First Friday Briefing for January 2005

48th Brigade Leaves Home;
Begins Training at Fort Stewart
Convoys and buses rolled out of towns across Georgia this week as Soldiers of the 48th Infantry Brigade left their hometown armories for Fort Stewart. The southeast Georgia installation is the first stop on the Brigade's deployment that is expected to take them to Iraq by mid-summer. Along the departure routes, townspeople, school children, shopkeepers and other well wishers lined the streets with signs and flags. Read more

3rd Infantry Det. Heads Overseas
For Second Deployment
The Georgia Army National Guard's 3rd Infantry Detachment deployed over New Year's weekend to the theater of operations in support of the Global War on Terrorism. The 19-member unit mobilized at its home station at Fort Stewart in November and spent several months going through post-mobilization training prior to the departure to Iraq last week. This deployment marks the unit's second mobilization in the past three years. The 3rd Inf. Det. was in Iraq in support of Fort Stewart's 3rd Infantry Division during the ground war in 2003.

Georgia Companies Receive
ESGR Recognitions
Georgia's Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) presented a 4-Star Statement of Support in December to Weidmann and Associates, Inc. from Roswell. Capt. Kris Marshall (pictured left), a member of the Georgia Guard's Company A, 221st Military Intelligence Battalion, nominated his employer. He detailed how Daniel Weidmann (center), President of Weidmann & Associates, Inc., had gone “over and above” supporting his Guard employees The 4-Star certificate was presented by Major General Tom Wessels, (pictured right) Chairman of the Georgia Committee.   More information on submitting ESGR awards

1230th Transportation Returns
From Noble Eagle Duty
After 22 months the 1230th Transportation Company of Brunswick returned home to family members dressed in red and green and getting ready for the holidays. The unit, mobilized in February 2003, had been on active-duty providing security at Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Marietta. Other duties included patrolling flight lines, checking credentials, and issuing security badges. Citizen-soldiers of the 1230th received the Global War on Terrorism medal for their part in Operation Noble Eagle. Bainbridge Mayor Bill Reynolds also recognized the unit by issuing a proclamation in the 1230th’s honor, and presenting it to Capt. Douglas Bryan, the unit’s commander.
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Photo Galley

Savannah’s 117th ACS Continues
Charitable Legacy over Holidays
Georgia’s 117th Air Control Squadron at Hunter Army Airfield continued it legacy of charitable giving this holiday season in the Savannah area when it donated more than $1,000 to assist two families at the Savannah Safe Shelter.  Along with cash, the unit donated clothing, household items, and toys for children. Additionally, the unit presented more than $500 in food items to the Savannah Social Apostolate, a local agency that prepares meals for the homeless and underprivileged individuals in the Savannah and Chatham County area. The unit’s charitable efforts during the holiday season also included a donation of $2974 to the Hospice of Savannah.  The unit’s outstanding philanthropy has increased over $4,400 in 2004.

Dalton 'Throws A Party' For
Its Hometown Citizen-Soldiers
More than 1,500 people showed up at Dalton’s Northwest Georgia Trade and Convention Center in December to say “Merry Christmas” and “thank you” to the Soldiers and families of 1st Battalion, 108th Armor. Part of Georgia’s 48th Brigade, the unit is among those reporting this month for deployment in support of the Global War on Terrorism. “It’s so important for our members to know their fellow citizens support them and wish them well in times such as these, and this event was so representative of that support.” said Maj. Liston Edge, the battalion’s executive officer. Read more

YCA Graduates 200
In Macon Ceremony
More than 200 cadets from Georgia 's Youth Challenge Academy graduated in ceremonies held at the Macon City Auditorium in December. "This is just the first step," said Col. Frank Williams as he reminded graduates during the ceremonies. "So get a job Monday," he added with some jocularity.  The guest speaker was Joshua Logan, a member of YCA's first graduating class in Georgia in 1994. Logon turned his life around after attending the Guard-sponsored program and is now pursuing a medical degree from Emory University. Full Story
Photo Gallery

'Mass Swearing-In' at State Capitol
Commemorates Guard's Birthday
Twenty-nine fresh faced youngsters, along with some seasoned veterans lined the steps of the state capitol, raised their right hand and enlisted in the Georgia Army National Guard in December, as part of a capitol ceremony commemorating the Guard's 368th anniversary. From mass swearing-ins to birthday celebrations, Guard units nationwide commemorated the anniversary of the emergence of the citizen-soldier as the first line of defense in the country's fight to remain free. The Georgia event was organized by the Recruiting and Retention section of the Georgia Army National Guard and culminated with the mass swearing in of the new soldiers.