Capt. Mary Ford (center) passes the 856th Quartermaster guidon during the change of command ceremony on Jan. 10, 2015, in Immokalee, Fla. Courtesy photo

By Maj. W. Nathan McMillan
Headquarters, 50th Regional Support Group

IMMOKALEE, Fla. (Jan. 14, 2015) – The Soldiers and families of the 856th Quartermaster Support Company bid farewell to their commander 1st Lt. Hector Cerrato and greeted their new commander Capt. Mary Ford during a change of command ceremony in Immokalee on Saturday morning.

Cerrato, one of the original founding members of the 856th Quartermaster Company, thanked his wife, his leadership and the unit’s Soldiers for supporting him during his tenure as the company commander.

Ford, one of our newest additions to the 260th Military Intelligence Battalion’s family, joined the Florida Army National Guard in 2013 and was assigned to the 53rd Infantry Brigade Support Battalion Combat Team in St. Petersburg, Fla.

Following the passing of the colors, Lt. Col. Aaron Peck, commander of the 260th Military Intelligence Battalion and reviewing officer for the change of command ceremony, provided comments and thanked Cerrato for his service.

The ceremony was followed by a reception where family, friends and unit members enjoyed light snacks and beverages.

The Military Affairs Committee Meet & Greet honoring the 50th Regional Support Group (RSG), Jan. 9, 2015. Courtesy photo

By Maj. W. Nathan McMillan
Headquarters, 50th Regional Support Group

HOMESTEAD, Fla. (Jan. 21, 2015) – The Military Affairs Committee Meet & Greet honoring the 50th Regional Support Group (RSG) was held at the Homestead Air Reserve Base Community Activity Center on Jan. 9 with Soldiers from tenant units, local community leaders, and area businessmen and women in attendance. City of Homestead Councilwoman Patricia Fairclough presented a proclamation on behalf of Mayor Porter and the City Council to members of the 50th RSG.

Accepting the proclamation on behalf of the 50th RSG was Lt. Col. Michael Stacks and Lt. Col. Kimberly McDonald. Stacks thanked Councilwoman Fairclough and all those in attendance for honoring the Regional Support Group. In addition, Stacks explained, “It is the people of this community who make it possible for us to perform our duties and be successful. We thank you for your support.”

The evening concluded with remarks provided by local veterans’ organizations, snacks and drinks.

###

164th Air Defense Artillery Brigade’s Command Sgt. Maj. William Keefer (center) poses with the brigade’s Soldier and NCO of the Year Spc. Cesario Ramirez (left) and Sgt. Robert E. Morgan (right) on Jan. 11, 2015. Photo by Sgt. Charles Harden, HHD, 254th Transportation Battalion

By 1st Lt. Kevin Tipton
254th Transportation Battalion

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (Jan. 26, 2015) – Soldiers from across the state joined their peers at the Callaway Armed Forces Reserve Center (CAFRC) in West Palm Beach recently to compete in the 164th Air Defense Artillery Brigade’s Soldier and Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) of the Year Competition.

Each Soldier and NCO that participated was selected through battalion-level competitions to represent their units at CAFRC, Jan. 10-11. Military police, transportation/logistics, and air defense Soldiers participated and succeeded at setting a high standard to follow as participants during the competition.

Sgt. Robert E. Morgan is the first Soldier to complete the six mile ruck march as part of the 164th Air Defense Artillery Brigade’s Soldier and Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year Competition on Jan. 11, 2015. Photo by Cadet Antoinique Owens

“The skill, competence, and leadership demonstrated by the selectees fulfill a vital role at their units as they set a new standard for fellow Soldiers to follow,” said Brigade Command Sgt. Maj. William N. Keefer. “This competition, held at unit, battalion, and brigade levels, set these Soldiers apart from their peers and motivates others to achieve more by emulating these outstanding traits.”

The event, hosted and supported by the 254th Transportation Battalion based out of West Palm Beach was a particular honor for their Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Ricardo R. Roig. He said: “Through these Soldiers’ voluntary engagement in this competition, they show the precise leadership style required to succeed as a leader of Soldiers. I applaud the efforts of all the participants. I am proud to have had them join the 254th family during this drill period.”

At the end of the day, however, only one Soldier and NCO could be chosen to represent the 164th Air Defense Artillery Brigade. They were Spc. Cesario Ramirez of D Battery, 3rd Battalion, 265th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, as the brigade Soldier of the Year, and Sgt. Robert E. Morgan of Headquarters, 3rd Battalion, 116th Field Artillery Regiment as the brigade Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year. Both went above-and-beyond the standard expected of a Soldier of their ranks. They especially excelled and out-paced their peers during a six-mile ruck-march, land navigation course, weapons assembly/maintenance competition, and Army Physical Fitness Test. The event culminated with an interview by the Brigade’s Command Sergeants Major Board which selected them for their unparalleled excellence in performance.

Both Ramirez and Morgan will go on to participate in the state-level competition later this fiscal year.

###

FHQ-FL NCO of the Year competitors and unit leadership are pictured (l-r). 211th Regiment (RTI) – First Sergeant Michael Rogers, Staff Sgt. Kirsten Kieffer, Command Sgt. Maj. Brian Kendrick JFHQ-FL HHD – First Sergeant Douglas Hinrichs, Sgt. Edward Sears. Recruiting and Retention Battalion – Staff Sgt. Jason McCarthy, Command Sgt. Maj. Nick Magriplis. Photo by Maj. Jessica Polvikoski, 211th Regiment (RTI)

By 1st Sgt. Michael Rogers
211th RTI-FL

STARKE, Fla. (Feb. 3, 2015) – Non-Commissioned Officers from the 211th Regiment (RTI), Recruiting & Retention Battalion, and JFHQ-FL HHD recently joined their peers at the Regional Training Institute campus on Camp Blanding to compete in the Joint Force Headquarters Florida (JFHQ-FL) Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) of the Year Competition.

Each NCO that participated first had to compete and win at the organizational level in order to earn the privilege of representing their units at the JFHQ-FL NCO of the Year Competition on Jan. 30, 2015. The event, hosted and supported by the 211th Regiment (RTI) was an opportunity to highlight some of the very talented NCOs assigned to the Joint Force Headquarters. 211th Regiment Command Sgt. Maj. Brian Kendrick stated that “the NCOs competing to represent the Joint Force Headquarters at the state competition are some of the best and brightest we have serving in our ranks. Any one of these NCOs is capable of winning at the state-level and competing regionally.”

JFHQ-FL NCO of the Year Sgt. Edward Sears (right) is pictured with First Sergeant Douglas Hinrichs (left). Photo by Maj. Jessica Polvikoski, 211th Regiment (RTI)

Recruiting & Retention Command Sgt. Maj. Nick Magriplis, the board president, remarked on the skill and dedication of the competitors. He stated, “I commend each of you for the professionalism you have demonstrated today. It is clear to me that each of you has devoted considerable time over the past several weeks preparing for this competition. You have all represented your units in an outstanding manner.”

At the end of the day, however, only one NCO could be chosen to represent the Joint Force Headquarters against the other Major Subordinate Commands (MSCs). The board selected Sgt. Edward Sears, Headquarters Detachment, Joint Force Headquarters, as the JFHQ-FL Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year.

Sgt. Sears will go on to participate in the state-level competition that will include a road-march, land navigation course, weapons qualification, and the Army Physical Fitness Test. The competition will culminate with an interview by the Major Subordinate Command (MSC) Command Sergeants Major Board. The state competition is scheduled for Feb. 26, 2015 through March 1, 2015, at Camp Blanding.
###

Personnel from Florida’’s Army and Air National Guard complete a three-day joint Resilience course at Camp Blanding Joint Training Center (CBJTC). Courtesy photo

By Staff Sgt. Adam Richards
State Resilience Coordinator

STARKE, Fla. (Feb. 5, 2015) – Twenty personnel from Florida’s Army and Air National Guard completed a three-day joint Resilience course at Camp Blanding Joint Training Center (CBJTC) recently.

This inaugural joint training brought together a diverse group of Army and Air Guard personnel consisting of both Enlisted and Officers. The resilience curriculum provides hands-on training and self-development tools so that members of Florida’s Total Guard Family are better able to cope with adversity, perform better in stressful situations, and thrive in life.

Although the Comprehensive Soldier and Family Fitness (CSF2) program’s resilience skills’ training is mandatory only for Army National Guard members, Deputy State Surgeon George W. Horsley believes this training is beneficial to all uniformed personnel and Families. It was this belief that led to Florida’s first joint resilience training. Florida Army and Air National Guard members worked together in the three-day course to learn skills they will take back to their units to help Guard and Family Members better deal with and resolve conflicts, as well as perform more effectively in both their professional and personal lives.

Below is a link to footage from the resilience course which was shot at CBJTC’s 211th Regional Training Institute.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3w-7tfmhFs&list=UUpKLu8VkLf6vVLM6fEFXi2Q

###

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. (Feb. 6, 2015) – Col. Matthew Hearon, Commander, 164th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, with the concurrence of Col. Perry Hagaman, the Assistant Adjutant General of Florida – Army, is pleased to announce the selection of Col. Michael Perry as the Task Force Commander of the National Capitol Region Integrated Air Defense (NCR-IADs) mission. Perry currently commands the 930th Digital Liaison Detachment in Homestead, Fla.

“Col. Perry’s extensive air defense experience and past deployments, including one to the NCR as a Battalion Commander will ensure the success of this critical mission,” said Hearon.

Perry entered military service in 1988 and was initially assigned to the Florida Army National Guard’s 3rd Battalion, 265th Air Defense Artillery Regiment. An Honor Graduate during his Officer Basic Course, he has served in a range of demanding assignments within the Air Defense Artillery. These include: Commander, 1st Battalion, 265th Air Defense Artillery Regiment; Operations Officer, 2nd Battalion, 265th Air Defense Artillery Regiment; and Battery Commander A/3-265th ADA and HHB/2-265th ADA.

In 2004, he served as the Operations and Intelligence Officer Embedded Tactical Trainer (ETT) for the 207th Regional Corps Assistance Group (RCAG) in Herat, Afghanistan. In 2010 and 2011, he served in the National Capital Region as the Air Defense Battalion Commander in support of Operation Noble Eagle.

Perry is a graduate of the Command and General Staff College (ILE) and the United States Army War College with a Masters in Strategic Studies. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Aviation Management with Flight Training in 1988 from Florida Institute of Technology in Melbourne, Fla.

His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters, the Army Commendation Medal with four oak leaf clusters and a Combat Action Badge.

###

50th RSG Commander Col. Peter Kaye (right) commends Sgt. Matthew Evans from Bravo Company, 260th Military Intelligence Battalion, as its 2015 NCO of the Year and Spc. Jordan Lee from Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 146th Expeditionary Signal Battalion, as its Soldier of the Year. Photo by Staff Sgt. Nakia McCallum

By Warrant Officer Corey Walker
50th Regional Support Group

HOMESTEAD, Fla. (Feb. 6, 2015) - After three days of challenging competition, the command responsible for sustaining the Florida National Guard chose its best Soldiers during the 2015 Non-commissioned Officer and Soldier of the Year competition at Camp Blanding Joint Training Center, Jan. 11, 2015.

The competition featured Warriors from the 260th Military Intelligence, 146th Expeditionary Signal and the 927th Combat Sustainment Support Battalions. Command Sgt. Maj. Enrique Mendez, 50th Regional Support Group’s command sergeant major, said, “The competition has been a great display of hard work and perseverance among the Warriors competing in this year’s event.”

The 50th Regional Support Group named Sgt. Matthew Evans from Bravo Company, 260th Military Intelligence Battalion, as its 2015 NCO of the Year and Spc. Jordan Lee from Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 146th Expeditionary Signal Battalion, as its Soldier of the Year. Col. Peter Kaye, Commander of the 50th Regional Support Group, joined Mendez in recognizing all the participants for a job well done. Evans and Lee were awarded the Army Commendation Medal.

Both Evans and Lee will move on to the state competition scheduled for Feb. 26, 2015 through March 1, 2015, at Camp Blanding Joint Training Center.
###

By Sgt. Spencer Rhodes
107th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Feb. 9, 2015) – The 1-111th Aviation Regiment was present in full force Sunday morning at Cecil Commerce Center as the outgoing commander Lt. Col. Cecil Cauley relinquished command to incoming commander Lt. Col. Alexander Harlamor.

Lt. Col. Cecil Cauley, the outgoing commander for the 1-111th Aviation Regiment conducts an interview with a local reporter from First Coast News on Feb. 8, 2015. Cauley was highly praised Sunday for his successful and productive leadership of the 1-111th over the past two years. Photo by Sgt. Spencer Rhodes

Col. Paul Chauncey, commanding officer of the 83rd Troop Command, described the change of command as bittersweet, expressing his utmost faith and respect for Cauley who has provided honest and reliable advising throughout his tenure in the 1-111th.

“Cecil had this unique ability to differentiate between what he knew and what he thought, and as a commander, that’s a big deal,” said Chauncey. “To be able to advise your senior commander on what you know displays your competence; to be able to distinguish that from what you ‘think’ and articulate that, displays your confidence. Cecil Cauley has mastered that art.”

Cauley, who will now be serving as a transition officer for the incoming Adjutant General of Florida, has led the 1-111th through a myriad of successful missions. During the ceremony, he took the opportunity to express his personal appreciation to his unit, saying they are the reasons he has become the leader he is today.

“I want you to know my gratitude and that I had a great ride. I could not have been anything else and accomplished all I had if I wasn’t a Florida Guardsman and a member of this unit,” said Cauley.

During his tenure as 1-111th commander, the aviation regiment performed the first real medevac operations in and out of Camp Blanding Joint Training Center. It also completed and facilitated one of the first annotated National Guard brigade-level air assaults since 9/11.

Harlamor, whose career started as an enlisted Sea-bee in the U.S. Navy Reserves, has been a long-time member of the 1-111th. He said he will continue to grow with them as he leads the aviation regiment into its future missions.
###

By Staff Sgt. Valeria M. Pete
164th Air Defense Artillery Brigade

ORLANDO, Fla. (Feb. 10, 2015) – Two Soldiers with Bravo Battery, 3rd Battalion, 265th Air Defense Artillery (ADA) Regiment, in Florida have been selected to receive the 2014 Brigadier General William C. Bilo Support Forward Award. Capt. Kenneth Mays, commander of Bravo Battery, and 1st Sgt. William Carlton have been recognized for their exceptional leadership, commitment to Army values and execution of missions.

Capt. Kenneth Mays and 1st Sgt. William Carlton of Bravo Battery, 3rd Battalion, 265th Air Defense Artillery Regiment have been recognized for their exceptional leadership, commitment to Army values and execution of missions. Courtesy photo

First Sgt. Carlton has improved his battery to be the best in the brigade. His technical and tactical competence along with his confident leadership embodies the Brig. Gen. Bilo Award. Through his mentorship and involved leadership his battery has excelled in strength, readiness and overall success of Soldiers.

Capt. Mays has been recognized as the best unit commander in the battalion. By effectively leading by example and creating a command climate that is fair and disciplined, he has developed a professional environment of excellence amongst his Soldiers.

Together, Carlton and Mays have led the unit to complete the first Army National Guard ADA Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC) rotation in over 10 years. Their disciplined leadership enabled Soldiers to set a new record of confirmed and unconfirmed enemy aircraft kills during the highly challenging training rotation. They are the epitome of model Soldiers and proven leaders who exemplify Bilo’s leadership philosophy.

The Minuteman Cannoneers chartered the Brigadier General William C. Bilo Support Forward Award in 1998 in honor of retired Brig. Gen. William C. Bilo, to foster pride in Artillery heritage. The award recognizes junior leaders from the Army National Guard for outstanding contributions to the Army National Guard Artillery Community, in Field Artillery or Air Defense Artillery. The purpose of this award is to continue to encourage the exemplary service and leadership that Bilo encompassed himself by recognizing emergent artillery leaders. It recognizes Army National Guard company grade officers and noncommissioned officers in operational units whose leadership, performance, and contributions to the Army National Guard Field Artillery or Air Defense Artillery merit national recognition.

A ceremony to present the award will be held in Florida in the upcoming months with Brig. Gen. Bilo possibly in attendance.

###

By Master Sgt. Thomas Kielbasa
Florida National Guard Public Affairs

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Feb. 11, 2015) – An F-15 fighter pilot from the Florida Air National Guard will be attending an elite academic institution later this year, learning the intricacies and broad-scope of U.S. national security strategy.

Lt. Col. Paul Reedy, 125th Fighter Wing, Jacksonville, Fla., Feb. 10, 2015. Photo by Master Sgt. Thomas Kielbasa

Lt. Col. Paul Reedy from the 125th Fighter Wing has been selected to attend the National War College at Fort Lesley J. McNair in Washington D.C. He will begin courses at the year-long, in-residence program in August 2015.

Reedy said he is excited about the selection and is looking forward to program which serves as a “senior-level course in national security strategy to prepare future military and civilian leaders for high-level policy, command, and staff responsibilities.”

Reedy said the other attendees are representatives of other U.S. military organizations, foreign military and civilian agencies.
The curriculum at the National War College includes in-depth courses on Strategic Leadership, Non-Military Instruments of Power, and studies in international relations. Upon graduation Reedy will receive a Masters of Science in National Security Strategy degree.

“I think this really helps your perspective,” Reedy said. “Sometimes it is really easy to lose sight of the bigger picture, and this course puts you into an academic environment with many different kinds of people.

“When you come back to the Wing-level after something like this you have a little wider ‘aperture’ than if you just did something like this by correspondence,” he added.

Reedy, who joined the Florida Air National Guard in June 2007 after serving in the active-duty Air Force, has nearly 18 years experience as an F-15 pilot.

According to the National War College website, more than 7,500 students have graduated from the college since 1946.

“The selection to this prestigious course is really a testimony to Paul’s level of professionalism and experience,” 125th Fighter Wing Command Col. Brian Simpler said. “He follows in some pretty notable footsteps of military leaders who have attended National War College, including our own Gen. Craig McKinley who graduated from there in 1995. I’m proud he will be representing the Florida National Guard there later this year.”

###

HOMESTEAD, Fla. (Feb. 25, 2015) – Col. Peter S. Kaye, the commander of the 50th Regional Support Group, is pleased to announce that Lt. Col. Michael Stacks has been selected as commander for the 930th Digital Liaison Detachment headquartered in Homestead, Fla. Stacks is currently the Executive Officer for the 50th Regional Support Group.

Lt. Col. Michael Stacks.

“I am deeply honored to have Lt. Col. Michael Stacks as the next detachment commander. He has proven himself an exceptional leader time and time again” said Kaye. “Mike is without question a talented and dedicated leader, steeped in the Army Values, who will most certainly impact the Solders of the 930th, and with them, take that unit to the next level.”

Stacks was commissioned a second lieutenant in 1987 from the Florida Officer Candidate School at Camp Blanding. He began his officer career as a platoon leader in the 149th General Supply Company in Miami. Stacks excelled in numerous key staff and leadership positions within the 50th RSG and the 164th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, including as Commander of the 3rd Battalion, 265th Air Defense Artillery Regiment (Avenger) and most recently as Executive Officer, 50th Regional Support Group. Additionally, he served in over eight State Emergency Operations over the past 28 years.

His deployments include Operation Enduring Freedom (Kuwait) and Operation Noble Eagle (Washington DC).

Stacks is employed with the Miami-Dade Fire Department.

###

Members of the Florida National Guard’s 48th Civil Support Team practice analysis of hazardous substances. File photo

Courtesy South Carolina National Guard

COLUMBIA, S.C. (Feb. 27, 2015) – The Florida National Guard’s 44th and 48th Civil Support Teams will participate in a major disaster readiness exercise in South Carolina in March.

The two teams – based at Camp Blanding Joint Training Center and Clearwater – will join the South Carolina National Guard and state and county emergency management agencies, as part of Vigilant Guard beginning March 7. The teams will operate in the Columbia and Myrtle Beach areas.

Vigilant Guard is an eight-day field exercise held March 5-12, taking place at numerous locations across South Carolina. This exercise will test the National Guard’s abilities to support response operations based on simulated emergency scenarios such as the landfall of a hurricane, a collapsed building, widespread fires and mass casualties. The National Guard, along with local, state and federal partners will be deployed to exercise venues in Georgetown, with other sites including Moncks Corner, Spartanburg, Florence, West Columbia and Williamsburg.

“Exercises like Vigilant Guard give our Soldiers and Airmen a chance to hone their skills and work with our community partners to respond to any crisis our state may face,” said Maj. Gen. Gregory W. Batts, Assistant Adjutant General for the South Carolina National Guard, who will be in the role as the dual-status commander during Vigilant Guard. “Our state has the potential for many threats, including earthquakes, tornadoes, floods, and hurricanes.”

Batts added that people in South Carolina will see an increase in military equipment moving along roads and interstates, as well as rotary aircraft flying during the exercise. The last time South Carolina held a Vigilant Guard exercise was in 2008, when participants responded to a simulated earthquake event in the Beaufort area. This year’s Vigilant Guard exercise will focus on interagency relationships and response measures during a severe weather event, primarily a category 4 hurricane striking the coast, much like Hurricane Hugo did in 1989.

Vigilant Guard is a Joint Regional Training exercise program sponsored by U.S. Northern Command in conjunction with the National Guard Bureau. The exercise provides the National Guard an opportunity to improve cooperation and relationships with its regional civilian, military and federal partners in preparation for emergencies and catastrophic events.

More than 2,000 S.C. Soldiers, Airmen and State Guard members are supporting this exercise, including National Guard units from neighboring states of Georgia, North Carolina, Florida and Virginia. The South Carolina Emergency Management Division, county emergency management agencies, first responders and volunteers will have more than 5,000 participants.

“We appreciate the support from the community during this training period,” said Batts. “We could not execute Vigilant Guard without the commitment and dedication of the counties, state agencies and volunteers.”

###

Admiral Bill Gortney, Commander of NORAD U.S. Northern Command, talks with Florida Air National Guard members at the 125th Fighter Wing, Feb. 28, 2015. Photo by Master Sgt. Jaclyn Lyons

By Master Sgt. Jaclyn Lyons
125th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Feb. 28, 2015) – “Leadership is a people thing. If your Airmen are your greatest resource, then you need to take care of them, give them opportunities to inspire and lead. You need to take them from where they are now to a different place,” explained Brig. Gen. Marcus Jannitto, Director of the Air National Guard’s Commander Development Course, this weekend at the 125th Fighter Wing.

The 125th Fighter Wing hosted a Mini-Commander’s Development Course Friday and Saturday for members of the Florida Air National Guard (FLANG). The course was kicked off by Jannitto and featured guest speakers ranging from members of the FLANG to the Command Chief Master Sergeant of the Air National Guard, Chief Master Sgt. James Hotaling, and culminated with remarks from Admiral Bill Gortney, Commander of NORAD U.S. Northern Command.

Florida Air National Guard senior leaders talk with Airmen during the Mini-Commander’s Development Course at the 125th Fighter Wing, Feb. 28, 2015. Photo by Master Sgt. Jaclyn Lyons

The course was a shorter version of the ANG Commander’s Development Course, which is two weeks long in Washington D.C. for every new wing and group commander, and was open to staff sergeants all the way up to colonels from the Fighter Wing. This was the first time a class like this had been offered at the base and it gave a renewed perspective on leadership by featuring speakers from across the Air Force, with both enlisted and officer perspectives as well as localized and higher headquarters perspectives.

Staff Sgt. Kelsey Brunson was one of the youngest Airmen in attendance, but took full advantage of being able to listen to senior leaders speak about their leadership experiences and philosophies.

“It’s a great opportunity for me because I have only been in a position of leadership for a few months. So to be able to take their advice and guide the Airmen I am now in charge of is a privilege. I am learning how to be a leader and set long term goals for my future with the Air National Guard” Brunson said.

The topics covered ranged from Inspector General “lessons-learned,” ethics and leadership, enlisted leadership perspective, what it means to be a leader, and Admiral Gortney’s attributes for success.

One of the highlights of the course was being able to listen to Gortney’s leadership perspective. His sentiments on the foundation of leadership and success echoed the speakers before him. His tips for success are: integrity; trust; courage; judgment; passion; excellence; balance; and service. Each of these things builds upon each other and come together to create a well-rounded leader. In addition to those things, when asked what traits he thought were most important as a leader he responded with humility and humor.

One point remained constant in all the presentations: that the American Airman is the Air Force’s greatest resource. Chief Hotaling stressed the value of the Airman, no matter their rank or position. He went on to point out how every Airman has a leadership role, whether it is managing people, excelling at their job, or simply representing the profession of arms.

“As resources decrease, the value of our Airmen only increases,” Hotaling said. “No matter what level of leadership you’re at, you have the power to be empowered. No matter where you are in your organization, you are empowered to make change.”
###

PINELLAS PARK, Fla. (March 4, 2015) – Col. Rafael Ribas, Commander 53rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, has announced the selection of Lt. Col. Jerry B. Glass as the new Commander of 2nd Battalion, 124th Infantry Regiment.

Glass graduated from Army ROTC at University of Florida where he received his commission in August 1996. In June 1997, he was assigned as a platoon leader in the 2nd Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division in Fort Bragg, N.C. In October 1999, Glass transitioned from active duty to the Florida Army National Guard where he joined 2nd Battalion, 124th Infantry Regiment. For the next eight years, he served in numerous leadership positions within the battalion to include platoon leader and company executive officer. In 2002, Glass took command of company C and, in January 2003, was alerted and deployed to Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom. During the 14-month deployment, Company C executed combat operations in support of multiple higher headquarters, most notably executing the berm breach into Iraq with 5th Special Forces Group. Upon the unit’s return to Florida in 2004, Glass took Command of Company D, the Battalion’s anti-armor company. During that summer, the company deployed in response to four major hurricanes that hit the state. His other assignments in the battalion included battalion S4 and assistant S3. In 2007, Glass took a full-time position in the AGR program as the 53rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team’s assistant training officer and the brigade plans officer. Glass returned to 2-124 IN in 2008 as the battalion S3 just in time to begin planning for the battalion’s pre-mobilization and eventual deployment to Iraq in 2010. As the battalion operations officer in Iraq, he was responsible for overseeing the convoy escort mission the battalion was tasked to complete. During the deployment, he was selected to become the executive officer for 2nd Battalion, 124th Infantry. Upon return from deployment, Glass became the executive officer for the 53rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion and full time OIC for the battalion’s AGR staff.

Glass is a graduate of the: Infantry Officers’ Basic Course; Infantry Captains’ Career Course; Combined Arms Exercise Course; Intermediate Level Education, Advanced Operators’ Warfighting Course; the U.S. Army War College’s Defense Strategy Course; and the National Defense University’s Advance Joint Professional Military Education Course. In addition to being an infantry officer he holds the additional skill identifier for Joint Planner and Strategist. Glass has a Bachelor of Science Degree in AgEconomics from University of Florida and a Master’s of Agricultural Business degree also from the U University of Florida.

He has earned many decorations in his 19 years of service to the Army and Florida Army National Guard to include the: Bronze Star; Meritorious Service Medal; Army Commendation Medal; Army Achievement Medal; Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; Iraqi Campaign Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal; Armed Forces Reserve Component Medal; and the Meritorious Unit Citation.

Additionally, Glass has earned the Expert Infantry Badge, Combat Infantry Badge, Pathfinder Badge, and Senior Parachutist Badge.

Glass works full-time for the Florida Army National Guard as the G35, and resides in Tarpon Springs, Fla. On March 13 he will be replacing the outgoing commander Lt. Col. George V. Brown Jr., who has served as the Commander for 2nd Battalion, 124th Infantry Regiment since 2011.

###

Adjutant General of Florida Maj. Gen. Emmett Titshaw Jr. (left) congratualtes retiring Command Chief Warrant Officer David Smith during a retreat ceremony at the Florida National Guard Headquarters, March 13, 2015. Photo by Master Sgt. Thomas Kielbasa

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. (March 13, 2015) – Command Chief Warrant Officer of the Florida Army National Guard David Smith was honored this afternoon at the St. Francis Barracks as he retires after more than 30 years of military service.

Adjutant General of Florida Maj. Gen. Emmett Titshaw presented Smith with the Legion of Merit and the Florida Cross during a command retreat on Patriot Field.

Smith is a Master Army Aviator, Standardization Pilot and Instrument Flight Examiner in four different military aircraft in rotary and fixed wing categories. He has accumulated more than 6,200 hours of accident and incident free flight hours. In addition to his military aircraft qualifications, he holds 7 FAA pilot and flight instructor ratings and is qualified in 13 different civilian aircraft in both fixed wing and rotorcraft categories.

He enlisted into the Florida Army National Guard in November 1981in Battery C, 116th Field Artillery. In 1986 he transferred into Florida Army National Guard aviation and was assigned as an Aircraft Power Plant Mechanic. In 1989, he applied and was accepted to Warrant Officer Flight Training. During his aviation career Smith served in a variety of positions including Supervisory Instructor Pilot, Instrument Examiner, Safety Officer, State Standardization Officer and Commander. Additionally, he served two overseas tours in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

He currently serves as a contract pilot supporting Operation Resolute Support in Afghanistan.

###

STARKE, Fla. (March 26, 2015) – Florida National Guard Special Forces recently conducted a Special Forces Readiness Evaluation(SFRE) drill for Soldiers who are currently training with the unit’s Non Qualified Personnel (NQP) program.

Special Forces candidates practice rope climbing techniques prior to Obstacle Course testing, March 2015, at Camp Blanding Joint Training Center. Courtesy photo

The 3rd Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group, held the assessment on March 13-15 at Camp Blanding Joint Training Center for interested candidates to attend and compete against fellow Florida National Guard members for limited slots to the Special Forces Assessment and Selection Course. The SFRE’s events included: an APFT; Special Forces introduction briefing; foot care; ruck packing; and knots/lashings classes; distance run; team evaluation event; swim test; and a distance ruck March.

Throughout the duration of the drill candidates experienced both physically and mentally taxing scenarios that many hadn’t previously experienced in their military careers. The NQP program is designed to stress potential candidates to ensure the best candidates are selected for follow on Special Forces Training.

The cadre also strived to provide a unique experience and one in which candidates can take back learned knowledge and share with their units.

Of the 13 candidates that attended the SFRE, five were selected to attend SFAS and seven were invited to attend the Special Forces Candidate Preparation Drill (SFCP) in May.

###

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. (March 19, 2015) - Maj. Gen. Emmett R. Titshaw Jr., the Adjutant General of Florida, is pleased to announce the selection of CW5 Jerry Dedge as the Command Chief Warrant Officer of the Florida National Guard.

“Maj. Gen. Calhoun has selected an outstanding leader who brings a wealth of experience into this position,” Titshaw said. “Chief Dedge has the background and skill to keep our Warrant Officer Corps the best in the nation.”

Dedge entered military service in 1979 as a Cavalry Scout with the 2nd Squadron 11th Armored Cavalry, U.S. Army, Bad Kissingen, Germany. In 1981, he left active service and joined the Florida Army National Guard as an Aero Scout Observer with Company D, 26th Aviation Battalion. CW5 Dedge completed Initial Entry Rotary Wing training at Fort Rucker, Alabama in 1983 as the honor graduate and was appointed a WO1.

Dedge has served in a variety of key command and staff positions including State Aviation Safety Officer; State Safety Manager; State Standardization Officer, Florida Counterdrug Reconnaissance OIC; Commander, Counterdrug Aviation Detachment. He is a Master Army Aviator with more than 10,000 flight hours in the UH-1H, OH-58A, UH-60A/L, UH-72A and numerous civilian helicopters. Dedge has also served as an Instructor Pilot in the OH-58 and holds a civilian Certified Flight Instructor in rotary and fixed wing aircraft.

Dedge is also a ARNG & NTSB, FAA Certified Accident Investigator and frequent instructor/presenter at the Aviation Safety Officer Course at Fort Rucker. He is a member of the NGB National Safety and Occupational Health Committee and the Interagency Committee for Aviation Policy (ICAP).

###

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. (April 1, 2015) - Maj. Gen. Michael A. Calhoun, the Adjutant General of Florida, is pleased to announce the selection of Command Sgt. Maj. Jeffrey Young as the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Adjutant General of Florida.

Command Sgt. Maj. Jeffery Young

“Command Sgt. Maj. Young is an outstanding leader who understands Soldiers and Airmen and has advised commanders at numerous levels,” said Maj. Gen. Calhoun. “He thrives on new challenges and responsibilities. As the Senior Enlisted Advisor the Adjutant General he will focus on the morale, welfare, and individual readiness of the Florida National Guard and strengthening our NCO Corps.”

Young entered the military by joining the Oklahoma Army National Guard on May 13, 1985, as an 11C Mortar Infantryman and was assigned to Company B, 1st Battalion, 279th Infantry. He attended Basic Combat training and Advance Individual Training at Fort Benning, Ga. He transferred into the Florida Army National Guard in 1987. Throughout his 30 year career, he has served in every enlisted leadership position, to include: First Sergeant of Company B, 1st Battalion 124th Infantry; Command Sergeant Major of 1st Battalion, 124th Infantry Regiment; and Command Sergeant Major of 83rd Troop Command. He currently serves as the Command Sergeant Major of the 53rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team; as the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Commander.

Young deployed from 2003-2004 as a company first sergeant with 1st Battalion, 124th Infantry Regiment, to Iraq. He has served on nearly every State Activation since his transfer to the Florida Army National Guard in 1987.

Young is a traditional Guardsman, and is currently employed by the Miami-Dade Police Department, Homeland Security Bureau, and is detached to the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force in Miramar, Fla.

###

From the Adjutant General of Florida, Maj. Gen. Michael Calhoun
(April 1, 2015)

Florida Guard Team,

In April, the Florida National Guard, and the Nation it serves, will observe the eleventh annual Sexual Assault Awareness Month with the theme “Eliminate Sexual Assault: Know your part. Do your part.” Eliminating sexual assault requires every Florida Guardsman be a steadfast participant in creating an appropriate culture and upholding our core values. April provides an additional opportunity for all of us to raise awareness, promote community action and encourage bystanders to intervene.

The Florida National Guard continues to combat sexual assault. We’ve made exceptional progress to include new program and policy initiatives to include improved training, enhanced climate assessments, and increased legal advocacy for victims. As we continue to lean forward in this enduring priority, all FLNG leaders must set conditions for a positive command climate. Only by working together will we achieve an environment free of sexual assault, where inappropriate behaviors are not condoned, tolerated or ignored; where bystanders intervene; where victims are supported and feel safe to report crimes; and where commanders hold offenders appropriately accountable. As the FLNG Family, we must become agents of change within our units, families and communities.

I also want to recognize the courageous survivors of sexual assault who have experienced the horror of this crime and have struggled to heal and move on with their lives. They are the true inspiration for our work and have our utmost respect.

I encourage each of you to dedicate time this month to learn more about sexual assault, so that we are preventing, not responding to these violent and despicable acts. Thank you for your dedication, compassion, and tenacity in working to eliminate sexual assault.

Our Sexual Assault Awareness Video Challenge can be found at the You-Tube Link below. Please take a few minutes and watch it. Our signed Sexual Assault Awareness Month Proclamation is attached as well.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92ukBXGyVzU&list=UUpKLu8VkLf6vVLM6fEFXi2Q

###

Adjutant General of Florida Maj. Gen. Michael Calhoun participates in the 57th annual St. Augustine Easter Parade on Sunday, April 5, 2015. Photo by Crystal McNairy

By Crystal McNairy
Florida National Guard Public Affairs

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. (April 6, 2015) – The Adjutant General of Florida participated in the 57th annual St. Augustine Easter Parade on Sunday.

Maj. Gen. Michael Calhoun, the recently installed Adjutant General of Florida, rode in a Florida National Guard Humvee the length of the route through historic St. Augustine during the afternoon parade.

Since his change of command ceremony only one week prior, this was his first official event with the city. Amid applause, salutes and cheers, thousands of people on the parade route received their first glimpse of the new Adjutant General of Florida.

The military vehicle Calhoun used was driven by Sgts. Sheila Hernandez-Ochoa and Deborah Shearer. Both Soldiers serve with the St. Augustine-based 153d Finance Detachment of the Florida National Guard.

When asked how he felt about participating in the parade, Calhoun responded, “As a new resident of the nation’s oldest city, I felt very welcome. It was an honor to represent our 12,000 Florida Guard men and women while celebrating this local tradition.”

###