Members of the Georgia State Defense Force are promoted during a ceremony at the 171st Aviation Troop Command.

State Defense Force ceremony
demonstrates link between units

Seven members of the 911th Support Command, Georgia State Defense Force (GSDF), were promoted in April during unique ceremonies at Dobbins Air Reserve Base. The GSDF members were all pinned by Col. Brent Bracewell, Commander of the Georgia Army Guard’s 78th  Aviation Troop Command.

The event marked the first joint ceremony between support command and the aviation unit since they began drilling and training together last fall and reflects the close partnership that the two units have developed

“I was honored to promote these troops as the GSDF Aviation Support Detachment has truly become a part of our team,” said Col. Bracewell, who has been a strong and early supporter of the integration of the two units. “We are able to offer them our experience and training opportunities across the entire aviation spectrum, and in return, they bring skilled and discipline troops that help assure our unit readiness and capability.”

Enlisted GSDF soldiers Robert Hoffman, Boyd Cox and Chris Lindquist were promoted to Private First Class. Officers Susan Schuetrumpf, Katherine Salone, Mario Cesar and Bill Skeean were promoted to First Lieutenant.

Colonel Noel Bambrough, commander of the 911th said that augmenting the Georgia National Guard is a force multiplier. “It is a core part of our mission. We are very pleased with the results of our integrated drilling and look forward to further strengthening our relationship with 78 ATC and other Guard units,” he said.

The 78 Aviation Troop Command is the headquarters for all Army Guard aviation assets in the state of Georgia. It is comprised of several units, all which have either been deployed, are currently deployed, or are preparing for a deployment in the Global War On Terror.

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