February 2015 Edition

February 2015

REady, Set, Fly! Taking to the Skies in Savannah

Plus: 48th IBCT Changes Command | Coach of the Year | And so much more

CONTENTS ISSUE: February 2015

cover story

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

06

Features 05|Coach of the Year

Citizen-Airman from the 116th ACW wins Coach of the Year award.

11| Retention is Key

Colonel Thomas Carden explains the importance of retention.

03| Setnry Savannah 15-1 The Air Dominance Center hosts Sentry Savannah 15-1.

13| A moment in time

A flashback to the 1973 winter storm in Georgia.

16| Military Spouse of the Year Verna Holland is recognized as the Base Level Military Spouse winner for the Georgia National Guard.

05

News 06| 48th IBCT has a new Command Colonel Reginald Neal takes command of the 48th IBCT.

09| Ground Support

Service members train in the air as well as on the ground during Sentry Savannah 15-1.

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09

columns

07

07| Historic Battle Review

February 1865: Nothern Victory in Sight.

10| Book Review

The Art of War for Managers by Gerald Michaelson.

12| Chaplain’s Corner

Sexual assault affects more than just the victim.

15| NCO Notepad

Reflecting on ourselves during the holiday season.

17| Around the Guard 1 | The Georgia Guardsman

Georgia National Guard Commander-in-Chief Gov. Nathan Deal Adjutant General Brig. Gen. Joseph Jarrard State Public Affairs Director Lt. Col. Thomas Lesnieski State Public Affairs Officer Capt. William Carraway Operations NCO SFC Gerard Brown Editorial Staff

Managing Editor Sgt. Ashley Sutz Creative Director Desiree Bamba Contributors Master Sgt. Charles Burnsed Capt. William Carraway Maj. Will Cox Command Sgt. Maj. Phillip Stringfield Capt. Greta Jackson Master Sgt. Jon LaDue Tech Sgt. Julie Parker Master Sgt Roger Parsons Staff Sgt. Tracy J. Smith Chaplain Lt. Col. Mike Summers

Contributing DOD Organizations 124th Mobile Public Affairs D e t a ch m e nt , 1 1 6 t h A i r Control Wing Public Affairs O f f i c e , A r my Nat i o n a l Guard Unit Public Affairs Representatives, Air National Guard Wing Public Affairs Representatives, Georgia State Defense Force Public Affairs.

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Disclaimer 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.

February 2015 | 2

Air Dominance Center Hosts Sentry Savannah By: Master Sgt. Jon LaDue | 115th Fighter Wing | Wisconsin National Guard

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he skies along the southeastern coast may look and sound a little different this week as more than 1,400 service members begin a large-scale aerial training exercise.

Exercise Sentry Savannah 15-1 will test the mettle of pilots from the Air Force, Air National Guard and Marines during the two-week, joint training exercise being held at Savannah’s Air Dominance Center (ADC) Feb. 9 -20.

“It’s going to be something to behold -- if you live on the coast, you’re going to be seeing fighters all up and down the coast,” said Maj. Gen. Thomas Moore, commander of the Georgia Air National Guard. “They’re going to be cool, they’re going to be fast and they’re going to be loud so be prepared.”

The exercise includes nearly 80 aircraft consisting mostly of fighters, tankers, and trainers. It’s old school versus new school in a way as the fourth generation F-15 and F-16 will fly with and against fifth generation fighters in the F-22 and F-35 in an exhibition the Air Dominance Center proudly dubs as “Fighter Integration” training.

“It’s a great opportunity for us to work with other airplanes, both in the Air National Guard and the Marines and other assets that the military has to offer,” said Lt. Col. Curt Grayson, 148th Detachment commander out of Duluth, Minnesota. “Obviously, up North it’s hard to get guys to come up there in the winter time so we usually

3 | The Georgia Guardsman

come down to the southern states to fly and enjoy the weather and use the good weather to our advantage.”

In addition to warmer weather, the pilots operating from the Air Dominance Center can reach a vast airspace over the Atlantic Ocean in a matter of minutes where pilots can maneuver and travel at supersonic speeds up to an altitude of 60,000 feet.

The Air Dominance Center is also an ideal location for large-scale Fighter Integration training because it can include participants from other aviation units stationed along the East Coast.

“Within about one hundred miles of Savannah there’s about 15 other fighter squadrons that fly indigenously ... so when one fighter unit comes in here they can coordinate and do dissimilar air combat training with all of those units that fly around here on a daily basis,” said Maj. Merrick Baroni, ADC director of operations.

Sentry Savannah 15-1 consists of Air National Guard F-16 flying squadrons from Minnesota, South Carolina and the District of Columbia, an F-15 unit from the Florida Air National Guard, T-38 and F-22 aircraft from Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, and Marine F/A-18 and F-35s from Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina.

Sentry Savannah is a National Guard Bureau sponsored event hosted by the Georgia Air National Guard’s revamped and newly-named Air Dominance Center. Officials from NGB expect to conduct at least three of these exercises per Photos by: Master Sgt. Charles Burnsed | 1 6 5 th AW | Georgia Air National Guard

It’s a great opportunity for us to work with other airplanes, both in the Air National Guard and the Marines and other assets that the military has to offer. year as part of the Regional Exercise program which aims to provide traditional Guard pilots with much of their wartime readiness training in a matter of two weeks.

The program has the support of Air Combat Command as well as those who contributed to the ADC’s new operations building that sits adjacent to a new parking ramp as well.

Previously named the Savannah Combat Readiness Training Center, the amenities to host such a large exercise remain as the ADC is able to provide economical and

logistical support to pilots, maintainers and other exercise support personnel.

This allows Sentry Savannah 15-1 participants to focus on the task at hand which includes a projected 750 sorties over the two-week exercise.

“I’m really proud of the guys and gals that have done this and I think this is going to be a world class event,” Moore said. “It’s a big feather in the cap for the Georgia Air National Guard and for the Georgia Air Dominance Center.”

February 2015 | 4

CitizenAirman Earns Coach of the Year A

n Airman from the 116th Air Control Wing was recently recognized at the 2014 U.S. Youth Soccer Awards Gala held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania as the Region 3 Boys Recreational Soccer Coach of the Year.

Master Sgt. Jason Butts, a ground explosives safety craftsman in the Georgia Air National Guard, turned community service into a winning combination garnering the top spot for the 12-state region after his Warner Robins team won three consecutive state championships.

The regional award came as a surprise to Butts.

“This really is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Butts. “The fact that I won for the state and my region is such an honor.”

“Citizen-Airmen” is a term used often to describe Air National Guard members because community involvement is a key component of the guard culture.

For Butts, his Citizen-Airman role started taking shape seven years ago at a local soccer practice.

“I was watching my son’s team practice, and I realized with my experience I should be the one coaching him,” said Butts.

That experience started at age six when Butts first began playing soccer.

“I started when the sport was just beginning to become popular in the United States,” said Butts. “I was about 10 when I scored a goal, and everyone was cheering--the feeling that came over me was amazing-that’s when everything clicked.”

The Master Sergeant recounted how the core values he learned in the military have played a vital role in 5 | The Georgia Guardsman

By: Tech Sgt. Julie Parker | 116th ACW | Georgia Air National Guard

his coaching abilities, which have spilled over into the development of his players.

His high standards have not only resulted in three state championships and one regional championship, but also three members of his team have participated in the Olympic Developmental Program.

“The past seven years have been time consuming-balancing my military career and coaching in my community-but I wouldn’t trade it for the world,” he said.

As an added bonus, coaching the team offered the chance to reconnect with a teammate from his high school soccer team.

According to Butts, having two knowledgeable coaches that have played the game at high levels really speeds up the players’ development.

“We have a good reputation in the soccer community,” said Butts. “When people see Chris’ and my names listed as the opposing coaches, they know it’s going to be a tough game.”

The team par ticipates in several selective tournaments each year tailored to maximize the exposure of the players.

To Butts, coaching is not just about winning soccer tournaments, it’s also his job to help his players develop their skills and reach their individual goals.

He likens it to the progression of his career as a fulltime member of the Georgia Air National Guard.

“The values and principles I’m teaching these kids are the same ones that have helped me progress to the ranks of a senior NCO while serving my country and my community,” he said.

Photo by: Master Sgt. Roger Parsons | 1 1 6 th ACW | Georgia Air National Guard

48th IBCT Has a New Commander

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By: Capt. Greta Jackson | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Department of Defense he Adjutant General, Assistant Adjutant General – Army, senior leaders and distinguished guests gathered at the newly dedicated Macon Readiness Center February 8, 2015 to witness a historic change of command ceremony for the storied 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team.

Colonel Thomas Carden, commander of the Georgia Army National Guard, presided over the ceremony where the reins of command passed from Col. Randall Simmons to Col. Reginald Neal.

“Today we witnessed the transition of leadership and responsibility between two leaders I admire,” said Carden.

Simmons’ command tenure witnessed the successful completion of numerous exercises, state side missions and a successful combat tour to Afghanistan during which the 48th Brigade participated in the final mission of Camp Phoenix in Kabul. The “Fighting 48th” returned home without a single casualty in the fall of 2014.

“It took a total team effort to field a deployable task force as well as a fully operational rear detachment,” Simmons said.

Simmons will assume the duties as Chief of Staff for the Georgia Army National Guard.

The incoming commander, Colonel Reginald Neal previously commanded the 118th Field Artillery Battalion and serves as the operations officer for the Georgia Army National Guard. This is the second historic command for Neal. The 118th Field Artilley Battalion is one of only 24 National Guard units eligible to wear a campaign streamer from the War of 1812. Like Simmons, Neal “grew up” in the 48th. Advancing through the ranks and holding key staff and support positions throughout their careers, in addition to battalion commanders.

Like any commander, Neal worked hard his entire career to achieve success, but Neal was motivated to work even harder following an incident early in his career. As a young lieutenant, he was told that although he was a good officer, he would never command the 48th. Those words were proven false on a blustery day in February when Neal became the first African American brigade commander of the 48th IBCT. “I didn’t do it to command the 48th Brigade, but I was determined to make it difficult for someone to deny me an opportunity,” Neal said. “If you take my officer record and remove my picture, it would mirror the assignments of the previous commanders.”

Neal considers it an honor and a blessing to command the 48th and cites his service record as the reason for his selection.

Reflecting over his career, Neal notes the importance of motivation and application, because hard work and perseverance, pays off regardless of who you are. This sentiment was echoed by Georgia Guard’s Assistant Adjutant General Thomas Carden.

“A young man or woman who joins our formation can look Photo by: Capt. Greta Jackson | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Department of Defense

at the top at the leaders of this organization and see a path for themselves.” Carden said. These are not just empty words. The senior leadership of the Georgia Guard represents diverse paths of success from rural Georgia to the enlisted ranks of an Infantry company of Americus.

In addition to his success in command and staff, Neal has risen to the highest levels of academia as well. Few line officers are able to pursue doctorate degrees, but Neal’s motivation for doing so had less to do with the military and more to do with his personal goals after retirement – and a bit of sibling rivalry.

Neal’s sister, an elementary school teacher, earned her doctorate degree in counseling.

“I wasn’t going to let my younger sister out-do me,” Neal said.

Neal’s passion for learning led him to pursue and achieve a Doctor of Education degree from Argosy University, one of six degrees he has earned over his career in the military and education.

Neal’s mother and grandmother were teachers. As a result, the value of education was instilled in him early. He was a classroom teacher for several years, as well as a JROTC instructor at Fort Polk, La. Being a teacher, Neal is quick to pass along little tidbits of knowledge, and he does so in a most unique and special way, as he did during his speech at the change of command ceremony.

“There’s a difference between being involved and committed to something,” he said. “It’s like a ham and egg breakfast. A chicken is involved in it, but a hog is committed to it.”

February 2015 | 6

February 1865: Nothern Victory in Sight

By: Capt. William Carraway Military Historian Georgia Army National Guard

Situation: February 1865 The war is in its fourth year. The conflict that began in April 1861 has resulted in more than 1.2 million casualties: 670,000 federal and 567,000 Confederate. Abraham Lincoln had weathered a difficult 1864 reelection bid buoyed by the capture of Atlanta in September 1864. Confederate prospects had been further dimmed by the capture of Savannah Georgia and the destruction of the Army of Tennessee at Nashville in December, 1864. For all intents and purposes, only one great Confederate Army remained in the field, though the Army of Northern Virginia commanded by General Robert E. Lee, was a shadow of the force that had defeated Federal forces at Fredericksburg, Manassas, and Chancellorsville.

In February, 1865, rather than winning battles by maneuver, Lee’s Army was bogged down in trench warfare near Petersburg

7 | The Georgia Guardsman

Va. where it was opposed by Lt. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant and the numerically superior Federal armies. Lee’s ranks were thinned by desertion, particularly by Soldiers from Georgia and South Carolina – States that faced the ravages of Sherman’s March. Lee’s hopes were pinned on two possible outcomes: a breakout and linkup with the shattered remnants of the Army of Tennessee, and the faint hope of peace between the contending nations.

The former option was not yet seriously in consideration as Lee’s strategy was tied to the defense of Richmond, and Grant’s forces continued to lengthen their lines to extinguish the few remaining supply lines leading to Lee’s Petersburg depots. But there was yet hope in the ranks that the latter strategy might yet come to pass.

Hampton Roads, February 3, 1865 The waters of the James River lapped against the bow of the steamship River Queen as footfalls on the gang plank announced the arrival of expected visitors. Alexander H. Stephens; Vice President of the Confederacy, Judge John Campbell; Assistant-

Secretary of War and R.M. T. Hunter; former United States Senator turned Confederate Senator were ushered aboard the federal vessel and escorted below. The Confederate peace commission was met by President Abraham Lincoln and Secretary of State William Seward.

No official records were kept of the meeting but the notes of the participants paint a picture of the key items of discussion.

The Confederate delegation had been instructed to accept no terms that would invalidate the existence of a sovereign Confederate States. These terms were dispensed with immediately as the Federal representatives maintained that no peace could be obtained without a return of the rebellious states to the Union. According to Stephen’s recollection of the meeting, Seward suggested that if Southern states returned to the Union they might regain a measure of their political clout and thus block approval of the 13th Amendment which was soon to be sent to the states for ratification. This account is confirmed by Seward biographer John Taylor. Nevertheless, bound by the limitations imposed on them by Confederate President Jefferson Davis, the Confederate peace commissioners left the conference without further discussing peaceful reconciliation.

Thus, the matter of an end to the destructive war would be left to a test of arms.

The Test Continues While Federal and Confederate armies faced each other from the dismal trenches of Petersburg, to the South, the armies of Maj. Gen. William Sherman were on the move. Having cut a swath through Georgia to the sea, Sherman had remained but a month in

Savannah to rest and refit. On the same day as the Hampton Roads Conference, a Confederate division under command of Georgiaborn Maj. Gen. Lafayette McClaws attempted to prevent Sherman’s forces from crossing the Salkehatchie River near Columbia, S.C. Although McClaws managed to delay Sherman, he could not prevent him from crossing the river as his 1,200 Confederates were outnumbered more than four to one. Federals built bridges across the river and flanked McClaws from his position compelling him to withdraw. Two weeks later, Sherman’s 60,000 Federals compelled the surrender of Columbia. As Federals entered the city fires broke out. While the source of the fires remains controversial to this day, Sherman would later write “Though I never ordered it, and never wished it, I have never shed any tears over the event, because I believe that it hastened what we all fought for, the end of the war.”

Charleston Falls While the surrender of Columbia had enormous psychological value to the North, an even more symbolic city would fall in less than 24 hours. On February 18, 1865, Confederate General P. G. T. Beauregard surrendered the vital Confederate port city of Charleston to Prussian-born Brig. Gen. Alexander Schimmelfennig, who had up to that moment been most noted for evading capture at the Battle of Gettysburg by hiding in a culvert. The first shots of the war had been fired from Charleston Harbor in January 1861 and Fort Sumter’s capture in April 1861 galvanized war fever North and South.

The End Draws Nearer The final week of February featured stunning successes for the North. Wilmington, N.C. fell February 22, 1865 following a combined Naval and land assault. Present during the Wilmington was a Georgia Brigade consisting of the 6th, 19th, 23rd, 27th and 28th Georgia Infantry Regiments.

As Wilmington was under attack, the state of Tennessee approved a constitutional amendment abolishing slavery.

Tennessee had been bitterly divided by the war with strong Union and Confederate sentiments. More battles were fought in Tennessee during the Civil war than all other states but Virginia. In 1866, the state would be the first Confederate state readmitted to the Union.

At the close of February 1865, Confederate prospects were dim.

In March, General Robert E. Lee would mount one final offensive.

For this action he would turn to a Maj. General John B. Gordon, a future governor of Georgia.

Next Month: Fort Steadman

February 2015 | 8

G r o u n d S u p p o r t: S e n t ry S ava n n a h

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By: Staff Sgt. Tracy J. Smith | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Department of Defense he Air Dominance C enter’s S entr y Savannah training exercise brought together 1,400 service members from the Air National Guard, Air Force and United States Marine Corps to hone aerial blended battlefield concept’s, cohesiveness and tactics. At Townsend Bombing Range, 55-miles southeast of Savannah, ground control tacticians and air gunners to work together.

The 5,000-acre range, owned by the U.S. Marine Corps’ Beaufort Air Station, is solely operated by the Georgia Air National Guard. A variety of targets allow aircrews to meet air combat proficiency requirements.

“We attempt to replicate anything from a single building to vehicles to more complex environments,” said Lt. Col. Travis Bilbo, a Georgia Air National Guard JSTARs Air Control Wing pilot who works full-time at Townsend. “Ideally we simplify or complicate scenarios based on training sets established by the instructor.”

The training sets, or mission scenarios, hone accuracy and aerial sight adjustments can be made while the pilot is in the air.

Technical Sgt. John Biggers, the TBR assistant noncommissioned officer in charge assigned is a key operator for the Acoustical Scoring System. The system offers instant feedback and communication between combat assets. It is also an economical training solution for the pilots, many of whom depend on the accelerated training for individual and unit certification.

“The system records the sound of the bullet when it breaks the sound barrier,” Biggers explained. “This allows

9 | The Georgia Guardsman

teams to ‘see’ the target and the missile rounds’ impact on the target.” When the round ‘hits’ the ‘scoreboard’ the air gunner can immediately adjust fire improving his direction and guaranteeing accuracy.

Scoring stations, strategically positioned bulbous sound ‘readers,’ fire back a ‘hit’ that Biggers reads through a tube that resembles an M-72 anti-tank weapon.

“It looks intimidating,” Biggers said, “but it is a really useful tool for the aviator.”

In addition to static scoring stations the Townsend B ombing range maintains a unique ground target environment. In addition to static vehicle targets, remote vehicle, operated from a safe distance, lend a whole new level or realism to the target range. With a 360-degree view of the field Georgia Air National Guard Master Sgt. Jeff Davidson can control the steering, breaking, throttle and even simulate evasive action of simulated ground vehicle targets operated remotely.

“A realistic target on the range gives that needed realism,” Davidson said. “Once the target is identified (through communication) the final phase is to drop the round on the vehicle and eliminate it.”

Townsend Bombing Range cadre plan for all eventualities to circumvent delays but some delays are inevitable.

“Weather can always play a factor,” Bilbo added. Visibility, ceiling density, interferences are the most difficult variables to predict.”

Atmospheric changes prompt alerts to flight operations.

Alerts are followed by forecasts and sometimes modifications can be made to thwart delays.

“We adapt and overcome as best we can.”

Photo by: Staff Sgt. Tracy J. Smith | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Department of Defense

Professional Development Bookshelf: Reviews of books

that teach us about our craft

By: Sgt. 1st Class Gerard Brown Public Affairs Office Georgia Department of Defense

erald A. Michelson’s book “The Art of War for Managers” translates fifty strategic rules from the original writing from the well known and often studied Sun Tzu’s the Art of War into an easy to read step by step method for managing. The original “Art of War” was written by Sun Tzu who was a Chinese military general as well as a strategist and tactician.

The book takes direct quotes from Sun Tzu’s the art of war and then gives a modern day translation and relevance of the quote, followed by comments from senior executives on how these lessons can and have been used in real world situations.

how “I” the reader can apply it. This generally leaves me, the reader trying to apply what I read and ends up more like putting a round peg into a square hole. This book is different, by which it gives you the practical application of it and makes it easy and reader friendly.

The book contains 13 chapters focusing on different strategies and ways to apply them to business and personal use. This book is more than just Military strategies but also how to lead people and deal with conflict with people.

This book serves as a good reference to all ranks in the military because at one time or another you will be leading and managing various amounts of Soldiers and or Airmen.

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“Know the enemy and know yourself, and you can fight 100 battles with no danger of defeat” -Sun Tzu As you read through the book, the quotes at first glance may seem pretty easy and a standard form of thinking, but it makes you dig deeper. Being able to analyze and know yourself and your team goes beyond knowing what your material capabilities may or may not be. Do you know the emotional and mental limits of yourself and your troops as well as the enemies?

Can you assess your team or subordinate and know what they excel in and what they lack in?

Though the original writing was done more than 2,500 years ago, The Author understands how those concepts from long ago can still be applied to modern day dilemmas.

One major issue I find in some books is that they give you an example, but no real demonstration on February 2015 | 10

Retention Is key!

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By: Maj. Will Cox | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Army National Guard etention, is the one word senior leaders hear during almost every meeting at the Georgia Army National Guard Joint Force Headquarters.

They hear it from Col. Thomas Carden, who enlisted into the GA ARNG in 1986 as a private and now serves as the commander.

“This organization runs on people,” said Carden. “Our Soldiers are the most important asset, and they come first.

You can have the best equipment in the world, but without the right people it doesn’t matter. Readiness begins at the name tag level.”

The GA ARNG has been one of the best recruiting organizations in the nation, but that does not diminish the focus on retention. Because of the money invested in military schooling and training for each Soldier, the average cost of not retaining a Guardsman is between $55,000-$165,000.

“We cannot wait to ask our Soldiers to reenlist within six months of them leaving the formation,” said Carden. “The first day of our efforts to retain the very best begins the first day our Guardsmen put on the uniform. Great leaders invest in Soldiers and help them achieve their full potential. If we are doing that, the retention conversation becomes very easy because the Soldier looks at all of the tangible and intangible benefits he or she has received during their six years of service and knows the Georgia Army National Guard is worth the sacrifice.”

In addition to meaningful training events, Guardsmen are encouraged to stay in the GA ARNG to receive their earned benefits. Whether it is access to tuition assistance for further education, access to medical benefits for a

11 | The Georgia Guardsman

Guardsmen and their families, or even cash awards through bonuses, Guardsmen are reminded of how valued they are by the organization.

“People may have signed up for a bonus or money for college, but the reason why they stay is to serve a larger purpose and to be part of a winning team,” said Carden.

“All of our Soldiers enlisted or reenlisted while the country was at war. If we ever had a formation in the history of this organization with a servant’s heart, it is this one. And we need to keep it! Retaining the talented and committed Soldiers across our formation has never been more important.”

Meaningful training and benefits are not the only reason to stay in the GA ARNG, Guardsmen know that there service is a unique developmental opportunity that helps them in their civilian job as well.

“The National Guard is a leadership factory, building leaders and sending them back to their jobs better prepared to manage and lead in the workplace,” said Carden. “We pride ourselves on helping every Soldier achieve the next level of leadership. These are transferable skill sets that enable our Soldiers to be a better employee at their civilian job, which equates to quicker promotions and more financial flexibility for their family.”

The GA ARNG has plans to meet their retention mission, but in the end it is about each individual Guardsman.

“I really want to see us not only address the metrics, but look at individual Soldiers and do all we can to help them achieve their goals,” said Carden. “That gets us beyond the numbers and into the real business of leading the best Soldiers in our nation’s history.”

Photo by: Desiree Bamba | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Department of Defense

Chaplain’s corner

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By: Chaplain Lt. Col. Michal Summers | Georgia Army National Guard he nineteenth chapter of the biblical book of Numbers includes an episode that shocks with its violence and cruelty. A man and his concubine (something like a common-law wife) find lodging with a man in the town of Gibeah while returning home from a vacation at her parents’ home. During the night, a gang of men surrounds the house, beats on the door, and demands that the host send the visiting man out so that they may have sex with him. The host refuses, and the mob refuses the substitution of the host’s daughter and the concubine. Finally, however, afraid and desperate, the traveling man pushes his concubine out the door. The mob assaults and rapes her throughout the night. The traveler discovers his concubine dead outside the door of the house the next day.

The episode disturbs us with both the violence of the mob and the willingness of the traveler to sacrifice his loved one. The story, however, has relevance to us today because it describes the impact of sexual assault on the victim, her husband, the community, and the rapists themselves. The woman is betrayed by her host and her husband, both of whom fail to protect her. The angry mob assaults and rapes her brutally, killing her. When the husband (using a

method also quite violent and shocking) alerts the nation to what has happened, the rest of the country avenges her death by killing her attackers and almost all others in their tribe. The national response itself damages societal cohesiveness and viability.

Sexual assault harms the victim, but also has a negative impact on his or her family, the perpetrator, and the society in which they live. When the victim is a Soldier or Airman, or a family member, the impact extends beyond the family to the military unit in which sometimes both victim and perpetrator work. Trust is shattered.

The assailant failed to demonstrate either respect or integrity. If friends or coworkers could have intervened, but did not, they failed to exercise loyalty to protect the victim. In addition to the physical and emotional harm done to the victim, all involved suffer because the cohesiveness of the unit has be damaged. While the perpetrator may be punished, no one can undo the harm that has been done to the victim. Restoring trust among friends and coworkers proves difficult, if it is possible at all. Let’s respect one another and defend those who need assistance. Sexual assault violates religious and moral values for many, but also ignores American military values even as the aftermath of the assault reminds us why those values matter.

February 2015 | 12

A Moment in Time

Responding to the Storm

By: Capt. William Carraway | Military Historian | Georgia Army National Guard

This month, Georgia will mark the one-year anniversary of the winter storms of 2014 that crippled Atlanta traffic and shut down power to thousands of Georgia citizens. The Georgia National Guard responded with personnel and vehicles to what media called “the storm of the century.” But the Guard’s role in domestic emergency response is not a new one. History is replete with examples of the Georgia Guard responding to civil emergencies.

As we look back at the events of 2014 and recall the Guard response, it is well to consider just how long the Guard has been ready to respond in times of emergency.

Forty-two years ago, the Georgia Guard contended with two winter storms in January and February 1973 which were among the greatest winter weather events to hit Georgia in the 20th century.

Ice Storm Paralyzes North Georgia For two days in January 1973, sleet and freezing rain fell over north Georgia. Beginning Saturday January 7, more than four inches of ice accumulated on the roads and power lines, bringing traffic to a standstill, and cutting power to more than 300,000 people.

Georgia Air National Guard C-124 Globemasters of the 165th Military Airlift Group airlifted truck and trailermounted generators to Dobbins Air Force Reserve Base in Marietta. Additionally, the Saint Simon’s Island-based

13 | The Georgia Guardsman

224th Mobile Communications squadron provided power generators while the 129th Tactical Control Squadron of Kennesaw provided two large power plants. Through a joint effort between the Georgia Guard and the State Civil Defense, 27 generators were supplied to provide power to critical locations within the Atlanta Area.

Record Snowfall Blankets Central Georgia Less than five weeks later, Georgia was again struck by severe winter weather, this time in the form of record snowfall that blanketed much of central Georgia. The storm came swiftly, with snowfall beginning on Friday January 9, dropping as much as 19 inches of snow.

Captain Paul Jossey, commander of the Headquarters Detachment, 176th Military Police Battalion in Forsyth recalled the storm impact.

“As I left the rear entrance of my home about 1 a.m.

Saturday morning, I stood knee deep in snow. I made my way to the State Patrol station near I-75 and stood on an overpass looking south. All I could see was snow and cars backed up for miles.”

Captain Jossey observed just a small portion of the traffic problems on I-75 that morning. Multiple traffic jams, some as long as ten miles, were reported along a 50mile section of interstate.

The Guard Responds

In the early morning hours of Saturday February 10, 1973, The Adjutant General of Georgia, Maj. Gen. Joel B. Paris III arranged for aerial transportation for Governor Jimmy Carter to view the storm impact. After witnessing the enormity of the snow accumulation, Carter ordered all highways closed and authorized Maj. Gen. Paris to activate Georgia Guard units to assist civil authorities.

But by the time the orders came in, many Guardsmen were already assisting.

In Perry, Infantrymen of Company B, 121st Infantry Regiment was fully operational and had already mobilized two M-113 armored personnel carriers along with a ¾ ton truck to Interstate 75 to assist stranded motorists. One of the tracked M-113s also assisted a disabled vehicle of the Perry Fire Department. The Infantry APC was able to tow the fire vehicle to the city garage for repairs.

In Waynesboro, 22 Artillerymen of Battery C, 214th Field Artillery fielded more than 200 calls for assistance, fanning out to rescue stranded motorists. That evening, the unit’s armory sheltered and fed 18 citizens.

Guard engineers were critical in snow removal operations, particularly in Columbus, home of the 560th Engineer Battalion.

Milledgeville-based Infantrymen of the 1st Battalion 121st Infantry Support Company worked 23 hours straight from Saturday morning to Sunday evening. Sixteen vehicles remained on continuous dispatch traveling 4,800 road miles and transporting more than 650 citizens. A critical mission performed by the company was the transport of patients, doctors and nurses to local hospitals.

By the evening of February 10, so many citizens were sheltering in Guard armories that local food supplies were exhausted. The Guard, in partnership with the Atlanta Office of the U.S. Department to Agriculture collected four tons of food. Trucks and Guardsmen of the 277th Maintenance Company and 122nd Support Center transported the food supplies to Fulton County Airport where the aviators of the Winder and Atlanta-based 151st Aviation Battalion delivered the food to Macon and Forsyth.

Legacy In 36 hours of winter storm response, more than 500 Georgia Guardsmen responded to 10,000 mission requests and transported more than 6,300 Georgia citizens to shelters and hospitals. Mrs. Anne Kruger of Cochran, Georgia was one of those citizens rescued.

In her letter to Maj. Gen. Paris, Kruger recounted the circumstances of the rescue.

“Two transfer trucks had jackknifed and blocked the road.

So there, on a snowy, windy hill on I-75 we spent the next twelve hours without heat or food… Gas was so low we could not run the car for heat… Suddenly, at 6:30 a.m., a blue circling light startled us. We looked across the snowy interstate to see the state police were leading a caravan of National Guard trucks. We were being evacuated to the National Guard Armory in Forsyth.”

“The 176th Military Police Battalion gave us coffee and food and blankets for our children. Not only were these National Guardsmen well trained and efficient in handling this emergency, but they were also patient and considerate. We do not know their names, but we will never forget their many kindnesses.”

February 2015 | 14

M Command Sgt. Maj. Phillip Stringfield State Command Sergeant MajorGeorgia Department of Defense

NCO Notepad Words of wisdom from one to another

15 | The Georgia Guardsman

y aspiration as the Command Sergeant Major of the Georgia Army National Guard is to make sure that every Soldier has been presented an opportunity for upward mobility and professional succession. It is imperative for us as leaders to encourage the advancement of new talent and strength within our ranks. To ensure that we, as leaders, maintain quality service men and women in our organization, there are some things that we need to reevaluate and execute. It is everyones responsibility to make certain Soldiers have enduring careers. Here are a few things you may want to consider:

1. Soldier purpose: Often times we, as service members, lose sight of why we volunteered to be a part of such a strong organization. Maybe it was because of the financial stability the Army is capable of providing. Or, it might have been the Army’s willingness to pay college tuition that captured our attention. It quite possibly could have been because we have strong desires to be a part of something greater than ourselves and a longing to help as many people as we can. Whatever the reason, we must do our best to make sure that we remember and also ensure that our Soldiers remember why they decided to put on this uniform. Purpose is the key to passion, and passion is what fuels our ambition.

2. Familiarity and experience: How well do Soldiers know their jobs? How often do they have an opportunity to perform those duties? Do they seek out more challenging assignments or choose to remain stagnant in their careers?

These are questions we must ask ourselves when evaluating Soldiers and attempting to assist them when they are striving toward personal and professional development.

3. Educational advancement: Are Soldiers prepared to compete for promotions? Do they have the necessary schooling to not only advance in the military but also in the civilian sector? Education is important! Senior leaders need it to remain competitive and junior Soldiers need it to further develop their leadership abilities. Knowledge is a powerful tool that will help us grow as individuals and bind us together as a well formed organization.

We all have the opportunity and ability to become more proficient in our military careers. Quality Soldiers are developed not created. It takes time, patience and genuine effort to be an outstanding Soldier and a spectacular leader.

We all have the capability to become better Soldiers but we have to have the desire to do so. It is in that desire that we will find victory and it is in that victory the Georgia Army National Guard will be a reflection and constant reminder of what quality Soldiers appear to be.

Let us continue to work on keeping the best, the bright, and the most well rounded cross trained individuals in uniform. I know that if we work as one team we will leave behind a legacy so vital it will continue throughout all of history.

“

We all have the opportunity and ability to become more proficient in our military careers.

Military Spouse of the YEar An honor to be Recognized

I

By: Desiree Bamba | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Department of Defense

t is a time honored tradition of the military to reward service and dedication. More recently, the military has moved to recognize the contribution of military spouses.

These spouses enhance the military community and provide stability at home while service members are deployed overseas or away from home due to training obligations.

Military Spouse magazine founded the Military Spouse of the Year® award in 2008 to honor military spouses of all ranks and from all branches of service. More than a million military spouses support and maintain the home front while our service members defend this great nation. The Military Spouse of the Year® award recognizes military spouses’ important contributions and unwavering commitment to the military community and our country.

The Military Spouse of the Year® award solicits nominations from the military community as well as all Americans in the late fall. Three distinct phases of voting follow, culminating in the announcement of the Military Spouse of the Year® at an annual awards luncheon in Washington DC in May. The event is attended and supported by congressional members, senior military and Department of Defense leadership.

Verna Holland, the wife of Master Sgt. Timothy Holland, was

recognized as the Base Level Military Spouse winner for the Georgia National Guard. Holland is a mother of two and has been a military wife for 21 years. She is the family readiness group chairperson for Cumming Regional Readiness Center, which is a joint FRG of Headquarters Company of the 560th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade as well as the 230th Brigade Support Company, and 420th Network Signal Company.

“I started out as the FRG Chairperson of the 420th in 2011 under the command of Capt. Allen when my husband Master Sgt. Holland asked me to help out,” Said Verna Holland. “Recently I have become the 560th Regional FRG Chairperson and have made sure that Soldiers and their families have my email and phone number.

They know that they can always reach me for any reason.”

Verna Holland is very dedicated to the FRG. She has won two arwards for her service and continues to dedicate time every drill weekend.

“Verna is very deserving for being recognized as the Base Level Military Spouse winner for the Georgia National Guard and nominated to compete for the Military Spouse of the Year award,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Corley, operations officer of the 560th BFSB “She comes to every drill, knows Soldiers by name, and is very engaged. Probably the most engaged volunteer I have ever worked with.”

February 2015 | 16

Around the Georgia Guard DSCA PREPARATIONS FOR WINTER WEATHER A U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jerry Vincent from the 116th Civil Engineering Squadron (CES), Georgia Air National Guard, ties down a conex bin on a flat-bed trailer in preparation for movement to Dobbins Air Reserve Base in response to the Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA) preparation for the potential of inclement weather.

DOBBINS FIREFIGHTERS TRAINING FOR CRASH RESPONSE The Dobbins fire department rehearsed a crash landing response at the Clay National Guard Center Saturday, January 10, 2015 after one of the 78th Aviation Troop Command’s HH-60M Black Hawk helicopters finished a training flight. The fire department practiced shutting off the engines and extricating the crewmembers from the cockpit and cabin while in their protective suits.

17 | The Georgia Guardsman

148TH TRAIN MEDICS Georgia Army National Guard medics finished seven days of recertification training January 17, 2015 to maintain their Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) status on the National Registry.

The 148th Brigade Support Battalion put on the training event, dubbed sharp scalpel, at Fort Stewart, Ga. with the testing and training conducted in a round robin fashion.

NATIONAL GUARD DAY Members of the Georgia Department of Defense and cadets of the Youth ChalleNGe Program join Governor Nathan Deal for National Guard Day at the state capitol.

February 2015 | 18

48th Infantry Brigade Changes Command Units stand ready for inspection during the change of command ceremony

Public Affairs Office Georgia Department of Defense 1000 Halsey Ave. Bldg. 447 Marietta, Ga. 30060