Army and Air Guardsmen, and State Defense Force members listen from the steps of the state capitol’s north rotunda to remarks celebrating March 6, 2007, as National Guard Day. (Georgia National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Roy Henry)

Governor Lauds Guard During '2007 National Guard Day';

ATLANTA, March 6, 2007 – Members of the Georgia Army and Air National Guard and the Georgia State Defense Force listened from the steps of the state capitol’s north rotunda as Gov. Sonny Perdue issued his annual proclamation naming this as National Guard Day.

Perdue applauded the hundreds of men and women in the Guard for their hard work and perseverance in Iraq, Afghanistan and along the Nation’s Southwest border. He also thanked the Guardsmen who recently went to the aid of tornado victims in Southwest Georgia.

Major Gen. David B. Poythress, Georgia’s Adjutant General, accepted the signed proclamation, holding it high for all to see as he stepped to the podium.

As the ceremony continued, Poythress presented Perdue with the Charles B. Dick Medal of Merit. He thanked Perdue as the two shook hands for the governor’s longstanding dedication to the Georgia Guard. Perdue, Poythress said, continues to go far above and beyond his responsibilities to help the state’s Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen.

Perdue wasn’t the only honoree at this event.


Colonel Lois Stark, 116th Air Control Wing chief of staff, receives the Air Force Out standing Unit Award from Gov. Sonny Perdue during the National Guard Day celebration at the state capitol in Atlanta. (Georgia National Guard photo by Spc. Amanda Luksic)		Atlanta Businessman and entrepreneur Sunny Park receives the 2007 National Guard Youth Challenge Lifetime Achievement Award from Maj. Gen. David B. Poythress, Georgia’s Adjutant General, for his dedication and extensive work with YCA program. (Georgia National Guard photo by Spc. Amanda Luksic)

Also recognized was Atlanta businessman Sunny Park, who received The Youth Challenge Academy Life Time Achievement Award. Park, a native Korean who has made his fortune over the years as an entrepreneur, was honored for his work with not only Georgia’s YCA program, but also those in several other states.

Others recognized for their commitment to the Guard were Pete Wheeler, Georgia’s commissioner on Veteran Affairs; state Sen. John Douglas, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee; and Atlanta artist Steve Penley for his creation and donation of the painting entitled “Freedom.” Each received the National Guard Association of Georgia Patrick Henry Award.

Receiving the association’s Meritorious Service award was retired Army Guard Brig. Gen. Thomas Norman and his wife Margaret, and Col. Maria Britt, Army Guard chief of staff.

Ending the ceremony was the presentation by Poythress of three Air Force Outstanding Unit awards. These went to Macon’s 202nd Engineering Installation Squadron, Warner Robin’s 116th Air Control Wing, and Marietta’s 283rd Combat Communications Squadron.


Margret Norman receives the National Guard Association of Georgia Meritorious Service Award from Maj. Gen. David B. Poythress, Georgia’s Adjutant General, for her late husband retired Army Guard Brig. Gen. Thomas Norman. Norman was honored for his outstanding achievements of behalf of the National Guard and the National Guard Association of the United States. (Georgia National Guard photo by Spc. Amanda Luksic)		Veterans Affairs commissioner Pete Wheeler receives the Patrick Henry award from Maj. Gen. David B. Poythress, Georgia’s Adjutant General, for his outstanding support of state veterans and the Georgia National Guard during the annual National Guard Day celebration. (Georgia National Guard photo by Spc. Amanda Luksic)

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