Gala highlights CERF-P Achievements

The tone of the evening was firmly established when Maj. Gen. Terry Nesbitt told more than 250 members of the newly certified Joint Task Force 781st CERF-P,  "is the tip of the spear in homeland security,” said Nesbitt. “From what I have seen so far there is no place to go but up because you measured up to the challenge."

”Our accomplishments are especially significant when you realize that we have been working together for only a relatively short period of time,” said Lt. Col. Jeff Allen, 781st Commander.  “We are now not only prepared to accomplish our homeland defense mission, but our wartime mission as well.”

 The JTF 781st CERF-P is Georgia’s rapid response organization, ready to respond to emergencies within 48 hours anywhere with eight-state Southeastern region.

 "You're the tip of the spear in homeland security,” continued Nesbitt. “From what I have seen so far you measured up to the challenge, and there's no place to go but up."

 In his first speech after formally taking command of the Georgia National Guard on Friday, the General levied additional praises on the unit claiming it as being "one of the only truly joint organizations in the Guard today". Georgia's CERFP is composed of the JTF 781st CERFP Battalion out of Kennesaw, 877th Engineer Company of Augusta, the 4th Civil Support Team from Dobbins ARB, 138th Chemical Company of Kennesaw, 202nd Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit of Marietta, the 248th Medical Company of Marietta, and the 116th Medical Detachment Group of the Georgia Air National Guard at Warner Robins AFB.

 Lt. Col. Allen acknowledged the significant support received by the CERF-P the senior command of the Georgia National Guard and presented Gen. Nesbitt with a plaque on behalf of the entire unit.