VOL. 8 ISSUE 3VOL. 8 ISSUE 3 Apr i l 2012Apri l 2012

SOLDIER OF THE YEAR NCO OF THE YEARGSDF HQ, Camp Clay, Marietta, GA, March 4, 2012- Cpl. Kara Kirby was named Georgia State Defense Force Soldier of the Year for 2011 at a ceremony during February drill. Kirby is the S3 for 1st Medical Company, Decon Platoon.

She joined the SDF in January 2010 after seeing Capt. Clark Howard talk about his service in the GSDF. She and her husband, Cpl. Bryan Kirby, were looking for a way to serve the community, “to do something bigger than ourselves.”

Lt. Anderson, the platoon leader of Kirby’s fi rst platoon, nominated her for the award. She inter-viewed at the Brigade level and won, and then went to the state level and won. She says she is “a highly competitive nerd with a Napoleon complex. “I am an overachiever. My mom calls me a super Napoleon.”

Born in Tallahassee Florida, Kirby has lived in Geor-gia since moving to Harris County Georgia in 1994. She attended Columbus State University for two years and fi nished college at Auburn University. She graduated with a BS in Zoology. She now lives in Newnan with her husband, two cats and a dog. As a civilian, she is a veterinarian assistant.

Cpl. Kirby Feels very comfort-able doing drill and ceremony and has been mistaken for prior service due to her profi -ciency. She says it is because she was in marching band in High School and at Auburn University. That is where she gets her discipline. She says that compared to GSDF, “the commands are the same, military style marching.

GSDF HQ, Camp Clay, Marietta, GA, March 4, 2012. Staff SGT John S. Derucki, IET Instructor, HHC, 911th Support Battalion, 76th Brigade, has been named “NCO of the Year” for The Georgia State Defense Force. He was awarded this desig-nation following a rigorous selec-tion process that included other outstanding candidates previously chosen at the Battalion and Brigade levels for this high honor.

The selection process required “lots of prep time,” ac-cording to Staff SGT Derucki, and the ability to suc-cessfully compete against other qualifi ed candidates across many areas of military knowledge, personal attributes and participation in GSDF drills, activities and missions. Specifi c areas of competence evalu-ated included many questions from the Army Study Guide, recitation of the NCO Creed and knowledge of relevant current events, among many others.

When asked his motivation for competing for this high honor, Staff SGT Derucki replied, “I went in there to represent the NCO’s in my unit as well as the NCO corps and to set an example for all soldiers”. He then added, “110% to try to set a good example. I want every person I train to strive for the same thing”.

Staff SGT Derucki has attended numerous GSDF schools, includ-ing Basic NCO Course, Search and Rescue II Course, Basic In-structor Course, GaANG Funeral/Military Honor Training, and the Master Rappel Course, all in ad-dition to the courses completed while he was on active duty as Section Chief, HHB, 1/7 Field Ar-tillery, 1st Infantry Division, Ft. Riley, KS.

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Story by CPL Mike Carey Photos by SSG Leonard Goodelman

”She has even taught her dog to do Army tricks like attention, present arms, parade rest, army crawl and route step march. As S3 of her platoon, she requires at least 30 minutes of Drill and Ceremony or Customs and Courtesies each drill weekend for the troops.

Cpl. Kirby likes going on missions such as the Barnesville tornado response. That kind of mis-sion is the reason she and her husband joined GSDF. She has also served in the fi rst aid tents at events like the Tellus Museum, Peachtree City Air Show and the Big Shanty Memorial Parade in Fairburn.

The NCOs she has served with have been in-spirational. Command Sgt. Major Ulmer is her ideal of a great soldier. She says “he is squared away.” Sgt Rusca is also a mentor to her.

Kirby began attending SLC in January and will graduate in April. She believes that any soldier can become Soldier of the Year – it just takes persistence and studying. “I don’t want to say it’s not hard, but you can do it if you put in the eff ort.”

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In addition to his strong commitment to the GSDF, Staff SGT Derucki maintains a deep involvement in leadership roles with many community organiza-tions, including Leadership Forsyth, Board of Direc-tors, Cumming – Forsyth Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors, Supporting Adoption and Foster Families Together, Board of Directors, Ar-chitecture, Construction and Engineering Mentor-ing Program – Forsyth Co., Founder, Keep Forsyth County Beautiful, Board of Directors, Three Chim-ney’s Farm Property Owners Association, Board of Directors, National Institute of Building Science – Building Envelope Council, Atlanta, Board Chair, South Forsyth Rotary Club, Past Board of Direc-tors, and Candidate Forsyth County Commissioner, District 5.

Due to his outstanding achievements in these leadership roles with community organizations, Staff SGT Derucki has received several civilian awards and honors including Terry Borges Humani-tarian Award, Leadership Forsyth, Paul Harris Fel-low, Rotary Foundation of Rotary International, Lee Arrendale Award for Vocational Excellence, South Forsyth Rotary Club, and Distinguished Alumnus 2005, Purdue University.

His civilian education includes a B.S. from Purdue University, an MBA from Keller Graduate School, and a Certifi cate in Leadership from North Georgia College and State University.

When asked why he chose to join the GSDF, his answer was quick and to the point, “Let me do something that needs to be done so that a young soldier can spend more time with his family.”

Staff SGT Derucki resides in Cumming with Julia, his wife of 31 years. They have two wonderful daughters, Sara 28 and Kate 24. And when not involved with family activities, the GSDF or his other volunteer interests, John enjoys golf, physical fi tness and reading.

Story by PFC Alan HayesPhotos by SSG Leonard Goodelman

CG Jerry Bradford and COL Dennis Watts with the NCOOTY and SOTY

HEADS-UP | December 2010 3

Story and photo by SFC Ron Cosgrove

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Color Guard at Philips Arena

Story and photo by SSG. Leonard Goodelman

Atlanta, GA - April 5, 2012 - The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) honored America by recognizing the men and women of the Armed Forces during the 2012 ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament Cham-pionship game on Sunday, March 11, at Philips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia.

A salute to the United States military was made as part of the pregame ceremonies followed by a ceremonial coin toss, and the presentation of both national and state colors as presented by the elite corps of the 3rd Battalion/1st Brigade Georgia State Defense Force’s color guard. This highly trained cadre of 3rd Battalion has been featured at various nationally televised opening ceremonies of such high profi le sporting events that include the Atlanta Falcons, the Atlanta Braves as well as tennis and basketball championship playoff events. The Color Guard is highly sought after for high vis-ibility parades, ceremonies and dignitary funerals.

The event at Philips Arena marked the seventh year that the ACC and the Wounded Warrior Project have combined forces for a cham-pionship event. In addition to the Men’s Basketball Tournament, the ACC and WWP teamed up for a ceremonial coin toss for every ACC football championship game since its inception, a ceremonial fi rst pitch at the 2010 and 2011 ACC Baseball Championship and were honored at the 2011 and 2012 ACC and Women’s Basketball Tournaments.

The mission of the Wounded Warrior Project is to honor and em-power wounded warriors. WWP’s purpose is to raise awareness and to enlist the publics aid for the needs of injured service members, to help injured servicemen and women aid and assist each other, and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet their needs.

Marietta, GA - GSDF, 1st Medical Company provided First Aid Support for the Georgia Special Olympics on 20-21 January 2012. The 1st Medical Company was on standby for injuries, providing medical fi rst aid as well as promoting community awareness. Soldiers interacted with athletes and their families, providing community outreach and awareness for the Georgia State Defense Force.

2nd Lt. Reiner was pleased with this mission and stated, “Soldiers received instruction on how to provide aid to a seizure victim.”

“Captain Ron Russell stated, “This mission was a good way to practice deployment and communications. And Soldiers left with a feeling of pride and service.”

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PFC Patrick Garrity, 2nd Lt. William Reiner, Capt. Ron Russell & PFC Neil Burton

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Story by SGT Sharon Maloney4BN/1BDE

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Search and Rescue Mission in Lawrenceville

Lawrenceville, GA - January 2, 2012 - In the Georgia State Defense Force , we train, we drill, we practice, and then we train some more. Unfortunately, when we have the chance to put everything we have learned and prac-ticed to use, it is because something has happened or someone is missing, but we are happy to respond and do whatever is within our abilities to help. Sometimes the outcome is not the one that we are striving for, however sometimes it is. This was the story Tuesday, January 3, 2012 when a missing 72 year old woman that had been missing for approximately 27 hours walked into her own backyard, hypothermic, but alive. Back up to Monday night, January 2, 2012 at about 1900 hours, the GSDF was deployed to Lawrenceville, GA to assist in the search for a missing 72 year old Korean woman. Chang Petersen was last seen at her residence at about 1330 hours. Known to have a mild form of dementia, the main worry was the dropping temperatures throughout the night. The temperature at 1900 hours was about 29 degrees with a wind chill of 19 degrees. Once upon the scene, the TOC was set up and manned by the 3rd Battalion. Fifty-seven soldiers had arrived to assist in the search by 2000 hours, with more arriving by the minute.

With COL Bryant in command, the troops were assigned to teams and areas to conduct their searches. Chang had disappeared from her house which was in close proximity to a park, which is where the search began. As the evening wore on, there were reports coming in to the Gwinnett County Sheriff of possible sightings and more information. The search was expanded towards I-85, as there had been a possible sighting at a Waffl e House. It was then that the Hall County Sheriff’s dog rescue team requested assistance in searching an area that their bloodhound had alerted in. A team of 7 was sent to assist and thoroughly search an old rest stop area along the Interstate. Meanwhile other teams were dispatched to search other areas, unfortunately with no luck. By mid-night, troops were sent home as more information was being gathered by the police.

The GSDF was redeployed Tuesday morning at 0800 to continue searching. The temperature had dropped to 20 degrees overnight with a wind chill in the single digits. At approximately 1530, Chang Peterson was spotted walking in her own backyard – hypothermic, carrying a bag of clothes that was frozen solid, but alive. She was transported to the hospital via ambulance to be checked out and treated if necessary.

At times we might feel that all of the training and practice we do is redundant, at times boring, and sometimes think it is for naught. However, I am here to attest to the fact that when the Georgia State Defense Force is called upon to help out in any situation, we are ready, we are willing, and we are ABLE!

The GSDF Birthday BallJune 23, 2012

Renaissance Atlanta Waverly HotelRegistration Deadline May 23, 2012

For more information contact COL Edward Hightower

678-467-0560co1bde6@aol.com

In times of diffi culty many lose faith. Losing faith is to lose hope at a point when we most need it. The Christian Bible addressed this in Romans Chapter 8 when it asked this ……. “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribu-lation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril or sword?” The scripture continues with an answer to this dilemma by stating in all these things we are more than conquerors….HOW…. through him (Christ) that loved us. This is a great teaching for all of us that face one or more of these diffi culties. It reminds us that we should continue to have hope by understanding that the one we have faith in (Christ) loves us and through that love we are more than Conquerors. In fact we can and will have total victory. If you are reading this and you are not a person of the Christian Faith I would ask that you understand this one thing about me as a chaplain. I do practice the Christian Faith and my words in sermons, prayers and teaching is not to anger or discriminate against anyone that is not a person of faith or even someone that may practice a different faith than mine. No my words are to show a direction for encouragement. I seek to help all people even people that have told me straight forward that they are Atheist, that they are welcome to come to me and I will seek to fi nd words that will help encourage them not to lose hope in life. Yes I will always express my thoughts through my personal faith and beliefs but I would ask that you understand that this is my most sincere means of offering help. If an individual should shed a tear I may also shed a tear and it is because of my desire to relate to that individuals need. Re-spect will always be shown for a person or a family member regardless of one’s stand on faith. Always know that I am here for you the soldier and your family. Together we can seek a way to fi nd hope and courage to move forward in peace. Don’t ever feel you have lost all hope and that you have anyone to reach out to for help, our chaplains are “ready to serve” you at anytime.

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WO Mike Royston Honored for His Commitment and ServiceHall County Fire Training Facility, Gainesville, GA - February 18, 2011 – Once a soldier, always a soldier and then a veteran soldier. In 1959, a man by the name of Mike Royston joined the Army, serving for six years on active and reserve duty. While serving, he graduated from Airborne and Ranger School. After raising a family, he discovered the Georgia State Defense Force and decided it was good way to put his expertise and desire to serve to good use. So he joined the GSDF in January of 2002. Thus began his ten years of service to the Georgia State De-fense Force.

While in the GSDF, Warrant Offi cer Royston served for three years as a Land Navigation Instructor for IET, fi ve years as the S-4 for the 4BN/1BDE, and two years as the XO for the HHC. While in the 4BN, he raised $16,000 – largely funding the 4BN

TOC (trailer and equipment). In February, 2012, Chief Royston offi cially retired from his service.

On February 18, Chief Royston and his wife, Brenda, were invited to a celebration of his service by the 4BN at their monthly drill. After enjoying a lunch of chili and cornbread, the Chief and Brenda were treated to a southern traditional red velvet cake (okay, they allowed the 4th BN soldiers to have a little too). The Chief was then presented with a framed Certifi cate of Appreciation. In a fi tting farewell, the Chief and his wife exited the building under drawn knives and Leatherman Tools.

It is a golden moment when we soldiers have the opportunity to thank a fellow soldier for their service, dedication, and commitment.

Story and photos by SGT Sharon Maloney4BN/1BDE

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CMD-CH (MAJ) Roger D. Lanter

Who shall separate us?

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CPT J.C. “Mac” McElroy holds the HCC Flag after being assigned as the

new Commandant

Story by CPL Eric Tedder

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The headquarters of the Georgia State Defense Force recently shifted from its Confederate Avenue location to its new home at the Clay National Guard Center at Dobbins. This move marked the end of a long history of the Confederate Avenue location.

The land where the Confederate Avenue facilities stood began its life as an Old Soldiers’ Home for ag-ing Confederate veterans living in Atlanta. The origi-nal Veterans’ Home was built closer to Grant Park in 1889 but was destroyed by fi re in 1901. In 1902, af-ter several donations by some of Atlanta’s prominent families, a new facility was constructed in the Orme-wood Park neighborhood on Confederate Avenue. In

all, the home housed about a hundred Confederate veterans from virtually every state in the old Confederacy during its service. The last Confederate veteran living in the home died in 1924.

The Old Soldiers’ Home stood in its Confederate Avenue location until 1964 when it was torn down and the area fenced off to serve as the headquarters of the Georgia Department of Defense. Since that time the facility has housed the Georgia Army National Guard, Georgia Air National Guard, and the Georgia State Defense Force, as well as some contingents of the Georgia State Patrol. After the Army Guard and Air Guard left the facility and relocated to the new Clay National Guard Center (formerly the Atlanta Naval Air Station) the Georgia State Defense Force and the Georgia State Patrol were left to maintain the Confederate Avenue facility. In 2012 the Georgia State Defense Force confi rmed that it would be leaving the Confederate Avenue location and headquarter-ing at the Clay NG Center as well. This move marks the fi nal pull out of the Georgia Department of Defense from the Confederate Avenue facility.

GEORGIA STATE DEFENSE FORCE LEAVES ITS OLD HOME

CPT J C “Mac” McElroy holds the CG Jerry Bradford passes the Support Brigade Flag to the new Commander COL Thomas Danielson

Photo by SSG Leonard GoodelmanPhoto by SSG Leonard Goodelman

HEADS-UP | December 2010 7

911 Change of Command

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GSDF HQ, Camp Clay, Marietta, GA - 14 APR 2012, COL Dennis Watts, Cdr, 76th SPT BDE, offi ciated at the change of command of 911th SPT BN, from LTC Allen Vance to LTC Eddie Williams. LTC Vance is a ten year veteran of the GSDF. Under LTC Vance’s command, 911th SPT BN participated in missions that included, the Georgia Air Show safety, traffi c, and medical support, several Search-and-Rescue missions, Funeral Honors details, the GA Adjutant General Change of Command ceremony, the 78th Aviation Troop Command Change of Com-mand ceremony, the National Guard Red Ribbon Birthday Cel-ebration, Ft. Stewart Guardian mission, GA State Patrol safety activities, 1-171st Aviation redeployment and welcoming home ceremony, and several OPFOR support missions in support of the Georgia Army National Guard.

Prior to taking Command of 911th SPT Bn, LTC Williams has served as the GSDF HQ Recruiting Offi cer, HQ Public Affairs Offi cer, Commander of Operations Company, and Executive Offi cer, 911th Support Battalion. Upon taking command LTC Williams told the troops, “It is my honor and privilege to command the 911th SPT Bn and all of our mission-oriented, dedicated and wonderful soldiers. I want to build on the successes of the 911th SPT Bn as a force multiplier to the GSDF, the GA Army and Air National Guard, and US Public Health Service”.

LTC Williams is a US Army Veteran, and former Airborne, Ranger, and Green Beret. When not serving in the GSDF, he is the owner of E&M Williams Consulting Group LLC, a training, teaching, and speaking company whose clients are governmental agencies, corporations, school systems, and industry specifi c associations nationwide. Photo by SSG Leonard GoodelmanPhoto by SSG Leonard Goodelman

GSDF HQ, Camp Clay, Marietta, GA - 14 APR 2012 - CPT Edward O’Dwyer was named the new Aide-de Camp by General Bradford, it’s been awhile since a GSDF Commanding General has had an Aide-de-Camp. He will also serve the dual role of Secretary for the Chief of Staff meetings held once a month and ensure that the information is distributed to all sections and units. The Aide-de-Camp serves as a personal assistant to a general offi cer. An Aide-de-Camp is authorized for general offi cers in designated positions. The rank of the Aide-de-Camp depends on the rank of the general offi cer. No of-

fi cer exercises coordinating staff responsibility over the Aide-de-Camp. Aide-de-camp responsibilities include:

� Providing for the general offi cer’s personal well-being and security, and relieving the general offi cer of routine and time-consuming duties.� Preparing and organizing schedules, activities, and calendars.� Preparing and executing trip itineraries.� Coordinating protocol activities.� Acting as an executive assistant.� Meeting and hosting the general offi cer’s visitors at the headquarters or the general offi cer’s quarters.� Performing varied duties, according to the general offi cer.

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3rd Battalion’s SFC Ford Selected NCO of the YearSergeant First Class Doug Ford was recently named “Non-Commissioned Offi cer of the Year” for the 1st Brigade of the Georgia State Defense Force. The title of “NCO of the Year” is the most coveted peer recognized award in the Defense Force and is awarded annually to the non-commissioned offi cer who demonstrates the highest degree of professionalism of the volunteer.

SFC Ford was born and raised in Sandy Springs, Georgia, the son of William Hoyt Ford, a Merchant Marine offi cer and Jean, an educator. His dad, an engineer, served in WWII and had two ships torpedoed out from under him. His mom taught third grade for 30 years. Ford now lives in Monroe with his wife of 5 years, Debi.

Education was always an important part of his family. His sister graduated Cum Laude from the University of Georgia. SFC Ford graduated from Pace Academy, which is also where is mom taught for 20 years. After high school he attended Stetson College in DeLand, Florida, and Georgia Tech. While at Stetson, attending on an athletic scholarship, he played baseball and soc-cer. He was a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. Ford continued to

play both soccer and baseball in the Atlanta amateur leagues until he was in his 50’s. He quit baseball at 55; “I could still hit a 90 mph fastball, I just couldn’t round fi rst any more.” His professional career has taken him down many avenues. In 1974, he began working for a company that manufactured emergency breathing devices. His main customer was the military and he traveled extensively. After a few years of travel he decided that a life on the road was not for him. After a few more years working for similar companies, he started working for himself. As a hobby, and a way to bring in some extra cash, he began building decks, small barns and garages. The company did well and he began to build contract homes and then spec. homes, as well as doing home inspections. Today, Ford still does inspections, he has a small mold remediation company, and he and his wife are starting a property management company. In addition to that, he drives a truck from time to time for a friend. Busy man, indeed!

SFC Ford has two daughters, Lindsay and Dorey. He says that in retrospect, the best years of his life were those involved with raising his daughters. Lindsay, the oldest, is a fl ight attendant with Delta. She also gradu-ated from UGA Cum Laude, just like Ford’s sister. Dorey, attended Georgia Southern and now works for the Effi ngham County Sheriff’s offi ce.

SFC Ford has been with the GSDF for seven and a half years. He joined for the same reasons that troops still join, serving the state and country. After 9/11, he, like many others, “felt absolutely helpless even though we wanted to somehow and someway serve our country. Already being too old but still being in relatively good shape, the regular military was just not an option. The GSDF fi t the bill.”

His fi rst mission was Hurricane Katrina. Seeing how well the GSDF operated during that time was impres-sive to Ford, especially when compared with the National Guard, he said. At that point, “I felt that I had made the right decision. My decision to join was tested over the next couple of years with the majority of missions being traffi c control. Over the years, things have changed, our mission has changed, and we have become a tangible asset to the State of Georgia providing support for the National Guard and service to our citizens.”

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Story and photo by PFC Lisa Kennedy

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With a hunger to learn and serve, Ford has attended all schools up through ANCOC, Instructors Training and SAR II and says he has enjoyed all of them. He has gone from recruit to team leader to squad leader to Pla-toon Sergeant. Now he fi nds himself as the 3BN Training NCO. He has gathered a few certifi cates along the way, but says his greatest joy is simply being involved with the 3BN.

“It seems to me that the quality of recruit that we have gotten in the last 2 years is far superior to the recruits that we attracted when I fi rst joined. These people tend to be younger and in better shape. They are eager to learn and are very willing to go to whatever school comes up, and without question, they are smarter. They will provide outstanding leadership for many years to come. I believe, because of these newer recruits, the fu-ture of the GSDF and the 3BN is very bright. I intend to stay in the GSDF as long as they will have me to see these future leaders blossom and to see the results on the GSDF. I am proud of my participation in the GSDF, I am proud of the 3BN and I am proud of the GSDF as a whole.”

And the Third Battalion, First Brigade, is proud to claim SFC Doug Ford as its own. HOOAH!

Morgan, Newton and Walton County Emergency Man-agement Agencies (EMAs) recognizes their respon-sibility to protect the public from, and mitigate the consequences of potential hazards associated with the transportation of transuranic radioactive waste through the I-20 corridor. “This responsibility includes the necessity for a properly integrated response plan in the event of an incident involving this low-level waste”, said Donnie McCullough, Walton County EMA Di-rector. “With this responsibility in mind, the Morgan, Newton and Walton EMAs, in coordination with other local response organizations have developed policies and procedures to respond to a radioactive transporta-tion incident, and have determined the need to conduct this exercise to test these protocols.”

After a year of planning, emergency personnel from Morgan, Newton and Walton counties and other local, state and federal agencies and organizations, including the Third Battalion, First Brigade, Georgia State De-fense Force, successfully demonstrated that they are prepared to respond should an accident of this type occur. The full-scale training exercise simulating a multi-vehicle accident involving a shipment of radioactive waste from the Savannah River Site, several cars, and a school bus was held April 17 on Hwy 278 in Walton County. Scores of fi refi ghters, police offi cers and medical personnel took part in the four-hour event.

The primary function of the Third Battalion was to act as “exercise facilitators”. Soldiers manned the registra-tion booth, were posted at critical traffi c junctions to ensure scene safety, and communicated with controllers at the actual “accident scene”. The job of the “controllers” was to insure that the exercise from beginning to end went according to plan and that all of the performance objectives were completed and later evaluated for effi ciency.

The Third Battalion Participates in Radiological Transportation Exercise

Instructor Training Courses:

Small Group Instructor Training Course/Total Army Instructor Training Course (SGITC/TAITC)

POC: CWO2 Tarone. ttarone@cedardoc.com

Purpose: The purpose of SGITC/TAITC is to prepare Offi cers/Enlisted members to perform the duties expected of an Instructor/ Trainer. Such members will receive the knowledge to prepare lessons and give proper classroom instruction to create a proper training environment in the Georgia State Defense Force.

Date/Location: Begins JULY 2012 – OCTOBER 2012, four residential weekends/once a month.

Course Content: Course instructions on Roles, Responsibilities, and Defi nitions, Group Development, Experimental Learning Cycle, Intervention, Leaderless Discussions, Conference, Role Playing, Committee Problem Solving, Case Studies, System Approach to Training, Prepare Learning Objectives, Develop a Lesson Plan, Develop the Training Ses-sion, Conduct an AAR, Develop Interaction Techniques, and Training Aids.

Course Requirements: It is offered in even numbered years, once a year. This program will begin in July and ends in October, for four residential classes at GPSTC, once a month.

Student Requirements: Must be in or scheduled to move into an instructor/trainer slot as IET, SLC, or higher level Profes-sional Military Education instructor.

Billeting: Free billeting will be offered in the Mock Village Trailers (or other location TBD) at GPSTC. Soldiers may elect to use GPSTC dorms at the soldier’s expense. Meals will be at the soldier’s expense.

Registration: SAF Form is completed and returned to 76th Support Brigade S1 CHRIS BRIERLEY <bearbrierley@gmail.com>; no later than 01JUN2012.

Training and Schools Schedule

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“This was a high visibility mission with sev-eral National, State, County and local agen-cies working together. GEMA had some really positive comments concerning GSDF overall, and our performance at WIPPX specifi cally. Overall, GSDF performance was outstanding,” stated Capt. Tony Schar-ringhausen, who acted as a senior controller at the scene.

The Interstate 20 corridor is the primary east/west transportation route for radioactive transuranic waste headed for the U.S. De-partment of Energy’s (DOE) Waste Isolation

Pilot Plant (WIPP) in Carlsbad New Mexico. The Georgia Emergency Management Agency/Homeland Secu-rity (GEMA) and local governments along the I-75, I-20 and I-285 corridor have emergency response plans that outline specifi c procedures for handling hazardous materials transportation accident safely and effectively.

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Story and photo by PFC Lisa Kennedy

HEADS-UP | December 2010 11

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Basic Offi cer Leadership Course (BOLC)

POC: CWO2 Tarone. ttarone@cedardoc.com

Goal: To train direct commissioned offi cers in the fundamentals of lead-ership; basic military skills; and professional ethics; evaluate leadership potential; and graduate those who qualify to their appointed rank in the Georgia State Defense Force. The course is further designed to facilitate the following goals:1. Develop and assess the leadership potential of the offi cers selected to attend the course.2. Maintain the high standards established for the Offi cer Corps of the Georgia State Defense Force.The policies and procedures established at BOLC provide uniformity and information for evaluating the Offi cers leader-ship performance, potential, and ability to follow instruction, pay attention to detail, and demonstrate motivation.

Date/Location: Begins AUG 2012. Course length is 3 months. Residential weekends are 18-19AUG, 22-23SEP and 20-21SEP2012 at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center (GPSTC) at Forsyth, Georgia. Costs are +/- $50 per weekend to cover chow and class materials. Some scholarships are available. Course Content: The Basic Offi cer Leadership Course (BOLC) is designed to prepare professionals that receive a direct commission to present themselves in a military manner and function in their profession within the SDF METL. Course Requirement: Signifi cant amounts of course work must be completed between residential weekends. Computer skills are as important to success as humility, motivation and resilience. There are formations and inspections every day. Candidates are required to attend all residential periods and to complete all course work, residential and distance. In ad-dition, several FEMA courses are required. Students must not be on medical waivers and be capable of operating in the fi eld in uneven terrain.

Student Requirements:Students must be a commissioned or warrant offi cer. Successful students will demonstrate the Army Values in everything they do.

Billeting: Free billeting will be offered in the Mock Village Trailers (or other location TBD) at GPSTC. Soldiers may elect to use GPSTC dorms at the soldier’s expense.

Registration: SAF Form is completed and returned to 76th Support Brigade S1 CHRIS BRIERLEY bearbrierley@gmail.com no later than 01JUN2012.

Captain Warrant Offi cer Career Course (CWCC)

POC: LTC Lori Hall, lynn1701@yahoo.com.

Goal:a. Operations at the Company, Battalion, and Brigade Level, and Incident Command. Offi cers will focus on Doctrine based around FM 3-0, FM 5-0, and the roles of commanders and staff offi cers in Battalion and above units. Training will also touch on Incident Command and joint interoperability. b. Training at the Company, Battalion, and Brigade Level. Offi cers will focus on doctrine in FM 7-1 Battle Focused Train-ing, Company and Battalion Level Training, and will develop as a project a LANES training event. c. Leadership. Offi cers will focus on the principles of leadership, role of offi cers and NCOs, and look at historical examples.

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d. The course is designed to be collaborative in nature; any exams can be taken open book, some modules may require some group work. e. Each module of the course will provide students with non-course specifi c downloadable

Date/Location: JULY 2012, GPSTC and Clay National Guard Center. Course is one year in duration and is a combination of online learning and face to face meetings.

Course Content:

Quarter 1: FM 7-1 (Battle Focused Training), FM 7-0 (Training the Force), TC 25-10 (A Leader’s Guide to Lane Train-ing), TC 25-30 (A Leader’s Guide to Company Training Meetings. Quarter 2: 2006 Georgia Hurricane Plan, FM 3-0 (Operations), FM 5-0 (Army Planning and Orders Production), FMI 5-0.1 (The Operations Process), FM 3-21.20 (The Infantry Battalion). Quarter 3: FM 6-22 (Army Leadership), The Offi cer/NCO Relationship Document, Timeless Strength: The Senior NCO Document, Welcome Aboard SGM Document, FM 3-21.75 (The Warrior Ethos and Soldier Combat Skills). Quarter 4: Catastrophic Disaster Response: Staff Offi cer’s Handbook, Emergency Responder Field Operating Guide (ERFOG).

Course Requirement:

This course will provide students with a foundational understanding of the knowledge and skills required to enhance their military knowledge within the Georgia State Defense Force (GSDF). The Captain Warrant Offi cer Career Course (CWCC) is the GSDF Professional Military Education Advanced Course required for Offi cers promotion advancement to Major and CWO3 and for those currently serving fi eld grade offi cers. Students must complete all coursework in a quality manner and can only be excused from one class meeting. Student Requirement:

1. Have attended an Active, Reserve, or National Guard component offi cer basic course, GSDF OCS, ORC/BOLC or course. 2. Have the rank of WO2, 1LT or above. 3. Be eligible for promotion to next higher grade. Billeting: N/A. Students meet for one day only.

Registration: SAF Form is completed and returned to 76th Support Brigade S1 CHRIS BRIERLEY <bearbrierley@gmail.com>; no later than 01JUN2012.

Command Staff Course (CSC)

POC: LTC Lori Hall, lynn1701@yahoo.com

Goal:a. Operations at the Battalion, Brigade, Georgia DOD and Joint Force Levels. Offi cers will focus on Doctrine based around FM 3-0. FM 5-0, Joint Publications 5-0, and the roles of commanders and staff offi cers in Battalion and above units. Training will also focus on Incident Command and Joint interoperability. Residential portion will focus on Re-hearsal of Concept (ROC) Drills using DOD Disaster Planning Scenarios, and Management of Search Operations.b. Training at the, Battalion, Brigade, and Force Level. Offi cers will focus on doctrine in applicable Force Level METL, and will develop as a project a Battle Drills supporting METL Requirements. Students in each class will also produce one class project. Project for this fi rst CSC will be a staff Offi cer/NCO handbook detailing the requirements responsibilities and functions of Bde, and BN s1,2,3,4, 6 staff functions.

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Training and Schools Schedule cont.

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c. Leadership. Offi cers will focus on the principles of leadership, role of Commanders and Staff, and look at histori-cal examples. A structured event such as a Staff Ride focusing on Leadership principles is primary project in this phase.d. The course is designed to be collaborative in nature; any exams can be taken open book, some modules may re-quire some group work.e. Each module of the course will provide students with non-course specifi c downloadable reference materials that they can take back to their units, to use as source material or guides.

Date/Location: JULY 2012 at GPSTC. Course is one year in duration and is a combination of online learning and face to face meetings. There are four residential weekend meetings (SAT-SUN), dates TBD.

Course Content:The Operations Process FMI 5-0.1Army Planning and Order Production FM 5-0Operations 3-0Better Military WritingTSP 158-F-0010The Offi cer/NCO RelationshipArmy Leadership FM 6-22A Leader’s Guide to Company Trainer’s Meetings TC 25-30Physical Security 3-19.30SAR ResourcesGeorgia Emergency Operation Plan

Course Requirement: This course will provide students with a foundational understanding of the knowledge and skills required to enhance their military knowledge within the Georgia State Defense Force (GSDF). The Command and Staff Course (CSC) is the GSDF Professional Military Education Command and Staff Level Course required for Offi cers pro-motion advancement to Lieutenant Colonel and Colonel and for those currently serving fi eld grade offi cers who wish to enhance their military knowledge. Not to exceed 3 residential weekends. This course is planned as a distant learning class with a resident session once each quarter. At the resident sessions, practical exercises will be scheduled which will make up the majority of test scores for this class so it is imperative that participants are present. These exercises will be group activity and will most likely NOT be able to be done on your own.

Student Requirement:1. Have graduated an Active, Reserve, or National Guard component Offi cer Advanced Course, Captains’ Career Course, GSDF Captains Warrant Offi cer Career Course, or the Marine Corps MCI Amphibious Warfare Course.2. Have the rank of WO3, CPT or above.3. Be eligible (Time in Grade, OER) for promotion to next higher grade.

Billeting: Free billeting will be offered in the Mock Village Trailers (or other location TBD) at GPSTC. Soldiers may elect to use GPSTC dorms, local hotels or commute at soldier’s own expense. Meals will be at the soldier’s expense.

Registration: SAF Form is completed and returned to 76th Support Brigade S1 CHRIS BRIERLEY <bearbrierley@gmail.com>; no later than 01JUN2012.

Emergency Medical Responder (GSDF MEDIC)

POC: MAJ Bob Surrusco, bobsurrusco@readipro.com

Goal: The Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) course is an entry-level emergency medical provider course that will prepare individuals for employment in a variety of pre-hospital, industrial and fi rst responder settings.

Public Affairs Tactics, Techniques and Procedures FM 3-61.1Battle Focused Training FM 7-1The Infantry Battalion FM 3-21.20Commander’s Battlestaff HBThe Battle Staff SmartbookThe Army in Joint Ops Tradoc Pamphlet 525-3-0Joint Operation Planning JP 5-0Civil Support JP 3-28Emergency Responder Field Operating GuideCatastrophic Disaster ResponseGeorgia Hurricane PlanContingency Plan 500-1

The Medical Center of Excellence EMR course is designed to provide participants with the basic knowledge and skills to manage many medical and trauma-related emergencies. Upon successful completion of this course, graduates are eligible to seek national certifi cation as a First Responder through the National Registry of EMTs. Medics will be the primary responders to support units at the Brigade and Battalion level.

Dates/Location: 13-14 July, 3-6 August, 7-9 September, 2012. All classes will take place at Clay National Guard Center. Costs- AHA CPR for Healthcare Providers- $6- There is no cost for the EMR course, but if the student loses, defaces or wants to keep their manual- the replacement cost is $70. Successful students can sit for the National Registry Exam at a cost of $65.

Course Content: The EMR course is a blend of independent study and instructor guided learning. The classroom work is structured to train students to work as members of the EMS community through lecture and lab practice. Students are expected to complete independent home study using the course material provided, to round out the learning process. Topic areas are fi rst presented by examining the theory related to a particular injury followed by the practical aspect of emergency care for that injury. The course outline provides the order of presentation of topics to allow you to study ap-plicable sections prior to delivery of lectures.

Course Requirement: Signifi cant amounts of course work must be completed between residential weekends. Computer skills are as important to success as humility, motivation and resilience. Students are required to attend all residential periods and to complete all course work, residential and distance.

Student Requirements:Students must be a Medical Battalion soldier in good standing. Students will have their Medical Company Commander’s approval to attend. Students will have successfully completed AHA HeartSaver CPR, AED and First Aid after March, 2011.

Billeting: On the economy.

Registration: SAF Form is completed and returned to 76th Support Brigade S1 CHRIS BRIERLEY <bearbrierley@gmail.com>; no later than 01JUN2012.

POC: MAJ Bob Srusco, bobsurrusco@readipro.com

Goal: The PHTLS Provider course is designed to be an intensive 16 hour experience. The course is based upon the Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) course for physicians, which is sponsored by the Committee on Trauma of the American College of Surgeons. It is available to all levels of pre-hospital care providers, and programs are typically attended by Emergency First Responders (Fire, Police, Search & Rescue, etc.), EMTs, Paramedics, Nurses (including Industrial-based Occupational Health Nurses), Physicians, and Physician Assistants.

Dates/Location: 13-14 October, 8-9 December, 2012. All classes will take place at Clay National Guard Center. Costs- There is no cost for the PHTLS course.Course Content: The course is scenario-based, with lectures and interactive skills station components meant to enhance the pre- hospital care providers’ knowledge, and further develop the critical thinking skills required to effectively treat the trauma patient in the fi eld. The PHTLS course is a blend of independent study and instructor guided learning. Students are expected to complete signifi cant independent home study using the course material provided before the class, to round out the learning process.

Course Requirement: Signifi cant amounts of course work must be completed before the residential weekend. Computer skills are as important to success as humility, motivation and resilience. Students are required to attend all residential periods and to complete all course work, residential and distance.

Training and Schools Schedule cont.

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PRE-HOSPITAL TRAUMA LIFE SUPPORT (PHTLS)

DECEMBER WITH BLACKHORSE 2BN/5BDEThe third weekend in December was a busy one for members of Blackhorse 2/5. As many of you are no doubt aware, the third weekend of the month is our regular drill weekend. However, our drill was not, this month at least, the busiest part of our weekend.

On Sunday, January 18th, we were scheduled for mission to provide security and crowd control for a Youth Challenge Academy graduation in Macon, GA. With assistance from 1BN, 3BN and 4BDE, we were able to ensure the safety of all in attendance with only minor incidents. It is always an honor to be present as these graduates celebrate the defeat of obstacles in their lives. If you have not yet had the opportunity to participate in a YCA graduation, I would highly recommend it!

Saturday, our drill, was dedicated to a morning session of First Aid/CPR train-ing, and an afternoon of cleaning, cooking and preparing for the evening’s cel-ebrations. Usually, Blackhorse 2/5 will gather after the Macon YCA mission to celebrate the holidays and another year’s work well done. Because of a schedule change, Saturday evening found members of Blackhorse 2/5 celebrating the holi-day season with camaraderie, plenty of good food, and, of course, copious amounts of iced tea.

The highlight of the evening was our First Annual Commitment Ceremony. After opening remarks from 1LT Georgia Ritchie, the 2BN Commanding Offi cer, CW2 Chris Clark, the 2BN Executive Offi cer, read the Georgia State Defense Force Creed. After the recital of the Creed, each soldier of Blackhorse 2/5, with a lit taper in hand, proceeded to the front of all those gathered where a lit pillar candle, representing our service to the Georgia State Defense Force and the State of Georgia, awaited them. As each soldier added their own small fl ame to the larger fl ame of the pillar candle, they recited the commitment being made to the Second Battalion, the Georgia State Defense Force, and the citizens of Georgia.

Commitment PledgeI am (Rank) (Name). I am a soldier in Second Battalion, Fifth Brigade, Georgia State Defense Force. I am the heart and soul of Second Battalion. I represent the highest and best of what we can be. Without me, the battalion cannot function at its greatest potential. Therefore, I commit myself and my talents to Second Battalion for the year 2012. This is my pledge.

I am 2/5!This simple ceremony touched all who were present. It reminded each of us of the importance of what we do. It re-minded us of the importance of how we do what we do. Perhaps even more importantly, it reminded us of the impor-tance of the people for whom we do what we do. As LT Ritchie said:I wanted the Commitment Ceremony to remind soldiers of the value of the individual to the unit. How the whole can become greater than the sum of its parts only if all the parts participate to their fullest.That statement is true for each and every soldier in the Georgia State Defense Force. It is individuals that make up the squads, that make up the platoons, that make up the companies, that make up the battalions, that make up the brigades, that make up the Georgia State Defense Force.YOU are the Georgia State Defense Force! I invite everyone to join with Blackhorse 2/5 in making your own commit-ment to the Georgia State Defense force and to the State of Georgia for the coming year.Together, we ARE the Georgia State Defense Force! Together, we will be READY TO SERVE!

From left to right, CW2 Chris Clark, CSM Eddie Dumas, 1LT Georgia Ritchie and

SGT Mike Ganas

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Story and photo by CPL D. Ceabron Williams

Student Requirements:Students must be a Medical Battalion soldier in good standing. Students will have their Medical Company Commander’s approval to attend. Students will be a currently Georgia certifi ed EMR, EMT, Paramedic, Nurse, N P or P A.Billeting: On the economy.

Registration: SAF Form is completed and returned to 76th Support Brigade S1 CHRIS BRIERLEY <bearbrierley@gmail.com>; no later than 01JUN2012.

Health Tip of the Month

Take some time for yourself and reduce the stress! Some stress is normal and even healthy. Stress releases hormones that speed up your heart, make your breathe faster, and give you a burst of energy. This can be helpful when you need to focus

or act quickly. It can useful with a race, fi nish a big job or get to the airport on time.

It can make you moody, anxious, and depressed. You may fi nd it hard to concentrate and may lose your temper more easily. It can cause headaches, back pain, and muscle tension. It can make health problems like heart disease, diabetes, and asthma worse.It can hurt our relationships. You may not do well at work or school.

You may not have these problems right away. Most people can get through short periods of stress without long-term effects. But over time, continued stress will take its toll on you.

The good news is that you can learn ways to reduce and cope with stress that will help you avoid stress-related health problems.

Ways to Reduce Stress

1. Decide what is most important and what can wait. Maybe there are things you don’t need to do at all. At work, ask your boss if you’re not sure

what the priorities are.

2. Learn to say no.Don’t commit to things that don’t matter to you.

3. Do one thing at a time.When you try to do too many things at once, each usually takes more time than it would

if you focused on it alone.

4. Get organized.Make lists, or use an appointment book. Keep track of deadlines.

5. Don’t put things off.Use a schedule planner to plan your day or week. Just seeing on paper that there is a time to get each task done can help you get to work. Break a large project into small pieces and set a deadline

for each one.

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SPRING HEALTH TIPYOUR MENTAL HEALTH

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GSDF PUBLIC AFFAIRS HQGSDF PUBLIC AFFAIRS HQ

Submit articles & photos to Cpt Andy Creed at andrew_creed_jr@hotmail.com or WO1 Jim Zegers at zegersgsdf@gmail.com. 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

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

at zegersgsdf@gmail.comPhotos by SSG Leonard Goodelman

6. Save some time for yourself.Leave your job at the offi ce, even if your offi ce is a room in your home. If you give up free time to get more work done, you may pay for it with stress-related symptoms. If your employer offers a fl exible work schedule, use it to fi t your work style. Come in earlier so you have time for a lon-

ger lunch or a workout.

7. “Unplug” when you leave work.Leave your work cell phone behind or turn it off.

Don’t check work e-mail at home.

8. Get enough sleep.Stress can seem worse than it is when you’re tired all the time. And you may not get as much done

when you’re too tired.

How to Cope Better With StressFor most people, there’s just no way to totally avoid stress. It’s part of life. But you can control

how you react to stress.

Healthy Ways To De-Stress

Listen to music Exercise

Go outdoors Play with a pet Laugh or cry

Spend time with someone you love Write, draw, or paint Pray or go to church

Take a bath or shower Work in the yard or do home repairs

Do yoga, meditation or muscle relaxation

By SSG Leonard Goodelman132nd Medical Battalion PAO

Want to train with the Georgia National Guard? UPAR (Unit Public Affairs Representative) Training Classes coming soon. Contact WO1 Jim Zegers UPAR Coordinator at zegersgsdf@gmail.com for more information.

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