Heads Up June 2008 by Georgia State Defense Force

HEADS UP The Official Newsletter of the Georgia State Defense Force VOL.4 • ISSUE 2

PARATI SERVIRE • READY TO SERVE

JUNE

2008

First Brigade FTX starts with a blast There will be mud: Rainy weekend on Rainey Mountain can’t extinguish First Brigade’s fire By MAJ Bobby Anderson • 1BDE S3 CLAYTON, GA - A simulated 5Kiloton nuclear explosion in Atlanta and the resultant radiation plume moving up I-85, was the kick-off for a weekend deployment of the GSDF’s 1BDE Field Training Exercise (FTX) to Camp Rainey Mountain Boy Scout Camp in Northeast Georgia near Clayton in April. The nuclear explosion scenario was developed by the 1BDE S3 (Operations) staff after receiving input from UGA’s Dr. Cham Dallas, about the type of nuclear explosion to use and its impact on the surrounding area. The FTX was designed as a Tactical Operations Center (TOC) exercise, to improve the preparation of and communication of orders from the 1BDE Commander down to the lowest troop level units.

Though it rained much of the weekend, the 120 troops who participated in the exercise did not let it dampen their enthusiasm. They were housed in Adirondack huts, tents and cabins. They especially enjoyed a hot chicken dinner on Saturday night coordinated and served by the brigade’s auxiliary, SIDEKICKS. The dinner was followed by singing and a talent show at an outdoor amphitheater. A new 1BDE tradition was started on Sunday morning as the sun began to rise. Tired and sleepy troops were awakened to a radio transmission by PFC Edgar Leicht in the BDE TOC, “Net...Aurora, Goddess of the morning, has arrived. Will you be there to greet her? Please respond.” COL Hightower, 1BDE Commander, immediately proclaimed, “the message will be a tradition to be followed each time the Brigade is in the field.”

SEE MORE FTX PHOTOS ON PAGE 6

911th Support honored COL Brent Bracewell takes part in promotion ceremony Reprinted from http://www.dod.state.ga.us MARIETTA, GA - Seven members of the 911th Support Command, Georgia State Defense Force (GSDF), were promoted in April during unique ceremonies at Dobbins Air Reserve Base. The GSDF members were all pinned by COL Brent Bracewell, Commander of the Georgia Army Guard’s 78th Aviation

Troop Command. The event marked the first joint ceremony between support command and the aviation unit since they began drilling and training together last fall and reflects the close partnership that the two units have developed. “I was honored to promote these troops as the GSDF Aviation Support Detachment has truly become a part of our

INSIDE:

RIDER WINS SOLDIER OF YEAR HONOR PAGE 2

PHOTO BY CPL JEFFREY STONE

COL Rusty Hightower and CSM Michael Diciacca promote 1BDE soldiers on last day of FTX. team,” said COL Bracewell, who has been a strong and early supporter of the integration of the two units. “We are able to offer them our experience and training opportunities across the entire aviation spectrum, and in return, they bring skilled and discipline troops that help assure our unit readiness and capability.” Enlisted GSDF soldiers Robert Hoffman, Boyd Cox and Chris Lindquist were promoted to Private First Class. Officers Susan Schuetrumpf, Katherine Salone, Mario Cesar and Bill Skeean were promoted to First Lieutenant. COL Noel Bambrough, commander of

GSDF’S OWN BRAVEHEART PAGE 2

SILENT TRIBUTE PAGE 3

the 911th said that augmenting the Georgia National Guard is a force multiplier. “It is a core part of our mission. We are very pleased with the results of our integrated drilling and look forward to further strengthening our relationship with 78 ATC and other Guard units,” he said. The 78 Aviation Troop Command is the headquarters for all Army Guard aviation assets in the state of Georgia. It is comprised of several units, all which have either been deployed, are currently deployed, or are preparing for a deployment in the Global War On Terror.

ACTIVE 2008 HURRICANE SEASON FORECAST PAGE 8

PLEASE SUBMIT NEWS FROM YOUR BATTALION TO MAJOR EDDIE WILLIAMS. SEE PAGE 8.

HEADS UP • JUNE 2008

Rider wins 2007 Enlisted Soldier of the Year award HEADS UP • JUNE 2008

By PVT Jim Zegers • PAO Edited by CWO2 Arni Katz ATLANTA, GA - SGT Alecia Rider, 105th 4 Brigade, was awarded Georgia State Defense Force Enlisted Person of the Year by BG Michael McGuinn on Sunday, 8 June. Rider was also promoted to SGT during the presentation. SGT Rider joined GSDF HEADS UP • JUNE 2008 18 months ago after graduating from the University of Wisconsin- Platteville with a BA in Music Business. Currently, her music career is on hold, outside of GSDF, as she works as a Project Manager at Pattison Sign Group in 6 Norcross. CPL Rider is in the 105th Brigade, the Band Brigade. She plays the trumpet for the band and

the bugle for Taps during funerals. Originally she enlisted in the National Guard, but due to a knee injury, she could not join. She immediately joined the GSDF because of her desire to serve. CPL Rider won the award because of her abilities to step outside of her boundaries, her leadership skills and her willingness to work with other brigades. “I really enjoy what I am doing. The opportunities to learn in the GSDF have exceeded my expectation,” CPL Rider said. Her advice for new recruits, you get as much out of it as what you put in. CPL Rider was accompanied at the ceremony by her boyfriend 2LT Dave Walgrave who serves in the National Guard.

SGT Alecia Rider GSDF Soldier of the Year

HEADS UP • JUNE 2008

GEN Michael McGuinn and CSM Randy Garrett present the 2007 GSDF Soldier of the Year Award to SGT Alecia Rider 5

HEADS UP • JUNE 2008

June 8 promotions left to right: LTC Beshiri to COL, MAJ McShane to LTC CPT Henderson to MAJ and 1LT Surrusco to CPT. Congratulations!

INSIDE THE 201 FILE OF LTC WARREN S. MCLENDON

“Make sure you have the time and finances it takes to be involved.”

HEADS UP • JUNE 2008

Silent Tribute honors soldiers that gave all

HEADS UP • JUNE 2008

By MAJ Rich Elwell • PAO CANTON, GA - Over 30 volunteers from the Georgia State Defense Force, 1BN/1BDE, assisted the staff of the Georgia National Cemetery with traffic flow, parking, emergency medical care and assisting the elderly and handicapped to their seats. The GSDF was there also to assure no disruptions to the ceremonies. At the request of Mr. Brion Moore, Director of the Cemetery, the GSDF has assisted in each of the three years the event has been held. “We have 5 traffic control points set up, as well as four parking lots staffed. The troops are relieved every hour and we keep them well

supplied with water.” said CPT Phillip Fischer, Officerin-Charge (OIC) at the Canton ceremony. The late May day was bright and hot. CPT Fischer, a semi-retired minister living in Rome, has been in the SDF 7 years and is currently Commander of A Company, 1BN. He previously served both in the Army Reserve an the Air Force Reserve. 1BDE also provided two volunteers from the Medical Detachment. There were some elderly visitors who sought relief from the heat. Officer Candidate Mike O’Rear, an SDF medic from Jasper, treated an older guest in the MEDDET tent. “I gave him sips of water and a seat out of the sun,” said O’Rear. The guest speaker at the Canton Memorial Day ceremony was Major General Terry Nesbitt, the Adjutant General of Georgia. General Nesbitt reminded us that Memorial Day was to honor those who died in service to our country, whereas Veteran’s Day in November honors the living

veterans. He paid special tribute to the 28 soldiers of the Georgia Army National Guard 48th Infantry Brigade who died in Iraq. The General referred to them as his commrades and they represented those who “came not to conquer but to free nations.” Among the honored guests attending the Memorial Day event was Brigadier General Mike McGuinn, Commanding General of the Georgia State Defense Force. First Battalion commander, CPT Hayden Collins, was pleased with the response of volunteers from the battalion that were supporting the event. “We are actually overstaffed, but I wanted to accommodate everyone who wants to be here,” said CPT Collins. “Requests for help from the SDF have been increasing and the volunteer spirit has been keeping up.”

Georgia National Cemetery in Canton opened in 2006, and only 37 of its 775 acres have been developed and 1,300 veterans are buried on the beautiful grounds so far. The cemetery serves an estimated 395,000 veterans in Georgia and will provide burial space for eligible vets and dependents for the next 50 years.

HEADS UP • JUNE 2008

Big Shanty gets big support from Georgia State Defense Force First Brigade Commander COL Rusty Hightower impressed with the professionalism of soldiers By MAJ Rich Elwell • PAO H E A D SGA U -PThe J UBrigade NE 2008 • First KENNESAW, of the Georgia State Defense Force (GSDF) turned out in large numbers to support the Kennesaw Police Department and local civic groups for Big Shanty Festival Days, April 18-20. Over 40 members of the four Battalions and the Medical Detachment of 1BDE., along 6 volunteers from the 911 Support with Command, provided security, crowd and traffic control, and emergency medical aid for thousands of visitors to the Festival. 1LT Lee Stone, Officer-in-Charge (OIC) for the event, maintained radio communications with 18 manned stations SGT Louis Hopkins keeping the civilians in line placed strategically throughout downtown Kennesaw. Stationed at the downtown Farmer and SGT Louis Hopkins. “Trains railroad crossing were SGT Robert come through frequently and the crowd

does not always pay attention when the visitors. This included reuniting a lost cross bars are coming down”, said child with his parents. PFC David Litts Hopkins, a prior service Army veteran from Canton is a retired paramedic with 5 who served with armor units at Fort Hood. the Medical Detachment and was able to SGT Farmer, from Kennesaw, was a prior provide first aid to an elderly lady who service Navy veteran who served in had taken a fall. “She was clearly Vietnam. distressed, but was not hurt”, said PVT Many State Defense Force volunteers Litts. are not prior service, however, like SGT First Brigade commander, COL Rusty Mike Quinn with the Medical Hightower, was on the grounds observing Detachment. “I came into the GSDF in the performance and professionalism of Hthe E A Dhis S troops. U P “They E 2a0splendid 0 8 job • JU November 2001. After 9/11 I searched areNdoing internet looking for some way I could in support of the Kennesaw police and the help, and found the GSDF. I participate in Festival organizers”, said Hightower. “We about eight missions each year, but one of get frequent request for help from local my favorites is the Christmas “Shop with police chiefs who are now quite familiar a Hero” with the youngsters”, said Quinn. with the GSDF and our capabilities. It has The Medical Detachment staff roamed become a challenge to balance supporting the Festival monitoring condition of the the requests and over committing a SDF troops and dealing with any volunteer force”, said COL Hightower. accidents or emergencies involving the

GSDF SAR Dog being trained Saber to be used for GSDF Search & Rescue missions By CPT Tom Caudle First Battalion / First Brigade STONE MOUNTAIN, GA -One of the primary objectives of the Georgia State Defense Force is the “Search and Rescue” of lost souls. In 2007, GSDF experienced several search and rescue missions, where, as a team, we became the Ground Pounders looking for the lost, loved ones. We are given an area for the search. The area may deep and broad, taking several hours. We look for clues; foot prints, recent pathways that push the foliage down, or move it to aside. We look for refuse, like recent water bottles left behind, or clothing like a scarf left as a sign, etc. We are aware we have very little time before the lost one experiences his/her final loss of life. With great sadness, I wondered if there was more that we can do. I then attended a seminar entitled “Search and Rescue” offered to the GSDF wherein the main component was the use of K-9 bred dogs for this purpose. Search and Rescue teams are available around the state to law enforcement for such searches. I was impressed with the training of the K-9’s, and I bought Saber, a K-9 bred german shepard. He is extremely smart, 10-11 weeks old when I acquired him, and very obedient. At the moment, Saber is more into “Search and Destroy” as a puppy than a mature, “Search and Rescue” K-9 dog. The K-9’s are used for the search of lost persons, drowned victims and human remains. The owners of these types of dogs spend many hours training their dogs to established, professional standards. These dogs are trained for searches in urban and rural settings, including water

searches on rivers and lakes. It takes 18-24 months to train a dog to “mission ready” status. There are many breeds such as bloodhounds, German Shepard’s (like Saber) Labradors, golden retrievers, and mixed breeds that can fulfill this role. It takes a lot of time and funds to form a licensed, professional team. The handler and dog need to be in reasonable health to participate. Training and actual searches take time and are demanding of family commitment. Both the handler and his/her dog must be ready to work on short notice. If anyone is interested, please contact CPT Tom Caudle at 404-299-2013 or cell 404-388-8547.

Wounded veteran presented Valentine greeting by Atlanta Falcons players

Vets visited on Valentines Hand-drawn cards brighten day of hospitalized vets By MAJ Rich Elwell • PAO

CPT Tom Caudle with Saber.

ATLANTA, GA - Every year during the week of Valentine’s Day, the Nation salutes hospitalized veterans. During this special week Atlanta area schools are encouraged to send Valentines and posters to the Veterans Administration Medical Center (VAMC) in Decatur. Thousands of children send their hand-drawn cards of support and affection for the veteran patients. This year on February 15 members of all the military branches in the Atlanta area as well as VIPs representing sports, the media, politicians and beauty queens, including Miss Atlanta, were invited to the VAMC to deliver the Valentines to these heroes. The Georgia State Defense Force was invited to participate and was represented by MAJ Rich Elwell, Command Historian, Public Affairs Office and Captain Peter Catlin, Judge Advocate

General’s Office. The children’s art work and personal messages visibly touched the appreciative vets. One young veteran said he was going to write a thank you note to the child who had obviously worked very hard on his Valentine. The hospitalized men and women range from those who served in World War II to those recently wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan. One older Army veteran was most impressed by the three Atlanta Falcon cheerleaders who made a fuss over him, as he exclaimed, “I had my blood pressure under control up till now.” The VA staff did a fine job planning and organizing this annual event and the veterans seem to greatly appreciate the recognition they so richly deserve. The VAMC takes to heart the charge made 143 years ago by Abraham Lincoln, “To care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan.”

HEADS UP • JUNE 2008

2BN/1BDE presented with President’s Volunteer Service Award 2BN logs over 14,812 hours of volunteer service in 2007

Congressman Tom Price presenting award to 2BN’s CPT Amie Toole

MARIETTA, GA - Georgia State recognizes individuals, families, and Defense Force today announced that groups who have answered that call,” said 2BN/1BDE has been awarded the 2007 Congressman Price. HEADS UP • JUNE 2008 President’s Volunteer Service Award, a “America’s volunteers work to make national honor offered in recognition of our communities stronger and safer. volunteer service. The Award was Georgia State Defense Force should be presented to 2BN Commanding Officer, especially proud of their volunteers who CPT Amie Toole, by Congressman Tom have made volunteer service a central part Price following the Memorial Day Service of their lives.” at Marietta Cemetery where 2BN handled The award is issued by the President’s security and traffic control. Council on Service and Civic 2BN/1BDE of the Georgia State Participation, a group created by President Defense Force has a long history of Bush to recognize the valuable volunteer service on behalf of the citizens contributions volunteers are making to our of Georgia. In 2007 the 2BN logged over Nation. Chaired by two-time Super Bowl 14, 812 hours of volunteer service. Champion Darrell Green, with former “In his 2002 State of the Union U.S. Senators Bob Dole and John Glenn Address, President George W. Bush as honorary co-chairs, the Council created the USA Freedom Corps, and comprises leaders in government, media, called on every American to make a entertainment, business, education, lifelong commitment to volunteer service. nonprofits and volunteer service The President’s Volunteer Service Award organizations, and community volunteering.

Grueling 5 month BNCOC course prepares GSDF soldiers for NCO responsibilities 2008 GSDF BNCOC CLASS

PHOTOS BY CPL LEONARD GOODELMAN

The black hats left to right SSG Warren S. Langley (NCOIC of BNCOC), CSM Richard D. Parmenter (Academy Commandant), SSG Jay M. Lancaster (Instructor, I.T.) Students standing L to R: SFC Ulmer, SGT Brierley, CPL Moorhead, SGT Jarrard, SGT Chappuies, CPL Baker, CPL Bailey, SGT Watson, and SGT Patrick. Kneeling L to R: SGT Gaines, CPL Ford, CPL Babcock, SGT Price, SGT Cole, SGT Flavin, SGT Miller, SGT Griffith, CPL Hale, CPL Faron.

By CSM Richard Parmenter Academy Commandant The purpose of the Basic NonCommisioned Officer Course (BNCOC) is to prepare enlisted members to perform the duties expected of a NonCommissioned Officer in the various assignments such members will have in the Georgia State Defense Force.

This program includes Drill and Ceremony, map reading, communications, duties and responsibilities of an NCO, decision making, problem solving, sexual harassment, leadership and other related military subjects. This program is five months in length, one weekend a month. It is offered once a year, next year 2009 this program will

begin in June and is on the third weekend of each month for five months. SGT Brierley won the 180 degree award which is given to the student who transforms into a Soldier (180 degree turn.) SGT Gaines was picked by his peers winning the Leadership Award and CPL Bailey had the highest academic grade taking home Honor Graduate.

3BDE PARTICIPATES IN THE RECENT ST. PATRICK’S DAY IN SAVANNAH

3BDE soldier shakes hands with a potential GSDF recruit.

FIRST BRIGADE FTX 2008 PHOTOS

HEADS UP • JUNE 2008

PHOTOS BY CPL JEFFREY STONE AND CPL TRAVIS WEEKS

COL Rusty Hightower and CSM Michael Diciacca wager over which soldier has the coolest chin strap

HURREX 2008 BLOWS IN

The ladies of the GSDF SIDEKICKS

2BN contemplates complaining to management

PHOTO BY MAJ EDDIE WILLIAMS

No hurricane is getting past the impenetrable barrier of PFC Wilson and PFC Scruggs

The Good, the Bad and the Bailey

CPT Collins, 1BN CO, showing his game face

CSM Diciacca explains to First Brigade that there will be no GSDF paychecks this week

PHOTO BY MAJ EDDIE WILLIAMS

Due to budgetary constraints, the GSDF could not afford to provide accomodations with 4 walls

HEADS UP • JUNE 2008

IN MEMORIAM

poop

WHAT’S BDUTHE LBE NOT ON ACU PDQ

NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE GSDF

WHAT’S THE POOP?

TO ALL CONCERNED

1BDE PROMOTIONS

MAJ BOBBY ANDERSON PROMOTED TO LTC

Effective 30 May 2008, use of the ? BDU LBE (belt and suspenders) CPL WILLIAM BABCOCK H E A D S U P PROMOTED 0 SGT 08 • JUNE 2 will not be worn on the ACU TO Uniform. Until further notice, the SGT. ROBERT FLAVIN bdu accessory pouches can be PROMOTED TO SSG used(canteen cover, ammo pouch, first aid kit, etc). All Units have been SSG JAIME GARCIA issued ACU Load Bearing PROMOTED TO SFC Vest or TAC Vest. At present, the only items authorized SGT BRIAN GRIFFITH PROMOTED TO SSG for wear on the LBV is as follows. CPL NORMAN HOSCH 2 canteens with cover PROMOTED TO SGT (one on each side) 1 flashlight pouch or flashlight 1LT MICHAEL KENT PROMOTED TO CPT 1 map pouch 2 ammo pouches 2LT PETER LATKA 1 first aid pouch PROMOTED TO 1LT 1 compass pouch The camel pack water system is SGT MARC THOMASON authorized if you have one. PROMOTED TO SSG

STATE DEFENSE FORCE NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

COL JOE RHINEHART BIG GSDF SUPPORTER

LT COL (Ret.) Harry Joe Rhinehart, age 70, of Kennesaw, GA., died Saturday, May 17, 2008, at Heartland Hospice House in Cartersville, GA. COL Rhinehart was the keynote speaker at the GSDF Dining-In two years ago. He served in the Army during Korean War and Vietnam War having been awarded three Bronze Stars and three Silver Stars for valor. He was the son of the late Gaston Rhinehart and the late Emma (Hipps) Rhinehart. He is also survived by his wife Jin (Cho) Rhinehart; daughters; Marina, Yuki, and Helen, a son; John and a step-daughter; Lea, two brothers; Bill and Phillip.

CONDOLENCES TO SKINNER FAMILY

William D. “Buster” Woodall (grandfather of CPL Douglas Skinner of 1BN/1BDE) passed away. He was a United States Navy veteran of WWII & The Korean War. Born in Atlanta, Georgia, November 12, 1923. He graduated from O’Keeffe and Tech High School in June of 1942 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy that same month. He served in the Pacific where he was decorated for his service as a corpsman attached to the 1ST Marine Division for the duration of the war. Honorably Discharged in 1948. Worked for the L&N railroad until recalled to the Navy reserve as a Pharmacist Mate 3RD Class during the Korean war and was stationed at NAS Atlanta untill his final discharge. He then returned to the railroad where he retired in 1985 after 40+ years.

1BN/1BDE RECRUITERS SETTING THE PACE

As of April the Recruiting Team for 1BN/1BDE is as follows: CPT Thomas Caudle (OIC), CPL Russell Samples (NCOIC), CPL Douglas Skinner (ADMIN) and PFC Jonathan Ray (Assistant Recruiter). As a dedicated recruiting team in the brigade, their goal is finding those interested, motivated and service oriented individuals who want to make a difference, mentoring of new enlistees prior to IET and easing the adjustment to a military organization.

AT EASE! CPL JEFFREY STONE

“ MELT AWAY”

BY SGT LOUIS HOPKINS Being recognized is OK, But doing your job to help and disappearing is better, just to melt away. Some do it for the job, some do it for the glory. I do the job, end of story. If you do the job and seek attention, then you have no place in your position. I help because I can, and I do it for my fellow man. Once again being recognized is OK, But it’s best to melt away.

COMMANDER’S AWARD

A point based Unit competition intended to improve Unit morale and increase Unit recruitment & retention. Awarded each year at Annual Training (AT). Contest runs from October 1, 2007 through September 30, 2008. See your unit CDR, CSM, SGM, or 1SG for details.

CURRENT STANDINGS 1BDE 170 911th SCD 150 105th BAND 127 120 5BDE 1MEDCO 102 2BDE 96 4BDE 59 3BDE 36

PFC Jack Dupp is in your squad and he has just arrived at a mission where GEN McGuinn will be appearing. How many things can you find wrong with PFC Dupp’s appearance before the General arrives? (Hint: I count at least 25 things)

ACTIVE HURRICANE SEASON PREDICTED 8

Reprinted from http://www.gema.state.ga.us/ Sunday, June 1, marks the official start of the Atlantic hurricane season, which lasts until Nov. 30. We are in the midst of an active hurricane cycle, mainly due to a natural fluctuation that the Atlantic Ocean endures. Since 1995, the Atlantic basin

12-16 named storms, 6-9 hurricanes, 2-5 major hurricanes could mean busy time for GSDF has averaged 14.5 named storms (tropical storms and hurricanes), eight hurricanes, and four major hurricanes (winds more than 110 mph). Contrastingly, the era from 1971 to 1994 averaged only 8.5 named storms, five hurricanes and 1.5 major hurricanes.

The Atlantic is showing signs of another active hurricane season. This year’s forecast is calling for 12-16 named storms, six to nine hurricanes, and two to five major hurricanes. The National Hurricane Center also said there is a 65 percent chance of an above average season. One factor that has contributed to this active period over the last decade plus includes warmer than average sea surface temperatures in the Atlantic. Warm ocean waters are like added fuel for hurricanes. That is why we see more activity farther south in the Atlantic. Another major factor is stronger than average convective activity in western Africa. Basically that means more weather disturbances come off the African coast into the eastern Atlantic. They can be the seeds from which tropical systems can grow when they hit the warm ocean waters. Another factor this year is the fact that we are in a La Nina. La Ninas typically mean weaker upper-level winds in the tropical Atlantic. Strong upper-level winds create something called shear, which can rip the tops off of tropical system, and not allow them to grow as strong.

EDITORIAL: By CPL Jeffrey Stone PAO • Heads Up

Imagine for a minute that you own an old book that is full of knowledge and history and stories beyond your wildest imagination. You’ve owned this book for as long as you can remember. This book has always been on your shelf and you take it for granted that it always will be. You tell yourself you will always have a chance later to read the stories and learn about the history encased between the covers of this book. Now imagine one day someone comes to your door and says, unfortunately, they have to take your book away forever and you will never see it again. They tell you they may come next week, 6 months from now or maybe even next year but, without a doubt, they will take the book away. Despite your pleading they refuse to tell you how much time you have. What would you do? Knowing you have not read the book and knowing you have no other written account of all the knowledge and history in the book, would you start reading and writing down all this information? If you didn’t how else would you pass the contents of this book on to your children and future generations? Do you know of a book like this in your life? My guess is that this very scenario has already happened to a lot of you. Without any warning you may have already lost this book and will never know what was contained within its covers. I also know that a lot of you still have your book and still have time to read and write down all that you can so that it will be preserved forever. A few years ago I wrote out a long list of questions, set up my video camera and sat down to interview my book, I mean, my grandfather who during World War II fought his way through Europe with GEN Patton’s Third Army in the 807th Tank Destroyer Battalion. For those of you who are, like me, fortunate enough to still have a living relative who was alive during World War II or fought in the Pacific or in Europe, I plead with you to

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do the same. It does not take much time were no more veterans from The Civil and the benefits will last a lifetime. War left to interview. That time is coming Here is what I did. I put myself in his for us as it relates to our WWII veterans. shoes and imagined what life would have According to estimates, we lose up to been like and started brainstorming 1,100 WWII veterans every day. This questions. I asked my grandfather about resource will not be around forever. We his reaction when he first heard about the have to take advantage of what little time attack on Pearl Harbor. Did he enlist or we do have so the knowledge from the was he drafted. Was he scared? What was book it is not lost forever. Don’t put it off. Basic Training like? What was the food Do it now! You don’t know when your like? What did he and his friends do on book will be taken away. their off time? How long did it take to get to Europe on a transport ship? What was it like as an assistant driver on an M-10 tank? How cold was it fighting in the Battle of the Bulge? A lot of their answers will lead you to other questions and other fascinating answers. Don’t just write it down. Get it on tape so you have it in their own words and don’t miss a thing. Imagine how cool it would be to have a written account of an ancestor’s life during the American Civil War. How did they react when they first heard Fort Sumter had been fired upon? What was like to see GEN Robert E. Lee pass by on his horse? What was their memory of President Lincoln’s assassination? What if someone in your family had had the forethought to interview them while they were alive. There came Charlie Worthington, 807 th Tank Destroyer Battali on a time in our country when there

HEADS UP is the official newsletter of The Georgia State Defense Force

PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE

OFFICER-IN-CHARGE / PAO

MAJ Eddie Williams DEPUTY PAO

NCOIC

CPT Clark Howard

SFC Marc Morris

HEADS UP LAYOUT & DESIGN HISTORIAN / JOURNALIST WEBMASTER / JOURNALIST REPORTER/LEGISLATIVE LIAISON JOURNALIST PHOTOGRAPHER PHOTOGRAPHER PHOTOGRAPHER PHOTOGRAPHER VIDEOTAPE EDITOR NEWSPRINT EDITOR

CPL Jeffrey Stone MAJ Rich Elwell CPT Bill Pamplin 1LT Sandra Kinney 2LT Dianna Clarkson WO2 Arni Katz WO1 Mario de Carvalho CPL Natalie West CPL Leonard Goodelman PFC Nancy Stolz PFC Jim Zegers

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Submit articles & photos to Major Williams at ewilliams@weberassociates.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.