October 2014
Winning the Warrior Games
October 2014 | 1
Plus: Drug Eradication | SDF and Air Guard Train Together | and so much more
Contents ISSUE: October 2014
w w w. g a d o d . n e t
cover story 13| Winning the Warrior Games
Georgia Army National Guard veteran leads Army team to victory.
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Features
03| Eye in the sky
News
09| Saber Junction 2014
04| SDF Joint Training
The Georgia National Guard Counterdrug Task Force makes a bust. The 1160th Transportation Co. trains in Germany.
11| Defending Georgia Guardsmen This month’s MOS story is about the 1078th Judge Advocate Team’s Trial Defense Service.
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The Georgia State Defense Force conducts Annual Training at Savannah’s CRTC.
12| Social Media opsec Four steps to online security.
columns
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05| Historic Battle Review
Total War: Sherman’s Savannah Campaign Devastates Georgia.
07| NCO Notepad
Remembering the fallen Georgia Air Guardsmen.
08| Book Review
“Quiet: the Power of Introverts in a World that Can’t Stop Talking” by Susan Cain.
10| Chaplain’s Corner The use of the iceberg analogy.
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15| Road map to resources
Learn about financial assistance resources.
17| 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 Sgt. 1st Class Gerard Brown Editorial Staff Managing Editor Sgt. Ashley Sutz Creative Director Desiree Bamba Contributors Spc. Steven Bennett Elizabeth Blackstock Sgt. 1st Class Brown Capt. William Carraway Maj. Will Cox Chief Master Sgt. Joseph Greene Staff Sgt. Sean Harp 2nd Lt. Allan Hayes Capt. Greta Jackson Chaplain Capt. Jon Pirtle Ashlie Shrewsbury Staff Sgt. Tracy J. Smith Contributing DOD Organizations 124th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, 116th Air Control Wing Public Affairs Office, Army National Guard Unit Public Affairs Representatives, Air National Guard Wing Public Affairs Representatives, Georgia State Defense Force Public Affairs.
Georgia National Guard Channels
Flickr
Youtube
Facebook.com/GeorgiaGuard Flickr.com/GaNatlGuard
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. October 2014 | 2
Eye in the sky for D r u g E r a d i c at i o n By: Maj. Will Cox | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Army National Guard
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he Georgia National Guard concluded six months of support to local communities throughout the state as an integral part of the Governor’s Task Force/Drug Suppression (GTF). This year the GTF eradicated more than 15,000 plants worth a combined $30 million, keeping these drugs and the illicit activity that goes with them off of Georgia’s streets. “The Governor’s Task Force is a multi-agency task force that supports local agencies in their eradication efforts,” said Kermit Stokes, a captain with the Georgia State Patrol and officer in charge of the Governor’s Task Force. “We have the capability to bring in assets that local agencies simply do not have, like aviation, intelligence assets and a ground support team with specialty vehicles to get into hard to reach grow sites.” In 2013, the GTF located and eradicated a crop of over 4,000 marijuana plants in Polk County. In July of 2014, the GTF discovered a crop of roughly 2,300 plants in Polk County. On their last mission of 2014, the GTF found eight plants in the vicinity of Polk County. “There is a need,” said Jonathan Blackmon, chief deputy, Polk County Sheriff ’s Office. “It has always been a great working relationship with the National Guard, the Georgia State Patrol and all of the other agencies that make up the Governor’s Task Force. The partnership gives the local sheriff ’s office extra eyes in the sky and on the ground to disrupt marijuana growth and drug trafficking in our county and on our streets.” The marijuana eradication season begins at the end of April
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and runs through the beginning of October. The last mission of the 2014 eradication season found the GTF supporting Polk County. “The local sheriff and local drug task force tells us where to look first and they attach officers to our ground teams,” said Stokes. “If any marijuana is located we assist them in collecting and destroying it. We then turn over the investigation to the local sheriff ’s office or local drug task force to pursue the possibility of any prosecutions.” The Governor’s Task Force is comprised of seven state and federal agencies: the Georgia State Patrol, Motor Carrier Compliance, Department of Natural Resources - Law Enforcement Division, Department of Corrections - Probation Division, Georgia Army National Guard- Counter Drug, Drug Enforcement Administration and the Civil Air Patrol. “The National Guard is definitely a value-add to the Governor’s Task Force,” said Stokes. “They assist us with helicopters, ground support teams (including mechanics) and they are also integral to the intelligence portion of the GTF mission.” Each agency provides resources specific to their enforcement mission, i.e. aircraft, vehicles, administrative support and personnel experienced in a variety of environments found within the state. The Georgia National Guard says they are proud to be a part of it. “National Guardsmen are Citizen-Soldiers,”said a Georgia Army National Guard Counter Drug pilot. “So it is always a good thing when we can provide enhanced security and safety for our communities by helping law enforcement fulfill their mission of detecting, interdicting and disrupting drug trafficking.” Photo by Maj. Will Cox | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Army National Guard
S tat e d e f e n s e F o r c e and Air National Guard Train Together
By: 2nd Lt. Allan Hayes | Public Affiars Office| Georgia State Defense Force
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early 400 members of the Georgia State Defense Force (GSDF) attended three days of annual training at Savannah’s Combat Readiness Training Center during the first weekend of October. GSDF members performed a mass casualty triage and transport field training exercise to maintain readiness to support response to natural disasters, according to commanding officer Brig. Gen. Tom Danielson. Training was coordinated with units of the Georgia Air National Guard. The training scenario included about 50 simulated casualties from a natural disaster that had to be triaged in the field and then transported by fixed and rotary wing aircraft to base for further evaluation and treatment. “It’s our mission to make sure we’re ready for any contingency,” said Col. Lou Coroso, deputy commander of the GSDF. “Training events such as this help us identify the things we do well and those areas in which we can improve our readiness in order to better serve our state in the event of a real disaster; whether natural or man-made.” The GSDF is one of three branches of the Georgia Department of Defense. Under the direction of Georgia’s Adjutant General, the GSDF mission is to provide an organized, trained, disciplined, rapid response volunteer force to assist state and local government agencies, and civil relief organizations to ensure the welfare and safety of the citizens of Georgia. Major Gen. Thomas Moore, commander of Georgia Air National Guard and Chief Master Sgt. Joe Greene, State Command Chief, Georgia Air National Guard observed the training as invited guests. While addressing the final formation of annual training, Brig. Gen. Danielson praised the effort given by the troops during training and thanked them for their service. He reminded them that they must continue to train to a high standard and be “Ready To Serve”. Photo by 2 nd Lt. Allan Hayes | Public Affairs Office | Georgia State Defense Force
October 2014 | 4
Total War: Sherman’s Savannah Campaign Devastates Georgia
By: Capt. Will Carraway| Public Affairs Office| Georgia Department of Defense Map courtesy of Hal Jeperson
MARCH TO THE SEA - BACKGROUND: In the wake of his successful Atlanta campaign, Federal Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman presented Lt. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant with a bold plan to strike south through the heart of Georgia. After severing his supply line from Atlanta, Sherman determined to live off the land and destroy the South’s economic and psychological will continue to persecute the war. His objective: The key port city of Savannah. CONFEDERATES DEPART While awaiting approval of his plan, Sherman contended with the remains of the Confederate Army which had suffered staggering losses in defense of Atlanta. Sherman had briefly pursued Lt. Gen. John Bell Hood and his Army of Tennessee following Confederate defeat at Allatoona Pass. Recognizing that he did not have the numerical strength to match Sherman’s forces, Hood initially attempted to draw Sherman north to battle on ground more favorable to the defense. During a council of war with his key commanders, Hood learned that his officers unanimously opposed offering battle to Sherman. Chagrined, Hood withdrew his army to Alabama from which he intended to strike north into Tennessee. With Hood leaving Georgia, Sherman was free to pursue his Savannah gambit. “If he will go to the Ohio River I will give him rations,” Sherman wrote to Maj. Gen. George Thomas, then stationed
5 | The Georgia Guardsman
in Nashville. Confident that Thomas could ward off any threat from Hood and his rapidly dwindling army, Sherman returned to Atlanta to plan his march. Thus, two Armies who had fiercely contended over 130 miles of terrain and effused thousands of lives simply turned their backs on each other and marched off in different pursuits.
“GO ON AS YOU PROPOSE” On November 2, 1864, Sherman received a simple telegram approving his march. “Go on as you propose,” Grant had wired. For the next two weeks, Sherman prepared his forces for the march. Nearly 2,500 supply wagons were filled with food and ammunition. What could not go with the Army was sent back to Chattanooga or burned. Sherman had four corps which he divided into two armies. Major Gen. Oliver O. Howard’s Army of the Tennessee would maneuver southeast towards Macon while Maj. Gen. Henry Slocum’s Army of Georgia would strike east for Augusta. Sherman hoped to confuse Confederate defenders as to his true objective and compel them to protect a wider front. His divided front was also designed to maximize his armies’ ability to forage, or plunder the countryside for supplies. The Armies marched with an aggregate of 62,000 men. Between them and their objective was 275 miles of hostile terrain defended by perhaps 13,000 Confederate, state and militia troops under Lieutenant General William J. Hardee. MARCH TO THE SEA - SHERMAN DEPARTS Departing Atlanta November 15, 1864 by different routes, Sherman succeeded in mystifying Confederate commanders as to his intent. When Confederate Cavalry detected Federal Cavalry approaching Macon in the vanguard of Howard’s Army, Maj. Gen. Joseph Wheeler, Confederate cavalry commander prepared for a defense of the city. But no attack came. Recognizing Sherman’s move to be a feint, Hardee deduced that Sherman’s true objective was Savannah and began concentrating his men to defend the city. MAKING GEORGIA HOWL As Sherman’s men pushed southeast, they systematically destroyed everything that could be of value to the Confederacy. Railroad tracks were melted and twisted into shapes known as Sherman’s Neckties. Mills, manufacturing depots and factories were destroyed. Foraging parties swept the countryside ahead
of the armies plundering food and supplies. Sherman’s standing orders were to “forage liberally and to seize anything that might be needed by the armies. Foragers, or “bummers” would descend upon farmhouses, seize all livestock that could be transported and often kill what could not be carried. On November 22, one of Howard’s brigades was encamped near Griswoldville. The Federals were surprised by the approach of more than 3,500 militia who marched toward then in three ranks. The Veteran Federals, many armed with repeating rifles, devastated the militia ranks. Incredibly, the lines continued on until ultimately breaking less than 50 yards from the Federal position. The Federal troops were horrified to find that the militia had been composed of old men and boys. More than 500 Georgia militia fell in the field of Griswoldville. They had inflicted fewer than 100 casualties on the enemy and had failed to check his advance. A CHRISTMAS PRESENT FOR PRESIDENT LINCOLN Through November and into December, Sherman’s Federals clashed with militia but met no serious resistance as they marched inexorably south. A notable exception were the cavalry actions around Augusta Georgia in which Federal cavalry commander Judson Kilpatrick was nearly captured in one of Wheeler’s cavalry raids. Arriving outside Savannah on December 10, Sherman found that Hardee, entrenched in strong defensive positions, was determined to hold the city. As he consolidated his combat power for the final thrust against Savannah, Sherman detached Brig. Gen. William Hazen’s division to capture Fort McAllister. By December 13, McAllister was in Federal hands and Federal land forces were able to link up with naval forces under Rear Admiral John Dahlgren.
His position strengthened and with supplies freshly flowing to his army from the Federal Navy, on December 17, Sherman informed Hardee that unless Savannah was surrendered immediately he would shell the city. Rather than surrender, Hardee and his command slipped across the Savannah River on December 20. On December 21, Savannah’s mayor tendered the city’s formal surrender. With Savannah secured, Sherman telegraphed President Abraham Lincoln with the message, “I beg to present you as a Christmas gift the City of Savannah, with one hundred and fifty guns and plenty of ammunition, also about twenty-five thousand bales of cotton.” In his response, Lincoln graciously credited Sherman and Grant for the victory. “Many, many thanks for your Christmas gift – the capture of Savannah. When you were leaving Atlanta for the Atlantic coast, I was anxious, if not fearful; but feeling that you were the better judge, and remembering that ‘nothing risked, nothing gained’ I did not interfere. Now, the undertaking being a success, the honor is all yours… Please make my grateful acknowledgements to your whole army, officers and men.” AFTERMATH The campaign through Georgia devastated the states’ economy and ability to aid the Confederate cause. Moreover, the news of Sherman’s movements caused Georgian and South Carolina troops then with the Army of Northern Virginia to desert to defend their homes. The following spring, Sherman launched his final campaign of the war north into the Carolinas, before finally receiving the surrender of General Joseph Johnston, on April 26, 1865.
October 2014 | 6
A Chief Master Sgt. Joseph Greene State Command Chief Georgia Department of Defense
NCO Notepad Words of wisdom from one to another
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couple of months ago the 116 Air Control Wing, along with its active associate wing, celebrated a historic milestone surpassing 100,000 flying hours in direct C2ISR support to all six Combatant Commanders. The Wing’s incredible performance and 12-years of non-stop deployments was officially recognized with the receipt of its 17th Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (AFOUA). Another historic accomplishment, the 116 ACW has earned more AFOUAs than any other unit in the Air Force. On October 5, tragedy struck the JSTARS’ family and celebration changed to mourning with the loss of three deployed Airmen. There was shock as commanders and family liaison officers arrived at the front doors of service member’s homes to notify spouses that their loved ones were missing at sea - with very few details to share at the time. Over the next several days, hope turned to grief as the bodies were recovered and the missing status was changed to deceased. This has been a heart-wrenching time for family, friends and the Georgia National Guard. In every tragedy, the one word question of WHY is always asked and the answer is never really satisfying. There is an on-going investigation into the events that led up to the deaths of our fellow Airmen, but this much is clear: an Airman was suddenly and without warning washed out to sea by a large wave. The other Airmen present, despite great personal risk, attempted a rescue. What started out as a fun day of sightseeing ended in sadness and loss. When I now hear the term wingman, I see their faces. Their sacrifice for a fellow Airman in distress defines what it truly means to be a Wingman. Each family pastor speaking at the memorial services referenced the same scripture quotation from Jesus to his disciples, “Greater love hath no man that a man lay down his life for a friend.” In a desperate situation, JSTARS Wingmen did not hesitate to enter into harm’s way to attempt saving another. Their act of selfless valor defines what it means to be a hero. I am proud to have served with each of these fallen Airmen. The bravery of rescue crews flying into the winds and rain of an approaching typhoon to search for three missing Airmen is another incredible example of Airmen putting “service before self.” Their dedication to press the search in face of hazardous weather is a testament to the United States Air Force pararescuemen and “that others may live” code they serve by. Fellow Airmen committed themselves to the recovery of three fallen comrades so that their families could have their loved ones returned home. We do not know the names of all the searchers on the land and in the air, but we do have a common uniform and share the same core values. The JSTARS’ and the Guard family have been shaken by the death of three of our best. They will be missed, but more importantly, they will be remembered.
“The bravery of rescue crews flying into the winds and rain of an approaching typhoon to search for three missing Airmen is another incredible example of Airmen putting “service before self.”
Professional Development
reviews of books that teach us about our craft
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By: Ashlie Shrewsbury | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Department of Defense
We live with a value system that I call the Extrovert Ideal - the omni-present belief that the ideal self is gregarious, alpha, and comfortable in the spotlight.
Susan Cain’s Quiet: the Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking examines the baseline of what “extrovert” and “introvert” undeniably mean, how to identify those traits (in yourself or others), and how to be successful regardless of which category one tends towards. Like leadership styles and their alleged effectiveness, “there are almost as many definitions of introvert and extrovert as there are personality psychologists, who spend a great deal of time arguing over which meaning is most accurate.” But at a minimum, at least one-third of the people we know are introverts, some studies even say as many as half of Americans are introverts. Cain asserts, with proof, “that it is to the introverts that we owe many of the great contributions of society - from van Gogh’s sunflowers to the
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invention of the personal computer.” If this is true, then it stands to reason that as a leader of a household, a soccer team, a military element of any size, etc. etc. those with authoritative influence in any capacity must understand how to lead and leverage those with a personality that “is now [in America] a second-class personality trait, somewhere between a disappointment and a pathology.” Cain passionately argues, and impressively researches, stories of real people – makers of history to be exact - to illustrate how dramatically (and increasingly) we undervalue and misunderstand introverts; more alarming than the plight of “the Culture of Character” (Chapter 1), is how much Cain shows us we’re losing by pushing out the “quiet types.” With Cain, the reader visits the US Army War College, Dale Carnegie’s birthplace, Harvard Business School, a Tony Robbins seminar, and an evangelical megachurch for ease of understanding the practical application of the terms discussed. Her manner of recounting the rise of the Extrovert Ideal (what military leadership is generally predicated upon) is, at a minimum, thought provoking. She also challenges the dominant values of American business culture, citing practices like forced collaboration - a good intention, turned obstruction, to efficiency, effectiveness, and productivity of otherwise good leaders and employees. Quiet doesn’t, however, merely offer the musings of a bleeding heart, but rather evidence in the form of intense research in psychology and neuroscience from the military to Harvard Business to field studies. If 300ish pages of easy reading ever possessed the capacity to overhaul, passively, the entire concept of (military) leadership and remove toxicity from the workplace and relationships, it’s very likely this one.
October 2014 | 8
Saber Junction 2014 1160 T C . G th
ransportation
o
in
ermany
By: Maj. Will Cox | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Army National Guard
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he Georgia Army National Guard’s 1160th Transportation Company traveled to Germany in September for an overseas deployment training (ODT) exercise in support of U.S. Army Europe’s premiere training event, Saber Junction 2014. The 1160th was tasked to provide uninterrupted resupply operations to their brigade and to provide a quick reaction force for their battalion support area-repeal to ensure the maneuver units had the equipment and supplies to conduct combat operations. “Overseas deployment training opportunities are created when one of the six geographic Army service component commands have a training requirement shortfall for a theater security cooperation exercise,” said Maj. Dan Fall, Georgia Army National Guard collective training and ODT officer. “Once the shortfalls are identified, National Guard units can volunteer to conduct their METL-specific, unit-based annual collective training as a participant in such an exercise.” Saber Junction 14 is a U.S. Army Europe-led, U.S. European Command-directed, multinational, multiservice exercise that provides joint and combined multinational training on a large scale, with thousands of U.S. and partner nation forces, and hundreds of aircraft spread across Europe synchronized in a single security cooperation effort. “The ODT process is a ‘win’ for all parties because it allows National Guard units to demonstrate sustained strategic relevance by conducting realistic collective training with international and Active Duty counterparts as an expeditionary
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force, while simultaneously providing the ASCCs additional forces to support their theater security cooperation initiatives,” said Fall. More than 5,800 personnel from 17 countries participated, including those from Canada, the Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Poland, Romania, Sweden, the Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and the United States. “Cross training with active duty counterparts and multinational services provided the 1160th with great training opportunities and a unique experience unavailable in the states,” said Capt. Joshua Combs, 1160th company commander. “The training experience was invaluable, irreplaceable and top notch. The training was realistic and allowed my company to accomplish our mission essential task list.” During the exercise, the 1160th conducted resupply operations for all classes of supply in addition to conducting casualty evacuation, movement of refugees and movement of detainees. The 1160th also provided security escort for convoys and secured helicopter landing zones for aero medical evacuation aircraft. The training also included support for sling load, airborne, conventional warfare, stability and support and support of civil authorities operations in addition to defending the BSAR from enemy attack through quick reaction force support and conducting emergency check point operations. “I would recommend any company to volunteer for this ODT exercise,” said Combs. “The training experience is one in a lifetime. It was more than what we signed up for.” Photo provided by 6 4 8 th Maneuver Enhancementt Brigade | Georgia Army National Guard
Chaplain’s corner
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By: Chaplain Capt. Jon Pirtle | Georgia Army National Guard
he iceberg analogy. Every heard of it? It goes like this: the visible part is the smaller part, often about 1/3 of the berg’s actual size. What’s under the surface (invisible if just glimpsed from the surface) dwarfs the visible part. American short story writer and novelist, Ernest Hemingway, said that great literature is like that. The most powerful parts are those that go on beneath the surface. Readers see characters speak and act, yes, but the reasons they do so are rooted in what’s beneath the surface. There is a worldview underneath the surface that affects everything else. It’s in that worldview that one’s ideas of life, meaning, purpose, death, suffering, joy, hope, etc. all find their moorings. The Chaplain Corps is equipped to examine that iceberg that’s under the surface. As Chaplains, we have served in both civilian and military ministry. Many of us have pastored (or still pastor) congregations, teach school, coach, serve in prison or hospital chaplaincy, serve among police and fire departments, serve in combat operations, etc. We, too, have endured our own “slings and arrows of outrageous fortune” and have come through it all. Yet,
we continue to serve Soldiers and their families. Why? It is because we’ve answered a call, a vocation, to serve others. One way we do that is by equipping Soldiers and families to understand the iceberg within their own lives. As Chaplains, we’ve all had that dreaded call late on a weekend that a Soldier has injured himself, or that he’s in dire straits. We set to work trying to mitigate an often sad predicament. But how much more effective of a force would we be if Soldiers and families were trained in advance to see the iceberg that abides within them? How astute would we be if we were trained to discover there is something much deeper going on? That iceberg below the surface: our worldview, shapes the decisions we make. Your Chaplain Corps is here to assist you in getting equipped. One of the blessings of pluralism is that we can dialogue openly and honestly about worldviews, to see how each person answers the great questions of life. Why not reach out to a Chaplain near you, or have him teach a class on worldviews? In our world that increasingly witnesses the consequences of ideas splattered across the headlines, wouldn’t we all benefit by understanding the worldviews (the icebergs beneath the surface) that give rise to them? Your Chaplain Corps is here to help.
October 2014 | 10
Defending those thaT Defend America By: Spc. Steven Bennett | 124th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment | Georgia Army National Guard
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hen it comes to military attorneys, Soldiers may think of a scene from “A Few Good Men”, reminiscing about a famous quote from a famous actor. Images of prosecution and court martial proceedings come to mind. Rarely is the defense of Service Members considered. The Georgia Army National Guard’s 1078th Judge Advocate Team has a Trial Defense Service office made up of five attorney officers and one paralegal non-commissioned officer. These Citizen-Soldiers provide defense counsel to Guardsmen in need. “Working with the TDS gives me the opportunity to ensure [that every Soldier is offered] due process, which is the cornerstone of every American’s constitutional rights,”
said Capt. Schuyler F. Hoynes, a trial defense counselor for the 1078th JAT. “Our motto is ‘Defending those that defend America.’” TDS is a group of defense attorneys that act as judge advocates for Soldiers in military disciplinary matters such as rank reduction or discharge from the National Guard. TDS also has the ability to advise their clients of their legal rights and help draft rebuttals for Soldiers faced with administrative and punitive adverse actions. The U.S. Army Trial Defense Service was created in order to ensure due process for Soldiers with a need for legal representation in trial involving military criminal offenses, during criminal investigations, before judicial punishment and other various adverse administrative actions. “The TDS may only drill 52 days a year, but we work nights, weekdays and during our civilian jobs for our clients,” said Hoynes. “It’s a job that you work because you love to help Soldiers.” Hoynes encourages Soldiers that have military legal issues that result in disciplinary action to inquire about their rights with a defense attorney and seek out the TDS. “When you can help a Soldier that is facing separation, no matter the reason, and convince a board of officers that the Soldier needs to be retained… to have saved his or her career, it is very fulfilling.” said Hoynes. For Soldiers in need of the trial defense services offered by the 1078th JAT please call (678) 569-5656.
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Photos by: Staff Sgt. Tracy J. Smith | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Department of Defense
Social Media Opsec
By: Sgt. Ashley Sutz | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Department of Defense
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n the digital age of mobile apps, information exchange has become a way of life. Researching for a school paper or viewing photos of the latest family reunion has never been easier. But while most of us would agree that information at your fingertips is a generally good thing, when it comes to the security of our service members and their families, there may be reason to proceed with caution. The Georgia National Guard is always mindful of the potential for threat here in the homeland, whether Guardsmen may be at risk for physical or digital attack. While the chances of becoming a target yourself are extremely low, there are some steps you can take to minimize the information made available to those who may seek to do you harm. Step 1 – Google yourself. Fire up your favorite search engine to get some insight on what personal information is available to the public. You may be surprised to see just how easy it is to access a full sketch of your life – where you live, work and play – in just a few clicks. It is likely that digital images of yourself exist, and are easily searchable. When combined, this information could be used to target you or your family for scams or other attacks. Once you know what’s out there, you can work to ‘clean up’ your digital footprint. Step 2 – Adjust your privacy settings. Most Americans use some sort of social media to connect with their friends and family, but do we actually know who has access to the things we post? All mainstream social media platforms have adjustable privacy settings, putting you in control of who sees your content. The DoD recommends restricting access to your accounts to only your “friends” or people that you choose to allow to follow
your activity. An analogy for this setting would be if you were to place a giant poster of your personal information on your living room wall vs. out in your front yard facing the street. The poster in your living room would only be available to those people you invited in to your home (your “friends” or “followers”) while the poster on the street would be free for anyone passing by to read (the public). Step 3 – Turn off location services. “Checking in” to your favorite restaurant or ball field may seem like an exciting way to share your life in real-time, but it can leave you vulnerable. Criminals have been known to use location information posted online to target victims for crimes like kidnapping, assault or home burglary. Someone monitoring your online activity could also use your geotagged photos or posts to gain a sense of your routines or patterns, making it easier for them to take advantage of you. Step 4 – Talk to your family about online privacy. Security has to be a joint effort between everyone in your circle with access to the internet. This means talking with your children and even more distant friends and relatives about your concerns for privacy. Make sure they know they should only accept online friends that they know and trust in real life (and no, chances are the real Justin Beiber is not going to send them a friend request). This guide is just the beginning in ensuring your safety and security online. With terms of service and privacy settings constantly changing and evolving, it’s up to each of us to monitor our online presence for potential holes and threats. As with anything in the military, the next step is check your battle buddy or wingman and let them know if they’re leaving themselves open to online attack.
October 2014 | 12
From Purple Heart to Gold Medals
By: Staff Sgt. Tracy J. Smith | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Department of Defense
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eorgia Army National Guard (retired) Capt. Francisco ‘Frank’ Barroqueiro doesn’t like labels. The Afghanistan combat veteran will shy away when called hero and does not consider himself a champion. Yet over the last five years of the 39-year old Gainesville, Ga. elementary school teacher’s life he has experienced a remarkable chain of events that began on the battlefield and culminated on a field of competition. From a Purple Heart to gold medals, Barroqueiro has experienced a transformative journey tailored for the big screen. Barroqueiro led a company of fighters in Afghanistan as commander of the Georgia Guard’s Delta Company, 2nd Battalion, 121st Infantry Regiment, 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. The
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company was a vital mission asset, alongside other international coalition forces, assisting the people of Afghanistan in securing their democratic freedoms. A few fateful months into that deployment is where this chapter of his life turned. “I was shot during a firefight the night of August 27th,” Barroqueiro recalled of the intense engagement in 2009. A bullet tore through his right arm near the elbow causing his injury to threaten the arm’s loss. “The surgeon looked me in the eye and said, ‘I’m taking that arm,’” recalled Barroqueiro. Lying in his Walter Reed hospital room he switched to a bowhunting show on television and decided that this was going to be his new challenge. Photos by: Staff Sgt. Sean Harp | Office of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
“I’ve had twelve surgeries to save my arm,” he said. “The surgeon never believed that I’d be able to (enjoy archery).” Archery was new to Barroqueiro, feeling left out prior to deployment as his first sergeant and many of his infantrymen were avid bow hunters. Patient Barroqueiro decided that accepting ‘no’ was a personal affront to his determination. Finally home, Barroqueiro reported to the unit he once commanded and was assigned to the community-based care arm of the U.S. Army’s Warrior Transition Command. Rehabilitation was now his full-time job with the Georgia National Guard. “I’d never felt the pull of a bow in my life but now was as good a time as any,” he remembered. The Georgia Army National Guard’s Command Sgt. Major Philip Stringfield is a constant supporter of Barroqueiro’s. In 2009 Stringfield was the 2-121st Infantry Regiment’s Command Sgt. Major and Barroqueiro’s Delta Company was his responsibility. “The desire and ability to do new things that will positively build on who we are doesn’t end at the drill hall,” Stringfield stated. “It is our responsibility, in and out of uniform, to ensure we are giving 100% to our Guardsmen, regardless if they return to the uniform or their community.” Barroqueiro’s resolve and support from his community earned him a seat on Team Army’s archery and shooting teams in 2013. 2013 Team Army swept the Warrior Game’s archer y competition with Georgia Guardsmen Barroqueiro and then Staff Sgt. Eddie Patton leading the charge taking individual gold medals in both compound and recurve (traditional bow) respectively.
Both were added onto their archery discipline’s three-man team roster, Barroqueiro for compound and Patton for recurve and they again wrestled the top spot from Team Marines. He committed to a second year as an athlete for Team Army and was selected by his peers as Warrior Games 2014 Army Team Captain. Stepping up to the line Barroqueiro and his teammates shut out Team Marine Corps for a second year in archery. It was a different milestone that would change the games fifth year – a coincidental timeline that showcased resiliency at its finest. The Marines had dominated the games the last four years but when the overall medal count results were announced the score was – Marines 54 – Army 71. “We took the Commander’s Cup!” was repeated throughout the Team Army ranks. This year (2014) Barroqueiro accepted the coveted trophy from the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Martin E. Dempsey before a sold out crowd at the U.S. Air Force Academy’s Falcon Stadium. Leading Army’s Wounded Warriors and coaches across the field, hoisting the massive trophy above his head, using the arm he was told he would never be able to use, and excelling in a sport he was told he would never be able to master, he thrust the immaculate prize in the direction of his team. “You all are the true champions,” Barroqueiro said as the trophy was passed around. “But it has been my privilege to be your captain!”
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What financial resources are available to help the Soldiers and Airmen of the Georgia National Guard? Where can Guardsmen and their families find these resources? You may be surprised to find there are many options along this road.
Ga. NG Family Support Foundation
A non-prof it 501 (c) (3) charitable corporation that provides assistance on an emergency relief basis to Service Members serving in the Georgia National Guard, living in the state of Georgia.
Let us begin down this road to financial resources with the Georgia National Guard Family Support Foundation.
Thrift Sav
As we continue our journey, let us not forget to plan for the future by taking advantage of the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Road Map to Resources
By: Desiree Bamba | Public Affairs Office Georgia Department of Defense 15 | The Georgia Guardsman
The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP investment plan for Federal e uniformed services, includin The TSP is a defined contribu retirement income you recei on how much you (and your agency contributions) put in years and the earnings accum
Giving Assistance
Now that we have an understanding of what the Georgia National Guard Family Support Foundation is, let’s look at some examples of how t he y can help.
vings Plan (TSP)
P) is a retirement savings and employees and members of the ng the Ready Reserve. bution plan, meaning that the ive from your TSP account will depend r agency, if you are eligible to receive nto your account during your working mulated over that time.
•When a single parent was out of work as a result of a car accident, helped with rent and utility payments. •When a Soldier’s father passed away in Miami and he could not afford to travel, paid his expenses. •Helped to pay the food, rent and utility bills for a single parent who had to miss work to care for a sick child. •Provided a grant to help a family get back on their feet after a house fire destroyed everything.
Harriet Morgan 678-569-5704 http://www.georgiaguardfamily.org TSP 1-877-968-3778
Contact Info
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Around the Georgia Guard Heavy Metal in Motion Soldiers with the 1-108th Cavalry educate the local community about a Humvee at the Heavy Metal in Motion event at the Tellus Museum. A local boy sits in the driver seat of the Humvee and pretends to be a Soldier.
amphibious assault with coalition forces Georgia Guardsmen with Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion, 121st Infantry Regiment conduct an amphibious insertion on Lake Erie as part of the Stalwart Guardian training exercise in Ontario, Canada.
ThunderBirds At CNGC U.S. Air Force Thunderbird pilots flew in and out of Clay National Guard Center for the “Wings Over North Georgia� Air Show.
17 | The Georgia Guardsman
Chili Cook off Georgia Guardsmen and DoD employees show their support for the State Charitable Contributions Program during the Chili Cook Off at Clay National Guard Center.
Combined federal campain kickoff A volunteer representing Atlanta’s AWARE Wildlife Center explains how their organization uses donations from the Combined Federal Campaign to rehabilitate injured animals in the Metro area.
ATlanta Vietnam Veterans visit Clay The Atlanta Vietnam veterans visited Clay National Guard center and got a tour of the JOC and Hangar 1. Chief Warrant Officer 5 Demkow explains the functionality of the Medevac UH-60 Black Hawk.
October 2014 | 18
Receiving the trophy The Army wins the Warrior Games
Public Affairs Office Georgia Department of Defense 1000 Halsey Ave. Bldg. 447 Marietta, Ga. 30060