Heads Up by James Zegers

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OUR NEW WAY TO COMMUNICATE

At Annual Training, the Public Affairs Office introduced our new website and our capability to post information about the Georgia State Defense Force activities in real time. You can find stories about Annual Training at www.gasdf.com. As a result, Heads Up will become a quarterly archive publication featuring the articles from the website. If you would like to help submit information about your unit, we will train you to become a UPAR (Unit Public Affairs Representative). Contact WO1 Jim Zegers at zegersgsdf@gmail.com for more information on training.

MESSAGE FROM THE GENERAL page 2

CHANGE OF C RESPONSIBILITY R page 6 pa

PILOT RECOVER MISSION page 8

STIKE UP THE BAND page 9

Commanding General BG Jerry G. Bradford As I review this year’s accomplishments, I stand in awe of what the members of the State Defense Force have achieved on a continual basis. Your dedication and professionalism, especially in a volunteer basis, demonstrates unparalleled patriotism and I commend you all on another great year. As we move into 2013 and continue to meet the challenges and accomplish the tasks presented to us by the Georgia Department of Defense and the citizens of Georgia, please remember to take some quality time for yourselves and your families. It is our families that make it possible for us to do what we do. Thank you, again, for all you have accomplished this past year for the National Guard and the people of the great state of Georgia. I could not be more proud to be your Commander and I cannot think of another group of people with whom I would rather be associated. I look forward to another great year with all of you.

Command Sergeant Major Patrick O’Leary Reflecting back on what the Georgia State Defense Force has done this past year, 2012, everyone can stand tall and be proud off all that has been accomplished. There is an inordinate amount of talent and expertise in the GASDF, all brought to bear by its’ allvolunteer membership whenever the taskings come our way. The dedication and attitude presented in all the missions performed manifests the sense of duty and professionalism that continuously have brought credit to the soldiers and to GASDF. Many missionss have been on very short notice, and the volunteers have always responded with alacrity and sense of urgency. They stand true to fform, wear th the uniform if proudly, and live the motto of the GASDF: “Parati Servire “ -- Ready To Serve! We cannot, must not, forget the other half of the life of the volunteer force – the family. Folks, do take care of yourselves and your families. The welfare of our families is our prime responsibility, and it is with their full support that we are able to do what we do. Many thanks for all that you have accomplished this past year for the National Guard and for our people here in the state of Georgia. I most definitely look forward to an exciting forthcoming year. Stand Tall, Stand Proud, Parati Servire.

Thank you for your outstanding work Sergeant Major Garrett! 2

HEADS-UP | DECEMBER 2012

meet the new CSM - patrick o’leary Command Sgt. Maj. Patrick J. O’Leary was installed as the new State Command Sergeant Major of the Georgia State Defense Force succeeding Command Sgt. Maj. Garrett. Command Sgt. Maj. O’Leary comes from a family with four generations of military service. He was born in Manila, Philippines during World War Two. In 1964 he earned his Bachelor’s Degree from De La Salle College and enlisted in the U.S. Army. He is a Vietnam Veteran. In addition to Vietnam he has served overseas tours of duty in Germany and Korea. Other tours included Ft. Gordon, GA; Ft. Campbell, KY; and Washington, DC. O’Leary is a graduate of the U.S. Army Sergeant’s Major Academy at Briggs Army Air Field. He retired from active duty after nearly 27 years in the U.S. Army. O’Leary joined the Georgia State Defense force in December of 2000 as the Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Office of G-3. Col. Coleman, Chief of Staff convinced O’Leary that joining the GSDF was “the right thing to do.” He has attended every Annual Training since then and has participated in GSDF events and operations too numerous to list in this article. He quickly recognized the need for centralized training in the GSDF. He is responsible for beginning the Initial Entry Training and Noncommissioned Officer professional development programs the GSDF uses today. Some of the changes that he has seen since he joined are the emphasis on training and the quality of the training. He thinks that prior service NCOs and officers were a big help in accomplishing those changes. He sees a lot more prior service men and women joining the GSDF than in the past and “now they are staying. Staying is what counts,” he said. His top priorities for the future are “training, training and training.” He wants to continue to upgrade the training and “keep it up at a high level.” Command Sgt. Maj. O’Leary has been married to his wife Amparo for 48 years and they have four adult children. He is a life member of the association of the Georgia State Defense Force, the enlisted Association of the National Guard, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 5080. He is also a member of the City of Morrow Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). By CPL Allan Hayes HQ, PAO

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BG Edward Wade Radford (RET) Dr. Edward Wade Radford passed away on November 24, 2012. Dr. Radford was born May 3, 1947 in Greenville, SC. He was a 1965 graduate of Greenville High School in Greenville, SC, a 1969 graduate of Georgia Institute of Technology where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, a 1981 graduate of Georgia Institute of Technology where he received his Master’s Degree in Industrial Management, and a 1990 graduate of Georgia Institute of Technology where he received his Doctorial Degree in Economics. He also taught at Georgia Institute of Technology. Dr. Radford was a Vietnam veteran of the U. S. Army, Armored Division, and was a Retired Brigadier General from the Georgia State Defense Force. BG Radford was awarded the 2nd highest honor, Distinguished Service Cross, during his service in Vietnam. Also he was a member of the 82nd Airborne and was an Army Ranger. He was a former member of the Gwinnett Rotary Club and was a Board Member of the Gwinnett Hospital System for more than twenty years. He was a former member and deacon of the First Baptist Church of Buford and was a member of the Hamilton Mill United Methodist Church where he was also a member of the Seekers Sunday School Class. He is survived by his wife of forty-four years, Nancy Arsenaux Radford, Buford, GA; daughter and son-in-law, Tracey Radford Waldrop and husband, John, Buford, GA; son-in-law, Stephen Loftis, Greenville, SC; grandsons, Hunter Wade Waldrop and Parker John Waldrop; and sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Bobbie and Max Fuller, Lilburn, GA. HEADS-UP | DECEMBER 2012

HEADS-UP | December 2010

MARIETTA, GA – December 9, 2012 - The Georgia State Defense Force again participated in Cpt. Clark Howard’s Christmas Kids Campaign at the East Cobb Wal-Mart. It was the 22nd year for Clark Howard and News/Talk 750 WSB who joined together with the Georgia Department of Family and Children’s Services to provide gifts for children in foster care across the state. Over 4,200 foster children in 109 of the 159 Georgia counties benefit from the giving citizens of the Georgia. Annually over $1,000,000 and over 15,000 gifts are donated. Volunteers helped out as shopping cart after shopping cart filled with toys flooded the collection tables and kept Clark’s helpers busy all day. Because of the generosity of Clark’s listeners again, the Christmas Kids Campaign collected enough so every foster child in the state will receive a gift for Christmas this year.

HEADS-UP | DECEMBER 2012

Photos by SSG Leonard Goodelman HEADS-UP | December 2010 5

State Defense Force Change of Responsibility CLAY NATIONAL GUARD CENTER, Marietta, Ga., December 1, 2012 -- George R. Garrett, State Command Sergeant Major for the Georgia State Defense Force, is retiring after 44 years of military service, the last 10 years with the State Defense Force. Command Sgt. Maj. Patrick J. O’Leary relieved Command Sgt. Maj. Garrett of responsibility for the GSDF with the traditional passing of the noncommissioned officer sword that signifies loyalty and dedication to duty. Brig. Gen. Jerry J. Bradford, Commanding General of the Georgia State Defense Force, presided over the change of responsibility ceremony in the Joint Forces Headquarters drill hall. He thanked Garrett for his sound advice, for his leadership and for his friendship. The change of responsibility ceremony is a military tradition. The Army holds the ceremony when a senior non-commissioned officer leaves a leadership position and a new NCO takes his place. The ceremony renders honors to the departing NCO and provides official recognition for the incoming leader. Command Sgt. Maj. Garrett delivered a departing address in which he thanked Gen. Bradford for his trust and confidence and his wife Debbie for “allowing me to serve, for doing those things that I couldn’t be there to do because I was off in uniform somewhere doing something for someone else.” He also thanked the great NCOs in the GSDF, hoping “my service has been worthy of your trust.” His wife was one of the main reasons he joined the GSDF. He wanted to continue serving, and “she was very encouraging.” Command Sgt. Maj. Garrett was born in Monroe, Georgia. He graduated from Georgia Southern College with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1968 and attended the University of Georgia’s School of Education. He enlisted in the Georgia Army National Guard in 1968. Garrett served in overseas deployments to Panama and Ecuador, and was mobilized for federal active duty service in support of operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, where he was Public Affairs Chief of the 124th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment. He served numerous mobilizations in military support to civil authorities’ actions, including assignment as Task Force Centennial Guard Command Sgt. Maj. for the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. He retired from the Georgia Army National Guard in 2002 after 34 years of service. His last assignment was Command Sgt. Maj., 265th Engineer Group (COMBAT). He earned many awards including the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Achievement Medal (3rd Award), and the National Defense Service Medal. His state awards include the Georgia Meritorious Service Medal, the Georgia Commendation Medal, and the Georgia State Defense Force Commendation Medal. Command Sgt. Maj. Garrett is also the recipient of the Bronze Order of DeFlurey. The thing Garrett will miss most after retirement is “the circle of friends I developed in the GSDF. That camaraderie in uniform can’t be found anywhere else.” In his departing address he challenged the NCO corps to “continue to step out, know the standard, train to standard, and enforce the standard. Be a mentor, be available to your soldiers, but be replaceable.” As a civilian, Garrett has been Mayor of Good Hope, Georgia since 2003. He is the President and CEO of Accolades Awards and Recognition Gifts, Inc. and is a Deacon and senior adults Life Group leader at Walker Baptist Church in Monroe, Georgia. Story and photo by CPL Allan Hayes HQ, PAO

HEADS-UP | DECEMBER 2012

GEORGIA GARRISON TRAINING CENTER, Hinesville, Ga. November 4, 2012 – Col. Lou Coroso, overall commander for AT, addresses the troops at the final formation of The Georgia State Defense Force annual training exercises which ran from 29 October to 04 November. Photo by CPL Allan Hayes HQ, PAO

Under the leadership and guidance of LTC Michael Hayden, the Third Battalion has been named “Battalion of the Year” for the First Brigade, Georgia State Defense Force. This distinguished honor is based on a number of criteria including the units knowledge, skills & strengths, and contributions to the organization. Known as the “Thundering Third”, the battalion is based in Monroe, GA, and operates in a 17 county area of northeast Georgia. HEADS-UP | DECEMBER 2012

HEADS-UP | December 2010

Pilot Recovery Mission P at Annual Training G GEORGIA GARRISON TRAINING CENTER, Hinesville, Ga., NovemC ber 3, 2012 b SSearch teams from 5th Brigade designated Blackhorse, Phoenix d aand Titan participated in a field ssearch to locate evidence from a downed aircraft as well locate aand extract survivors and posssible casualties. TTeams Blackhorse and Titan were iinserted for the initial search of tthe area assigned to 5th Brigade with Team Phoenix designated as w a reserve team that would deploy in support of Teams Blackp horse and Phoenix as the mission h developed. The Search teams d ffrom 5th Brigade were successfful in their mission, recovering aand extracting the injured pilot aas well as locating and securing other evidence from the incident. o SSearch teams consisted of one SSARSPEC II qualified searcher, aan officer and other team members be assigned as navigator, pace counter, communications specialist, documenter and a medical technician supplied to the unit from the 76th Support Brigade. Team members were assigned randomly from within the Brigade to test the interoperability of the men and their training to function as one cohesive unit based on a real world mission scenario. Very few of the men on the teams had ever worked together prior to this mission. This decision by 5th Brigade leadership was wildly successful and proved that the GSDF training programs in place are solid and produce skilled soldiers. Story and photo by SGT Ted Burzynsk 8

HEADS-UP | DECEMBER 2012

GSDF Supports Wreaths Across America GEORGIA NATIONAL CEMETERY, DEC. 15, 2012 For the second year in a row, the 105th GSDF Band provided musical support to the Wreaths Across America ceremony at Georgia National Cemetery in Canton. The ceremony was one of more than 600 wreathlaying events nationwide at cemeteries that are the final resting place of fallen veterans. Thousands of people turned out on a cool, cloudy, and occasionally rainy day to place wreaths on headstones and hear speakers describe how important it is to remember, honor, and teach â&#x20AC;&#x201D; remember the fallen who paid the ultimate price protecting our freedoms, honor their service and sacrifice, and teach young people that freedom is not free. The band played pre- and post-ceremony patriT otic music, as well as the National Anthem duro ing the ceremony. CPL Matt Trotter along with a in musician from Bugles Across America provided a m moving rendition of Echo Taps. As the ceremony m cconcluded, event organizer Evanthe Papastathis expressed appreciation to the GSDF for the music e and for handling traffic and parking. a Wreaths Across America is held each December, W with the goal of someday placing a wreath on the w grave of every deceased U.S. service member. g Story by CPL Diane Hawkins-Cox 105th GSDF Band Photos by Robert M. Van Wagner

HEADS-UP | DECEMBER 2012

HEADS-UP | December 2010

GEORGIA GARRISON TRAINING CENTER, Hinesville, Ga., November 3, 2012 – During Annual Training units were given specific roles in a mock search and rescue mission. Fourth brigade’s role in the mission took an interesting turn when it was tasked with working directly with a contingent from the active Army. Members of the brigade were charged with establishing and manning an active landing zone for an Army HH-60m MEDEVAC helicopter. In addition they were also tasked with the preparation and evacuation of dummy “casualties” from the area. According to PFC Glenn Fowler and PFC Racquel Reed, both members of fourth brigade, the training was very successful and “a lot was learned”. PFC Reed also reported that the Blackhawk flight crew was very helpful in directing GSDF members in the proper way to direct, approach, and load the helicopter. Story by CPL Eric Tedder

HEADS-UP | DECEMBER 2012

1st BDE UPAR Training

MAJ Jones and CPT Joyner from1st BDE are excited to have the new website available to post news and photos after completing the crash course at Annual Training.

3rd Battalion, 1st Brigade soldiers prepare to deploy on a training mission involving a reported airliner disaster in a heavily wooded area of Ft. Stewart, Georgia on Saturday, November 3, 2012. Photo by SFC Ron Cosgrove HEADS-UP | DECEMBER 2012

HEADS-UP | December 2010

scenes from annual Training 2012

HEADS-UP | DECEMBER 2012

HEADS-UP | December 2010

Winter Safety and Health Tips Winter is a wonderful time for celebration. It should also be a time for additional caution if you or someone in your family is an older adult. It is the season for falls, slips on icy streets, and similar dangers that can be especially harmful for older adults. Here are some of the top concerns mature adults have about their safety and health during the winter months. * The flu.Influenza is a serious illness that can be fatal in older adults, who often have chronic medical conditions. The flu vaccine offers some, if not complete, protection against the flu and can be administered as early as September. The flu season begins in early October and runs through March. * Hypothermia. Keep your thermostat set to at least 65 degrees to prevent hypothermia. Hypothermia kills about 600 Americans every year, half of whom are 65 or older, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Also, maintaining the temperature at 65, even when you are not at home, will help prevent freezing pipes by maintaining a high-enough temperature within your walls. *Icy streets. Navigating through icy streets can be scary. Wear comfortable shoes with anti-slip soles. If you use a cane, replace the rubber tip before it is worn smooth and becomes slippery on the wet ice. *House fires. Make sure your smoke alarms are working. If you live in a house rather than an apartment, you should also have carbonmonoxide alarms. *Falling in the home. Older people often have difficulty adjusting to changes in light, and high contrasts increase the risk of slip and falls. 14

Make sure there are no lighting contrasts from one room to another. Also, use night lights, and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have loose extension cords lying around -- tape them to the floor. Make sure rugs are not wrinkled or torn in a way that can trip you up as you walk. *Strenuous activities. Try to avoid strenuous activities like shoveling snow. If you must use a shovel this winter, warm up your body with a few stretching exercises before you begin and be sure to take frequent breaks. *Dehydration. Drink at least four or five glasses of water every day. This should not change just because it is winter. While you may not feel as thirsty as you do in the summer months, if you are older than 60 your body can dehydrate quicker, putting you at greater risk for colds, arthritis, kidney stones and even heart disease. *Winter itch. Put on more protective creams and lotions to prevent the dry and itchy skin commonly experienced in the colder months when humidity levels are lower. *Home emergencies. For older persons living alone, it is a good idea to have a personal emergency response system -- a device worn around the neck or on a bracelet, that can summon help if needed. Wear this device all the time, and use it. Important Flu Recommendations for High-Risk Populations The flu season is here and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends immunization to include all people 6 months of age and older. Those at highest risk of complications from the flu are still young children; people 65 and older; pregnant women; and people with health conditions such as heart, lung or kidney disease, or a weakened immune system. I would like to offer the following guidelines to help parents protect their children and their entire HEADS-UP | DECEMBER 2012

families from catching the flu this winter: *Get vaccinated early. The flu vaccine is most effective when administered during the fall months, before the onset of flu season, which usually reaches its peak in early December. *Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s never too late. The flu season begins in the fall and can last through the spring, so if you do not get vaccinated in October, that is okay, you can still be immunized in December or January. *Know your options. A nasal vaccine is available for healthy children from age 2 and over, and for adults up to the age of 49. There might be some restrictions so check with your doctor first. *Get your family members vaccinated. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that the following groups get immunized against the flu every year: o Children beginning at 6 months of age o Pregnant women o People 50 years of age and older o People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and any form of immune system suppresive illness o People who live in nursing homes and other longterm care facilities o People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu, including:

From all of us in Public Affairs we wish you and yours a Merry Christmas and Safe and Happy New Year!

HEADS official newsletter of HEADSUP UPisisthe the offi cal newsletter of the Georgia State Force The Georgia StateDefense Defense Force GSDF PUBLIC AFFAIRS HQ Q

*Health care workers *Household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu *Household contacts and out-of-home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age (these children are too young to be vaccinated) By SSG Leonard Goodelman HQ, PAO HEADS-UP | DECEMBER 2012

Submit articles & photos to Cpt Andy Creed at andrew_creed_jr@hotmail.com or WO1 Jim Zegers at zegersgsdf@gmail. com. Articles are intended for publicizing unit missions, activities and events and to highlight GSDF members. Provide details: date, time, location and a brief description. Photos are encouraged. Photos with GSDF personnel should include the rank and full name of the person(s). Provide a point of contact and phone number or email address with any submissions.

HEADS-UP | December 2010