October 2013 Edition

October 2013

combat roles policy opens doors in georgia guard

Plus: Survivng the shutdown | Guardsman given house | And so much more

CONTENTS ISSUE: October 2013

cover story

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

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Features 05| ATL Falcons take on Guard

Georgia’s NFL team makes two visits to Clay National Guard Center to show its support.

11|GA Officer wins Sijan Award

A Joint STARS operations officer recently won the Air National Guard Lance P. Sijan Award in the senior officer category.

03| females integrate ranks

Nine have been selected to integrate into combat positions that were formerly all male.

12| Paychecks for Patriots

Georgia, Tennessee and TAG have created a program to help veterans find eployment.

13| Guardsman receives house

A wounded warrior and his family receive a 100-percent mortgage free house.

News 14| surviving the shutdown

The Georgia Guard remained ready and focused during the government shutdown.

16| 11230th TC last to leave

Final mission to recover the last U.S. military equipment from Forward Operating Base Kunduz.

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16

columns

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06| Chaplain’s Corner

Overcoming domestic violence.

07| Historic Battle Review

Gateway to Atlanta: The Battle for Chattanooga.

10| Book Review

“Start With Why” by Simon Sinek. A book that insists we focus on the “why” not the “what.”

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1 | The Georgia Guardsman

15| NCO Notepad

17| Around the Guard

Georgia National Guard Commander-in-Chief Gov. Nathan Deal Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Jim Butterworth State Public Affairs Director Lt. Col. Thomas Lesnieski State Public Affairs Officer Capt. William Carraway Operations NCO Sgt. 1st Class Gerard Brown Editorial Staff Managing Editor Capt. William Carraway Creative Director Steven Welch Contributors Desiree Bamba Maj. Will Cox Elizabeth Blackstock Spc. Hannah Fulcher Capt. Greta Jackson Master Sgt. Roger Parsons 1st Lt. Ashlie Shrewsbury Cmd. Sgt. Maj. Phillip Stringfield 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.

October 2013 | 2

Female Georgia Guardsmen integrate ranks of combat battalions

By Spc. Hannah Fulcher | 48th IBCT | Georgia Army National Guard

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ine female Georgia Guardsmen have been selected to integrate into combat related positions that were formerly all male. Staff Sgt. Rebecca Pollock, a combat medic, will be one of those chosen to join the ranks of the 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team combat battalions. The 48th IBCT is one of nine Army National Guard infantry brigades to receive the authorization to assign women to their maneuver battalions.

3 | The Georgia Guardsman

Photo by Spc. Hannah Fulcher| 4 8 th BCT | Georgia Army National Guard

Women make up 15 percent (approximately 202,400) of the military’s force many of whom have deployed to either Iraq or Afghanistan.

“I have deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan,” said Pollock.

“Both times as a medic and have been in many situations where I was the only female and only medic. There, gender didn’t matter.”

Pollock will transfer from Charlie Medical Company, 148th Brigade Support Battalion, as the troop medical center’s noncommissioned officer in charge to 1-121st Infantry Battalion, currently an all male unit, as their medical readiness noncommissioned officer-in-charge.

“I got a call from the brigade command sergeant major,” explains Pollock. “He told me the brigade has been selected to lead the way in female integration for the Georgia Army National Guard, and wanted me to consider taking this position at First Foot [1-121st Infantry Battalion].”

Day-to-day, Pollock will maintain the battalion’s dental and medical readiness. While out in the field, or during a deployment, this transition will take Pollock from being the one who receives Soldiers at the troop medical center to being the medic that prepares the soldiers to be transported.

“I think in the field I will be able to provide a better connection from First Foot, to Charlie Med.,” said Pollock. “I know what the medics at the TMC are looking for when they receive a patient, you know: what happened to the patient, what the line medic has already done and what medicine the patient has already been given.

Having that knowledge will definitely give me an advantage that they currently don’t have.”

This advantage is exactly what the Department of Defense intends for female integration, to ensure that the mission is met with the best-qualified and most capable people, regardless of gender.

“I know she is a great medic,” said Sgt. 1st Class John Malone, a medical platoon sergeant in 1-121st Infantry Battalion. “I have worked with her before doing cross training and in the field. I have no doubt of her abilities coming to our battalion, and am looking forward to having another very well qualified medic on my team.”

Pollock’s previous duty positions and deployments have supplied her with an abundance of knowledge. She has not been able to apply for certain positions because they were with an all male unit.

“It was a hard decision to come to,” says Pollock. “But … I also had to think about my career progression, and that this position is finally being offered to women.”

The military, as a whole, and the Georgia Army National Guard are beginning to bring more women into the currently closed positions across the board. The 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team is leading the way for Georgia. Having already opened up several slots, including Pollock’s, the brigade has also opened a hazardous material position in 1-118th Field Artillery Regiment, and a current operations intelligence officer position in the 1-108th Cavalry Squadron.

“I am one of the first females to be integrated into the battery,” said Sgt. Tina Bradley, a hazardous material specialist with the 1-118th Field Artillery Regiment. “It is pretty interesting, I am getting treated just like one of the guys. It is a great honor, actually, to be one of the first and be a part of history.”

As with any change, there are bound to be some bumps in the road, and the military has been preparing for them. The military

has been implementing sexual harassment/assault response and prevention program for years, and Pollock says that although it is not a concern for her, it is a good preparation for integration.

“I know a lot of the medics over there,” continues Pollock. “A lot of them I have deployed or cross trained with. With the support I have back home and within the command team, I feel completely safe and confident going into an all male unit.”

Transitioning to an all male unit will not alter, lower or change Army standards.

Standards are in place for a reason, to ensure safety, and ability to complete a mission. Pollock says that she is excited to meet that challenge.

“I have deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan,” said Pollock. “Both times as a medic and have been in many situations where I was the only female and only medic. There, gender didn’t matter.”

- Staff Sgt. Recbecca Pollack “I strongly feel that if females want to go into a profession that they should definitely do their research, and prepare themselves mentally and physically,” said Pollock. “If women can handle it mentally, physically and emotionally then they should be able allowed to do it, but if not … I think there should be a screening process, or something that will help us adapt to the demands that the different MOS [military occupational specialty] require, so we can meet them, but I don’t think they should not be altered or lowered.”

Pollock said the biggest weight on her shoulders is that she knows she will be the standard for the 48th Brigade, and for other women wanting to integrate.

“A lot of my friends and fellow co-medics have said how jealous they are and how happy they are for me, because we have been waiting for this to happen for years,” explains Pollock. “I am nervous, excited and a little bit of everything… but I will finally get to be the medic I have always wanted to be.”

October 2013 | 4

Atlanta Falcons take on guard

in pros vs joes tournament

By Desiree Bamba | Public Afairs Office | Georgia Department of Defense

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hroughout the month of September, players from the Atlanta Falcons visited Clay National Guard Center to show their support for the Soldiers and Airmen of the Georgia National Guard.

On Sept. 10, 2013 seven players and three cheerleaders visited the Join Force Headquarters for the Pros vs. Joe’s event. Before the event started, Airmen and Soldiers spent time eating pizza and talking with the Falcon players.

During the event, Soldiers and Airmen were able to ask questions, get autographs and play video games with the players, while the Falcons were able to show their appreciation for the Guardsmen.

Originally, the Falcon players were to play the Madden Football against the Guardsmen, but instead they played Call of Duty: Black Ops II. “I thought that the Pros vs. Joe’s event was going to be us being the Pros playing the G.I. Joes, but In reality, playing that video game, it was very much the opposite way around,” #47 Josh Harris stated. “We were definitely the Joe’s and the Soldiers and Airmen were definitely the Pros.”

The Falcons players not only got to play Black Ops II with Soldiers and Airmen at Joint Force Headquarters, but also with deployed Guardsmen from the 878th Engineer Battalion, 1-214th Field Artillery and a member of the 116th Air Control Wing in Bagram, Shindand and Kandahar, Afghanistan.

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

the Chaplain’s Corner

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By: Chaplain Lt. Col. Michael Summers | State Chaplain | Georgia National Guard i ol e nc e p e r me ate s our society. Even as we recoil from harm done to a child, or gasp when a gunman kills a dozen people in a military facility, many of us turn quickly to play video games whose violence dwarfs the reality that we profess to disdain. We watch movies where visual images of murder, spouse abuse and torture of children imbed themselves in our memories.

Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors and Marines train for engagement in controlled violence.

Respecting what we call the Law of War, we refrain from attacking civilians when possible and from destroying places of cultural or religious significance. We even recognize that captured combatants should be treated with dignity. Even so, our military members train to kill and destroy, if necessary, to defend our nation.

The violence of our culture and our profession sometimes flows into our relationships. We strike angrily at people we love and respect, often when they are not the source of our anger.

Abuse of spouses, children, and loved ones has several causes. Sometimes it stems from a sense of powerlessness. A lack of control over one’s future in one part of our lives may cause us to act as dictators in another. Excessive use of alcohol and some other drugs reduces self-control. We may lash out physically when intoxicated; we would not do so when sober. Depression and other mental illness contribute to our hurting people whom we love.

Cultural taboos and personal fears may discourage potential perpetrators of abuse and actual victims from asking for help. Religious beliefs, frequently based on misunderstanding a religion’s Scriptures, sometimes contribute as well. A 1993 television movie, “Men Don’t Tell,” vividly portrayed how difficult it is for male victims of spouse abuse to be heard and helped.

Victims of prolonged abuse may begin to believe that they deserve the abuse.

Abusers who want help in controlling their actions fear the punishment and social condemnation that may accompany

confession.

As military personnel, we operate under a system of values and ethics. Those systems require us to respect others, and to act with honor and integrity. Among our National Guard Values is Initiative. When we observe abuse, our values require us to take action to protect the abuse. That may mean calling the police or reporting the abuse. It may mean, if practical and safe, intervening in a way that stops the violence without escalating the situation. If we sense that we may attack those whom we love, then we must take initiative by seeking

counseling and by identifying the triggers that may precede our abuse of another. If we are victims of physical abuse, we must take the initiative to ask for help from sources that can protect us. Love and respect should provoke the actions we take.

Live out Army and National Guard values by infusing your relationships with respect and understanding. Listen to one another’s fears. Learn to walk away or ask for a time-out when you sense that your anger is reaching a critical mass and that you may lose control. Serve your family, your state, and your nation with honor.

October 2013 | 6 July 2013 | 6

Battle for Chattanooga: Grant Takes Command

By Capt. William Carraway Public Affairs Office Georgia Department of Defense

Setting the stage Fol lowing t he S eptemb er 1863 deb acle of Chickamauga, the Union Army had retreated to the entrenchments of Chattanooga. Confederate General Braxton Bragg besieged Chattanooga with the intent of starving the federal army into submission.

With the Tennessee River forming a natural boundar y to the north of Chattanooga, Bragg established the left flank of his siege line on Lookout Mountain just south of a bend in the river known as Moccasin Point. He also stationed troops at Brown’s Ferry near Moccasin Point to guard against possible river crossings. A ridgeline known as Missionary Ridge ran east, then northeast from Lookout Mountain and provided a natural stronghold for Bragg to establish his siege lines overlooking the vital rail hub and supply depot of Chattanooga. Bragg and his 45,000 men set in on the high ground for a long wait.

Rattled by his defeat at Chickamauga, Union Maj. Gen. William Rosecrans seemed to lose the ability to act decisively. He was, in the words of Assistant Secretary of War Charles Dana “confused and stunned, like a duck hit on the head.”

President Lincoln did not wait for Rosecrans to act. He ordered Maj. Gen. Joseph Hooker (who had commanded the Army of the Potomac at Chancellorsville) to march with two corps of 15,000 men. Also ordered to move to Chattanooga’s relief were the 20,000 men under Maj. Gen. Willliam Tecumseh Sherman. As a final measure, Lincoln ordered Maj. Gen. Ulysses Grant to move to Chattanooga and personally take command of the army.

When he arrived in late October, Grant found an army demoralized and immobilized from the effects of the siege. The army had lost so many horses and mules to starvation that artillery and supply movement was seriously degraded.

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Missionary Ridge, Orchard Knob, and Tunnel Hill. Map courtesy of the Civil War Trust (Civilwar.org)

Grant breaks out On October 26, Union forces assaulted Brown’s Ferry just northwest of Lookout Mountain. This action compelled Bragg to react. He ordered Lt. Gen. James Longstreet to move to Brown’s Ferry. When Longstreet failed to respond, Bragg ordered him to attack Hooker’s concentrating forces near Wauhatchie. The October 28th battle of Wauhatchie took place entirely at night but is also notable for the poor performance of both Longstreet and Hooker. After a night of blundering by both sides, the Union held Brown’s Ferry and Wauhatchie and had opened a supply line to the beleaguered city.

With supplies now flowing into Chattanooga, Bragg had to reevaluate his strategy. Siege was no longer an option. Instead, on November 3, 1863, Bragg dispatched Longstreet and his 12,000 men north to Knoxville to contend with Union Maj. Gen Ambrose Burnside and his army’s control of the railroad in hopes of establishing a new supply line from Virginia.

Consequential decisions As Bragg was depleting his forces Grant continued to strengthen his. By mid November, Sherman’s forces were arriving by a circuitous northern route. Bragg concluded erroneously that Sherman was moving in opposition of Longstreet at Knoxville and further depleted his forces by sending the divisions of Maj. Gen. Patrick Cleburne and Maj. Gen Simon Bolivar Buckner to support Longstreet. Grant interpreted the move to indicate that Bragg was intent on retreating and concentrating at Knoxville. To counter this supposed retreat, Grant ordered Maj. Gen George Thomas to conduct probing attacks along Confederate positions on Missionary Ridge east of Chattanooga.

Confederates watching from Missionary Ridge and Orchard Knob initially thought they were witnessing a grand parade, so well dressed were the Union lines. Their perception was swiftly corrected as the Union forces swept forward across the Western Atlantic Railroad taking Orchard Knob at bayonet point and driving the pickets from their post.

Bragg reacts Heretofore, Bragg had been convinced that a Union attack would fall against his left flank anchored on Lookout Mountain. Instead, Thomas had established a staging area directly opposite Bragg’s headquarters in the center of his Missionary Ridge line. Sherman meanwhile was concentrating on his right. Bragg Orchard Knob, November 23, 1863 immediately recalled Cleburne and his crack division Thomas, in typical cautious fashion, organized a and positioned them on his right flank near Tunnel reconnaissance force of 25,000 men with the intent of Hill. Bragg also pulled troops from Lookout Mountain moving in against Confederate picket posts located on in order to bolster his Missionary Ridge Line. Included a prominence called Orchard Knob. Thomas believed among these latter troops were the Georgia regiments of that if threatened, Bragg would deploy his forces in line Brig Gen. John Jackson’s Brigade which was placed near of battle, thus revealing his relative strength. the center opposite Orchard Knob.

October 2013 | 8

Lookout Mountain November 24, 1863 Unbeknownst to Bragg, Grant had no intention of striking the fortified Missionary Ridge position head on. Instead, on the morning of November 24, he launched Hooker’s men against Lookout Mountain.

A heavy morning fog prevented Confederate pickets from detecting the onrushing Union forces until they were upon them. For several hours Union and Confederate muskets blazed and flashed like lighting in what would come to be called The Battle Above the Clouds. Pushed back by the combined force of four divisions, the Confederate lines rallied on the crest and fighting gradually slowed. By midnight the remaining Map courtesy of the Civil War Trust (Civilwar.org) Confederates withdrew to the Missionary Ridge lines.

Lookout Mountain was in Union hands. In two days, passed the rifle pits, and began charging up the 600 Grant had achieved two victories. On the morrow he foot ridgeline. Furious and helpless, Grant remarked to would achieve a stunning third victory.

Thomas that someone would pay dearly if this charge failed.

Missionary Ridge November 25, 1863 Confederates watched in awe at the sea of blue By the morning of November 25, Hooker’s forces approaching from below. Some Confederates were were in position to threaten Bragg from the South. unable to fire because of their fleeing comrades. Many Sherman meanwhile had positioned his forces to units could not even see the approaching federals due threaten Missionary Ridge from the North. Thomas’s to the steepness of the terrain. Thus, many were taken forces, still in position near Orchard Knob opposed the by surprise when Union troops began to crest the center of Missionary Ridge. ridge. The Georgians of Jackson’s Brigade were struck Grant’s plan was to assault along Bragg’s entire by the division of Brig. Gen. Absalom Baird, a former line. While Hooker pressed on the left and Thomas mathematics professor at West Point. Swiftly, more than demonstrated to his front, Sherman would strike Bragg’s 4,200 Confederates were captured along with nearly 50 right as the decisive effort. Initially prospects seemed to pieces of artillery. Only Cleburne’s portion of the line go against the Union battle plan as Hooker’s attacks to held. Like Thomas’s stand at Chickamauga, Cleburne’s the south were delayed by terrain and Sherman’s assaults stubborn defense granted Bragg’s fleeing army precious made little headway against Cleburne’s Division. time.

Looking to break the stalemate, Grant ordered Thomas to move against the Confederate center, but Epilogue only so far as the enemy’s rifle pits. In his haste, Grant Chattanooga was an even more complete victory had issued verbal rather than written orders. While for the Union than Chickamauga had been for the some of Thomas’ commanders received orders to halt at Confederacy. Although the Union army had suffered the rifle pits, others received no such order. Regardless, nearly 6,000 casualties it had inflicted perhaps 7,000 on 24,000 Union Soldiers had begun their advance without the smaller Confederate army. More importantly, the a defined end state. That end state became clear when Union now had complete control over Tennessee and the Soldiers, having driven the defenders from their rifle a base from which to launch operations into the Deep pits were raked by artillery from the crest of Missionary South.

Ridge. To stay in position or move to the rear meant Broken and in retreat, the Confederate Army exposing themselves to direct plunging fire. The clearest was streaming south with the Union army close at its way to eliminate the threat was to close the distance heels. Bragg, in a fit of desperation, ordered a single until those cannons could no longer depress to bring Confederate division to stand as rear guard against the effective fire upon them. What followed was one of the full might of the onrushing Union Army. The division of most spectacular, most unexpected charges of the war. Maj. Gen. Patrick Cleburne was ordered to stand against Without stopping, Thomas’ Army of the Cumberland a force five times its size.

99 || The The Georgia Georgia Guardsman Guardsman

Professional Development Bookshelf: Reviews of books

that teach us about our craft

By Steven Welch Public Affairs Office Georgia Department of Defense

n the private sector profit may often eclipse mission. Leaders may find themselves forgetting why their organization exists in the first place. It’s always easy to figure out what they do, but in Simon Sinek’s book Start with Why, “why” is the essential question.

Sinek describes how leaders and companies should work as a series of circles, which he describes as “The Golden Circle” playing off the “golden ratio,” an equation most often found within the mathematic community. The first circle is “why,” which is surrounded by “how” and “what.” The “what” describes the products or services of a company, essentially what it is that they actually do. The “how” circle tells us the means to which companies reach their goals. “Why” is the purpose or belief which triggers the “how” and “what.”

Thinking about the “why” in terms of an organization like the Georgia Guard can better prepare leaders for the oftentimes uncertain roads that lie ahead.

Sinek believes that if those involved in the organization can truly believe in the “why,” then they will be more focused when it comes to producing the “what.” People like organizations with a vision which matches their own, and when leaders have a clear understanding of why they’re in the roles they have been placed in, those who look to them for guidance will be more apt to follow.

Using several examples of real-life stories, Sinek gives readers a clear vision of what it truly takes to lead and inspire. The success of Apple Inc. is brought up several times to support Sinek’s claims, as Apple learned early on who it truly was as an organization, and why it was here. It has become the distinctive, inspirational, and alternative choice to personal computers, and as a result its customer base has supported the company’s “what,” leading to massive success. Apple knows why it is here; to be the voice for consumers who wanted more than the normal computer. When other organizations have also found their voice, they too have found success in connecting with their audience.

The men and women who join the Georgia Guard have a clear understanding of why they want to give their service to our state and nation. Whether it is to help in the fight for freedom, or an overwhelming love for their country, everyone has a reason for signing up.

When leaders and those who follow focus on this “why,” we get great Soldiers and Airmen committed to an organization, which in turn can successfully serve the people of Georgia. When it comes to the frontlines of battlefields, knowing “why” we are there is the key to understanding “what” we will do when we land on the ground, and “how” we will do it.

What Sinek does with this book is look at those who have succeeded, figures out why, and then passes those ideas on to us so we too can further our “why,” thus ensuring victory for our “how” and “what.”

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October 2013 | 10

JSTARS officer wins Sijan Award

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By Master Sgt. Roger Parsons | Public Affairs Office | 116th Air Control Wing

Joint STARS operations officer recently won the Air National Guard Lance P. Sijan Award in the senior officer category.

Maj. Amy Holbeck distinguished herself as the assistant director of operations, 116th Operations Support Squadron, 116th Air Control Wing, Georgia Air National Guard; expertly leading a blended team of Air National Guard and Active Duty personnel during the highest operations tempo in the unit’s history.

“Initially I didn’t want to be nominated,” said Holbeck.

“I’m not one to seek accolades for doing what I consider to be my job, but I was honored to win at such a high level and have the opportunity to represent my wing and the Air National Guard.”

The award is bestowed annually to recognize Airmen who demonstrate outstanding leadership abilities while assigned to an organization at the wing level and below.

“Winning the Lance P. Sijan Leadership Award for the Air National Guard is a big deal and a great achievement for Maj. Holbeck,” said Col. Kevin Clotfelter, 116th Air Control Wing commander. “I’m pleased for her but not surprised.

Amy has consistently excelled during the 10 years I’ve known her.”

“Whether it was combat operations in the early days of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, running

11 | The Georgia Guardsman

a flight of 40 officers and enlisted, or overseeing a wing flying schedule of more than 900 aviators; Holbeck has been an unmatched leader,” added Clotfelter.

A self-proclaimed shy and backwards person prior to joining the military, Holbeck shared how joining the military and becoming an officer helped build her confidence.

“Out of the uniform I never had confidence,” shared Holbeck. “Wearing this uniform has brought out qualities in me I didn’t have before. I kiddingly refer to it as my Wonder Woman suit.”

Maj. Holbeck’s commitment to leadership doesn’t stop when she takes the uniform off at the end of the day.

“One of the qualities I feel is important for a leader is a servant’s heart,” said Holbeck. “I love to help people whether it’s at work, home, or when I’m serving others in my community.”

Having just returned from a missions trip to Honduras, Holbeck shared the passion she has for helping children both at home and abroad. She is a leader in her local church and teaches children on a weekly basis.

“My faith in God and the example set forth by my parents have been the driving force in every part of my life, said Holbeck.

“In everything I do I try to live by a philosophy my father shared with me, ‘always do your best and take advantage of every opportunity.”

Photo by Master Sgt. Roger Parsons | Public Affairs Office | 1 1 6 th Air Control Wing

Job fairs across GA offer help to veterans

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

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etween 50,000 and 80,000 veterans are projected to return home to Georgia over the next four years. Most will be in need of civilian employment and can get help in Georgia and Tennessee.

The Georgia Department of Labor, the Technology Association of Georgia (TAG) and the Tennessee Department of Labor are working to help connect these veterans with available jobs after their return.

The two states teamed up with a number of private employers and associations in an effort to provide employ ment opp or tunit i e s for veterans, guardsmen, reservists, and their spouses.

“TAG is working diligently to help technology companies locate and

connect with the best and brightest candidates in their field. At a time when military men and women, current and former, are looking for their next job, we want to make sure they know about all that Georgia has to offer in the way of opportunities and success,” said Tino Mantella, TAG president.

Georgia, Tennessee and TAG have created a program called Paychecks for Patriots. It is the latest joint effort at matching qualified veterans with employees. Job fairs took place on Oct. 17, at five locations across Georgia - Augusta, Columbus, Savannah, Warner Robins and Metro Atlanta, as part of Georgia Labor Commissioner Mark Butler’s initiative to address the employment needs of current service men and women as well as veterans.

October 16 was a media day hosted by the Georgia Department of Labor and the Georgia Department of Defense at Clay National Guard

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

Center in Marietta, Ga. The purpose of the event was to highlight the challenges facing Georgia veterans and military community.

At the media event, Commissioner Butler and Maj. Gen. Jim Butterworth, the Adjutant General of the Georgia Na t i o n a l G u a r d , s t r e s s e d t h e importance of such a program in linking employers with veterans. “ The Paychecks for Patriots program provides employment at home for the defenders of freedom and liberty abroad,” said Maj. Gen. Jim Butter worth. “The program and the Department of Labor seek quality trained Guardsmen that have obtained skills such as leadership, management, technical training.”

At the Metro Atlanta event, there were companies and government agencies ranging from the FBI, Bank of America, Dollar General, Scientific Games and many others all seeking to take advantage of the soft skills that are acquired in the military.

“I came here today to look for opportunities to better myself,” stated Specialist Edgar Calvo, of the 1st Battalion, 108th Cavalry, Georgia National Guard. “I appreciate that they are trying to help Guardsmen like myself.”

Many veterans attended the event in hopes of finding a job; their hands filled with resumes and faces filled with hopefulness. During the time at the event, businesses were accepting resumes, doing on the spot interviews and some companies were doing direct hires.

“Veterans are our number one priority at the Georgia Department of Labor,” said Commissioner Butler.

“It’s our obligation to find these men and women who have sacrificed for our freedom a place in the workforce.”

October 2013 | 12

Wounded Warrior receives house

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By Sgt. 1st Class Gerard Brown | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Department of Defense hile many around the world anticipated the kickoff of the first round of the PGA playoff finals at Atlanta’s East Lake Golf Course, there was a special presentation during the Military Appreciation ceremony. Sergeant 1st Class Marty Brownlee, a Georgia National Guardsman assigned to Bravo Company 2-121 Infantry, 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team and wife Autumn were presented a ceremonial key which represented their new 100 percent mortgage-free home. The new home was donated by Birdies for the Brave in appreciation for his service in the Ga. National Guard and sacrifices to his country.

“As my wife and I stood in formation and I heard the spokesman start describing me, my heart sunk in my chest “said Brownlee “He called my name and I did not know what to say or do”.

In June 2009, Sgt. 1st Class Brownlee’s main responsibility while deployed in Afghanistan was the training of three Afghan police districts in room clearing as well as combatives. While working at an Afghan border patrol post, his outpost was 20-25 minutes away from the nearest Army base.

During what seemed to be a normal day, an Afghan National entered the border patrol building, and self detonated five feet away from Brownlee. Brownlee sustained injuries from the blast and shrapnel from his foot to his head. Since the explosion, Brownleee has had 18 surgeries including having his knee rebuilt and blown out sinus’s repaired.

“It hit me pretty hard, but did not knock me out,” said Brownlee “Physic s can’t explain why I am still alive, it should have killed me”.

When Brownlee’s application for this home was put in, never

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did he imagine that he would be in formation, during the opening ceremony for the PGA Tournament with his fellow Soldiers and be presented such a home from the Birdies for the Brave.

“Since I have been back, I have been treated great and so appreciative to how good everyone has been to me and my family.”

Brownlee said.

Birdies for the Brave, an organization that supports the men, women and the families of the U.S. Armed Forces was established in 2006 by golf professional Phil Mickelson and his wife, to assist and support those men and women injured in combat. The name Birdies for the Brave comes from the contributions that are made by birdies and eagles that are made during Golf tournaments. These contributions have raised millions of dollars for the organization which allows them to present mortgage free homes to wounded warriors such as Sgt. 1st Class Marty Brownlee “It’s impossible for us to adequately convey our sincere appreciation and support for all they do for us every day,” said tournament chairman, Rob Johnson.

“Going to be a lot of cleaning. Good thing we have five teenagers,” Brownlee said.

SFC Brownlee is set to retire on the 27th of November after 14 years and 6 months of military service, where he will continue working as a civilian police officer for the city of McDonough. On the day after his retirement, the 28th, he is due to move into his new home.

“I wake up in the morning now with the itch to go back overseas sometimes. I have 3 deployments behind me and I would do it all over again,” Brownlee said.

Photo by Sgt. 1 st Class Gerard Brown | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Department of Defense

Surviving the shutdown

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By Maj. Will Cox | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Army National Guard hroughout the government shutdown, the G eorgia A r my Na t i o n a l G u a r d remained ready to respond to domestic emergencies and maintained unit readiness, despite losing about 130 reservations for military schools and having to delay or cancel $800,000 worth of training, preventing the Guard from building readiness.

“Now we can get back to thebusiness of building readiness,” said Col. Tom Carden, Operations Officer for the Georgia Army National Guard.

Roughly 800 Georgia Army National Guardsmen were serving in Afghanistan and nearly 10,450Army Guardsmen had their monthly drill postponed due to the shutdown while federal funds were frozen.

About 500Georgia Army National Guard dual-status technicians and 200 active duty operational support Guardsmen were sent home without pay until appropriations could be made to pay them.

“It is good to be on this side of the shutdown and be funded to focus on our job of preparing nearly 11,250 Georgia Army Guardsmen for operations in support of our national interests abroad or in support

of our local communities during times of disasters,” said Brig. Gen. Joe Jarrard, Assistant Adjutant General, Georgia Army National Guard. “Know that all of our senior leaders are doing everything they can to repair the damage from the shutdown in an effort to take care of our Soldiers and families, who are our most valuable asset.”

Jarrard expressed his concern for those affected by the shutdown, highlighting programs available to help cope with the struggles they may face.

“We re cog nize t hat t his p er io d of uncertainty affected and disrupted many of our Soldiers’ lives, and that is why we have programs for our Soldiers who are in immediate need like the Georgia National Guard Family Support Foundation(GANGFSF),” said Jarrard.

The GANGFSF provides emergency relief assistance to the Soldiers, Airmen, and civilian employees of the Georgia National Guard.

“This year alone we gave 200 grants and 15 interest free loans with an average value of $1,000.” said Mrs. Harriet Morgan, Program Manager for the GANGFSF. “We have seen 19 applications turned in so far since the shutdown and expect more as Soldiers,Airmen and our civilian employees

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

feel the impact of their delayed or canceled compensation.”

By year end, the GANGFSF will have provided over $2 million in emergency relief assistance to Georgia National Guard Airmen and Soldiers since 2004.

All applicants requiring assistance are encourage d to cont ac t t he G e org ia National Guard’s full time financial advisor, Mrs. Lynda Smith, to help Guardsmen in financial need prevent future financial emergencies.

“My core mission as a personal financial counselor is to provide free confidential financial counseling, coaching and training to military service members and their families,” said Smith. “Basically, that involves developing debt reduction, savingsand investment plans.”

During the government shutdown, Smith noted how she received about twice as many requests for assistanceas she normally would due to the added financial stress put on Guardsmen.

“The shutdown frustrated and delayed my ability to help these Guardsmen because other programs and services that I normally refer clients to were unavailable due to the furloughs,” Smith said. “All I can say is that it was really a sad time.”

October 2013 | 14

By Command Sgt. Maj. Phillip Stringfield State Command Sergeant Major Georgia Army National Guard

NCO Notepad Words of wisdom from one to another

I

would like to personally thank you for the hard work and dedication you all have displayed during the government shutdown. I know the past few weeks have been extremely difficult but you all exhibited buoyancy beyond recognition which only reconfirms the strength that we carry as the Georgia Guard team. In preparing for this month’s article I have read a quote that stated “Resilience is accepting your new reality, even if it’s less good than the one you had before.” As we continue to press forward into fiscal year 2014, we must recognize that and accept changes that are constantly affecting us, not only as the Georgia Army National Guard but as a nation as well. I Understand that these particular topics may be of deep concern for many of you but, there is no doubt in my mind that we will maintain our strength and diversity as a team as we have done in the past.

In order to maintain mission success we will have to generate budget innovation among our ranks. Be not only conscious but creative in our spending habits within our respective units. Doing so will allow us to strive toward sustaining mission focus and ultimately completing our goals for this fiscal year.

So what are some of the goals we want to work toward you may be wondering? First, mission readiness.

Our job as the Georgia Army National Guard is to ensure we are always prepared to protect the State of Georgia and the nation against enemies foreign and domestic. We can only uphold our duty if we ensure we are taking care of ourselves as Civilian Soldiers. How do we do that? By making certain we maintain our excellence in medical readiness. By making certain that we are continuing to attain higher echelons of civilian and military education. By ensuring that we are making not only our Soldiers aware but keeping ourselves informed of all the resources dedicated to helping us.

Resources that include but are not limited to our Joint and Family Service department, Yellow Ribbon team, and the Georgia Guard Foundation. Last, but not least, upholding the changes made thus far to benefit us as the Georgia Guard team so that we do not have to start over and we can continual progress. Building on these adjustments only makes our team more agile and prepared for any challenges the future may hold for us.

I believe without a doubt that with the support of Soldiers, Family members, and our supporting civilian employees that we will have a triumphant and gratifying fiscal year.

Remember, “Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.” – Henry Ford 15 | The Georgia Guardsman

1230th TC Last to Leave Kunduz, Afghanistan

By Capt. William Carraway Public Affairs Office Georgia Department of Defense

O

n a windswept plateau at the foot of the Hindu Kush Mountains, Georgia Guardsmen of the 1230th Transportation Company were witness to history.

Tr a v e l i n g h u n d r e d s o f k i l o m e t e r s across northern Afghanistan, the 1230th TC accompanied the 524th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion on one final mission to Kunduz, a contentious city in the province of the same name. The purpose of the mission was to recover the last U.S. Military equipment from Forward Operating Base Kunduz, once the home of concerted U.S. and coalition efforts that included the Georgia National Guard.

In May 2009, elements of the 2nd Battalion, 121st Infantry, 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, assumed responsibility for sectors in northern Afghanistan. From Meymaneh in the west to Badakshan in the east, these Georgia Volunteers conducted police mentoring missions, logistics support operations, and oversaw security for the 2009 Afghan Presidential election.

Approximately 150 Georgia Guardsmen of Delta Company, 2-121 assumed primary responsibility for mentoring operations in Kunduz Province, an area the size of Connecticut. Over ten months, These Guardsmen lived either in tents or among the population, in desert and mountainous terrain. They established new police precincts, trained police officers, and accompanied them on patrols despite the lack of organic aviation or engineering assets. They encountered IEDs, small arms fire, and rocket propelled grenades and slowly painted an intelligence picture of the battlefield. When they rotated home, the 150 Georgia Guardsmen were replaced by more than 800 active duty members of the 10th Mountain Division along with engineers and rotary wing assets.

The U.S. tents are gone from Kunduz. Where once the air was shattered by the roar of diesel engines from mine resistant ambush protected vehicles, only a brisk mountain breeze disturbs the stillness.

For the Georgia Guardsmen who labored 10 months in the former “FOB Forsaken� it is perhaps fitting that the last U.S. boot print left in the dust of Kunduz was left by a fellow Georgia Guardsman of the 1230th TC.

December 2009 - Georgia Guardsmen of Company D, 2-121 Infantry on a mounted combat patrol in Kunduz Province, Afghanistan.

Sgt. Jeffery A. Carter, Sr., a native of Vienna, Ga., stands on top of his vehicle at Forward Operating Base Kunduz in October 2013.

October 2013 | 16

Around the Georgia Guard GUARDSMEN ON THE JOB Maintenance technicians from the 116th and 461st Air Control Wings set up an aircraft jack on an E-8C Joint STARS in preparation for a landing gear operational check, Robins Air Force Base, Ga., Sept. 5, 2013.

LIVE FIRE TRAINING The 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team’s 1st Battalion 118th Field Artillery Regiment conducts live fire training at Fort Stewart, Ga.

GEORGIA ARMY NATIONAL GUARD RUNNING TEAM TAKES 3RD PLACE The six man Georgia Army National Guard Running team returned from the Army 10 Miler in Washington, D.C. late Sunday evening, carrying with them the 3rd place award in the competitive National Guard division of the race.

17 | The Georgia Guardsman

648TH SOLDIERS COMPLETE PT TEST Soldiers of the 648th MEB braved freezing temperatures to conduct their annual PT test.

DAUGHTER REUNITED WITH DEPLOYED MOTHER Kambria Foster, 7, a second-grader at Vineville Academy, hugs her mother, Jocelyn, for the first time since her mom deployed to Southwest Asia six months ago. The reunion planned by the school’s principal took place in the media center during a story time session. Foster was deployed with the 116th Air Control Wing Mission Support Force Support Squadron.

October 2013 | 18

Georgia Guard Remains Committed Always ready. Always there. Always on target.

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