Q2 / 2019
179th MP Training
Georgia Guard Soldiers prep for NTC
Best Warrior Competition Georgia National Guard participates in Region III competition Plus: 165th SFS Rolls with Punches | 1-214th Train at Fort Riley | And soq2much / 2019| A1more
CONTENTS ISSUE: Q2 / 2019
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Cover
News
Prepping for NTC
The 179th Military Police conduct training at Fort Stewart before heading to NTC in Fort Irwin, Calif.
06| Not in Georgia Anymore
Features
Members of the 1-214th Field Artillery conduct training at Fort Riley, Kan.
04| 165th SFS Rolls with the Punches
12|OFficer Exchange Program
The Georgia Army Guard participate in the Military Reserve Exchange Program with the German Ministry of Defense.
14|New Leadership
The 201st Regional Support Group recieves new leadership.
The 165th Security Forces completes annual training.
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Georgia National Guard Soldiers compete at the Region III Best Warrior Competition in North Carolina.
Columns
16|OFficer readiness Program
The Georgia Army Guard Officer Readiness Program prepares Soldiers for Officer Candidate School.
08| Region III Best Warrior
18| Chaplain’s Corner Word of the Day.
20| Blast from the past
The Rainbow Road: March-May 1919.
26| Around the Guard
See what’s going on in the Georgia Guard.
26 2 | The Georgia Guardsman
13| Memorial Day 2019
The Georgia Department of Defense holds annual Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony.
15|Operation Shaken Fury
The Georgia Air National Guard participates in Operation Shaken Fury.
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Georgia National Guard Commander-in-Chief Gov. Brian Kemp Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Tom Carden State Public Affairs Director Lt. Col. Patrick Watson State Public Affairs Officer Maj. William Carraway Operations NCO 1st Sgt. Gerard Brown Editorial Staff Managing Editor Desiree Bamba Contributors Maria Balderas 1st Sgt. Gerard Brown Maj. William Carraway Tiffany Irene Coulibaly Tech. Sgt. Nancy Goldberger 1st Lt. Chaplain Jeffrey Heron Sgt. 1st Class R.J. Lannom Jr. Spc. Tori Miller Maj. Pamela Stauffer Spc. Jeron Walker Sgt. Shye Wilborn Tech. Sgt. Amber Williams
Contributing DOD Organizations 124t h Mobi le Public A f fa irs Detachment, 161st Military History Detachment, 116th Air Control Wing Public Affairs Office, 165th Airlift 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
Disclaimer The Georgia Guardsman is published quarterly 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. q2 / 2019| 3
Security Forces knows how to roll with the punches and the 165th Security Forces Squadron is no exception both figuratively and literally. The SFS recently completed their annual training - most of which was supposed to be happening at Chievres Air Base, Belgium, a NATO installation. “The initial intent was to go overseas and train with our NATO partners and joint partners,” said Maj. Michelle Sabala, commander of the 165th SFS. The training plan consisted of daily combatives, rappelling, room clearing and tactical combat casualty care (TCCC) while integrating Airmen from the Medical Group, Air Support Operations Squadron and the Chaplains office. However, Murphy’s Law came into play, and what could go wrong, did go wrong. “We got a bit of a punch in the mouth,” said Sabala. “Everything we planned - we now had to improvise.” The initial flight for the training efforts had been cancelled with no alternate transportation in sight - the squadron had to jump through hoops to make the best of the designated training days. “We didn’t know how long we were going to be stranded,” said Sabala. “Immediately, the instructors adjusted the training plan and securing training facilities - which isn’t always easy.” The squadron trained for longer days in combatives, rappelling, land navigation and TCCC to make up for the time they would lose from additional travel. Within a few days of training, another flying unit accepted the flight and transported the squadron abroad to finish their training. But Murphy’s Law wasn’t finished yet - and as a result, the aircrew had to divert to Royal Air Force Mildenhall, in the United Kingdom. “As a commander, I cannot do anything
4 | The Georgia Guardsman
165th Security Forces rolls with the punches
without my team,” said Sabala. “We’ve got a rock solid chief and a great team of people.” “Anytime anything goes wrong, I pull in my team and advisors so nothing is missed,” said Sabala. “Together, we broke down everything that needed to be done. The first sergeants took care of the food, lodging, and transportation and the chief and I worked with our trainers to plan what the next few days would look like.” Within a few hours, they had yet again secured new training facilities and lodging with an adjusted training plan. There SFS Airmen trained in shoot, move, communicate training in conjunction with training U.S. Air Force members stationed in the U.K. “The training in Mildenhall was really neat because we got to train in facilities that we don’t have at home station,” said Senior Airman Marcus Faison, who was on his first temporary duty assignment. “There, we focused on shoot, move, communicate. And, my fireteam leader, Tech. Sgt. White, made sure everyone had a chance to lead in the various scenarios.” Eventually, the unit made it to its final destination, Chievres Air Base. By this time, the squadron was ready to apply everything they had learned in a field training exercise. The defenders and medical personnel had to complete an objective which involved completing an end objective which had to be done through engaging simulated enemy forces and care under fire. “They train hard - It’s a fast paced environment so you have to catch on quickly,” said Senior Airman Krista Grady, an aerospace medical technician at the 165th Airlift Wing. “This training was something a lot of us don’t get to experience and to be able to apply our job in a simulated combat environment was a game changer.” “These skills are perishable and training
Story by: Tech. Sgt. Amber Williams | 165th Airlift Wing | Georgia Air National Guard is the most important thing we can do.” said Sabala. “Training sets the foundation for how we conduct real-world operations.” “Everyone did a great job of rolling with the punches to make sure that our objectives were met,” said Sabala. “I cannot emphasize enough just how great this team is and how hard they work to make everyday happen.” “If nothing else, hopefully the senior leadership learned a lot about planning and what to do when things go wrong, because more than likely things will go wrong,” said Sabala. It’s commonly said that flexibility is the key to Air Power. With that in mind, it’s no wonder the 165th SFS took home the Outstanding Security Forces Squadron Award for the Air National Guard and for the Air Force - Reserve Component.
Photos by: Tech. Sgt. Amber Williams | 165th Airlift Wing | Georgia Air National Guard
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Not in Georgia anymore, 1-214 FA Trains at Fort Riley Story by: Sgt. 1st Class R. J. Lannom Jr. | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Army National Guard Georgia Army National Guard Soldiers of the Elberton-based, 1st Battalion, 214th Field Artillery Regiment traveled to Fort Riley, Kan., to participate in the Kansas Army National Guard’s Big Bow exercise, June 1 to 16, 2019 for annual training. The exercise brought together three separate field artiller y battalions from the National Guards of Kansas, Missouri and Georgia. The units combined under the Kansas National Guard’s 130th Field Artillery Brigade to train on the full spectrum of a brigade fires team. “This had a huge impact on the 1-214th,” said Lt. Col. Nathan 6 | The Georgia Guardsman
Knight, commander, 1-214th Field Artillery. “Working under the 130th really pushed the battalion staff and our Soldiers in a positive way.” The unit typically conducts live-fire training at Georgia’s Fort Gordon or Fort Stewart from preestablished, known firing positions. For this training exercise, the 130th assigned the battalion various training areas approximately nine square miles in size. The battalion had to conduct reconnaissance, emplace the weapon systems and develop firing data from scratch. The unit conducted numerous fire missions and operated in six training areas over two weeks. Given Photos by: Sgt. 1st Class R. J. Lannom Jr. | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Army National Guard
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the size of the Fort Riley training area, the battalion stayed on the move throughout the exercise. “Training here at Fort Riley really increased the readiness of the battalion,” said Knight. “We had a huge amount of space (in which) to operate; it pushed us to go out and locate good terrain to conduct operations.” Upon arrival at Fort Riley, the unit plunged immediately into the exercise. Following an 18-hour bus ride, the Soldiers drew equipment, conducted their final checks and headed to the vast plains of the training area. “This was the first long-term field problem for a majority of our younger Soldiers,” said Knight. “They had to think about the details of staying in the field for an extended amount of time.” Unit members were impressed with the training. After the exercise,
many are considering remaining in the organization. “We have four Soldiers who are inside the re-enlistment window and were not going to reenlist,” said Knight. “After this exercise, with all the travel, field time, weather conditions and firing, all are seriously considering their options to stay in the Guard.” The Big Bow exercise is the first time the separate units of the 130th Field Artillery Brigade came together and trained as a team. The 1-214th has not trained with a brigade headquarters since 2003. “This exercise is the first time we have trained as part of a fires brigade in a long time,” said Knight. “From battalion operations to the individual cannon crew member, this has provided the best training we’ve had for a long time.”
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Region III Best Warriror Competition Story by: Spc. Tori Miller | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Army National Guard The Georgia National Guard attended the Region III Best Warrior Competition at Camp Butner, N.C. between May 1318, 2019. Sergeant Trae Green, representing the Columbus-based 648th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, competed against the noncommissioned officers, and Spc. Lucas Johnson, representing the 201st Regional Support Group, competed with the enlisted Soldiers. “It was a great challenge, competing against the other states and territories in our region,” said Green. “All of the competitors were the best of the best and they really pushed me to lay it all out on the line.” Region III is comprised of Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Florida, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Every state and territory was represented during the competition. Guardsmen competed in physically and mentally strenuous events that pushed the enlisted and noncommissioned officers to demonstrate all aspects of their Army knowledge and training. The competitors remained highly motivated throughout the competition. Although tiring, the competitors would cheer on one another during each event. “Everyone competing comes out to the Region III Best Warrior Competition as the best from their states and that’s what makes this competition so challenging,” said Johnson. “This competition encourages camaraderie because we don’t get together too often, unless it’s a natural disaster. It’s awesome to 8 | The Georgia Guardsman
Photos by: Spc. Tori Miller | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Army National Guard
be able to come out here and be around something as wholesome as a competition.”
“Everyone competing comes out to the Region III Best Warrior Competition as the best from their states and that’s what makes this competition so challenging.” The competition started out at a steady pace with the M4 rifle and M9 pistol qualifications, Army Physical Fitness Test, land navigation and the obstacle course as well as other events. The events were physically and mentally challenging, but Johnson and Green were motivated and even finished first in select events, such as night land navigation. “The competition did start out slow and gradually got more challenging,” said Johnson. “The first few days of competition were tough because you really had to take the time to get to know the competitors, what their strengths were.” At the peak of the competition, the 12-mile ruck march pushed most of the competitors to their limits. “The ruck march was difficult, but I made it,” said Green. “Twelve miles are not easy for everybody and the last couple days of competition have required me to give a really big push to gain a top spot.” As the competition ended, the competitors had an in-person knowledge board appearance in front of the Region’s senior enlisted leadership. Competitors were given a large study guide and encouraged to read and study each detail of the packet. Any topic in the packet was fair game for the board to ask. “The board appearance was much better than any board I have been to,” said Johnson. “It gets easier every time you do it; this is my fourth board and it’s four times easier than the first.” Both Green and Johnson were grateful for the opportunity to compete at the regional level and represent their state. They advised future competitors to give it their all, when preparing for competition be prepared to lay it all on the line during competition. For Johnson, the payoff was all too real, placing 2nd overall for the enlisted personnel in the Region III Best Warrior Competition. “It feels amazing to win,” said Johnson. “For those that want to compete, it’s lots of long nights and early mornings, but it pays dividends for putting in the time.” q2 / 2019| 9
Prepping for NTC Rotation Story by: SPc. Tori Miller | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Army National Guard
10 | The Georgia Guardsman
Photos by: Spc. Tori Miller | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Army National Guard
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he Georgia Army National Guard’s Fort Stewart-based, 179th Military Police Company trained an additional two weeks on combat readiness at Fort Stewart in preparation for their three-week rotation at the National Training Center from April 16 to 21, 2019. The 179th trained on diverse tactical situations through missions which tested their knowledge of security and military police operations, reacting to direct and indirect fire, setting up entry control points, vehicle searches and more. The unit conducted classroom instruction on many subjects including mounted land navigation, civil security operations and detainee operations, as well as individual weapons qualification the week prior to their field training exercise. The unit is mostly composed of newer Soldiers who have never trained together. The unit saw the importance of training these Soldiers in preparation for their evaluation at NTC. “This platoon that we have been running is made up of entirely new Soldiers and getting them up to speed has been easier than anticipated,” said Sgt. 1st Class Lucas Heise, platoon sergeant. “They have pulled together really well and should perform well with their active-duty component at NTC.” The unit will be on rotation at NTC in Fort Irwin, Calif. in May. During the training rotation, the unit is attached to the 3rd Infantry Division’s 139th Military Police Company. The Soldiers are tested on their combat readiness, tactical knowledge and unit lethality. For Soldiers of the unit, the training completed in the classroom and during the field training exercise prior to leaving for NTC serve as development for new Soldiers, a refresher for older Soldiers and ensures the squads work in the most efficient way to keep their unit safe at the combat training center. “We don’t get to do this every day like our active duty component, so it’s important to be prepared before the unit leaves for NTC,” said Spc. Jaslyn Foster, military police specialist. “You don’t want to go out there and get injured.” The unit will face diverse challenges while in the “box” at NTC so preparation as a unit is essential to the success of their mission. The company is using subject matter experts to evaluate the unit during the field training exercise to gain a different perspective on areas of improvement. “The National Training Center is one of the most intensive and challenging environments Soldiers endure as part of mobilization preparation,” said Cpt. Jerry Cram, battalion training officer, 170th Military Police Battalion. “They will be forced to think on their feet with little guidance while working through these challenges in one of the most realistic simulated combat environments they’ve ever faced.”
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Military Reserve Officer Exchange Program
Story by: Sgt. 1st Class R.J. Lannom Jr. | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Army National Guard
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he Georgia Army National Guard participated in the Military Reserve Exchange Program June 1-15, 2019 by hosting Capt. Moritz Bald, a German Bundeswehr officer assigned to the German Ministry of Defense in Berlin. The program integrates NATO and partner allies into the Georgia National Guard ranks and lets foreign officers train with their American counterparts. It also allows Georgia Guardsmen to visit and train with our partners in other countries. “The exchange program allows us to train with and learn from our allies and partners,” said Maj. Gen. Thomas M. Carden Jr, Georgia’s Adjutant General. “We welcome these opportunities because they make us all more capable; thanks to Capt. Bald and the German Armed Forces for their engagement in this excellent program.” Bald integrated with units from the Marietta-based 201st Regional Support Group while the unit trained in Memphis, Tenn., for homeland disaster response training. Additionally, the officer visited the Elberton-based 1st Battalion, 214th Field Artillery Regiment’s brigade artillery live-fire at Fort Riley, Kan. The Memphis Shake 2019 exercise allowed Bald to see first-hand the capabilities of Georgia Guardsman in responding to a complex domestic disaster and providing an “on call” rapid response to render assistance. “The [201st’s] ability to conduct a dual mission with Guardsmen is impressive,” said Bald. “Disaster response in Germany is solely the focus of civilian agencies.” Georgia National Guardsmen have two missions: providing a homeland disaster response capability and providing trained and ready operational forces to the active component. This dual mission is a unique feature of the National Guard. Bald got into the action during the exercise, volunteering 12 | The Georgia Guardsman
to be a “victim” role player. He and approximately 50 other role players simulated injuries and had to be rescued by members of the 201st. “My rescue was very realistic,” said Bald. “From triage to decontamination, being treated, by the medical staff was quick and effective.” The 1-214th Field Artillery’s fire exercise provided insight into the combined fires capability of the Georgia Guard. The battalion trained on the full spectrum of artillery operations for their two-week annual training event. “The 1-214th training was impressive,” said Bald. “The Guardsmen’s ability to leave their work and perform these tasks on short notice is striking.” The Military Reserve Exchange Program (MREP) launched on February 8, 1985, with the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the German Federal Minister of Defense and the Secretary of Defense of the United States of America to strengthen the existing living links between the two armed forces. Based on this agreement, German and American reserve officers of all branches of the armed forces participate in the exchange program. The German Army will reciprocate by hosting a Georgia Guardsman in the fall of 2019. “I’d like to thank the Georgia Army National Guard for hosting me and allowing me to observe their Soldiers,” said Bald. “We look forward to hosting a Georgia Guardsman in September.”
Photo By: Sgt. 1st Class R. J. Lannom Jr. | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Army National Guard
Memorial Day 2019
Story By: Desiree Bamba | Public Affairs Office | Georgia National Guard
The Georgia Department of Defense held its annual Memorial Day observance at the Clay National Guard Center on May 23, 2019. Major General Tom Carden, Georgia’s Adjutant General, presided over the ceremony held at the Memorial Wall which honors 42 Fallen Soldiers from Georgia National Guard units who fell since September 11, 2001. “I am particularly humbled on days like today when I struggle to find the right words to honor a sacrifice I can’t fully comprehend, to attempt to comfort grieving families while simultaneously offering hope to those left behind who carry the mantle of freedom,” said Carden during his keynote address. “The reality is, those words don’t exist. However, our actions can demonstrate honor for our fallen when mere words fall short.” Featured speakers included retired State Command Sgt. Major James Nel-
son, chairman of the Freedom Calls Memorial Foundation who recounted the history of Memorial Day and Command Sgt. Major Roy Marchert, senior enlisted advisor of the Ga. DoD who recited the poem Flanders Fields by Lt. Col. John McCrae. Major William Carraway, historian of the Georgia Army National Guard, provided historical context by sharing anecdotes of fallen Georgia National Guard Soldiers from World War I and World War II. “On June 6, we will observe the 75th Anniversary of D Day,” said Carraway. “Seven Georgia Guard battalions participated in the Normandy campaign, including those of the 121st Infantry Regiment and 1st Battalion, 118th Field Artillery Regiment, whose Soldiers are currently overseas on their fourth combat deployment since the attacks of September 11, 2001.” In addition to honoring the 42 fallen from the wars in Iraq and Afghani-
Photos by: Spc. Tori Miller & Capt. Fred Dablemont | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Army National Guard
stan, this year’s ceremony also featured a display of images and biographical sketches of the Georgia Guard’s fallen service members from World War I and II as well as the present conflicts. “Just as a picture is worth a thousand words, the faces you see on the wall before you speak volumes,” said Carraway. “They speak of honor, selfless service and of shared sacrifices that have been borne by generations of service members and their families.” Major General Carden and Command Sgt. Maj. Marchert placed a wreath before the memorial wall, then rendered honors as the names of those Soldiers whose images are enshrined on the wall were recited. “Days like today allow us to get in touch with the fact that there is a tremendous human cost associated with freedom. Days like today give us the opportunity to honor our fallen and their families,” said Carden. q2 / 2019| 13
201st RSG Welcomes New Command team Story by: Sgt. 1st Class R. J. Lannom Jr. | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Army National Guard The Georgia Army National Guard’s Marietta-based, 201st Regional Support Group conducted a change of command and change of responsibility at the Clay National Guard Center in Marietta, Ga., on May 4, 2019. The 201st RSG recently returned from a nine-month deployment to Iraq, in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, where the unit served as joint base integrators providing personnel and logistic support to various military units in the region. The new commander, Col. Alexander V. McLemore, previously served as the Region 4 Homeland Response Force Commander and the rear detachment commander of the 201st RSG. “Today I am humbled to stand before you as your commander,” said McLemore. “Each of you is a vital part of this unit’s and ultimately this state’s ability to serve our communities and our nation.” The brigade also received a new senior enlisted advisor, Command Sgt. Maj. Jeff E, Logan, who began his career in 1983 as an M1A1 tank crewman and has held numerous engineer assignments in the Georgia National Guard. “This is an amazing honor to be selected as the command sergeant major of the 201st,” said Logan. “Not only will I be working with the best Soldiers the 201st has, I also get to work with some of the best Air National Guardsmen this organization has to offer.” The outgoing commander, Col. Michael B. Maddox, is planning to retire at the end of 2019 and focus on spending time with his wife, Tammy. He will retire with over 34 years of military service.
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“Commanding the 201st RSG was one of the greatest honors I’ve ever had,” said Maddox. “It was because of the opportunity to work with the officers, NCOs and Soldiers standing here today.” The outgoing senior enlisted advisor, Command Sgt. Maj. Callie E. Leaver’s next assignment will be as the Georgia National Guard’s Joint Operations Center Sergeant Major. The JOC is responsible for providing The Adjutant General with time-sensitive and current situational awareness to issues affecting Georgia, the United States and the world. “There is not a more professional group I’ve had the pleasure of working with,” said Leaver. “Everyday, you guys held the line.” The 201st RSG’s mission is to provide trained and ready troops to support overseas contingency operations and to man, train and equip a homeland response force ready to provide civil authorities assistance in saving lives and mitigating human suffering in response to chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear incidents.
Photos by: Sgt. 1st Class R. J. Lannom Jr. | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Army National Guard
Operation Shaken Fury 2019
Story by: Tech. Sgt. Nancy Goldberger | 116th Air Control Wing | Georgia Air National Guard
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orty-four medical and communications personnel with the 116th Air Control Wing, Georgia Air National Guard, served on a disaster preparedness team in conjunction with the Department of Homeland Security as part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency exercise Shaken Fury 2019 (SF19) in Millington, Tenn., June 4 to 5. These Air Guardsmen worked alongside more than 200 Georgia Army Guard soldiers from across the state on the CBRNE Enhanced Response Force Package (CERF-P), testing the synergy necessary to help local authorities support the community during disasters. “In the event that we need to respond to a disaster, the incident commander would determine if their resources had been exhausted and they would need our assistance,” said Lt. Col. Jewell Churchman, the deputy commander of the Joint Task Force, Georgia CERF-P. “By practicing and having regular exercises, we maintain our readiness. That keeps us effective in being able to respond.” Shaken Fury 19 involved a series of tabletop, functional and full-scale exercises in multiple states, partnering
with the Department of Energy, U.S. Northern Command, state and local governments, and the private sector. The whole FEMA exercise took place from May 29 to June 7, simulating a 7.7 magnitude earthquake scenario along the southwest segment of the New Madrid Seismic Zone (NMSZ) near Memphis, Tennessee. Not only do members of the CERF-P take care of the injured, they monitor vital signs of the Airmen and Soldiers to ensure they do not get overheated or dehydrated during long hours in all kinds of weather. Training in these environments means Guardsmen will be ready when real events happen, instead of learning during an emergency. “We don’t want the real-world training,” said Master Sgt. Nicole Stafford, the superintendent of nursing services with the 116th Medical Group, Detachment 1. “We have to do exercises like this and get the hand-on training with the role-players. We train like we fight, and we fight like we train.” The training not only prepares CERF-P teams to maintain certification, old and
Photos by: Tech. Sgt. Nancy Goldberger | 116th Air Control Wing | Georgia Air National Guard
new members alike gain experience. “There’s a lot that goes into this,” said Capt. Melissa Poole, a nurse with the 116th MDG, Det 1. “We learn a little bit more every time for something that could happen.” The added benefit of training is building confidence in the workers. “I think we have a very strong community in the Air National Guard and the Army Guard,” Poole said. “I know that in my own community, I could count on these guys if anything were to happen in my community.” As of this year, 34 states have CERF-P teams of around 250 members each, built into their state National Guard manning. The Air National Guard provides medical experts, communications experts, and a fatality search and a recovery team, while the Army Guard provides decontamination teams, search and extraction elements and a security detail.
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Georgia Army National GUARD Officer Readiness P
Story by: SPc. Tori Miller | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Army National Guard
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he Georgia Army National Guard’s Marietta-based Recruiting and Retention Battalion provides Guardsmen the opportunity to prepare for the upcoming challenges of Officer Candidate School with the Macon-based Officer Readiness Program. Georgia Army National Guardsmen have three options for OCS commissioning through the Georgia National Guard: Traditional, Accelerated and Federal OCS. Each school has advantages and disadvantages but is designed to conform to any Guardsman’s schedule. “ORP is important because it gives candidates a peek at what is to be expected of them at OCS,” said Sgt. 1st Class Ramereo Dyas, an instructor at the Macon-based Officer Readiness Program. “It also gives the non-commissioned officers in charge of the program an opportunity to identify any deficiencies to help better prepare candidates.” Traditional OCS is 14-months and conducted in three phases. These phases operate like a traditional Guardsman’s drill schedule. Although it is the lengthiest process, the traditional approach results in minimal interruption of candidates civilian lives and is an excellent introduction for new Soldiers into military culture. While accelerated OCS is typically for prior-service, non-prior service members can attend. This process is eight weeks at Fort McCellan, Ala., and is the most intense training for candidates. The accelerated program only hosts two classes a year. Federal OCS is available for prior-service and non-prior service members. The school is a 12-week program located at Fort Benning, Ga. The program is conducted year-round with classes enrolling monthly and requires an extensive amount of time away from home since graduates go directly to the Basic Officer Leadership Course. “Having this extra preparation allows me to be more confident going into the OCS process,” said Candidate Marcus Alford of the Macon-based ORP. “From the first day, I liked the way the program was operated because I have felt comfortable to ask questions.” ORP instructors ensure the Soldiers attending and representing the Georgia Army National Guard at OCS are vetted, screened and qualified to attend school and ensure soldiers are physically fit, educated and capable of handling stressful situations in a military manner. “It’s not just about reading books, it’s about getting their mindset right to help them become future leaders of Georgia,” said Sgt. 1st Class Ron Tuttle, non-commissioned officer of the Macon-based ORP. “The program does two things; one, it saves the Georgia National Guard money by ensuring that the Soldiers are qualified and the second thing it does is makes for better leaders. We start the mentoring process from day one.” The focus on continuous improvement of candidates and instructors ensures the program continues to send the best leaders out to lead the Georgia Army National Guard. “Last year, the program sent 15 candidates to Traditional OCS, and we didn’t send any candidates to Federal OCS,” said Tuttle. “This year we have sent 23 candidates Traditional OCS, six candidates to Federal OCS and 16 candidates for the Accelerated OCS.
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Photo by: Spc. Tori Miller | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Army National Guard
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By: Chaplain 1st Lt. Jeffrey Herron | Regional Care Chaplain | Ga Army National Guard
“Hey, Chaplain. What’s the Word of the Day?” If there were a published list of frequently asked questions’ posed to Military Chaplains, this one would top the list. Each Chaplain is responsible for acquiring a baseline and measure of unit morale. Dependent upon current unit morale and/or issues, the Chaplain can engage soldiers with a Word of the Day directly pointed toward current needs of the unit. This enables the Chaplain to become a force multiplier. Recently, the 1st Battalion 214th Field Artillery Regiment conducted Annual Training at Fort Riley, Kan. Each morning, and throughout the day, as Chaplain, I was awarded opportunities to share the Word of the Day with Soldiers. Many times Soldiers responded, “Chaplain, that’s exactly what I needed this morning.” In other instances, Soldiers would say, “Chaplain, get out of my head! How’d you know that’s what I needed to hear this afternoon?” Being observant of unit morale and the current mission will enable the Chaplain to be selective regarding a Word of the Day that will meet the needs their Soldiers. Soldiers face trials daily. How we face the test of those trials will determine much about an individual. How will my military career progress? What will my family think of this news? Do I have what it takes to complete this tasking? These are questions that soldiers often ask themselves in various situations. Understanding the trials that Soldiers regularly face, a Chaplain may select the following when encountering an individual in the midst of a trial, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness” (James 1:4, ESV). Following the Word of the Day, Chaplain’s often find themselves having deeper conversations with Soldiers regarding current trials. This enables the Chaplain to offer meaningful support to Soldiers facing a diversity of issues/trials. Battlefield circulation is paramount for Chaplains. This enables the Chaplain to be present with Soldiers in the field, the motor pool, during physical training, at the range or anywhere else that Soldiers may be performing critical tasks. Battlefield circulation is the Chaplain’s avenue for checking in on Soldiers and offering the Word of the Day. From battlefield circulation and the Word of the Day, Chaplains are able to acquire the current unit morale which enables them to choose the best fitting Word of the Day based on unit needs. The Chaplain Corps has a threefold mission: nurture the living, care for the wounded and honor the fallen. The Word of the Day enables Chaplains to nurture the living by caring for spiritual, mental and emotional needs. Ensuring these areas are strong enables Soldiers to meet various trials head on and come out of the mission successful. Here, the Chaplain has positively affected their assigned unit and developed the unit ministry team as a force multiplier. 18 | The Georgia Guardsman
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Blast from the past:
world war I
Story by: Maj. William Carraway | Military Historian | 161st Military History Detachment
Robert Gober Burton
Photos courtesy of Ga. Guard History Archives
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The end of the Rainbow: March-May 1919 Editor’s Note: This article is a condensed summation of three chapters of the Georgia Guard History Blog. For more historic letters, images and original research visit the blog at www.georgiaguardhistory.com March 1919 was the last month of occupation duty for the 151st Machine Gun Battalion. By the close of the month preparations were underway for the battalion to leave their occupation billets in Kripp, Germany and return to France to begin the long journey home. On the final day of March, Sgt. Robert Gober Burton wrote home to share news of his impending departure as well as an anecdote about Gen. Douglas MacArthur. Kripp Germany March 31, 1919 My Dear Auntie, Will drop you a line and also send this citation that we received some time ago. I have sent one to mama, but I got this one this afternoon and so will send it to you. Gen. MacArthur has been our brigade commander ever since Chateau Thierrey and he is a fighting man. When we went over the top, he went with the first
attacking wave of the Infantry and he stayed there until the objective had been reached. One of his staff officers asked him why it was that he was always up with the infantry and he said, ”well, it is like this when those Soldiers see me up there and see the star on my shoulder they say ‘hell, we don’t belong here, we belong about six kilometers ahead of that guy,’ and they drive the Dutchman that much farther.” That was pretty good reasoning don’t you think? He didn’t stay back like most of the general officers. Not that I blame them for not going up for if they could direct the operation from farther back it was better that they did stay there. But Gen. MacArthur thought that he could oversee things better from the front line and there he was. I am getting along fine and very much ENTHUSED over the idea of coming home. We leave here on the 2nd of April for Brest and then home. I think that we won’t stay in Brest very long as we are getting everything ready before we get there. I h ave l ot s of things to tell when I get home and I am afraid that you all will get tired of the war tales after I get there. I noticed where several of the boys had gotten back and told such fabulous tales that I am afraid that what we
tell will not be believed. I am not going to tell anyone any war tales tho. Only the home folks and perhaps a girlfriend??? The battalion departed Kripp G e r m a n y A p r i l 5 , 1919 a n d proceeded to Sinzig where the Soldiers entrained and began a three-day journey to Brest, France. In contrast to their first European train ride where the men were given three days rations and crammed into French freight cars for a fiveday bone jarring trip from Brest to Vaucouleurs, the train carrying the 151st back to Brest was an American train equipped with kitchen cars which provided the Soldiers with hot meals. On April 8, 1919, the 151st MGB arrived at Brest and was placed in barracks at Camp Pontanezen, the same location which had housed t hei r for mer com rades of t he Georgia National Guard’s 121st Infantr y Regiment. Twenty-six years later, Georgia Guardsmen with the 121st would fight to capture Pontanezen Barracks and liberate Brest from German control during World War II. After five days at Pontanezen, the battalion was cleared for departure. An advance party consisting of the battalion commander, staff and 84 Soldiers left Pontanezen and boarded the battleship U.S.S. Minnesota. They were joined the following day by the remaining Soldiers of the 151st who marched to the embarkation point from the barracks.
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At 3:35 pm April 15, 1919, after 405 days on the European continent, the 151st departed France bound for Newport News, Va. While enroute to the United States, the U.S.S. Minnesota and the Soldiers of the 151st were rerouted. Instead of arriving in Newport News, Va. as expected, the men debarked April 26 in Hoboken, N.J. That evening, the battalion proceeded to Camp Merritt, N.J. Here, the men were provided with post cards to send home to inform their families that they had arrived in the United States.
Unit Co. A. 151 M. G. Bn Over the next several days, members of the battalion were arranged into detachments and dispatched to camps in states such as Michigan and Wyoming for discharge and return to their home states. While these men were being arranged in casual companies, Sgt. Burton excitedly wrote home to his family relating his joy at being back in the states.
Merritt Hall, Camp Merritt, New Jersey May 4, 1919 April 24, 1919 to Mrs. P.F. Burton My dearest Mater, Date: April 26, 1919 Well here I am in the good ol’ I arrived in New York today on USA. What do you know about that? the transport U. S. S. Minnesota As you know by the card, we landed Will go at once to Camp Merritt, on the 26th and I think that I have New Jersey and will write from there kept you informed from then till now as soon as possible. by wire. I suppose you think that I Signed Gober Burton have been rather extravagant since
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I landed don’t you? Here is the way I figured it. I have been away for 18 months and have not had a chance to have a good time. I really think that I am due a little fling don’t you? But mater dear, I haven’t done anything bad but go to the theatre and dance. I learned to take care of myself. I have seen lots of suffering from unwise living over there and I don’t hanker after any of it. I have come back as clean as I went away. You remember my writing about the friend in N.Y.? Well she has been grand to me since I landed, and she has done everything possible to make me have a good time. We had quite a nice trip across. Only two nights were rough and I could stand them for we were coming home. We parade in Macon before we are mustered out. I suppose that you still receive the Macon papers and know all about the preparations that
Hoping to see you soon. Your devoted, Son
are being made for the 151st. I would lots rather that no fuss was made over it, but it seems as if there is bound to be, so I am submitting with the most grace possible. I don’t know but it is said that we start south soon. I sho do hope so. I believe that before long I will be an American again, but these people certainly have funny ways. They speak English and don’t wear wooden shoes or shrug their shoulders and they treat you as if you were real humans instead of being just a cog in a machine. I think that I am going to like this country real well however I don’t like N.Y. I have seen so much of crowds and jams and things until I am sick of the whole works. I want to get in some place where there is plenty of room. Do you know that next Sunday is Mother’s Day? Do you recall another Mother’s Day Oh! so long ago? Wouldn’t it be good if I could be at home next Sunday? This is enough for this time mater.
As Burton predicted, on May 7 the remnant departed for Macon with 17 officers and 248 enlisted men. Upon reaching Macon two days later, the Soldiers received an enthusiastic welcome home. The citizens of Macon had decorated the streets with rainbow colors and welcome home signs and Soldiers were embraced regardless of their hometown or state. Two years earlier in 1917, upon returning from Mexican border service, the Soldiers of the old 2nd Georgia Infantry Re g i ment had pa r ade d dow n Cherry Street and received medals presented by the city of Macon. As Burton had feared, an attempt was made the afternoon of May 9 to form the 151st for a parade but the press of the welcoming citizens a nd reuniting fa mi lies was so overwhelming that the parade plans were quickly scrapped. Instead, the Soldiers were treated to a lunch at the Hotel Lanier provided by the ladies of the 151st Machine Gun Battalion Auxiliary followed by a reception at a park where ground had been allocated for a memorial to fallen members of the 151st. A particularly poignant moment was experienced by all when former members of t he batta lion who had previously returned home as casualties were reunited with their returning comrades. May 9th ended with an outdoor dance which lasted well into the night. The fol low ing morning the battalion loaded onto railcars bound for Atlanta and departed
with the sound of cheers echoing over the rails. Arriving in Atlanta, the battalion was again greeting by cheering citizens. The battalion marched through the business district of Atlanta and was feted at the Capital City Club. During the luncheon the battalion was addressed by the governor and other distinguished guests. Following the luncheon, the battalion assembled for what would be its final formation and marched back to the train depot for the final trip to Camp Gordon. Arriving the afternoon of May 10, the men were assigned to various companies to begin the process of discharge. The next day, Burton wrote home to advise his mother on his impending discharge. Camp Gordon Sunday Afternoon Dearest mater, I know how you feel for I feel the same way and I want to come home mighty bad. Won’t you be patient till Tuesday? Then I can come home for good. I think that we will be discharged by then. Don’t tell anyone when I am coming home or anything. I am going to disconnect the phone when I get home. I will tell you about all the things people have been doing for us when I get home. I am as well as can be. Listen, I may come home late Tuesday night, I don’t know. I think that I shall. Won’t write anymore now. Don’t fix that big dinner till I get home and tell you when I feel like eating it. With heaps of love, Gober By May 15, all of the Soldiers of q2 / 2019 | 23
the 151st Machine Gun Battalion had been discharged and begun their final journey home. T he Bat ta lion Histor y of the 151st MGB, written in 1919 summarized the unit’s 18 months of overseas service during which time the battalion was in contact with the enemy for 167 days and within enemy artillery range for 194 days. The 151st MGB established he a dqu a r t er s i n 7 7 d i f ferent locations, conducted movement by rail si x times and marched approximately 1,200 kilometers. A f ter ser v i ng i n ten sepa rate engagements the battalion served as part of the American Army of Occupation in Germany for 140 days. From March 1 to November 11, 1918 the battalion suffered 57 killed in action or mortally wounded, 385 wounded and one missing in action. Nine Soldiers died of disease or non-battle related injuries bringing the battalions total losses to 452 casualties. Originally composed exclusively of Georgia Guard Soldiers with an authorized
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strength of 581 officers and men ultimately 1,237 Soldiers served in the battalion. Only 236 of the original Georgia Soldiers returned with the battalion. Burton and his longtime friend Sgt. Ed Williamson returned to Monroe, Ga. a l most 20 mont hs a f ter they set out together with Company H, 2nd Georgia Infantry bound for the Mexican border. When Privates Burton and Williamson left in 1916, Gober’s brother Frank had written that they would return “loaded down with glory.” When they came home in 1919, they returned as noncommissioned officers in one of the most storied divisions of the war. But by then, Burton was long past his boyhood dreams of medals and parades. He moved back in with his parents, and as in 1916, pondered whether to seek employment or enroll in college. By September he informed his family of his decision.
Athens, Ga. September 1919 Friday night My dearest mother, Well, your son is now a fullfledged student at the University of Georgia. I am now taking five courses: economics, accounting, Spanish, English and history. While I had the chance, I figured I might as well polish myself off a bit by taking English and history and Spanish. It is now or never. The original entrance cost me $34.00 and my books so far have cost me about $7.00 and I have yet another one to buy. So far, I am well pleased with everything, professors and my courses and the arrangements and everything. I don’t have any classes in the afternoon, and I think that I will be able to get me a position. Everyone is or are well and getting along fine. I have met several boys that I know. I saw Harris King and see him most every day. You can imagine how pleased I am about that. Have received the letter from Auntie and am going to write her when I have finished this letter to you. Your devoted son, Gober
By 1920, Burton was still in school and still living at the old home on Broad Street. Williamson meanwhile was instrumental in the reorganization of the Monroe Nat iona l Gua rd unit. In 1925, Howitzer Company, 121st Infantry Regiment was federally recognized in Monroe with Augustus Williamson as captain, commanding. Williamson commanded the Monroe unit for seven years before being promoted to lieutenant colonel and the office of United States Property and Fiscal Distribution Officer for the state of Georgia. His successor as commander of the Monroe unit was his brother, Donald Williamson who would command the unit until the eve of World War II. Burton meanwhile eschewed further military service. He married Emi ly Grovenia and sett led in
Jacksonville, Fla. in 1930. He worked as a salesman for a wholesale grocery company and raised a family. Burton’s father, Phillip passed away i n 1935. His mot her Ida followed in 1941. Burton’s Auntie, Mary Eualia Nunnally who had presented him with the testament that saved his life in July 1918 died in 1952. Robert Gober Burton died in 1959 at the age of 60. He is buried in Rest Haven Cemetery with his family and within walking distance of Augustus Williamson and Capt. John Aycock, his former company commander. Post Script: With this, the 25th and final chapter, the story of Sgt. Robert Gober Burton ends. It has been an effort three years in the making. This research journey has taken me from Macon, Ga. to El Paso, Texas
and ultimately to the battlefields of France following in the footsteps of the Georgia Soldiers of the 151st Machine Gun Battalion. In the course of this research project, I transcribed nearly 300 pages of letters written by Burton his fellow service members and family in the order they were written. I therefore did not know how the story would end or whether Burton would even survive. Over the years, Burton, his family and the Soldiers of the 151st have become good friends and it is hard to consider that I now must leave them. Nevertheless, as we are approaching the 75th anniversary of the Normandy campaign, there are more stories to tell and more friends to meet from the past. -WmC
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Around the Georgia Guard POMPOC 2019 Participants of the Georgia Army National Guard Parachute Operations Mishap Preventative Orientation Course (POMPOC) 2019 jump from a Georgia Army National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter during the last day of the course May 2, 2019, at MidCoast Regional Airport at Wright Army Airfield, Fort Stewart; Hinesville, Georgia.
SETTING UP Georgia National Guardsmen with the Marietta based 4th Civil Support Team (Weapons of Mass Destruction) test samples potentially dangerous chemical agent at the Memphis Fire Department Training Center in Memphis, Tenn., on June 4, 2019. The training scenario required the CST to determine what chemicals were being used in an illegal fentanyl lab.
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TRAINING AT NTC Georgia Army National Guardsmen with the Fort Stewart based 179th Military Police Company, ensure the security of forces during live-fire training at the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, Calif. on May 15, 2019.
RETURNING HOME Governor Brian Kemp; Major General Tom Carden, the Adjutant General of Georgia and leadership of the Georgia National Guard welcome home the Soldiers of the Macon-based 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team from a nine-month deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel and NATO Operation Resolute Support, at Hunter Army Airfield, June 17, 2019.
READY TO FLY Georgia Army National Guardsmen with the Mariettabased 1st Battalion, 171st Aviation Regiment prepare a UH-60 Black Hawk for flight during operations at the Clay National Guard Center, Marietta, Ga., on May 5, 2019.
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