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Brunswick's 224th Joint Communications Support Squadron of the Georgia Air National Guard has recently been awarded its second Joint Meritorious Unit Award presented by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the U.S. Joint Forces Command in Norfolk, VA. The distinctive honor recognizes the role played by the 224th in Command and Control Communication Computer Information weapons systems to coalition forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. Additionally it acknowledges the domestic support the Brunswick Guardsmen provided during hurricane recovery efforts along the Gulf Coast in 2005. According to 224th Commander, Lt. Col Richard Austin, “Winning this award is an honor for the squadron and a direct reflection of the courage, sacrifice, and professionalism of our airmen.” Georgia's 224th supported the Joint Communications Support Element located at MacDill AFB, by deploying more than 40 Guardsmen to 3 different sites to provide Command and Control Computer Communication Information (C4I) Weapons Systems to Special Operations Forces operating both in Iraq and Afghanistan. This support enabled the war fighters to respond quickly to enemy threats as well as engage time sensitive targets. In July 2007, departing JCSE Commander, Colonel Thomas Hopkins said of the 224th that there was no way the Joint Communications Support Element could have accomplished its technically demanding and difficult mission without the efforts of the 224 JCSS. Numerous members of the 224th have received Joint Service and Army medals for exceptional leadership and technical knowledge in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. In addition to fighting the global war on terror, the squadron played a vital role in establishing communications systems in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. The unit deployed over 50 Guardsmen to the effected area 48 hours after initial notification. In November 2006, the squadron operated the first "Everything Over Internet Protocol system" in the Air National Guard. In the midst of these real world commitments, the squadron experienced significant military communications and weapons systems transformation. Three additional communications teams are set to deploy in October in continued support of Joint Communication Support Element and U.S. Joint Forces Command requirements. The unit was awarded it first Joint Meritorious Unit Award in 2003
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