78th Aviation Troop Command

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!!! 🎟

The 78th Aviation Troop Command Brigade Formal will be held on Saturday, 12 September at the beautiful Engelheim Vineyards.

Join us for an evening of camaraderie, celebration, and fellowship as we bring together Soldiers, leaders, families, retirees, and friends from across the Brigade. This special event is an opportunity to reflect on our accomplishments, strengthen our bonds, and celebrate the outstanding men and women who make the 78th Aviation Troop Command such a remarkable organization.

📅 Date: Saturday, 12 September 2026
📍 Location: Engelheim Vineyards
⏰ Time: Cocktail Hour at 1630 / Receiving Line 1745

Mark your calendars now and begin making plans to join us for an unforgettable evening!!

WINGS OF WARRIORS!! 🪽

Today, we had the privilege of promoting SSG Vergara, a Soldier whose impact on the Georgia Army National Guard far exceeds her years in uniform.

Over the past 10 years, she has served at the company, battalion, brigade, and state levels, earning a reputation as a trusted professional, innovative problem solver, and tireless advocate for Soldiers. No matter the challenge, SSG Vergara is known for finding a way forward and delivering results while never losing sight of the people she serves.

Beyond her accomplishments, what truly sets her apart is her commitment to others. As a wife, mother, teammate, and leader, she brings compassion, dedication, and selfless service to everything she does. Her promotion today reflects not only her outstanding performance, but also the tremendous potential that lies ahead.

Congratulations, SSG Vergara, on this well-earned promotion. We are proud of all you have accomplished and look forward to watching your continued success as you take on new challenges, including your upcoming deployment with the 245th Aviation Regiment.

WINGS OF WARRIORS!! 🪽

🇺🇸 A Career of Service Deserves a Proper Farewell

The 78th Aviation Troop Command invites our Soldiers, retirees, veterans, family members, and friends to join us as we honor 1SG John Henklein and SSG Collin Henklein during a retirement ceremony celebrating their remarkable military careers and years of dedicated service to our Nation, the Georgia Army National Guard, and Army Aviation.

Retirement ceremonies provide us the opportunity to reflect on a legacy of leadership, sacrifice, mentorship, and service. We hope you will join us in recognizing and thanking these Soldiers for their many contributions and wishing them success in their next chapter.

📅 Date: Sunday, 19 JULY 2026
⏰ Time: 1100 hrs
📍 Location: 1000 Halsey Ave, Hangar 1, CNGC

Please come help us celebrate a career well served.

Thanks to a great recommendation, we are going to start announcing milestone events happening in the Aviation Brigade ahead of time. We want to provide an opportunity for M-day personnel, retirees, and friends, to know what's going on in advance so they can plan to attend if they wish to do so. So here we go!!!

📣 Join us as we celebrate excellence and achievement!

The Soldiers and leadership of the 78th Aviation Troop Command invite our Aviation Family, retirees, veterans, friends, and supporters to attend the promotion ceremony honoring SGT Nuvia Vergara as she is promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant.

Promotion in the Army represents dedication, leadership, and a commitment to serving something greater than oneself. We hope you will join us as we recognize this important milestone in her military career.

📅 Date: Thursday, 18 JUNE 2026
⏰ Time: 1130 hrs
📍 Location: 1000 Halsey Ave, Hangar 1, CNGC

Congratulations, Staff Sergeant Vergara! We look forward to celebrating with you.

Soldiers from Detachment 1, Bravo Company, 1-169th General Support Aviation Battalion, along with supporting detachments, are currently conducting a training rotation at the Joint Readiness Training Center, Joint Readiness Training Center.

This rotation marks a historic milestone as the unit supports the first Army National Guard Mobile Brigade Combat Team (MBCT) design. Deploying three CH-47F Chinook helicopters and associated rolling stock, the team seamlessly integrated with the New Jersey Army National Guard 1-150th Assault Helicopter Battalion upon arrival. After completing Reception, Staging, Onward Movement, and Integration (RSOI), the Soldiers immediately launched into operations, participating in a 10-aircraft air assault before transitioning from the assembly area to the tactical assembly area, where they are now postured for defensive operations.

During the rotation, LTC Michael Echevarria and Command Sergeant Major Ben Nelson had the opportunity to visit the Soldiers in the field, discussing lessons learned, operational challenges, and the application of doctrine in a complex training environment.

Operating under demanding and austere conditions, these Soldiers continue to demonstrate professionalism, resilience, and teamwork. Their dedication to realistic training ensures they remain ready to answer the call whenever and wherever needed.

WINGS OF WARRIORS!!! 🪽

Last weeked at Hunter Army Airfield, I had the privilege of joining LTC Michael Echevarria, SGM Benjamin Nelson, and CPT Logan Scott in recognizing the outstanding Soldiers of the 1-169th Aviation Battalion and 935th Aviation Support Battalion.

We had the honor of presenting awards, coins, and well-deserved recognition to Soldiers whose hard work, professionalism, and dedication continue to strengthen our formation.

The Soldiers of the 1-169th Aviation Battalion were recognized for their exceptional service supporting State Active Duty wildfire response operations, helping protect Georgia communities during a critical time of need.

Members of the 935th Aviation Support Battalion were recognized for their outstanding performance during Annual Training in support of the Missouri Theater Aviation Sustainment Maintenance Group (TASMG), demonstrating the expertise and readiness that keep Army Aviation mission-capable.

We also recognized our Phase Maintenance team with command coins for their tireless efforts behind the scenes. Their technical expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to readiness ensure our aircraft remain safe, reliable, and ready whenever called upon.

Congratulations to all of our award recipients. Thank you for your professionalism, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to the mission. Your contributions make a difference every day and reflect the very best of the Georgia Army National Guard Aviation community.

SENTINEL 7

Please join us in congratulating Captain Aaron G. Geter III on his promotion to Captain as he prepares to assume command of Bravo Company, 935th Aviation Support Battalion.

Commissioned through the Georgia Southern University ROTC program in 2021, CPT Geter earned his wings as a CH-47F Chinook pilot and has already built an impressive record of service to our state and nation. From leading Soldiers in the 1st Battalion, 169th General Support Aviation Battalion to supporting critical air missions and providing relief efforts during Hurricane Helene, he has consistently demonstrated professionalism, leadership, and a commitment to serving others.

Most recently, after completing the Aviation Captains Career Course, CPT Geter has served as the Battalion S1 for 2nd Battalion, 78th Aviation Troop Command, where he continues to make a positive impact on Soldiers and the organization.

As he takes the reins of command, we are confident that his leadership, dedication, and passion for taking care of Soldiers will continue to strengthen Bravo Company and the 935th Aviation Support Battalion.
Congratulations, Captain Geter, on this well-deserved promotion and best wishes as you begin this next chapter of service and leadership.

WINGS OF WARRIORS!! 🪽

🇺🇸🚁

Yesterday, Soldiers, family members, and friends gathered to witness the Change of Command ceremony for B Company, 935th Aviation Support Battalion, as CPT Amanda M. Butler relinquished command to CPT Aaron G. Geter III.

During her tenure, CPT Butler led with professionalism, dedication, and a steadfast commitment to Soldiers and mission accomplishment. From supporting multinational operations during African Lion exercises in Morocco to leading one of the Georgia Army National Guard's aviation formations, she leaves a legacy of service, excellence, and care for those entrusted to her leadership. We thank her for her contributions to B Company and wish her continued success in her future endeavors.

As we bid farewell to one outstanding Commander, we proudly welcome CPT Aaron Geter III as the incoming Commander. A CH-47F Chinook pilot and experienced Aviation officer, CPT Geter brings a wealth of operational and leadership experience to the company. We are confident that under his leadership, B Company will continue to build upon its proud tradition of excellence, readiness, and support to the warfighter.

Please join us in thanking CPT Butler for her exceptional service and welcoming CPT Geter and his family to the B Company team!

"Passing the guidon symbolizes the transfer of responsibility, authority, and accountability from one commander to the next—ensuring the unit remains ready to answer the call whenever and wherever needed."

WINGS OF WARRIORS!! 🪽

Today, we had the honor of celebrating the remarkable career of Chief Warrant Officer 4 Amanda Shortt as she retired from the Georgia Army National Guard.

Some Soldiers are respected for what they accomplish. Others are remembered for how they make people feel. CW4 Shortt is one of the rare leaders who leaves a lasting mark in BOTH areas.

Having spent her entire military career in Army Aviation, CW4 Shortt dedicated herself to the Soldiers, leaders, and organization she loved so dearly; 78th Aviation Troop Command. Her knowledge, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to excellence earned the trust of countless Commanders, Warrant Officers, NCOs, and Soldiers throughout the brigade and beyond. More importantly, her mentorship, friendship, and genuine care for others helped shape generations of Logistics and Aviation professionals.

CW4 Shortt is undoubtedly the BEST Property Book Officer in the State. Her impact is immeasurable.

The number of people who gathered to celebrate her retirement spoke volumes. The stories shared, the laughter, and the tears were a testament to a career defined not only by service, but by the relationships she built along the way.

While her retirement marks the end of an incredible chapter in uniform, the impact she has had on Georgia Army Aviation, the Logostics community, and the Georgia Army National Guard will continue to be felt for years to come.

Thank you, CW4 Amanda Shortt, for your decades of dedicated service, leadership, and commitment to those around you. Best of luck and love to you, as you begin your next adventure.

Army Aviation will NOT be the same without you.

WINGS OF WARRIORS!!! 🪽

Today we had the privilege of recognizing Sergeant First Class Nate Carter as he retired after a distinguished military career spanning two branches of service and thousands of hours in the air.

SFC Carter''s career is impressive by any measure. From serving first in the Marine Corps, returning to military service in the Army, and accumulating more than 2,600 flight hours, he built a reputation as a trusted Aviation professional and leader. In a profession where trust, competence, and teamwork are non-negotiable, SFC Carter earned the respect of everyone who served alongside him.

But what many will remember most isn't the flight hours or the accomplishments—it's the way he treated people. SFC Carter genuinely cared about Soldiers. He believed that high standards and strong morale go hand in hand, and he worked hard to create Teams where people felt valued, respected, and proud to serve.

His leadership, mentorship, friendship, and commitment to those around him made our organization stronger and left a lasting impact on countless Soldiers.

Thank you, SFC Carter, for your service, your dedication, and the example you set throughout your career. Congratulations on a well-earned retirement. We wish you and your family nothing but success and happiness in the next chapter.

And if you were wondering about BoBo the dog, SFC Carter brought him back from a deployment overseas (through the ASPCA) many years ago. BoBo was SFC Carter's trust companion through everything. He promised BoBo that he would bring him to his retirement ceremony, but unfortunately BoBo passed away 3 months ago. SFC Carter held to his promise and BoBo was with us the whole time, overseeing the ceremony. 🫶🏻

WINGS OF WARRIORS!! 🪽