THE GUARDIAN Georgia State Defense Force October 2023 Volume 1, Issue 1
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
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CONTENTS
GSDF Soldiers at the Final Formation of AT 04│Biography of BG Watts 06│Chaplain’s Pen 07│Happy Birthday, GSDF! 08│GSDF SFAB Mission 09│Staff Ride: Connecting with History 10│The Oath of Office, 1985 11│19th Century GA Soldiers 12│Perspectives
GSDF Historian COL Jim Moore I hope you enjoy the first issue of The Guardian, the GSDF’s new publication. In this and upcoming editions, you will find news, history, information about missions, and the like.
We will spotlight promotions and milestones, interview individual Soldiers as to why they joined and, more importantly, why they stay! In this issue, be sure to check out BG Watts’ biography, the GSDF’s birthday celebration, and COL Skalla’s article in Perspectives. We are part of a long and storied heritage. Let’s celebrate it!
14│NCO Profile: SFC Wiggins 15│GSDF Milestones
PHOTO BY: PFC PARKER RINEHART PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE GEORGIA STATE DEFENSE FORCE
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THE GUARDIAN GEORGIA STATE DEFENSE FORCE Commander-in-Chief Gov. Brian Kemp
Adjutant General MG Thomas Carden
Commanding General BG Dennis Watts
Command Sergeant Major CSM Robert Bayne
Deputy Commanding General COL Tony Dill
Chief of Staff COL Dirk Daube
EDITORIAL STAFF
Historian
GSDF SOCIAL MEDIA
COL Jim Moore
Contributors MAJ Bob Burgess CW2 Alexander Davidson CH (CPT) Troy Fleming SSG Kerry Hatcher PFC Parker Rinehart CPT Beverly Shepard COL Lan Skalla SFC (R) Richard Wiggs
DISCLAIMER The Guardian is a publication of the Georgia State Defense Force. The views and opinions expressed in The Guardian are not necessarily those of the Georgia Department of Defense or the Adjutant General of Georgia. The Guardian is distributed free-ofcharge to members of the Georgia State Defense Force and other interested persons upon request.
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BRIGADIER GENERAL DENNIS C. WATTS
rigadier General Watts was commissioned a 2LT INF, RA, on March 20, 1980, through the Georgia State University Army ROTC program. He served 12 years on active duty and 8 years in the reserves. He was honorably discharged in 2000. BG Watts joined the Georgia State Defense Force in 2005 and has served continuously through the present. MILITARY AND CIVILIAN EDUCATION
BG Watts earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education from Georgia State University. He is also a graduate of the Infantry Officers Basic Course, Infantry Officer Advanced Course, Combined Arms Services Staff School, Airborne School, Air Assault School, Ranger School, Infantry Mortar Platoon Officers Course, the French Commando School in Berlin, the Marine Corps Institute, and GASDF Command and Staff Course. Finally, BG Watts earned his Expert Infantry Badge in 1981 and the GASDF Search and Rescue Badge in 2009.
ASSIGNMENT HIGHLIGHTS BG Watts’ first assignment was as Infantry Platoon Leader, Company B, 4th BN 6th INF, Berlin Brigade. Next, he served as 81 MM Mortar Platoon Leader and Company Executive Officer for B Company. The West Berlin assignment included continuous training and multinational exercises with British and French forces and the German Police. He had significant treaty interaction with Soviet forces at check points and Spandau prison. Upon completion of the Infantry Officer Advanced Course, he was assigned as Assistant S-3 Air, 2nd BN, 21st INF, 24th Infantry Division Mechanized, Ft. Stewart, GA. Subsequently he commanded A Company 2/21st Infantry, then moved to serve as 1st Brigade Assistant S-3, then Commanded HHC 1st Brigade, 24th Infantry Division. He completed rotations at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, CA, as both a staff officer and company commander, gaining significant tactical and operational expertise in deploying and maneuvering heavy mechanized forces. In 1988, he was assigned as Plans and Operations Officer for the Headquarters Cadet Command, Ft. Monroe, VA, then,
Promotion and Assumption of Command Ceremony, VTS-Catoosa, September 22, 2023 PHOTO BY: CW2 ALEXANDER DAVIDSON│PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE│GEORGIA STATE DEFENSE FORCE
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in 1990, he graduated from the Army Combined Officer Services Staff School. BG Watts left active duty in 1992 and joined the reserves as an Individual Mobilization Augmentee and served in a variety of assignments. His last reserve assignment was with the Army’s Safety Augmentation Detachment, Combat Safety Officer Program at Fort McPherson, Georgia. BG Watts received an honorable discharge in 2000. GSDF ASSIGNMENT HIGHLIGHTS BG Watts joined the GSDF in March 2005. He has served as Assistant G-3, G-3 Force Schools Officer, Deputy G-3, and, finally, as the G-3. Additionally, he stood up and commanded the 76th Support Brigade as a new unit, served two years in Ready Reserve, and then returned to command the GSDF Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) in July 2015. BG Watts was assigned as Deputy Commanding General in September 2021. The Adjutant General of Georgia selected BG Watts to Command the Georgia State Defense Force effective September 22, 2023. AWARDS AND DECORATIONS BG Watts has received the Army Meritorious Service (2), Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army of Occupation Medal Berlin, NDSM, ASR, GSDF Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Commendation Medal, and Achievement Medal.
Promotion and Assumption of Command Ceremony From right to left: Mr. Neal VanMarter, Veterans Representative, Office of U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff, Georgia State Senator Kay Kirkpatrick and Georgia State Senator Chuck Payne. PHOTO BY: SSG KERRY HATCHER│PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE│GSDF
CIVILIAN PROFESSIONAL CAREER BG Watts is employed as the Training, Communications, and Public Safety Risk Division Manager for Local Government Risk Management Services (LGRMS). LGRMS is the risk control and safety arm of the Georgia Municipal Association and Association of County Commissioners of Georgia. They provide risk management and loss control services for cities and counties throughout Georgia. BG Watts engages with elected officials, administrative managers, and line people who work for our cities and counties (434 cities and 148 counties). Additionally, he presents and creates safety related training programs for virtual and in person sessions. He publishes a monthly risk newsletter and oversees the Public Safety Division (law enforcement, fire, and EMS) which includes three trailer mounted driving simulators, a tactical use of force simulator, and other programs. Moreover, he is a National Safety Council Instructor and instructor trainer for a variety of the NSC programs. BG Watts additionally maintains an NRA Pistol Instructor credential and is a Certified Crisis Risk professional. MEMORABLE HIGLIGHT OF ACTIVE DUTY When BG Watts served in West Berlin, the city was still an allied occupied city from WW II. One of the memorable duties was serving as Guard Commander, Spandau Prison four times. The only prisoner in Spandau was Rudolph Hess, Hitler’s former Deputy, who had been continuously incarcerated since1941, first in Great Britain and, then, in Spandau Prison after the Nuremburg trials which was his personal association with WW II.
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By: Chaplain (CPT) Troy Fleming │ Georgia State Defense Force
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Drifting Away
he ocean has always amazed me with its beauty and splendor. However as calm and soothing as it feels; the ocean also intimidated me. I see this enormous body of water that is larger than anything I can imagine yet it is so calm and therapeutic. Yet on the other hand, it can turn catastrophic with a massive display of power and fury with little or no warning. However, no matter how calm or rough the sea of life my get, we must stay focused on the source that directs our path and convicts our heart. It is very easy to become side tracked when we take our focus off the objective in our life. All of us fight this battle every single day. It is of extreme importance to keep an open ear, an attentive mind, and a closed mouth in order to hear the voice of God because He will never lead anyone astray. God is the source of all truth and the direction in which we need to focus our complete and full attention. For the bible says, "We must pay more careful 6 │ The Guardian
attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away" (Hebrews 2:1 NIV). My challenge to you all is to collect all your blessings and never allow them to be sucked out to sea to be lost in the deep forever. Take claim to your blessings and do not allow your Spiritual Journey to just drift away. Many blessings to you all.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Georgia State Defense Force! By: COL Jim Moore │ Historian │ Georgia State Defense Force
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e are standing in the shadow of those citizens of Georgia who, fresh from an arduous voyage across the Atlantic,
took up arms in defense of their new home. Farmers, merchants, blacksmiths, farriers, and sailors weary of the sea, joined together to create a force that would turn back the Spanish at Bloody Marsh, and later defeat the British at the Battle of Kettle Creek. They served throughout
the 19th century, enduring two world wars. However, after WW II ended, the Georgia State Guard disbanded.
Georgia State Guard PHOTO BY: WILLIAM C. SHROUT│JAN. 1942│LIFE PHOTO COLLECTION
However, in 1985, the Georgia Department of Defense stood up the GSDF once more. The GSDF assists the Georgia National Guard and serves the citizens of Georgia during state emergencies. Happy birthday, GSDF, and may you have many more! GSDF Soldiers South Georgia 1942
Engraving of a Portrait of James E. Oglethorpe PHOTO BY: DUNCAN1890│GETTY MUSEUM
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GSDF SFAB Mission
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June 2023 Fort Moore, GA
eorgia State Defense Force (GSDF) Soldiers, dressed as role players, meet with Georgia Army National Guard (GAARNG) Soldiers from the 1-54th Security Force Assistance Brigade (SFAB), Fort Moore, Ga., June 2023. GSDF Soldiers role play during these exercises, which enhances the SFAB’s mission to train and advise around the globe.
PHOTO BY: SSG KERRY HATCHER│PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE│GEORGIA STATE DEFENSE FORCE 8 │ The Guardian
Staff Ride: Connecting with History
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oldiers from the 5BDE conducted a staff ride, visiting the historical sites on St. Simons Island, Fort Frederica and Fort King George. This staff ride focused on learning more about the GSDF’s lineage from the citizen Soldiers of General Oglethorpe’s Fort Federica and other nearby historic outposts. Staff Rides are the historical study of a campaign or battle the envisions a systematic preliminary study phase, an extensive field study phase on the actual historic site, and an integration phase to capture the lessons derived from each. For more information about these historical sites, go to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ website at https://gastateparks.org/
PHOTOS BY: CSM ROBERT BAYNE│HEADQUARTERS│GEORGIA STATE DEFENSE FORCE AND CW4 HOWARD SEAY│5TH BRIGADE│GEORGIA STATE DEFENSE FORCE
Help The GSDF Enhance Its New Website! Not a technical expert? No worries. There’s a role for you! If you’re interested in helping with the website on your non-drill time, contact the Public Affairs Office. Communicate appropriately with your chain of command. The Guardian│9
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By: COL Jim Moore│Georgia State Defense Force eventy men and six women swore into the newly organized Georgia State Defense Force
during a ceremony at the Georgia National Guard headquarters in Atlanta on August 24, 1985. Major General Joseph W. Griffin, the Adjutant General of Georgia, presided over the ceremony and addressed the new SDF volunteers. “I applaud each and every one of you as true patriots,” said Griffin. “Because you are volunteers, you are showing the true spirit and dedication to tradition first displayed in Lexington and Concord in 1775.” While the modern SDF was established
in 1985, its tradition of service goes back much further, past the
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE GEORGIA NATIONAL GUARD
establishment of the State Defense Corps and Georgia State Guard during World War II to the earliest days of volunteer service to the Colony of Georgia.
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19th Century Georgia Soldiers GEORGIA SOLDIERS WITH SPRINGFIELD TRAPDOOR RIFLES
J.E.B. MCLENDON SECOND LIEUTENANT LIMA COMPANY 4TH INFANTRY REGIMENT
Americus Light Infantry
TWO UNKNOWN SOLDIERS
UNKNOWN FIELD GRADE OFFICER
ALLEN FIRT JR. CAPTAIN ALPHA COMPANY 4TH INFANTRY REGIMENT
UNKNOW GEORGIA SOLDIER
WALTER PAGE WITH UNKNOWN SERGEANT
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Perspectives HOW WE GOT TO WHERE WE ARE!
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BY: COL LAN SKALLA│GEORGIA STATE DEFENSE FORCE
he year was 1985. The State of Georgia approved the establisment of Georgia State Defense Force (GSDF) again. The Table of Organization (TO) consisted of a Provost Marshal Officer with scout elements. Maj. Gen. Joseph Griffin served as the Georgia Adjutant General (TAG) and appointed Brig. Gen. John Gillette as the new GSDF Commanding General. Col. Redford was the Deputy Commanding General, and Col. Allen served as the G-3. We had a paid administrative assistant, Ms. Venus Askew. Headquarters was located at Building 8 at Confederate Avenue (now United Avenue). The
PHOTO BY: ALBANY HERALD│MAY 17, 2022
facility did had little heat, no air conditioning, and our resources were sparse. Our identification cards were nearly identical to Georgia National Guard’s. Officers were appointed based on their ability to perform the required tasks. There was not a real G-1 shop.
In those early days, we conducted business primarily by phone, mail, and word-of-mouth. Communication, to say the very least, was slow. Later, the 4th Brigade was stationed at the Georgia Army National Guard Armory in Waycross. COL Maurice England was the Brigade Commander. I served as the S-3/Safety Officer-in-Charge for 8th Battalion/4th Brigade in Albany. We developed a good rapport with the Georgia National Guard unit in Waycross and utilized a detached training room for headquarters. Furthermore, we utilized their office equipment and the drill hall. The 8th Battalion went through several commanders during this time. and local recruiting was difficult. Eventually, due to our Soldiers’ lack of participation, the 8th Battalion became dormant. In the 1990s, the GSDF reconfigured the TO, adding Family Aid Detachments and a Local Aid Detachment. Our tasking included supporting families of deployed Guardsmen and supporting their units at the armories. This assignment resulted in fewer missions and activities. Most missions consisted of festivals and minor emergencies.
The GSDF conducted Annual Training (AT) at the Georgia Military Institute (now the Georgia Military College) in Milledgeville. Our training included weapons familiarization, self-defense, law enforcement, and activities such as traffic control. We were unarmed but had the authority to use batons when under specific orders. A Chuck Norris stunt double taught self-defense training, and the local police conducted riot control training for our Soldiers. PHOTO BY: ALBANY HERALD│MAY 17, 2022
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However, the Georgia National Guard tasked the GSDF with providing relief assistance for the flood in Albany in 1994, supporting for the Atlanta Olympics in 1996 and the G8 summit in 2006, and the GSDF provided Soldiers to assist with the containing the fire in Waycross in 2007. When COL Maurice England retired as the 4th Brigade Commander, COL Donald During took command. Headquarters for 4BDE moved to the Fitzgerald armory for which the GSDF had custody. We had units in the armories in Moultrie, Thomasville, and Waycross, either by custody or as a tenant. The 4th Brigade was growing in numbers and gaining strength. Then, when COL During retired, I assumed command of 4BDE. The next substantial change for the GSDF was combining the 4th and 5th Brigades under LTC Bob Anderson.
A firefighter works to make sure embers don't catch fire across Swamp Road as strong winds fan a flare up outside of Waycross, After the September 11, 2001 terrorist Ga., Friday, May 25, 2007. Two days of strong winds have seen attack on the Twin Towers in New York City, the flare ups that have crossed containment lines all over the 500,000 nation surged in patriotism, and the GSDF grew acre area affected by the wildfires. to about 800 soldiers under the command of Brig. PHOTO BY: SARASOTA HERALD-TRIBUNE │MAY 29, 2006 Gen. Jerry Bradford. During his tenure, the GSDF conducted AT at Fort Stewart, Hunter Army Airfield, and the Air Dominance Center.
EDITOR’S NOTE│COL SKALLA IS CURRENTLY THE LONGEST SERVING MEMBER OF THE GSDF.
GSDF EMBLEMS AND PATCHES OVER THE YEARS
GSDF HQ PATCH CIRCA 1980S-190S
GSDF PATCH 1985-1991
GEORGIA STATE GUARD 1942-1974
CURRENT GSDF LOGO
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NCO Profile By: SFC (R) Richard Wiggs│Georgia State Defense Force
I
first learned of the GSDF around 2005 from 1SG (R) Steve Scruggs. He encouraged me to join, telling me that with my college degree I would be an officer. However, at the time, I didn’t think much about it.
1SG Scruggs kept after me, so, in 2011, I joined. I took my Oath of Enlistment in at a Walmart parking lot by a lieutenant whose name I can’t recall. Additionally, A police officer stopped by to see what was going on. By the time I joined, the regulations had been changed to follow more closely the Army’s regulations. My experiences in the GSDF are many, most of which are remembered fondly. While serving in the 1st and 5th Brigades, the PAO, the 1st Engineer BN, and the OPFOR Battalion, I witnessed the good work our Soldiers completed. While I was serving in 5BDE, I was introduced to OPFOR missions. My first mission was at Fort Stewart. Only COL (MAJ at the time) Jim Moore and I showed up. Nevertheless, I was hooked on OPFOR. After a number of missions, I became the NCOIC of the unit and had a blast. When the need for OPFOR missions waned, I joined the PAO. After a short stint there, I joined the 1st Engineer Battalion for a relatively short time. LTC Timchenko discussed the new OPFOR Battalion he was heading up. I jumped at the chance to transfer to his battalion. Since my physical problems prevented me from participating in any more missions, I enjoyed recruiting and participating in training exercises. After 11 years in the Force, my age caught up with me. I retired in August 2022 as a Sergeant First Class. Based on my experience, I encourage people to join the GSDF, which is an amazing organization. The GSDF will give its Soldiers the satisfaction of serving the state and its citizens. Editor’s Note│SFC Wiggs’ awards include the Georgia Meritorious Service Medal, Georgia Commendation Medal (2), GSDF Commendation Medal, Georgia Service Medal, and the Georgia Good Conduct Medal.
JOIN THE ASSOCIATION OF THE GSDF! The Association of the Georgia State Defense Force (AGSDF) encourages all GSDF Soldiers to join. The AGSDF is a non-profit association that benefits the Soldiers of the GSDF by supporting activities and purchasing equipment which the state has not allocated in the budget. Memberships Fees are: Annual - $10.00 Three Years - $ 25.00 Life Membership - $150.00 Applications are available in Document Control. For more information about what the AGSDF does, please contact the Membership Chair, COL Don Lankford, or any other AGSDF board member. 14 │ The Guardian
Anniversaries 20 YEARS COL Robert Landin, HHC/IG COL Allen Vance, TRADOC
15 YEARS CPT Carol Hommick, HQ/CH CW5 Samuel McCowen, CCWO SGT Caple Davis, HHCC/G-6
10 YEARS CPT William Crawford, 1BDE SGT Ken Cook, HHC/G-6
Promotions LTC Karl Duff, G-2 MAJ Patricia DaCosta, 132nd MED BN 1LT Juan Alonso, TRADOC 1SG Patrick Kelly, TRADOC MSG Amber Kimble, TRADOC SFC RL McCaskill, TRADOC SFC Jeffery Morrill, 1BDE SSG Phillip Botha, TRADOC SSG Cory Jackson, 4BDE SSG Terrell Tate, 4BDE SGT Gus Nicholson, TRADOC
6 YEARS CPT John Alexander, HQ/SJA CPT Sean Rosario, HQ/SJA SGT Christopher Laffoday, 5BDE SPC James Harris, 1BDE
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