MARIETTA, Ga. –
The Georgia Department of Defense held two retiree appreciation days on May 11 and May 15, 2021.
The Georgia DoD hosted retirees at Clay National Guard Center in Marietta, Georgia, on May 11 and the Air Dominance Center in Savannah, Georgia, welcomed retirees on May 15.
U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Dwayne Wilson, commanding general of the Georgia Army National Guard, presided over the Clay National Guard Center retiree appreciation day. U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Thomas Carden, The Adjutant General of Georgia, presided at the Air Dominance Center retiree appreciation day.
“We’re only able to do a great job because of the foundation laid many years ago by all of you in this room,” said Wilson. “We’re the beneficiaries of you, the leadership, the mentorship and all the hard work.”
Both Carden and Wilson presented “State of the State” briefs where they updated retirees with the Georgia National Guard’s accomplishments over the past year.
The briefs focused on the Georgia Guard’s historic response to the COVID-19 pandemic, support to civil authorities during unrest and activation for the 59th presidential inauguration. Abroad, the Georgia National Guard deployed units for overseas missions and training. This includes participation in exercises like Saber Junction and Combined Resolve in Germany, and Noble Partner in the country of Georgia.
These missions are a testament of the Georgia National Guard’s readiness to accomplish foreign and domestic missions whenever called upon.
“I couldn’t be more proud of the team for all that we’re doing,” said Wilson. “We’re doing more and it has everything to do with you all.”
The retiree appreciation days featured various kiosks to provide information and resources for retirees and veterans. The retiree appreciation events also presented displays of the latest vehicles and equipment in the Georgia National Guard. These are all ways that the Georgia DoD treats retirees, veterans and their families as service members for life.
Retired U.S. Army Sgt. Maj. Mike Roby, commissioner of Georgia Department of Veterans Service, was a keynote speaker at both retiree appreciation day events.
“It’s an honor and a privilege to be here with you today,” said Roby. “To our veterans in the audience, we’re proud of you.”
Georgia DoD Soldiers, Airmen, civilian employees, families and service members for life are the organization’s number one resource. People are the most important element of the Georgia National Guard.
Events like the retiree appreciation days are one of the many ways the Georgia DoD supports members that have sacrificed so much to protect the freedom of the country, state and the rights every citizen.