April 1919: “I have lots of things to tell when I get home”

by Maj. William Carraway

Historian, Georgia Army National Guard

March 1919 was the last month of occupation duty for the 151st Machine Gun Battalion. By the close of the month preparations were underway for the battalion to leave their occupation billets and return to France to begin the long journey home.

On the final day of March, Sgt. Robert Gober Burton wrote home to share news of his impending departure as well as an anecdote about Gen. Douglas MacArthur.

Kripp Germany

March 31, 1919

My Dear Auntie,

Will drop you a line and also send this citation that we received some time ago. I have sent one to mama, but I got this one this afternoon and so will send it to you. Gen. MacArthur has been our brigade commander ever since Chateau Thierrey and he is a fighting man. When we went over the top, he went with the first attacking wave of the Infantry and he stayed there until the objective had been reached. One of his staff officers asked him why it was that he was always up with the infantry and he said, ”well, it is like this when those Soldiers see me up there and see the star on my shoulder they say ‘hell, we don’t belong here, we belong about six kilometers ahead of that guy,’ and they drive the Dutchman that much farther.” That was pretty good reasoning don’t you think? He didn’t stay back like most of the general officers. Not that I blame them for not going up for if they could direct the operation from farther back it was better that they did stay there. But Gen. McArthur thought that he could oversee things better from the front line and there he was.

I am getting along fine and very much ENTHUSED over the idea of coming home. We leave here on the 2nd of April for Brest and then home. I think that we won’t stay in Brest very long as we are getting everything ready before we get there.

I have lots of things to tell when I get home and I am afraid that you all will get tired of the war tales after I get there.

I noticed where several of the boys had gotten back and told such fabulous tales that I am afraid that what we tell will not be believed. I am not going to tell anyone any war tales tho. Only the home folks and perhaps a girlfriend???

Gober[i]

The battalion departed Kripp Germany April 5, 1919 and proceeded to Sinzig where the Soldiers entrained and began a three-day journey to Brest, France. In contrast to their first European train ride where the men were given three days rations and crammed into French freight cars for a five-day bone jarring trip from Brest to Vaucouleurs the train carrying the 151st back Brest was an American train equipped with kitchen cars which provided the Soldiers with hot meals.[ii]

On April 8, 1919, the 151st MGB arrived at Brest and was placed in barracks at Camp Pontanezen, the same location which had house their former comrades of the Georgia National Guard’s 121st Infantry Regiment. Twenty-six years later, Georgia Guardsmen with the 121st would fight to capture Pontanezen Barracks and liberate Brest from German control.[iii]

Pontanezen Barracks. Library of Congress

After five days at Pontanezen, the battalion was cleared for departure. An advance party consisting of the battalion commander, staff and 84 Soldiers left Pontanezen and boarded the battleship U.S.S. Minnesota. They were joined the following day by the remaining Soldiers of the 151st who marched to the embarkation point from the barracks.

At 3:35 pm April 15, 1919 after 405 days on the European continent, the 151st departed France bound for Newport News, Va.

The U.S.S. Minnesota. Georgia Guard Archives

Next chapter: End of the Rainbow

---

[i] Robert G. Burton to Mrs. W. H. Nunnally. March 31, 1919

[ii] Peavy, Arthur and Miller, White, The 151st Machine Gun Battalion 42d (Rainbow) Division: A Battalion History and Citations of the Rainbow August 13, 1917 to April 26, 1919. J. W. Burke Co., 1919, 22.

[iii] 121st Infantry Regiment. The Gray Bonnet; Combat History of the 121st Infantry Regiment. Baton Rouge, LA: Army & Navy Publishing Co., 1946, 42

March 1919: “That hero stuff may be good for a while, but it doesn’t get you anywhere in the long run.”

by Maj. William Carraway

Historian, Georgia Army National Guard

Sgt. Robert Gober Burton's return address, Kripp Germany
Georgia Guard archives

On May 17, 1917 while stationed with Company H, 2nd Georgia Infantry Regiment in Jacksonville, Florida, Cpl. Robert Gober Burton wrote home to tell his family about a new girl he had met at church. Mildred was the daughter of a Methodist preacher and Burton wrote home glowingly about her. She wrote to Gober after his company was withdrawn to Macon and visited his family in Monroe after he had deployed to France with the 151st Machine Gun Battalion. Nearly one year later, the two were sharing letters at a rate of at least one per week. Gober wrote to his mother on April 18, 1918 expressing concern that Mildred would marry before he could return home:

If the war marriages keep up, we boys over here won’t stand any show when we do return. But if that is the way they feel about it we should worry. Just so Mildred hasn’t married yet, but I am expecting that every day. I live in hope that she won’t.[i]

In September 1918, Burton learned that Mildred had moved to Baltimore. Shortly thereafter Mildred’s letters stopped coming. Busy as he was, Burton himself had little time to write.

In a terse letter of March 2, 1919, Burton mention’s Mildred’s name for the last time.

Mildred Richards is married. She married sometime in December. I should worry.[ii]

Burton would not write home for ten days. When he did write again, he had a new girl and wrote excitedly about the prospect of returning to civilian life.

Kripp Germany

March 12, 1919

My dearest mama,

I haven’t written in several days because I must couldn’t get up a writing mood. Sometimes I feel like writing and then I don’t. I feel like it this afternoon.

I received a couple of letters from the U.S. today but none from you. One was from John and the other from a girl in Macon. I didn’t get one from you.

John’s letter was real interesting and I enjoyed it very much. He tells me I can take my time and give all the jobs a once over before I decide to take one. I feel tho as if I don’t want to spend too much time loafing. That hero stuff may be good for a while, but it doesn’t get you anywhere in the long run. I want to get started.

I am anxious to begin civilian life all over again. I expect to marry someday, and I want to be well fixed. I am giving the time now grudgingly. I should be getting started in something else. I don’t know a thing but Soldiering and that isn’t much of an occupation.

I want to tell all my people about the part I have played in the war and that is about all. The war is over, and we whipped the Dutch so why talk about it? Then too, it brings lots of experiences that I had rather not talk about for some of the boys “went west.” The men that have been killed from this war are quite a few and their names are spoken reverently among the men. They are the heroes.

Our captain has been promoted to a major and he told me this morning that we leave Kripp about April 1st for home. That sounds mighty good as it is the 12th now.

The weather here is certainly fine now. It is like spring. I wonder if it is very cold at home?

I have been thinking of going on a pass to France, but I don’t think I shall now as it looks too much like we are going home.

Have just come from the Y where I saw a pretty good show.

The last letter I write you was a rather blue letter. I was in kinder low spirits then, but the weather has brightened up and so have my spirits.

I will write again real soon. I won’t wait so long any more. Am expecting a long letter soon.

Your ever devt

Son[iii]

On March 16, 1919, the long rumored and anticipated inspection of the 42nd Division was conducted preparatory to the unit’s impending departure. Burton recorded the details in a three-page letter home.

General Order 38-A:  General Pershing's message to the troops.  Georgia Archives

Kripp Germany

March 16, 1919

Mater Dearest,

I have some news to write tonight so will drop you a line. Besides, it is Sunday night and I am due to write a letter to you.

The news is: Gen. Pershing inspected us today. All is well. We have been shining and polishing and scrubbing in readiness for him today. And so today was the big day. Our Co. A was commented on by the commander in chief as being very nice. Coming as it does from the C in C it is quite a big thing.

He usually inspects a division just before they leave for home and I think that we will soon be on our way. The 165th Inf. of this Div. begins to move on the first of April and the rest of us will follow quickly.

But to get back to the inspection, after we passed in review for the Gen. he made us a speech. He thanked us for what we had done since we have been over here and for the big part we played.

Imagine if you can, 15 or 20 thousand soldiers massed closely together and so quiet that you could have heard a pin drop. I suppose that it is the first time that they had been still in quite a while. Pershing may be going to run for President and this one of his campaign speeches. I don’t know.

To see a whole division lined up is quite a sight. 30,000 men all dressed the same and in step is quite inspiring.

Forty-four men from the division were awarded the Distinguished Service Cross today and the Gen. decorated them.

I was up to the Y tonight and saw a moving picture show. Enjoyed it very much.

We begin to turn in our equipment tomorrow and about the 5th of April we entrain for Antwerp and from Antwerp we embark for home. It is more than likely that we will be home by the 1st of May and out of the Army by the 15th.

I won’t write you any war tales but will save them all and tell them to you when I get home. Don’t you think that it will be better than writing them?

I am as usual well and O.K.

Will write again soon.

Your ever devoted

Son[iv]

Burton’s prediction on movement appeared to be coming true in the closing days of March 1919. Burton shared his thoughts on homecoming with his aunt in a neatly typed letter of March 28.

Kripp Germany

March 28, 1919

My dear Auntie,

Your letter came tonight, and I was certainly glad to receive it. It kinder added good things to good things for we are going to come home right away. This is not rumor this time for we have already received orders to move to the port and make up all rolls and things that we will need in the US. We are busy now making up the passenger lists and packing the equipment and in general getting ready for the long trip home. It sounds almost too good to be true, but I think that it is not a rumor this time.

I am beginning to feel a little old to see all the young ones growing up in such a hurry. The people that were almost babies when I left home are almost grown up people now. I suppose that I forgot that the rest of the world was moving also, but I can’t see any change in myself and those around me or I see them every day and it is not so noticeable. And besides that, they all wear the same kind of clothing and the most of them have the same habits.

We have been over here so long that I have even forgotten how the U.S. looks. I will feel funny to go into a store where the people speak English and you can buy as much of anything as you want. Where you can actually buy a package of cigarettes if you want to. There is no limit to the amount of chocolate that you can buy. Whew, won’t those be great days?

This is just a short note to say that I received your letter all OK and was glad to get it. I hope to see you soon.

Your ever Devt. Nephew,

Gober[v]

---

[i] Robert G. Burton to Mrs. R. F. Burton. April 18, 1918

[ii] Robert G. Burton to Mrs. R. F. Burton. March 2, 1919

[iii] Robert G. Burton to Mrs. R. F. Burton. March 12, 1919

[iv] Robert G. Burton to Mrs. R. F. Burton. March 16, 1919

[v] Robert G. Burton to Mrs. Mary Nunally. February 4, 1919

February 1919: “We Do a Little Drilling, Not Enough To Hurt.”

by Maj. William Carraway

Historian, Georgia Army National Guard

February 1919 brought little change of duty for the Soldiers of the 151st Machine Gun Battalion conducting occupation duty in Kripp Germany. Sergeant Robert Gober Burton observed that “we do a little drilling, not enough to hurt, and the rest of the time we twiddle our thumbs.”[i]

The Georgia Guard Looks Back on Winter Storm Leon

This image showing road conditions on Georgia's interstates
was taken by Maj. Dan Miller  in the early morning hours of
Jan. 29. 2014. Georgia Guard Archives

by Maj. William Carraway

Historian, Georgia Army National Guard

On January 28, 2014, a major winter storm impacted the southeast United States dropping as much as two inches of snow across the region. The impact of Winter Storm Leon to north Georgia and the metro Atlanta counties was particularly severe. The cumulative effect of rapid snowfall accumulation coupled with a simultaneous exodus of metro commuters resulted in gridlocked roads choked with stranded motorists. Flights out of Hartsfield-Jackson airport were grounded and many local business and agencies were closed. In response, Governor Nation Deal declared a state of emergency and requested assistance from the Georgia National Guard.

Georgia Guardsmen responded throughout the impacted region within 90-minutes of the governor’s activation order. At the direction of the Georgia Emergency Management Agency, teams of national guardsmen mobilized in 50 high mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicles and cargo trucks to reach stranded motorists and deliver food, water and first aid supplies. Georgia National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk utility helicopters were also used for aerial resupply missions.

ATLANTA, Jan. 30, 2014  – Georgia Army National Guard Soldiers Sgt. Luke
Wilkins, a combat medic (left), and Sgt. Chastidy Guinyard, a unit career
counselor, both with the Marietta-based 248th Medical Company, ready fuel
containers to help stranded motorists who ran out of gas during Winter Storm Leon.
Ga. National Guard photo by Sgt. Michael Uribe

Across the state, Guardsmen opened the doors of their armories to provide shelter for motorists and staging areas for first responders. Working with the Georgia State Patrol, the Guardsmen assisted nearly 5,000 stranded motorists and evacuated nearly 100 school children from school buses.

Major General Tom Carden, Georgia’s Adjutant General, recalled the mobilization effort.

“The key to success was the ability to move the requisite personnel and equipment as quickly as possible to achieve the desired effect,” said Carden. “Assisting our fellow citizens is one of the most gratifying missions we can perform.”

Through January 31, the Georgia Guard distributed nearly 2,500 bottles of water and meals, more than 1,660 blankets and assisted first responders on nearly 100 emergency calls.

Since Winter Storm Leon, Georgia Guardsmen have responded in the wake of Winter Storm Pax and Hurricanes Matthew, Irma and, most recently, Michael. Five years to the date after Winter Storm Leon, the Georgia Guard prepared to respond in the wake of a winter storm advisory, but the resulting weather effects were far less severe than predicted.

Maj. Gen. Thomas Carden Sworn in as Ga.’s 43rd Adjutant General

Thomas Carden as a second lieutenant in 1989 and a major general 30 years later.
Photos courtesy of Maj. Gen. Carden and TSgt. Shaleata Johnson

By Maj. William Carraway

Historian, Georgia Army National Guard

Long-time Georgia Army National Guard Soldier Maj. Gen. Thomas Carden became the 43rd Adjutant General of the Georgia Department of Defense Jan. 26, 2019 during a ceremony at the Clay National Guard Center in Marietta, Ga. Carden, who enlisted as a private in the Ga. ARNG in 1986 was appointed by Gov. Brian Kemp to succeed Maj. Gen Joe Jarrard.

Governor Brian Kemp transfers the colors of the Georgia Department of Defense
from Maj. Gen. Joe Jarrard to Maj. Gen. Tom Carden signifying Carden’s assumption
of duties as the 43rd Adjutant General of Georgia Jan. 26, 2019 at the Clay National
Guard Center in Marietta. Georgia National Guard Photo by Maj. William Carraway

“This solemn occasion represents the passing of the torch from a man of great integrity… to another in whom I have the utmost confidence and respect,” said Gov. Kemp.

Major Gen. Thomas Carden’s career began in the Georgia National Guard in 1986 when he enlisted as an infantry private. Three years later, Carden was commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant by the Georgia Military Institute. Since then he has advanced through the ranks and achieved positions of ever-increasing responsibility from company to brigade command as well as senior staff positions. In 2005, Carden deployed to Iraq as the effects coordinator for the 48th Infantry Brigade. Earlier this month, the 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team deployed to Afghanistan as part of its fourth overseas combat deployment since Sept. 11, 2001.

Lieutenant Colonels Thomas Carden and Randall Scott Carter with the 48th
Infantry Brigade in Iraq in 2005. Georgia Guard Archives.

In January 2015, Carden was selected to command the Georgia Army National Guard and served as the Georgia’s Assistant Adjutant General-Army, its 14th since the position was created by the passage of the Georgia Military Forces Reorganization Act of 1955. On September 15, 2017, Carden was appointed to serve as deputy commanding general, Multi-National Division, Southeast, headquartered in Bucharest, Romania.

Major General Tom Carden, 43rd Adjutant General of Ga., presents his
former commander, Maj. Gen. Daniel Petrescu, commander of Headquarters
Multinational Division Southeast, with an award for outstanding leadership. 
Petrescu traveled from Romania to attend Carden's assumption of
command ceremony Jan 26, 2019. Ga. National Guard
Photo by Maj. William Carraway

“I am very pleased our military leadership at the national level has recognized what we in Georgia already know, and that is the outstanding abilities of General Tom Carden,” said Governor Nathan Deal reacting to Carden’s appointment in 2017. “His service to our state and nation has been exemplary and I look forward to seeing his leadership impact our total force as well as that of our NATO allies.”

Carden follows the successful tenure of Maj. Gen. Joe Jarrard who departs to serve as deputy commanding general for Army National Guard, U.S. Army Europe. Jarrard served as Assistant Adjutant General-Army for the Ga. ARNG from October 2011 to January 2015 when he was sworn in as the 42nd Adjutant General of Georgia 

“Major General Joe Jarrard, I commend your years of service as Georgia’s Adjutant General,” said Kemp. "You have led this command with humility and strength. I would also like to commend Susan for her great service and sacrifice as well.”

Symbolizing the change of command, Maj. Gen. Jarrard transferred the Ga. DoD colors to Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, who in turn, entrusted them to Carden.

Speaking before an American flag which spanned the width of the stage, Gov. Kemp praised the efforts of the Ga. DoD under Jarrard’s leadership.

“I am humbled by your service,” said Kemp. “In the wake of a devastating storm, you are ready to serve. You ensure peace and prosperity for all our citizens… We are forever indebted to you and to those great leaders who lead you.”

Major General Joe Jarrard delivers farewell comments upon
relinquishing command of the Ga. DoD to Maj. Gen. Tom Carden
Jan. 26, 2019 at the Clay National Guard Center in Marietta.
Ga.National Guard Photo by Maj. William Carraway

Jarrard thanked the many distinguished visitors in attendance and recounted contributions made by civic and military leaders to the Ga. DoD. He also recognized the service of the nearly 3,000 Georgia Guard Soldiers and Airmen who are currently mobilized for the war fight and thanked the assembled members of the Ga. DoD.

"While it is bittersweet to leave all of you, Susan and I know you are getting an even better command team,” said Jarrard. "(Major General) Tom and Charlene Carden along with Kendall and Kyle are a wonderful family who will make the team even better. They have long been an integral part of the Ga. Guard family and we are so glad to welcome them back.”

Jarrard evoked the boars’ head symbol of the Ga. DoD in his closing statement.

“The boars head is symbolic of three things: hospitality… courage and ferocity…,” said Jarrard. "When action is necessary, your Georgia Guard acts with ferocity. I will be a Georgia Guardsman for life, and it has been the honor of a lifetime to have served as your adjutant general.”

In his remarks, Carden sounded a familiar theme of leadership, describing the Ga. DoD as a leadership factory.

“I am honored, humbled and completely fired up to be here today,” said Carden. “As I look across the room, I see mentors who go back decades. Men and women who serve a cause larger than themselves. I am inspired and honored to be in the same room with you.”

Maj. Gen. Thomas Carden presents Mrs. Susan Jarrard with the 

Georgia Commendation Medal Jan. 26, 2019. Mrs. Jarrard was 
recognized for her continuous service to the men and women 

of the Georgia DoD. photo by Spc. Tori Miller.

Carden praised the work of Maj. Gen. Joe Jarrard and noted that he had set a high mark of performance for him to follow.

“Most of you know that with Major General Jarrard and Susan Jarrard we got two for the price of one,” said Carden. Thank you for setting the example of servant leadership.”

In his first official act as adjutant General, Carden presented Maj. Gen. Jarrard with the Oglethorpe Distinguished Service Medal.  Susan Jarrard was presented with the Georgia Commendation Medal for her dedication and service to the Ga. DoD.

Carden concluded his remarks by sharing his three priorities: people, people and people.

“I have learned over the past 33 years in uniform that if we take care of our Soldiers, Airmen their families and employers they will absolutely crush the mission,” said Carden. “We will provide ready forces to the governor when our neighbors are in need. We will also provide the president with capable, physically fit and lethal combat formations on the ground and in the air ready to fight and win America’s wars.”

As commander of the Ga. Army National Guard, then Brig. Gen. Carden
brings his message of the Ga. Guard as a leadership factory to Soldiers of the
1st Squadron, 108th Cavalry Regiment during the 48th Infantry Brigade Combat
Team’s eXportable Combat Training Capability rotation at Fort Stewart in 2017.
Many of the Soldiers are now serving in Afghanistan. Ga. National Guard
photo by Capt William Carraway

A Look Back at the Tenure of the Ga. DoD’s 42nd Adjutant General: Maj. Gen. Joe Jarrard

Maj. Gen. Joe Jarrard, Georgia's 42nd Adjutant
General. Georgia Guard Archives

by Maj. William Carraway

Historian, Georgia Army National Guard

Introduction

The tenure of an adjutant general of a National Guard state is like a chapter in an organization’s history. Thus, we may liken the history of the Georgia Guard to a book with 42 chapters, the last of which concluding with the tenure of Maj. Gen. Joe Jarrard. As we prepare to welcome Maj. Gen. Tom Carden as the 43rd Adjutant General of Georgia it is appropriate to take a look back over the four-year tenure of our 42nd Adjutant General.

Background

Jarrard graduated from the North Georgia College and State University in 1988 and was commissioned a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. He served in numerous duty assignments and in 2003 deployed as the executive officer of the 3rd Battalion, 27th Field Artillery Regiment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom during which his unit supported the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force. Jarrard again deployed to Iraq in 2005 as the deputy commander of the 18th Field Artillery Brigade (airborne). During this deployment, Jarrard served as the deputy effects coordinator and chief of assessments for the 101st Airborne Division. 

Governor Nathan Deal presides over the promotion of Maj. Gen. 

Joe Jarrard, during a ceremony at the state capitol March 13,
 2017. Jarrard receives his new rank from Deal and Susan Jarrard.

Ga. National Guard photo by Capt. William Carraway 

Jarrard retired from the U.S. Army in April 2009 as a Lieutenant Colonel. From August 2009 to September 2011 he worked in Afghanistan with the Counterinsurgency Advisory and Assistance Team. On Sept. 23, 2011 he was appointed by Governor Nathan Deal to serve as the Assistant Adjutant General-Army with the rank of brigadier general. Jarrard was appointed Georgia’s 42nd Adjutant General January 11, 2015. On March 13, 2017 at the state capitol Jarrard was promoted to major general during a ceremony presided over by Governor Nathan Deal.

Force Structure

Cumming, Ga. Sept. 14, 2013 – Brigadier Gen. Joe
Jarrard,  speaks at the dedication of  the Cumming
Regional Readiness Center, home of the 560th Battlefield
Surveillance Brigade. Georgia National Guard
photo by Capt. William Carraway

When Jarrard assumed the office of TAG-Ga., the Ga. DoD was comprised of approximately 15,000 Guardsmen, State Defense Force volunteers and state and federal employees. This number remained largely consistent throughout Jarrard’s term despite a whirlwind of force structure changes that had been mandated by the Department of Defense before he took office. Nine Georgia Army National Guard units were inactivated from 2015 through fiscal year 2018. Among these were the historic 265th Regional Support Group, the 560th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade and many of its subordinate units. These losses were balanced by the addition of new units and new capabilities. 

With the addition of the 3rd Battalion, the 121st Infantry Regiment was returned to its World War I strength for the first time since 1968. Georgia became one of the first guard states to field a cyber protection team and specialty units such as the 560th Battlefield Coordination Detachment, 3rd ID Main Command Post Operational Detachment and 648th Military Engagement Team increased the Georgia Guard’s interoperability with active forces. In the coming year, Georgia Guardsmen will fill the ranks of the new 1st Battalion, 54th Security Force Assistance Brigade and the 201st Regional Support Group will welcome the addition of a chemical, biological, radiation and nuclear response unit.

MACON, Ga., December 3, 2016 - Senior leaders of the Ga. Army National Guard
inspect the assembled Soldiers of the 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team during the
brigade's change of command ceremony at the Macon Readiness Center.
Ga. National Guard photo by Capt. William Carraway 

In 2016, The 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team was selected to participate in the US Army strategic pilot program associating Guard and active units.  Under the pilot program, the 48th IBCT entered into an associated unit relationship with the 3rd Infantry Division, culminating in the brigade’s deployment to Afghanistan in December 2018 and January 2019.

The Ga. Air National Guard’s 165th Airlift Wing received four of its 12 Outstanding Unit Awards from 2015 to 2018. During that time frame, the 116th Air Control Wing added four Outstanding Unit Awards bringing its total to 21, more than any other unit in the United States Air Force.

MIHAESTI ROMANIA, July 15, 2017 – Major General Joe Jarrard, and Staff Sgt. Kris Hubbock of the 150th Provost Company, 1st Regiment, Royal Military
Police share a laugh at the tactical operations center of the 648th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade during Exercise Saber Guardian in Valcea, Romania.
Georgia Army National Guard photo by Capt. William Carraway 

Overseas Service

Nearly 3,000 Georgia Army National Guard Soldiers representing all five brigades deployed from 2015 to January 2019 culminating with the 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team’s five overseas deployment of the modern era. More than 2,060 Airmen of the Ga. Air National Guard deployed in support of overseas contingency operations to every geographic command during Maj. Gen. Jarrard’s tenure as TAG. Airmen of the 116th Air Control Wing and 165th Airlift Wing remained in constant demand providing aircraft and personnel to combatant commanders on five continents. In 2015, the 116th Air Control Wing surpassed 100,000 combat mission hours flying the unique Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System. 

In 2015, the 116th Air Control Wing surpassed 100,000
combat mission hours. Georgia Air National Guard photo by
Senior Master Sgt. Tom McKenzie

Georgia Guardsmen spanned the globe conducting overseas development training in Jordan, Germany, Korea, Romania, and the Country of Georgia among other destinations. The Ga. DoD’s successful 22-year state partnership with the Country of Georgia was instrumental in the Department of Defense’s decision to award Georgia with a second state partner in 2016. The Ga. DoD entered into a partnership program with Argentina which has proven mutually beneficial.

Serving Georgia

The Ga. National Guard Youth ChalleNGE program graduated nearly 3,500 students from 2015 to 2018 and added a third campus in Milledgeville, Ga. Units of the Georgia Guard provided capabilities and personnel in support of domestic operations such as Patriot Bandoleer and supported South Carolina following heavy rains in 2015. The Ga. Air National Guard’s Air Dominance Center hosted several iterations of Exercise Sentry Savannah, a premier training event for fourth and fifth generation fighter aircraft training and integration

In October 2016, the Ga. Guard responded following Hurricane Matthew. More than 2,000 Georgia Guardsmen and 200 State Defense Force Volunteers responded from Savannah to St. Marys Georgia. The following year, more than 9,000 Guardsmen and agency partners participated in Vigilant Guard 2017, a hurricane readiness exercise hosted by the Ga. Guard in March. Just months later, the Georgia Guard responded in the wake of Hurricane Irma.

BRUNSWICK, Ga. Sept. 12, 2017 – Georgia Army National Guard Sgt. Caitlin Taylor of the 179th Military Police Company provides a mission report to
Maj. Gen. Joe Jarrard, Georgia’s Adjutant General. The 179th MP Company is working with first responders in Glynn County, Ga. following Hurricane Irma.
Georgia National Guard photo by Capt. William Carraway 

In 2018, nearly 1,000 Soldiers, Airmen and State Defense Force volunteers mobilized to Georgia’s southwest counties following Hurricane Michael. For fifteen days, Georgia Guardsmen from nearly 40 units supported operations at points of distribution for relief supplies, conducted route clearance and supported local agencies and first responders in recovery efforts. Ga. SDF Volunteers provided crucial support to points of distribution and augmented emergency operation centers from the Clay National Guard Center to the southern-most counties of Georgia.

 Jarrard traveled constantly as Adjutant General whether meeting with senior Army leaders at the pentagon or visiting Soldiers at annual training as seen here
Sept 29, 2015 at Fort Stewart speaking with Soldiers of Battery C, 1st Battalion, 118th Field Artillery Regiment.
Georgia National Guard photo by Capt. William Carraway.

As Maj. Gen. Tom Carden prepares to accept the responsibility as Georgia’s 43rd Adjutant General, he is receiving a Ga. DoD with more local impact, more state economic impact and more international impact than previous TAGs. This is due in no small part to the leadership and vision of Georgia’s 42nd Adjutant General. 

Major General Joe Jarrard  congratulates Charlie Westrip on his first-place finish in the male 7-10 year category in the sixth annual Assault on Kennesaw
Mountain 5K Sept. 30, 2017.  Photo by Capt. Charles Emmons

To view and download images from Maj. Gen. Jarrard's tenure as TAG visit the Ga. DoD Flickr album at https://www.flickr.com/photos/ganatlguard/albums/72157627658770637

The Brief History of the Ga. ARNG’s 286th Infantry Battalion

The 286th activation ceremony was the cover story of the
Jan. 1954 edition of the Georgia Guardsman Magazine

by Maj. William Carraway

Historian, Georgia Army National Guard

On January 11, 1954 Headquarters and Headquarters Company of the 286th Infantry Battalion was activated and federally recognized during a ceremony at the unit’s Dublin Armory. The 286th, commanded by Lt. Col. William Crowley of Dublin, became the 104th Ga. Army National Guard unit activated since the reorganization of National Guard forces following World War II.[i]

The activation ceremony was the culmination of years of effort by the Georgia Guard and citizens of Dublin. National Guard Bureau authorized the organization of the 286th in correspondence dated Oct. 15, 1953, but the authorization did not prescribe the location of the unit. The American Legion Post in Dublin led the way in sponsoring the effort to bring the unit to Dublin providing space and furniture for class rooms and an orderly room. Contributions from citizens and businesses raised enough money to build a supply room and arms room onto the existing American Legion Hall. Local Soldiers of the Ga. ARNG donated time and effort constructing facilities to house the 286th.

Murray Chappel, commander of the Dublin American Legion
(left) stands with recruits from Dublin High School's football
team.  Georgia Guard Archives

 One week prior to the activation of the 286th, Col. Charlie Camp the Assistant Adjutant General of Georgia and several members of headquarters staff and representatives from the 48th Infantry Division traveled to Dublin to welcome and process recruits. Public Affairs Officer and future Assistant Adjutant General – Air Lt. Col. (later Brig. Gen) Homer Flynn and Capt. (later Col) Doug Embry interviewed recruits and photographed the preparatory activities. Long-time Warrant Officer Joseph G. Strange and Maj. (Later Col.) Robert Baird represented the adjutant’s office for the state and 48th Infantry Division, respectively. Over the next several days leading up to the activation, these Soldiers processed seventy applications and completed the enlistment packages of 40 new enlistees. These new recruits received on the spot medical assessments from Capt. George Lane, commander of the 190th Tank Battalion’s Medical Detachment.

Col. Charlie Camp's address to the recruits of the 286th is
 broadcast by WMLT Dublin. Georgia Guard Archives

Dublin radio station WMLT broadcast Col. Charlie Camp’s address to the new recruits of the 286th Infantry Battalion. In his address, Camp thanked the enlistees and their parents and assured them that the new Soldiers were taking positive first step in their military careers and had contributed to the strength of the Georgia National Guard.

On Jan. 11, 1954, 31 of the new recruits were sworn into the 286th. These charter members included five non-commissioned officers and 26 privates.

One month later, Company A, 286th Infantry Battalion was activated in Lyons, Ga. Company B was activated and federally recognized in Sandersville, Ga. April 21, 1954.[ii][iii]

Col. Charlie Camp and officers of Company A, 286th Infantry Battalion stand
with the new recruits at the unit's activation ceremony in Lyons, Ga. Feb. 19, 1954
 Ga. Guard Archives

The 286th perpetuated the lineage and honors of the 86th Chemical Battalion (Motorized) which was constituted May 4, 1943 and activated at Camp Swift, Texas May 17, 1943.[iv] The 86th served in the European Theater of Operations during World War II earning campaign streamers for Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace and Central Europe. Company B and C received the Distinguished Unit Award for actions in the Hurtgen Forest. Company C was additionally cited in the Belgian Order of the Day for actions in the Ardennes and on Elsenborn Crest thus earning the Belgian Fourragere. Company A distinguished itself in the Ardennes and was also cited in the Belgian Order of the Day. The 86th was inactivated Nov. 1, 1946 at Camp Campbell, Ky. and was reorganized Jan. 11, 1954 as the 286th Infantry Battalion.[v]

The 286th Infantry Battalion attended its first and only annual training in August 1955

at Camp McClellan, Ala. Three months later, the 48th Infantry Division was reorganized as the 48th Armor Division. The 286th was reorganized and redesignated as the 160th Tank Battalion effective November 1, 1955.[vi]

FORT MCCLELLAN, Ala. August 16, 1955 - Captain William Salem instructs the men of his command while on field training. Captain Salem commands 

Company A, 286th Infantry Battalion which is based in Lyons, Ga. Photo Courtesy of Georgia Guard Historical Archives

---

[i] “286th Infantry Bn -HM- Activated in Dublin.” The Georgia Guardsman Magazine, January 1954, 6-7.

[ii] NG AROTO 325.4 March 3, 1954 effective 19 Feb. 1954

[iii] NG AROTO 325.4 May 4, 1954 effective April 21, 1954

[iv] AG 320.2 May 1, 1943

[v] Official Statement of Lineage and Battle Honors, 286th Infantry Battalion (Heavy Mortar) Sept. 9, 1954

[vi] NG AROTO 325.4 October 17, 1955 effective November 1, 1955