VOL . 7 I SSU E 1
April 2011
GSDF Soldier of the Year
GSDF HQ, Atlanta, GA, Sunday, March 6, 2011 – Staff SGT Robert Damaschke, the NOCIC of the Transportation Detachment of the 911th Support Command, has been named “Soldier of the Year” for the Georgia State Defense Force. Appearing before an all-GSDF Selection Board, Staff SGT Damaschke was chosen for this high honor from among other candidates previously chosen at the Battalion and Brigade levels. The GSDF “Soldier of the Year” is awarded annually to the soldier who demonstrates the highest level of professionalism and who embodies the best traits of the volunteer soldier. In choosing Damaschke, the Selection Board had to evaluate an outstanding group of other candidates, including Staff SGT Alan Baker, and CPL Jeffrey Wilson.
CSM Ryan, who participated on the Selection Board, said the selection criteria included personal appearance, military bearing, and conformity to GSDF standards. Core competency questions in 1st aid, land nav/map reading, communications were also asked. Emphasis was also on activities during 2010 including professional development, self-improvement, mission participation, attendance at drills, Annual Training, civic involvement, knowledge of the GSDF history and role in military and civil support, personal leadership and service philosophy. She went on to say “the Enlisted Soldier of the Year competition is a very important event! It highlights not only the commitment and dedication of our enlisted troops, but the knowledge, skills and strengths that they bring to the Force. When we choose to train and engage in friendly competition, this enhances our cohesion and our esprit de corps and ultimately our mission accomplishment. Merriam-Webster defines esprit de corps as the the common spirit existing in the members of a group and inspiring enthusiasm, devotion, and strong regard for the honor of the group. The enlisted soldiers who competed represented our best! They stepped up, trained and competed in this Soldier of the Year competition and by doing so, challenge each of us to do and be better. They showed by their example, that they are willing do the hard work necessary to win, to not quit, no matter what the obstacles. They were committed to doing their best.
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Now, isn’t that the heart of the warrior ethos! There can be only one official winner of the competition, but in my book, each soldier who competed is a winner. It takes courage to do this. SSG Damaschke was the winner of the competition this year. His professionalism and military bearing were outstanding and he is knowledgeable and competent. It is not easy to appear before a board and his composure and can do attitude endured through-out the stressful event!” Staff SGT Damaschke resides in Stone Mountain with his wife Karin, son Max and daughter Abby. Employed by Enterprise Rent-A-Car, his prior experience includes the U.S. Navy and the Walton County Fire Department. He joined the GSDF in 2007, saying “I enjoy making a difference, whether in the Navy, a civilian fire department or the GSDF.” Story and photo by CPL Mike Carey Public Affairs Representative, HCC PAO Georgia State Defense Force
Birthday Bash
Band At Strand
New Brigade
OPSEC Training
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Don’t Forget!!! Georgia State Defense Force
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click here to register http://alturl.com/f6bxp Registration Form Saturday, 4 June 2011 Cocktail Hour to Commence at 6:00 PM
Evergreen Marriott Conference Center 4021 Lakeside Drive Stone Mountain, GA 30083
Entré Entrée Choice: Pan Seared Sea Bass, Filet Mignon, Blue Crab Stuffed Chicken Breast, or Vegetarian Portobello Melt Price Per Head: $55.00 - Reservations only Confirmed Upon Receipt of Payment
Visit www.stonemountainpark.com for Information On Park Camping, Attractions and a Calendar of Events Make Checks Payable To: The Association of the Georgia State Defense Force (TAGSDF) Dress Blues, Class A, Mess Dress or Business Suit for Military Personnel Cocktail Dress for Guests
GSDF Welcomes 13 New IET Graduates CLAY NATIONAL GUARD CENTER, March 6, 2011- Larry Brenowitz , Andrew Brimer, Linda Brown, Jordan James, Donald Jones, Lindo Karan, Marc Kornfield, Lindsey Lynette, Jeff Maddox, William Mauldin, Peter McCany, Molly Phillips and Gary Tucker of Alpha Company are the first IET graduation class of 2011. The new soldiers began training in January and came from as far as Newnan and as close as Marietta to train at Clay. Pvt. Marc Kornfield, a professional photographer, came from Canton. He has wanted to join the military since high school but was physically unable. Kornfield said he joined the GSDF because, “I just wanted to help out. I wanted to do what I could to help support our troops.” He will be serving as a trumpet player in the 105th Band. Cpl. Linda Brown of Forest Park, a federal employee with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, is a disabled veteran who served 9 years in the U.S. Army. Brown said she joined the GSDF because she “just wanted to do something to continue serving, even though I was in injured.” She will be serving in Recruiting. L Lt. Peter McCany earned the Distinguished Graduate honor given by the cadre to th the soldier who graduates top of their initial entry training instruction class. Only oone student per class is selected a Distinguished Graduate. Lt. McCany of Atlanta w will be serving as a JAG officer. IIET instructor Staff Sgt. Derucki praised the group as “probably the brightest ggroup we have had. They are all intelligent, hard working, motivated individuals w who came together quickly to work as a team. As a group, they did an ooutstanding job.” Story by PV2 Allan Hayes Public Affairs Representative, HCC PAO Georgia State Defense Force Photo by Beth Spiegel (Fiancé of Cpl Marc Korn ield)
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HEADS-UP | April 2011
GSDF St Stands d Up U Support Brigade GPSTC Forsyth, GA, March 5, 2011General Jerry Bradford passes the new Command Flag to Colonel Watts. At the Commanders Call meeting at GPSTC, a new Support Brigade was established to head up change the command structure. This new structure will have Colonel Watts as the Commanding Officer over the Medical Battalion, Band and other units. Story and photo by SGT Leonard Goodelman Georgia State Defense Force Medical Battalion PAO
Pictured (L to R) SGM Ryan, COL Watts, CG Bradford
GSDF Band Participates in “Hearts for Heroes” Marietta, GA, March 10, 2011- The 105th GSDF Band played one of its most high-profile performances of the year on March 10, at the Strand Theatre on the square in Marietta. The occasion was the 2nd annual Hearts for Heroes tribute to the U.S. military, “Wounded Warriors,” and their families. The event also raised money for the Marietta Museum of History and its new Aviation Wing. The band played patriotic tunes on the flag-draped stage as audience members gathered. Special guests included Major General Terry Nesbitt, Ambassador Andrew Young, and former Georgia governor Roy Barnes. The band was directed by LT Eddie Anthony, who also played tuba. Participating in the performance were CPL Regis Stamey and CPL Diane Hawkins-Cox on flute/piccolo; CPL Dawn Swinehart-Jones and PVT Nick Van Wagner, alto saxophone; SGT Lisa Charlton and guest musician Matt Trotter, French horn; SSG Bill Bancroft, SGT David Adams, CPL Tom Carlysle, and CPL Marc Kornfield, trumpet; SSG Susie Scarr, trombone; CPL Art Metcalfe, euphonium; and SFC Larry Carey, percussion and First Sergeant. The band is actively recruiting new members. Additionally, musicians already serving in other GSDF units are welcome to play with the band as their schedules permit. Story by CPL Diane Hawkins-Cox Georgia State Defense Force Unit Public Affairs Representative, 105th GSDF Band Photo by Beth Spiegel (Fiancé of Cpl Marc Kornfield) HEADS-UP | April 2011
HEADS-UP | December 2010
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Chaplain’s Corner As Command Chaplain I often receive messages like “I have a preacher in my unit and they would like to serve as chaplain.” Allow me to clarify the requirements for serving as a Chaplain to better equip commanders in understanding the chaplaincy program. Some Basic Requirements for Chaplain: 1. Ordained Minister 2. Ecclesiastical Endorsement (Pentagon approved) 3. Valid Masters Degree in Religious Studies – M.Div., Th.M or equivalent 4. Three letters of recommendation 5. Pass interview by Command Chaplain for recommendation to board 6. Willing to attend IET and Complete CHOBC (Chaplain Officer Basic Course) NOTE: Following the standards and traditions for Chaplain Process into the Army National Guard’s CHOBLC (Chaplain Officer Basic Leadership Course) this is not the standard line officer Basic Course or OCS program. It is specific to the religious support program of the professional Special Branches Services training that are used by all military Chaplain Corps programs.
Command CH (MAJ) Roger D. Lanter
Chaplain Corps Basic Structure: 1. Each Chaplain is first and foremost assigned to his unit commander as a staff member. Command Chaplain – Command General as Staff Member Brigade Chaplain – Brigade Command as Staff Member Battalion Chaplain – Battalion Command as Staff Member 2. Command Chaplain offers Advice to the Command General and fellow command staff members on faith Based Issues, moral Issues and troop morale issues. Offers leadership in faith Based training and recommends chaplains to unit command. Recom mends Promotions to command and recommends incoming chaplains rank based upon his or her experience in ministry. Com mand Chaplain has a CMD-CH Assistant who serves as NCOIC in review of all candidates for the Chaplain Assistant Program and makes recommendation to the Commandant of the Chaplain Training Center and his NCO regarding this program. The Chaplain Crops now is putting in place the Chaplain Training Center and has a Commandant for the CTC with a NCOIC in charge of Chaplain Assistant Training. The Commandant will act as the Deputy Command Chaplain should the Command Chaplain be unable to temporarily perform the duties due to illness or request for leave as required by the Command General. 3. Joint Forces HQ Chaplain Office. The Command Chaplain is on the staff of the Joint Forces State Chaplain staff as Liaison for the GSDF Chaplain Corps and represents the Command General and sends monthly reports to the State Joint Forces Chaplain for submission to the Adjutant General. Command Chaplain also conducts JFHQ Training and conducts chapel services as part of Joint Forces HQ Chaplain Staff. All GSDF Chaplains are listed on the JFHQ Tab 8 list of chaplains and can be called upon to perform chaplain services as needed by the National Guard or GSDF as recommended by the Command Chaplain GSDF. 4. 1st Brigade Chaplain is also the HQ Chaplain and conducts HQ Chapel services. 5. Chaplain Corps Unit Ministry Team is made up of a Chaplain and the Assistant. They may also have an Admin to assist the UMT if needed. NO individual or soldier should be called or referred to as a Chaplain unless they are commissioned and they have met the GSDF requirements to be certified as a military chaplain. They must be approved by the Command Chaplain and listed on the JFHQ Chaplain List. Commanders and recruiters should forward all chaplain requests for the services of a Unit Ministry Team or Chaplain to the Command Chaplain for proper organization of Chaplain UMT’s for National Guard facilities or GSDF units to avoid any confusion in placement of the UMT. Chaplain Corps is a Special Branches Program that has specific duties, requirements and professional training to offer faith based religious programs and counseling services to military personnel. 4
HEADS-UP | April 2011
Knowledge is Power: Third Battalion Takes a Look at OPSEC Winder, GA – It was Francis Bacon who once said “knowledge is power.” At their monthly Drill on March 27, soldiers of the 3d Battalion, Georgia State Defense Force gained the knowledge needed to perform their missions more securely and successfully through Operations Security (OPSEC) training. “In a nutshell, OPSEC is our own deliberate measures used to deny our adversaries critical information that may be used against us. It is the responsibility of each soldier to do his or her OPSEC duty”. – MAJ Chuck LeFurge, 3d Bn, S3, GSDF.OPSEC comprises a process of five components: Identify Critical Information; Analyze Threat; Analyze Vulnerabilities; Assess Risk; Employ appropriate Protective Measures. Drill activities included classroom training in OPSEC discipline and it’s benefits to the mission, types of information collected by both friendly and opposing forces, OPSEC in every day life, a tabletop exercise to identify potential OPSEC breaches in the public media (such as social networks, websites, blogs), securing a zone and set up operations, including issuing a challenge and applying GSDF rules of engagement. Additional training included a refresher course in knot-tying and their practical uses.
PV2 Nforbuh Asangmbeng , SSG Jeff Smith, SGT Jason Loefer, CPL Gary Hammonds study a map in preparation for a recon exercise.
All of this culminated in a field exercise for hands-on training in which the Battalion executed a reconnaissance mission using critiqued standards on elements that are pertinent to that particular mission: hand signal communication, perimeter guard security, and a one-rope bridge “river” crossing. Knowledge is power. The long term benefits of having a well-trained and security-conscious force provides a greater assurance of mission continuity and success. The 3d Battalion, GSDF, is taking steps to ensure that success by becoming more knowledgeable in the areas of security; not only within its ranks, but on the home front, as well.
Story & Photos by PV2 Lisa Kennedy HQ Co/3rd Battalion/1st Brigade
Winder, GA – It was upon arriving to sign in for the Soldier Leadership Course (SLC) that Corporal Bill Weeks, 3d Battalion, 1st Brigade, learned he had been selected the Class 1st Sergeant for the ensuing weekend. Having spent almost three years watching the 3d BN NCO’s, Weeks felt confident in his ability to perform the task at hand. The Soldier Leader Course, conducted by the Georgia State Defense Force, provides basic leadership training for soldiers who are time in grade eligible for promotion to Sergeant. The SLC provides soldiers an opportunity to acquire leader skills, knowledge, and experience to lead team size units. It is the foundation for further training and development. At each SLC a recipient of the Distinguished Leadership Award is selected. This soldier is chosen by their classmates and confirmed by the Cadre. In the recent graduating class, SLC soldiers selected Cpl. Weeks to receive this prestigious honor. “Being selected for the award is among the most humbling experiences of my life. Being recognized for effort and accomplishment is one thing,” Weeks says, “but to be selected by one's peers for leadership qualities is an incredible yet humble feeling. It is something I will not soon forget.”
(L-R)Sgt Eric Horne, Sgt Jason Loefer, Cpl Bill Weeks, Sgt Guy McMillan
Cpl. Weeks, a resident of Suwanee, is also the recipient the 2010 Soldier of the Year, 1st Brigade, Georgia State Defense. “Now as I begin my career as an NCO, I have a higher standard to strive for, not only because of personal standards, but because I have large shoes to fill in carrying on the tradition as not just an NCO, but a 3d Battalion NCO.”
HEADS-UP | April 2011
Story by PV2 Lisa Kennedy HQ Co/3rd Battalion/1st Brigade HEADS-UP | December 2010
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Medical Tip: Spring Sneezing Bring nature's pure air into your home or office. Hepa air filters are very efficient! The word Hepa is short for "high efficiency particulate arresting." A hepa air filter can last up to four to five years. And can remove much of the pollen, dust, dust mites, mold spores, animal dander and bacteria from your home or office. Think how much that will help those who suffer from allergies and asthma symptoms! You can choose to purchase an electronic air filter instead. Through the means of charged plates the air is cleaned. This will not require new filters. They can calm allergies and asthma symptoms! Breathe easier! You can say so long to many allergies and asthma symptoms that come from pets, pollen, dust, mold, dust mites and bacteria from your office or home. Bring home one of two kinds of air purifiers and breathe easier. Author’s Note: It's very easy to find the best air purifier products. You can search online to find more information about air living purifier review, best home air purifier, ratings of room air purifiers, hepa air purifier reviews, home air purifier rating and consumer reviews living air purifiers. Health Tip of the Month SGT Leonard Goodelman Medical Battalion PAO
Recruiting News Headquarters Recruiting participated in a Service Members & Family Members Career Expo sponsored by the Georgia Army National Guard’s Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program on March 22, 2011 at the Oglethorpe Armory. Special thanks to SGT Pam Conley for assisting with coordinating our participation. Major General Maria Britt of the GNG thanked us for attending the event.
Explosion and Blast Injuries Course Response, Triage, Diagnostic, and Victim Management Location: Gwinnett Medical Center Conference held at Gwinnett Hospital System Resource Center - 665 Duluth Hwy Lawrenceville, Ga. Date: Friday, April 15th, 2011 Time: 8:00am—4:00pm Cost: Free, but pre-registration is REQUIRED. The course is funded by the Georgia Division of Public Health (GDPH) through an ASPR grant. This one-day course is intended for pre-hospital care providers and first receivers as well as public health responders who may be called on to respond to a mass casualty incident and/or treat victims of an explosion (e.g., EMA, EMS, firefighters, law enforcement, hospital-based physicians and nurses, social services, rural clinicians). Register at www.georgiapoisoncenter.org click on Public Education, and Explosion and Blast Injuries,complete the registration information, and click submit. Make sure you select your desired date and location. You will not receive an immediate confirmation. You will receive your confirmation within 24 to 48 hours after registration. If registering on the weekend, you will receive it the next business day.
Want to train with the National Guard? UPAR Training Classes coming soon. Contact SGT Jim Zegers UPAR Coordinator at zegersgsdf@gmail.com for more information.
HEADS official newsletter of HEADSUP UPisisthe the offi cal newsletter of the Georgia State Force The Georgia StateDefense Defense Force GSDF PUBLIC AFFAIRS HQ Pictured (L to R) CPL Randy Pavlu, PFC Hugo Bryan-Porter, MG Maria Britt, and CPL Chris Alasa.
UPCOMING RECRUITING EVENTS **WWII Heritage Days at Falcon Field in Peachtree City on Saturday, April 30th and Sunday, May 1st **West Georgia Emergency Preparedness Fair in Carrollton on Saturday, April 23rd **Military History Through the Ages at the Southern Museum in Kennesaw on Saturday, May 14th and Sunday,May 15th Members who would like information on scheduling and conducting recruiting activities should contact CPT Bill Glisson at recruiting@gasdf.com. 6
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D E P U T Y PA O
CPT Andrew Creed HISTO RIAN / J O URNAL IST P H OTO G R A P H E R / V I D E O PAO NCO IC / WEBSITE UPAR CO O RD INATO R / HEAD S UP ED ITO R / J O URNAL IST ASSISTANT HISTO RIAN / J O URNAL IST J O U R N A L I S T / P H OTO G R A P H E R
CPT Clark Howard MA J R Rich ich Elwell C W2 Mario de Car valho SGT Stephen Smith SGT Jim Zegers CPL M ike Carey CPL Eric Tedder PV2 Allan Hayes
Submit articles & photos to Cpt Andy Creed at andrew_creed_jr@hotmail.com or Sgt 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 | April 2011