Dear Comrades,

During this unprecedented time of social distancing and Governor Kemp’s stay-in-place order due to COVID-19, I want to ensure our Georgia membership has the opportunity to place in nomination any candidate for the 2020-2021 Department Officers.

We don't yet know if we will be able to conduct the Department Convention or, if we do, what it will look like. But, as a step towards carrying on the business of the VFW, I want to make sure everyone has an opportunity to place their name in nomination.

The current nominees for the elected positions for 2020-2021 are as follows:

State Commander: Joel Willis, Post 5290 Conyers

State Senior Vice Commander: Kevin Hammond, Post 7402 Buchanan

State Junior Vice Commander: Jim Willis, Post 6686 Eatonton

State Quartermaster: Jeff Carroll, Post 2667 Newnan and Richard Attaway  also is running

State Chaplain: James Gray, Post 5080 Lake City

State Judge Advocate: Patsey Nuzum, Post 8385 Kings Bay

If you have a nominee for one of the elected positions above, please submit their name, membership ID number and Department position for which they are running to Department Headquarters via email to Adjutant Tony Dobbins at adj@vfwga.com no later than Thursday, April 29, 2020 by Noon for inclusion in the May 2020 General Order.

The May 2020 General Order will list all nominees that have been submitted.

The following Department positions will be appointed by the State Commander upon his/her election:

State Adjutant

State Surgeon

Chief of Staff

State Service Officer

State Inspector

Officer of the Day

Posts are reminded they must be eligible to vote by satisfying all their financial obligations and all audits are turned in and approved by State Inspector Talley. Post Commanders or Post Quartermasters can contact State Adjutant Dobbins at 478.474.3737 if you are not sure of your post voting status.

We are continuously assessing the situation here in Georgia and are in regular communication with VFW National and other Departments. We will share all pertinent information regarding the Department Convention and District Conventions through the Department website (VFWGA.com), the General Orders, and your District Commanders.

Comrades, continue to be safe in your travels, keep up your buddy checks, and help out in your community when possible. I look forward to seeing you all in the very near future.

Yours in Comradeship,

Jeff Carroll

State Commander