Funds continue to enhance efforts of Family Support Foundation

Submitted Story by
Harriett Morgan
Georgia National Guard Family Support Foundation

Donations large and small continue to arrive at the Georgia National Guard Family Support Foundation which helps in its ongoing assistance program for National Guard members and their families.

The Foundation, which provides assistance to Guard members and families in times of need,  has been able to assist over 125 families with emergency relief assistance since January. Assitance has included nearly  $76,000 in grants and $30,310 in interest free loans.

In April, the 78th Troop Command hosted the 9th “Not So” Annual Golf Tournament at the Hickory Ridge Golf Course, north of Thomaston.

Troop Command leaders credited 1st Lt. Nini Antoine from the 170th Military Police Battalion, and Cmd. Sgt. Major  Barry Smallwood from the 878th Engineer Battalion for making the event a huge success.

Lieutenant Antoine collected donations and prizes from local businesses,  handled the mailings to organizations for support, and set up the registration at the golf course.

Cmd. Sgt. Major Smallwood located and coordinated the use of the golf course, collected donations and more.

Proceeds from the Tournament were presented to Lt. Col. l Jay Peno, Foundation President, in the amount of $600 for the Georgia National Guard Foundation.

On April 21, the Top Gun Ride for Children was held in Kennesaw. The police-escorted motorcycle ride traveled through west Cobb County to the Flight Works hangar at McCollum Air Field. There participants enoyed food from six vendors, a live band and a silent auction. The 171st Aviation Group provided a UH-1 helicopter as a static display. Mike Worley, from Georgia Power Company, represented the Foundation and was responsible for designating the organization as a co-beneficiary. The results of the fundraiser have not yet been reported, but the awareness and continuing support for the Foundation are greatly appreciated.

On May 8, the Army Aviation Association of America – Greater Atlanta Chapter is hosting a Tournament Charity Donation Support and Golf Sponsorship at the Stone Mountain Golf Club. A portion of the proceeds from the event will be donated to the Foundation. Major Jim Schroeder is contact for this event.

In other recent news:

Venus Terry, represented the Foundation as a vendor at the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of Georgia convention in Valdosta. The Foundation provided a copy of the Freedom print by artist Steve Penley as a door prize for the association's banquet. In addition, the Foundation recognized Mr. and Mrs. Robert Dixon who are regular contributors to the Foundation. The Dixons, of  Valdosta, were presented a Certificate of Appreciation for their ongoing support of the Foundation.