78th Aviation Troop Command

78th Aviation Troop Command Colonel Robert B. Gaston, with Command Sgt. Major Claude Ray as his senior enlisted leader, commands the 78th ATC. Our Chinooks were also busy this past year.

The 78th Aviation Troop Command Flies, Fixes, and Fuels Aircraft to provide command and control, air movement, aero-medical evacuation and air assault operations to combatant commanders on the ground around the world and here in the state of Georgia. Stationed at Clay National Guard Center in Marietta, the Georgia Army National Guard’s 78th Aviation Troop Command (ATC) is the aviation branch of t

he Georgia
Army Guard. The 78th ATC’s major deployments and redeployments in 2011 included: UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters of Detachment 1, Company C, of the 1-185th deploying to Iraq in support of Operation New Dawn; UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters of the 1-171st mobilizing in November for their second deployment to Iraq, this time in support of Operation New Dawn; and UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters of the Detachment 1, Company C, 1-111 Medevac mobilizing for deployment to Iraq in support of Operation New Dawn. The most recent aviation unit to deploy involved the UH-60 Black Hawks of Detachment 2, Company C, 1-169th Medevac, which left February 5, 2012, for deployment in Afghanistan. There, under the Army’s 49th and 29th Aviation brigades, its 21 pilots, aircrew, flight medical and support personnel, will provide Medevac support to troops now involved in Operation Enduring Freedom. Among the 78th ATC’s accomplishments in 2011 was Company C, 1-151st Service and Support’s support of Operation New Horizons in the Haiti earthquake relief efforts. On three different occasions they fought forest fires in Southeast Georgia using helicopter buckets to assist in the efforts. They also provided aviation support to the Joint Readiness and Training Center in Fort Polk, La. Additionally, the 78th Aviation Troop Command fielded four new Unmanned Aircraft System aircraft, trained the Soldiers, and deployed them to Afghanistan to support the Global War on Terror.

Please join us in congratulating Captain Aaron G. Geter III on his promotion to Captain as he prepares to assume command...
05/30/2026

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...
05/30/2026

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 fro...
05/29/2026

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 ...
05/29/2026

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!! 🪽

Today we had the honor of recognizing Sergeant First Class Clifton Marable for his years of dedicated service and the tr...
05/29/2026

Today we had the honor of recognizing Sergeant First Class Clifton Marable for his years of dedicated service and the tremendous impact he has had on the Soldiers, leaders, and organization around him.

Throughout his career, SFC Marable built a reputation as a trusted logistics expert, problem solver, and mentor. Whether supporting inspections, helping units navigate complex logistical challenges, or ensuring Soldiers had the resources they needed to succeed, he consistently put the mission and the team ahead of himself.

What truly set him apart, however, was his commitment to leaving every organization better than he found it. His influence can be seen throughout the battalion—from improved facilities, organized workspaces, and historical displays that preserve our unit's legacy, to the countless leaders and Soldiers he mentored along the way. His knowledge, work ethic, and willingness to help others have shaped the success of this battalion for years.

Many of the lessons SFC Marable taught—about leadership, professionalism, networking, and taking care of people—will continue to be passed down long after his departure. That is the mark of a true leader.

Thank you, SFC Marable, for your selfless service, your mentorship, and the lasting legacy you leave behind. Your contributions to this battalion, the Logistics community, and Army Aviation will not be forgotten.

Congratulations, and best wishes in your next chapter.

WINGS OF WARRIORS!! 🪽

Yesterday we recognized and celebrated the retirement of Staff Sergeant Ben Hunter after an incredible career of service...
05/24/2026

Yesterday we recognized and celebrated the retirement of Staff Sergeant Ben Hunter after an incredible career of service, leadership, and professionalism.

Over the years, SSG Hunter built a reputation as the kind of Soldier every organization hopes to have — steady, dependable, hardworking, and completely committed to the mission and the people around him. Whether during long TDYs, extended missions, or day-to-day operations, he consistently brought experience, humility, and quiet professionalism to everything he did.

With more than 3,300 flight hours throughout his career, SSG Hunter’s impact reached far beyond a number. Those hours represent years of dedication, trust, expertise, and countless missions accomplished while safely taking care of fellow Soldiers and crews.

But beyond the uniform and accomplishments, SSG Hunter’s greatest achievement is the respect he earned from those who had the privilege to serve alongside him. He never sought recognition or attention — he simply showed up every day and did things the right way.

We also want to recognize and thank his Family for the support and sacrifices made throughout his military career. Military service is never accomplished alone.

SSG Hunter leaves behind a legacy of professionalism, loyalty, and service that will not be forgotten. We are grateful for everything he has done for 78th Aviation Troop Command and the Georgia Army National Guard.

Congratulations on your retirement and thank you for your dedicated service. Enjoy the next chapter — you’ve earned it.

WINGS OF WARRIORS!!! 🪽

HAWK 6 & 7

Our Soldiers from the 245th Aviation Regiment recently departed for deployment to Djibouti in support of operations acro...
05/19/2026

Our Soldiers from the 245th Aviation Regiment recently departed for deployment to Djibouti in support of operations across the Horn of Africa. During this mission, they will provide critical fixed-wing aviation support in one of the most demanding operational environments in the world.

We could not be more proud of these Soldiers and their families as they answer the call to serve our nation overseas. Their professionalism, dedication, and commitment to mission success continue to represent the very best of the Georgia Army National Guard.

Please join us in wishing them a safe deployment and successful mission as they continue to make a difference abroad while representing their communities back home.

WINGS OF WARRIORS!! 🪽

05/16/2026

We made the Director of the Army National Guard's Military Appreciation video!

Marker 0:33 🚁

WINGS OF WARRIORS!!! 🪽

Please join us in congratulating Sergeant Major Benjamin Nelson, Command Sergeant Major of 2nd Battalion, 78th Aviation ...
05/08/2026

Please join us in congratulating Sergeant Major Benjamin Nelson, Command Sergeant Major of 2nd Battalion, 78th Aviation Troop Command, on his graduation from the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy today!

Completing the Sergeants Major Academy is a tremendous accomplishment that requires nearly two years of dedication, discipline, and perseverance through an intensive distance learning program — all while continuing to serve and lead Soldiers.

This achievement reflects Sergeant Major Nelson’s commitment to professional development, servant leadership, and excellence within the Georgia Army National Guard and the Aviation community.

Congratulations, Sergeant Major Nelson, on this well-earned milestone. The 78th Aviation Troop Command is proud of you and your accomplishment!

05/01/2026

As the mission begins to come to a close, COL Buck and I want to take a moment to recognize the incredible Soldiers of the 78th Aviation Troop Command who answered the call when it mattered most.

From our Aviators in the air, to the maintenance teams keeping aircraft mission-ready, to our fuelers and staff working tirelessly behind the scenes—your dedication, professionalism, and commitment to excellence made a real difference in the fight against the wildfires in Southeast Georgia.

Day after day, you stood shoulder to shoulder with our local and state partners, protecting communities, infrastructure, and lives. Your efforts did not go unnoticed, and the impact you made will be felt long after the smoke clears.

Thank you for your selfless service, your resilience, and your unwavering commitment to the people of Georgia. We are proud of each and every one of you.

WINGS OF WARRIORS!!! 🪽

HAWK 6 & 7

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Marietta, GA
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