First Friday Briefing for September 2004

148th Med, 108th Armor
Give Kids a KRASH Course
In Dalton, the 148th Medical Co and 108th Armor Battalion demonstrated that they are fighting the nation's Global War on Terrorism not only on distant battlefields, but the familiar fields of home. In this latest exercise, Guardsmen worked with local law enforcement and emergency responders. Perhaps just as important, it also gave the public a chance to see how the National Guard and civilian authorities work hand-in-hand in times of crisis
See photos of the KRASH exercise

221st MI Company Presents Awards
From GWOT Deployment
Members of Companies A and B, of the 221st Military Intelligence Battalion were presented awards following their deployment in the Global War on Terrorism. The ceremony was conducted in early August on Fort Gillem with more than 30 awards presented. Pictured above, Sgt. Lynette Linn, of Marietta, is awarded a Bronze Star by Brig. Gen. Larry Ross, commander of 78th Troop Command.

265 Engineer Group
Welcomes Heath as New Commander
Colonel John A. Heath assumed command of the 265th Engineer Group (Combat) in August at ceremonies at Group headquarters in Decatur, Ga. Heath replaces Col. Pete Kole Jr. During the change of command ceremony, Heath was promoted to the rank of Colonel.

State Defense Force Assist
Homeless Vets
Members of the Georgia State Defense Force assisted in an annual statewide program to aid homeless veterans this summer. Supported by the VA some 150 homeless former-Soldiers were provided with clothing, food, health screenings, dental referrals, and other services including referrals to social service providers. Some 20 GSDF volunteers assisted in all aspects of the event. Pictured above, Major Daniel Rado, of the SDF's 1st Brigade, issues boots to veteran Alvin Tench, who served in Vietnam from 1966-67

Pope Takes on New Role in Kuwait
Lieutenant Colonel Frazlier L. Pope II, a member of the Georgia Army National Guard currently serving on active duty with the Coalition Forces-Land Component Command, Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, was recently appointed Chief, Rest and Recuperation (R&R) Programs for Iraq, Afghanistan, Horn of Africa, Kuwait and the many other countries of the U.S. Central Command area of operations.

4th CST Passes Evaluation at GPSTC
The Georgia National Guard's 4th Civil Support Team underwent a five-day evaluation at the Georgia Public Safety and Training Center near Forsyth in August. The evaluation culminated with dignitaries from Singapore on hand to view a training exercise. Pictured above,  Sgt. William Gent, a 4th CST survey team member, checks for chemical agents.

178th MPS show colors during
52nd 'Old Soldiers Parade'
About 40 Soldiers and eight Humvees from Monroe’s 178th Military Police Company participated in Alpharetta’s 52nd annual Old Soldiers Day Parade in August. Along the two mile parade route area residents waved at and cheered on the Guardsmen and 250 other veterans of wars past and present. Even with half the unit still on terminal leave after being deployed for two and half years to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba and Fort Benning in Columbus, it wasn’t hard to find volunteers for the event.

Macon's RTI Welcomes
New Commander
Headquarters Company, 122nd Regiment, Regional Training Institute in Macon changed command in August when 1st Lt. Hector Tirado, of McDonough, assumed command of the unit. RTI also outgoing commander Cpt. Daise.
Photos of the Change of Command and awards

Family Readiness Conference
Celebrates, Informs
A host of individuals and groups were honored in August for the roles they play in supporting families and their Citizen-Soldiers during the second annual Georgia National Guard Family Readiness Workshop and Leadership Conference. The conference and awards banquet was held at Atlanta's Renaissance Concourse Hotel and more than 400 Soldiers, Airmen, mid-level and senior Guard leaders, and their family members attended.
Family Readiness Photo Gallery
Related Story:
48th BCT MPs Do Security Duty
At Family Readiness Conference

Sixteen New Second Lieutenants
Commissioned through RTI
The Georgia Army National Guard commissioned 16 second lieutenants in August in a ceremony in northwest Atlanta. Georgia's Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. David B. Poythress, was the guest speaker. Brig. Gen. Terry Nesbitt, Georgia Army Guard commander, gave the oath of office.

116th ACW To Receive
Spaatz Trophy at NGAUS
The 116th Air Control Wing will be awarded the Spaatz Trophy by the National Guard Association of the United States at its annual conference in Las Vegas this month. Brig. Gen. Tom Lynn, commander of the 116 ACW, said, “This award is indicative of incredible work by incredible people. I am extremely proud of each and every one of them.” The trophy is presented annually to the overall outstanding Air National Guard flying unit.

Families, Community
Welcome 277th Maintenance Home
Members of the 277th Maintenance Company got a heroes welcome in August at the Kennesaw Armory when families and the community leaders officially welcomed them home. Spc. Joseph Harner (pictured above) an electrical generator specialist from Kennesaw, received a Bronze Star for his  hand in “getting lights turned on” in the metropolitan Baghdad area.

283rd Completes JUICE Exercise
Dobbins' 283rd Combat Communications Squadron recently completed a month-long multi-agency, advanced communications exercise in which the unit was designated the lead DOD agency in the testing and integration of sophisticated, state-of-the-art communications equipment and policy. The month-long program which included a two week test and evaluation period was known by the JUICE, or Joint User Interoperability Communications Exercise.

Ft. Gordon YCA Holds Graduation
One hundred twenty one Georgia teens proudly accepted their diplomas signifying completion of the rigorous 22-week Youth Challenge Academy program in August.    Hundreds of family and friends were in attendance at the commencement ceremonies in Macon’s City Auditorium for the ninth graduating class from the Fort Gordon campus.