Members of the Georgia Army National Guard got more than they bargained for this year during their annual training. They traveled half way around the world, and thanks to their training skills, they did a world of good.
Specialist Donnie Kessler is back home in Georgia, but just weeks ago, he was in the Republic of Cameroon in central Africa.
"My specific mission was to set up pathfinder operations," said Kessler.
Every year, National Guard members attend a two week training period known as annual training. But this year, Kessler and other members of the 560th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade spent annual training in Africa, training Cameroonian military personnel how to get supplies to their soldiers by air.
"When you're out in the field for weeks at a time, you just can't walk back to your base and get food and water or medical supplies -- things like that. So, the most logical thing to do is to get supplied by air," said Kessler.
The streets of Cameroon are busy with people, but the jungle was a bit of a challenge and a machete was their best tool.
"They're not for war-fighting. They're for chopping down some of the landscape," said Cpt. Leif Rivera.
The heat was a bit of an issue for the American soldiers, with average temperatures reaching nearly 100 degrees. Sgt. Steven Ondrejech says the Cameroonians' friendliness and willingness to learn was encouraging, making the mission a success.
"If you run out of food or ammunition, water, medical supplies while you're out there, it could mean the difference between life or death -- critical skills we were teaching these guys out there," said Ondrejech.
The training was part of the United States Africa Command's mission which protects and defends the national security interests of the United States by strengthening the defense capabilities of African states.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:37 AM EDT2013-05-22 14:37:15 GMT
You've seen us handing out Good Day Gas Money for weeks now, and Gurvir and Karen have met plenty of those lucky winners in person.
You've seen us handing out Good Day Gas Money for weeks now, and Gurvir and Karen have met plenty of those lucky winners in person. But Paul turned up the heat when he enlisted the help of two actresses from the new movie Operation Heat to play a little prank on his unsuspecting coworkers.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:30 AM EDT2013-05-22 14:30:53 GMT
Does your summer road trip include mouth-watering stops at mom-and-pop eateries? Ours does, and it'll be even better with the help of a new Southern Living book!
Off the Eaten Path: Second Helpings is dedicated to finding the best meals in the south-- and it features some great restaurants right here in north Georgia. Good Day's Paul Milliken checked out two of those gems-- The Hil in Serenbe, and Weaver D's in Athens! As usual, he didn't leave hungry.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:17 AM EDT2013-05-22 14:17:14 GMT
The new season of Masterchef features a local contestant from the metro area! Jessie Lysiak is from Social Circle, and she's about to make her big debut on the hit FOX show.
The new season of Masterchef features a local contestant from the metro area! Jessie Lysiak is from Social Circle, and she's about to make her big debut on the hit FOX show. But first, she stopped by Good Day to cook us up one of her favorite recipes.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 9:56 AM EDT2013-05-22 13:56:24 GMT
Americans are known for their pearly whites, but we pay for it—and it isn't cheap.
Americans are known for their pearly whites, but we pay for it—and it isn't cheap. If you have more than one child who needs braces, you have quite an expense on your hands—but FOX 5 I-Team reporter Dana Fowle found some ways to make it a little more manageable.
This week's Good Day Casting Call is loaded with opportunities! Whether you're a jock, a hipster, or a funky-looking worker (WHAT?), there's a job on the big screen for you!
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Our own Katie Beasley is about to get hitched! She's finally finished planning her big day, and she did lots of it herself. She let us in on her DIY secrets on Good Day!
Our own Katie Beasley is about to get hitched! She's finally finished planning her big day, and she did lots of it herself. She let us in on her DIY secrets on Good Day!
Wednesday, May 22 2013 9:29 AM EDT2013-05-22 13:29:22 GMT
Summer is almost here, and that means lots of people will be hitting the roads on vacation. But before you go, don't forget to give your car a little TLC to get it ready for the highway.
Summer is almost here, and that means lots of people will be hitting the roads on vacation. But before you go, don't forget to give your car a little TLC to get it ready for the highway.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 8:51 AM EDT2013-05-22 12:51:47 GMT
Chances are your child or someone in your child's class has at least one food allergy.
Chances are your child or someone in your child's class has at least one food allergy. A study by the CDC released last week shows that one in every 20 kids is dealing with food allergies. It's a challenge, but doctors say it's important that kids get diagnosed and treated.
