Georgia National Guard
Public Affairs Office
August 10, 2007 – Six Georgia Soldiers became new Army National Guard officers during commissioning ceremonies held on Saturday, August 10, 2007 at Fort McPherson.
The six newly pinned second lieutenants are William Carraway of Canton; David Esra of Athens; Billy Henderson of Griffin; Todd Peterson of Smyrna; Nicole Pugh of Atlanta; and Chad Tyson of Jonesboro were part of OCS class 46.
Brig. Gen. Stewart Rodeheaver, deputy commander First Army at Fort Gillem, offered the newly commissioned officers a few words of encouragement and professional advice.
“As a lieutenant,” Rodeheaver said, “there are four things you have to do. You must motivate your Soldiers, inspire them, give them good guidance and train someone to take your place and be the best you can be.”
Rodeheaver added that there are a number of important “balls” which each Guardsman must keep in constant balance as they progress in their military career. “Some of these 'balls' are made of rubber and will bounce back," Rodeheaver said, "but others are made of glass, and can easily be shattered."
“Keep you life in balance,” he said. “And remember that your family is most important.”
Several of the newly commissioned officers were individually recognized for outstanding accomplishments while in OCS. 2Lt William Carraway was the recipient of the General George J. Hearn Trophy for posting the highest academic average and being among the top 50 percent of the class in leadership. Carraway will be assigned to Company D, 2nd Battalion, 121st Infantry in Columbus. Second Lt. David Esra, was the recipient of Carl Campbell Fitness Award for having the highest score on the final Army physical fitness test. Second Lt. Esra will be assigned to Company H, 121st Military Intelligence Battalion, Long Range Surveillance team at Fort Gillem. Second Lt. Chad Tyson received the Erickson Trophy for his fitness ranking, academy grade point average, company leadership ranking and cadre ranking. He will be assigned to the 171st Aviation Battalion at Dobbins Air reserve Base in Marietta.
The remaining three commissioned officers, 2Lt Second Lt. Billy Henderson of Griffin, will be assigned to Company B, 148th Brigade Support Battalion in Hinesville, GA. Second Lt. Todd Peterson will be assigned to Company E, 148th Brigade Support Battalion in Winder, GA, and 2Lt Nicole Pugh of Atlanta, will be assigned to Company A, 148th Brigade Support Battalion in Dublin, GA.
Brig Gen. Rodeheaver, former commander of the 48th Brigade Combat Team, administered the oath to the six officers while Capt Pervis Brown presented their OCS certificates of graduation. Friends and family members continued the age-old custom of pinning on the new officers the gold bars of a second lieutenant.
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