The Tunnel Rats have performed Vietnam-era pop tunes and country/bluegrass songs at previous United Military Care events. (ECN file photo)
United Military Care, an East Cobb-based non-profit, is holding its sixth annual free picnic to salute veterans at East Cobb Park (3322 Roswell Road) on Saturday.
The event is free to veterans and takes place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and includes Kelly’s Zeroes, military memorabilia, and re-enactors from Columbus as well as The Aviation Museum in Marietta.
The Tunnel Rats, a Vietnam Veteran band, and Jason Von Stein will debut “She Cried Douglas,” a song written about a photograph found in an old basement of a military couple and a soldier who didn’t come home.
It’s the second consecutive year for the event to be staged at East Cobb Park, after initially being held at the UMC office on Old Canton Road.
For more information about United Military Care, click here.
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The community is invited to attend the groundbreaking for Memorial Park, hosted by the Cobb Veterans Memorial Foundation at 10 a.m. Friday, July 7, at 502 Fairground Street SE, Marietta. The park plans feature a 142-foot “Star Tower” monument and honor walls listing names of veterans from each of the country’s military branches. It will also have a plaza for events, two reflection pools, and a service hub providing information to veterans and their families. Construction is expected to be completed in 2024. View the invitation here.
RSVP to kmichonet@cobbvmf.com If you plan to attend, please park in the Cobb Civic Center parking lot.
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The Honorary Commanders Association, a cooperative effort involving Cobb Chamber, Dobbins Air Reserve Base (ARB), General Lucius D. Clay National Guard Center, Georgia National Guard, Coast Guard, National Defense Force and the Navy and Marine Corps, is seeking nominations for members of its 2023 class.
The Honorary Commanders Association annually selects community and business leaders and pairs them with military personnel in a yearlong program designed to give leaders an opportunity to learn about military activities, their impact on the economy and the various aspects of the national defense system.
Created by the Cobb Chamber in 1983, the association has grown over the years to include units of our nation’s Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Georgia National Guard, Coast Guard and National Defense Force. Each program covers a branch of service and includes a behind-the-scenes tour of local and regional military assets.
The deadline for nominations is July 12. Fill out the nomination form at https://bit.ly/3O0I6JI. The Honorary Commanders Association is sponsored by Marriott Atlanta Northwest Galleria, Blue Sky Exhibits, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Hawthorne Global Aviation Services.
For more information about Honorary Commanders Association, contact Joel Blockton at 770-859-2348 or jblockton@cobbchamber.org.
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The East Cobb-based non-profit United Military Care and Cobb County government are organizing what it’s calling the We CARE Resource Fair to assist veterans.
The fair takes place May 13-14 from 9-5 each day at the Cobb Civic Center (548 S. Marietta Parkway). Admission is free, as is a snack bar for participants.
The purpose is to assist veterans with accessing benefits and services, including health care, housing, food assistance and job opportunities.
According to release sent out by United Military Care, the goal is to reach 500 veterans needing help with those and other challenges.
More than 100 charitable and public agencies will be on hand to provide information and line up assistance for veterans, including financial and legal firms, the Georgia Department of Labor and private employers, Cobb Works, Meals on Wheels, vision screening and hearing aid vouchers from the Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation, the U.S. Veterans Administration, Cobb Collaborative, Highland Rivers Behavorial Health and the Marietta Veterans Center.
Free COVID-19 vaccines will be administered by Cobb and Douglas Public Health, and veterans can get on-site showers and laundry service from the Community Incident Response Foundation.
Other agencies include a variety of veterans organizations, MUST Ministries and the Social Security Administration.
More details about the resource fair, including downloading free tickets, can be found by clicking here.
The event includes a special presentation of Quilts of Valor on May 13 at 11:30 a.m. honoring a Post 9/11 Veteran Public Figure and Vietnam Veteran.
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When she received a medical discharge in 1994 to end her career in the U.S. Navy, Amy Stevens felt like many other military veterans.
Feeling disconnected after years of structure, routine and a close-knit system of support, she struggled to make the transition to civilian life.
But for Stevens, a current East Cobb resident, her challenges went beyond learning how buy a home and other basics of everyday living that were new to her.
A single mother, she had a special-needs son to raise.
Above all, the invisibility of female veterans was a bracing reminder of the historic limitations placed on them during their time in the service.
“The typical woman veteran—you would not imagine that they served in the military,” said Stevens, who was an educational and training specialist in the Navy for 15 years, rising to the rank of lieutenant.
While many male veterans proudly wear hats and t-shirts signifying their military service, Stevens said women veterans quite often do not.
In fact, she’s noticed that many of her fellow women veterans don’t even mention their military background.
Recognition for women veterans is starting to increase. Last weekend, Cobb County and state and federal veterans services agencies paid tribute to women veterans in an observance at Jim Miller Park.
Stevens is the organizer of a Facebook group, Georgia Military Women, and weather permitting, will appear on Thursday in the Marietta Veterans Day parade on a float for the Disabled American Veterans association.
Amy Stevens as a Navy lieutenant.
While she’s proud of those and other broader veterans organizations that she belongs to, Stevens has become an ardent supporter of other females who’ve left the service.
“I’m a connector person,” said Stevens, now 68, who earned master’s and doctorate degrees post-Navy and has been a licensed therapist.
She formerly was a mental health specialist with the Georgia National Guard, a role that launched her volunteerism for women veterans.
When Stevens signed up for Officer Candidate School in 1979, the U.S. armed services were changing for women.
Through the Vietnam War, most women in the military were nurses or served in other strictly support roles.
When they left the military, Stevens said, “they couldn’t just jump into the higher-paid jobs” in the civilian world.
Stevens was an outlier during that time, with a degree in broadcast television, and she served in a variety of communications, education and training positions in the Navy.
By the time she left, she noticed that “there was a different type of woman in the military.” It’s estimated that 20 percent of the nation’s current veterans are women.
The Georgia Military Women Facebook group, which was started in 2012, has more than 4,000 members and is strictly about making connections and referrals.
“We’re not a therapy group,” Stevens said. “We’re a girlfriend group. It’s great just to have friends who know what it’s like to serve.”
Stevens said there are an estimated 93,000 female veterans in Georgia, the fifth-highest total in the U.S., and around 38,000 in metro Atlanta alone.
Of that latter total, she said around 20,000 receive regular services from the Veterans Administration.
The women’s veterans groups she’s a part of tend to be younger than her, many of them with families and careers. But they still face similar challenges as their older mentors.
While many of the women come to the Facebook group seeking mental health help, Stevens said the networking efforts extend to such topics as financial issues and referrals for veterans and other services.
Group members are dispersed across Georgia, but Stevens enjoys the occasions when some of them can get together in person, just to socialize.
“It’s all about helping each other,” Stevens said. “It’s all about friendships, and it’s very rewarding to be a part of a forever family.”
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We’ve posted previously about some Veterans Day events in Cobb County that are taking place this Saturday, Nov. 6, including the “Give Thanks for Those Who Served” festivities at East Cobb Park, and honoring women veterans at Jim Miller Park.
Also on Saturday, there’s a salute to veterans at The Battery Atlanta from 1-5 p.m. It’s organized by the Georgia Veterans Day organization for its 40th anniversary and starts off with a parade, followed by a program at the Georgia Power Pavilion Stage starting at 2 p.m
Veterans Day is Thursday, Nov. 11, and the 17th annual Veterans Day parade and ceremony presented by the Marietta Kiwanis Club and the City of Marietta.
The parade starts at 10:45 a.m. at Roswell Street Baptist Church, then heads to the Marietta Square, with an anticipated start time of 11:11 for the ceremony.
That commemorates the Armistice to end World War I on Nov. 11, 1918, at 11:11 a.m.
On Saturday, Nov. 13, the Marietta Square will be the venue for a military appreciation concert by the Georgia Symphony Orchestra starting at 10:30 a.m.
Proceeds from the race will benefit Shepherds Men SHARE Initiative, the Georgia National Guard Family Support Foundation and Post 29 Service Officer.
All the other Veterans Day events included here are free and open to the public.
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Come honor women who served in the military 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 6, at Jim R. Miller Park, 2245 Callaway Road SW, Marietta. The event is hosted by the United States Veterans Affairs, Georgia Department of Veterans Service and Cobb County Government. Four female veterans who served in the United States armed forces during WWII, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the most recent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan will share their stories related to their military service.
Also at this event:
Veteran services providers
Free COVID-19 vaccination clinic (Click here to see COVID flyer and register using QR code.)
Cobb County Animal Services Pet Adoption Trailer (adoption fee waived for veterans)
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The Tunnel Rats performing Vietnam-era pop tunes at the 2019 United Military Care Veterans Day event. (ECN file)
Back in 2019 we attended a Veterans Day tribute sponsored by the East Cobb-based non-profit United Military Care, which served up hot dogs, hamburgers, mid-20th century musical favorites and support.
United Military Care works with local veterans who are struggling with a variety of issues, including housing and homelessness, hunger, mental and physical health issues, isolation and tangling with the bureaucratic red tape of veterans agencies.
Last year, the group had a virtual food pick-up for veterans due to COVID-19, but next weekend its fourth annual “Give Thanks For Those Who Served” will be expanded to include a full range of festivities at East Cobb Park.
The date is Saturday, Nov. 6, from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at what it’s calling the “Hug A Hero” Pavilion.
The special theme will be “Strength In Numbers,” with a special recognition include the 80th anniversary of Pearl Harbor.
Also being honored is Cobb County District Attorney Flynn Broady, Jr., a combat veterans.
Here’s more from United Military Care on what else is featured on the schedule:
Kelly’s Zeroes’ living military timeline featuring equipment and memorabilia from WWI through the Vietnam War will also be on display with representatives from the Atlanta History Center’s Veteran History Project. Live music featuring popular songs from the 1940s through the 70s from Rome, Georgia band, GI Jive, the Marietta-based group, The Tunnel Rats, and Air Force Veteran Pam Cushenan is singing the National Anthem. United Military Care will provide free lunch and fun for the entire family and a special kids area, “All American Jr.” that features an American History trivia with great prizes, including two bicycles.
November 6th is the perfect fall day to give thanks for real American Heroes. “Our objective for the day is twofold, first to kick off Veterans Month by giving thanks for the men and women who served in the military protecting us, and, second, to bring together the community, both old and young, to enjoy a great free day in the park,” said Kim Scofi, President of United Military Care, Inc.
Special thanks to our Pearl Harbor Sponsor, Datascan for their continued support. The event will feature nonprofits, businesses, and social clubs that cater to Veterans around the Marietta area.
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The event takes place from 7:55 am to 11:00 am in front of the Visitors Center at the Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, and here’s the lineup of speakers and activities:
Memorial Service at the Field of Flags with Bagpiper Detective Tommy Burns, Speaker Retired NYFD Capt. James D’Avolio, Soloist Heather Graham Tamburello, Marietta Fire Department Color Guard, 21-Gun Salute by Cobb County Police Honor Guard, Riderless Horseman presentation by the Cobb County Sheriff’s Department, and Retired Homeland Security Agent Richard Rubio will play taps after the reading of the names of the 2,977 innocent victims at the end of the Ceremony at Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, 900 Kennesaw Mountain Drive, Kennesaw, GA 30152.
The flags that were placed at the park last Saturday during the “Field of Flags” event will remain until Sept. 18.
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We posted a couple weeks back about the upcoming “Field of Flags” festivities being put on by the Marietta Kiwanis Club to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Sept. 11.
Those events start on Saturday with a parade and procession of flags at Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, and Debbie McCracken, a member of the Field of Flags Committee, has sent updated information.
Specifically, there are revisions for volunteer parking and shuttle service to/from the Grace Community Church on Saturday. Details here about what’s taking place on Saturday, and for the next couple of weeks:
The entire community is invited to participate in the 20th Anniversary of 9.11. Field of Flags Memorial Events sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Marietta held from September 4th through September 18th (flag removal occurs on the 18th). The Field of Flags at Kennesaw Mountain Battlefield Park will honor and memorialize the 2, 977 innocent and unsuspecting individuals who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. Each flag representing one life lost on that tragic and horrific day in our nation’s history.
Procession of flags led by the Atlanta Pipe Band will occur on September 4th 10:00 am from Grace Community Church to Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park. Parking and shuttle bus service to the church will be available from CW Matthew 1600 Kenview Rd off of Old 41, Shrine lot on 1380 White Circle, and Gardens of Kennesaw Mountain on 1127 White Circle beginning at 8:30 am. Return shuttle service will be provided until 12:30 pm.
Memorial Ceremony will be held on September 11th 7:55 am to 11:00 am in front of the Visitors Center Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park.
911 Ceremony will include: Bagpiper Detective Tommy Burns, Speaker Retired NYFD Capt. James D’Avolio, Soloist Heather Graham Tamburello, Marietta Fire Department Color Guard, 21 Gun Salute by Cobb County Police Honor Guard, Riderless Horseman presentation by the Cobb County Sheriff’s Department, Richard Rubio, Retired Homeland Security Agent, will play taps after the reading of the names of the 2, 977 innocent victims at the end of the Ceremony.
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“I’m not really a swimmer,” said Jim Whitcomb, who’s taking part in a 10-mile swim Sept. 10 to help the Tunnel to Towers “in my own little way.”
It’s been nearly a year since East Cobb resident James Whitcomb learned about the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, a non-profit set up after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks to provide seriously injured first responders and military veterans with mortgage-free homes and other housing assistance.
“I thought, ‘What a great foundation? What can I do to help to in my own little way?’ ” Whitcomb said.
To mark the 20th anniversary of 9/11, Tunnel to Towers has organized a “Swim2Help” campaign to encourage donations.
Whitcomb, who splashed in the many lakes of his native Minnesota as a young boy and has lived in East Cobb for 20 years, admits that “I’m not really a swimmer.”
But for several months now, he’s been building up his endurance with weekday swims at the Mountain View Aquatic Center.
On Saturday, he logged seven miles, his longest swim yet, in about four hours, to get ready for the climax to his “Swim to Help” effort that’s been underway in other respects.
Next Friday, Sept. 10, he’s undertaking a 10-mile swim at the Mountain View pool, with some rest and hydration breaks, to get over a substantial fundraising goal he set for himself
Whitcomb has raised nearly $15,000 of a targeted $25,000, mostly through word-of-mouth efforts.
“I’m not a social media guy,” he said, adding that a flyer he posted on Facebook didn’t generate much of a response.
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The entire community is invited to participate in the 20th Anniversary of 9.11. Field of Flags Memorial Events sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Marietta will be held from September 4th through September 18th (flag removal occurs on the 18th). The Field of Flags at Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park will honor and memorialize the 2,977 innocent and unsuspecting individuals who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, each flag representing one life lost on that tragic and horrific day in our nation’s history.
Procession of flags led by the Atlanta Pipe Band will occur on September 4th 10:00 am from Grace Community Church to Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park. Parking and shuttle bus service to the church will be available from lots on Old 41 beginning at 9:00 am. Return shuttle service will be provided.
Memorial Ceremony will be held on September 11th 7:55 am to 11:00 am in front of the Visitors Center Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park.
Ceremony will include: Bagpiper Tommy Burns, Speaker Retired NYFD Capt. James D’Avolio, Soloist Heather Tamburella, Marietta Fire Department Color Guard, 21 Gun Salute by Cobb County and Riderless Horseman presentation by the Cobb County Sheriff’s Department; CCSD Major Mark Rubio, bugler, will play taps after the reading of the names of the 2,977 innocent victims at the end of the Ceremony.
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Join the Honorary Commanders Association, in partnership with CobbCounty Government, for a special event featuring Col Patricia Blassie, USAF (Retired) on July 29. Col Blassie will share the story of her brother, 1st Lt Michael Blassie, a USAF pilot who was killed in action during the Vietnam War in May 1972.
In 1984, his remains became the unknown service member from the Vietnam War, buried at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. Due to the perseverance of his family, 1st Lt Michael Blassie was restored his name on July 11, 1998, when his remains were properly identified and later reinterred at Jefferson Barrack National Cemetery.
Attendees may register for this free event at www.cobbchamber.org/events. The program begins promptly at 10 a.m. at the Cobb County Civic Center.
Thank you to Event Host Cobb County Government and Printing Sponsor Tharpe Printing. The Honorary Commanders Alumni Association is sponsored by Yearlong Presenting Sponsor Arcadis. The Honorary Commanders Association is sponsored by Yearlong Presenting Sponsors Marriott Atlanta Northwest Galleria, Blue Sky Exhibits, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Hawthorne Global Aviation Services.
For more information about the Honorary Commanders Association, contact Joel Blockton at jblockton@cobbchamber.org or 770-859-2348.
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Information submitted by Cobb and Douglas Public Health regarding a free vaccination event Saturday for veterans at the VFW Post 2681 (140 Powers Ferry Road):
We are partnering with the Atlanta Veteran Affairs to offer COVID-19 vaccines to veterans, their families and caregivers on July 24 from 9:00 am until noon. For more information, please call 770-977-2088. http://ow.ly/TYyq50Fujho
According to the Georgia DPH vaccine dashboard, there have been 727,952 vaccine doses administered in Cobb County, with 350,641 of them considered “fully vaccinated.”
That means individuals have had either both of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines or the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine. That figure represents 47 percent of all eligible Cobb citizens (age 12 or older).
Another 388,170 people in Cobb, or 52 percent, have received the first dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines.
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For the last few years Five Star NTP has organized a 5K/10K race in the Sprayberry area on Memorial Day, and the event is continuing on Monday.
The Marietta Memorial Day 5K/10K starts at 7:30 a.m. Monday at the Sprayberry Square Shopping Center (2550 Sandy Plains Road), and registration is free for active and retired military veterans.
The event includes same-day registration that starts at 6:30 a.m., with entry fees starting at $45 (you can sign up in advance through Sunday with fees starting at $40).
Both races start and finish in the Sprayberry Square Shopping Center parking lot, and the the routes will be run entirely on E. Piedmont Road.
The awards in both races are for Top 3 Overall Male & Female, Top 3 Overall Masters (40+) , Top 3 Overall Grand Master (50+), Top 3 Overall Senior Master (60+) and Top 3 in each age group (10 & under – 75+).
There’s also a virtual race option.
For information and to register, please click here. COVID-19 protocols will be in place
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To kick-off Memorial Day weekend, The Avenue East Cobb invites the community to purchase a ticket for their upcoming Family Movie Night event on Thursday, May 27, 2021. The patriotic movie being shown is SGT. STUBBY: AN AMERICAN HERO based on the incredible true story of America’s most decorated dog. All proceeds from the event benefit Project Charlie Oscar. For ticket sales: https://aec-may.eventbrite.com.
The May Family Movie Night, sponsored by Project Charlie Oscar, aims to raise community awareness of their charity, whose mission is to serve Military Veterans and their families by providing horseback riding activities, equine job training and the essential resources needed for improved quality of life.
“Our Vision is to reduce the number of suicides in the Military Veteran Community and bring awareness to Veteran’s needs,” says Victoria Hoefler, Founder & President of Project Charlie Oscar. “Project Charlie Oscar is proud to partner with The Avenue East Cobb to promote our programs and spread awareness about our Charity.”
Parking for the event will begin at 6:00pm at The Avenue East Cobb in Marietta. Pre-movie entertainment includes Little Red Barn Petting Zoo, a balloon artist, and a DJ with trivia and games. The movie begins at sundown following a bugle playing Taps and a moment of silence for our fallen heroes.
For more information about Project Charlie Oscar, to get involved, or to support the organization, please visit https://www.projectcharlieoscar.org/.
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In observation of Veterans Day, members of the Rocky Mount Elementary School choir came together—online—to offer a musical tribute to those serving in the U.S. armed forces.
The school is among those in the Cobb County School District that has had an in-person Veterans Day celebration in the past, so the students recorded this virtual rendition of “Veterans We Love You.”
According to a release from the Cobb County School District, the 35 students—from third through fifth grade—worked for weeks to get the song just right: “They may not have been able to meet in person for practices like in the past, but they wanted to keep the music alive.”
The district said the choir, under the direction of music teacher Andrew Geocaris, has been meeting on Wednesdays—which is a day for catch-up and independent learning this year.
He gave them individual feedback, and students submitted their solo performances through FlipGrid. Geocaris then compiled the final video with some light audio and video editing “to maintain the most authentic performance possible in the virtual medium.”
Here’s more from their teacher:
“I love the enthusiasm our students show when they have the chance to be a part of something new. Time and again, when a new club or opportunity arises, our students are eager to be a part of the next exciting moment at Rocky Mount. I often find that our students’ enthusiasm feeds my own, giving me both the energy and inspiration to come up with new ideas for the classroom and for chorus.”
He said he was worried that after having gone virtual in March, his students might have felt some screen fatigue, but said he was pleased more students signed up for the fall virtual choir than had taken part in the spring.
“Even if it means one more Zoom call, our students crave the feeling of connection and community that the fine arts provide.”
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On Saturday the East Cobb-based United Military Care organization will be holding a free barbecue lunch for veterans, and this year it’s going to be a drive-through event.
The pickup period takes place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at their offices (1220 Canton Road, across from the Olde Mill Shopping Center) and you can sign up by calling 770-973-0014 or by e-mailing peggyb@unitedmilitarycare.org.
Proof of veteran status is required when you pick up your food. Non-veterans can purchase meals for $10 to help fund programs to help veterans in crisis. Volunteers will be holding signs thanking veterans for their service.
Last year we visited United Military Care at its Veterans Day event and wrote about the organization’s efforts to provide food, financial, housing and other assistance to veterans in need.
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From former State Rep. Tom Wilder of East Cobb, who’s involved in the Wreaths Across America fundraising effort to honor departed military veterans during the holidays:
The Georgia National Cemetery Advisory Council participates with national cemeteries across America by recognizing those who have fought bravely in serving America. This national program provides a wreath placed on each grave in December. This program has been supported by family, friends, and community leaders in Georgia since 2008.
Over 22,750 military men and women are buried in Georgia’s National Cemetery on a hilltop near Canton Georgia. Approximately 500 volunteers from the Boy Scouts of America, churches, community organizations and families lay wreathes on the gravesite prior to the annual memorial service. This annual event will be held this year on Saturday, December 19, 2020.
Georgia businesses and individual donors have supported this program for over 10 years. Our appreciation to those who continue to support this memorial project. Donations are tax deductible with a receipt provided by the Georgia National Cemetery Advisory Council upon request.
Please support this special program recognizing the lives of those who have protected or given their lives for our freedom. Corporate and individual sponsorships of $1,000 or more are recognized appropriately. Our fundraising goal by November 30th for $200,000 purchasing 17,000 wreaths are to be placed at each gravesite. Checks can be payable to Georgia National Cemetery Advisory Council at GNCAC Post Office Box 5476, Canton, GA 30114-9998.
For more information, contact Tom Wilder, U.S. Navy Vietnam Veteran and Cemetery Council member at 770-973-1422 or tom@wilder-realty.com.
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Information from the Marietta Police Department about military training exercises at Dobbins starting Sunday and for the next week:
The U.S. Army requested we share with you information about planned military exercises that will take place in Cobb County.
LOW FLYING fixed wing and helicopters are part of these training exercises.
Here is their official statement: “Elements of the Department of Defense are conducting training in Blairsville, Atlanta, and Marietta, Georgia from 27 September – 04 October, 2020. Aviation assets will be involved in this training, so citizens may experience a higher than normal level of noise associated with military aircraft. This training is fully coordinated with local government officials, and every effort will be made to fly friendly and limit inconvenience to the local communities. Extensive safety precautions are in place to protect the service members and local citizens and to limit inconvenience to the communities. Due to inherent risks to personal safety, there will be no opportunities for public viewing of this training.”
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Come honor 
