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(L to R) Macon Mayor Robert Reichert (Army Veteran), Macon Vet Center Team Leader Wm. R. Taylor (Air Force Veteran) and Congressman Jim Marshall (Vietnam-era Veteran) cut the ribbon officially opening the Macon Vet Center. The three were flanked by representatives of the Veterans Administration and the keynote speaker for the event, Colonel Lee Durham, Georgia's 48th IBCT (L) commanding officer. "It is our duty, our commitment, to keep a promise to our veterans to be here to help them," Taylor said. (Photo by Spc. Tracy J. Smith, 48th IBCT PAO)
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new Macon Veteran’s Center
Story by Spc. Tracy J. Smith
48th IBCT PAO
MACON, Ga. – Ties that bind Georgia's 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team to Macon's new veterans center were emphazied by the unit's commander recently as the central Georgia city formally opened its new veterans facility.
Cleverly disguised as a storefront office, 750 Riverside Drive is a vision of hope realized. Dignitaries, citizens and a community of veterans celebrated the grand opening, although the Middle-Georgia facility has been assisting area veterans and their families since July 2007.
Its staff is comprised predominantly of veterans, many of whom have served in combat or are otherwise affiliated with a military reserve component. That affiliation is a preferred prerequisite for counselors. This coincides with the unbiased atmosphere of providing readjustment and sexual trauma counseling, outreach services as well as military related assistance to the families of veterans including grief services free of charge.
With the Georgia Army National Guard’s 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team at their back door the occasion gave the center a chance to join the community in supporting their Citizen-Soldiers. Members of the 48th are preparing for a second tour of duty in support of the global war on terror. Colonel Lee Durham, 48th IBCT (L) commanding officer recognized the fated thread that binds the 48th brigade and the Vet Center.
“We remain at War,” Durham, the keynote speaker reminded celebrants. “While War is the continuation of politics it carries a high price. War puts the soldier in a place where, assuming politics has played its part, no other option is possible. This center is part of the system to care for those who have served and seen what no one should have been called to see.”
“We remain at War,” Durham, the keynote speaker reminded celebrants. “While War is the continuation of politics it carries a high price. War puts the soldier in a place where, assuming politics has played its part, no other option is possible. This center is part of the system to care for those who have served and seen what no one should have been called to see.”
Commenting on the center's services, Macon Vet Center team leader William R. Taylor, an Air Force Veteran, declared that “It is our commitment, our duty, to keep a promise to our heroes."
He added that studies indicate that veterans find it far more comforting to speak with a peer who understands what they have been through because they have been there. “Our purpose is to give these men and women who committed their lives in defense of our country an outlet. This is their window to understanding their benefits and to readjusting to life beyond the war zone.”
Sharon Jackson has an intimate understanding of those words. Her slow, deliberate nods were simple validations that spoke volumes for her concerns and appreciation that the facility -- and the nearly 230 centers like it across the nation -- exists. Jackson served as a Petty Officer during the Vietnam War and eventually transitioned to the Air Force to work as a maintenance analysis technician. The resources offered through the center were not available when veterans of her era completed their service to the country. Congress did not approve the Vet Center Program until 1979.
“This has been much needed in Middle-Georgia,” said the service officer and judge advocate for the Warner Robins based American Legion Post 172. “With the National Guard and other reserve components from Georgia being called constantly now I have a central location in our area to refer veterans I meet when they ask where can they get help.”
The torch of freedom being passed from the veterans in attendance to the new generation of Warrior was easily recognizable during the ceremony. A multi-hued tapestry of digitized military uniforms and the brightly colors of the various veterans’ organizations was a reflection of the pageantry of the day. Warriors, past and present, who have served in World War II and those who have seen combat in Iraq and Afghanistan exchanged stories and thanked each other for what they have done and are doing in defense of democracy.
It was full circle for John Skinner and his bride. They have been married 35 years, meeting less than a block west of the Vet Center at the local Waffle House. Skinner, a Specialist with the 29th Civil Affairs unit, served “19 months and seven days” in Vietnam and met Marilynn three years after returning from the war zone. He calls the Vet Center, in particular his counselor Rhonda Robinson-Hill an Army Reserve Sergeant 1st Class, a long over-due blessing for the veterans of this region.
“(The Vet Center) is the best thing to ever happen to the city of Macon,” Skinner said. He looks forward to the regular group sessions at the center. “I had been attempting to get my paperwork done for years and they kept telling me I needed proof I had been in combat.”
He considered giving up, but his wife pushed him to continue to get the benefits he had earned. She heard about the Vet Center opening and knew that he would find the help he needed there.
“I would never have succeeded if it weren’t for her,” Skinner said as he lovingly grabbed his wife’s hand. “Because of her support and encouragement I got more through this center and (with the help of Ms. Hill) than anyplace else.”
His five-year old grandson Austin runs towards them and proudly shows off a NASCAR die-cast model he received from a 48th IBCT (L) Soldier. Pointing out the brigade’s logo on the hood of the #24 his grandfather asks him, ‘what do you want to be when you get to be a big boy?’
Without hesitation Austin states matter-of-factly, “I’m gonna be a Soldier!”
He is in good company.
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