Starting out in the U.S. Army Reserves Hayden began as a Private E-1. He completed his basic training at Ft Jackson South Carolina and his Advanced Individual Training (AIT) at Fort McClellan Alabama. It was at AIT where Hayden received the CHEM STAR Award for his advance knowledge in Nuclear Biological and Chemical Operations. Hayden was also awarded the LEAD Training Award for achieving maximum scores on all tests. Today the site is used to train first responders to properly handle live agents and toxic waste contaminations.

Serving in the Reserves in Grand Rapids Michigan at the beginning of Desert Shield and Desert Storm Hayden found himself in a very unique position. He was the only soldier, trained and qualified for Nuclear Biological and Chemical Operations in his entire Battalion. Three companies under the 791st Transportation Battalion or BN were scheduled for immediate deployment with over 900 men and woman with no specialist to combat the possible chemical threat from the enemy. Hayden could have stayed behind and not have been deployed, however upon hearing that units were going overseas without a trained and certified Chemical specialist, this remarkable young man volunteered to be reassigned to the 180th Transportation Company where he became the focal point for any chemical threat during the entire deployment.

His innovative thinking also earned him an Army Commendation Medal for creating a new way to decontaminate a convoy that had been contaminated by Chemical or Biological Agents. He designed and constructed a mobile decontamination device for the Army. This device was adopted by the Army and versions of it were sent out to all transportation units in the theater. He created a few other innovated devices while in country and was decorated for his efforts. After returning from the war the State Legislature in Michigan proposed and approved House Concurrent Resolution No. 242 honoring him for his efforts.

Hayden also received a Presidential Citation from President George H. Bush for his part of the successful efforts of the 180th Transportation Company during the deployment.

Hayden took a commission with Georgia Department of Defense in April of 2004 and immediately assumed company command. He has been a Company Commander, Battalion Commander and now serves in 1st Battilion as the Executive Officer.

His service to the State of Georgia includes: Operation Lightning Rod during Operation Iraq Freedom, disaster relief efforts for Hurricane Katrina and he was recognized by the Georgia State Legislature in House Concurrent Resolution No. 2115 for his relief efforts in the recent Bartow County Tornado.

There was never a question of “if” Hayden Collins would serve, only where and when.
The “when” is now!
The “where” is Bartow County!