News From the UPARS

Promotions/ Enlistments/ Re-enlistmensts

Brunswick

Derrick K. Spikes of Jacksonville, FL recently was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in the 118th Field Artillery of the Georgia Army National Guard. Spikes is a 13-year veteran of the National Guard is a Petroleum Vehicle Operator for the Brunswick-based unit. He is employed as a Fort Lift Operator for Anheuser-Bush in Jacksonville.

Walter C. Wolff of Brunswick was recently promoted to the rank of Sergeant in the 118th Field Artillery of the Georgia Army National Guard in Brunswick . Wolff, a 12-year veteran of the Army National Guard is a Track Recovery Vehicle Operator for the Brunswick-based unit. He is employed as a Mechanic for the Mobilization and Training Equipment Site, Georgia Army National Guard at Fort Stewart.

Mark A. Tipton of Brunswick was recently promoted to the rank of Sergeant in the 118th Field Artillery of the Georgia Army National Guard in Brunswick . Tipton, an eight year veteran of the Army National Guard is a Track Recovery Vehicle Operator. He is employed as a Mechanic by the Mobilization and Training Equipment Site (MATES), Georgia National Guard at Fort Stewart.

Cordele

Jason S. Malone of Cordele, a member Company B, 2nd Battalion 121st Infantry of the Georgia Army National Guard was recently promoted to the rank of Specialist during military ceremonies at the Cordele based unit. Malone is a Bradley fighting vehicle driver in the Georgia Army National Guard infantry unit.

Effingham

Three new recruits from Effingham County have enlisted in Battery A of the 118th Field Artillery Battalion of the Georgia Army National Guard in Springfield. Richard L. Socia of Rincon, Armando Villegas of Bloomingdale and Alex Jerome Manior of Clyo have enlisted each for six years in the Georgia Army National Guard. Socia served eight years in the regular Army before becoming a science teacher at Ebenezer Middle School in Effingham County. Villegas is a veteran of both the Army National Guard and the active Army . He is married and is employed as a detective with the Savannah Police Department. Alex Jerome Manior is a recent graduate of Effingham County High School where he played football and was a member of the ROTC program.

Garden City

Ray Wilson of Garden City, a member of Battery C, 118^th Field Artillery of the Georgia Army National Guard was recently promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant in the Georgia Army National Guard. Wilson, a 17-year veteran of the Army National Guard is the Retention Non-commissioned officer in the Jesup-based artillery unit.

Guyton

Justin A. Adams of Guyton was promoted in June to the rank of Specialist in the Georgia Army National Guard. Adams, a three year veteran of the Georgia Army National Guard is a member of Springfield’s Battery A, 118th Field Artillery where he serves as the unit’s Combat Medic.

Hinesville

Roger Farrow of Hinesville, as member of Battery C, 118^th Field Artillery of the Georgia Army National Guard, was recently promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant in the Georgia Army National Guard. Farrow, a 17-year veteran of the Army National Guard is a battery Gun Chief in the Jesup-based artillery unit.

Gerald Hicks of Hinesville was promoted in June to the rank of Specialist in the Georgia Army National Guard. Hicks, a three year veteran of the Georgia Army National Guard is a member of Springfield's Battery A, 118th Field Artillery where he serves as a Cannon Crewman for the M109 Paladin Howitzer.

Kyle A. Peyton of Hinesville was promoted in June to the rank of Specialist in the Georgia Army National Guard. Peyton, a three year veteran of the Georgia Army National Guard is a fire direction specialist with Springfield's Battery A, 118th Field Artillery.

Jesup

Mark A. Burns of Jesup was recently promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant in the 118th Field Artillery of the Georgia Army National Guard in Brunswick . Spikes, an 11-year veteran of the Army National Guard is the Ammunition Section Chief and the Unit Training Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) for the Brunswick-based unit. He is employed fulltime by the 118th FA Service Battery as the Training NCO .

Meldrim

Specialist James F. Miller of Meldrim, GA, a member of Battery A of the 118th Field Artillery of the Georgia Army National Guard re-enlisted in early April. Miller is a seven year veteran of the Savannah-based artillery unit of the Georgia Army National Guard. He is employed full time by Chili's Restaurant.

Patterson

Jeremy D. Clark of Patterson, GA was recently promoted in June to the rank of Specialist in the Georgia Army National Guard. Clark, a member of Springfield's Battery A, 118th Field Artillery, is a Cannon Crewman for the M109 Paladin Howitzer.

Powder Springs

Groth (l) and BG Nesbitt

John H. Groth of Powder Springs was recently promoted to the rank of Major in the Georgia Army National Guard. Groth, a 17-year veteran of the Army National Guard is the Personnel Officer for the 4,000-member 48th Infantry Brigade headquartered in Macon . Brigadier General Terry Nesbitt, Commander of the Georgia Army National Guard participated in the promotion ceremony.

William Ard, a member of Battery C, 118^th Field Artillery of the Georgia Army National Guard, was recently promoted to the rank of Sergeant. Ard, a 19-year veteran of the Army National Guard is an Ammunition Handler in the Jesup-based artillery unit.

Pablo Diaz of Reidsville was recently promoted to the rank of Sergeant in the 118th Field Artillery of the Georgia Army National Guard. Diaz, a four-year veteran of the Georgia Army Guard is a supply clerk in the Savannah-based unit.He is employed with the Georgia Department of Corrections at the Georgia State Prison in Reidsville.

Rincon

Richard L. Socia of Rincon, a science teacher at Ebenezer Middle School in Effingham County has enlisted in the Springfield-based Battery A of the 118th Field Artillery of the Georgia Army National Guard. Socia has eight years prior service in the regular Army.

Rome

Danny Bickers of Rome, a 14-year veteran of the Georgia Army National Guard was recently promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant at military ceremonies held at the headquarters of the 108th Armor Battalion in Calhoun. Bickers is the Assistant Medical Platoon Sergeant in the 108th Armor Battalion. He is employed as an investigator at the Floyd County Police Department.

Savannah

Tazz L. Hardwick of Savannah recently re-enlisted in the Georgia Army National Guard in April. He is assigned to Battery A, 118th Field Artillery. Hardwick has been a member of the Georgia Army Guard four years. Hardwick is employed by the Chatham County Sheriff's Department.

Staff Sergeant Willie Warren of Savannah, a member of the Georgia Army National Guard re-enlisted in Savannah's Battery B, 118th Field Artillery in May. An eighteen-year member of the Guard, SSgt Warren is employed full time with the City of Savannah Maintenance Department.

Christian L. Layer and Mark A. Waters, both of Savannah, were recently promoted to the rank of Private First Class at military ceremonies at Headquarters, 118th Field Artillery, Georgia Army National Guard in Savannah. Christian is a 2-year veteran and Waters, a 3-year veteran of the Savannah based artillery unit. The Georgia Army National Guard’s 118th Field Artillery in Savannah is part of the 4,000-member 48th Infantry Brigade headquartered in Macon.

Screven

Boris Roberson of Screven, a member of Battery C, 118^th Field Artillery of the Georgia Army National Guard was recently promoted to the rank of Private First Class in the Georgia Army National Guard. Roberson, is a cannoneer in the Jesup-based artillery unit.

Springfield

James E. Doughty of Hattiesburg, MS recently was promoted to the rank of Sergeant First Class in Battery A of the 118th Field Artillery of the Georgia Army National Guard located in Springfield, GA . Doughty, a 22-year veteran of the Army National Guard is a Platoon Sergeant and the Readiness Non-commissioned officer for A Battery, 1/118th Field Artillery.

James F. Rawls of Springfield, a member of Battery A , 118th Field Artillery of the Georgia Army National Guard was recently promoted to the rank of Specialist at military ceremonies held at the Springfield National Guard unit. Rawls is a cook in the field artillery unit and is employed by Home Depot in Pooler.

Fourteen Georgia Army National Guardsmen, members of Battery A, 118th Field Artillery were honored recently for accomplishments during the 48th Infantry Brigade's Annual Training at Camp Blanding, Florida.

First Lieutenant Robert M. Carter of Kingsland was presented the Meritorious Service Medal. Carter is a 10-year veteran of the Georgia Army National Guard and is the First Direction Officer for the Springfield artillery unit.

First Lieutenant Rodney Tatum of Pooler, Sergeant First Class Jeffery Phelps of Midway, and Corporal Louis Gonzales of Springfield were awarded the Army Commendation Medal. Tatum is a 6- year veteran of the unit and is a Fire Direction Officer. He is a teacher and coach at Groves High School in Garden City. Phelps, a 16-year veteran is the unit's Field Artillery Systems Maintenance Supervisor. He is employed at Fort Stewart. Gonzales, a 12-year veteran of the unit and the unit's armorer, is employed with the US Coast Guard in Savannah.

Awarded the Army Achievement Medal were Specialist James Rawls of Statesboro, Private First Class Joshua Heaton of Bloomingdale, Corporal Nathaniel Young of Statesboro and Specialist Travis Colbert of Lincolnton. Rawls, a 2-year veteran of the artillery unit serves as a unit cook and is employed full time by Home Depot. Heaton is a one year Guardsmen serving as a Cannon Crewman on the M109 Paladin Howitzer and is a student at North Georgia College and State University. Young, a 9-year veteran serves as a Gunner on the M109 Paladin and is employed by the Statesboro Fire Department. Colbert, a 2-year veteran is a cannon crewman on the M109 and is employed as a telephone installation engineer.

Receiving the Georgia Commendation Medal were Specialist John Harris of Kingsland, a 3- year Army Guard veteran who is a fire direction specialist; Sergeant Legregory Dykes of Savannah, a 9-year veteran serves as a gunner on the M109 Paladin; Staff Sgt Tazz Hardwick of Savannah, an 8-year veteran who is a Section Chief, is employed by the Georgia Department of Corrections; and Sergeant Christopher Wieberg, a 12-year veteran who serves as the unit's Maintenance Sergeant. Also receiving the Georgia Commendation Medal were Staff Sgt Deroyce McCloud of Vidalia, an 8-year veteran who serves as the Howitzer's section Chief. He is employed by the Federal Department of Corrections; and, Spc. Gerald Hicks of Hinesville, a 2-year veteran who serves as a cannon crewman on the M109 Howitzer.

Sylvania

Laura A. Howard of Sylvania was promoted to the rank of Sergeant First Class in Statesboro's Headquarters, Headquarters Company 648th Engineer Battalion of the Georgia Army National Guard during promotion ceremonies held in January. The 19-year National Guard veteran is the Senior Human Resources Manager for the 300-person engineer battalion. She has been assigned to the 648th for two years. Statesboro's 648th Engineer Battalion is part of Georgia's 4000-member 48th Infantry Brigade.

Tallahassee, FL

Cedric L. Christie of Tallahassee, a six year-veteran of the Georgia Army National Guard was promoted to the rank of Sergeant at military ceremonies in April. Christie is a wheeled vehicle mechanic with the 148th Heavy Support Battalion located in Hinesville, GA. He works in a family owned business in Tallahassee. He served eight years in the U.S. Navy and is a Desert Storm Veteran

Tignall

Timothy Jones of Tignall, a member of Service Battery, 118^th Field Artillery of the Georgia Army National Guard recently was promoted to the rank of Master Sergeant. Jones, a 23-year veteran of the Georgia Army National Guard is the First Sergeant of Brunswick-based artillery unit. He is employed by the Whitworth Parole Center in Hartwell, GA

Vidalia

Vincent Johnson of Vidalia, a member of Battery A, 118th Field Artillery of the Georgia Army National Guard was recently promoted to the rank of Sergeant during military ceremonies at the Springfield based unit. Johnson, a two-year veteran of the Army National Guard is an Ammunition Team Chief. He is employed as a Corrections Officer for the Federal Bureau of Corrections in Estill, South Carolina.

Terence Bacon of Vidalia re-enlisted in May in the Georgia Army National Guard. Bacon is an 8-year veteran of the Georgia Army National Guard and a 5-year veteran of Battery B, 118th Field Artillery located in Savannah. He is employed by Trane in Vidalia.

Vienna

Douglas B. Vonier of Vienna , a member of Company B, 2nd Battalion 121st Infantry of the Georgia Army National Guard was recently promoted to the rank of Specialist during military ceremonies at the Cordele-based unit. Vonier, a three-year veteran of the Army National Guard is an Automatic Weapons Rifleman in the Georgia Army National Guard infantry unit.

Waycross

Caleb C. Waldron of Waycross was promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant in Statesboro's Headquarters Company 648th Engineer Battalion of the Georgia Army National Guard during promotion ceremonies held in January. The eight-year Army National Guard veteran is the unit supply sergeant for the 300-person engineer battalion. He has been assigned to the 648th for one year. Statesboro's 648th Engineer Battalion is part of the 4000-member 48th Infantry Brigade.

Woodstock

Christian Kirby of Woodstock, a member of Battery A , 118th Field Artillery of the Georgia Army National Guard was recently promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant during military ceremonies at the Springfield- based unit. Kirby, an 11-year veteran of the National Guard is an Ammunition Team Chief in the Georgia Army National Guard infantry unit. He is employed as a Teacher with the Cherokee County School System.

Awards

Brunswick

Sergeant First Class Charles W. Ribbron of Brunswick was awarded the Army Commendation Medal at award ceremonies held in January at Brunswick's 1st Battalion, 118th Field Artillery of the Georgia Army National Guard. SFC Ribbron was recognized for his performance as the Battalion Ammunition NCO during Annual Training 2003 at Fort Stewart.

Ribbron, the Unit Readiness NCO is a 29-year veteran of the National Guard and has been assigned to the 1/118 Field Artillery for eleven years. In December, Ribbron was promoted to his current rank of Sergeant First Class. Brunswick's 1/118th Field Artillery is part of the 4000-member 48th Infantry Brigade of the Georgia Army National Guard.

Specialist Julius Campbell Jr., of Brunswick was awarded the Army Achievement Medal at award ceremonies held at Brunswick's 1st Battalion, 118th Field Artillery of the Georgia Army National Guard. Spec. Campbell, an Ammunition Handler, was recognized for his performance during Annual Training 2003 at Fort Stewart. Campbell is a six -year veteran of the Georgia Army National Guard. He is employed as a service technician for Ferrell Gas in Brunswick. The 1/118th Field Artillery is part of the 4000-member 48th Infantry Brigade of the Georgia Army National Guard.

Two Brunswick Georgia Army National Guardsmen from Company C, 118th Field Artillery Battalion in Jesup recently received the prestigious Army Achievement Medal during military award ceremonies held in Jesup.

Sergeant 1st Class Hector Franco, a gunnery sergeant for the 100-person artillery battery, was recognized for his performance as platoon sergeant during the unit's recent annual training at Camp Blanding, FL in July. Franco is a Glynn County detective.

Specialist Woodrow Ellis of Brunswick received the Army Achievement Medal for his high level of performance as a rifleman at the unit's recent annual training. He is employed at the Capital Steak House at Jekyll Island.

Jesup

Jesup’s Company C, 118th Field Artillery of the Georgia Army National Guard presented military honors to fifteen Georgia Army National Guardsmen at award ceremonies in July. Receiving the honors were six Guardsmen from Jesup.

The Army Commendation Medal was presented to Sgt. 1st Class Marion D. McGriff of Jesup for his performance as platoon sergeant during the unit’s recent annual training at Camp Blanding, FL. McGriff is employed as an X-ray technician with the American Tank Company in Jesup. Also being awarded the Army Commendation Medal at the Jesup-based unit was Sgt. Isaiah Hodge of Screven for his performance as rifleman at the unit’s annual training.

Three 118th Guardsmen from Jesup were awarded the Army Achievement Medal for their performance at annual training including, Sgt Kerry Atkinson, Pfc. Jerry Frances, Jr., and Spc. Daniel Larson. Also being awarded the Army Achievement Medal was Sgt. 1st Class Hector Franco and Spc. Woodrow Ellis of Brunswick, and Sgt. Kerry Atkinson of Waycross.

Spc. Daniel Flowers and Spec Larry D. Fullmore of Jesup were awarded the Georgia Commendation Medal for their performance and leadership at annual training. The Georgia Commendation Medal was also present to SSgt Israel Beauchamp of Pooler, Sgt. Richard C. McLamb of Hortense, SSgt. Paul Bundy of Midway, Pfc. Ricky Durden of Savannah, and Sgt. Carl Anderson of Statesboro.

During the same military awards ceremonies, Pvt. Luis Prez of Jesup, a 2-year veteran of Company C, 118th FA and a cannon crewmember, was promoted to the rank of Specialist. Prez is currently attending police officer academy.

Keysville

Sergeant Isaiah Hodge of Keysville, a Georgia Army National Guardsman with Battery C, 118th Field Artillery was presented the prestigious Army Commendation Medal at July award ceremonies held in Jesup. Hodge, the ammunition chief for the 100-person unit, was recognized for his outstanding performance as a rifleman during the unit’s annual training held at Camp Blanding, FL in July. He is employed as a police officer by the City of Wrens Police Department.

Kingsland

Specialist Timothy Caouette of Kingsland was awarded the Army Achievement Medal at award ceremonies held at Brunswick's 1st Battalion, 118th Field Artillery of the Georgia Army National Guard. Spec. Caouette, a vehicle driver was recognized for his performance during Annual Training 2003 at Fort Stewart. Caouette is a three- year veteran of the Georgia Army National Guard. He is employed as a security guard for Securiguard, Inc., at Kingsbay Naval Base. The 1/118th Field Artillery is part of the 4000-member 48th Infantry Brigade of the Georgia Army National Guard.

Specialist James Chumney of Kingsland was awarded the Army Achievement Medal at award ceremonies held at Brunswick's 1st Battalion, 118th Field Artillery of the Georgia Army National Guard. Spc. Chumey, a Vehicle Driver, was recognized for his performance during Annual Training 2003 at Fort Stewart. Chumney is a three-year veteran of the Georgia Army National Guard. He is employed as a Supervisor for Sysco Food Service in Jacksonville . The 1/118th Field Artillery is part of the 4000-member 48th Infantry Brigade of the Georgia Army National Guard.

Richmond Hill

Staff Sergeant Steven Neuharth and SSgt Joel Pifer, both of Richmond Hill were presented the Army Achievement Medal and the Army Commendation Medal, respectively. Sgt Neuharth, a Senior Fire Director with the Savannah-based 118th Field Artillery Battalion was recognized for his recent performance during the unit's two weeks annual training at Camp Blanding, Fl. Sgt Pifer, an 18-year veteran of the Georgia Army National Guard and the Communications Sergeant of the Savannah unit was recognized for his performance both at the G-8 Summit and the unit's annual training.

Waycross

Staff Sergeant William Godbolt of Waycross was awarded the Army Achievement Medal at award ceremonies held recently at Brunswick's 1st Battalion, 118th Field Artillery of the Georgia Army National Guard. SSgt Goldbolt was recognized for his performance as the Battalion 's Nuclear, Biological and Chemical NCO during Annual Training 2003 at Fort Stewart.

Golbolt, a fifteen year veteran of the 118th Field Artillery of the Georgia Army National Guard and is a Correction Officer at the Ware State Prison in Waycross . In December, Goldbolt was promoted to his current rank of Staff Sergeant . Brunswick's 1/118th Field Artillery is part of the 4000-member 48th Infantry Brigade of the Georgia Army National Guard.

Sergeant Kerry Atkinson of Waycross, a Georgia Army National Guardsman with Company C, 118th Field Artillery Battalion was recently awarded the prestigious Army Achievement Medal during July award ceremonies in Jesup. Atkinson, an Administrative Assistant was recognized for outstanding performance during the unit’s recent annual training at Camp Blanding, FL. He is employed with the Georgia Power Company

Graduations

Cordele

Private Charles A. Lancaster of Cordele, a member of Company B, 2nd Battalion 121st Infantry of the Georgia Army National Guard recently completed the Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training for Infantry courses at Fort Benning. Lancaster is a Bradley fighting vehicle driver in the the Cordele-based Georgia National Guard unit. Lancaster is the son of Gary and Melanie Lancaster of Parris, TX.

Fitzgerald

Specialist Roger D. Lott of Fitzgerald, a 7-year veteran of Company B, 2nd Battalion 121st Infantry of the Georgia Army National Guard recently completed the Military Occupational Specialty Producing course at Fort Benning. Lott is an Armorer at the Fitzgerald-based company. He is employed at the Mobilization and Training Equipment Site (MATES) at Fort Stewart. Lott is the son of James D. Lott of Fitzgerald.

Sergeant First Class Wilbur N. Smith, Jr., of Fitzgerald, a 14-year veteran of Company B, 2nd Battalion 121st Infantry of the Georgia Army National Guard recently completed the Advanced Non-Commissioned Officer Course at Camp Shelby, MS . Smith is a platoon sergeant in the the Cordele-based Georgia National Guard unit and is employed by Haulmark of Georgia in Fitzgerald.

Savannah

Herley Stroman of Savannah, a member of Battery B of the 118th Field Artillery of the Georgia Army National Guard recently graduated with honors from the Army's Primary Leadership Development Course at Fort Bragg. Stroman, a 13-year veteran holds the position of cannoneer with the Georgia Army National Guard.He is employed with Dixie Crystal in Savannah.

Waycross