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Income-Replacement Program Launched for Mobilized Reservists, Guardsmen
WASHINGTON DC, Aug. 4, 2006 - The Defense Department this month kicked off a program to help prevent activated reservists and National Guardsmen from facing financial hardships. The Reserve Income Replacement Program will pay eligible National Guard and reserve members mobilized for extended or frequent periods the difference between their monthly civilian pre-mobilization income and their current total monthly military compensation. "RIRP is designed to assist those mobilized Guard and reserve members that are experiencing a loss of income while mobilized," said Tom Bush, principal director of manpower and reserve affairs for the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs. Program payments are not automatic. Guard and reserve members must apply for the RIRP payments thorough their personnel offices.. To qualify for RIRP, servicemembers must:
Guard and reserve members serving on involuntary active duty and earning at least $50 less than their normal civilian income each month must verify eligibility for this benefit through their military service's personnel system, using a new DD form created for this program, DoD officials said. Financial records submitted with the RIRP application must include the member's most recent federal income tax return or other record of earnings that shows gross income during the 12 months before the member's mobilization, officials said. The first payments under the program will be made at the end of August for members who have completed the application and meet all eligibility criteria. Congress authorized the Reserve Income Replacement Program as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for
fiscal 2006. The authority for RIRP will expire Dec. 31, 2008. ID Theft Information
Washington D.C. - The Army has activated a secure Web site, https://ID-Theft.army.mil, enabling current and former servicemembers to determine if their personal information was potentially compromised as a result of a data loss from the Department of Veteran’s Affairs on May 3. The data loss included names, social security numbers and dates of birth of as many as 20 million veterans, to include active and reserve members. “Although there is no evidence that the data has been used illegally, all Soldiers should be extra vigilant with regard to their financial well-being,” said Army Chief of Staff Gen. Peter J. Schoomaker and Sergeant Major of the Army Kenneth O. Preston in a joint message to Solders. For a valid response to queries done at the new Web site, users should enter all requested information in the format specified. Anyone identified as having had their personal information compromised will be linked to the VA Web site, which lists steps for protection from identity theft. For additional information on identity theft protection, go to DoD's Military One Source at www.militaryonesource.com or call (800) 342-9647. Armed Forces Appreciation Week - Monday, 26 June 2006
All Army Soldiers (Nat’l Guard, Reserve, Active) with a valid military ID and up to 4 guests are invited to the Six Flags Over Georgia Theme Park at NO CHARGE. Six Flags Over Georgia is expressing its thanks to the dedication and sacrifice of the soldiers and their families. The park opens at 10:00AM and closes at 9:00PM. NOTES: No food or beverage can be brought into the park. Retirees are invited at a discount, but do not qualify for the no charge admission. Go to www.sixflags.com for detailed directions. Changes Ahead for 48th Brigade As Unit Faces Transformation
Back from its yearlong combat deployment to Iraq, the Georgia Army Guard’s 48th Brigade Combat Team will be facing some significant organizational changes. The changes, which have been on the horizon for the past several years, are part of an Army-wide transformation affecting a number of active and reserve component units. The brigade will transform from a “heavy mechanized” force into a lighter, but still very lethal structure. Gone will be the mechanized vehicles like Bradley Fighting Vehicles, M-1 Abrams Tanks and Paladin Artillery pieces. The new structure will be more centered on “motorized” operations using armored Humvees, helicopters, and dismounted tactics. The new configuration of the Brigade will be closer to the Brigade’s structure during the deployment to Iraq, said Maj. Gen. Terry Nesbitt, commander of the Georgia Army National Guard. The unit’s new look will be lighter, more mobile, and modular with its mission geared more for urban warfare while retaining some of the traditional battlefield maneuvers. “The bread and butter of the Army is going to be light” said Maj. Gen. David B. Poythress, Georgia's Adjutant General, who explained that the heavier configuration was much more suited to the Cold-War era battlefield. “Today’s missions require a lighter, more versatile structure,” he said. Here’s an overview of the changes:
It will take several years to restructure the brigade and to complete training on the new equipment. Guard officials stress that no Georgia National Guard members will be forced to leave the Guard because of this transformation. Units will work with affected soldiers to give them opportunities to retrain into new military occupational specialties. In some cases, Soldiers may be given the option to move to other units in order to keep their military specialties. 48th Battle Flag Returns To Georgia
The 48th BCT battle flag that flew over Camp Stryker in Baghdad and during memorial services for the fallen now has a final resting place as part of a display honoring Georgia’s military men and women in Georgia's Capitol. Brigadier Gen. Stewart Rodeheaver, 48th Brigade Combat Team commander, presented the flag to Governor Sonny Perdue at a Capitol ceremony May 30. Rodeheaver told an audience of more than 100 Georgia Army and Air National Guardsmen and state and local officials, that in bringing the 48th’s battle standard to the Capitol, he was fulfilling a request Gov. Perdue made of him shortly before the brigade deployed in May 2005 to support Operation Iraqi Freedom. “I have carried this flag in my backpack for 18 months, so I did shake the dirt and dust off and washed it before bringing it here today,” said Rodeheaver, as he stood and held the carefully folded, navy blue and red standard bearing the brigade’s lighting bolt patch close to him. “I will tell you that we flew it when we first got to Iraq over Victory Base (Baghdad). Then, when we were assigned the mission of securing Camp Stryker, we proudly flew it there. We also flew it in the Triangle of Death,” he continued. The infamous Triangle of Death is the area south of Baghdad made up of the towns and villages of Mahmudiyah, Lutufiyah and Yusufiyah. The flag also flew during at the memorial services for each of the 26 Soldiers the 48th lost during its deployment, the general added. Turning to Gov. Perdue, Rodeheaver said, “The 48th Brigade Combat Team has all people back from Iraq, all its equipment is accounted for. And with that, Sir, I present this battle flag to you on behalf of the Soldiers of the 48th BCT and all of the soldiers of the Army National Guard. “We are mission complete and I return this battle flag to you.” Stepping forward, Perdue accepted the banner declaring that “It is with great happiness and pride," that I accept this flag on behalf of the people of Georgia. It will become part of the state’s flag collection and will be displayed in our Hall of Valor for all Georgians to see and appreciate.” That collection includes an American flag, the Georgia state flag, a Blue Star banner “representing the hope and pride of our servicemen and women serving overseas,” Perdue said, and a Gold Star banner “that signifies the sacrifice that our brave men and women make for our freedom and liberty,” he added. Moving to the podium the governor recalled the pride -- and the sadness -- he felt the day he said farewell to the 48th last year at Fort Stewart. “I’ve never liked tail lights,” said an emotional Perdue. “And I didn’t like the tail lights then. To see you all go affected me like nothing before, but I love the reunion and having you back.” But as much as this was an emotional reunion for Perdue, it also was a proud moment as he went on to list the brigade’s accomplishments during its deployment. He concluded saying, “Job well done, I’m proud of you. We are grateful for those of you present today, but we hold dear in our hearts and prayers the families who lost a loved one in service. Those who have fallen paid the ultimate sacrifice in freedom’s name. “While we can never fully understand their grief,” he continued. “We will not allow them to grieve alone. For it is our solemn duty to never, never forget those who dies so that we may be free.” Latest Flight Information
Families requesting specific soldier information can call toll-free at 1-877-305-2293. The following information is for planning purposes only. Flight schedules are subject to change. The best source of information is the deployed service member.
48th BCT National Guardsmen become a part of military history
CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait – It was necessary to forego the formalities of dress. Instead Warriors dusted the sands of the desert from their combat uniforms, placed their weapons by their feet and raised their right hands to validate a commitment; a pledge of solidarity. Soldiers of the 48th Brigade Combat Team throughout Iraq representing varying cultural histories and countries proudly recited the oath of citizenship in the largest naturalization ceremony held in a combat zone. For nearly a year these citizen-Soldiers have been affecting history throughout Iraq and stood tall as a large part of yet another historic event as 57 Soldiers and Sailors representing 29 countries promised, before their peers, to continue to stand firm in supporting and defending their chosen homeland, the United States of America. “I want to make America proud of me,” proclaimed Sgt. Ramon D. Colon. A native of the Dominican Republic and supply non-commissioned officer with 220th Engineer Battalion, Colon said he is proud of his culture and his family but even prouder of the privilege of being called an American. “You know how many opportunities there are for citizens? I want to grow as a person for this country, to develop myself as a leader in the U.S. military.” Lack of citizen status can impede security clearances, promotions, overseas assignments and deployments, and in certain instances, reenlistments. That reasoning prompted Sergeant 1st Class Sunny Sim to act immediately in realizing his dream. Sim, a platoon sergeant with B Company, 1st Battalion, 115th Infantry Regiment and business owner with the Maryland based unit joined the National Guard in 1988. He became a citizen “Sept 8, 1989 at 0830 at Montgomery county courthouse,” the native of Cambodia recalled with a faraway glint in his eye. Sim was quick to act on the advice from his senior leadership. “My 1st Sergeant told me if I wanted to become someone’s leader you got to become a U.S. Citizen. I took action, studied, (processed my paperwork) and here I am. Helping Soldiers with their processing.” It was his experience that landed Sim as the designee for his units Immigration and Naturalization go-to person. “When you are serving, it is easier for my Soldiers to get what they need to become citizens. They can interview, test and have the results of the process the same day. They may not be able to see that when they get back to the states.” According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website, recent laws have streamlined the processing for active-duty service members. They pay no fees, have a shorter residency requirement and appreciate “same-day-service” for the final stages leading to the ceremony. The USCIS has taken additional ease of use steps by dedicating their Lincoln, Neb. offices as an exclusive military applicant processing hub. Sergeant William Awopeju-Williams has lived in the U.S. since 1991. Immigrating from Nigeria Awopeju-Williams could not be happier with the ease of processing for the military. A gunner with the 48th BCT’s D Co., 3rd Bn., 172nd Infantry Regiment, he has experienced all the insurgency can throw at a War Fighter. Improvised Explosive Devices, small arms fire, mortar and rocket attacks leave him unfazed in his decision to be a part of what he describes as the greatest nation on earth. Gazing at the American flag, the emotional impact of the day is clearly etched on his face. “That flag means a lot to me,” the Providence, Rhode Islander said. “When I look at that flag, I know one piece of that thread belongs to me. Just the fact that I am here and what I have done makes me feel closer and more proud to have served for this country.” As each Lightning Brigade Soldier crossed the stage shaking hands and received congratulations from the dignitaries in attendance, their heads were held noticeably higher. “I’m going home a citizen,” Sgt. Anethra Adderly, a native of the Bahamas said to no one in particular. An administrative NCO with 48th BCT’s Headquarters Company she clutched her naturalization certificate tightly. Camera flashes dimmed and well-wishers filed out of the Arifjan Chapel signaling it was time to go back to the fight…helping a fledgling nation and its people realize democracy. The well-trained Warriors adjusted their combat uniforms automatically placing weapons at the ready. With knowing looks they shook hands with the battle-buddy, who had their back ‘out there’ for nearly a year and prepared for the return to Iraq with an eagerness fueled by their new status. In a few weeks they will leave the middle-east and return home as true citizen-Soldiers. “I have always been treated as an American citizen by the people in this brigade. I do the job like an American Citizen and as an NCO,” Colon stated as he checked his weapon. “I am proud of my family, my original country and my culture, but more than anything I am really, really proud to be called an American at this moment.”
Ft. Stewart, GA, April 19 -- April 20, 2006 - The first of more than 4,000 members of the Georgia National Guard’s 48th Infantry Brigade returned home Wednesday after a year of combat operations in Iraq. Wednesday’s arrival marked the first of nearly a dozen flights over the next four weeks bringing the Soldiers back to Georgia. Some 300 members of Georgia’s 1st Battalion, 121st Infantry were greeted by Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue as they stepped off the plane at Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah. Less than three hours later they were welcomed home with open arms and resounding cheers of “thank God you’re all home safe,” by families, friends and officials at nearby Fort Stewart. Tears and smiles covered the faces of those anxious family members and friends as their Soldiers marched proudly across the parade field to the awaiting crowd. “We are just glad he is home,” said Wanda Watkins, of Atlanta, who’s son, Spc. Alfred Watkins of Company C just returned home. “We were nervous when he first went over.” After meeting the Soldiers at the airplane, the Governor “I can think of no job more important than the one that these men and women embraced,” said Perdue. “These soldiers are our family members, neighbors, friends and coworkers and they put their lives on hold to defend our nation in the global war on terrorism.” In addressing the troops, Perdue delivered what he called “the shortest political speech in history” to welcome home the Soldiers. Advance Party Arrives at Fort Stewart
After nearly a year in Iraq, about 100 citizen-soldiers from the 48th Infantry Brigade of the Georgia National Guard returned home before dawn Monday to cheers and tears from their families. The returning troops, from units across Georgia, make up the advance party for about 4,300 members of the 48th Brigade due home between mid-April and mid-May. More than 60 family members waved flags and signs and cheered the troops when they walked onto the Fort Stewart parade grounds at 5:50 a.m. After a brief ceremony, the soldiers' wives, children and parents rushed the field for their reunions. The advanced party will begin the process of receiving and processing the returning soldiers. As units redeploy, they will initially return to Fort Stewart for approximately one week during which they will undergo medical examinations and other post deployment requirements. All soldiers are scheduled to be released at their hometown armories during mid April and mid May. The 48th Brigade deployed to the Middle East in May 2005 after several months of training at Fort Stewart. It is the largest combat unit of the Georgia National Guard to deploy overseas since World War II. Army Bans Wear Of Non-Issue Body Armor
The Army has banned soldiers from wearing any ballistic protection other than officially issued Interceptor Body Armor. In a “Safety of Use Message,” made public March 31, the service ordered soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan to stop wearing non-issue gear. The message singles out “Dragon Skin,” a type of body armor that “media releases and related advertising imply” is superior to the Interceptor. “The Army has been unable to determine the veracity of these claims,” the safety message states, referring to the product made by Pinnacle Armor. “The Army has been involved in the development of Dragon Skin and the different technology it employs. In its current state of development, Dragon Skin’s capabilities do not meet Army requirements. In fact, Dragon Skin has not been certified by the Army for protection against several small-arms threats being encountered in Iraq and Afghanistan today.” Army officials said the order was prompted by concerns that soldiers or their families were buying inadequate or untested commercial armor from private companies like Pinnacle. “We’re very concerned that people are spending their hard-earned money on something that doesn’t provide the level of protection that the Army requires people to wear. So they’re, frankly, wasting their money on substandard stuff,” said Col. Thomas Spoehr, director of materiel for the Army. Murray Neal, chief executive officer of Pinnacle, said he hadn’t seen the directive and wants to review it. “We know of no reason the Army may have to justify this action,” Neal said. “On the surface this looks to be another of many attempts by the Army to cover up the billions of dollars spent on ineffective body armor systems which they continue to try quick fixes on to no avail.” Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Sorenson said in a March 31 briefing that, so far, Pinnacle had not “met the Army standard. Until they meet the Army standard … [Dragon Skin] is not going to be fielded.” “We will continue to examine all types of composites, all types of materials. . . If someone finds the Holy Grail, then we will be right there to back up the dump truck and buy it,” said Sorenson, deputy for acquisition and systems management, for the Assistant Secretary of the Army Acquisition, Logistics and Technology. Army officials said in recent interviews that aggressive marketing by body armor manufacturers was fueling public concerns that troops are not getting the protection they need. Army Lt. Col. Scott Campbell said the Army has asked Pinnacle to provide 30 sets of the full Dragon Skin armor so it can be independently tested. He said Pinnacle has indicated it won’t be able to provide that armor until May, and the company said that is still the plan. Campbell said initial military tests on small sections of the Dragon Skin armor had disappointing results. He said Pinnacle has received $840,000 in research funding to develop improved armor. The safety message represents a rare move by the Army. Sorenson underscored the seriousness of the safety message in the March 31 Pentagon briefing. “It’s a pretty significant statement to put out a safety-of-use message. It’s not something we take lightly,” he said. The directives are most often issued when there are problems with aircraft or other large equipment. Veterans groups immediately denounced the decision. Nathaniel R. Helms, editor of the Soldiers for the Truth online magazine Defense Watch, said he has already received a number of e-mails from soldiers complaining about the policy. “Outrageously, we’ve seen that [soldiers] haven’t been getting what they need in terms of equipment and body armor,” said Sen. Christopher Dodd, D-Conn., who wrote legislation to have troops reimbursed for equipment purchases. “That’s totally unacceptable, and why this directive by the Pentagon needs to be scrutinized in much greater detail.” But another veterans group backed the move. “I don’t think the Army is wrong by doing this, because the Army has to ensure some level of quality,” said Paul Rieckhoff, executive director of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. “They don’t want soldiers relying on equipment that is weak or substandard.” But, Rieckhoff said, the military is partially to blame for the problem because it took too long to get soldiers the armor they needed. “This is the monster they made,” he said. Early in the Iraq war, soldiers and their families were spending hundreds or even thousands of dollars on protective gear that they said the military was not providing. Then, last October, after months of pressure from families and members of Congress, the military began a reimbursement program for soldiers who purchased their own protective equipment. In January, an unreleased Pentagon study found that side armor could have saved dozens of U.S. lives in Iraq, prompting the Army and Marine Corps to order thousands of ceramic body armor plates to be shipped to troops there this year. The Army ban covers all commercial armor. It refers specifically to Pinnacle’s armor, saying that while the company advertising implies that Dragon Skin “is superior in performance” to the Interceptor Body Armor the military issues to soldiers, “the Army has been unable to determine the veracity of these claims.” The Marine Corps has not issued a similar directive, but Marines are “encouraged to wear Marine Corps-issued body armor since this armor has been tested to meet fleet standards,” spokesman Bruce Scott said. Military officials have acknowledged that some troops — often National Guardsmen or reservists — went to war with lesser-quality protective gear than other soldiers were issued. “We’ll be upfront and recognize that at the start of the conflict there were some soldiers that didn’t have the levels of protection that we wanted,” Spoehr said. Now, he added, “we can categorically say that whatever you’re going to buy isn’t as good as what you’re going to get” from the military. Spoehr said he believes the directive will have little impact on soldiers in Iraq or Afghanistan because it’s likely that nearly all are wearing the military-issued body armor. There have been repeated reports of soldiers or families of soldiers buying commercial equipment or trying to raise thousands of dollars to buy it for troops who are preparing to deploy overseas. Army honors 48th Brigade guardsmen killed in Iraq
Four months after watching loved ones march across the parade grounds en route to war, families of 15 Georgia citizen-soldiers returned to Fort Stewart to leave yellow roses, framed photos and streaming tears for sons and husbands they will never welcome home. Killed in Iraq during a bloody three weeks in July and August, the first Georgia National Guardsmen to die in combat since World War II were honored Thursday alongside fallen active-duty comrades at Fort Stewart. After a brief memorial service, families wept and left mementos at the root of eastern redbud trees planted in memory of each soldier on Warrior's Walk, the Army post's living memorial to its war dead. "I don't look at any of them as soldiers," said Patti Saylor of Bremen, whose son, SGT Paul A. Saylor, died August 15. "This was my son. He prayed before every mission and he was a person." Saylor said she prefers to remember her son as a star linebacker at Bremen High School, a handsome on-stage leading man as Danny Zuko in "Grease," and as the future husband of the fiance he planned to marry upon returning from Iraq. Saylor, 21, of Norcross and two others - SGT Thomas Strickland, 27, of Douglasville and SPC Joshua Dingler, 19, of Hiram - were killed when their vehicle overturned in a canal during a night mission. Multiple casualties from back-to-back roadside bombings during 48th Brigade patrols stunned communities across Georgia shortly after its 4,300 troops deployed for a yearlong tour in Iraq in May. Eleven soldiers died in three separate attacks just 10 days apart. Robert Stokely's son, 23-year-old SGT Michael Stokely of Loganville, was killed August 16 when he stepped on an improvised explosive devise. He had been assigned to a communications unit working with telephone and computer systems, but requested a transfer to a scout unit. "Mike and the other guys in the 48th, they took the brunt of what the insurgents threw at them," Stokely said. "But Mike told me he wanted to be on the front line. He wanted to be the tip of the sword." SGT William Rousseau of Milledgeville, home from Iraq on leave, witnessed the first two roadside bombings that killed eight members of his platoon July 24 and July 30. "We miss these guys like crazy," said Rousseau, standing between the trees planted in memory of two of his friends - SGT Jonathon Haggin, 26, of Kingsland and SGT Ronnie Shelley, 34, of Valdosta. "It'll never go away, it never leaves - the memories and the pain and the gross reality of what happens over there every day," Rousseau said. "Every day you go out there, you know that we're not untouchable." A total of 18 soldiers of the 48th Brigade have died in Iraq. SSG Chad Mercer of Waycross, killed June 30 in a vehicle accident, was memorialized at Fort Stewart last month. Two brigade soldiers killed by a roadside bomb September 1 will be honored at a later ceremony. Brigadier General Stewart Rodeheaver, commander of the 48th Brigade, said last week his troops will soon leave Camp Striker near Baghdad International Airport to take on combat support and security missions with a reduced chance of direct combat. "I hope all the rest of them come home, because I'd hate to see anybody else go through what we've been through," Saylor said. "I'm glad they're moving to a safer place. I wish Paul had made it." 48th BCT to be given safer duty
The Georgia Army National Guard 48th Brigade will be moving away from direct combat operations and will change bases in the next few months, National Guard officials said Saturday. Brig. Gen. Stewart Rodeheaver, commander of the 48th, said the brigade's new mission likely will be one of combat support and a security mission that "probably will not be as intense." He added the change was anticipated and is part of normal military maneuvering in Iraq. "The operation tempo will still be high. However, the most likely threat of conducting full spectrum combat will be reduced," Rodeheaver said. "The operation tempo will still be high. However, the most likely threat of conducting full spectrum combat will be reduced," Rodeheaver said. Officials said the brigade's size likely would increase after it moves out of Camp Striker near Baghdad International Airport and into other bases. Units already in Iraq as well as other troops from the United States likely would be attached to the brigade, Rodeheaver said. The new assignment won't reduce the yearlong tour in Iraq for the 48th Brigade's soldiers, who are not scheduled to return home until May or June. The news was welcomed by the brigade's soldiers. "I can't wait to get out of here," said Sgt. Bill Jones of the 2nd Battalion, 121st Infantry Regiment, which lost eight soldiers to bombs near Camp Striker. 48th Soldiers Headed for Gulf Coast to Aid Hurricane 'Katrina' Recovery More than 200 Soldiers from the 48th Infantry Brigade have deployed to the Gulf coast of Mississippi and Louisiana to support relief and recovery efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. These Soldiers are part of a 1500 strong force of Soldiers and Airmen from Georgia mobilized to support our Southern neighbors. The contengent from the 48th will come under the command and control of the 201st Supply and Service Battalion. According to COL Larry McLendon, commander of the 48th Infantry Brigade (Rear), our Soldiers have not received a specific mission. "We're just going to do whatever we can to assist the people that have devestated by this terrible storm" he said." Falling Silent: 48th BCT Soldiers join in statewide prayer moment CAMP STRYKER, Baghdad, Iraq August 18, 2005 – In Georgia the call was answered. Across the state heads bowed as Georgians offered a silent and personal homage to more than fifty service members who have lost their lives in Iraq. And nearly 7,000 miles away it was a call that Soldiers throughout the 48th Brigade Combat Team were all too willing to answer as well. Learning of the deaths of four 48th BCT Soldiers, Georgia Governor Sonny Purdue had called on the state join him in a show of reverence to the brave citizen-Soldiers who had given their lives in defense of freedom. As Purdue spoke to his constituents of bravery, honor and the willingness to go beyond the call, he found it difficult to harness a swell of emotion as he invited all Georgians to be a part of this August 18 vigil. It was 2100 hours, or 9:00 pm local time, in the 48th BCT tactical operations center at Camp Stryker, Baghdad,
Iraq. The large digital clock on the wall displayed that it was 1:00 pm in Atlanta and those 48th BCT Soldiers, who
were able, stopped what they were doing and bowed their heads in silent remembrance. “We pray for our fallen heroes, our defenders,” Purdue affirmed in his broadcast tribute. “…you are our citizen soldiers.” Five members of 48th BCT injured in mortar attack One soldier was killed and 16 wounded — including five from Georgia’s 48th Brigade Combat Team — in a mortar attack near the Baghdad airport, military and congressional officials have reported. Two of the soldiers are from Georgia, one of whom suffered serious injuries and was flown to Germany for treatment. The other three are from an Illinois unit attached to the Georgia brigade. One is also being treated in Germany. The others suffered minor injuries and were treated and returned to duty, said 2nd Lt. Selena Owens, 48th BCT Public Affairs Officer. According to authorities: Soldiers at the sprawling Camp Liberty complex near Baghdad International Airport are not required to wear helmets and flak jackets while they are within the walls of the compound. Doug Moore, spokesman for U.S. Rep. Jim Marshall, said the Pentagon notified Marshall’s office of the incident. The 48th is headquartered in Macon, which is in Marshall’s district. The injuries were the first combat casualties suffered by the 48th since the unit started arriving in Iraq about a week ago for a yearlong deployment. It was not known how long the wounded soldiers had been in Iraq, but some members of the 148th arrived only Monday. Lt. Col. Steve Boylan, a military spokesman in Baghdad, said the dead and injured “were a combination of civilian and military casualties.” Boylan said the slain soldier, whose name has not been released, was with the 155th Brigade Combat Team from the Mississippi Army National Guard. Several of the wounded were from the 256th Brigade Combat Team from the Louisiana National Guard. The attack was the second at the base in the last four days. The blast occurred about 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in a plaza area at Camp Liberty on the north end of the airport where soldiers gather to board shuttle buses for other parts of the sprawling complex. Most of the 48th’s units are at Camp Stryker, on the south end of the airport, which has fewer amenities. The 48th initially was supposed to be stationed at Camp Liberty but its orders were changed just a few weeks ago. The plaza is near a large post exchange that includes Popeyes Chicken and Burger King restaurants. The PX at Camp Liberty is famous in Iraq for its wide selection of goods that help soldiers feel a little bit closer to home. TRICARE Reserve Select Health Plan for Certain National Guard and Reserve Members Beginning April, 2005, the Department of Defense will implement TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS)-a premium-based health care plan available for purchase by certain eligible members of the National Guard and Reserve who have been activated for a contingency operation on or after September 11, 2001. It will provide comprehensive health care coverage similar to TRICARE Standard and Extra for TRS members and their covered family members. TRS is authorized under the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2005. The monthly premium for member-only coverage is $75 and $233 for member and family coverage. The member's Service/Reserve Component personnel office will determine his or her eligibility to purchase TRS. To qualify, members must have served on active duty for 90 consecutive days or more on or after September 11, 2001, in support of a contingency operation, and enter into an agreement with their Reserve Component to serve in the Selected Reserve for one or more years prior to leaving active duty. For those who have already left active duty, they must enter into an agreement no later than October 28, 2005. Members are eligible for one whole year of TRS coverage for each whole year of service commitment in the Service agreement, up to a maximum of one whole year of coverage for each 90 days of continuous active duty served in support of a contingency operation. For example, a member who served a 360-day qualifying active-duty period in the Selected Reserve are eligible for four years of TRS coverage provided an agreement is entered into to serve at least another four years in the Selected Reserve. TRS coverage for members and covered family members will terminate at the end of the Service agreement, or sooner if the member separates from the Selected Reserve, voluntarily disenrolls from the TRS Program, or fails to pay the monthly TRS premiums. Updated information on the TRS program (to include start date, eligibility, benefits and premiums) will be posted later this month on the TRICARE Web site at www.tricare.osd.mil/reserve/reserveselect. To receive future TRS updates by e-mail as the information becomes available members and family members may subscribe to www.tricare.osd.mil/tricaresubscriptions/. For members who purchase TRS and have health care coverage under the Transitional Assistance Management Program (TAMP), coverage will begin the day after their TAMP coverage ends. Medal of Honor 
President Bush will honor Sgt. 1st Class Paul R. Smith by presenting his family with the Medal of Honor on April 4, the second anniversary of his courageous actions and death during the Battle of Baghdad Airport. That medal has a rich history. The Army’s medal—similar in some respects to the Air Force’s and the shared Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard’s—replaced an older version in 1904. The current medal portrays a helmeted Goddess of War. The eagle that had once perched on cannon, saber in its talons, now perches on a “Valor” bar, clutching a shaft of arrows. The ribbon too was changed, from red, white and blue to a blue field with thirteen stars. MORE A Vision for the National Guard Despite assaults on U.S. citizens and facilities abroad and the bombing of the World Trade Center in 1993, the warnings of many within the intelligence and defense communities that the Nation was vulnerable to terrorist attack were insufficient to force major institutional change-or significantly increase preparedness-before the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Tentative steps had been taken at Federal, state, and local levels. The Department of Defense (DOD) had funded the formation of joint weapons of mass destruction (WMD) civil support teams within the National Guard beginning in fiscal year 1998. These units were designed to provide direct assistance to civilian emergency responders in the event of a chemical, biological, nuclear, or radiological attack on the homeland. While they are few in number and were still in their operational infancy in 2001, it was one of these units, the New York National Guard 2d Civil Support Team (WMD), that became the first organized unit of any military service or component to arrive at Ground Zero on the morning of September 11, sampling the air to ensure than no biological or chemical contaminants were present and providing critical communications capabilities. Air National Guard fighters conducted air patrols against further attacks in New York and Washington and across the Nation. Homeland defense -the original mission of our militia forebears when they first settled this continent-had returned to the forefront at the dawning of a new century, demanding that the National Guard restructure in response. Men share memories of old National Guard armory in Macon
On the corner of First and Poplar streets, Pig Greene checked a man's health by flipping a coin, Skeet Worsham made a bundle on loose change and soldiers like Jelly Jowls Cofer took orders from the "meanest man alive." From the third floor, you could look out the window at Lyndon Johnson stumping for political office. In a hallway cubbyhole, you could hide supplies from the Army inspector general. And on dance night, you could tip the man who checked your date's coat a dime - or a quarter if you were trying to be a big shot. "This place used to be beautiful," said retired Brig. Gen. Harold Carlisle, who recently visited the old National Guard armory in downtown Macon after nearly 30 years. "It isn't just bricks and mortar." The building took a new owner about the time that the 48th Infantry Brigade was called up for Operation Iraqi Freedom, prompting a reunion of several guardsmen. "It sure does crank up some memories," said COL Larry McLendon, a member of the 48th whose father, Dutch, is a retired brigadier general and former deputy commander of the brigade. Most of the 48th is currently in southeast Georgia preparing for war. Since 1961, the 48th headquarters has been the H.D. Russell Armory on Shurling Drive. But for eight decades before then, the epicenter for National Guard activity in Middle Georgia was this large brick building across from City Hall. "I came here as a 16-year-old," said Carlisle, now 74. "I walked up those stairs. This old man - I found out later he was 37 years old - said 'How old are you?'" Carlisle said the man asked at least twice before Carlisle finally responded "17," the minimum age to sign up. The sergeant, Pig Greene, then flipped a half-dollar coin and asked the boy what he saw. When Carlisle said yes, the sergeant replied, "Well, his hearing's all right. His eyesight is all right. Willie, go check his teeth." Today's troops are getting a decidedly more thorough examination at Fort Stewart. But the men who proceeded them in the Guard say they'll share the same type of memories of their own armory. "You make friends in there that you'll have for life," said retired Sgt. Maj. Bill Heath, who spent 32 years in the 121st Regiment, otherwise known as the Gray Bonnets. "What happens out (at Russell) is the same thing that happened here at the First Street armory," said McLendon, 52, a full-time Guard employee who now serves as the 48th Brigade's rear commander. The bonds start with a common cause in a common place and last "50 years," said McLendon, who's served nearly that long, if you count a childhood playing on the old conveyor belt. "When I was a kid, that was a big deal," he said. "We used to ride up and down the steps on that thing." The old conveyor belt is still there. So are other signs of the Macon branch of the oldest component of the U.S. Armed Forces - the National Guard is 368 years old. This armory was built in 1884 by the Macon Volunteers, which was a predecessor to the 48th. Still around is a 1940s-era notebook for radio messages, a wooden tent pole and lockers bearing the names of past officers. The entrance to the room where Carlisle decoded messages is still labeled "Commo Room." The memories linger, too. There's Frank "Mother" Watts, who got his nickname by listening to everyone's problems. And because he won neatest man in the unit about 10 times. "I saw an ironing board down there," McLendon said. "You reckon that was Mother's?" Until its closing in November, the Trading Post furniture store had occupied the first floor of this building for more than 70 years. The upstairs, which Carlisle boasted had "one of the finest dance floors in the world," was used mostly for storage and lost its sheen. The once spick-and-span walls, which held plaques commemorating service in World War II, are now in shambles. The latrine isn't exactly clean enough to eat out of now. "We used to keep this thing so spotless," Carlisle said. "It was sharp." Bill Lucado and Benjy Griffith, the new owners, have said they plan to invest about $1 million in the purchase and renovation of the 35,000-square-foot building. Preliminary plans include putting retail businesses on the first floor and transforming the second floor into a reception hall. "Many a guy's run up and down these things," McLendon said as he and others climbed the steps to the third floor, before eventually ascending to the building's turret. Along the way, they passed uncharted territory - the balcony. "If you went to the balcony you were goofing off, and you sure didn't want to do that," Carlisle said. One of the sergeants was the "meanest man alive," they remembered thinking at the time. "They were all 'mean' back then," Carlisle said with a smile, before adding that those men became some of his closest friends. But pity the man who unplugged the juke box, no matter how many times "A Room Full of Roses" had been played. It was the company commander's favorite. "These were people who fought in World War II, in combat," Carlisle said. "They didn't take any foolishness." They remember the supply sergeant who had to be bailed out of jail to teach a weapons class. They remember Skeet, the first sergeant's son, who shined shoes and would ask for the change to make a nickel. "I've got four pennies, you got one?" Carlisle remembers him asking around. "The boy would make a $1 a day doing that." Who could forget the visits from the inspector general, who would take any leftover supplies. During his inspections, he always seemed to stare down the same private first class, who fainted every time, Carlisle said. There was always the chance of deployment. Carlisle said they almost were called up for the Korean War. McLendon said Guard units in other states fought in Vietnam. "You grew up early in the National Guard," Carlisle said. "It was mostly veterans of the Greatest Generation. They taught you things about life." Sure, they've been known to "flip a card or two" inside these walls. Carlisle will tell you he joined for the $3 earned each Monday night. Heath, 74, might say he joined for the dances. But you don't stay in the Guard more than three decades because of a poker game. It's family, the veterans said. "The colonel, we raised him," said Heath, referring to McLendon. McLendon said members of the 48th will build relationships in Iraq this summer and once they return to Macon. "It's a bonding that you won't get anywhere else," he said. "The armory is kind of like the anchor point for all the people to come together." 48th Infantry Brigade Units Depart
Convoys and buses rolled out of towns across Georgia this week as Soldiers of the 48th Infantry Brigade left their hometown armories for Fort Stewart. The southeast Georgia installation is the first stop on the Brigade's deployment that is expected to take them to Iraq by mid-summer. Along the departure routes, townspeople, school children, shopkeepers and other well wishers lined the streets with signs and flags. In Griffin, the fire department used two snorkel trucks to suspend a large American flag over State Route 16 to honor members of E Troop, 108th Cavalry . Nearby, students from Taylor Street Middle School chanted “U-S-A, U-S-A” as the Soldier-filled buses and HUMVEES passed. In Dalton, members of C Company, 108th Armor ceremoniously lowered the American flag in front of its armory and retired it until the unit's return. More than 3,200 members of the Macon-based brigade reported for duty this week with the first several days spent in their home armories. The movement to Fort Stewart began Thursday morning and is scheduled to be phased over a three-day period. The Brigade will train at Fort Stewart through late-March when it is scheduled to go the National Training Center in California before departing for Iraq. 48th Brigade Gets Call To Be Part of Operation Iraqi Freedom
Nearly 3,500 members of the Georgia Guard’s 48th Infantry Brigade received word in November that they would
mobilize in support of the Global War on Terrorism. Training began in earnest in early December when nearly a third
of the unit’s Soldiers were activated for initial processing and training. Also nearly 50 of the unit’s leaders
headed to Kuwait and Iraq for a pre-deployment site visit. Farewell Letter from Under Secretary Brownlee
To the Men and Women of the United States Army, It has been a great honor and privilege for me to serve as the Under Secretary of the Army for the past three years and concurrently, for the past eighteen months, as the Acting Secretary of the Army. Our Nation's greatness was achieved by the generations of Americans who have served their country with honor. From your grandparents who fought and won the Second World War and assured freedom for South Korea, to your parents who served our Nation in Vietnam and in the Cold War, in Panama and Desert Storm, to the conflicts of today, the courage and sacrifices demonstrated by American Soldiers remain the foundation of our United States Army. Soldiering is an affair of the heart, and it is that spirit, that fundamental commitment to volunteer, to place the Nation's needs above one's own, that makes our Soldiers the best in the world today. Your professionalism, dedication, and valor are the hallmarks of the values our Army has upheld for over 229 years of service to our Nation. I am immensely proud of what our Army has accomplished over the past three years. Our Army has carried the heaviest burden in fighting this Global War on Terror. Soldiers have set two nations - Iraq and Afghanistan - on the path to democracy and economic recovery. Less than twelve months since we first rotated our combat formations in Iraq, the Army, for the second time, is executing the most massive movement of troops and equipment seen since WWII. And, even as we continue to take the fight to our Nation's enemies and improve the quality of life for our Soldiers' families, our Army continues transforming its training, organization, and equipment. Our Army is far more than people and equipment - it is made of men and women with hopes and dreams, a passionate commitment to the ideals of freedom, and the willingness to fight for those ideals. But freedom is not free! And in today's War on Terror, some of our Soldiers have lost their lives, and many have been wounded. I have had the honor of visiting many of these wounded Soldiers, and I am always moved by their unanimous expressions of dedication, their commitment to service, and their desire to return to their units and comrades-in-arms. I'm equally touched by the tremendous commitment displayed by their families, and the support that they provide. When we talk of service and sacrifice, we must never forget the wives, husbands, sons, daughters, mothers, fathers, and other loved ones who stand behind our Soldiers. Their unconditional love and their steadfast loyalty to our Soldiers are invaluable in every aspect of what our Army does. The devotion and support of our Army families represent all that we fight for and all that we hold dear. It has been my honor to represent the wonderful men and women who volunteer to be a part of the Army - and their families as well. The Nation will be eternally indebted to you for your service and sacrifice. God bless each of you, God bless the United States Army, and God bless this wonderful Nation we all love and so proudly serve. Les Brownlee 48th Infantry Brigade Begins Mobilization
The 48th Infantry Brigade has started mobilizing for deployment in support the Global War on Terrorism. The first group of Soldiers is on duty and will arrive at their mobilization installations soon. These Soldiers will make preparations to receive the remainder of the unit. This should happen in early January. Most troops currently on duty will get a break to spend time with families during the holidays. Legal Support Available at Fort Stewart
The 48th Infantry Brigade JAG section has set up shop in Building 9603 in the National Guard Training Center on Fort Stewart. The telephone number is (912) 767-6391. The Fort Stewart Legal Assistance Office can be reached at (912) 767-8809/8819. You can also e-mail CPT Botwinik or the 48th BCT JAG Section. 48th Infantry Brigade Alerted For Possible Deployment
The 48th Infantry Brigade has been alerted for possible mobilization and deployment in support the Global War on Terrorism. More than 1,200 Soldiers will report to duty in December, with another 2,300 expected to be called-up after the first of the year. While the exact schedule has not been announced, the unit is expected to report initially to Fort Stewart followed by exercises at the NTC, Fort Irwin, California. The Brigade is expected deploy for a 12-month rotation to southwest Asia beginning sometime next spring. Why We Fight
"War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things. The decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic
feeling which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse. The person who has nothing for which he is willing
to fight, nothing that is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance
of being free unless made so and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself." ‘Theater Immersion Training’ New Watchword for First U.S. Army
“We are in a war with no rear areas or front lines. We have to instill the Warrior Ethos into the mobilized
Soldiers we train. Every Soldier must be able to function as an Infantryman. Soldiers must have tough, realistic,
hands-on, repetitive training until their response is intuitive.” Army Chief of Staff's Reading List Feed your mind with knowledge from Army Chief of Staff GEN Peter Schoomaker’s professional reading list.
The books are divided into four groups, based on Soldiers’ ranks and responsibilities. They highlight Army
heritage, military history and world affairs. Operation Child Care - Free to National Guard and Reserve Soldiers The National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies has launched Operation Child Care. The
program offers free care for the children of National Guard and Reserve Soldiers returning for two weeks of
rest-and-recuperation leave from Iraq and Afghanistan. FM 7-21.13 - The Soldier’s Guide The Soldier’s Guide, Field Manual 7-21.13, has received its most recent updates and is now available. The
guide is good for Soldiers of all ranks and job specialties, and condenses key information from other field
manuals, training publications, Army regulations and other sources. Senate OKs Tax Relief for Employers of Reservists, Guardsmen ARLINGTON, Va. - A congressional amendment that would offer tax relief to small companies that continue to pay employees who also are
National Guard members and reservists was removed from one congressional bill and added to another as lawmakers jockeyed to keep the measure
alive.
A new Sapper tab for combat engineers is now authorized for wear by qualified Soldiers on their left shoulder. Until this
summer, only the Special Forces tab and the Ranger tab were authorized for wear above the unit patch on the left shoulder.
Army Chief of Staff Gen. Peter Schoomaker approved the Sapper tab June 28 for award and wear by engineer Soldiers who complete
the Sapper Leader Course. The course is part of the U.S. Army Engineer School at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. This award is retroactive
back to the graduates of the first SLC on June 14, 1985. SECRETARY OF DEFENSE MESSAGE TO TROOPS ON WHY WE FIGHT IN IRAQ More than 15 months ago, a global coalition ended the brutal regime of Saddam Hussein and liberated the people of Iraq. Army Branch Birthdays Several army branches celebrate birthdays during July and August. They are: Web Site Update This web site is going through some design changes. All the links should continue to work. Please bear with me as this change takes place. Hopefully, the end result will be a cleaner and less cluttered site. Please continue to submit updates to me to inform our Soldiers of the latest information. Army Safety The Army Safety Center announces a NEW web site. View the latest Mark Schultz video, “Letters from War.” Other interactive spots such as photo of the week are entertaining and instructive. Sign up for Operation Guardian Angel and help Soldiers to Be safe and Make it Home. Acting Secretary of the Army and Chief of Staff, Army signs the Army Safety Campaign Plan. “We are counting on every member of the Army team to do his or her part in reducing preventable accidents". Download the 800KB PDF file. Army Campaign Plan The Army Campaign Plan provides direction for detailed planning, preparation and execution of the full range of tasks necessary to provide relevant and ready land power to the Nation while maintaining the quality of the all-volunteer force. The Army is pursuing the most comprehensive transformation of its forces since the early years of World War II, but the Soldier remains the centerpiece of our combat systems and formations. Support for Soldiers, civilians and their families is a critical part of the Army's ability to defend our Nation. View more information here. Joint Memorandum on Army Values - FROM THE SECRETARY AND CHIEF OF STAFF: Never in recent memory have our Army Values, the Soldier's Creed, and our Warrior Ethos been more important for us to reflect upon than today. Our Army is serving our Nation with great courage and honor during very dangerous times. We enjoy great support and the confidence of the American People, whom we serve, and we are respected around the globe. In view of current events, we must re-double our efforts-hold our heads high-and drive on to accomplish our individual tasks and collective missions. Integrity is non-negotiable. Everyone has leadership responsibilities when it comes to the Legal, Moral, and Ethical. Discipline is doing what's right when no one is watching. We are proud of you and our Army. Drive on! Peter J. Schoomaker R. L. Brownlee Memorial Day Message to the Men and Women of the United States Army On this Memorial Day we pause to honor our servicemen and servicewomen who gave their lives in the cause
of liberty. They did not celebrate war, but they stepped forward and answered when America called.
Generations of brave Americans have shouldered the heavy burden of defending freedom, serving a cause
worth fighting for. Every generation has had its heroes. Many made the ultimate sacrifice. Peter J. Schoomaker R. L. Brownlee Our Duty and Responsibilities - A Message from the Chief of the National Guard Bureau Arlington, VA - The events of the past week have clearly focused the world on the duties, honors and
responsibilities of the American Armed Forces. I ask you to reflect upon the solemn obligations that each
of us, as American Soldiers and Airmen, has to our states, our nation and to those with whom we serve. H Steven Blum |
Sapper tab authorized for uniform wear |
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