American Legion Post 57

Coweta Participates in Wreaths Across America

2011-12-08T06:39:00.001-05:00

Coweta veterans will participate in the national "Wreaths Across America" program with ceremonies Saturday.

Having its beginning in a small New England holiday wreath making company, "Wreaths Across America" has grown and now covers the entire nation, furnishing Christmas wreaths for placement on the graves of fallen warriors.

Arlington National Cemetery, for example, is provided with enough wreaths for every grave. Additionally, the program provides to other national cemeteries, communities and veterans' organizations, a symbolic number of wreaths to be appropriately used to commemorate their war dead.

Through the efforts of John O'Connor, a member of both the American Legion and VFW, the Coweta Veterans' Club receives seven wreaths each year, which are placed on the honor rolls at Veterans' Memorial Plaza at the Newnan city park at Temple Avenue and Jackson Street.

This year's ceremony will be held on Saturday, Dec. 10, at noon.

The wreath placement is a solemn ceremony, touched by the spirit of Christmas. Participants include members of veterans' and other patriotic organizations.

O'Connor, speaking for the sponsors, extended an invitation to the public to attend. "This ceremony, which remembers and honors, is also a time to reflect on all the Christmases missed by those names on the cold bronze plaques. Those departed souls, who made the supreme sacrifice, may just rest easier knowing that we wish the memory of them, a Merry Christmas."

The program will last only about thirty minutes. There will be a limited number of folding chairs available for attendees. Anyone needing more information is asked to call Dick Stender at 770-301-6076.

70th Year Remembrance of Pearl Harbor

2011-12-03T22:19:00.000-05:00

The Coweta Veterans Club, through VFW Post 2667 and American Legion Post 57 held a memorial ceremony on December 7 at McKoon Funeral Home at 11:00 AM. It was moved from Veterans’ Memorial Plaza due to inclimate weather. “It was described by FDR as a Day of Infamy,” said Ron Freese, Club Chairman. “It was also the day that brought America into the war and certainly put the nation in a fighting mood. We must not forget the two thousand plus who died in sinking ships, on airfields and in the skies. Their spirits still, and will forever, need to be remembered. We cannot let this day pass without pausing to remember what was a defeat, a defeat that drove us to eventual victory.”

The short program included a reading of President Roosevelt’s speech to Congress, declaring war on Japan. Freese made a special invitation to WWII veterans and senior citizens who have memories of Pearl Harbor Day they might wish to share. “Those who were young adults at that time can tell us more about the terror and anger experienced than any history book,” said Freese.

In keeping with a tradition born in WWII, the Veterans’ Club had coffee and donuts available at the Plaza, both before and after the ceremony.

Veterans Day: Daviston Coweta's Veteran of the Year

2011-11-11T08:59:00.001-05:00

Terry Daviston, the owner of McKoon Funeral Home in Newnan, will be honored as Coweta County's Veteran of the Year in ceremonies Friday.

American Legion Post 57 Post Commander Dick Dennis announced plans for the community Veterans Day ceremonies -- including the honoring of Daviston. For the seventh year, the American Legion-sponsored program in Newnan will feature a selected local veteran who represents a successful life and a spirit of service to community, state and nation.

Daviston, an Alabama native, served his country during the Cold War as an Intelligence Specialist in the U.S. Army. He served in Japan, monitoring clandestine radio traffic from North Korea, China and the Soviet Union.

Upon completion of his enlistment, he began working in the funeral business, eventually completing mortuary school in Kentucky. A career of funeral home management brought him to Georgia, and his purchase of the McKoon Funeral Home from the founding family brought him to Newnan.

Dennis lauded Daviston's unselfish giving of his time and spirit to causes and individuals throughout Coweta County and Georgia. "Terry gives so much to so many and it is always with anonymity. He is what I call a quiet hero," Dennis said.

"He has always been our right arm during parades, ceremonies and our participation in veterans' funerals. He has stepped up when financially distressed veterans pass away, making sure that their final rest is with dignity and honor," Dennis said.

Kiwanis, the Coweta County Development Authority and the Veterans Plaza Committee have all benefited from Daviston's involvement. He is an active member of First Baptist Church of Newnan.

Daviston shares his life with Martha Ann, his wife of 46 years, son John and daughter Tracy Piepho and three grandchildren.

"In all he does, he has not forgotten to be thankful for the service of his fellow veterans," Dennis said, describing Daviston as "the perfect combination of success and compassion for others."

The ceremonies will begin at 11 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Plaza in the city park at Jackson Street and Temple Avenue. A musical program will feature the eighth-grade chorus from Smokey Road Middle School, directed by Mrs. Denise Meacham.

As seating is usually limited, the public is advised to bring folding chairs. In the case of inclement weather, the program will be held in the chapel of McKoon Funeral Home next to the park.

Parking is also available for the ceremony at McKoon's.

The traditional Veterans Day Luncheon at the Coweta Veterans' Club, will follow the ceremony. Dennis extended an invitation to all of Daviston's friends to attend the ceremonies and share in his pride and join the post for a meal and fellowship.

Halloween Party for Kids

2011-10-27T10:33:00.004-04:00

The American Legion Family will have its annual Halloween Party for children 12 and under on Oct. 29, the Saturday before Halloween, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
They promise lots of fun, games and prizes, with face painting and costume contests for different age groups.
The American Legion is located at the Coweta Veterans Club on U.S. Hwy. 29 North, across from A&W Nursery. For information, call 770-251-6949.

Clinic for Military Veterans with PTSD

2011-10-26T21:00:00.000-04:00

Veterans who believe they may be suffering from post traumatic stress disorder were encouraged to get more information about the condition and its impact on veterans and their loved ones when the Coweta Veterans Club hosted its third clinic to benefit veterans Oct. 26 at 7 p.m.

The Coweta Veterans Club is at 130 Veterans Club Drive, off U.S. Highway 29, just north of the Hwy. 34 bypass across from A&W Nursery.

The Oct. 26 clinic concentrated on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, focusing upon the veterans who might be suffering from the emotional damage of war. This clinic included immediate family members who want to support their veteran.

PTSD is a scourge of every war in which the United States has fought but was first recognized medically for the veterans of the War to End All Wars -- World War One, noted Hank Berkowitz, local volunteer Veterans Service Officer, who is coordinating the evening events.

Today, PTSD is known to occur either immediately after a wartime traumatic situation, or even decades after military service. Either situation becomes a difficult medical issue for a veteran.

This is compounded for our current Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, who because of a small all-volunteer military force, are required to spend two, three, four or more tours in full combat situations and then cope with the resulting stress, Berkowitz said.

Michelle Lindsey-Bailey, a PTSD Trauma Specialist from the Decatur VA Medical Center, led the Oct. 26 clinic program.

According to Lindsey-Bailey, veterans are known to make every attempt to cope with this stress that can limit productivity whether in work or personal life.

Active military members have habitually covered up PTSD symptoms, rather than have any mention made in their military medical jackets that would prevent promotions or even cause their discharge, said Berkowitz. Now, there are resources available for assistance, no matter the life stage of the veteran, and greater acceptance of PTSD within active service members.

Mike Hudson, manager with Georgia State Veterans Services in LaGrange, was available to answer all VA compensation questions related to PTSD or other VA issues. Guests were urged to bring all VA related questions and or issues for discussion.

Dinner was served at 7 p.m. with the clinic beginning at 7:30 p.m.

This VA medical clinic was hosted by American Legion Post 57, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2667 and Coweta-Fayette Marine Corps League Detachment 1325. Veterans from all military conflicts were encouraged to attend this event, Berkowitz said.

Upcoming Events - Newnan ALR Poker Run / Bike Wash

2011-08-24T07:15:00.000-04:00

Clinic for Female Veterans on July 27

2011-07-07T06:38:00.000-04:00

A clinic designed for women who are military veterans was held on July 27 at the Veterans Club, 130 Veterans Club Drive off U.S. Highway 29 just north of the bypass in Newnan.

The event was hosted by the combined efforts of American Legion Post 57, VFW Post 2667, Marine Corps League Detachment 1325 and Disabled American Veterans Chapter 31 in LaGrange.

Female veterans from all surrounding counties were invited. The meeting was specifically oriented to female veterans who want to apply for VA medical benefits or seeking information regarding filing claims for service connected or non-service connected benefits.

Dottie Pridmore was the featured speaker and assisted veterans in filing for veterans administration medical benefits by completing the VA form 10-10EZ. Pridmore is the assistant supervisor at the Atlanta Disabled Americans Veterans (DAV) Office. She is a U.S. Marine Corps retired gunnery sergeant with 20 years of service. She served in Desert Shield/Desert Storm with 60 Marines under her command with all returning safely.

Hank Berkowitz, the Veterans Service Officer for all the veterans' organizations listed herein, coordinated the evening's events. He had previously hosted two other clinics for veterans and may be reached at 770-301-7594.

Dinner was served at 7 p.m. with the clinic beginning promptly at 7:30 p.m.

Happy Armed Forces Day

2011-05-21T12:10:00.002-04:00

Armed Forces Day was created in 1949 to honor Americans serving in the five US military branches: Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard.

Read more at Wikipedia.org/wiki/Armed_Forces_Day#United_States

Elections for 2011-12 Officers

2011-05-06T14:09:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to Commander-elect Dick Dennis and the new slate of officers elected for 2011-12.

The elected slate of officers is:
Commander: Dick Dennis
Sr. Vice Commander: Fred Scott
Jr. Vice Commanders: Ron Freese, Gary Ivey, John Lager, Robert Moore, John O'Connor, Dick Stender
Finance Officer: Greg Landry
Service Officer: Hank Berkowitz
Adjutant: Diane McEver
Chaplain: G.D. Hendrix
Sgt @ Arms: Jeff Carroll
Historian: Robert Moore, assisted by John Lager

Thanks to all of these comrades, along with the other nominees for stepping up and volunteering to run Post 57.

Seven Wreaths to be Placed at Veterans Plaza Saturday

2010-12-10T07:08:00.001-05:00

American Legion Post 57 participated, along with other local veterans' groups, in the Wreaths Across America program on Saturday -- placing wreaths at Veterans Memorial Plaza.

Post 57 Jr. Vice Commander Dick Stender said American Legion Post 57, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2667, the local AMVETS and representatives of the Daughters of the American Revolution and Sons of the American Revolution will be participating in the program.

"Our program will begin at noon and last only about 30 minutes," Stender said.

Veterans Memorial Plaza is located in the city park at Jackson Street and Temple Avenue -- just north of downtown Newnan.

Individuals and organizations can provide wreath sponsorships for $15 and up. Information is available at WreathsAcrossAmerica.org. Donations may be sent to: Wreaths Across America, P.O. Box 256, Harrington, ME 04643.

More details @ Times-Herald

WW II Sailor Honored as Veteran of the Year

2010-11-11T17:50:00.008-05:00

Post 27 Commander Ron Freese presents the Veteran of the Year
plaque for 2010 to WWII veteran Jim Goodrum, left
Photo by Lisa Carroll

World War II veteran Jim Goodrum was recognized as Veteran of the Year in ceremonies Thursday at Newnan's Veterans Memorial Plaza.

Goodrum, who lives in the Sharpsburg area, attended the ceremonies with his wife Elsie and daughter Linda. "I am really overwhelmed by being chosen as Veteran of the Year. By honoring me, I feel like you're also honoring every man who served on the USS Bogue with me" and "every person who has put on a military uniform in the service of the United States of America," he said.

About 450 people attended the annual Veterans Day event. Jeff Carroll, Sergeant at Arms of Alvin Hugh Harris American Legion Post 57, was master of ceremonies for the program.

The Veteran of the Year is named annually by the local American Legion Post. Current Commander Ronald Freese presented a plaque with two American flags to Goodrum.

Carroll said the Veteran of the Year program recognizes a military veteran for "their efforts both in the service and after the service." The person selected each year "becomes a proxy for all of the veterans," Carroll said.

Goodrum "went in the Navy in September of 1941," Carroll said. "He went with a group of young men" who were promised they would be assigned to the USS Atlanta.

After basic training in Norfolk, Va., Goodrum attended Navy Aviation School. While "everyone else who went with him" was assigned to duty on the Atlanta, Goodrum was sent to Newfoundland. Later, the Atlanta was attacked in the Pacific with "a tremendous loss of life," George Piner, a close friend of Goodrum, said.

Piner said Goodrum -- looking at a photograph of himself in the service -- commented that he looked a little cocky. "You're supposed to look a little cocky. You're a young man. You're in the Navy. You're ready to take on anything that may come," Piner told his friend.

The task at the Newfoundland base was to provide a "flight squadron to provide protection from German U-boats," Carroll explained. "The submarine problem was getting very scary for the United States and the Allies on the Atlantic."

There were 169 Allied military and merchant ships sunk by the Germans in 1939. The following year, the total jumped to 564 -- reaching a height of 1,321 in 1942.

Newfoundland was often brutally cold. Piner spoke of "the struggles they had to go through."

The men at the Newfoundland base provided protection for ships as far as they could, but airplanes had a limited range. "Outside the range of the airplanes, they were pretty much sitting ducks," Carroll said.

Someone in the Navy came up with the idea to "take a merchant ship and put a landing strip on top of it," Carroll said. The first ship was the USS Bogue, and Goodrum served on it.

Jim Goodrum / USS Bogue

The Bogue "could actually go out and find these submarines." Carroll said. "Because of seaman like Jim and others, we destroyed 240-plus U-boats in 1942 and 1943." The number of lost Allied carriers fell back to 579 in 1943 and to only 99 in 1945.

"He and his shipmates did a spectacular job. Had it not been for the cargos getting through successfully, we'd be looking at history in a different way," Piner said.

"His assignment on the ship was a big part of getting materiel and soldiers to Germany to win World War II," Carroll said.

While on leave, Goodrum and his wife, Elsie, married. There was applause as Carroll announced the Goodrums have been married 67 years.

"After Jim served in the Navy, he went to work at Delta. He worked there 35 and a half years," Carroll said. Goodrum started as a mechanic and retired as the head of the airline's propulsion engineering department. "He was a success in the Navy and a success at Delta," Carroll remarked.

Goodrum is active in a Delta retirees group. He has been commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 2667, and a Disabled American Veterans post. Goodrum has also been president of the McIntosh Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution and treasurer of the Sharpsburg Sharpshooters, Sons of Confederate Veterans.

"Jim -- like all the other World War II men -- was part of the greatest generation," Piner reflected. He said those men grew up in the Great Depression, served their country, came home, married, had families, educated their children and built "the greatest, strongest nation the world has ever known."

"You'd just about have to pull any information about his military service out of him," Carroll said of Goodrum. "He's a quiet man, a distinguished man."

Piner described his friend as "the epitome of a sailor." Carroll said Goodrum exemplifies "a veteran who's active in our lives everyday throughout the community."

After the ceremony, a luncheon for the public was served by the Coweta Veterans Club.

More stories and pictures at Times-Herald.com

Tornow and Barron Remembered on Veterans Day

2010-11-11T15:02:00.002-05:00

Rob Tornow and Harold Barron, local veterans who died since the last Veterans Day, were remembered at Newnan and Coweta's Veterans Day tribute on Thursday.

The event was held at Veterans Memorial Plaza at Jackson Street and Temple Avenue, which was created as the result of work by a committee that included Barron and Tornow. Ronald Freese, commander of Alvin Hugh Harris American Legion Post 57, presented American flags in glassed boxes to Tornow's wife, Barbara, and Katie Brady, Harold Barron's daughter.

Jeff Carroll, American Legion Sgt at Arms and master of ceremonies, spoke of the work Rob Tornow and Harold Barron put into making Veterans Memorial Plaza a reality. "The park is the culmination of the vision of these two men and a a lot of other people in the community," he said.

Tornow and Barron were the caliber of leaders "we may never see again," Carroll said. "I hope one day to be some fraction of what they were to this community."

Local veteran Dick Stender helped put together Thursday's program at the city park, but an injury prevented his attendance. G.D. Hendrix, who has been active in patriotic ceremonies locally for years, also spoke briefly -- recognizing current and former elected officials.

Dianne Wood of the African-American Alliance displayed military memorabilia at one edge of the ceremony site.

Cadets from the JROTC program at Newnan High School presented the colors. The Atkinson Elementary School Chorus -- under the direction of Karen Moseley -- sang "The Star-Spangled Banner" and presented two medleys, one of patriot tunes and another featuring hymns of the military service branches.

John McDuffie, who is pastor of Turin Baptist Church, brought the invocation. Jim Goodrum, the Veteran of the Year, is a member and deacon at Turin Baptist.

The benediction was delivered by Winston Skinner, pastor of Mt. Zion Baptist Church near Alvaton and assistant news editor at The Times-Herald.

More Veterans Day stories and pictures at Times-Herald.com

Veterans' Day Plans

2010-10-31T03:58:00.000-04:00

For the twenty-ninth year, Newnan’s American Legion Post 57 will sponsor the November 11 ceremonies in Veterans’ Memorial Plaza. As it has since 2004, the program will honor a Veteran of the Year for Newnan/Coweta, recognizing one individual who served his nation in uniform and came home to better his community, state and nation. The honoree will be announced in the Times-Herald on November 10.

In addition, Robin Tornow and Harold Barron, who were instrumental in the construction of Veterans’ Memorial Plaza, will be remembered as a part of the program.

The program will begin at 11:00 and will be followed by the traditional community luncheon at the Coweta Veterans’ Club, from noon till 2:30 PM.

The Atkinson Elementary Chorus will again perform inspirational music that will be as big a crowd pleaser as was their routine for 2009.

Commander Ronald Freese, directing his first Veterans’ Day program, issued a special invitation to our newest veterans from the Gulf War and the War on Terrorism. "We want to make them feel welcome and to be a part of our family. Our first objective as a service organization is to take care of any and all veterans, not just the old guys. We recognize that the returning veterans of today’s conflicts have injuries that are seldom visible, but the hardships and pain are real for them and their families. We want to help."

In the event of inclement weather, the ceremonies will be held in the McKoon Funeral Chapel. Anyone having questions is asked to call the Veterans’ Club at 7-251-6949

American Legion Family Children's Halloween Party

2010-10-30T04:45:00.000-04:00

Saturday - October 30, 2010

6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

For children 12 years of age and younger

Coweta Veterans Club

(Click here for Directions)

Activities include Games, Face Painting, Costume Contest, Candy, Food & Drinks.

Come out and have some good, family fun

with the American Legion Family

Coweta Veterans Club Golf Tournament

2010-10-10T06:32:00.000-04:00

On October 10th the Coweta County Veterans Club hosted its charity golf tournament.

Entry fee was $75 per player and covered 18 holes of golf, cart, beverages, prizes, 1st place trophy and, lunch after play.

Hole sponsorships were $100. Event sponsorship was $250 and Team sponsorship was $300. Gold sponsorship was $500 and included special recognition at the event. Donations of gift certificates or merchandise are greatly appreciated and will help reduce our expenses. As always, donations in any amount were greatly appreciated.

Funds raised this year went to the Community Welcome House - A Safe Haven for Women and Children.

Vietnam Wall Stories...

2010-08-13T22:14:00.000-04:00

Post Officers 2010-2011

2010-05-30T06:37:00.001-04:00

Commander	Ron Freese
Sr. Vice Commander	Fred Scott
Jr. Vice Commander	Glenn Flake Greg Lande John O'Connor Dick Stender
Finance Officer	Dick Dennis
Adjutant	Don "Rock" Brown
Chaplain	G.D. Hendrix
Sgt at Arms	Jeff Carroll
Service Officer	Hank Berkowitz

New Scholarship for the Children of Some Deceased Veterans

2010-05-03T06:37:00.002-04:00

The children of military personnel who died in the line of duty since Sept. 10, 2001 can apply for an educational scholarship similar to the new Post-9/11 GI Bill. Benefits are retroactive to Aug. 1, 2009.

VA begins accepting applications for the Fry scholarship on May 1, 2010. For more information or assistance applying, call toll-free 1-888-GIBILL-1 (1-888-442-4551), or visit the VA GI Bill Website at http://www.gibill.va.gov/.

VA estimates nearly 1,500 children will receive benefits under the Fry scholarship program in 2010. Recipients have 15 years to use their benefits, beginning on their 18th birthdays, through their 33rd birthdays.

Eligible children attending institutions of higher learning may receive payments to cover their tuition and fees up to the highest amounts charged by a public, in-state undergraduate institution. A monthly living allowance and stipend for books and supplies are also paid under this program.

VA will begin paying benefits under the Fry scholarships on Aug. 1, 2010. Eligible participants may receive benefits retroactively to August 1, 2009, the same day the Post-9/11 GI Bill took effect.

Eligible children may be married. Recipients are entitled to 36 months of benefits at the 100 percent level.

The scholarship is named after Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry, 28, a Texas native who died in Iraq in 2006 while disarming an explosive. He is survived by three young children.

Honoring Lt. Collins - Today at 11

2010-04-17T06:45:00.000-04:00

Patriotic Cowetans will be gathering at the entrance to Forest Lawn Memorial Park this morning to show honor to fallen soldier Robert W. Collins.

Local veterans, led by Dick Stender, have organized the 11 a.m. gathering of people with flags at the Roscoe Road cemetery. The funeral for Collins, who was killed in Iraq on April 7, will be held at 10 a.m. at New Hope Baptist Church -- North Campus on New Hope Road in Fayetteville.

After the funeral, the procession will move south on Georgia Highway 85 through Fayetteville, then west on Georgia Highway 54 through Peachtree City. In Coweta County, the cortege will move along Highway 34 to the bypass and then to Roscoe Road and Forest Lawn.

Collins, who is from Tyrone, was killed in Mosul when enemy forces attacked his vehicle with an improvised explosive device, according to the U.S. Department of Defense. The first lieutenant was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team from Ft. Stewart, near Savannah.

Collins graduated from Sandy Creek High School in Fayette County in 2004 and the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., in 2008.

His family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the First Lt. Robert Wilson Collins Patriot Spirit Scholarship, c/o Bank of Georgia, 100 Westpark Drive, Peachtree City, GA 30269.

Newnan Soldiers Begining to Come Home

2010-03-28T22:04:00.002-04:00

The first major wave of soldiers from Newnan-based Bravo Company was scheduled to arrive at Fort Stewart near Savannah sometime Wednesday night.

The Georgia Army National Guard unit is returning from a year-long deployment in Afghanistan.

A few soldiers have already arrived in Georgia, and there will be at least two more "waves," said Robert Stokely, co-chairman of the Family Readiness Group for Bravo 2/121.

If all goes well, all members of Bravo Company should be stateside by the end of March.

Full Story at www.times-herald.com

World War II 'Captain' Honored for Building Coweta's Roads

2010-03-21T08:17:00.001-04:00

After Wendell Whitlock returned home following World War II, he used the skills he'd learned in the Navy to build a better Coweta.

"Captain" Whitlock, who was involved in Coweta's road department in various capacities from 1948 to 1988, was honored by Coweta's Boy Scouts at the second annual Golden Eagle Dinner.

Full article at: Newnan Times-Herald

VA "Aid and Attendance" Payments an Under-Used Benefit

2009-04-25T11:11:00.000-04:00

ATLANTA - There is an under-used, special monthly pension benefit available to Georgia's wartime veterans and surviving spouses of deceased wartime veterans incapable of self support and in need of regular personal assistance.

"Many wartime veterans and surviving spouses whose incomes are above the federally mandated limit for a basic VA pension may still be eligible for pension at the higher housebound or Aid and Attendance rate," points out Georgia Commissioner of Veterans Affairs Pete Wheeler. "Although this is not a new program, not everyone is aware of his or her potential eligibility."

The Aid and Attendance pension benefit may be available to any wartime veterans and surviving spouses who have in-home care or who live in nursing-homes or assisted-living facilities.

"Especially helpful if they have large medical expenses that they may not receive reimbursement," noted Commissioner Wheeler.

For a wartime veteran or surviving spouse to qualify for this special monthly pension, the veteran must have served at least 90 days of active military service, one day of which was during a period of war, and be discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.

Commissioner Wheeler encourages those veterans or spouses who feel they may be eligible to contact the department's field office nearest to where they live for more information and assistance on how to go abotu filing for this benefit.

Contact information for the Newnan Field Office is:

22 E. Broad St.
Room 119
Newnan, GA 30264

Phone: 770-254-7260
Fax: 770-254-7339
E-mail: kmills@vs.state.ga.us