October 2015

October 2015

Into the Fire

Fighting the flames

165th FESF train to be REady

P lu s : L i v e Fi re E x e rc i e s | A i r Mo b i l e E x pe ri e n c e | Hu rri c a n e Joaqu i n R e sp o n se

Contents ISSUE: October 2015

Cover Story

w w w. g e o r g i a g u a r d . c o m

Features 03| Shadow in the sky The shadow platoon trains hard.

05| Hurricane Joaquin Response

Georgia National Guardsmen, YCA Cadets and Georgia State Defense Force Volunteers provide aid during Hurricane Joaquin.

15| Firefighter Training

09| Live Fire Exercise

Soldiers from the 118th Field Artillery train at Fort Stewart.

16| Air Mobile Experience

Georgia Air Guard recruiters at Georgia State Fair.

17| Message of Optimisim

Staff Sergeant Eric Horne shares a message of optimism while recovering in the Warrior Transition Unit.

News

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19

Airmen of the Georgia Air National Guard train to combat fires.

07| UNG Cadet No. 8 in Nation

Cadet 1st Lt. Eric Gleason is ranked number eight Army Reserve Officers Training Corps in the nation.

12| 221st Mi Deactivation

The 221st Military Intelligence Battalion was deactivated as part of the remissioning of the 221st MI.

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columns

04| NCO Notepad

A letter to the Guardsmen.

08| The Chaplain’s Corner A few of God’s favorite things.

11| Book Review

“Deep Survival” by Lawrence Gonzales

13| Blast from the Past

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1 | The Georgia Guardsman

12

Fort Steadman: Lee’s Last Assault.

21| Around the Guard

Georgia National Guard Commander-in-Chief Gov. Nathan Deal Adjutant General Brig. Gen. Joe Jarrard State Public Affairs Director Ltc. Thomas Lesnieski State Public Affairs Officer Capt. William Carraway Operations NCO Master Sgt. Gerard Brown Editorial Staff Managing Editor Desiree Bamba Contributors 1st. Lt. Jeffrey Bezore Master Sgt. Gerard Brown Capt. William Carraway Chief Master sgt. Reginald McPherson Chaplain Maj. Leslie Nelson Edie Rogers University of North Georgia

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.

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Disclaimer The Georgia Guardsman is published monthly under the provisions of AR 360-81 and AF 6-1 by the Georgia Department of Defense Public Affairs Office. The views and opinions expressed in the Georgia Guardsman are not necessarily those of the Departments of the Army, Air Force or the Adjutant General of Georgia. The Georgia Guardsman is distributed free-of-charge to members of the Georgia Army and Air National Guard, State Defense Force and other interested persons upon request.

October 2015 | 2

Shadow in the Sky Story By: Master Sgt. Gerard Brown | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Army National Guard

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he Shadow system is a key component to a military intelligence company and the brigade combat team as a whole due to its ability to provide intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR).

Across the continental United States, there are more than 30 of these MTOE systems and Georgia is assigned one of them.

Savannah’s Detachment 1, Company D, 177th Brigade Engineering Battalion received the RQ-7B UAS in 2011 and was then immediately deployed to Afghanistan in 2011, where, on multiple occasions, they assisted coalition forces. Since then, they have conducted multiple training events throughout the years. 2015 was no different. The unit conducted multiple training missions during 2015 that included training at Fort Stewart and three rotations to the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Flight Center (UASFC) in Camp Shelby, Miss.

The mission of the Shadow platoon is to provide near real-time, day and night imagery, surveillance, tactical reconnaissance and communications relay in support of brigade and smaller elements.

The Shadow Unmanned Aircraft System has a payload capacity of 60 pounds with a 20 foot wingspan. The Georgia Guard unit is able to employ the nearly 400 pound UAS through the use of a hydraulic launcher. After launch, the Shadow can transmit up to nine hours of imagery during its mission.

“With technology constantly evolving, the Shadow system has provided first-rate individual training to our operators,” said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Anthony Brooks, Detachment 1, Company D, 177th Brigade Engineering Battalion. “The applications for these Unmanned Systems in the areas of air, land and sea are continually

3 | The Georgia Guardsman

growing.”

In order to remain technically and tactically proficient as well as maintaining their readiness objectives and individual Soldier requirements, the unit conducted their annual training at Fort Stewart earlier this year. Readiness level sustainment and progression tasks were the focus of this year’s annual training for both the units unmanned aircraft system operators (15W) as well as their maintenance personnel (15E). The training at Fort Stewart provided both military occupational specialties to train in areas such as the observation of weapons fire on the ranges as well as performing airborne observation of other Georgia Guard units training on Fort Stewart.

“It is definitely the wave of the future, from small to large platforms,” said Staff Sgt. Joseph Barrick, an Unmanned Aircraft System Operator Assigned to Detachment 1, Company D, 177th Brigade Engineering Battalion. “It’s a great combat multiplier because it allows a troop on the ground to see the battlefield from a birds eye view in near real time, you can’t put a price on that.”

In addition to the training conducted at Fort Stewart earlier in the year, the unit once again took to the skies for multiple training opportunities at Camp Shelby. Not only was the unit able to increase their overall readiness, but they also achieved 100 percent of their programmed hours for this year. During the September training event at Camp Shelby, the unit logged 105 flight hours, which enabled the unit to exceed this year’s flying hour program (FHP) goal of 192 flight hours. At the conclusion of the training, the unit reached a total of 195.1 hours for the year.

“Unmanned aviation is the future of aviation,” said Staff Sgt. Edward Davy, an unmanned aircraft system operator assigned to Detachment 1, Company D, 177th Brigade Engineering Battalion.

Photo by: Master Sgt. Gerard Brown | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Army National Guard

Chief Master Sgt. Reginald McPherson State Command Chief Joint Force Headquarters

NCO Notepad Words of wisdom from one to another

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would once again like to extend my deepest gratitude towards all my fellow Guardsmen in welcoming me into this new position. After roughly two and a half months on the job I continue to be amazed by the professionalism and integrity of the members of the Georgia National Guard. I am truly grateful to have an opportunity to serve with each and every one of you.

Two months ago I spoke about an important theme I have been focusing my efforts towards. This month I would like to discuss two more themes that I have been discussing with Guardsmen around the state.

The first theme I would like to discuss is opportunity.

An old proverb states, “None of us is as smart as all of us.�

All of us grow and gain strength through each other and develop a sense of community. That sense of belonging, that sense of importance is more vital now than ever.

The sense of community brings with it a multitude of opportunities. One of those is the chance to be a part of something greater than oneself. As a community within the Georgia National Guard the opportunities should be limitless. The opportunity to grow and move forward, as well as help the organization go forward, creates a winwin situation. Simply put, when our organization succeeds each and every member of this organization should share in the celebration. This organization cannot reach its full potential without its members taking advantage of the opportunity to be a part of this movement.

The second theme I would like to highlight and discuss is leadership. I would like for this organization to move toward growing our own leaders. One of the most productive ways of growing strong leaders of the future is through effective mentorship. Mentorship should be free of race and gender bias. Mentorship should be done through a universal process and improve both the person and the organization. Good leadership cannot and will not be achieved through the process of mentoring based on who likes whom, but should be done at random and open to anyone desiring to be a part of the future of the Georgia National Guard. In the future we will benchmark any element that is fair and productive. Those individuals that we discover, who have the potential and desire to lead, will be given all the resources and training they will require to help them in their efforts to improve themselves as well as this organization. We owe it to them and our organization and we will do everything in our powers to make this happen.

Both opportunity and leadership are two themes that I will continue to focus my efforts on. I am very confident that if the Georgia National Guard continues to develop all the tremendous talent each of our Guardsmen possess that we will leave a strong and proud legacy.

Thank you for your time and hope you share in my excitement in the opportunities that we have before us in the new fiscal year.

October 2015 | 4

Guard Responds to hurricane Joaquin Story by: Capt. William Carraway | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Army National Guard

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wo hundred Georgia Guardsmen, State Defense Force Volunteers and Youth Challenge Academy Cadets labored for nine hours to fill thousands of sandbags for the Georgia Emergency Management Agency in the wake of heavy rains from Hurricane Joachin. Two thousand of the sandbags were ultimately dispatched to South Carolina to assist the state with its historic flooding. Captain Daryl Oehrlein, commander of the 810th Engineer Company, provided a synopsis of the operation.

“We have 69 Soldiers of the 810th Engineer Company out of Swainsboro, approximately 40 MPs (of the 278th MP Company) out of Fort Gordon along with six engineers of the 878th Engineer Battalion out of Augusta,” said Oehrlein. “There are approximately 20 Youth Challenge Academy cadets that are here and 40 Georgia State Defense Force Volunteers.”

The Guardsmen, cadets and volunteers operating out of a Department of Transportation facility in Hephzibah, Ga. demonstrated the unique capability of the Guard to quickly bring

5 | The Georgia Guardsman

resources to assist citizens in time of need. With unprecedented levels of precipitation falling on neighboring South Carolina, 40 members of the State Defense Force donated their time to provide crucial manpower to the operation.

Corporal Richard Wilson of the Ga. SDF stood on a mountain of sandbags as a human chain of YCA Cadets passed sandbag after sandbag to him as a light rain fell.

“It’s going to be a day and then some,” said Wilson as he climbed down from a trailer loaded with sandbags. “This is 1,000 bags complete now and we have more volunteers coming in.”

Georgia SDF Capt. Ben White and Spc. David Hughes arrived at 8 a.m. and worked side by side with Georgia Guard Engineers and MPS filling sand bags by hand. When asked how long they would be at work, the SDF volunteers didn’t pause. “We are here for the duration, until they release us,” said Hughes. Hughes and White, along with other SDF Volunteers prepped and filled sandbags by hand while others operated sandbag machines.

Conspicuous in their grey uniforms were members of the

Fort Gordon Youth Challenge Academy. The cadets of the 22-week program feverishly filled sandbags and formed human chains to convey the 30 pound bags to waiting Forestry Commission trucks.

Major Jeffery Helms, commandant of the Fort Gordon YCA described the academy’s role in the operation.

“We brought out 20 cadets from 8 a.m.-12 p.m.. At 12 p.m. we will rotate these cadets out for lunch and another 20 cadets will replace them,” said Helms. “Colonel Steinbrecher (YCA Director) called and asked if we could be here. We said yes sir, the mission will be accomplished.”

The cadets that accompanied Maj. Helms had just started a new training cycle. With only seven days in the program, the cadets have already begun to contribute back to the community.

“This is their first community involvement project, coming out and helping get ready for the storm that is coming,” said Helms.

“They are out here doing their best.”

In addition to the personnel committed and interagency cooperation displayed, the event also showcased the capabilities of the Guard engineers in domestic emergencies.

“Currently we have three sand bag machines that are up and operational,” reported Capt. Oehrlein. “The Forestry commission provided the low-boy trailers and the capability to fill the dump trucks and the sand and the Department of Public Safety is certifying the loads. We have three skid-steer loaders, two are carrying sandbags and one is filling the sand bag machines.”

Oehrlein supervised operations from the portable tactical operations center of the 810th Engineer Company. Earlier in 2015, Photos by: Capt. William Carraway | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Department of Defense

the 810th had mobilized the portable TOC as part of exercise Vigilant Guard 2015, a hurricane exercise hosted by the South Carolina National Guard. Now, the engineers were using the lessons learned in the South Carolina hurricane exercise during an actual hurricane response.

The team of Guardsmen, SDF Volunteers, cadets and state agencies was successful in their mission, ultimately filling 9,000 sandbags. The Georgia Emergency Management Agency immediately dispatched 2,000 bags to flood ravaged South Carolina.

The sandbags were distributed in Charleston County which had received as much as 18 inches of rain in a week.

While the sandbag operation offered the most current and visible example of the readiness of the Georgia Department of Defense and the ability of the State Defense Force to rapidly assemble, many individuals were also at work behind the scenes. At the earliest sign of possible hurricane effects, The Georgia Guard’s joint operation center, in coordination with GEMA’s state operation center discussed contingencies and prepositioning of equipment and personnel. The proximity of engineer and MP units to Augusta, the ability of the SDF and YCA to rapidly respond, and the unique engineering assets and training allowed the Guard to rapidly provide GEMA with the ability to reduce suffering in Georgia and South Carolina.

Captain Oehrlein perhaps summed up the spirit of the participants best in a comment to Brig. Gen. Thomas Carden, commander of the Georgia Army National Guard.

“All those agencies out here to support us will run out of resources long before we run out of want-to,” said Oehrlein.

October 2015 | 6

ung Cadet Ranked No. 8 In the Nation S t o ry C o u rt e s y o f : E d i e R o g e r s | Un i v e r s i t y o f N o rt h G e o r g i a

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niversity of North Georgia (UNG) Cadet 1st Lt. Eric E. Gleason of Marietta, Georgia, has been ranked the number eight Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) cadet in the nation from among 5,557 cadets.

Cadets are ranked on the national Order of Merit List (OML) by achieving superior grade point averages, strong performance in the Army physical fitness test, proving their worth as exceptional leaders in their college ROTC training, and their performance at the Leader Development and Assessment Course (LDAC). Gleason, who has a 3.96 GPA, attends UNG on the state-funded Georgia Military Scholarship and said he wouldn’t have been able to pursue higher education otherwise.

“I am very proud that Cadet Gleason has been named among the best cadets in the nation. His story is a shining example of how students can realize their full potential through access to higher education,” said UNG President Bonita C. Jacobs. “His academic excellence and outstanding leadership skills are a testament to his dedication.”

Each fall, in conjunction with their branch selections, all Army ROTC seniors across the nation are ranked in the OML — this year, 5,557 seniors are scheduled to graduate and be commissioned. A cadet’s positioning on the OML can determine his or her priority in being chosen for the

7 | The Georgia Guardsman

branch or occupational specialty of choice.

“We are a l l ext remely proud of Eric’s accomplishment,” said Col. Brent Cummings, professor of military science at UNG. “His achievement is a credit to him and a reflection of the proud and strong history this university has in developing leaders for the U.S. Army. He is following in the footsteps of great military leaders who have commissioned from this school, and we know that he will serve our nation with pride and distinction.”

Gleason said he was surprised to learn that he was a top-10 cadet, and attributed his success to those who have supported him in his education and development as a leader.

“Receiving the eighth position out of more than 5,000 cadets really did surprise me,” Gleason said. “It really reminded me of all the people from my parents to the array of peer and professional mentors and companions that I’ve had at UNG, who have instructed, supported, or assisted me in achieving this. I am very grateful to have been able to reflect the expertise and capability that many of my peers and I share.”

Gleason is majoring in Spanish with a business emphasis and is pursuing a Russian minor. He is a cadet intern in the Georgia National Guard and serves as a squad observer, trainer and mentor for the Military Science III Leader Development Program. He plans to use the foreign language and culture skills he has polished

at UNG to work in a foreign-service role.

In September, Gleason also was one of 15 UNG cadets honored by the university as a Distinguished Military Student. He is an active member in Phi Sigma Pi National Honors Fraternity and a member of Sigma Delta Pi, the National Collegiate Hispanic Honor Society.

He is on track to graduate in May, and plans to branch aviation with the Georgia National Guard. Prior to flight training, Gleason intends to enter into Georgia law enforcement or work as an education professional while pursuing master’s degrees in Latin American and Eastern European studies.

As a recipient of the Georgia Military Scholarship, Gleason commits to serving four years in the Georgia Army National Guard after graduation. The full scholarship, worth $70,000 over four years, is offered each year only to full-time UNG students serving as enlisted members of the Guard and pays for tuition, books, fees, room, board, and uniforms.

In addition to Gleason, four other UNG cadets also finished in the top 10 percent in the nation — Cadet 2nd Lt. Ryan J. McCaughey of Peachtree City, Georgia; Cadet Maj. Brian M. Smagh of Kennesaw, Georgia; Cadet Maj. Jordan D. Thrun of Ooltewah, Tennessee; and Cadet Capt.

William M. Zopff of Harker Heights, Texas.

In all, 22 UNG cadets finished in the top 20 percent of the national OML, earning the status of Distinguished Military Graduate.

Photo Courtesy of: University of North Georgia

the Chaplain’s Corner By: Chaplain Maj. Leslie Nelson | Georgia Army National Guard

S

aint Augustine once wrote, “God loves each of us as if there were only one of us.” I love that quote for a couple reasons. First, because it makes me feel special…it makes every person feel special and unique and valuable to the God of the universe; second, because it is true. Despite the indescribable nature of the mighty hand of God, He reaches from the heavens with the gentle hand of a Father. He reaches with love down into His creation because He cares deeply for us…every single one of us, unconditionally. I’m so delighted that I get to be one of God’s favorites, but knowing that also makes me want to know more of the things God loves, because I want to love what He loves…I hope we all do because the key to spreading the goodness of God is loving the things that God loves. God is so good… and His goodness shows through the things about which He is passionate…and it is our job to tell the world about his goodness, but also show it!

There is a Bible verse that is pretty clear about the things for which God is passionate. Micah 6:8 says, “He has shown you, oh man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” I can’t lie…this is one of my all-time favorite verses. It is, as I teach in all my communication classes, clear-concise-specific. It is so simple and so indicative of the things God loves. It’s all about His people!

God wants to act justly. Often we think of justice as revenge, or people getting what they deserve. But God said He would take care of vengeance. He wants us to think of justice in terms of taking care of His people. He wants us to make sure that those

who can’t take care of themselves are protected. We do that very well in the military…it’s part of our calling! But we don’t just take care of people in the war zone. If you haven’t heard, this is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. There are men, women, and children in our communities, in our churches, in our formations, who are being verbally and physically abused by people who claim to love them. God has called us to stand up for those who can’t stand up for themselves and to help them find hope.

God wants us to love mercy. He wants us to LOVE mercy… not like I love the Audi A5, but like He loves us, with a deep abiding love. He wants us to long for mercy...to be passionate about showing mercy in every situation, even when we feel justified to act vengefully or unforgiving. Loving mercy means we choose forgiveness every time. It means we let God deal in consequences, because there is just not enough room in our hearts for anger and hate.

God wants us to walk humbly with Him. It’s hard to walk with God if you aren’t acting justly and loving mercy. I think that is why it comes last in the verse. If we are vengeful and unforgiving, that puts distance between us and God. It also steals our humility. However, if we do justly—if we care for God’s people, and love mercy—if we forgive God’s people, then we will naturally walk humbly because we are focusing outwardly instead of inwardly, which results in us walking closer to God and experiencing His goodness. God loves you…He loves his people, He loves justice, He loves mercy…and as we walk in relationship with Him, we will have a clearer understanding of our role in spreading the goodness of God into the things He loves!

October 2015 | 8

Live Fire Exercise

Story By: Capt. William Carraway | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Army National Guard

Battery C, the newest unit of the 1st Battalion 118th Field Artillery Regiment was officially activated September 24, 2015 during annual training activities at Fort Stewart.

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uring the activation ceremony, Battery C’s guidon was officially transferred from Battalion Commander, Lt. Col. David Allen to Battery Commander, Capt. Jared Smith. Present for the activation ceremony was Col. Reginald Neal, commander of the 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team and a former commander of Battery C, and the 1-118th FA. In celebration of the activation, Mother Nature brought rain and mist. The Red Legs of the 118th returned the favor five days later by bringing the thunder with their new M777 155 mm towed howitzers.

Background The 1-118th FA contains elements of the oldest and youngest units of the Georgia Guard.

With a heritage harkening back to the Chatham Artiller y and campaign streamers from the American Revolution and the War of 1812, the 118th FA is steeped in history. While Battery C is the most-recent unit to join the venerable battalion, it too has a history dating nearly 175 years.

Battery C traces its lineage back to the Irish Jasper Greens, a militia unit formed in Savannah in 1843.

Three years later, as part of the 1st Georgia Volunteer Regiment, the Jaspers were called into federal service for the Mexican War. The unit was again called to serve during the American Civil War where it participated in the defense of Savannah and Atlanta.

As the 1st Georgia Volunteers , the 118th mustered into federal service for the Spanish American War

9 | The Georgia Guardsman

in Griffin, Ga. May 11, 1898, although they did not see combat.

In 1916, when the Georgia Guard was mobilized for Mexican border service, the 1st Georgia served near El Paso, Texas.

Returning from border service, the unit was activated in 1917 for service in World War I and was designated for the first time as Battery C, 118th FA Sept. 23, 1917.

Following the war, the unit ser ved in the Georgia Guard until activating for World War II service in 1940.

Battery C, and the 118th FA were deactivated at the end of World War II but were reactivated in November 1955 with the conversion of the 48th Infantry Division to an armored division.

Battery C was part of the 1990 activation of the 48th Brigade (mechanized) in support of Operation Desert Shield; however, the brigade did not ultimately deploy overseas.

The 118th FA mobilized twice during the global war on terror. In 2005, the battalion mobilized with the 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team to Iraq. In 2009, the battalion again mobilized with the 48th IBCT, this time to Afghanistan.

Battery C was consolidated with Battery A and B when the 118th Field Artillery deployed to Taji and Al Asad Iraq from January 2005 to June 2006. Shortly after returning from Iraq, Battery C was deactivated in Jesup, Ga. following the reorganization of the battalion. The deactivation was short lived, and on July 28, 2015, Battery C was reorganized and reactivated in Savannah.

M777 is three tons lighter than the M198 and can be lifted by a CH-47 Chinook. The M777 can also be brought into service three times faster than the M198.

Using the precision-guided Excalibur munition, the M777 can drop rounds within 10 meters of a target from a range of 25 miles. That means, if you are within 775 miles of Company C, 118th FA, they can reach you with 155 shell that produces a blast radius of 30 meters.

Thunder and Steel Rain Throughout its history, Battery C has manned numerous artillery pieces. From its early colonial-era bronze six pound cannons to the towed 105 mm M101 artillery pieces of World War II, none were as lethal as the M777 155 mm towed howitzer.

The M777 is truly massive. Imagine an artillery piece the size of a comfortable motorhome. At 10.5 meters in length, the howitzer is longer than the LMTV used to tow it into position and the barrel alone is as long as a Cadillac Escalade. Capable of hurling a 100 pound projectile 25 miles using a precision digital-control firing system, the M777 allows Battery C to reach out three times farther than units fielding the 105 mm howitzer.

The M777 replaces the M198. A key advantage of the newer weapon system is its weight. At a svelte 9,800 pounds, the Photo by: Capt. William Carraway | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Army National Guard

Thunder and Steel Rain The historic first-firing of Battery C’s howitzers was witnessed by the leaders of the Georgia Army National Guard on the misty morning of Sept.

29, 2015. The howitzers of Battery C, lined up in battery on the range awaited clearance for fire.

“Fire mission!” came the shouted order as gun crews leapt to their positions. In a flurry of activity the cannon crewmembers worked in a symphony of motion to aim and load the M777. Sharp staccato commands echoed over the metallic clink of steel and titanium: “Load!”

“Charge one lima.”

“Charge one lima verify.”

“Load.”

“All clear.”

“Ready prime, ready ram.”

“I see red, breach closed.”

“Ready, prime, stand by, fire!”

The gunner pulled the lanyard and with a concussive blast the M777 lurched hurling a round down range. White smoke broiled out of the breach as the crew prepared the next fire mission. Forty seconds later, a second round erupted from the cannon. The crews continued their firing drills until all rounds were expended.

The live-fire was the culminating event of the 118th FA annual training at Fort Stewart.

T h e f o l l o w i n g d a y, t h e w e a r y a r t i l l e r i s t s returned to Savannah, as they have since 1751.

From six pound bronze guns to today’s GPS guided artillery, Company C, and the rest of the 1st Battalion 118th FA are a living monument to the history of field artillery in the United States, even predating the nation’s birth. It is clear that this historic unit is not done making history.

October 2015 | 10

Professional

Development

reviews of books that teach us about our craft By: 1st Lt. Jeffrey Bezore| Public Affairs Office | Georgia Air National Guard

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ne of the w o r l d ’s greatest

mysteries is the power of the mind.

The mind is pretty mu c h c ap ab l e of anything. It can be someone’s greatest ally, or it can become your greatest a d v e r s a r y. I n “Deep Survival” by Laurence Gonzales he examines the hard science behind how people survive.

He takes a look at s e ve r a l d i f fe re nt survival situations and studies how those individuals either survived or what led them not to make it. Ultimately the way you train your mind is going to have the biggest influence on your chances of survival.

Throughout the book we are introduced with some of the mysteries of brain. For example the brain is the only organ in the body without a clear function. It causes us to breathe however, it is not part of the respiratory system. It controls our blood pressure and circulation however, it is not part of the circulatory system.

The brain reads the current state of the body and makes detailed adjustments while it reads the environment and directs the body in reacting to it. The brain is continually reshaping and adapting, in other words it is in a constant state of survival.

The first half of the book covers how accidents happen and covers several catastrophic events as case studies. One theory covered is system accidents. This theory states “that unexpected interactions of forces and components arise naturally out of the complexity of the system. Such accidents are made up of condition, judgments, and acts or events that would be inconsequential by themselves. Unless they are coupled in just the right way and with just the right timing, they pass unnoticed.” A case study in this theory covers the Challenger space shuttle. The space shuttle had flown many times without any incidents. Several times the shuttle

had taken off in cold weather and nothing out of the ordinary had happened. People at NASA regarded this outcome as the only possible behavior of the system. We all know the result.

The second half of the book discusses how people survive accidents. This by far is the most interesting part of the book and can offer the biggest benefit to our Profession of Arms. There is the science that talks about operations inside the hippocampus and its component parts such as the subiculum and the entorhinal cortex, that fire up during survival situations but the real benefit from this part of the book is the real-life stories of how people overcame overwhelming odds to survive. From people lost at sea for over 117 days to people trapped in the ruble of the World Trade Center Towers, Gonzales analyzes the common elements these individuals had to survive their situations. Some of the elements he highlights are: let nothing break your spirit, use humor, use fear to focus, set up small manageable tasks, be bold and cautious while carrying out tasks and develop a deep conviction that you’ll live.

This book will undoubtedly give you a better understanding of how your mind is the key to success in survival situations.

Furthermore this book will make you better appreciate the complexities of the human mind.

“

11 | The Georgia Guardsman

The maddening thing for someone with a Western scientific turn of mind is that it’s not what’s in your pack that separates the quick from the dead. It’s not even what’s in your mind. Corny as it sounds, it’s what’s in your heart.

221st Military Intelligence Deactivation

Story By: Capt. William Carraway | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Army National Guard

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s the 560th Battle Surveillance Brigade prepares for deactivation, units and Soldiers of the brigade continue to be the tip of the spear during the reorganization.

On Saturday Oct. 3, 2015, Company C, 221st Military Intelligence Battalion was deactivated as part of the remissioning of the 221st MI. Colonel Jeff Dickerson, commander of the 560th BFSB presided over the deactivation ceremony which took place on a drizzly autumn day in the Fort Gillem Enclave, home of the 221st “This will be the last full drill for the 221st MI under the 560th command and leadership of both Col. Dickerson and Command Sgt. Maj. Marchert as next drill we will participate in the transfer of authority with the 78th Troop Command,” said Maj. Sam Weeks, commander of the 221st MI Battalion.

Company C is the second unit to leave the 560th BFSB following the transfer of the 420th Network Signal Company to the 648th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade.

Colonel Jeff Dickerson, commander of the 560th BFSB praised Company C for their service and dedication to duty.

“Every time I have seen Charlie Company they have exhibited greatness,” observed Dickerson. “I am going to challenge you to take the same greatness, the same attitude that you have built in this unit with you to the next unit. Think about how great Charlie Company was and take it upon yourself to make the next unit you go to just as great.”

For Capt. Brian Arrowhead, commander of Company C, 221st MI, the moment was bittersweet, but not unexpected.

“Charlie Company is flexible. You have to be flexible in the military. This is just a normal part of the process,” said Arrowhead.

While the guidon has been furled, and the unit identification code removed from the roster of Georgia Guard units, Charlie Company will live on in the capability of its Soldiers. The uniquely-

Photo by: Capt. William Carraway | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Army National Guard

trained intelligence Soldiers of Company C will be absorbed into the three remaining companies of the 221st MI Battalion thus preserving the skill set and capability of Company C. “One of the unique things about Charlie Company in the battalion is that everyone is a 35M (Human Intelligence Collector,” said Arrowhead. We will fill the ranks of the other companies with skilled Soldiers,” said Arrowhead.

Brigadier General Joe Jarrard, Georgia’s Adjutant General spoke to the assembled Soldiers of the 221st MI Battalion and praised their work. The General noted that while Charlie Company is being absorbed by other companies, Military Intelligence is still a vibrant career field in the Georgia Guard and noted a list of senior commanders and NCOs in the State who came up through the MI ranks. It is clear too from Capt. Arrowhead’s perspective that there is still high demand for military intelligence.

“Within six months of standing up Charlie Company, we went from 20 percent to 90 percent manning,” noted Arrowhead.

In addition to rapid growth, Company C maintained an astonishing operational tempo, completing nine overseas deployment training missions on four continents and deploying nearly 50 Guardsmen in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.

As he transitions out of command, Capt. Arrowhead wants his Soldiers to know how much he has appreciated all the effort they have put in to growing the company.

“All of our successes come down to our Soldiers and NCOs in the ranks. I am absolutely proud of Charlie company,” said Arrowhead.

“I started command after the unit was reactivated and am finishing command as the unit deactivates.”

Charlie came about in about 2009. Entire company deployed to Kosovo.

October 2015 | 12

Blast from the past:

The Berlin Crisis

S t o ry b y: C a p t. W i l l i a m C a r r away | M i l i ta ry H i s t o r i a n | 1 6 1 s t M i l i ta ry H i s t o ry D e tac h m e n t

Going to War

Photos of the 111th Signal Battalion courtesy of Ga. Guard History Archives

13 | The Georgia Guardsman

Ga Guard Signalmen Mobilized by President Kennedy

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he Georgia Army National Guard of 2015 is assured a ve te ran organi za Georgians that the tion w ith more th Guard was ready. an 20 0 mobilizations invo “A s th e Berlin crisis mou lving nearly 19,000 nts, your capability Soldiers your m during 14 years of to perform ission becomes of war. The Guard ha increasing import s served wrote in as a seamless oper an ce ,” Hearn th e June 1961 edition ational force for so it is easy to forget long that Magaz of the Georgia Gu that this has not al ar in dsman e.

“I feel that all of ou ways been the case D espite maj or co r National Guard un . a high state of re mbat deploy ments its are in adiness, and I want in the World War and mobilization to congratulate each s you for doing of Air National G of your part in prepar uard units to Kore by the 1960s, the nu ation of your unit a, future continge mber of Georgia Gu fo r an y nc y. ar ds experienced a com men who had bat rotation or do The Berlin Crisis an m es tic d was dwindling. Th the adjutant genera mobilization an at all changed with l’s words lent air of gravity to Ar the Berlin Crisis of my Guard encampm 1961. ents held at Fort Stewar t and Air G uard annu al traini Berlin Call Up, 19 ng at D obbins Air Force Base. Georg 61 ia Guardsmen trained In 19 61 , G er m an on their weapons systems and wond y re m ai ne d di vi ered how soon they countries administ de d in to tw o would be employed to use them. ered by the four vi ctorious war powe The German Dem rs. Escalation an ocratic Republic, d Mobilization or East Germany established in 1949 wa s from land largely oc In Au gu st 19 61 , cupied by the Soviet th e So vi et s bl oc ke Army at the conclu com mun ic at ion sion of World War d th e lin es of into Be rli n, is ol at II. Berlin, the form capita l of G er m an in g th e city an d er Aug. 13, 1961 y, lay entirel y w ith on , construction of th in Ea st G er m any and w as ad m in ist e Berlin Wall bega re sp onse, Pres id en ered jointly by th n. In e Unite d Ki ngdom t Ke nnedy ac tiv at France, the United ed 15 6, 00 0 Guard , an d Re se rv is ts States of America an an d di sp at ch ed tw d the Soviet Union.

Beginning in the o ad di tio na l A rmy late 1950s, the Be divisions to Euro rlin Zone became pe. Among the G source of increasin ua th rd e units called was the 111th Signal Ba g agitation betwee ttalion of the Geo n the Soviet block and the West as mill rgia Army Nationa Guard. Commande ions of eastern Euro l d by Lt. Col. Erskin pean refugees took advantage of the co e B. Wickersham of Washington, the 11 nsiderably more len 1th reported for ac ient immigration st an da rd s in Be rl tive duty October 15th and departed in to es cape to th by train for Fort M e w es t. D es pe rate m ee tin gs be tw ee ea de, Md. October n U. S. Pres id ent 25th D w ig ht Ei se nh ow and Soviet Premie er r Nikita Khrusche “T hi s w ill be th e en d of v in 1958 and 1959 convinced both pa my bu sin es s for a ob se rv ed Wic ke rs rties that Berlin re w hi le ,” solution was possib ha m w ho ow ne d and the two natio le a sm al l su rv ey in ns agreed to meet company. g in Paris in May 19 for further talks. Bu 60 t events would push The 111th was or the nations toward ganized from infa even greater crisis. ntry, armor and artillery units in Ju ly, 1959 during th On May 1, 1960, A e reorganization of the 48th Armored U2 aircraft piloted Division. When th

by Capt. Frances Powers of the Cent ey boarded the tra at Au gust a’s Uni on ral Intelligence Ag in ency was shot down St at ion bound fo more than 1,000 m r Fort Mea de they became the first Geo iles inside Soviet airspace by a Sovi rgia Guard troops surface to air miss et Korean War. to mobilize since th ile. A Soviet MiG-1 Although indicatio e 9 was also shot down by the same missile ns we re strong that othe units would be ca battery. As a result, r lle d, notably the the May summit di not materialize be At lant a-base d 12 d Aircraft Cont tween the four po 9t h rol and Warning Sq wers. Eisenhower Khruschev walked ua an dr d on and Savannah’s 117th AC&W Flig out of the proceedi ht, no additional un ngs on the first da and little was acco y H in es vi lle’s its were mobilized. mplished beyond en 40 6t h O rd na nc e C om tre nc hi ng It was not until June positions. tempo pa ny w as pl ac ed rarily on additiona the following year leader met with U. l th tra at in th in e g So sta vi tu et s and drilled twice per month, but wa S. President John F. s ultimately not ca Kennedy in Vienna Testing the new pres lle d . to active duty.

Showdown in Berli ident, Khruschev re n vealed his intention to underc ut the ex ist ing treaty with A rr iv in g at Fort the four powers by Mea de , O ct . 26 , establishing a sepa 19 61 , th e 11 1t h relieved an active rate treaty with Ea duty signal battalio st Germany. Kenn rebuffe d the thre edy The next da n fo r at and in Ju ly ca lle duty in Europe. y, the Berlin Crisis d for six ne w Ar m divisions and the ac reached new height y and Soviet tank tivation of Guard an s as U.S. s faced each other d reserve units.

Writing of the pote with live ammuniti at Checkpoint Ch ntial for Georgia Gu on arlie, a crossing po Maj . G en . G eorg ard activations, int between East an e Hea rn , G eorg ia’ West Berlin. Retir d ed General Lucius s Adjuta nt G en er Clay, special adviso al to the Presid ent in Berlin re co r mmende d sendin g tanks

October 2015 | 14

forward to demolish the Berlin Wall. Ultimately Kennedy, and Khruschev, speaking through intermediaries agreed to deescalate the situation and the tanks were withdrawn.

Unaware of how close we had come to the brink of war with the Soviet Union, the 111th Signal Battalion settled in to their new environment at Fort Meade. In addition to their regular duties, the 111th trained aggressively for possible deployment, conducted field problems and became more proficient in switchboard operation and the emerging technology of television. While Headquarters Company, Company B and C remained in Fort Meade for the bulk of their mobilization, Company A was dispatched south to Fort Lee near Richmond, Va. In May, 1962, the 111th Signal Battalion participated in Operation Wet Horse II, a U.S. Army amphibious assault exercise designed to test the capability of reserve units to conduct large-scale landing operations. Cameras of the 111th Signal Battalion covered the operation as tanks of the 150th Armored Cavalry Regiment drove ashore from

15 | The Georgia Guardsman

landing craft piloted by the U.S. Army Reserve’s 231st Transportation Company. Images of these landings were prominently featured in U.S. and European newspapers and conveyed the resolve of the United States’ position in Berlin.

Return On Aug. 9, 1962, their mission complete, the Georgia Guardsmen of the 111th Signal Corps boarded charter aircraft for the flight home. Landing at Bush Field in Augusta, the 111th received a hero’s welcome. Major Gen. Hearn greeted the Guardsman as they departed the aircraft then read a special citation from Governor Ernest Vandiver commending the Soldiers for their “loyalty and sacrifices made in the national interest.”

Boarding buses, the Guardsmen of the 111th departed for their home armories in Louisville, Augusta and Washington where additional welcome-home festivities awaited them.

Next month: Force Structure Changes

Air Guard Mobile Experience

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Story By: 1st Lt. Jeffrey Bezore | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Air National Guard he Air National Guard Mobile Experience made a stop at the Georgia National Fair in Perry on Oct. 17, 2015. Georgia Air National Guard recruiters from the 116th Air Control Wing were on hand to answer questions from people interested in learning more about potential careers and benefits in the Air

Guard.

The hands-on experience takes attendees on a journey through life in the Air Guard by letting them participate in simulated challenges that replicate real-life experiences of Air Guard men and women during Basic Military Training, technical training and on drill weekend.

“Our mission is to travel the country and expose people in an immersive activity that is the Air National Guard Mobile Experience, and teach people about the Air National Guard,” said Kristopher Hightower, Air National Guard Mobile Experience coordinator. “We operate generally from four to five months depending on the needs of the mission. We are on the road the entire time; we haven’t been home since July.”

Through simulation, attendees learned how they can serve their country while maintaining a fulfilling civilian life, by serving one weekend a month and two weeks a year near their home.

The Air National Guard Mobile Experience includes five separate touring vehicles that are designed to educate the public about the Air Guard’s dual role in serving our nation with state and federal missions.

Activates at the event included a Pull-Up Bar Challenge, Security Forces M-9 Challenge, Tactical Air Control Party Airstrike

Photo by: 1 st Lt. Jeffrey Bezore | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Air National Guard

Challenge, Aircraft Maintenance Challenge and Medical Challenge.

These simulated challenges test participants’ electronic, medical, mechanical, observational and spatial aptitudes, physical strength and agility and responsiveness under pressure.

“It’s an honor to have them here,” said Master Sgt. Jose Padilla, recruiting supervisor for the 116th Air Control Wing. “It’s a marketing tool that recruiting has up at NGB and they hand select the top places to go.”

This was the first year that the mobile experience visited Georgia. Earlier in the year they made an appearance at the Rome Air Show.

“I approached them this year and they agreed to come down.

It’s awesome to have them here; I think it’s a great recruiting tool because it actually shows the public who we are. A lot of people don’t know that there is a Guard for the Air Force and a premier unit like Warner Robins should always be exposed to the public,” said Padilla.

Participants can customize their experience by digitally viewing themselves wearing an ANG uniform from their chosen career field.

The Air National Guard Mobile Experience offers a physical challenge as well. This experience tests participants’ strength and agility and makes them feel as though they are completing BMT. Participants race through a timed obstacle course completing box jumps, a cargo net traverse, pull-ups and a cliffhanger challenge.

Each obstacle must be completed correctly or a time penalty is incurred. Top finishers were showcased on a leaderboard throughout the event.

October 2015 | 16

Message of O p timism

Story By: Capt. William Carraway | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Army National Guard

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pon the advice of Brig. Gen. Thomas Carden, commander of the Georgia Army National Guard, a visit was arranged with Staff Sgt. Eric Horne, an injured Georgia Guardsman recovering at the Warrior Transition Unit at Fort Stewart. Carden and Brig. Gen. Joe Jarrard had visited Horne in the hospital after the Soldier was injured and, according to Carden, they were not prepared for how the visit would impact them. “(Horne) has a story to tell, and I want you to help him tell it,” said Carden.

Meet Staff Sgt. Eric Horne Staff Sgt. Eric Horne enlisted in the U.S Army in 1979 at Fort Gordon. He served six years as a signal Soldier before leaving active duty. By 2006, Horne was ready to serve again. He joined the Georgia Army National Guard and was assigned to Headquarters Company, 878th Engineer Battalion in Augusta, Ga. Horne’s reasons for rejoining were numerous. Although he had 20 years’ experience in information technology as a civilian, rather than rejoin the signal corps, Horne chose engineering to broaden his horizons. He enlisted under the “try one” program and found that he liked it.

17 | The Georgia Guardsman

Horne deployed with the 878th Engineer Battalion in 2013 to Kandahar. While there he had the opportunity to work in transportation driving heavy trucks. Again, Horne found that he enjoyed the change, so much that upon his return from deployment he went into the trucking career field.

“My Life Changed in an Instant” On June 11, 2015, Horne reported to the Augusta armory of the 878th on a split-drill assignment. Arriving at 0600 he was instructed to travel to Fort Gordon with an assistant driver and pick up a trailer.

Driving a Palletized Loading System, Horne and the assistant driver arrived at Fort Gordon and prepositioned their vehicle to connect with the trailer. The assistant driver experienced difficulty connecting the airline hoses to the brakes and Horne began to investigate. Fatefully, Horne remembered noticing there were no chocks on the trailer’s tires, but at the time, thought nothing of it.

Horne successfully connected the red line, but as he was attempting to connect the blue line, in his peripheral vision, he saw the trailer in motion heading in his direction. In a flash, Horne realized he would be crushed by the onrushing trailer.

“My first thought was to get my head out of the way,” recalled Horne. “I got low, but not low enough.”

The trailer slammed into Horne’s left side pinning his rib cage between the trailer and truck. Trapped, and in severe pain, Horne attempted to breathe but found he was unable because of the crushing weight on his rib cage. With a mammoth effort, Horne Photos by: Capt. William Carraway | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Army National Guard

wrenched his body free to escape the crippling pinch. As he did so, he heard several loud cracks. He fell to the ground and felt a crushing sensation as the trailer tire ran over his left leg. Conscious, He managed to crawl free of the trailer whereupon the assistant driver called 911. Military police responded and an ambulance was dispatched. The entire time Horne was conscious and able to speak with responders. He recalled that time seemed to slow and take on a detached quality.

“I was in disbelief - one minute I was working, then I realized what was going to happen,” said Horne. “I got my head down and remember it was very scary seeing all the metal coming towards me.”

Horne was taken to the trauma center in Augusta and was immediately sent to the intensive care unit.

“There was so much going on,” Horne remembered. “I was in a great deal of pain. They gave me a sedative and it put me out. It was like I was floating in infinity.”

After a battery of scans and tests, doctors were slow to reveal the extent of Horne’s injuries.

“The doctor first told me that I had multiple broken ribs,” said Horne. In total, Horne had broken 19 out of 24 ribs, suffered a lacerated liver, a broken left leg and severe bruising on his back.

“I remember hearing someone say my chest x-ray looked like a spider web,” said Horne.

During the initial ICU visit, tubes were inserted into Horne’s lungs to remove accumulated fluid. During the four days he was in the ICU, Horne suffered from pneumonia and constant pain.

Horne was briefly removed from ICU, but returned when his heart rate raced to more than 100 beats per minute. Doctors informed him that he required immediate heart surgery. Horne was surrounded by members of his family as well as his military and church family when he got the news and was wheeled into surgery.

He credits the support he received as well as his strong faith for helping him pull through.

“I kept my faith,” Horne said. “I trusted the doctors and God.” Horne’s second stay in the ICU was five days. His recovery was gradual. He spent nearly four weeks in the trauma center before

being moved to a rehabilitation center. On August 22, he arrived at the Fort Stewart Warrior Transition Unit.

Horne has had nothing but positive things to say about the medical staff at Georgia Regents University Hospital and the WTU. “Some mornings I would wake up and the (GRU) head surgeon would be sitting there like he was playing chess,” said Horne. “It was like he was thinking three moves ahead in my recovery. I was motivated. If they told me to do ten inhales I would do 20.”

Recovery Horne credits the WTU schedule with helping him heal and keep his mind positive.

“The schedule gave me some normalcy,” said Horne. “I see a doctor every day, whether diagnostics of physical therapy. They call me the ‘Miracle Soldier’.”

Despite his injuries, the pain and the memories, Horne has maintained a positive outlook throughout his experience.

“I always felt that if you have family and love, there’s not much else you need,” said Horne. “I had so much support from my family, the Guard and the Church.”

Despite his injuries, Horne’s thoughts repeatedly turn to others as he talks about why he wants to share his story.

“I witnessed a miracle in myself,” said Horne. “I first wanted to let my church know God is real. I started visiting the churches of those people who had visited me. I could have gone south, I had moments where I said ‘why me’, but we are here for a reason.

Somebody helped me, I’m going to help someone else.”

Horne’s optimism is contagious.

“You are what you attract,” said Horne speaking about resiliency. “Positive attracts positive.”

Horne expects to remain at the WTU through October 14 and transfer into a community care unit close to home.

Ultimately, Horne hopes to remain in the military.

“I want to make E-7 and get to 20 years of service,” said Horne, and he is working towards that goal. “I am still doing my SSD. I have nothing but time. I might as well make that time the best.”

October 2015 | 18

Firefighter Training Story By: 1st Lt. Jeffrey Bezore | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Air National Guard

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embers of the 165th Fire Emergency Services Flight, 165th Airlift Wing, Georgia Air National Guard conducted their annual live-fire training at the Savannah Combat Readiness and Training Center in Garden City on Oct. 03, 2015. The fire training was conducted during their October unit training assembly.

The goal of the 165th FESF is to provide

19 Georgia Guardsman 19|| The The Georgia Guardsman

Photos by: 1 st Lt. Jeffrey Bezore| Public Affiars Office | Georgia Air National Guard

quality and timely fire prevention, education and protection.

To accomplish this goal the unit has to maintain all its ratings for not only the U.S. Air Force but also for the Federal Aviation Administration.

“The annual live-fire training is a requirement for all firefighters,” said Chief Master Sgt. Timothy H. Horton, fire chief of the 165th FESF. “We use it so our members can demonstrate proper technique and get practice fighting real fires.”

The facilities the 165th FESF trains at offer a tremendous benefit towards maintaining their ratings. The fire simulator is a unique resource that only a few National Guard units have. Units from around the Guard travel to train at the CRTC fire simulator.

The 165th FESF began their training with a scenario involving an aircraft crash. Two P-19 crash trucks circled around the nose of the plane to combat the flames. The first truck swung in and swept the flames from around the ladder side of the aircraft. The second truck was in position to cover and combat any flames from the offpilot side, pilot side and rescue side. It took the two teams roughly 90 seconds to completely extinguish the flames.

“Our job is constantly evolving and no two fires are ever alike,” said Technical Sgt. John Skinner a firefighter with the 165th FESF. In the second half of the training members practiced using the hand line. This allowed the firefighters to get up close to the flames and practice putting them out. Several four person teams, known as P-Teams, combated flames involving different scenarios. Teams alternated combating simulated fuel fires located off of the nose of the plane. Members then rotated amongst each other so everyone was able to be at the front and train with the nozzle.

The next scenario involved putting out simulated engine fires.

The fire training simulator is able to replicate both a high wing aircraft engine cell as well as a low wing aircraft engine cell. This gives the firefighters valuable experience combating the two most likely engine fires they would encounter.

“We trained for two different types of aircraft, and with that comes applying different firefighting techniques,” said Senior Master Sgt. Jason Copeland, a fire chief at the 165th FESF. After the training members re-hydrated and conducted an informal after action report. Leadership was very encouraged with the member’s techniques and aggression in combating the flames.

“The 165th FESF provides a very critical mission for not only the 165th Airlift Wing, but also for the CRTC, airport tenants at the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport and the neighboring communities,” said Horton.

Currently the 165th FESF has mutual aid agreements with the South Side Fire Department, Savannah Fire & Emergency Services, the Pooler Fire Department, the Garden City Fire Department and the Port Wentworth Fire Department. In 2014 the 165th FESF responded to 240 emergency response events which included things from structural fire responses to motor vehicle collisions and fires.

This unique partnership displays how National Guard units are ready and equipped to not only respond locally but globally as well.

Currently six members of the 165th FESF are deployed overseas in Southwest Asia.

The 165th FESF has been nationally recognized as one of the premier firefighting units in the country and has received the ANG Fire Chief Association State Award five times in a 12 year span.

October 2015 | 20

Around the Georgia Guard AUSA Luncheon The Adjutant General of Georgia, Brig. Gen. Joe Jarrard, spoke at the AUSA luncheon hosted

by Lockheed Martin. During the luncheon, Jarrard informed guest of the capabilities of the Georgia National Guard.

Army 10-Miler Brigadier General Joe Jarrard, Brig. Gen. Thomas Carden, Col. Randall Simmons and Comand Sgt. Maj. Phillip Stringfield leadership team for the Ga. National Guard at the Army 10-Miler with Gen. Frank J. Grass, Chief of the National Guard Bureau.

21 | The Georgia Guardsman

Home Depot Grand Opening Members of the Army National Guard, receive a donation to the Georgia National Guard Foundation from Home Depot during the grand opening of their Marietta Technology Center.

Assault On Kennsaw Mountain 5k Members of the Georgia National Guard carry the 48th BSTB guidon across the finish line of the Assault on Kennesaw Mountain 5K.

October 2015 | 22

M777 Howitzers Guardsmen conduct live fire exercise on new howitzers

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