3 Georgia Soldiers Killed in Afghanistan

The Defense Department says three members of a Georgia National Guard unit that deployed to Afghanistan less than month ago have been killed.

The Pentagon identified the men as 37-year-old Major Kevin M. Jenrette of Lula; 39-year-old Staff Sergeant John C. Beale of Riverdale, and 21-year-old Specialist Jeffrey W. Jordan of Rome.

Military officials say the three died on Thursday of wounds from an improvised explosive device and small arms fire near Kapisa.

(Associated Press)

48th Brigade prepares to deploy to Afghanistan

Members of the Georgia National Guard's 48th Brigade, based in Macon, have begun mobilizing to deploy to Afghanistan. The 48th is made up of smaller units spread across the state. The 108th squad from North Georgia was mobilized this week. Over the next four months several other units will be activated. About 75-percent of the Guard's 4-thousand soldiers will go to Afghanistan where they will help train Afghan national security forces. The 48th was last deployed to Iraq in May of 2005. Twenty-six of their soldiers died during that deployment.

Georgia Army National Guard in training

Georgia Army National Guard soldiers have flown to the Republic of Georgia for joint military exercises.

The soldiers are mostly from the metro Atlanta area and flew out on Sunday. They will be part of "Immediate Response 2008."

The three-week operation also provides practical training for the 48th Infantry Brigade's 1st Battalion, 121st Infantry Regiment just months before a pending deployment to Afghanistan.

Thirty-six-year-old Maj. Matt Smith of Atlanta took over command of 1-121 just last month.
The 325 soldiers are from Winder, Covington, Lawrenceville, Gainesville and Milledgeville.

The Georgia infantry battalion returned from a 12-month tour of Iraq in April 2006 and is scheduled to leave for Afghanistan next summer with the 48th Brigade to train the Afghan National Army.

Georgia Adjutant General to retire

Governor Sonny Perdue Tuesday announced that Georgia’s Adjutant General, David Poythress, will retire later this year.

The announcement came on the grounds of Naval Air Station-Atlanta in Marietta, which has been named the new home of the Georgia National Guard.

Poythress’ career of military and public service includes the U.S. Air Force, Air Force Reserve and Secretary of State. A year ago, the Macon native became the only commander of the Georgia National Guard to achieve the rank of Lieutenant General.

Perdue honored Poythress at Tuesday’s ceremony.

"You’ve been relentless in looking for a headquarters and continuing to enhance the conditions of National Guards...you’ve been loyal and faithful, and I’m grateful for your dedication and safety and security for all Georgians".

The Governor announced the promotion of Major General Terry Nesbitt.

Georgia has a National Guard force of 13-thousand troops.

Georgia National Guard gets new home

The Georgia National Guard has a new home, as it took the keys to the Naval Air Station property in Cobb County.

Two years ago, NAS-Atlanta became one of several victims across the nation of military base realingment. Since then, the question has been what to do with the property.

A group of local, state, and federal officials got together and hatched the plan for Georgia's National Guard force to move in. The Guard’s operations have been based in 25 buildings across a 30-mile stretch from Cobb to Clayton counties. Adjutant General David Poythress says the move will streamline management and training.

"I think we can do much better if we have our people together. You can meet face to face, you can just get the synergy and the energy of having smart, creative people working face to face".

Tuesday's initial transfer involves three buildings and about 20 acres. Eventually the Guard will occupy the 100 buildings and 106 acres on the property. About 15-hundred training Guardsmen will be based there. Georgia’s National Guard has a force of 13-thousand troops.