SDF members plot a search route.

Jan 8, 2008 - More than 60 members of the Georgia State Defense Force participated in the search for Meredith Emerson, the 24-year old hiker who disappeared on New Year’s Day while hiking near Blood Mountain in north Georgia. Emerson’s body was eventually found by police on Monday in Dawson County.

Officials from Union and Lumpkin Counties requested assistance from the GSDF which provided manpower over a four-day period to help find the missing hiker.

Members of the GSDF’s 4th Battalion, 1st Brigade responded almost immediately to address logistics issues and to prepare for the arrival of additional GSDF assets. While the call initially came for 30 SDF members, at the peak of operations, more than 60 were involved. The response included members of the 1st Brigade’s 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Battalions; Medical Detachment; 911th Support Command; and Brigade Headquarters elements.

In November, the Atlanta-based 1st Brigade assisted Gwinnett County authorities in their efforts to find 18-year-old Justin Gaines who disappeared. More than 135 GSDF volunteers used their military skills to help law enforcement officers scour Gwinnett County and the surrounding country side in the hope of locating the Gainesville State College student.

SDF aids in search for missing woman

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