Command and General Staff College (CGSC)

It's been a couple weeks since I blogged but I have a great reason. I've been away for military training.

I just returned from Fort Dix, New Jersey. I was there for two weeks completing the final training classes that were required to prepare me for promotion to Lieutenant Colonel (LTC).

I've been a Major in the Georgia Army National Guard for just a tad over four years now. Each step of the promotion ladder requires additional training in addition to good Officer Evaluation Reports (OER's). The training to prepare me for promotion to LTC is called Intermediate Level Education (ILE) and is provided through the Army Command and General Staff College (CGSC).
The training focused on the Strategic, Operational, and Tactical levels of war. The course was a six week course spread over the course of a year. It was divided into three parts; a two week course focusing on the Strategic level of war; eight weekends of training that focused on the Operational level of war; and the final two weeks focusing on the Tactical level of war.

I've been back in the National Guard for nearly seven years and this is the third school that I have attended in order to progress in my career. The other schools were the Field Artillery Officers Advanced Course (FAOAC) and the Combined Arms Services Staff School (CAS3). In addition to these schools I've also attended Air Assault School and completed the Military Police Transition Course in the last few years. Being a well educated officer is a must in today's military.

I know this training is valuable. I applied much of it when I commanded Service Battery, 1/214th FA (Toccoa, GA) on a Homeland Security mission and during my year in Baghdad as the Battle Major for the Third Infantry Division (3ID). I'm sure this most recent training will be extremely valuable as I move forward in leadership positions. Maybe even as your next Congressman.

Now's the Time!

Campaigning (Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend)

The day began with a quick trip to Atlanta for the DPG State Committee meeting. As a state committee member I was allowed to vote on the slate of delegates to the DNC meeting in Denver. I know many of the delegates and it was a pleasure to cast a vote for them. I know they'll do a great job.

After spending my morning in Atlanta, I headed back up to my district and straight to Banks County for the "Day at the Fort" celebration at the Fort Hollingsworth Fort in the Hollingsworth community near Alto, GA. It was a great event with lots of vintage dancing, music, and reenactments. I arrived at the fort not too long after the rain let up so I was happy I stayed dry.

I then traveled from Banks to Stephens County and the trip was uneventful until I got into the town of Toccoa. I know Toccoa pretty well since I commanded Service Battery, 1/214th FA there back in 2003 - 2004. However, the 20th Annual Poke Sallit Festival was a little difficult to find but well worth the extra time. I had heard of Poke Sallit but had never eaten any until Saturday. Boy, have I been missing some good eatin'. Throw in a little fatback, which I love, and I was in hog heaven (pun intended). The good folks at the festival said I was the first Congressional candidate that had visited them in 20 years. Maybe, I'll be back next year as a Congressman.

I left Toccoa and headed right down Big A road to Lavonia and then to Hartwell, GA in Hart County. The Cars & Guitars, Under the Stars festival was in full swing by the time I got there. I'm a car buff and it was great to see so many autos on display representing many generations of great design. I met a lot of people at this festival and we had some wonderful conversations about the economy, immigration, and Iraq. The best booth I visited was the one for the Ferst Foundation. This great group got started down in Madison, GA and it's goal is to provide a new book a month to every child under five in the counties they serve. Please help this organization in your county.

My trip back to Nicholson was eventful because I decided to take a few roads I don't normally travel. I stumbled across a great Mud Boggin' hole in Madison County and not too far down the road I had to stop while a guy herded his goats down the side of the road. Both of these made me think of the saying "American by birth, Southern by the grace of God". I'm proud as heck to be both.

Now's the Time!

Thursday night on Big A Road - Toccoa GA

I last passed through Toccoa a few weeks back when my son, Will, and I were heading to Lake Burton for a camping/fishing trip. We stopped in one of the big grocery stores on our way up to "stock up" with the good stuff two men need when they go camping. You know, pop tarts, Oreo’s, eggs, bacon, and milk. We know how to do it right.

Yesterday I was in Toccoa for the monthly meeting of the Stephens County Democrats. They had a very nice gathering at the Quincy's on Big A road. Who can complain about good political discussion combined with something as southern as the Quincy's buffet?

All the local democratic candidates were in attendance and each had an opportunity to speak. It looks like the team is working hard to field good sensible candidates in Stephens.

I spoke for about 15 minutes and then fielded a few questions. The same topics always come up; the Economy, Iraq, and Healthcare. People are hurting in this country and they want responsible leadership that will work to solve real problems. They're tired of partisan rhetoric. I spoke honestly and responsibly about solving problems. I know we have a lot of work ahead of us. We just have to begin the job immediately. I'm ready!

Now's the Time!