by Cindy Morley | Feb 13, 2019 | Top Story
Senator Johnny Isakson (R-GA) will receive the inaugural ‘John S. McCain Service to Country Award’ from Voices for National Service today in recognition of his strong support for national service, most recently for his efforts to eliminate the post-service education grant for AmeriCorps members. The presentation will be made this evening in Washington, D.C. at the 16th Annual Friends of National Service Awards. The award is sponsored by Voices for National Service, a diverse coalition of national service programs, state service commissions and individual champions who work to ensure Americans of all ages can serve and volunteer in their community. It will be formally presented to Isakson by Cindy McCain, the widow of the late Senator John McCain. “Senator Isakson firmly believes that service is an obligation of citizenship, and that by giving back to your country, Americans can learn something about themselves, each other, and the world around them,” said AnnMaura Connolly, President, Voices for National Service. “Like his friend and colleague, the late Senator John McCain, Senator Isakson has worked to protect, expand and improve service opportunities at home and abroad.” “For his efforts to build bipartisan support for national service programs and for the individuals who voluntarily chose to devote a year or more of their lives to service, Voices for National Service is proud to present Senator Johnny Isakson with the inaugural John S. McCain Service to Country Award.” Senator Isakson is a champion of both the Peace Corps and AmeriCorps, and in 2011, he sponsored the Kate Puzey Peace Corps Volunteer Protection Act to provide better security and protection measures for Peace Corps volunteers....
by Cindy Morley | Jan 23, 2019 | Top Story
Middle Georgia has been recognized as one of five communities across the country named to the 2019 class of Great American Defense Communities by the Association of Defense Communities. The award recognizes the overall support that communities and regions in the United States provide to service members and military families. “I’m so proud of Middle Georgia for being named a 2019 Great American Defense Community,” said U.S. Senator David Perdue (R-GA). “This special recognition is a testament to the successes that the people of Robins Air Force Base and this community have had over the last few years. “For example, Middle Georgia has been able to successfully: eliminate the encroachment threat to Robins, support the Veterans Education Center, and build partnerships between the base and colleges and universities,” Perdue continued. “These efforts are indicative of the community’s commitment to fulfilling the needs of not just the base, but the entire Air Force. All of this would not be possible without the leadership of General Kubinec, Colonel Drew, Chrissy Miner, and the 21st Century Partnership. To the people of Middle Georgia, thank you for all you do to support the men and women of Robins Air Force Base. I truly could not be more proud of my hometown.” “The saying in Middle Georgia, EDIMGIAFAD, Every Day in Middle Georgia is Armed Forces Appreciation Day, is more than just a saying as demonstrated daily by the partnerships the community builds to support Robins Air Force Base and their mission,” said Chrissy Miner, President and CEO of the 21st Century Partnership. “The community strives to help improve the quality of life of...
by Cindy Morley | Dec 19, 2018 | Top Story
While the $867 Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, H.R.2, known as the Farm Bill, passed the House and Senate last week with strong bi-partisan support, three Republican Congressmen from Georgia opposed it — U.S. Reps. Buddy Carter (R-1st District), Jody Hice (R-10th District) and Barry Loudermilk, (R-11th District). The vote for the bill ended an eight-month fight over the legislation. House Republicans had sought to impose stricter work requirements on millions of food stamp recipients – a plan rejected by House Democrats. The day following the vote, two of the three Georgia Congressman explained their opposition to the farm bill. Carter said he voted against the Farm Bill because it did not include the adequate crop assistance Georgia’s blueberry farmers need to recover from the devastating winter in 2017, despite months of negotiations by the Georgia Congressman from Pooler in south Georgia. “I certainly wanted to vote in support of the Farm Bill,” said Carter. “As Georgia’s top industry, the hard work of our farmers, ranchers and producers contributes to the safest, most abundant and most affordable food supply in the world. Our agricultural community needs and deserves the long-term certainty of a sound Farm Bill. Unfortunately, the Farm Bill brought to the House floor today was not one I could support. It simply does not support Georgia growers. “Georgia has risen to become one of the top blueberry producing states in the nation,” Carter added. “Now, the commodity is a $1 billion industry in our state and is the backbone of some of our rural communities. However, in 2017, blueberries were hit with a devastating freeze combined with warm...
by Cindy Morley | Dec 13, 2018 | Top Story
In his first major speech since the election, Georgia Governor-Elect Brian Kemp told more than 100 legislators that it was time to “put politics behind us,” and asked them to “join me in the journey forward.” “It’s time to shed the labels and work together as Georgians,” said Kemp, speaking at the biennial training session in Athens Tuesday. “It’s time to stand up for our communities, our families and our Georgia values. It’s time to protect the vulnerable. It’s time to do the right thing — even when no one is looking.” “On January 14, I will raise my right hand and officially become your Governor,” he continued. We will begin — in earnest — the journey forward. I humbly ask you to join me. Join me as we build on our successes. Join me as we tackle the challenges ahead. The next four years are not about me. This is about the men, women and children we are honored to serve. This is about our families. This is about our future. I am confident that our state’s best days are ahead if we stand together. We will create a lasting legacy of success when we put hardworking Georgians first.” Continuing his call for unity, Kemp acknowledged that the 2018 election for Governor was the most expensive in state history, as well as the most divisive. “I understand that we weren’t all on the same team in the primary, the run-off or even the General Election,” Kemp said. “But the campaign is over, and it’s time to put politics behind us.” Kemp stressed that his plan for Georgia would...
by Cindy Morley | Dec 5, 2018 | Top Story
In her dedication to early reading and literacy, First Lady Sandra Deal has visited schools in all 159 counties across the state. Last week while visiting The Academy Child Development Center in Oakwood, Georgia’s First Lady marked her 1,000th school visit since Gov. Nathan Deal took office in 2011. She was joined by Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) Commissioner Amy M. Jacobs in her milestone visit. “My goal is to encourage students to enjoy reading so that they will be prepared for a lifetime of learning,” said Mrs. Deal. “Reading is the gift that keeps on giving and education is essential for all children to succeed in their pursuits. I believe that knowledge is power and when we teach students to love reading, we give them the confidence to learn on their own and acquire that power far into the future.” Mrs. Deal — a former teacher of 15 years in Georgia public schools– is dedicated to promoting statewide childhood literacy. When visiting a school, Mrs. Deal typically meets with office staff, reads to a class of students, recognizes educators and discusses the importance of childhood literacy. She has visited as many as eight schools in a single day. “Since Gov. Deal took office, Mrs. Deal has demonstrated her passion for childhood literacy and inspired others through her hard work,” said Chris Riley, Gov. Deal’s chief of staff. “By reading to students and listening intently, Mrs. Deal connects with students and guides them to see the importance of academic achievement. I’m not surprised that she reached the 1,000th visit threshold...
