HEADS UP JULY 2012

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B-DAY B-DAY BASH BASH page 4 page 4 MESSAGE MESSAGE FROM THE FROM THE GENERAL GENERAL page 2 page 2 VOL. 8 ISSUE 4 VOL. 8 ISSUE 4 LET’S LET’S GET GET PHYSICAL PHYSICAL page 8 page 8 July 2012 July 2012 WHO WHO SERVES SERVES FIRST? FIRST? page 10 page 101 TURNER FIELD, Atlanta, Ga., July 1, 2012 - Homer, the mascot of the TURNER FIELD, Atlanta, Ga., July 1, 2012 - Homer, the mascot of the Atlanta Braves, auditions for a spot on the color guard of the 3rd battalion, Atlanta Braves, auditions for a spot on the color guard of the 3rd battalion, 1st brigade, Georgia State Defense Force. 1st brigade, Georgia State Defense Force. Photo from Georgia National Guard Flickr site. Photo from Georgia National Guard Flickr site.

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Heads Up! is the electronic publication of the Georgia State Defense Force, produced by the GaSDF's Public Affairs Office for State Defense Force members and interested parties. Keep up with the latest news, events, and achievements of the Georgia State Defense Force!

Transcript of HEADS UP JULY 2012

Page 1: HEADS UP JULY 2012

B-DAYB-DAYBASHBASHpage 4page 4

MESSAGEMESSAGEFROM THEFROM THEGENERALGENERALpage 2page 2

VOL. 8 ISSUE 4VOL. 8 ISSUE 4

LET’S LET’S GETGETPHYSICALPHYSICALpage 8page 8

July 2012July 2012

WHOWHOSERVESSERVESFIRST?FIRST?page 10page 101

TURNER FIELD, Atlanta, Ga., July 1, 2012 - Homer, the mascot of the TURNER FIELD, Atlanta, Ga., July 1, 2012 - Homer, the mascot of the Atlanta Braves, auditions for a spot on the color guard of the 3rd battalion, Atlanta Braves, auditions for a spot on the color guard of the 3rd battalion,

1st brigade, Georgia State Defense Force. 1st brigade, Georgia State Defense Force. Photo from Georgia National Guard Flickr site. Photo from Georgia National Guard Flickr site.

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Commanding GeneralBG Jerry G. Bradford

ALCON: Over the past couple of weeks we have been through a serious process re-view that saw us through a period of stand-down, cease and desist, of all SDF activities that would normally be covered by State Active Duty Orders. On 13 July that cease and desist order was lifted. This was only made possible by a lot of hard, behind the scenes work on the part of many people both at the Joint Force Headquarters and

within the SDF. While painful, this was a good exercise to go through for several reasons. First of all, as was TAG’s intention, we have put in place those measures necessary to insure our people are properly protected under Workman’s Comp when on SAD. This has been accomplished, in part, through the issuance of an executive order from the Governor’s offi ce which designates how and when we will be ordered to active duty, and by whose authority. The second benefi t to come out of this exercise is the identifi cation of specifi c paragraphs in the code to cover the various types of missions we might be assigned. We will no longer reference the “catch-all” paragraph in the code when cutting SAD. Rather, specifi c sub-paragraphs pertaining to the type of duty to be performed will be properly referenced. The overall outcome of this exercise has been good for the SDF and our troops are better protected under the law.

That having been said let me say that we have lost very little due to the events of the couple of weeks. We may issue and will be covered by SAD for drill, training events, Annual Training, mil-to-mil sup-port functions, PTAE, YCA graduation support, and any approved emergency support DSCA event as declared by appropriate authority. We may also be covered by SAD and Workman’s Comp for cer-tain community service events, such as speakers, band performances, parades, funeral details, honor guards, etc., when properly vetted via the Joint PAO offi ce. We will not be approved for SAD, however, for non-emergency volunteer community support events. Here I am talking about those events where we have heretofore provided crowd control assistance, parking lot attendant type duties, and overnight security of civilian assets and static displays. We can still do those events if requested, but participants will not be in SAD status and will not be covered by Worker’s Comp. These events will only be undertaken if the subordinate command has suffi cient volunteers to accomplish the job - with the understanding by all that this will not be in a SAD status. The SDF will also not be approved for, or issued orders for, medical support to strictly civilian events. SDF medical assets will only be deployed on orders for events in support of SDF or National Guard forces, or in support of emergency support activities as declared by the Governor. This does not pre-clude, however, any SDF personnel rendering medical support to anyone at any time as a Good Sa-maritan. My chief caution here would be to not exceed your capabilities. Subject to re-approval where necessary, all scheduled events are back on at this time. Drill, training events, YCA, etc., (all as mentioned above) are back on. The G3 has authority to cut those orders and the paragraphs to reference. We will have to sort out some of the non-emergency community support activities we might receive in the near future, but I am confi dent that will happen as the case arises. And, yes, I am well aware that there will be events that we have covered in the past that we will no longer be able to fi eld troops for. I understand that situation completely. Please insure that this word gets distributed completely throughout your organizations. There is a lot of confusion out there among our people and we want to alleviate that as quickly as possible. If you have any questions about any of this, do not hesitate to ask.

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HEADS-UP | December 2010 3H E A D S - U PH E A D S - U P | | J U L Y 2 0 1 2J U L Y 2 0 1 2

Sunday, 03 June 2012, the date that completed my military service and my Chap-laincy. For more than 30 years I have dedicated my life to the Christian minis-try and tried to serve others in times of need. I have tried to represent my faith and my love of this nation in a manner that would maintain the history of ev-ery man and woman that has ever honorably worn the American military uniform.

Command General Jerry Bradford placed his trust in me as Command Chaplain to perform as his Liaison Offi cer to the Joint Forces HQ Chaplain Offi ce. I have en-

deavored to uphold that trust to the best of my ability. Over the past several years I have seen the growth and pride of our states military rise to new heights in professionalism. Throughout my career I have served by standing beside our soldiers in the fi eld while on Search and Rescue missions. I have coun-seled with National Guard Soldiers returning from war, attended Annual Training at Fort Stewart, and conducted Chapel services in chapels and armories, served as instructor in classrooms. I have visited hos-pitals, cried with families in time of loss. I have spoke at public events, attended events for our veterans.

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CMD- CH (LTC) Roger D. Lanter Retires … A fi nal word

The GSDF Sees Rebirth of the Old Governor’s Horse GuardRecently, the Georgia State Defense Force approved the organization of a group of mounted soldiers reminiscent of the cavalry legions of yesteryear. This new unit was designated the Governor’s Horse Guard which immediately linked it into the lineage of the Georgia Guard dat-ing back to the American Civil War. The Governor’s Horse Guard was originally organized in 1861 at the outbreak of the war as Company G of Phillips’ Legion, Georgia Volunteer Cavalry. Under the command of James Nichols, the unit was mainly comprised of volunteers from Baldwin, Hall, and Cobb counties.

The unit’s fi rst assignment was to guard Georgia against invasion which seemed unlikely in the early years of the war. In 1862 the Governor’s Horse Guard was reassigned with the rest of the Cavalry Battalion of Phillips’ Legion to the Cavalry Corps of the Army of Northern Vir-ginia under the supreme command of the famed cavalier J.E.B. Stuart. In this capacity the Governor’s Horse Guard served proudly until the winter of 1864/1865 as one of the major trailblazers and scouts of the Army of Northern Virginia. During these years the cavalry troopers saw major actions at such infamous battles as Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, the Wilderness, and Cold Harbor.

In 1865, as the war raged into its fourth and fi nal year, the Governor’s Horse Guard was reassigned to the Army of Tennessee and tasked with operations against General William T. Sherman’s campaign through the Carolinas. On April 26, 1865, in Durham Station, North Carolina the Governor’s Horse Guard fi nally surrendered with the remainder of the Army of Tennessee under General Joseph E. John-ston to Sherman’s combined force thus ending their impressive career in the service of the Confederacy. After this surrender the Governor’s Horse Guard was paroled and disbanded from service. Story by CPL Eric Tedd Story by CPL Eric Tedd HQ, PAO HQ, PAO

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CMD-CH (MAJ) Roger D. Lanter

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Photos by: SGT Marc Kornfi eld, 105th Band, HHC 76th SUP BDE

Happy Birthday to You! Scenes from the Birthday BallHappy Birthday to You! Scenes from the Birthday Ball

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HEADS-UP | December 2010 5H E A D S - U PH E A D S - U P | | J U L Y 2 0 1 2J U L Y 2 0 1 2

Band photo taken by Ginger Adams, wife of SSG David Adams, 105th Band, HHC 76th SUP BDE

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GSDF Supports Georgia National Guard Joint Communications Exercise

April 14, 2012 – Soldiers of HQ and the 911th Support BN of the 76th Support Brigade, Georgia State Defense Force, supported the Georgia Na-tional Guard J-6 (Joint Staff Section – Communi-cations) COMEX (COMmunications EXercise) at Clay National Guard Center.

The exercise involved multiple military sections and units, civilian agencies, and volunteer organi-zations, including:

• Georgia National Guard J-6• Army National Guard G-6, 78th Homeland Re sponse Force, 78th Aviation Troop Command, and 1-221 RTI • Georgia State Defense Force G-6 and 911th Support BN of 76th Support Brigade• Paulding County Emergency Management Agency (EMA)• Cherokee County Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES)• Missouri Army National Guard G-6

The COMEX demonstrated multiple modes of communication including HF, VHF, and Internet mes-saging across the state and even to the Missouri National Guard.

SFC Warren of J-6 provided a JOC tour to LTC Eddie Williams, Commander, 911th, and LTC Al-len Vance, former Commander, who observed the GSDF team in action. SFC Warren described the various systems that support GaDOD Command and Control, including the VTC system that allowed

BG Joe Jarrard, Commander, Georgia Army Nation-al Guard, to converse live in video with the 1-221 RTI unit in Macon that afternoon.

CPT Roger Shaddick, Commander, Communica-tions Company of the 911th, led a team of soldiers including SSG Michael Krengel, CPL Danny Phil-lips, PFC James Williams, Jr., and PFC Khun Tring of the 911th and LTC White and PFC Favors from GaSDF G-6. CPT Shaddick said of the exercise, “It is always gratifying to know that the SDF contribu-tion to assist the National Guard G-6 on their mis-sions and training are appreciated and recognized by the Guard.”

Photos by LTC Allen Vance

LTC Williams, LTC White with Cherokee Co ARES

CPT Shaddick and LTC Williams

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HEADS-UP | December 2010 7H E A D S - U PH E A D S - U P | | J U L Y 2 0 1 2J U L Y 2 0 1 2

GSDF Assists with GEMA & GA DoD Hurricane Exercise (HURREX)

Each even calendar year, the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) develops and executes a State level functional training exercise, which is used to test and evaluate the ability of State, local and private sec-tor agencies and organizations to effectively respond to the needs of juris-dictions negatively impacted by a major hurricane landfall on the Georgia coast. This year’s exercise was conducted 10-17 May 2012 and included exercise participation by the Georgia Department of Defense (GaDOD) as a supporting state agency. The exercise scenario was based on a Category 3 hurricane impacting the coastal Georgia area, coming ashore just south of Chatham County.

GaSDF provided Adaptive Battle Staff (ABS), Joint Operations Center (JOC) and Strategic Operations Center (SOC) personnel from 14 to 17 May 2012 for specifi c manning requirements. Specifi cally, members of 76th SPT BDE, 911th SPT BN, Operations Company participants were; CW2 Thomas Plouff, SSG Jim Bryant, SGT Robert Hoffmann, and SGT Sang Lau. Each provided and exemplary level of performance throughout the entire exercise, such that the GA Army National Guard de-pended on the GSDF participants and level of expertise and abil-ity to capture, pri-oritize, distribute and act on critical tasks, at a level equal in performance level to that of their GA National Guard counterparts.

Article and photos by LTC Eddie Williams, Cdr, 911th SPT Bn

SGT Hoff man and Chief Plouff at SOC

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To help provide an incentive, we are introducing a physical fi tness test. There is a ribbon awarded for completing the requirements based on Gender/Age. The ribbon is already in-stock in the G4 and will be administered at a BDE or BN level.

It’s another incentive to get and stay in shape! You can take the test twice a year, but only one ribbon is award per year. The next year you can get an oak-leaf-cluster. It’s another thing we can aspire to and is strictly voluntary.

• It is not mandatory to be involved in any physical fi tness activity off ered by units of the GSDF.

• Troops do not have medical coverage from the State of Georgia while participating in a GSDF

Physical Fitness Program or Test. You participate at your own risk.

• All members must be in good physical condition to participate in the GSDF Physical Fitness Program or Test. Know your limitations.

• SDF Medical assets will be present anytime a GSDF PT test is administered or organized physical fi tness training is off ered.

The test consist of sit ups, push ups and 1 mile walk/run. The sit ups and push ups have a 2 minute time limit. The chart is below.

• The OIC, NCOIC, or medical personnel have the authority to restrict any member from participating in any physical fi tness activity.

• The standards listed below will satisfy the GSDF requirements for the GSDF Physical Fitness Ribbon.

• For information about the Army Physical Fitness Training Program, see FM 21 20.

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SIT-UPSAGE 17-21 22-26 27-31 32-36 37-41 42-46 47-51 52-56 57-61 62-66 67+MALE 35 33 30 25 20 20 18 15 10 10 5FEMALE 30 28 25 20 17 17 15 10 8 8 3

PUSH-UPSAGE 17-21 22-26 27-31 32-36 37-41 42-46 47-51 52-56 57-61 62-66 67+MALE 35 33 33 30 27 25 20 15 10 5 4FEMALE 25 25 25 20 18 15 10 7 5 3 2

1-MILE WALK/RUNAGE 17-21 22-26 27-31 32-36 37-41 42-46 47-51 52-56 57-61 62-66 67+MALE 8:13 8:45 9:15 10:45 11:09 13:37 13:52 14:00 14:35 14:50 15:30FEMALE 8:23 8:52 10:50 11:02 14:32 16:00 17:00 17:30 17:51 18:05 18:35

Get Fit, Receive Ribbon BG Bradford’s Fitness Challenge

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HEADS-UP | December 2010 9H E A D S - U PH E A D S - U P | | J U L Y 2 0 1 2J U L Y 2 0 1 2

July 14, 2012 – Clay National Guard Center – Troops from the GSDF Public Affairs Offi ce assisted in an offsite MOC (Media Operations Center) Training Exercise with the 124th MPAD (Mobile Public Affairs Detach-ment) from the Georgia National Guard. The training simulated disasters in two Georgia counties. The tasks included running the media check in, me-dia inquiry and RTO desks. A visit to a local civil authority offi ce for an in-terview, preparing and introducing the SME (Subject Matter Expert) at a press conference and acting as media during a press conference rounded out the tasks.

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July 16, 2012 – Atlantic Station – Atlanta, GA – General Jerry Bradford was honored to perform the coin toss at the BB&T Atlanta Tennis Open on Military Appreciation Night. Preceding the toss, the color guard of Marines from HQ and Service Battalion, 4th Marines Logistics Group out of Dobbins Air Reserve Base presented the colors. The team included Sergeant Rafael Brito, Sergeant Shantavia Wilson and Corporal Moldavian John-son. The National Anthem was performed by Lauren-Ashley Blake. Ms. Blake is a 20-year-old student whose father is Brigadier General Casey Blake. General Casey recently returned from serving a year in Afghanistan.

Heads or Tails?

Photos by SSG Leonard Goodelman

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HEADS-UP | December 2010 11H E A D S - U PH E A D S - U P | | J U L Y 2 0 1 2J U L Y 2 0 1 2

Folks, as a Guardsman I’ve been pleased and even a little excited by the incredible growth and quality I’ve seen in the SDF over the last decade. Speaking on behalf of the Georgia National Guard, there is much respect throughout our ranks for your dedication, professionalism, and volunteer spirit.

In my capacity as the State Public Affairs Offi cer for the Ga. DoD, I’ve also been close to or involved in discussions and deci-sions recently that have temporarily affected your operations and drill with what in the Army could be called a temporary training stand-down.

I’m afraid that the suddenness of this announcement makes it seem like something it’s not. That’s unfortunate because I know it wasn’t the intent of Ga. DoD leadership to create concern or unnecessary problems --- but rather to fi x a rather serious potential PR and logistical nightmare. So just

personally and as a professional communicator, for what it’s worth I’m sorry for the consternation.

Some policies and procedures are under review and I’m told we should know something - a general direction at least - by the end of the week. I trust the command will communicate things as soon as they can.

As I told my SDF counterpart Capt. Andy Creed last night, I’m eager for you folks to be back in the fi ght be-cause I deeply appreciate what you do. In fact, I was looking forward to SDF PAO participation in a 124th MPAD exercise this weekend (in another great example of the growth of the SDF in the last few years).

Thanks for all you do. It’s appreciated across the Guard and by our leadership. I look forward to a resolution that gets us focused on an even better future.

Posted on Facebook - 11JULY12 MAJ John Alderman

State Public Affairs Offi cerGeorgia National Guard

As many of you know, CSM Garrett has announced his intention to retire shortly after the fi rst of the year. He has agreed to stay on for a brief period following a change of responsibility with his successor to insure a graceful hand-off.

It is my intent at this time to conduct a formal “Change of Responsibility” cer-emony between CSM Garrett and the individual selected as his replacement at a time to be announced during our AT this fall. That being said, we will hold a formal board to select CSM Garrett’s replacement during the September drill. The selection of personnel to sit that board will be announced in the very near future.

Applications for consideration for the position of State Command Sergeant Major from interested senior NCO’s will be accepted until 25 August. The application should include a biographical summary of the interested party’s military career to date, to include a copy of his or her DD-214, if applicable. A brief narrative should also be included stating why the individual believes he or she is the best person for the position. Personal recommendations from the individual’s current commander will also be given due consideration.

Application packets should be submitted to arrive in the hands of the G-1, Colonel Landin, not later than the due date. Applications received after that date will not be considered.

Jerry J. BradfordBrigadier General

GSDF, Commanding

Command Sergeant Major George “Randy” Garrett

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Basic Rappelling Training at the GGTCBasic rappelling training was conducted in June at the Georgia Garrison Training Center (GGTC) located in Hinesville, Georgia in order to the skill set of the soldiers assigned there.

Master rappelling in-structors from the Geor-gia State Defense Force (GSDF) “dropped in” on the soldiers of the GGTC during their annual train-ing duty in order to im-prove the skill sets of the soldiers assigned. The GSDF team of Rappelling Master Instructors teaches other GSDF units in basic rappelling should these units be called up for

search and rescue operations in the state of Georgia.

SSG Jonathan Edwards, assistant operations NCO for the Georgia Garrison Training Command, saw this as an opportunity not typical of garrison operations. “It was a chance to hone one of my previous soldier skills I had acquired while on active duty,” he said.

SFC Jimmy Gaines of Georgia State Defense Force’s 57th School of Training located in Forsythe, Georgia traveled with his 8 other team members to train and certify 26 soldiers at the GGTC, his fi rst training event held specifi cally for the Georgia Army National Guard. In his civilian life, Gillham is a “trouble man” for Georgia Power and is used to the heights associated for his job. However, some of the soldiers he trains are not so keen to look down from the rappelling tower and sometimes take the steps back down versus the rappelling rope.

Basic rappelling training and up to Rappel Master Instructor Training is taught at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center in Forsythe, Georgia. The courses were developed for the State Defense Force schedule of one weekend a month and two weeks a year and will take students up to four months to complete the course, includ-ing a fi nal two week period.

When ordered by the Adjutant General, the Georgia State Defense Force provides an organized, trained, disci-plined, rapid response uniformed force. Volunteers respond to needs and emergency situations as defi ned by the Adjutant General or the Governor, and assist local authorities where such missions do not confl ict.

SSG Vincent Simpkins Unit Public Affairs Representative Georgia Garrison Training Center

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SFC Jimmy Gaines(L) and SFC Rick Moorhead(R) who were conducting instructor duties on the rappelling tower.

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HEADS-UP | December 2010 13H E A D S - U PH E A D S - U P | | J U L Y 2 0 1 2J U L Y 2 0 1 2

We Will Never ForgetWe Will Never ForgetThe Marietta National Cemetery is canonized ground. Inside its storied gates are buried more than The Marietta National Cemetery is canonized ground. Inside its storied gates are buried more than 10,000 veterans, spanning 23 states, from New York and Michigan to Alabama and Georgia. Men and 10,000 veterans, spanning 23 states, from New York and Michigan to Alabama and Georgia. Men and women who made the ultimate sacrifi ce in other wars also rest peacefully at the 140-year-old cemetery.women who made the ultimate sacrifi ce in other wars also rest peacefully at the 140-year-old cemetery.

For more than a half century now, a ceremony has occurred every Memorial Day at Mariet-For more than a half century now, a ceremony has occurred every Memorial Day at Mariet-ta National Cemetery to honor all those who served and gave their life for our country’s free-ta National Cemetery to honor all those who served and gave their life for our country’s free-dom. It is a time to refl ect on — and honor — those who stood heroically by their country dur-dom. It is a time to refl ect on — and honor — those who stood heroically by their country dur-ing battle and who are today making the same unshakable commitment of valor in far away ing battle and who are today making the same unshakable commitment of valor in far away lands. Sponsored by the National Memorial Day Association of Georgia and The Avenue of Flags.lands. Sponsored by the National Memorial Day Association of Georgia and The Avenue of Flags.

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McGuinn AwardBrigadier General (R) Michael McGuinn, former GSDF BG, was born and raised in Spartanburg, SC. In 1940, after graduating from High School, he enrolled in Clemson University as an ROTC cadet at age 16. Drafted at age 18, he served in U.S. Navy Amphibious and Mine Sweeping forces during WWII in the Pacifi c Theatre of Operations. He returned to Clemson after the war, then re-entered military service by joining the National Guard. In 1948, he was sent to FT Riley, Kansas to attend the Army Ground General OCS Course and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army Transportation Corps, in 1949.

An annual award, named after him, is earned in his honor. Here’s an overview. In 2007 BG Mike McGuinn III approved the GSDF Commander’s Award for yearly presentation beginning in 2008.

A 3 man committee was formed consisting of COL CJ West, COL Cameron Reeves, and CSM Randy Garrett. All three remain as sitting members of the committee.

The Commander’s award contest was developed “as” a point based unit competition intended to improve morale, recruitment and retention”.

Each year the winning unit would receive the award and hold it until the following year presentation. In addition a plaque would be hung outside the GSDF commander’s offi ce stating the winner for each year with the unit commander and unit CSM indicated. A cer-tifi cate would be presented to each member of the unit. A shoulder rope would also be authorized for wear on class A/B uniform. The shoulder rope was authorized until the following year’s unit was named. In 2010 a guidon streamer was added to the unit award.

In 2009 the Commander’s award was renamed the BG Mike McGuinn Award by current GSDF commander BG Jerry Bradford.

Requirements for award points have rotated each year to give a better chance for smaller units to be competitive. Mission participa-tion has been considered each year. Unit Drill participation and retention fi gures were used in 2008 and 2009. Sar II certifi cation was used in 2010. Media reports were added in 2011. ESGR certifi cation and ESGR presentation was added for 2012.

1st BDE GSDF was the winner in 2008, 2010, and 2011. 911 SUPCOM was the winner in 2009 (911 was a direct supporting Bn at that time.

The 2012 award period runs from 01 JAN-30 SEP. The Award will be presented this year at the DEC 2012 GSDF Sunday drill. It is hoped that BG(R) McGuinn will be at the presentation.

The Association of the Georgia State Defense Force INC.

Formed in JAN 2003 by members of the GSDF. Five GSDF members were named as the original TAGSDF INC board members. Approved as a Ga Non Profi t Organization by the Secretary of State’s Offi ce in Feb 2003. Approved as a 501(c)3 Supporting Organization by the IRS in Mar 2003. All donations are tax exempt. All donations used to support the GSDF (minus admin costs).

The TAGSDF was the host organization for the STATE GUARD ASSOCIATION mid year meeting in APR 2003 and the Convention in OCT 2003. BG Joel Seymour the GSDF Commander was sworn in as SGAUS president for the 2003/04 fi scal year. The TAGSDF original purpose was to collect supporting funding for the GSDF during the years the GSDF had no GADOD budget. The TAGSDF continues to augment with support for non GADOD budgeted requirements.

The TAGSDF has a position on the SGAUS board of directors and fi ve votes at the annual convention. Any person or organization may make a monetary donation to the TAGSDF, however only TAGSDF members may solicit donations for the organization. Each unit has a primary designee approved by their commander.

Non-monetary donations are accepted with the approval of the board. Vehicles are not allowed to be donated due to li-ability and insurance requirements. The TAGSDF also assists the GSDF with non tax deductable funds. For value items such as Birthday ball tickets and Annual Training Billeting are accepted into the TAGSDF account for use by the GSDF.Membership in the TAGSDF is $5.00 per year. Membership is also tax deductable since no monetary value is implied with membership. In 2010 the TAGSDF approved a lifetime membership for $100.00.

For more information, contactCOL(GA) CJ WESTPresident, The Association of theGeorgia State Defense Force770-961-8292

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HEADS-UP | December 2010 15H E A D S - U PH E A D S - U P | | J U L Y 2 0 1 2J U L Y 2 0 1 2

Health Tip of the Month

We all know that the risk of developing hyperten-sion increases when one of your parents is affected with this disease. Even if your mother or father had high blood pressure your own risk can be dramati-cally lower if you’re in good shape. A study pub-lished online May 14, 2012 in Hypertension found that exercise can trump heredity and vastly reduce the risk of high blood pressure. Investigators in Dal-las followed a group of more than 6,000 adults aged 20 to 80 years old for 4.7 years.

When they joined the study, the participants were all healthy with no indication of high blood pressure, and all were capable of exercising at 85 percent or more of their age-predicted maximal heart rate. Dur-ing the study, 1,545 of the participants developed hypertension. The investigators found that regard-less of family history, the risk of developing high blood pressure was 42 percent lower in the partici-pants whose fi tness levels were highest. They also noted the combination of a low fi tness level and a parent with hypertension meant a 70 percent higher risk of developing hypertension. The participants who were highly fi t and had an affected parent had only a 16 percent higher risk than participants who were fi t and had no parental history.

How I see it: It has been long recommended as little as 30 minutes of moderate exercise a day, such as walking, as one of the most effective natural remedies for high blood pressure. This study shows that even a family history of hypertension can be overcome by staying fi t. You may be able to further reduce your risk by keeping your weight in check (losing even a few pounds can help). And to help counter stress, practice relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, breathing exercises and biofeedback.

By SSG Leonard Goodelman132nd Medical Battalion PAO

High Blood Pressure: Changing Family History

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

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

Public Affairs Offi ce at [email protected]

Congratulations to COL Rusty Hightower for his 20 Year Honorable Service Medal!

If you only have a GSDF ID card, you MUST use the Clay gate. There are three gates to get onto the base. Your ID card is only good at the Clay Gate.

Social Media: Be careful what you post on Facebook! Be careful what your families post on Facebook about you and what you do. The Dept. of Homeland Security has put out an Analyst’s Handbook. There are 147 key words that Homeland Security fl ags off of the internet.

To get credit for AT you need to be there a minimum of two full 24-hour days, consecutive or nonconsecutive. We will be bivouacking in the fi eld. If your people are physically and medically fi t to stay in the fi eld, then stay in the fi eld. There are rooms available through G4 for those who have medical or physical limitations. $15/night.

FYI - TAG Cup Challenge is scheduled for 04 AUG, be there to support the GSDF.

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