March 2013

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1-214th F i e l dA r t i l l e ryB at ta l i o n

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1 | The Georgia Guardsman

News

CONTENTSISSUE: March 2013

Features

columns

03| ATAT Sends Readiness SoaringVisits Georgia’s own 1-171 General Support Aviation Battalion (GSAB), as they prepare to conduct more than 80 assistance training visitsthroughout the year.

05| Welcome home ADT IIAgribusiness Development Team II returns after a year-long deployment to Afghanistan.

07| 878th prepares to deployUnit set to begin their second deployment in eight years.

08| State DOD EmployeesThe Georgia Department of Defense has more than 500 state employees working alongside its various Guard components, to ensure the organization’s mission is always carried out.

09| PathfindersMembers of Georgia’s 560th are among more than 150 U.S. service members participating in Central Accord 2013, in conjunction with U.S. Army Africa.

15| CFMO Environmental InitiativeThe CFMO’s green products initiative stands to save the Georgia Guard nearly $8,000 annually in cleaning costs.

19| AJC Honors Two GA GuardsmenTwo Georgia Army Guardsmen receive the 2012 Atlanta Journal-Constitution (AJC) Army Reserve Achievement Award for outstanding performance.

04| NCO NotepadThis month’s column focuses on sequestration and the economic challenges the Guard faces.

11| Historic Battle ReiviewThe Georgia Guard at war: 1863 and 2013

16| Book Review“The Generals” by Thomas E. Ricks

17| MOSCelebrating Chief Master Sgt. Camp

w w w . g e o r g i a g u a r d . c o m

Cover Story

13|1-214th receives send-offCity of Elberton hosts parade as unit departs

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21| Around the Guard

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March 2013 | 2

Georgia National Guard

Commander-in-ChiefGov. NathaN Deal

adjutant GeneralMaj. GeN. jiM Butterworth

State PubliC affairS direCtorMary therese teBBe

State PubliC affairS offiCer1st lt. williaM Carraway

oPerationS nCosGt. 1st Class GerarD BrowN

Editorial Staff

manaGinG editorashley FoNteNot

Creative direCtorsteveN welCh

ContributorS1st lt. williaM Carraway

Maj. williaM CoxMaj. aNthoNy e. DupleChieN

staFF sGt. BriaN GorDoNsGt. 1st Class roy heNry

Capt. Greta jaCksoNCapt. paM stauFFer

CoMMaND sGt. Maj. p. striNGFielDwo1 seth stuCk

1st lt. Mike thoMpsoN

The Georgia Guardsman is published monthly under the provisions of AR 360-81 and AF 6-1 by the Georgia Department of Defense Public Affairs Office. The views and opinions expressed in the Georgia Guardsman are not necessarily those of the Departments of the Army, Air Force or the Adjutant General of Georgia. The Georgia Guardsman is distributed free-of-charge to members of the Georgia Army and Air National Guard, State Defense Force and other interested persons upon request.

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DOD Organizations124th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, 116th Air Control Wing Public Affairs Office, Army National Guard Unit Public Affairs Representatives, Air National Guard Wing Public Affairs Representatives, Georgia State Defense Force Public Affairs.

3 | The Georgia Guardsman

It is a cool morning in Marietta Ga., as Maj. Mary Beth Merrick and her team wake up in their own beds, for a change, as they prepare to conduct one of the 80 assistance visits they

perform every year for various Army National Guard (ARNG) aviation units and facilities. The ARNG Aviation Training and Assistance Team (ATAT) is headquartered in Georgia but draws upon the operational knowledge from multiple states to help standardize and share best practices across ARNG aviation units. This past February they visited Georgia’s own 1-171 General Support Aviation Battalion (GSAB).

“A few years ago Army National Guard Aviation Standardization recognized the need to help Army National Guard Aviation units prepare for the Forces Command (FORSCOM) Aviation Resource Management Survey (ARMS), which is a tool used to validate a unit’s readiness to deploy,” said Lt. Col. John Till, Director, ATAT. “Before ATAT, these units averaged below 50% on the ARMS, now 99.3% of the National Guard aviation and UAS units pass the FORSCOM ARMS after the ATAT trains and evaluates their programs.”

Lieutenant Col. Till reminds the team

each time they go out that it is “Guardsmen helping Guardsmen on an assistance visit, not an inspection.” He gets the chance to say that a lot as evaluators spend up to 300 days a year on the road ensuring aviation unit programs comply with current regulations in order to save money, improve readiness, and most importantly keep Soldiers safe as they accomplish the mission.

Staff Sgt. Jennifer Kennedy, supply subject matter expert, has served for nearly five years with the Georgia based ATAT. She serves as the supply Non-Commissioned Officer in charge of the battalion supply section for her unit at dri l l and on deployment, bringing current operational knowledge to the job as she shares best practices with the units she evaluates.

“ T h e ATAT b r i n g s s a f e t y a n d standardization to units that we train and evaluate,” said Kennedy. “If the programs are not running correctly then the units cannot complete their mission safely. What we do saves lives.”

Captain Andrew Banister, Georgia’s 1-171 GSAB Operations Officer welcomed the ATAT inspection this month in preparation for the FORSCOM ARMS in June.

“The ATAT inspection identifies areas that need improvement and the evaluation provides the commander with and unbiased assessment of the programs. This assessment allows a commander to tailor training and efforts to more safely and efficiently accomplish the battalion’s mission in preparation for deployment,” said Banister. “The ATAT inspection helps improve our programs, contributing to the prevention of costly or even deadly aviation accidents.”

Like most of her ATAT peers, Maj. Mary Beth Merrick, ATAT training and command programs subject matter expert, serves with her local unit giving her current insight and experience to share while evaluating and training other units.

“Army Schools do not teach program management, leaving an important role that ATAT now fills. Program management becomes On the Job Training where we can come along beside other Guardsmen sharing best practices to build effective and efficient programs.”

“Ultimately we exist so units can operate safely day to day and achieve validation for mobilization to deploy,” said Till.

ATAT Sends Readiness SoaringBy: Maj. williaM Cox | puBliC aFFairs oFFiCe | GeorGia arMy NatioNal GuarD

Photo by: Maj. WilliaM Cox | PubliC affairs offiCe | GeorGia arMy NatioNal Guard

March 2013 | 4

Due to trending discussions concerning sequestration, I would like to touch on a topic that will play a great role in the existing strength of the Georgia Army National

Guard. For years the Georgia Guard has had the strength in numbers to successfully complete missions on the home front and beyond. Unfortunately, because of circumstances beyond our control, the numbers in our daily ranks will slightly decrease in the upcoming fiscal year, and beyond. Being a Soldier for most of my adult life, I understand some of the financial circumstances that we can, as a country, be confronted with at times.

Although we have chosen to make the tough, but righteous decision to defend our country, this does not stop the issues of life in these economically challenging times from happening. We must continue – as Citizen- Soldiers – to not only keep ourselves and our families aware of the imminent changes that will affect us all, but prepare for them, and ourselves, to deal with those changes the best way we possibly can.

One of the things I love most about the Georgia Army National Guard, and National Guard as a whole, is that we have amazing resources that are designed to assist us in times such as these. I believe our Joint and Family

Services Department – formerly known as the Family Programs Department – provides an array of excellent information such as: TRICARE, behavioral health services, financial management services, job locating services, and the Georgia National Guard Family Support Foundation.

I remember when I began my military journey on active duty. Resources like those I just mentioned were so few and far in between, and I would have loved to have been able to take advantage of them! Although, at the time, I was unable to utilize a lot of the resources available today, I am grateful they are now available, and I’m even more thankful that they are accessible to all my fellow Guardsmen.

I also encourage everyone to make the best use possible of their Family Assistance specialist and Family Readiness Support assistants. Also known as FAS and FRSA, these outstanding civilians are here to work with you and to help your families not only prepare for deployments and mobilizations, but to also assist in circumstances that may arise because of sequestration. They are your direct connection to any of the services offered by the Joint and Family Services Department.

I personally believe that one of the keys to ensuring a Soldier is fit for duty is making sure that his family is taking care of. I know the times ahead may be more difficult than we would like, but I believe that, if we continue to look out for one another, take advantage of the resources available to us, and strive to maintain mission focus, we will continue to be the outstanding warriors we know we are.

Always remember, “to be prepared is half the victory.”

By Command Sgt. Maj. Phillip StringfieldState Command Sergeant MajorGeorgia Army National Guard

NCO NOtepad

5 | The Georgia Guardsman

A year ago at the 265th Regional Supp or t Group d e p ar tu re c e r e m o ny, C o l o n e l C r a i g Mc G ai l l ard , Ag r ibu s i ne ss

Development Team II (ADT II) commander, made a promise to bring everyone home safely. And he kept that promise.

“Because of this team’s results, fall harvest wheat yields increased from 450 kilograms per jerib to 900 kilograms per jerib using the improved wheat seed that was grown,” said McGaillard. In Afghanistan, the jerib is approximately one-fifth of a hectare, but can vary by region.

The Women’s Initiative Training Team (WITT) could be considered one of the more successful endeavors for the ADT. Usually led by a female Soldier, its purpose is to assist the women of Afghanistan in establishing sound agribusiness practices, from seed to market. When Georgia ADT II WITT took over from ADT I, it faced challenges. The most important among these was building relationships with the Afghan women leaders.

In preparation for their deployment,

ADT II Soldiers used the new language lab at Clay National Guard Center to improve their understanding of the Pashto and Dari languages spoken in Afghanistan. The University of Georgia (UGA) College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences provided additional agriculture training and technical expertise at the UGA Tifton campus.

“There is not really a class for this type of mission, it was all ad-hoc training,” said Master Sgt. David McElwee. “So working with UGA really helped us when we got into our mission in Afghanistan.”

The ADT entered local meetings with the goal of observing agricultural methods handed down for thousands of years and working with Afghans to come up with alternative methods to get the most out of their agriculture programs. This included training in business, canning, jarring, food preservation, and poultry. The agricultural training by ADT II directly impacted an estimated 650,000 Afghans in the Logar and Wardak provinces.

The 56-strong unit planned, initiated

and executed more than 21 agribusiness related projects in Logar and Wardak provinces, including managing eight watershed restoration projects. These projects totaled in excess of $3.7 million.

In addition to its role in developing projects, agribusiness the unit also proved a vital asset as a quick reaction force (QRF) for the battle space owner, Task Force Saber. The ADT security force would help recover Soldiers and equipment and after one operation with the 101st Airborne Pathfinders, they were personally recognized for professionalism and attention to detail.

“I was very impressed and hope we can work with the Georgia ADT again in the future,” said Staff Sgt. Joshua Bronson, 101st Airborne Pathfinders, in an email to Col. McGalliard. “I have been transported by several units, and your Soldiers are a cut above.”

“We were probably considered the best team on Forward Operating Base Shank,” added Col. McGalliard. “On at least four or five occasions these Guardsmen were the first to render aid to wounded civilians and Soldiers following indirect fire or rocket attacks on the base. Their quick actions in the face of danger, risking their lives, saved the lives of others.”

The small unit was highly decorated during the deployment: receiving 6 Combat Infantry Badges, 23 Combat Action Badges, 2 Combat Medic Badges, 15 Bronze Star Medals, 36 Army Commendation Medals, and 2 Department of the Army Awards for civilian service.

The Guardsmen of ADT II will now return home to family and friends, but deployment activity doesn’t stop there. There are several classes aimed at helping Soldiers transition back into their civilian lives.

“The reintegration piece is the easy part, you get your Soldiers back, you get to hug them, but the next few months are going to be the critical part,” said Col. Michael Scholes, commander, 78th Homeland Response Force. “The Yellow Ribbon events are one of the most important things we can do for the Soldier and the family.”

The Georgia National Guard has made a three-year commitment to provide ADTs in Afghanistan. The first of these deployed for southeastern Afghanistan in the spring of 2011. The majority of the service members come from the 201st Regional Support Group and the 265th Regional Support Group. Georgia ADT III is currently deployed to Afghanistan.

welcome homeAgribusiness Development team IIBy: 1st lt. Mike thoMpsoN | 78th hoMelaND respoNse ForCe | GeorGia arMy NatioNal GuarD

Photos by: 1 st lt. Mike thoMPsoN | 7 8 th hoMelaNd resPoNse forCe | GeorGia arMy NatioNal Guard

March 2013 | 6

Sgt. 1st Class Bryan Neal, ADT II senior non-commissioned officer, holds his young son as he answers questions for Statesboro Herald reporter Al Hackle.

7 | The Georgia Guardsman

AugustA to guArdsmen:‘ t i l W e m e e t A g A i nCitizen-Soldiers of the Georgia Army Guard’s 878th Engineer Battalion deploy once again

By: sGt. 1st Class roy heNry | puBliC aFFairs oFFiCe | GeorGia DepartMeNt oF DeFeNse

For the second time since the Global War on Terror began 12 years ago, the city of Augusta has said “farewell, and safe return” to the Citizen-Soldiers of the Georgia Army Guard’s 878th

Engineer Battalion.Stepping to the podium inside Whole

Life Ministry facility not far from the 878th armory, Augusta mayor Deke Copenhaver told the assembly of Soldiers, family members and citizens seated before him, “On this bitter-sweet occasion, it is now – as it has been in the past, my great honor to tell you – the Soldier - how proud we are of you, that you have our deepest gratitude for what you do and that it is the hope of all Augustans that all you return safely to us.”

“To your families, we cannot ever say ‘thank you’ enough for the sacrifices you make and the responsibilities you take on while your Soldier is away,” Copenhaver added. “ The doors of Augusta c ity government are always open to you, and we pray with you that they stay safe, that they do well the time they’ll be gone, and that, when their time is done, they all come home again.”

On its first tour-of-duty in 2004, the 878th was part of Task Force Baghdad serving in Iraq for nearly a year as part of operations Iraqi Freedom I and II. When the more than 200 Guardsmen of the battalion’s Headquarters Service Company and Forward Support Company “hit the sand box” this time, they’ll be operating in support of friendly forces running the roads somewhere in Afghanistan.

“Just where we’re going, I can’t say – right now,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Jeff Logan, the 878th’s senior enlisted leader, “but what I can tell you is we’re ready. We’ve trained hard and long here at home, and we’ll be training even harder and longer for the six weeks we’re at Fort Bliss, Texas, before we board the plane for Afghanistan.

“We are confident, we are strong and we are ready to take on the tasks –whatever they may be – that will be set before us,” he said.

According to Lt. Col. Eduardo C. Granados, the battalion commander, once it is on the ground the 878th Engineer Battalion will be the mission control element for several engineer sapper companies. Those units – to include the battalion’s own 848th Engineer Company (already in training at Fort Bliss) will clear roads of IEDs and other obstacles for the estimated 9 to 10 months they will be deployed. “The expectation,” Granados added, “is that the 878th and the 848th will return late December of this year or early next year.”

“In getting there from here, there are going to be tough days and tough decisions that have to be made,” he said, “but I know the caliber of our officers, our non-commissioned officers and our enlisted Soldiers. They have shown, time-and-again, that they are ready to do this, to accomplish the mission and come home with our heads held high.”

While this may only be the second time the 878th Headquarters – in and of its self – has deployed, there are many among its number, like Logan who count this as the third, or even fourth time that they’ve made the trip “over the pond” to answer the call-to-duty.

For Sgt. 1st Class Travis K. Rapp, and assistant operations officer for Headquarters Company, it is his third deployment, the last one having also been to Afghanistan with Long and Augusta’s 877th Engineer Company where Long served as the unit first sergeant.

“Being away from my family is always a concern, and they know they are always on my mind,” Rapp explained. “At the same time, they also know I take my responsibility toward my Soldiers seriously, especially toward those among us who have never done this [deployed] before,and that where they go, I go. I have never asked anyone to do something I wouldn’t do, and I’m not about to start now.”

Speaking on behalf of himself and the August City Commission, District 4 commissioner Alvin Mason told the estimated 200 Guardsmen seated before him that the prayers and hopes of every commissioner, every citizen of Augusta for a successful deployment go with them as they move on to the next leg of their long journey.

“What I want to leave you with today as you move forward to the next step in your mobilization is this: Each and every one of you is important to this city, to this state and to this nation, and more importantly to each other,” said Mason, with emotion in his voice. “The selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage with which you will undoubtedly do all that is asked of you, is a testament like no other that brings honor upon this city, this state and the nation. May you always do what is right, be just in your cause and be proud of who you are as Georgia Citizen-Soldiers.”

Photo by: sGt. 1 st Class roy heNry | PubliC affairs offiCe | GeorGia dePartMeNt of defeNse

March 2013 | 8

There are more than 500 state employees who work for the Georgia Department of Defense (Ga. DoD) in capacities ranging from sanitation services, to human resources, to public affairs. Often, that there is even such a thing as a

state DoD gets forgotten or overlooked because the National Guard is the driving force within the organization.

The Ga. DoD is comprised of three primary components: the Georgia Air National Guard, Georgia Army National Guard, and the all-volunteer Georgia State Defense Force. With such visible and important flag-bearers, it’s easy to see how the hundreds of state employees who serve them are often overlooked.

But state employees provide a crucial, strategically significant role in the Defense community. In addition to providing top-tier service and subject matter expertise, these civilians (though some are former military themselves) provide continuity to an organization that is otherwise always in flux. Whereas a given Army or Air position is likely to change hands every couple years, state employee positions tend to be more stable – with some employees serving more than a decade or even two in the same position. As a result, state employees become the “constant” in various offices – the one thing that remains the same after military personnel are rotated in and out around deployments, promotions, training, etc.

– making state employees the gatekeepers of valuable institutional and functional knowledge.

Important, too, are the interns who serve as state employees for the Ga. DoD. Many of them are either currently earning their undergraduate degree or recently graduated. Their internships provide them with valuable real-life work experience, of course, but these hard-workers also get the opportunity to work side-by-side with real-life heroes every day – creating a formative experience which no doubt molds the way these interns will go on to become leaders themselves. I cannot think of a better place to observe and participate in civil leadership than by working with the U.S. military.

While these interns do not provide the continuity long-term employees do, they serve as a valuable “force-multiplier” for the organization. While they receive valuable, high-speed experience and mentorship paired with meaningful work – the organization receives in return a lower cost labor-multiplier and, in some instances, the opportunity to give folks who will turn out to be future employees a “test run.”

All in all, the state employees of the Georgia Department of Defense provide a valuable and meaningful service to their state, their nation and – particularly – their National Guard.

By: WO1 Seth Stuck | Public Affairs Office | Georgia State Defense Force

of the Georgia Department of Defense

Photo by: seth stuCk | PubliC affairs offiCe | GeorGia dePartMeNt of defeNse

Ga. DoD employees post up in the Ga. DoD Joint Operations Center (JOC) during the Jan. 30, 2013, tornadoes that tore through North Ga.

Specia l ist Donnie Kessler joined the Georgia Army National Guard because he wanted to go as many different places and help as many different people as he could. However, he never expected to find himself standing in a sweltering basement classroom in Africa teaching basic pathfinder instruction to Cameroonian soldiers, only six months after completing pathfinder school himself. athfinders

Blaze the trail for Central aCCord 2013

9 | The Georgia Guardsman

March 2013 | 10

athfindersKessler and other members of the

560th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade are part more than 150 U.S . s er v ice memb ers

participating in Central Accord 2013. Central Accord is an annual U.S. Army Africa exercise that brings together Central African countries such as Cameroon and neighboring countries’ militaries, to promote regional partnership while strengthening aerial resupply and medical readiness capabilities.

“We’re here to teach the Cameroonian soldiers the basics of pathfinder operations, such as setting and marking the drop zones,” said Capt. John Shull, commander of 165th Quartermaster Company, Georgia Army National Guard. “They are pretty sharp guys, and very eager to learn.”

As ceiling fans moved humid air through the classroom the U.S. Soldiers, with the help of a translator, a power point presentation and a large model airplane, took their counterparts through the numerous aspects of the pathfinder

missions. Pathfinders are specialized Soldiers who are trained to set up and operate drop zones.

The students took notes and asked questions of their instructors, discussing various points until they understood everything from administrative tasks to using algebraic equations to calculate wind speed.

Cameroon Army Chief Sgt. Denya Zena, said the training was going well.

“We need to learn these new ideas,” Zenas said. “I am looking forward to practicing these methods.”

The Cameroonian’s enthusiasm to learn was matched by the U.S. Soldier’s passion for teaching their job. The pay off for them will be the ability to walk away from the exercise knowing that their students will be able to conduct the aerial resupplies by themselves, said Staff Sgt. Ray Novak, a training NCO with the 560th.

“These guys (Cameroonian students) are all airborne qualified, we all have something in common and we have a lot of

the same attitudes,” Novac said. “However, they only drop personnel, we’re going to give them the ability to drop material and resupply themselves.”

Training has been mutually beneficial for all partners involved in the exercise as U.S. Soldiers are now considering implementing Cameroonian techniques as well.

Novak says that instead of using a live paratrooper, his unit is now considering following the Cameroonian practice of using a man sized dummy to judge the wind conditions on an initial parachute jump, to enhance safety.

Classroom and hands-on training will continue throughout the next week. Central Accord 2013 will culminate with a practical exercise featuring actual aerial resupply drops, showcasing the Cameroon soldiers’ newly improved skills and capabilities.

“It’s a new experience for me, traveling with the Army and meeting different people,” said Kessler. “I’m looking forward to everything.”

By: staFF sGt. BriaN GorDoN | 114th puBliC aFFairs DetaChMeNt | New haMpshire NatioNal GuarD

Photo by: staff sGt. WhitNey huGhes | 1 1 4 th PubliC affairs detaChMeNt | NeW haMPsire NatioNal Guard

Staff Sgt. Ray Novak (right), with the 560th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade, Georgia Army National Guard, leads a class on drop zone operations for Cameroon Army paratroopers Feb. 21 at Regiment du Genie Headquarters outside the city of Douala, Cameroon.

11 | The Georgia Guardsman

Georgia Volunteers then and now

One hundred fifty years separate us from the campaigns of 1863. Many of our modern-day Georgia Guard units trace their lineage to units that fought in the American Civil War. The Georgia National Guard has mobilized

more than 15,000 Soldiers in support of combat operations over the past 11 years. But from 1861 to 1865, out of a population of just over 1 million (one tenth the present population) Georgia contributed 100,000 Soldiers to serve in the armies of the Confederate States of America. Nearly 20,000 of these would fall in four years of conflict.

From Secession to ShermanGeorgia was the fifth state to join the Confederacy when it left

the Union January 18, 1861. It would not return to the United States until readmitted to the Union in 1870 following reconstruction. Georgia spent the first two years of the war largely untouched; however, by 1864 the “universe of battle” descended upon the state.

From late 1863 to 1865 more than 500 battles and skirmishes would be fought on Georgian soil. The largest two-day battle of the war would be fought along the banks of the Chickamauga River in north Georgia and the world would learn a new definition of total warfare during General William T. Sherman’s march to the sea.

First to fightWhile Georgia herself did not feel the full ravages of war until

the campaigns of 1863, her Soldiers had been engaged from the very first battle. The 7th and 8th Georgia Infantry were present on Henry House Hill during the First Battle of Manassas where they were ordered by their brigade commander, Col. Francis Bartow, to seize artillery pieces that were firing upon Confederate positions. Bartow, a native of Savannah, led his men forward with the cry “boys follow me!” As he rode on horseback waving his kepi above his head, he was felled by a bullet. Surrounded by his Georgians, Bartow spoke his last words. “Boys, they have killed me, but never give up the field.” Bartow was the first brigade commander on either side to be killed in the Civil War. Bartow County, home for 171 Georgia Guardsmen, was named in his honor. More than 350 of Col. Bartow’s Georgians became casualties at Manassas.

Also present at Manassas was an inventive engineer. Captain E. Porter Alexander, a native of Washington, Ga. formed the Confederate Signal Service and at Manassas became the first signal officer to transfer information by signal flags while in combat. Georgia deployments then and now

During the Civil War, Georgia sent eight battalions and 28 batteries of artillery into service. More than 50 cavalry battalions, squadrons and regiments were also sent into Confederate service. Beginning in 1861, Georgia organized and mobilized nearly 80 Infantry battalions and regiments. These Georgia Soldiers served in the armies of Northern Virginia and Tennessee and participated in all major conflicts of the war.

214th Field Artillery (FA) In February, 2013 the Georgia Guard mobilized more than

200 artillerymen of the 1-214th (FA). Curiously, the 214th FA does not trace its lineage to one of those civil war artillery units but rather to the 5th Georgia Cavalry Regiment. As the forerunner of the 214th FA, the 5th Georgia Cavalry Regiment saw action during the Atlanta, Savannah, and South Carolina campaign against the forces of Gen. Sherman before surrendering in North Carolina in April 1865.

The 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT)When the 48th IBCT deployed to Afghanistan in 2005 and

2009 it carried with it a heritage that, like many Georgia Guard units, predated the Civil War. Known as the Macon Volunteers, the forerunners of the 48th IBCT were incorporated into the 2nd Georgia Infantry Battalion in 1861. As part of the Army of

The GeorGia Guard aT war: in 1863 and 2013

By 1st Lt. William CarrawayPublic Affairs OfficeGeorgia Department of Defense

Private Thomas Weyman Houston was killed July 25, 1864 at the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain. He was a member of the 5th Georgia Cavalry Regiment.

March 2013 | 12

Northern Virginia, the battalion travelled north into Pennsylvania with Gen. Robert E. Lee in June 1863. At Gettysburg they would suffer nearly 50 percent casualties while serving as skirmishers for the brigade of A. W. Wright. More than 1,000 men would serve in the ranks of the 2nd Georgia Battalion until the unit surrendered at Appomattox Court House April 9, 1865 with less than 100 men still in the ranks.

118th FAThe 1-118th FA’s connection to the Civil War is complex. The

predecessors of the 118th FA were activated into state service two weeks before Georgia seceded. The unit occupied Fort Pulaski and mustered into Confederate service in the summer of 1861. Although constituted as the 1st Georgia Volunteer Regiment, the unit’s companies would be broken up over the course of the war. In August 1861, the Chatham Artillery was separated from the regiment. Armed with four 12-lb Napoleon cannons the Chatham Artillery (also known as Claghorn’s or Wheaton’s Battery) surrendered April 26, 1865 near Greensboro, N.C.

Other companies that detached from the original regiment would be reconstituted as the 13th and 18th Infantry Battalions. The remnants of the regiment reorganized in 1862 and were consolidated with the 57th and 63rd Georgia Volunteer Infantry in April 1865, days before surrendering near Durham, N.C., with the shattered remnants of the Army of Tennessee.

Aerial surveillance then and nowThe Georgia Air National Guard flies the unique Joint

Surveillance Target Attack Radar (JSTARS) platform. Surprisingly, Georgia also provided an aerial surveillance platform during the Civil War. While the Union maintained a robust balloon corps, Confederate technology lagged until Savannah residents Langdon Cheeves and Charles Cevor developed a silk balloon that could remain aloft for hours. During the Seven Days campaign of 1862, this balloon would be piloted by the remarkable Lt. Col. E. Porter Alexander. Alexander made several ascents in this balloon and observed Union troop movements. Alexander would continue his remarkable career as General Longstreet’s Chief of Artillery and would command the artillery bombardment that preceded Pickett’s ill-fated charge at Gettysburg.

With the coming of spring, the campaigns of 1863 would commence in earnest. Lee would make his great gamble at Chancellorsville and the Union would fight a desperate defense at Gettysburg. The bloodiest two-day battle of the War would be fought in Georgia and President Lincoln would finally find the General who would lead the Army of the Potomac to victory.

RIGHT: Private R. Cecil Johnson fought with the 8th Georgia at Manassas. He was killed June 21, 1863 at the Battle of Upperville (Library of Congress).

““

Boys, they have killed me, but never give up the field- Col. Francis Bartow

13 | The Georgia Guardsman

ElbertonGives 1-214thField Artillery BattalionSend-off ParadeBy: 1st lt. Mike thoMpsoN | 78th hoMelaND respoNse ForCe | GeorGia arMy NatioNal GuarD

Photos by: 1 st lt. Mike thoMPsoN | 7 8 th hoMelaNd resPoNse forCe | GeorGia arMy NatioNal Guard

March 2013 | 14

The small town of Elberton, mostly known for its granite quarries, took to the streets of the town square to host a grand departure ceremony for the Georgia Army National Guard’s 1-214th Field Artillery Battalion. This marks the

start of the ‘Granite’ Battalion’s 12-month deployment to Afghanistan.

“Soldiers, family, community,” said Maj. Gen. Jim Butterworth, Georgia’s Adjutant General. “I think you know that you have a very proud state and community right behind you as you go into this adventure. The only day that is better than today, is the day we welcome each and every one of you back home”

Volunteers of the 1-214th Battalion started the day unloading care packages for the Soldiers’ families and grilling hot dogs at the Elberton High School stadium. The family day affair aimed to celebrate time together with the Soldiers of the 1-214th before their official departure later this month.

As a unique addition to the unit’s deployment, two sets of Guardsmen will deploy as father-son teams. First Sergeant Delmon Pitts and his son Sgt. Zachery Pitts; and Staff Sgt. James Wilson and his son Spc. Brady Wilson will take a big piece of home with them to Afghanistan.

“I was ready to retire, but decided to go with my son on the deployment,” said Staff Sgt. James Wilson. Like other

Soldiers, they plan to keep in touch with family back home through video messaging and emails.

The battalion guidon, held high at the front of the formation, led the Soldiers through the streets of Elberton on a parade march with local citizens on all sides cheering and waving flags. The special town square ceremony featured guest speakers representing local and state government, and military organizations.

“These soldiers here today leave behind families, friends, employers, and communities that deeply love them,” said Lt. Col. David Casey, 1-214th commander. “These soldiers willingly volunteered to assist a nation in need of change and proudly wear the uniform to serve our great nation.”

The Elberton-based 1-214th Field Artillery Battalion is part of the Marietta-based 78th Homeland Response Force (HRF). The 214th is steeped in tradition with service during the American Civil War, World War I and II, and more recently, operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. In addition to its traditional field artillery mission the unit was recently assigned as the security element for the 78th HRF. This is the first time the battalion has deployed as a whole since World War II.

The 214th will provide base security for a forward operating base in Afghanistan as part of their mission while on deployment.

Spc. Dustin Rogers, 1-214th Field Artillery Battalion, carries the battalion guidon at the front of formation during a send off ceremony in the Elberton town square.

15 | The Georgia Guardsman

Jack Broxton gestures to a photo of 20 cleaning products, some of which are marked with hazard labels.

“These chemicals are going away,” says Broxton, director of facilities maintenance for the Construction Facilities

Management Office (CFMO). “Instead, we will have four bio-friendly cleaners that will do the same work at less cost with no environmental or human hazard.”

According to Broxton, the CFMO’s green products initiative stands to save the Georgia Guard nearly $8,000 annually in cleaning costs.

The CFMO is responsible for construction and maintenance of facilities critical to the mission of more than 15,000 Georgia Guardsmen. With facilities in all corners of Georgia, Broxton and his colleagues must make the most efficient use of the tools and resources available.

“Everyone on the CFMO team contributes to the energy reduction process,” said Col. Scott Carter, Construction Facilities Maintenance Officer for the Georgia Guard. “We appreciate the support of all the members of the Georgia Guard as we seek to be good stewards of resources.”

In the era of persistent fiscal uncertainty, proper stewardship of public monies has prompted the CFMO’s creative minds to explore new ways to save the Guard energy and money while preserving environmental resources.

“One of our biggest expenditures is energy,” said Broxton. “To reduce utility costs the CFMO has initiated energy audits of all Guard facilities.”

“Such audits assess a building’s utility bills and establish a baseline,” said Dania Aponte, CFMO’s director of environmental programs. “Energ y auditors ident i f y issues and make

recommendations to increase energy efficiency.”At the conclusion of an audit, facilities receive a list of energy

control measures (ECM) such as vacancy sensors and efficient light options. According to Broxton, these and other ECMs were incorporated into the design of the Joint Force Headquarters (JFHQ) building at Marietta’s Clay National Guard Center. Before it was occupied, the headquarters facility was prepped for wise energy use through the incorporation of an energy management control system (EMCS).

The CFMO is moving forward with a pilot program to gauge how EMCS can assist in retrofitting older buildings for energy conservation.

“EMCS is like a brain,” Aponte explains. “It connects electricity, heat and power systems into one control panel.”

“Following the installation of EMCS we anticipate an annual energy savings of $8,000, at this one building,” said Broxton.

The CFMO hopes to realize additional energy savings through a solar panel pilot project at four Georgia Guard facilities. Installation of photovoltaic panels are expected to reduce utility costs at each facility by 30 percent according to Broxton.

While retrofitting existing buildings can realize a payout over time, smart building design plays a large role in energy savings from the first day of occupancy. New military construction projects initiated by the CFMO take full advantage of technological advances in building materials and energy efficiency. The Cumming Readiness Center, scheduled to become fully operational in April 2013, is the latest example of this trend toward energy efficient construction.

“Taken in total, these efforts are designed to use less energy and save resources,” said Carter. “All of these energy efforts support the Adjutant General’s goal of ‘Preeminent Facilities.’”

By: 1st lt. williaM Carraway | puBliC aFFairs oFFiCe | GeorGia DepartMeNt oF DeFeNse

Georgia CFMO stewardship saving money and the environment

Photo by: Viki MoolMaN | CoNstruCtioN faCilities MaNaGeMeNt offiCe

March 2013 | 16

By: Maj. Anthony E. DuplechienOperationsGeorgia Army National Guard

Authored by Thomas E Ricks, this book provides an account based on achievement of goals and accomplishment of the mission by the Army. Focused quite obviously on the top leadership of the Army from WWI to the recently ended conflict in Iraq and the current conflict in Afghanistan, Ricks discusses the core of what we in the Army provide - leadership. Mr. Ricks gives some very opinionated accounts of some of America’s premier Generals whose names would be familiar to professional soldiers and certainly even to those aware of historical and current events.

The focal point of “The Generals” is on George C. Marshall, the Army Chief of Staff most noted for bringing the Army out of the Post WWI gloom and transporting into the premier fighting organization that achieved victory in WWII. In his book, Ricks provides numerous accolades on General Marshall’s standards for choosing his generals — “common sense, a student of the profession, strong, optimistic, energetic, loyal and determined” and his expectations for them to be able to translate strategy into operational orders and results, in other words, to figure out what to do and then get people to do it.

Illustrating his message of accountability Ricks quotes Lt. Col. Paul Yingling who noted that “during the darkest days of the Iraq war, a private who lost his rifle was punished more than a general who lost his part of a war.” Ricks message of accountability leads to the key take-away for the reader: we as leaders are charged with achieving success. It brings to light that we need to

define and measure what success looks like and hold our leadership accountable to that standard.

The lessons of the book are enlightening and thought provoking. As professionals charged with the mission of providing “well trained and motivated forces to the Governor and combatant commanders,” we, as leaders, are accountable for building unified land operational capability.

Professional DeveloPment Bookshelf:Reviews of books that teach us about ouR cRaft

17 | The Georgia Guardsman

The career and legacy of Chief Master Sgt. Donald Camp was celebrated during a retirement ceremony held during March’s Air National Guard training weekend.

Honoring one of the longest serving careers of a chief master sergeant, distinguished guests, dignitaries, fellow service members, and family peered intently as Camp’s 41 years of dedicated service was captured through awards and anecdotes.

“We started working together when I was a Major, and he practically raised me to be the officer I am today,” said Maj. Gen. Thomas Moore, commander of the Georgia Air National Guard. “I’m going to miss having his wisdom and guidance every day.”

As State Command Chief, Camp has been responsible for approximately 3,500 people and has been deeply involved in several programs at the state level. Camp invested in the lives of guardsmen by honoring them through programs such as the Outstanding Airmen of the Year Program, the Enlisted Promotion Program, the Hometown Hero Salute Program, and the Enlisted Control Grade Program.

“My focus has been on servant leadership,to fight for fairness, and to make sure our people had the best resources to do their job,” said Camp. “It was a battle I willingly accepted.”

Loyal to his state, Camp has dedicated time as a memberof the Emergency Response Team. According to Camp, highlights of his community efforts include leading a group that provided ‘Meals Ready to Eat’ to more than 200 people during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina; managing a group of responders that delivered hay to cattle alongside North Georgia roads during bad weather;

Georgia Air National Guard

celebrates legacy of chief

master sgt. from Atlanta

By: Capt. paM stauFFer | 116th aCw GeorGia air NatioNal GuarD

Photos by: CaPt. PaM stauffer | PubliC affairs offiCe | 1 1 6 th air CoNtrol WiNG

March 2013 | 18

and supportingthe Georgia Emergency Management Agency during a flood in Macon.

“During one particular ice storm, I-75 was like a parking lot; no one could get through to go to work.” Camp said. “We picked up doctors and nurses in a four-wheel drive and took them to their offices.”

As the ceremony progressed, tears filled the eyes of friends and family as Camp’s son, a 116th ACW pilot, and daughter, an elementary school teacher in Acworth, Ga., spoke.

“The rare ability to make people feel important is a large reason why he’s been a successful leader during his career,” said Capt. Don Camp Jr. “He always makes people stand taller and smile brighter-a rare gift that you do not see it often in this business.”

“There is a new generation of young Airmen that will never get to see the likes of Chief Camp in action, but he truly is a living legend in this game,” said Camp, Jr.

Prior to becoming the State Command Chief for the Georgia Air National Guard in 2010, Camp was the Command Chief for the 116th ACW for 10 years.

“When JSTARS was a ‘blended’ wing [Guard and Active Duty Airmen in a single unit], the Chief made sure that not just Guard

members, but also Active Duty personnel received honors during a Hometown Heroes celebration,” said Master Sgt. Jonathan Johnson, 116th ACW First Sergeant. “This was a big deal to the Active Duty here and showed how much effort he put forth towards to the entire team.”

On a broader scale, Camp and his team developed a motto from his days at the 116th Fighter Wing that is used by Active Duty Air Force today.

The Air Force saying, “Fly, Fight, Win” originated from 116th FWin the 1970s. As a Weapons Mechanic for F-100s, F-105s, F-4s, F-15s, and B-1Bs, Camp and his team developed a training program that mimicked how the unit fought and that program is still used today. “Out of the need to streamline, we discovered how to ‘quick-turn’ aircraft effectively and the motto “Fly, Fight, Win” was born.” said Camp.

Born in Atlanta, Ga., Camp entered the military in 1972 and held the rank of Chief Master Sergeant since 1990.

“I would stay in the Georgia Air National Guard five or 10 more years if they would let me,” said Camp. “However, I look forward to spending more time with my wife and family and honor the sacrifices they’ve made throughout my career.”

Retired Air National Guard Maj. Gen. Tom Lynn presents Chief Master Sgt. Donald Camp, the state command chief for the Georgia Air National Guard, a certificate of retirement, March 1, 2013, Robins Air Force Base, Ga.

19 | The Georgia Guardsman

Two Georgia Army Guardsmen are among the four Soldiers to receive the 2012 Atlanta Journal-Constitution (AJC) Army Reserve Achievement Award for outstanding performance, at a ceremony held in their honor.

The awards, hosted by the Army Reserve’s 335th Signal Command, honored Sgt. 1st Class Reinier Perez, of the Georgia Recruiting and Retention Battalion, and Spc. Benjamin Willis, of the 648th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade (MEB). Perez and Willis, along with two United States Army Reservists, were presented the award by Andre Jackson, editorial editor of the AJC. Brigadier Gen. Joe Jarrard, Assistant Adjutant General - Army, was on hand to congratulate the winners.

“These two soldiers are really special; they are head and shoulders above their peers because of what they’ve done throughout their careers,” Jarrard said. “They had to be something special to be selected by the group of Sergeant Majors who chose the recipients.”

Perez and Willis were chosen for this year’s award because of their outstanding proficiency in several categories, including conduct, attendance at drills and annual training, and leadership ability.

Perez, the Readiness NCO for the Winder Recruit Sustainment Program joined the US Army in September 2000, where he deployed to Iraq in 2004 with the 2-7th Cavalry before joining the Georgia National Guard in November 2006. He then served as a Georgia National Guard recruiter until February 2012. Perez, who recently graduated from Ashford University with a B.A. in Organizational Management, was surprised to learn he was receiving the award.

“I always try to do my job; I don’t expect to ever be recognized but sometimes if you go above the standard, recognition can come,”

Perez said. “You’ve got to always try to be your best; it always pays off in the end.”

Willis, currently serving as the Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) section supervisor in the 1160th Truck Company, 348th Brigade Support Battalion, 648th MEB, joined the Georgia Guard in October 2009. He has led the Unit, Battalion, and Brigade as being selected as the 2012 Soldier of the Year, and competed in Georgia’s 2012 Adjutant General’s Defender’s Cup. Willis, who is currently pursuing his Bachelor’s degree in Project Management at Jacksonville State University, was excited to learn he won the award.

“It’s a good honor, I’m pretty happy about it. It boosts morale and really showcases my unit,” Willis said. “Doing my best at whatever task I am given is the most important thing. No matter what, I think it’s important to always keep trying, to never let anything slide by.”

The AJC has bestowed this award annually since the 1970’s. To be selected, Soldiers must attend at least 95 percent of their scheduled drills, attend annual training, and be qualified in their particular military occupational skill. They must also qualify at sharpshooter or higher on their assigned weapon and have had no disciplinary actions taken against them during the nominating period.

“This is one of the highlights of my year, and I’m honored to represent the AJC and present these awards to deserving Citizen-Soldiers of the United States Army Reserve and the Georgia National Guard,” Jackson said. “We admire these Soldiers who serve with honor and valor, and it’s always a pleasure for me to be a part of this.”

AJC Awards Honor Two Georgia Guardsmen

Photos by: steVeN WelCh | PubliC affairs offiCe | GeorGia dePartMeNt of defeNse

By: steveN welCh | puBliC aFFairs oFFiCe | GeorGia DepartMeNt oF DeFeNse

March 2013 | 20

Sgt. 1st Class Renier Perez, left, and Spc. Benjamin Willis, right, receive the 2012 Atlanta Journal Constitution Reserve Components Achievement Award for their commitment to the Guard’s mission and their performance throughout the year.

21 | The Georgia Guardsman

Around the GeorGiA GuArd

CPL. PATRICK PAUL NAMED GA STATE DEFENSE FORCE “SOLDIER OF THE YEAR”

Paul, a member of the 3rd Battalion, is named “2012 Soldier of the Year” by the 1st Brigade of the Georgia State Defense Force, an all-volunteer, military force, which reports to the governor.

The award is given annually to a soldier who demonstrates the highest degree of professionalism, said Lt. Col. J. Michael Hayden, 3rd Battalion Commander for the Georgia State Defense Force, which is based in Monroe. “It’s the most coveted peer-recognized award in the defense force,” Hayden said.

179TH MILITARY POLICE COMPANY

179th MPs post security on a road during a night patrol in Afghanistan.

March 2013 | 22

GEORGIA’S TAG VISTS 224TH JCSS

Georgia’s Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Jim Butterworth, visits Brunswick’s 224th Joint Communications Support Squadron (JCSS) during his tour of the state. Maj. Gen. Butterworth’s trip took him to Soldiers and Airmen in Macon, Brunswick, and St. Simon’s Island.

UPS REAFFIRMS SUPPORT OF GA. GUARD EMPLOYEES

Georgia Army Guard Pfc. Brittany Wynn, a wheel maintenance specialist with Marietta’s 165th Quartermaster Company, and package sorter at the UPS Hub on Pleasantdale Road is thanked for her service by Scott Davis, UPS chairman and CEO.

48TH IBCT WARRIORS COMPETE

Guardsmen with the 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team compete at Fort Benning’s National Guard Warrior Training Center in the Brigade’s Warrior/NCO of the Year.

Public Affairs OfficeGeorgia Department of Defense1000 Halsey Ave. Bldg. 447Marietta, Ga. 30060

Stands watch over the snowy Afghan landscape179th MP Company