William Hitchens, Georgia's Homeland Security chief receives a small token from Maj Gen William Searcy, Commander, GA ANG,  following his presentation before more than sixty Georgia Air National Guard commanders at the annual Senior ANG Commanders Conference.

Homeland Security, G-8 Issues
Highlight Air Guard Leader’s
Conference

With the majority of deployed Air National Guard units now home from the war, and with the expectation of a year of challenges on the home front, more than 60 Georgia Air National Guard commanders and chiefs met in late January for the annual Georgia ANG Commanders’ Conference at Dobbins Air Reserve Base.

The two-day event was highlighted by a presentation by William W. Hitchens, Jr., director of the Georgia Office of Homeland Security.

Hitchens explained the critical roles played by many state organizations, including the Georgia National Guard, in contributing to the state’s overall security posture. He acknowledged Georgia’s leadership position in developing the homeland security policies, plans and programs other states have adopted. Hitchens’ remarks led to a discussion among conference participants about the upcoming G-8 Conference this summer on Saint Simons Island. Air Guard Col.

Ted Childers, Joint Operations deputy director and coordinator for all National Guard participation in the three-day international conference, briefed the commanders and chiefs on the Guard’s participation in the event. He also provided insight into the possible threats and challenges expected during this year’s summit.

On a related note, Maj. Gen. Searcy, commander Georgia Air National Guard, has appointed Lt. Col. Kirk Simmons, operations officer for the Air Guard’s Combat Readiness Training Center near Savannah, the Air Guard liaison to JOPS for the G-8.