and his Soldiers abandoned the guns when they came under withering fire from Hood’s men including the Georgia regiments of Brig. Gen. Marcellus Stovall and Brig. Gen. Alfred
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Cumming’s brigades. Van Den Corput’s guns remained on the battlefield with neither side willing to risk the fire to retrieve them. After sunset, Federal Soldiers crept to the guns, slipped tow-ropes over the pieces and surreptitiously dragged them from the works. That evening, Johnston received word that Federals had crossed the Oostanaula River and were threatening his line of retreat. Realizing that his position was untenable, Johnston ordered the Resaca lines abandoned. Aftermath Resaca began with much promise for the Federal Army and ended with the Confederate Army eluding a trap. Johnston preserved his army for future engagements. Burning the bridges across the Oostanaula he slipped south. Sherman would follow. The toll of Resaca was 6,000 casualties. These bought no net advantage to either side. The Battle of Resaca demonstrated what would soon be a hallmark of the Atlanta campaign: Fierce contests followed by flanking maneuver. This pattern would continue until Johnston established a strong defensive position on Kennesaw Mountain – the subject of next month’s battle review.
Tactical Training and Tradition
at Georgia military institute
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By Staff Sgt. Tracy Smith | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Department of Defense hey were an antebellum Corps of Cadets who trained civilians to become Soldiers and then became Soldiers and war veterans themselves. In 1861, the strict military life at the Georgia Military Institute was interrupted by Civil War, and the boys of GMI, 14 to 18-years of age, would train the state’s legions for battle and constitute the last standing combat unit to receive formal orders from a commanding Confederate general. At the institute’s inception in 1851, GMI cadets incurred an obligation to serve a minimum of two years upon graduation from the 110-acre school in Marietta. The initial cost of attendance was $100 per semester. When Civil War came in 1861, Governor Joseph Brown called for volunteers to assemble at camps of instruction. GMI cadets served as instructors at these early camps. In May, 1864, with Maj. Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman’s armies marching south for Atlanta, the GMI cadets were formed into an Infantry battalion, armed with Belgian rifles and dispatched to meet the approaching Federals. They received their baptism of fire at the Battle of Resaca, May 13-15, 1864. In July, 1864, Sherman captured Marietta and camped on the grounds of GMI. When the Federals moved on, Sherman ordered the buildings burned. Only Brumby Hall, which served as the superintendent’s house, was left standing. The GMI cadets served until May, 1865 and were among the last organized units to surrender. After the war, cadets and alumni rallied to rebuild the institute, but funds were not available in the years following the war. For 95 years, GMI was only a memory. That changed in 1960 when Governor Ernest Vandiver appropriated money for the reestablishment of GMI as the officer candidate school of the Georgia Army National Guard. The first class matriculated in January 1961 and the next year, 81 cadets graduated. In 2009, GMI relocated to Marietta and the OCS graduation was held on the lawn of the Atlanta/Marietta Hilton, the site of the original campus. While much of the curriculum has changed, many of the fundamentals of tactics and leadership remain the same. “Our civil war (methods and tactics) are as just important to the history of this country as it is to any other part of our current worldwide campaigns and how we apply those lessons,” said Maj. Pervis L. Brown, a former GMI instructor. The 28-year military veteran regards his time as a training, advising and counseling (TAC) officer with GMI as the most rewarding in his career and has found it a privilege to shape future leaders. Currently a Photo by Staff Sgt. Tracy Smith | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Department of Defense
unit commander with the Georgia National Guard’s 78th Troop Command, Brown recalled the responsibility of the GMI cadre to serve as an example of moral and ethical adherence to principle. “When we make the decision to serve as commissioned officers in the military the expectations of performance automatically increases,” said Brown. “There are far greater goals and strategies being discussed so it is important that junior officers make the right decision when no one is watching … That is an incredible responsibility.” Georgia Military Institute continues a tradition of military excellence. Graduates of GMI serve from platoon leadership to the highest levels of Georgia Army National Guard command and staff and have been instrumental in the evolution of our Georgia Guard as it stands today.
May 2014 | 10
Capt. Ian Norton, Sgt. 1st Class Tammy Rooks, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Samuel Blaney, Lt. Col. David Allen and Capt. George Allen of the Georgia Army National Guard train at the GTRI.
Cyber se
By Ashlie Shrewsbury | Public Affairs O 11 | The Georgia Guardsman
Photos by Ashlie Shrewsbury | Public Affairs Office| Georgia Department of Defense
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n the last day of their specialized, c y b e r security training, the Georgia Technolog y Research Institute and the Georgia National Guard set aside time for distinguished visitors to become more familiar with their essential mission and its impact on future operations. The Georgia Army National Guard information management branch chief, Lt. Col. David Allen, explains why cyber defense is critical to the future of the Georgia Guard. “A cyber security breach or attack is an [ongoing] active threat. Just like a natural disaster, you have to test your capabilities before, not during, a crisis situation,” said Allen. “This is yet another way that we, the Georgia National Guard, prepare to defend the state and nation.” In speaking with the Soldiers who possess these specialized skill sets, the need for this capability sells itself. Simply trying to understand the jargon they speak fluently and use to describe their work, is enough to tangibly prove that what they do cannot be learned overnight. The community needs their knowledge and moreover, we need more of them in
the ranks. described the Georgia Guard’s intentions. Later this year the Georgia Guard “Two years ago, we had one cyber will transition into a second iteration of defense professional; today we have 25 a larger training event that encompasses that are ready and available to fulfill these multiple DoD agencies and military roles,” Blaney explained. “Their skill sets components. range from intermediate to expert. We are The few trainers the Georgia Guard looking at having another 20 beginnerhas are constantly training. Approximately to-intermediate professionals within the ever y 18 months the technological next 12 to 24 months.” playing-field changes so much, that With the Georgia Guard’s growing skills left uncultivated become outdated. ranks of cyber defense professionals and Personnel numbers and partnerships like an ever-growing understanding of “the the one between GTRI and the Georgia new battlefield,” it’s no wonder they are Guard are critical. also vying to be appointed as one of the 10 Recently, a new military occupational national cyber protection (CPT) teams. skill (MOS) was approved. Sergeant These 10 teams correlate to the Federal First Class Tammy Rooks is the Georgia Emergency Management Agency’s 10 Guard’s first candidate for the new “Cyber regions across the country. Defender” MOS. It is not an entry-level “It would be ideal,” said Blaney, “if the MOS; Soldiers must apply for acceptance FEMA region IV team were all from one into the training that awards them Guardsmen these state, for command control purposes. Georgia spent part of Apriland learning how to fight forest credentials. [If selected] thewater Georgia Guard would, fires near Athens with a 660-gallon bucket attached to a Black Chief Warrant Officer 3 Samuel of an course, capablelife ofand andproperty prepared to wild Hawk helicopter in effort be to protect from Blaney, an informationfires. protection respond both locally and regionally.” technician with the Georgia Army If the Ga. Guard is successful in National Guard described the world of becoming the FEMA Region IV national cyber defense. He said the training was CPT, it will continue to expand its important for two reasons. partnerships with centers of excellence, “This event identifies training gaps like the Georgia Research Technology for our Soldiers, and it solidifies our Institute. partnership with GTRI,” said Blaney. More information about legislation “Without this partnership, we probably supporting initiatives that impact and/ wouldn’t be able to do this.” or support this type of training, such as Regarding the future of training Senate bill S. 658 can be found at www. and operations on a larger scale, Blaney ngaus.org
ecurity
Office | Georgia Department of Defense May 2014 | 12
He’s Living the american dream By Desiree Bamba | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Department of Defense
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he American dream is different for everyone, but the idea is always the same: freedom and the opportunity for success. Examples of this success can be seen as work accomplishments, having a family, or serving one’s country. After achieving his “American dream,” Cpt. Vadim Timchenko decided to give back to the country that allowed him to have the opportunity to succeed. “I consider that I have achieved the American dream by working hard,” said Timchenko. “That is why I decided that it was time to pay back to the United States of America for all opportunities this country gave to me and joined the Georgia State Defense Force.” Captain Timchenko was born in Kiev, Ukraine. Before 1991, Ukraine was a part of the Soviet Union. He joined the Soviet Army when he was 17 years old, and when Ukraine separated from Russia
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in 1991. As a Ukrainian he was transferred to Ukrainian Army. Overall Timchenko served 10 years in military starting as a satellite communication specialist and rose to the communication company commander. He was discharged from Ukrainian Army at the rank of 1st Lieutenant. “After my tenure in the Ukrainian Army, I realized I would need to start from scratch; I was looking for something that would use my expertise,” Timchenko explained. “At that time, however, post-Soviet Ukraine was not the best place to start with a new career. America to me was a place where hard working people could achieve their dreams.” Timchenko worked hard and as a result was able to succeed. Once he succeeded, he wanted to give back to the country and to his home state of Georgia. He learned about Georgia SDF after devastating tornados had ravaged north and central Georgia in April 2011. “It was at that moment when I decided to join the Georgia SDF and help people, Timchenko said. “The Georgia SDF allows unlimited opportunities of community service, and assisting the community is also about assisting the troops.” The Georgia SDF is a volunteer organization serving in support of the national and state constitutions under direction of the governor and the adjutant general of Georgia. As a State Defense Force, members serve alongside the Georgia Army National Guard and the Georgia Air National Guard. “The term ‘volunteering’ is defined as voluntarily joined the GSDF,” Timchenko explained. “Once we joined, we are part of it in good or bad. Georgia SDF volunteers are dedicated to serve the people of the State of Georgia and to our military missions. The Georgia SDF is a good example of soldiers’ camaraderie and a very exciting way to giving something back.” As a Public Affairs Officer in the SDF, Timchenko makes sure that the people of Georgia and the United States understand who the Georgia SDF are and what they do. “One of the best parts of being a member of the Georgia SDF is the satisfaction of being helpful and dedicated to service,” Timchenko said. “I get to serve the country that gave to me so many opportunities.” Photos by Desiree Bamba | Public Affairs Office | Department of Defense
MOS Profile: 19D, Cavalry Scout
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By Maj. Will Cox | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Army National Guard
taff Sgt. Jeffery Peets joined the Army in 2002 to become a cavalry scout and deployed twice to Iraq with the 3rd Infantry Division. He employed his field craft on the battlefield, built lifelong relationships and nurtured a passion for serving his nation. “I became a 19 Delta [cavalry scout] because I wanted a combat MOS [military occupational specialty] and there is gratification in being out front, being the tip of the spear,” said Peets. “It is rewarding to see how being out front supports the mission.” The U.S. Army’s 19D overview reports the cavalry scout is responsible for being the eyes and ears of the commander during battle. They engage the enemy in the field, track and report enemy activity and direct the employment of weapon systems. “[After taking an armed services vocational aptitude battery test,] a Guardsmen will go to basic training and advance individual training for 16 weeks at Fort Knox Kentucky and then placed in a unit,” said Peets. Peets left the Army after his first enlistment to attend college on the G.I. Bill, but upon graduation realized he missed the military. To achieve both his personal and professional goals, he joined the Georgia Army National Guard’s Bravo Troop, 3-108th Reconnaissance and Surveillance Squadron. “I joined back up because I missed that camaraderie,” said Peets. “After you have experienced things that Soldiers experience, Photo by Maj. WIll Cox | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Army National Guard
there is no tighter bond than the bond you can have in a combat platoon.” During weekend drills and annual training, Peets now helps train the next generation of cavalry scouts to accomplish their duties as a driver, gunner, or truck commander. He focuses on cross training everybody on the equipment and building teamwork. “Training like this is great for the new guys on our team. It gives them a chance to be put in positions that they have not been in before,” said Peets. “For example Pvt. 1st Class Kyle Williams has never been a gunner. This is his first annual training and it gives him a chance to utilize the weapon systems, the optics and all of the equipment.” The Army National Guard is composed of 85% traditional Guardsmen who seek to serve as “Citizen Soldiers” while pursing civilian careers. The Army National Guard benefits the nation by retaining the experience and training invested into Soldiers like Peets by giving them a part time option in their state of choice after full time military service. The Georgia Army National Guard has four cavalry scout troops. Alpha, 3-108th R&S is currently located in Douglasville. Bravo, 3-108th R&S is currently located at Clay National Guard Center in Marietta. Both of these units will move to the Atlanta Readiness Center, which is currently under construction. Alpha and Bravo 1-108th Reconnaissance, Surveillance, Targeting and Acquisition Squadron are located in Cedartown and Canton respectively.
May 2014 | 14
W By Command Sgt. Major Philip Stringfield State Command Sgt. Major Georgia Army National Guard
NCO Notepad Words of wisdom from one to another
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ith the release of the new AR 670-1, I have received many questions, comments, and concerns. There have been several opinions voiced and various personal beliefs have surfaced as a result of the new changes. As the State Command Sergeant Major of the Georgia Army National Guard, it is my responsibility to ensure that we, as the Georgia Guard team, are all of one accord in reference to the new AR- 670-1 regulation. The bottom line up front is this; we will abide by the regulation, as it is currently written. It is our duty to maintain and uphold the Army standards. So how do we ensure that this happens? How do we create an environment that allows us to successfully transition from the former regulation into the new regulation? We must prepare ourselves by doing the following: 1. Familiarize ourselves and our Soldiers with new standards and procedures. It is difficult to assist in supporting the Army’s new guidance and policies if we are unaware of what the guidance actually states. I encourage all personnel, especially the senior leadership of the Georgia Army National Guard, to obtain a copy of the updated AR 670-1 which can be found at http://www. apd.army.mil/pdffiles/r670_1.pdf. 2. Become more assertive in enforcing the standard. In the spirit of being concise: if you see something that is incorrect, make a professional correction. There should never be an excuse as to why we, as men and women who wear the Army uniform, watch our peers and subordinates fail to comply with the regulation. Should we neglect to implement discipline and order within our organization then we are not only doing a disservice to ourselves, we are doing a disservice to future Soldiers and the civilians that rely on our discipline to guide and protect them. Please understand, this updated regulation does not dictate the type of Soldier an individual is. We must remember that the updated AR 670-1 does not state that having certain hairstyles or tattoos makes a person a bad individual or bad Soldier. However, it allows us to remember that we volunteered to join one of the most important organizations in the world. The updated regulation allows us to remember that serving in the Georgia Army National Guard expands well beyond how we are expected to appear professionally, it reminds us that regardless of where we stand in our careers, changes are inevitable. This is not the first modification to impact our organization and I highly doubt it will be the last. It is how we choose to adapt to change that determines our strength as Soldiers. Remember, we are Soldiers who vowed to defend our country regardless of the circumstances. I know that with a positive attitude and dedication we can make the transition into the new guidance of the updated regulation a successful one. “If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change”. –Anonymous
albany armory rededicated in hero’s honor
By Staff Sgt. Tracy Smith | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Department of Defense
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ith the humility of its namesake, the Manning National Guard Ar mor y dedication ceremony was unpretentious and earnest. The crowd of family, friends and former Warriors-in-Arms paid homage to the Georgia National Guard’s first senior enlisted advisor and State Command Sgt. Major William ‘Billy’ Manning with the renaming of the home to Company ‘F’, 148th Brigade Support Battalion, Georgia Army National Guard. Manning’s ‘Make it Happen’ leadership style made a dramatic impact on all he encountered including the Georgia National Guard’s seventh Command Sgt. Major, and first African-American to be accepted into the position, James Nelson. Now an active U. S. Army National Guard advocate, Nelson credits Manning with getting his career underway. In an interview in 2011 Nelson reflected on his career and the man who made a difference by turning ihs career around. “It was early in my career and I was an E-5 (Sgt.) contemplating leaving the Georgia Guard after a reorganization,” Nelson recalled. “After speaking with him he said, ‘give it a minute,’ was able to transfer me into a different (job specialty) and it was my first introduction to making it happen by taking care of Soldiers.” Manning would later pin the rank of Staff Sgt., on Nelson and became a mentor to the fledgling noncommissioned officer. Others, like retired Army National Guard Sgt. Marvin Milner, who still calls the Albany area home, remember the man who didn’t Photo by Staff Sgt. Tracy Smith | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Department of Defense
growl or feel the need to raise his voice. “He reminded me of how important my support to the line captains was when we were at (Ft. Irwin, California’s National Training Center),” Milner, a tank fuel noncommissioned officer during the Georgia National Guard’s train-up for Desert Storm, recalled. “Every day he walked through, just an ordinary man that trusted us to do the right thing by reminding us our job was to ‘make it happen.’” Manning’s biggest admirer had a front row to the ceremony. “I was a buck private until the day he died.” Pat Manning, his wife of 52 years said after the ceremony. Mrs. Manning has bittersweet memories of telling her husband that Georgia would honor him in his last moments. “Towards the end I was happy that Billy had a conscious day so that we could share the news,” Pat said with a teary eyed smile. “He would never let on how truly humbled he was for this honor but even in his last days it showed in his face.” The Georgia National Guard’s current Command Sgt. Major, Phillip Stringfield, initiated the Albany armory’s designation change. “His leadership style could put you off initially,” Stringfield said. “Sgt. Major Manning was a direct, no-nonsense leader and I’ve attempted to imitate his style of leadership in working with our Soldiers today.” Throughout campaigns long forgotten and the current Global War on Terror, Manning’s approach to service to country continues as the Georgia National Guard continues to Make It Happen!
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Professional Development
reviews of books that teach us about our craft By Desiree Bamba | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Department of Defense Leadership is one of the most discussed topics in literature. In the book Exceeding Expectations: Reflections on Leadership, Gen. Bill Looney discusses ways to create environments where leadership w it h i n org an i z at i ons an d individuals routinely exceed expectations. Throughout his 40 year career in the Air Force, Gen. Looney led more organizations t han any ot he r Ai r Forc e general, past or present. From his days as the top cadet at the Air Force Academy to his final command as a four Star General, he has experienced the art of leadership at every organizational level. “Leadership is leadership regardless of your position in an organization. No matter whether you are a unit commander, shift superintendent, division chief or a team captain, your first task should always be to build an organizational culture that will motivate and inspire others to exceed expectations.” Whether you are leading military forces or a corporate entity, success is all about exceeding expectations. General Bill Looney’s book offers an excellent how-to perspective on effective leadership. The author breaks down the book with 11 key points followed by both good and bad examples of leadership to assist and encourage you in finding your style of leadership. These 11 key points consist of: • Humility • Lead from the front • Risk and return • Creating the reality • Decide to decide • The power of empathy • Being inclusive
• Enforcing the standards • Integrity • Professional courage • The importance of balance In the book, Gen. Looney explains these key points to being an effective leader and then proceeds to give examples from his 40 years of experience as a leader in the Air Force. As you read through the book, you get the feeling that it is more of a discussion. The author recognizes that the best way to learn about leadership is from stories which resonate with ones own lives. It is possible to exceed expectations as a leader in every organization, and that is what sets people apart. As Gen. Looney explained, most followers expect leaders to be self-absorbed and self-serving. Leaders can exceed expectations by creating an environment that is committed. “For a leader to exceed expectations, it doesn’t require any special physical attributions, extraordinary level of intelligence, or unique artistic skill…It’s understanding that leadership is all about the followers not the leaders, and then demonstrating that appreciation through your every action.”
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No matter whether you are a unit commander, shift superintendent, division chief or a team captain, your first task should always be to build an organizational culture that will motivate and inspire others to exceed expectations.
GEMA HURREX 2014
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By Maj. Will Cox | Public Affairs Office| Georgia Army National Guard t is not a question of if, but when the next category three hurricane will hit Georgia’s coast. The last category three hurricane hit Savannah more than a century ago, and some say that we are long overdue for a major hurricane landfall. Representatives of the Georgia Department of Defense and local, state and volunteer agencies participated in the biennial Georgia Emergency Management Agency/Homeland Security hurricane exercise May 6-8 throughout the state. The exercise simulated a category three hurricane impact to the Georgia Coast and tested the abilities of agencies to plan, coordinate preparations and respond. “HURREX 2014 allows GEMA and all of our emergency response partners to practice our ability to respond quickly and effectively in the event of a tropical weather disaster,” said GEMA Director Charley English. “Georgia is vulnerable to hurricanes and it only takes one serious storm to devastate an area.” GEMA’s state operations center in Atlanta and many local emergency operations centers across Georgia were activated for the exercise. The Georgia Guard provided liaison support to the state operation center as well as the aviation support center in Savannah, where Georgia Guard aviators provided support to local first responders. The purpose of HURREX 2014 was to demonstrate state, local and volunteer agencies’ ability to simultaneously set up, staff and operate emergency operations center functions and support services. A reception center, evacuation shelters, a pet shelter, and an aviation support operations center were set up to support the exercise to include simulated lift and fire suppression missions. “Our mission is to support GEMA’s hurricane disaster response,” said Lt. Col. Jason Fryman, aviation task force commander. “We are integrating and synchronizing our assets and capabilities with GEMA’s response effort to help save lives and reduce suffering following an emergency.” The exercise participants conducted pre-landfall operations during phase I to ensure a synchronized and effective evacuation of affected individuals out of the danger area. Phase II consisted of post-landfall operations where the SOC and ASOC had to be prepared to set up self-sufficient operations. “The ASOC assigned aviation operations to the appropriate supporting agency with the capability and availability to accomplish the mission,” said Sgt. 1st Class Jeff Rhodes of the Georgia State Patrol and Air Boss at GEMA’s aviation support operations center. “During post landfall operations, we expect to conduct missions such as photo reconnaissance, personnel movement, equipment movement, patient evacuation and search and rescue operations.” Aviation participants include the Civil Air Patrol, Georgia Forestry Commission, State Patrol and the National Guard. “Each of the agency’s representatives are experts at what they do, and this exercise is a good opportunity for all of us to work together to ensure we can communicate, task and track missions Photo by Maj. Will Cox | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Army National Guard
smoothly,” said Rhodes. “Each year we are able to identify issues during the exercise and work through them so we are that much better prepared to respond when our citizens need us.” Once the post-land fall phase begins, aviation assets would fly into the affected areas to set up operations and conduct follow on operations as assigned by the GEMA SOC. “We stand ready to provide that unique aviation capability to conduct search and rescue operations, move emergency equipment or personnel, identify where the roads are blocked and provide damage assessments to help decision makers prioritize the recovery effort during those first critical hours of the response,” said Fryman.
May 2014 | 18
Ga guard history is booming!
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By Staff Sgt. Tracy Smith | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Department of Defense istory is booming for the Georgia Army National Guard; literally! T h e S av a n n a h b a s e d ‘Hi c k or y ’s Howitzers’ 1st Bn., 118th Field Artillery Regiment and the 1st Bn., 185th Aviation Regiment teamed to conduct the first air mobile raid in Georgia Guard history at Fort Stewart, Georgia, during the artillery unit’s annual training. With the U.S. Army’s Chief of Staff directing the ‘Way Forward’ as a decisive, ready and mobile force element, the ‘drop and pop’ maneuvers employed during the 118th Field Artillery’s annual training were deliberate and concise. “It’s very exciting training,” said Spc. Joshua Holz, a SavannahChatham metro police officer when he’s not hauling 14lb rounds. “It’s also about making history, cross training with other units and the helicopter ride!” As a lightweight, air droppable, towed howitzer the M119A1 gun crews were able to set up hasty ‘powder pits’ (the designated
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firing position). Once the big guns are dropped the ‘gun bunnies’, the affectionate name given the Soldiers who make up the crew, fire off their rounds and pack it up for the ride out. It all happens within minutes with team driven flow and well-oiled precision. “A great deal of responsibility falls on the shoulders of our youngest Soldiers,” Sgt. 1st Class Celidus Martin, B Battery gun crew chief said. “Communication is key out here and as we talk to each other we become better communicators with our Warriors on the battlefield.” The concept of war may not have changed but innovation has given way to an all-forces expeditionary battle approach that will improve mission effectiveness and continue to save lives.
Photo by Staff Sgt. Tracy Smith | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Department of Defense
The Savannah based ‘Hickory’s Howitzers’ 1st Bn., 118th Field Artillery Regiment and the 1st Bn., 185th Aviation Regiment teamed up to conduct the first air mobile raid in Georgia Guard history at Fort Stewart.
May 2014 | 20
Memorial
observance By Staff Sgt. Tracy Smith | Public Affairs Office Georgia Department of Defense
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urple Heart Medal recipients and those who have given their lives in defense of our country were honored during a special state memorial ceremony hosted by Governor Nathan Deal. In his keynote address, Col. Bruce Chick, Georgia Department of Defense director of domestic operations, memorialized the more than 6,800 service members who have given their lives since September 11, 2001. Having deployed with the 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team to Iraq, Col. Chick called Memorial Day a time to set aside the fears of the world and the worries of the future. “Each figure represents the life of a father, a mother, a brother, a sister, a son and a daughter,” Chick said. “They were family. They were your family. They were my family.” Combat veteran, and Purple Heart recipient, Sgt. 1st Class Shanon Resha of Milledgeville listened thoughtfully as Col. Chick’s somber words reverberated under the gold dome of the capitol. He remembered, the pride of receiving the Purple Heart Medal, but also recalled the fateful day it was earned. Resha was part of a mounted patrol canvassing the parsed area of responsibility between the 2nd MarineDivision and the 48th IBCT in Western Baghdad. During the patrol, a trip charge set off two large improvised explosive devices. “July 4, 2005 seems like a lifetime ago,” Resha said, fighting back tears. “Our medic was the only one not injured.” Resha’s wife, Brandi and daughter Danica - whom he calls his deployment baby - sat close to him during the capitol ceremony. Insurgency operations were at a peak during that point of time for operations in Iraq and Resha verbally painted a picture of the award ceremony to illustrate the starkness of the day he received the Badge of Military Merit. He was a decade younger, a sergeant and cavalry scout who proudly wore his stetson at the Camp Stryker Purple Heart Medal presentation. “This ceremony is far more somber today,” Resha observed. “Too many good men missing.” He called out some of the names, almost in a whisper: “French. Stokely. Strickland. Haggin. Draughn…” As a newly designated Purple Heart State, Georgia will observe a day in honor of those who have given so much. August 7, 2014 will be the first official observance. According to Governor Deal, this day is long overdue. “It is because of the bravery, dedication and sacrifice of our veterans that we are able to call Georgia home.” Deal said. “The service and commitment of these men and women are unparalleled and worthy of praise.”
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Georgians, National Guardsmen still actively serving the state and those who have given their lives in defense of our Country, were honored during a special morning Memorial Day ceremony today by Governor Nathan Deal and honored guest Veterans’ Affairs Commissioner Pete Wheeler.
May 2014 | 22
2014 Some gave all 5k
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By Sgt. Ashley Fontenot | Public Affairs Office| Georgia Department of Defense or five straight years, one grieving Georgia Guard family has channeled the memory of their fallen loved one to make a difference in the lives of many. Major Kevin Jenrette was killed in action June 4, 2009 while deployed with the Georgia National Guard in Afghanistan. The life he led as a devoted father, husband, son and Soldier inspired those around him to continue giving in his name. Now the Jenrette family, with Kevin’s wife Shannon at the helm, spends every May organizing a charity race in his honor to raise money for the Georgia National Guard Family Support Foundation. “I’ll never forget when I first heard about the foundation,” explained Shannon. “Chaplain Bellamy was visiting for our first Christmas without Kevin and he received a call about a family whose heat had been turned off. The foundation was there to help them pay their bill and get back on their feet.” Shannon said the story touched her heart and she knew it was the kind of organization that Kevin would have wanted to help. Five years later, the “Some Gave All” 5K has raised over $100,000 in donations to the foundation. Harriet Morgan, program manager, Georgia National Guard Family Support Foundation says the foundation is fully supported
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by funds raised during events like the “Some Gave All” 5K. “Shannon and her sweet family have made a tremendous impact on the Georgia National Guard family,” said Morgan. “This year’s 5K brought more than 500 participants, and raised $35,000 for the foundation. That money goes directly to the families in need.” Shannon’s dedication to help the families of the Georgia National Guard has earned her credit at the highest levels of the Georgia Dept. of Defense; last year she was awarded The Oglethorpe Medal by Georgia’s Adjutant General. The 2014 “Some Gave All” 5K was bigger and better than ever, with dozens of events and raffles for the whole family. Along with “Some Gave All” veterans, this year’s race brought many first-timers, like 1st Sgt. Kevin McMakin and his wife Kelly. The McMakins say they were impressed with the scope of the event, as well as the support between families of the Georgia National Guard. “It’s great to see so many people come out to show their support for the Jenrette family and the foundation,” said Kevin. “Having the 48th Brigade shadow run in Afghanistan, [with the live-feed during the event here in Lula], was an added surprise. I think it’s important to show the family that while the Georgia Guard keeps marching on, we will never forget them or the sacrifice that Maj. Jenrette made.” Photo by Sgt. Ashley Fontenot| Public Affairs Office | Georgia Department of Defense
Guardsmen of the 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team volunteer for prerace activities at the 5th annual “Some Gave All� 5K.
May 2014 | 24
Around the Georgia Guard GA GUARD IN GUATEMALA Staff Sgt. Richard Ramirez of the Georgia Army National Guard provides CQB/ MOUT [close quarters combat and military operations on urbanized terrain] weapons handling instruction with two soldiers from the Guatemalan Interagency Task Force.
RELINQUISHING CONTROL As part of a state-wide divestment of select National Guard armories, Maj. Gen. Jim Butterworth and other Ga. Guard officials relienquished control of the Eastman, Georgia Armory to the citizens of Dodge County, Georgia.
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SHEPHERD CENTER MILITARY INITIATIVE
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To raise awareness of post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury, six friends, (a civilian and five U.S. Marines calling themselves the Shepherd’s Men), began a six-day marathon to the Iwo Jima Memorial in Washington, DC.
HEADING TO HONDURAS Georgia Guardsmen will be in Central America in May and June training the Honduran military in law enforcement operations, close quarters combat operations and combat life saving operations.
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J-STARS Surpasses 100,000 flying hours
Public Affairs Office Georgia Department of Defense 1000 Halsey Ave. Bldg. 447 Marietta, Ga. 30060