heads up january 2012

VOL. 8 ISSUE 2VOL. 8 ISSUE 2 DECEMBER 2011DECEMBER 2011

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Story and photo by SSG Vince SimpkinsPAO from GGTC, Ft Stewart

LAST NOTICE

Required Annual Security-Related Training for GSDF Members Antiterrorism Level 1 Training to be completed by the end of 2011

In your Internet browser Google this: atlevel 1Or go to webpage: https://atlevel1.dtic.milDepending on your browser you may have to deal with security certifi cates. Click on the instructions that allow you to continue. One of the choices which will be shown will be: Anti-Terrorism Training, click on it. When that page appears, click on “I Agree”.When the next page appears, click on the “continue” box and follow the instructions given.The course will take approximately 45 minutes to complete. Once you are done you will be given the op-portunity to display and print a certifi cate of completion. Once you navigate to that certifi cate, fi rst save it to the fi le of your choice. Then, print two copies, one for your personal GSDF fi le (which you should be maintaining for yourself) and one copy which you should give to your training NCO/Offi cer. This is a reportable item to higher command.There will be a space provided in the lower left portion of the certifi cate for a “certifying authority”. That does not apply to GSDF members and is to be left blank at all staff levels.The Proponent Offi ce for this document is the G2 and Safety Offi ce, ATTN: CW4 Wilson CW4 Wilson may be contacted at: [email protected], (770) 603-6118

Radio talk show host and TV personality Clark Howard was at the GGTC today where he took some time to talk about his projects for the military and answer a few ques-tions for soldiers and staff.

Mr. Howard, a fi nancial expert, turns into CPT Howard when he serves with the Georgia State Defense Force, an uncompensated organization, whose volunteers augment Georgia National Guard forces and assist Georgia com-munities.

CPT Howard spoke about how he came to serve the state of Georgia for more than 10 years, remembering a conver-sation in a bagel shop. A veteran praised the then Mr. Clark for his fi nancial advise work with military families after

September 11th, 2001 but then immediately challenged him by asking what was he doing for America. He did not immediately respond so this former ma-rine put a pamphlet concerning the Georgia State Defense Force in his hand, and the rest is history.

Due to CPT Howard’s civilian celebrity status, he was naturally assigned to the Public Affairs Offi ce (PAO) and quips that since his only military skill was that he could type, where else could they assign him? He often speaks at different bases, preaching the fi scal frugality that has made his show such a huge success and has also partnered with Robin Meade of Headline News fame to begin Operation Clark Smart.

Radio and television personality Clark Howard and GGTC Commander COL David Lee

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The Color Guard presented the Colors to open Sean Hannity’s Holiday Concert, Salute to the Troops at the Cobb Energy Center.

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December 18, 2012 - From L-R, SFC Damaschke, SSG Derucki, SFC Gillham of the 911th SBT BN, 76th SBT BDE, along with SSG Canandy 3/108 CAV and Ga National Guard Honor Guard pose with from L-R Neal Boortz, Oliver North, Jeff Foxworthy, and Sean Hannity.

rucki SFC Gillham of the 911th SBT BN 76th SBTDecember 18 2012 - From L-R SFC Damaschke SSG DerG Der

Doraville Police Department Training Center, December 03, 2011-

132nd Medical Battalion Change of Command. Major Paul Hildreth passes the Command of the 132nd Medi-cal Battalion to Major David Lieble. Major Lieble has moved up from the 5th Medical Company to take Com-mand of the132nd.

At the same ceremony the Change of Command for the 1st Medical Company took place as well.

Major Debbie Reddling passed the Command of the 1st Medical Company to Captain Ron Russell. Major Red-dling will become the new XO of the 132nd Medical Battalion.

Additionally, Major Jim Moore passed the Command of the 2nd Medical Company to Lt. O’Rear.

132nd Medical Battalion Change of Command

Story and photo by SSG. Leonard GoodelmanGeorgia State Defense Force132nd Medical Battalion PAO

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Story by MAJ Michael KentCommander, 2nd Battalion - 1st Brigade (GSDF)

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Search and Rescue Mission in Canton

CANTON, Ga., Dec. 3, 2011 – Less than a day after 7-year old Jorleys Rivera’s disappearance from a play-ground at the River Ridge apartments in Canton, Ga. , 39 troops of 2nd Battalion – 1st Brigade, Georgia State Defense Force, answered the call from local authorities to join in the search effort.

The troops, part of a larger contingent of arriving GSDF personnel from multiple units led by Lt. Col. Brad Bryant, 1st Brigade’s Operations Offi cer, were on hand to bolster ongoing efforts by the 25 member Cherokee County Search and Rescue Team, which is a part of the Special Operations section of the Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services, and other civilian searchers to locate the girl or discover evidence of her where-abouts.

At the outset of the operation, the members of the 2/1 were organized by their commander, Maj. Michael Kent, into 3 ground teams plus a small contingent tasked with manning the battalion’s forward command post. Sup-porting the teams were medics from 1st Brigade’s 2nd Medical Company. Each ground team was led by an NCO wearing the GSDF’s coveted “Search + Rescue” tab, which denotes graduates of the GSDF’s search and rescue school, a rigorous program – conducted in the rugged terrain of the north Georgia mountains – that trains soldiers in search and rescue theory, tactics, and fi eld craft to a level comparable to the civilian National Asso-ciation of Search and Rescue (NASAR) SARTECH II standard.

The teams, racing against the clock were assigned a large, densely wooded area – bounded on its southern end by a steep, roadside ravine – to search with only hours remaining before sunset. “They put their training to work immediately, requiring no ‘micromanagement’ on my part,” commented Maj. Kent. A “hasty” team led by Staff Sgt. James Dempsey scoured the southerly ravine while the 2 other ground teams, led by Staff Sgt. Stan Sewell and Sgt. Michelle Campbell, spread out to cover the remainder of the search sector, looking for signs – articles of clothing, tracks, unnaturally bent undergrowth, disturbed earth – that might provide some clue to little Jor-ley’s whereabouts. The 2/1’s Sgt. Jay Tavares also lent his search and rescue expertise to the effort.

Shortly before sunset, and just after the teams completed their searches with no positive results (although items of potential evidentiary value were noted), the operation was called off by the incident commander.

Staff Sgt. Travis Weeks, the 2/1’s training and operations sergeant, said “it’s defi nitely frustrating not locating the subject of your search, but we know our efforts helped local law enforcement rule out a large area with near 100% confi dence. Our troops did a great job and carried themselves in a professional, military manner.”

Col. Bryant further commented that the GSDF troops’ working knowledge of the Incident Command System also paid off, enabling them to readily integrate with the on-scene civilian leadership in overall charge of the operation. “Even so,” he noted, “we discovered that we don’t always use exactly the same terminology as our civilian counterparts in the search and rescue world.” Maj. Kent added, “No amount of classroom instruction or fi eld training can beat boots on the ground experience. We’ll clean the mud off our boots and put the lessons learned here to good use the next time we answer the call.”

Subsequent to the operation, the missing girl’s body was recovered by law enforcement personnel from inside a dumpster located on the grounds of apartment complex where she fi rst went missing. Shortly thereafter, a sus-pect in the abduction and murder was taken into custody by law enforcement. The outcome was not what had been hoped for, but it was a reminder to all of the troops who supported the search effort that when they hit the ground, the stakes can be very real.

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scenes from annual training Photos by CPL Marc Kornfi eldPhotos by CPL Marc Kornfi eld


GEORGIA STATE DEFENSE FORCE HIGHLIGHTS ITS HISTORYDid you know that the Georgia State Defense Force mustered soldiers to fi ght for the indepen-dence of Texas from Mexico in 1836? This was just one question that was answered this year during Annual Training at Fort Stewart. State Defense Force historians LTC Rich Elwell and CPL Eric Tedder put together a “Know Your Heritage” display this year at AT in order to let GSDF soldiers know the rich history of the Georgia State Defense Force. The effort chronicled the entire GSDF history from its earliest engagements at the Battle of Bloody Marsh in 1742 up to the modern missions and responsibilities of the GSDF. In addition, both historians were on hand to answer questions and promote the continued partnership of the GSDF with the Georgia National Guard Historical Society.

The National Guard Historical Society is a partnership between the Army National Guard, Air National Guard, and State Defense Force that focuses on telling the story of Georgia’s citizen soldiers and the vital roles they have played in building the state and country as a whole. Cur-rently the GNG Historical Society is working on developing a Georgia Military Museum that will tell the story of these citizen soldiers through artifacts, historical documents, personal in-terviews, and displays. All Georgia State Defense Force soldiers are encouraged to support this effort by joining the GNG Historical Society. In order to join please visit www.gadod.net. or www.facebook.com/gaguardhistory. By mail: Georgia Guard History Offi ce, Bldg. 2, Clay Center 1000 Halsey Ave. Marietta, GA 30060. Story by CPL Eric Tedder


Clark’s Kids for Foster Children in Georgia


Photos by SSG Leonard GoodelmanPhotos by SSG Leonard Goodelman

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1BN/1BDE Annual Family Day

Story by CPL Ruthie Parrish Photo by Capt. Hayden Collins


Dalton Armory, Dalton, GA - December 11, 2011 - 1BN/1BDE held its annual Family Day celebration at the Dalton National Guard Armory this year. Traditionally the battalion hosts family day at or near the Rome battal-ion, this year their Dalton unit played host. PFC Teresa Haynes, with help from PFC Vicky Wood, and Capt Carl Pittman, put together a wonderful “pot luck” Christmas dinner. The festivities included entertainment by PVT An-drew Thomas - Sirius Diversions, gift bags for all troops and their children, and door prizes. Prizes included two one hundred dollar gift cards, and full Christmas dinners! Fellowship with the troops and their families is the focal point of the day.

PFC Teresa Haynes said she could not have done it without all the hard work of fellow troops and their families. Troops helped to clean and decorate the armory, cooked dishes for the dinner, provided donationsand gifts.

Offi cers and their spouses served the troops, including Ma-jor Jerry Willard with his wife Nancy and Captain Hayden Collins, and his wife Sandra.

PFC Vicky Wood and PFC Teresa Haynes

Senator Barry Loudermilk and CMD-CH (MAJ) Roger Lanter speak at Local events.

Georgia Senator Barry Loudermilk is seen here with Com-mand Chaplain Roger Lanter as they each are working with local church congregations and other public and civic clubs as guest speakers. Senator Loudermilk conducts a two day seminar on the United States Constitution called the “Foundation of Freedom,” a Christian based study.

Chaplain (MAJ) Roger Lanter has been invited to speak at these same events as a Christian Chaplain. Hundreds of families are attending these events and it is introduc-ing many of our state communities to the chaplaincy of the GSDF for the very fi rst time. SSG Anthony Musso who serves as the command chaplain assistant also volunteers his time to offers information on the GSDF and the GSDF Chaplain Corps while at these events. The events are free and open to any who would like to attend.


GSDF Supports Wreaths Across America

Continued on page 10


GEORGIA NATIONAL CEMETERY, DEC. 10, 2011 - Despite the pre-Christmas chill in the air, thousands of people turned out for a wreath-laying ceremony to honor veterans laid to rest at the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton. In one of 600 Wreaths Across America events held around the nation that day, wreaths were laid on every grave in the cemetery and placed around the structure holding cremated remains – 4400 wreaths in all.

Georgia State Defense Force members participated in and provided support for the ceremony. Ten soldiers from 911th Support Command and 2nd Battalion, 1st Brigade directed traffi c and organized parking. Second Medical Company personnel managed emergency medical services. The 105th Band played pre- and post-ceremony musical selections as well as the National Anthem at the start of the ceremony. Mission NCOIC SSG Greg Brett said, “We gave only a very small part of ourselves to honor the memory and service of those who gave even more--I wouldn’t have wanted to be anywhere else.”

In the hours before the ceremony, hundreds of vol-unteers gathered to place the wreaths on the graves. Then, at noon, about 2800 people gathered to hear speeches of appreciation for the sacrifi ce of the de-ceased veterans and their families, and to see the presentation of six cer-emonial wreaths honoring those who served and are serving in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marines. A seventh wreath was presented honoring the 93,129 service personnel from all branches whose last known status was either Prisoner of War or Missing in Action.

The event announcer noted that the wreath is a symbol of victory and eternity, making it an appropriate way to honor those who have given so much to the nation.

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The ceremony featured two aircraft fl yovers. Two F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 187th Fighter Wing of the Ala-bama Air National Guard roared twice over the crowd; the pilot of one plane was making his fi nal fl ight after a nearly 22-year career to honor one of his best friends resting in the cemetery. And as the ceremony neared its end, three AT-6 Texans soared overhead. These single engine planes fl ew military and training missions

between 1940 and the end of the Korean War. The three aircraft are now privately owned by pilots who asked for the privilege of performing a fl yby in honor of those who fl ew their planes before them.

After the ceremony, the cemetery director said the traffi c control and parking assistance pro-vided by GSDF personnel were exceptional and that the GSDF Band was excellent and enjoyed by all.

Wreaths Across America is held on the second Saturday of each December, with the ultimate goal of someday placing a wreath on the grave of every deceased service member.

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Continued from page 9

Story by CPL Diane Hawkins-Cox105th GSDF Band

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1LT Mike Wilkie of 1BN received the Doctor of Public Administration degree from Valdosta State University on Friday, December 9, 2011. His dis-sertation topic was “An Evaluation of Law Enforce-ment Offi cer Discipline by the Georgia Peace Offi cer Standards and Training Commission.” LT Wilkie has been on leave of absence while completing his doctoral studies, but will resume service in January, 2012 as the battalion S2 and PAO. He is employed as the chief of police for the Acworth Police Department. He is pictured with his wife, Sharon.

October 8, 2011 - The 3rd BN/1BDE of the GSDF had the op-portunity to support Rockdale County EMA and GANG Fam-ily “Yellow Ribbon” Program for the Georgia Army National Guard’s Annual Bike Ride “Operation Sandbox” at Granite Mountain Harley Davidson in Conyers, GA.

Operation Sandbox GA was started in November of 2004 by co-founders Julie and Virginia Pearson. Operation Sandbox is dedicated to supporting America’s troops through the sending of care packages. Each week volunteers meet to prepare “care packages” which include snacks, hygiene and food items for our troops. These boxes are packed with a lot of love, encour-agement and TLC. Packages are sent to help strengthen the morale of our troops, show them they are deeply appreciated for serving our country and let them know their sacrifi ces have not gone unnoticed by the American people. Since starting in

2004, Operation Sandbox has reached out to over 85,000 service members.

The GSDF is a key supporter of Operation Sandbox fund raiser at the Annual Motorcycle “Ride for the Troops” event. The GSDF was responsible for TOC set up and operation for the mission, directing and controlling traffi c at three entry points to the event and directing motorcycles to the registration area in-suring that each motorcycle was registered prior to entering the staging area and fi nally, providing traffi c control as the bikers departed the dealership to enter the highway.

This year the 3BN Soldiers lined up 688 motorcycles in the staging area starting from 0800 to 1100. Our soldiers did a great job at getting the riders out of the staging area and on the road. From the fi rst motorcycle wheels rolling till the 688th bike – 11 minutes. Great job at traffi c control!

The program included the Presentation of the Colors by the 3BN/1BDE Color Guard, singing of the Nation-al Anthem, playing of “Taps,” recognition of current and former members of each military branch, along with several guest speakers, including Sgt. 1st Class Michael Fouse with the 82nd Airborne Division out of Fort Campbell, Ky., who spoke about what it’s like to receive a care package from Operation Sandbox. Ad-dressing the crowd was Lt. Gen. Steve Whitcomb who also rode his motorcycle in the event.

OC Ward said, “This mission is part of what defi nes who we are. Short of OPFOR and call up missions, this mission is where we support our fellow soldiers. I enjoy working this mission because I know I am helping our soldiers overseas”.

Operation Sandbox 2011

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Continued on page 12


The Mission NCOIC SSG Elvis Owens commented, “As a retired military it meant a lot to me. That I could honor my fellow soldiers and be there was special. I thank our soldiers for a job well done”. It was a privilege for OC Ward and myself to accept the Appreciation Plaque on behalf of the 3BN and the GSDF from Virginia Pearson, Co-founder of Operation Sandbox. The plaque will be proudly displayed in our offi ce at the Winder NG Armory. “We are honored to be part of this great event to help support our troops”, said 1LT Sam Kilburn – Mission OIC

Next Year’s event will be held October 13, 2012. This marks the third time that GSDF soldiers have assisted in this mission. If you want to learn more about how you can help support Operation Sandbox please contact the 3BN or check out the website www.operationsandboxga.com.

Story and photos by CPT Sam Kilburn3BN/1BDE/GSDF XO


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Health Tip of the Month

WINTER HEALTH TIPS The thought of winter makes you think of images of sparkling snowfl akes and skaters gracefully gliding across the ice. But winter can also be a time of illness and injury, if people fail to take adequate health and safety precautions.

Colds

More than 100 viruses can cause colds, the world’s most common illness, so few people escape being exposed to at least one of them. In the United States, most people average about three colds every year.

After it enters the body through the nose or throat, the cold virus begins to multiply, causing any of a number of symptoms: sore throat, sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, aches and pains, mild fever, nasal congestion and coughing. A cold usually lasts a week or two.

The best way to treat a cold is to take a mild pain reliever, avoid unnecessary activity, get as much bed rest as possible and drink plenty of fl uids, especially fruit juices. Over-the-counter cough and cold remedies may relieve some of the symptoms, but they will not prevent, cure or even shorten the course of the illness.

While there is no vaccine to protect you from catching a cold, there are ways to lessen your chances of coming down with the illness. Keep up your natural resistance through good nutrition and getting enough sleep and exercise. Turn your thermostat down and keep the humidity up in your home. The dry air dries out the mucous membranes in your nose and throat and causes them to crack, creating a place where cold viruses can enter your body. Avoid direct contact with those who have colds and wash your hands frequently.

Infl uenza

A contagious respiratory infection, infl uenza is not a serious health threat for most people. How-ever, for the elderly or those who have a chronic health problem, infl uenza can result in serious complications, such as pneumonia.

Symptoms of the fl u usually develop suddenly, about three days after being exposed to the virus. They include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny nose, and soreness and aching in the back, arms and legs. Although these are similar to those caused by cold viruses, fl u symptoms tend to be more severe and to last longer. Abdominal cramps, vomiting or diarrhea symptoms of what is commonly called stomach or intestinal fl u do not accompany infl uenza.

GSDF PUBLIC AFFAIRS HQGSDF PUBLIC AFFAIRS HQ

Submit articles & photos to Cpt Andy Creed at [email protected] or WO1 Jim Zegers at [email protected]. Articles are intended for publicizing unit missions, activities and events and to highlight GSDF members. Provide details: date, time, location and a brief description. Photos are encouraged. Photos with GSDF personnel should include the rank and full name of the person(s). Provide a point of contact and phone number or email address with any submissions.

HEADS UP is the official newsletter of The Georgia State Defense ForceHEADS UP is the offi cal newsletter of the

Georgia State Defense Force


The fl u is highly contagious and, if it occurs in your family or community, there is no practical way to avoid exposure to the virus. Bed rest, a mild pain reliever and lots of fl uids are the best treatment. (Caution: Unless advised by a physi-cian, a child or teenager with a fl u-like illness should not take aspirin. Its use in the presence of a fl u infection is linked with an increased risk of Reye’s syndrome. Instead, use another mild pain reliever that does not contain aspirin.) Antibiot-ics are not effective against fl u viruses.

Flu vaccines, while not always effective in pre-venting the illness, do reduce the severity of the symptoms and protect against complications that could develop. The shots are strongly recom-mended for persons 65 years of age and older and those who suffer from such chronic health problems as heart disease, respiratory problems, renal disease, diabetes, anemia or any disease that weakens the body’s immune system. Infants, children and young people up to 18 years of age who are receiving long-term treatment with aspi-rin should also get a fl u shot. Persons allergic to eggs or who have a high fever, however, should avoid or postpone getting a fl u shot.

Because infl uenza vaccine is only effective for one year and viruses vary from year to year, it is necessary to get a fl u shot every year. In Georgia, the fl u season usually begins in November and lasts until around the middle of April. If you plan to get a fl u shot do so early since it takes about two weeks to develop full immunity. However, even a shot in January may protect against a late winter outbreak.

By SSG Leonard Goodelman132nd Medical Battalion PAO


Do you have a story for Heads Up? Send news and information to WO1 Jim Zegers, Public Affairs Offi ce

at [email protected]

Last Holiday Lunch in Bldg 8

Photos by SSG Leonard Goodelman

heads up january 2012

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tv personality clark

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