Heads Up March 2009 by Georgia State Defense Force

HEADS UP The Official Newsletter of the Georgia State Defense Force VOL.5 • ISSUE 1

PARATI SERVIRE • READY TO SERVE

MARCH

2009

GSDF HAS SAVANNAH SEEING GREEN No need to rely on luck for another successful St. Patrick’s Day mission By PFC Jim Zegers Public Affairs Officer Cold and dark and half asleep, the soldiers fell into formation at 0415 at Hunter Army Airfield on St. Patrick’s Day. SGM Dumas gave the troops their final orders and the Salvation Army provided a hearty breakfast to get ready for the days work. The troops were at their posts when the sun finally

PVT Russell learns the Fourth General Order. Chicks dig a man in uniform.

Is it true what they say?

INSIDE THE MARCH ISSUE

His one order: Don’t let anybody on a bike get past

LANGLEY WINS ENLISTED SOLDIER OF THE YEAR PAGE 2

appeared. Assisting local law enforcement including the Savannah Metro Police Department, the Chatham County EMA, and other LEO and parade organizers, the troops made sure the 185th edition of the annual parade went smoothly. And it did! CPT Morgan filled in as the OIC and was stationed at the beginning of the parade route with the challenging job of ensuring that the marching bands, endless lines of floats and hundreds of our finest from FT Stewart traveled at the proper cadence throughout the historic city. Through the moss covered live oak lined streets, the parade began at 1030 and drew an estimated 350,000. Locals and tourists alike, all Irish for a day and wearing green, stood and cheered from the sidewalks and beautiful squares to help celebrate the second largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade in the United States. Local law enforcement welcomed the support of the troops of the GSDF that came from all around the state, and was anchored by the 3/5 Brigade. A Sergeant from the Savannah Metro Police Department said that the presence of uniformed troops makes a big difference for

LT Ed O’Dwyer striking his best John Wayne pose

5BDE MEDEVAC TRAINING PAGE 2

crowd control due to the public’s respect for the uniform. Our presence in the city was well received and much appreciated. The event was safe and peaceful and a big success and we thank everyone who participated and volunteered their time to help out. The Shamrock Mission ’09 accomplished its goal and we look forward to doing it again next year! Erin Go Bragh!

Jealous man in uniform

Scraping the bottom of the barrel for GSDF recruits

INSIDE THE 201 FILE OF MAJ TOOLE PAGE 3

GSDF TAKES PART IN REDEX PAGE 3

PLEASE SUBMIT NEWS FROM YOUR BATTALION TO MAJOR EDDIE WILLIAMS. SEE PAGE 4.

HEADS UP • MARCH 2009

GSDF trains in MEDEVAC at GPSTC Fifth Brigade flies high training with the Georgia National Guard3 HEADS UP • MARCH 2009

By SGT Patrick Slaughter 1/5 Public Affairs NCO

HEADS UP • MARCH 2009

6 PVT Russell learns the Fourth General Order of Guard Duty. Chicks dig a man in uniform.

training, the GARNG provided a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter with which the Defense Force troops applied their newly On March 22, elements of the 1st and acquired knowledge. The flight medics gave further 2nd Battalions, 5th Brigade conducted helicopter medical evacuation instruction on the UH-60 in particular, (MEDEVAC) training at the Georgia including litter configuration and HEADS UP • M A R C load. H 2 0Troops 0 9 were casualty Public Safety Training Center in Forsyth, maximum given a walk-around of the aircraft and GA. Primary classroom instruction was then practiced casualty evacuation, conducted by SGT Barnes, 2nd Battalion including patient tie down on a litter, the training NCO, and covered all facets of four man litter carry and simulated performing medical evacuations with loading of litters onto aircraft. Litter rotary winged aircraft. Topics included teams also practiced coordinated 5 landing zone (LZ) selection and movement using only hand and arm signals. preparation, guiding aircraft with hand The highlight for many was the and arm signals, and personnel and familiarization flight in the Blackhawk aircraft safety. Troopers were also instructed on the proper way to approach given at the end of the training day. The an aircraft and identify the danger zones ten minute flight at approximately 500 feet left no doubt in anyone's mind as to around helicopters. the capabilities of the Blackhawk or the What the troops learned HinE Athe D S ability U P of MDefense ARCH 20 9 hand• the Force to 0 work classroom was soon put to good use in in-hand with our National Guard practical exercises. In what one hopes is a counterparts in times of crisis. positive sign for future cooperation and

SSG Warren Langley wins 3 SDF troops graduate 7 Enlisted Soldier of the Year SGAUS Chaplain Academy HEADS UP • MARCH 2009

By SGT Natalie West HQ Public Affairs Office

determination to exceed the standard. He sets the example for those with whom he comes in contact, always going the extra mile to insure success. SSG Langley is a SSG Warren Langley, HQ, G-3 8 Schools, who is an instructor as the role model, instructor, mentor, a leader NCOIC over the BNOIC School, was personifying the traits of the Enlisted awarded Georgia State Defense Force Member of the Year.” “I have enjoyed my time thus far with Enlisted Person of the Year, by CSM Randy Garrettt on Sunday, 11 January the State Defense Force and look forward to many more years. I am proud to see the 2009. SSG Langley joined the Georgia State number of professional NCO’s in the Defense Force four years ago. SSG force growing and helping to implement HE AD S U10 P years R Cthe H 2positive 0 0 9 changes. I have had the good • MA Langley has served with McDonough Fire Department starting as a fortune to be able to work along side some volunteer and working his way up to the great people who make a wonderful rank of Lieutenant, last serving as a team.” Training Officer and Arson Investigator. Currently he is serving as Major of Special Operations at the McDonough Police Department and he is in his 19th year. He started out in Parking Enforcement and worked his way up to 10 Sergeant, Lieutenant and Major serving in Patrol, Training, Criminal Investigations, Narcotics, Internal Affairs and Commander of Special Response Team. CSM Randy Garrett stated, “That he is here to honor the Enlisted person of the Year award and the award is not awarded every year. This year I think of myself as a mentor of all of the soldiers of the school staff and I am extremely envious. SSG Langley is a mentor and a friend of all the soldiers going through classes is a role model.” Enlisted Soldier of the Year, The plaque reads: “SSG Langley SSG Warren Langley and CSM Randy Garrett approaches his duties with the zeal and

By CH (CPT) Roger Lanter First Battalion, First Brigade

serve in the California State Military Reserve. These graduates will now open the west coast academy. Both state and National Guard UMT take this training. Congratulations to the following HEADS UP • MARCH 2009 chaplain corps unit ministry team Several federal and state services were members who graduated from SGAUS represented at the graduation. Letters of congratulations came from state generals Chaplain Academy, CH (CPT) Lanter, WO1 SOTO and SGT Bailey. These and others. Chaplain (CPT) Lanter was soldiers completed the 12 month (AOC) also appointed as SGAUS assistant Chief Advanced Officers Course and Advanced of Chaplains for 2009. This training will Chaplain Assistant Course. help our chaplain corps UMT perform Commencement Exercise took place on more professionally in representing our 9 Saturday 24 January 2009 in Jacksonville state. Florida. A total of 11 students graduated some from as far away as California who

HEADS UP • MARCH 2009

L - R: WO1 Hector Soto, CH (CPT) Roger Lanter, SGT Darrell Bailey, and Instructor CH (LTC) Mike Vidal.

HEADS UP • MARCH 2009

INSIDE THE 201 FILE OF MAJ AMIE TOOLE 4

HEADS UP • MARCH 2009

GSDF participates in statewide Readiness Exercise

REDEX emphasizes command and control during federal or state emergency By Major Eddie Williams HQ Public Affairs Officer Members of the GSDF participated in the statewide readiness exercise (REDEX) during 10-15 MAR 2009. Previously called Hurricane Exercise (HURREX), the intent of the REDEX State-wide exercise this year was much broader. During REDEX all GaDOD components (GSDF, GA Army National Guard and GA Air National Guard) along with GEMA, and Northcom, planned, staffed for, and responded to a declared state or federal emergency. These units would conduct

defense support operations while under civil authorities (GEMA). Operations would be developed for staff proficiencies emphasizing command and control at the Joint Forces Headquarters (JFHQs) level. Also, GaDOD would reorganize and work on transforming the JFHQ into an Adaptive Battle Staff (ABS), with emphasis on Staff Training. Additionally, the GaANG Quick Reaction Force would alert, mobilize, and deploy on C130s (or land convoy). Finally, Task Force 265 at Robins Air Force Base would alert, mobilize, and deploy to provide security operations.

HEADS UP • MARCH 2009

WHAT’S THE POOP?

WHAT’S THE

poop NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE GSDF

HEADS UP • MARCH 2009

DEFENSE FORCE NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS LTCSTATE BESHIRI SENT TO IRAQ DISNEY WORLD OFFERS AS STRATEGIC PLANNER MILITARY DISCOUNTS

November of 2008, LTC Michael W. GSDF members planning to head to 6 Beshiri, former GSDF 5BDE Disney World for vacation may Commander was recalled to serve our consider military discounts. country in Iraq. He retired from the Remember to bring you military ID. Army after 30 years and had recently See the Disney website for details. been teaching high school German http://www.disneymilitarysales.com and coaching soccer. HEADS U P Take A R and CH 2009 • Mcare God speed LTC Beshiri.

CURRENT McGUINN AWARD STANDINGS

HEADS UP • MARCH

1BDE HQ CO 5BDE 911SC 1MEDCO 105TH BAND 2009

A WORD FROM THE CHAPLAIN HEADS UP • MARCH 2009

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CH (CPT) Roger D. Lanter • First Brigade, First Battalion HQ

Today we are faith while at the same time help guide challenged to you to serve with ethics in your military serve as soldiers conduct. The (UMT) unit ministry team HEA D S that UP R your C H battalion 2009 • M A to in a moral and is provided from our ethical manner. state Chaplain Corps, operates not by a Our traditions as chaplain's personal denomination, but as a soldiers are to faith based source of strength open to every SDF soldier. Yes, each chaplain will serve with honor and pride. As offer advice based on that chaplains faith not state military we but we are open to all. If a person does 7 have a long practice faith we are here for you as well. Only God knows what the future holds history of service and misconduct by any one soldier reflects not only on our state for this nation and this state. Each of us military force but on every man and has dedicated our time and resources to women that has worn a military uniform the mission of staying ready to serve. in the past and will in the future. Every Chaplain UMT is ready to stand with you soldier I have personally had contact with at monthly drills, field duty or what ever way. Success in every mission in my four years serving with the GSDF HE A D S comes U P our • MARCH 2009 depends upon our training and the spirit has demonstrated a sense of pride in America's patriotic spirit. Dedication to that we have in performing those duty is a priority for all soldiers serving in missions. Together we are a unified source the state military. I congratulate each of of soldiers and chaplains with one thing in mind, and that is that we are “READY TO you for such action in your service to the SERVE”. state of Georgia. God Bless our Nation and our state! As a Chaplain I hope to be a source of influence that would inspire your personal

AT EASE! SGT JEFFREY STONE

HEADS UP • MARCH 2009

HOW TO GET ON A MEDIC’S BAD SIDE