Real Hero Report | August 2018 | 23
of the Georgia ARNG and Georgia’s lead researcher for the
commemoration. “The Macon Volunteers continue in service
today as the 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, which is
preparing for its forth overseas deployment since September 11,
2001.”
In nearly 18 months as part of the American Expeditionary
Force, the 151st participated in 10 engagements, and was in
contact with the enemy for 167 days. With an original strength
of 581, the battalion suffered 443 casualties including 57 killed,
mortally wounded or missing in action.
The commemoration provided a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity
for the Georgia ARNG delegation to connect with the experience
of past Guardsmen.
“All of our research objectives were met,” observed Carraway.
“We visited, documented and photographed all of the front-line
positions of the 151st from Badonviller in the southern portion of
the Western Front all the way to Sedan where the unit was in line
November 11, 1918 on the day of the armistice.”
“More importantly, the trip provided the Soldiers the
opportunity to honor those who have gone before. We visited
all 28 of the grave sites of 151st Soldiers buried in France,” said
Carraway. “It was important to us that we do so, to remember,
ago in France.”
State Partnership Program
This year, the National Guard celebrated the 25th anniversary
of the State Partnership Program. As one of the states partnering
with two of the 79 nations in the program, the Georgia National
Guard strengthens their relationships with the countries of
Georgia and new partner, Argentina, through continuous training
exercises and planning sessions.
The SPP’s purpose is to create enduring security cooperation
partnerships with National Guard partners and allies while
enhancing global security. This cost-effective program is
administered by the National Guard Bureau, guided by U.S.
State Department foreign policy goals, and executed by the state
adjutants general in support of combatant commanders and U.S.
Chief of Mission security cooperation objectives and DoD policy
goals.
On August 1, more than 3,000 participants from 13 allied and
partner nations demonstrated interoperability during the 4th
annual Noble Partner exercise in Tbilisi, Republic of Georgia.
Georgia National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 171st Aviation Regiment
attended this year’s Georgian Armed Forces and U.S. Army
Europe-led two-week exercise, providing rotary wing support
with UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters for exercise participants.
Chief of the National Guard Bureau Gen. Joseph Lengyel
said, “This enduring partnership between the state and country
of Georgia, based on mutual respect and common interests, has
enhanced the capacities of our respective militaries and deepened
our understanding and friendships between the U.S. and Georgia.”
Vice President Mike Pence spoke to participants of exercise Noble
Partner at the Tbilisi International Airport, Tbilisi, Georgia, on August
1, 2017. The purpose of Noble Partner 2017 was to support Georgia as
it conducted home station training of one of its NATO Response Force
light infantry companies with six participating nations. The 165th Airlift
Wing and units of the Georgia Army National Guard participated in the
exercise. (Georgia Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Shaleata
Christian.)
Senior Leadership from the Georgia Army National Guard participated
in several WWI centennial commemoration ceremonies which included
the Aisne Marne Cemetery, Meuse Argonne Cemetery and Croix Rouge
Farm. (Georgia National Guard photo by 1st. Sgt. Gerard Brown.)