Georgia National Guard provides support to vaccination sites Story by Capt. Bryant Wine | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Army National Guard The Georgia National Guard began a new assignment on Feb. 22, 2021, as the COVID-19 response effort continues. The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA) and Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) opened four mass vaccination sites in Albany, Clarkesville, Hapeville and Macon. Over 130 Georgia National Guard Soldiers and Airmen are providing support to these sites under GEMA and DPH supervision. “Georgia Guardsmen are assisting GEMA in every way we can,” said U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Wes Borre, an officer in charge of Georgia National Guard personnel at one of the four vaccination sites. “If a task makes the process more efficient for the medical staff, then Guardsmen are lending a hand.” Assigned tasks at these vaccination sites include security, traffic support, on-site logistics, command post operations and administrative support. These tasks could expand or contract throughout the duration of the mission. The vaccination sites currently operate Monday through Friday. The duration of the Georgia National 12 | The Georgia Guardsman
Guard’s support to these sites remains indefinite. “We are absolutely prepared to continue this support as long as there is demand for the vaccine,” said Borre. “The Guardsmen here are in good spirits.” The partnership between GEMA, DPH and the Georgia National Guard exemplifies the continued whole-of-state approach the agencies have pursued in combatting COVID-19 since March 2020.
“WE ARE ABSOLUTELY PREPARED TO CONTINUE THIS SUPPORT AS LONG AS THERE IS DEMAND FOR THE VACCINE” The Georgia National Guard is capable of accomplishing tasks, like traffic and administrative support, on behalf of civilian healthcare professionals. This way, the civilian healthcare professionals can focus on treating patients, not maintaining paperwork. The Georgia National Guard is no stranger in partnering with state and federal agencies. Along with the proven relationship with GEMA and DPH since
Photos by: Cpl. Isaiah Matthews & Spc. Rydell Tomas | Public Affairs Office | Gerogia National Guard
