Airman Designs 'Uniform' Solution
For the Citizen-Soldier

Story and Photo By Sgt. Roy Henry
124th MPAD

Georgia Air National Guardsman Donald Evans is one of those individuals who does not mind it when people stare at him or talk about him while he is not looking.

As a matter of fact, that is exactly what the 19-year-old senior airman said he wants them to do.

To get folks looking and their tongues wagging Evans, a satellite and telecommunications technician assigned to the 283rd Combat Communications Squadron at Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Marietta, dons his "citizen soldier" outfit. This half civilian suit, half Air National Guard dress uniform is authentic from the hat he wears to the one loafer, one military dress shoe he has on his feet.

Most recently, he was found wearing this ensemble in January during the annual National Guard Day. Held each year at Dobbins, this one-to two-day activity gives state legislators and other guests the opportunity to see displays of equipment used by the guard and talk with airman and soldiers about themselves, their jobs and their units.

"I definitely get a good looking over when people see me," Evans said with a laugh. "They really have to look twice to make sure their eyes aren't playing tricks on them.

"When that happens, the questions start coming. And that gives me the opening I need to help people understand what the Air National Guard, and the guard as a whole, is all about," he added.

Chief Master Sgt. Chester Nabors, the 283rd's maintenance superintendent said Evans was chosen this year to wear the citizen soldier ensemble, because he personifies today's guardsman who is combining his military training with the civilian skills he is learning to build a solid future for himself.

Evans, who holds an associate's degree in electronics from the Community College of the Air Force, said he is a full-time student at Silicone Valley Computer Learning Center in Marietta where he is working on his Microsoft computer engineer certification. After graduation he plans to apply to Georgia Tech in Atlanta where he will study electrical engineering, he said.

All this will be coupled with other educational opportunities the military provides, Evans said, to better incorporate the skills and knowledge he has into a financially sound and secure future for him self by the time he turns 26.

Once that happens he will go into business with his uncle and aunt, Brock Edwards and Debora Lanier, both of Louisville, Ky.

It's our intention to enter the information technology industry and provide a wide range of computer programming, installation and site layout services to a variety of customers," Evans said.

People need to know the important part being an Air National Guardsman has played in his being able to accomplish the things he has done, as well as the important role the National Guard play in today's world, he said.

Service in the guard offers benefits and opportunities that lead to a better, more secure future for those willing to take advantage of them, Evan said while checking his appearance in a mirror.

"And now, more than ever before, the guard is taking on more 'real world' missions that require competent, qualified people to take up those challenges," he said. "There's room here for anyone willing to accept them."

Communication Is A Must . . .

By Command Chief Master Sergeant
Pearson Deloach

In my first article I talked about how important it is to properly communicate with our customers, counterparts, and co-workers. This month, "Magic Words That Can Make A Difference".

Recent studies have proven that the more organizations depend on impersonal technology, the worse people want to behave toward each other when they come face to face. The Air National Guard which is constantly seeking to improve itself, is presently working toward fostering qualities in it's people such as trust, fairness, generosity, respect, consideration, dignity and integrity.

With this in mind, I have decided to share with you some clear and positive tips that I feel need to become a part of our everyday operation:

Be Specific. Don't just say "you do good work Danyal," Instead say, "Danyal, you really were gracious and professional in the way you treated our Air Force visitor's yesterday."

Avoid adding thorns to the roses you hand out. Don't say, "Sue, you really project a professional image now that you've dropped those 50 pounds". I don't believe I said that!

Avoid Sarcasm in front of strangers or large groups. Not everyone may get the joke, and private jokes tend to turn people off. Sarcasm can backfire badly and at anytime. Usually at the wrong time!

Don't praise people in public if you're not as complimentary behind their back. This gets back to them and others. It discounts your public praise and teaches people not to trust you or your words.

When you are really impressed with an employee or co-worker, express that to them! Verbal praise or a quick note is sufficient, and it lets them know you are sincerely complimenting them and not just making a passing comment.

Give praise consistently and sincerely, or you may be seen as only praising others when you want something.

When you receive a compliment, simply say "thank you." Don't go on about how you could not have done it without George, and that you just don't deserve this! Sure you do! Only if others are clearly being left out should you say, specifically, who should be recognized.

When people treat each other with trust and respect in daily interaction, then and only then will the quality of life be returned to the workplace.

As the Grandfather of a four year old, I find myself reading "Golden Books". I recently enjoyed reading "Bambi", a story I shall never forget. I remember especially the comments of "Bambi's" friend "Thumper", you know, the little rabbit... Bambi's confident. Thumper said, "If you can't say something nice, don't say nothing at all!" What an amazing statement, and by a rabbit no less!

Perhaps it may take the use of children's books in the re-education of grown-up's, excuse me, ADULTS! Regardless though of what it takes, becoming a master of magic words is something I think we all agree is truly worth working for.

2001 General Assembly Session Review

By: Representative Clint Smith

From an historical perspective, the 2001 Session of the Georgia General Assembly will be remembered for the change of the state flag. However, other issues were addressed that will impact the National Guardsmen and military veterans

NATIONAL GUARD ISSUES

A bill has been introduced to give National Guard retirees a monthly retirement check.. The rules of the House of Representatives require that retirement legislation be introduced the first year of the two year cycle, action cannot be taken until the second year. During the interim months an actuarial study will be done on the Guard Retirement bill to assess the overall impact on the state of Georgia. I am more optimistic now than in previous years that passage will eventually occur because several influential legislators are showing more interest, and Governor Barnes shown significant interest in the bill.

In the budget for fiscal year 2002, the Youth Challenge Program received an increase in state funding of $295,000 in order to provide support for its expansion in Augusta. The Service Cancelable Loan Program for National Guard members maintained its current appropriation level at $200,000 for next fiscal year.

DEFENSE AND VETERANS' ISSUES

I cosponsored a bill that will allow active duty military retirees to receive distinctive license plates that designate a specific branch of service. Also, I cosponsored legislation that will entitle World War II veterans who were denied a high school diploma because of service to receive a diploma on Veterans' Day.

I cosponsored a bill that requires males 18-26 to register with the U.S. Selective Service System when they apply for issuance or renewal of driver's licenses in Georgia.

The House passed a resolution urging the Government of Japan to formally acknowledge and issue an apology for the war crimes committed by the Imperial Japanese military during World War II and to pay reparations to the victims of those crimes. It requested that the President of the United States and the United States Congress take all appropriate action to further bring about a formal apology and reparations by the Japanese Government.

A Sparkle for Fitness
or
Turn those love handles
into lovely handles

By Col. Joe Morgan, SAS

Well, as you may have heard, the new ANG Fitness Testing Program is here. The good news is that it is just for practice this year, but for testing, next year.

The walk/run is still the same.

The change is the addition of a muscular fitness assessment (MFA), to include pushups and crunches.

The big change for us, however, is that though many of us can quickly "get up" for the walk/run, or even pass it "cold", the same is not true for the MFA testing. Depending on your level of physical activity (on-going active sports, or fitness training), it will probably take you several months of regular, concentrated exercise to be able to pass this MFA test!

So, to put a sparkle in this year's practice for next year's testing, I suggest you begin now to work on your muscular fitness.

How?

First, the pushups. These (men and women) are properly done on your toes with arms and back straight. Go down until your upper arm is parallel to the floor, and return to the up position. Folks, if you haven't done pushups in a while, be careful. This is tough! I suggest that you begin slowly, first with your weight on your knees. When you can build up to twice the number you must do to pass the test, then go to your toes. The difference in difficulty is quite significant, however, the mechanics of the exercise, and the muscles used are essentially the same.

Second, the crunches. Properly done, your toes are hooked under something or ankles held. Knees bent at 90 degrees. Arms folded across your chest, hands touching collarbone. A repetition is crunching up, until forearms touch your knees.

I hate crunches. I hope you love them! Again, if you haven't "crunched" in a while, you will have some sweating, grunting, and muscle aching pain in store to whip the ol body into crunch shape.

To be frank, the MFA is appropriate. We are modern day warriors, and as such must be ready to deploy to anywhere worldwide. To be able to bag-drag all our stuff; duffle-, chem.-, specialty, sleeping, MRE (thank-you-very-much), and any-thing-else, bags, we need some muscle. Frankly, we need some MF to not only to arrive at our deployed area, but also to do our individual war mission, and maintain our stamina.

So, build a little sparkle in your battle physique. Ripple through your MFA with a blazing fitness run/walk, and with hustling pushup/crunches. Amaze our First Sergeant by meeting the fitness requirements of a Guard member of a decade younger.

But remember, anything that wishes to shine needs a little polish. Yep, you're right, spending time in MF training will certainly make you sparkle!

2001 UTA Dates

Apr 21-22
May 19-20
Jun 23-24
Jul 21-22
Aug 18-19
Sep 22-23
Oct 20-21
Nov 17-18
Dec 8-9

Staff Assist Visits

24 Jun -- 202EIS 14 Jul -- 224JCSS 15 Jul -- 165 ASOS 18 Aug --283 CBCS 17-18 Nov --116BW

Important Dates

JACC -- 27-28 April
NGAGA -- 8-10 Jun ANG CC Conference 10-11 Aug NGAUS --24-28 Aug. SLC --2-6 Dec.

	Airman Designs 'Uniform' Solution For the Citizen-Soldier Story and Photo By Sgt. Roy Henry 124th MPAD Georgia Air National Guardsman Donald Evans is one of those individuals who does not mind it when people stare at him or talk about him while he is not looking. As a matter of fact, that is exactly what the 19-year-old senior airman said he wants them to do. To get folks looking and their tongues wagging Evans, a satellite and telecommunications technician assigned to the 283rd Combat Communications Squadron at Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Marietta, dons his "citizen soldier" outfit. This half civilian suit, half Air National Guard dress uniform is authentic from the hat he wears to the one loafer, one military dress shoe he has on his feet. Most recently, he was found wearing this ensemble in January during the annual National Guard Day. Held each year at Dobbins, this one-to two-day activity gives state legislators and other guests the opportunity to see displays of equipment used by the guard and talk with airman and soldiers about themselves, their jobs and their units. "I definitely get a good looking over when people see me," Evans said with a laugh. "They really have to look twice to make sure their eyes aren't playing tricks on them. "When that happens, the questions start coming. And that gives me the opening I need to help people understand what the Air National Guard, and the guard as a whole, is all about," he added. Chief Master Sgt. Chester Nabors, the 283rd's maintenance superintendent said Evans was chosen this year to wear the citizen soldier ensemble, because he personifies today's guardsman who is combining his military training with the civilian skills he is learning to build a solid future for himself. Evans, who holds an associate's degree in electronics from the Community College of the Air Force, said he is a full-time student at Silicone Valley Computer Learning Center in Marietta where he is working on his Microsoft computer engineer certification. After graduation he plans to apply to Georgia Tech in Atlanta where he will study electrical engineering, he said. All this will be coupled with other educational opportunities the military provides, Evans said, to better incorporate the skills and knowledge he has into a financially sound and secure future for him self by the time he turns 26. Once that happens he will go into business with his uncle and aunt, Brock Edwards and Debora Lanier, both of Louisville, Ky. It's our intention to enter the information technology industry and provide a wide range of computer programming, installation and site layout services to a variety of customers," Evans said. People need to know the important part being an Air National Guardsman has played in his being able to accomplish the things he has done, as well as the important role the National Guard play in today's world, he said. Service in the guard offers benefits and opportunities that lead to a better, more secure future for those willing to take advantage of them, Evan said while checking his appearance in a mirror. "And now, more than ever before, the guard is taking on more 'real world' missions that require competent, qualified people to take up those challenges," he said. "There's room here for anyone willing to accept them."

Communication Is A Must . . . By Command Chief Master Sergeant Pearson Deloach In my first article I talked about how important it is to properly communicate with our customers, counterparts, and co-workers. This month, "Magic Words That Can Make A Difference". Recent studies have proven that the more organizations depend on impersonal technology, the worse people want to behave toward each other when they come face to face. The Air National Guard which is constantly seeking to improve itself, is presently working toward fostering qualities in it's people such as trust, fairness, generosity, respect, consideration, dignity and integrity. With this in mind, I have decided to share with you some clear and positive tips that I feel need to become a part of our everyday operation: Be Specific. Don't just say "you do good work Danyal," Instead say, "Danyal, you really were gracious and professional in the way you treated our Air Force visitor's yesterday." Avoid adding thorns to the roses you hand out. Don't say, "Sue, you really project a professional image now that you've dropped those 50 pounds". I don't believe I said that! Avoid Sarcasm in front of strangers or large groups. Not everyone may get the joke, and private jokes tend to turn people off. Sarcasm can backfire badly and at anytime. Usually at the wrong time! Don't praise people in public if you're not as complimentary behind their back. This gets back to them and others. It discounts your public praise and teaches people not to trust you or your words. When you are really impressed with an employee or co-worker, express that to them! Verbal praise or a quick note is sufficient, and it lets them know you are sincerely complimenting them and not just making a passing comment. Give praise consistently and sincerely, or you may be seen as only praising others when you want something. When you receive a compliment, simply say "thank you." Don't go on about how you could not have done it without George, and that you just don't deserve this! Sure you do! Only if others are clearly being left out should you say, specifically, who should be recognized. When people treat each other with trust and respect in daily interaction, then and only then will the quality of life be returned to the workplace. As the Grandfather of a four year old, I find myself reading "Golden Books". I recently enjoyed reading "Bambi", a story I shall never forget. I remember especially the comments of "Bambi's" friend "Thumper", you know, the little rabbit... Bambi's confident. Thumper said, "If you can't say something nice, don't say nothing at all!" What an amazing statement, and by a rabbit no less! Perhaps it may take the use of children's books in the re-education of grown-up's, excuse me, ADULTS! Regardless though of what it takes, becoming a master of magic words is something I think we all agree is truly worth working for.

2001 General Assembly Session Review By: Representative Clint Smith From an historical perspective, the 2001 Session of the Georgia General Assembly will be remembered for the change of the state flag. However, other issues were addressed that will impact the National Guardsmen and military veterans NATIONAL GUARD ISSUES A bill has been introduced to give National Guard retirees a monthly retirement check.. The rules of the House of Representatives require that retirement legislation be introduced the first year of the two year cycle, action cannot be taken until the second year. During the interim months an actuarial study will be done on the Guard Retirement bill to assess the overall impact on the state of Georgia. I am more optimistic now than in previous years that passage will eventually occur because several influential legislators are showing more interest, and Governor Barnes shown significant interest in the bill. In the budget for fiscal year 2002, the Youth Challenge Program received an increase in state funding of $295,000 in order to provide support for its expansion in Augusta. The Service Cancelable Loan Program for National Guard members maintained its current appropriation level at $200,000 for next fiscal year. DEFENSE AND VETERANS' ISSUES I cosponsored a bill that will allow active duty military retirees to receive distinctive license plates that designate a specific branch of service. Also, I cosponsored legislation that will entitle World War II veterans who were denied a high school diploma because of service to receive a diploma on Veterans' Day. I cosponsored a bill that requires males 18-26 to register with the U.S. Selective Service System when they apply for issuance or renewal of driver's licenses in Georgia. The House passed a resolution urging the Government of Japan to formally acknowledge and issue an apology for the war crimes committed by the Imperial Japanese military during World War II and to pay reparations to the victims of those crimes. It requested that the President of the United States and the United States Congress take all appropriate action to further bring about a formal apology and reparations by the Japanese Government.

		A Sparkle for Fitness or Turn those love handles into lovely handles By Col. Joe Morgan, SAS Well, as you may have heard, the new ANG Fitness Testing Program is here. The good news is that it is just for practice this year, but for testing, next year. The walk/run is still the same. The change is the addition of a muscular fitness assessment (MFA), to include pushups and crunches. The big change for us, however, is that though many of us can quickly "get up" for the walk/run, or even pass it "cold", the same is not true for the MFA testing. Depending on your level of physical activity (on-going active sports, or fitness training), it will probably take you several months of regular, concentrated exercise to be able to pass this MFA test! So, to put a sparkle in this year's practice for next year's testing, I suggest you begin now to work on your muscular fitness. How? *First, the pushups.* These (men and women) are properly done on your toes with arms and back straight. Go down until your upper arm is parallel to the floor, and return to the up position. Folks, if you haven't done pushups in a while, be careful. This is tough! I suggest that you begin slowly, first with your weight on your knees. When you can build up to twice the number you must do to pass the test, then go to your toes. The difference in difficulty is quite significant, however, the mechanics of the exercise, and the muscles used are essentially the same. Second, the crunches. Properly done, your toes are hooked under something or ankles held. Knees bent at 90 degrees. Arms folded across your chest, hands touching collarbone. A repetition is crunching up, until forearms touch your knees. I hate crunches. I hope you love them! Again, if you haven't "crunched" in a while, you will have some sweating, grunting, and muscle aching pain in store to whip the ol body into crunch shape. To be frank, the MFA is appropriate. We are modern day warriors, and as such must be ready to deploy to anywhere worldwide. To be able to bag-drag all our stuff; duffle-, chem.-, specialty, sleeping, MRE (thank-you-very-much), and any-thing-else, bags, we need some muscle. Frankly, we need some MF to not only to arrive at our deployed area, but also to do our individual war mission, and maintain our stamina. So, build a little sparkle in your battle physique. Ripple through your MFA with a blazing fitness run/walk, and with hustling pushup/crunches. Amaze our First Sergeant by meeting the fitness requirements of a Guard member of a decade younger. But remember, anything that wishes to shine needs a little polish. Yep, you're right, spending time in MF training will certainly make you sparkle!
*2001 UTA Dates* Apr 21-22 May 19-20 Jun 23-24 Jul 21-22 Aug 18-19 Sep 22-23 Oct 20-21 Nov 17-18 Dec 8-9 *Staff Assist Visits* 24 Jun -- 202EIS 14 Jul -- 224JCSS 15 Jul -- 165 ASOS 18 Aug --283 CBCS 17-18 Nov --116BW Important Dates JACC -- 27-28 April NGAGA -- 8-10 Jun ANG CC Conference 10-11 Aug NGAUS --24-28 Aug. SLC --2-6 Dec.

Airman Designs 'Uniform' Solution For the Citizen-Soldier

Story and Photo By Sgt. Roy Henry 124th MPAD