Governor Perdue Presents Georgians’ Donation to Georgia National Guard Family Support Foundation

3/11/08 (Almost overlooked this one!)

Governor Sonny Perdue today presented a check on behalf of Georgia taxpayers who have again stepped up to help their fellow Georgians in uniform and their families with a donation of more than $114,000 made to the Georgia National Guard Family Support Foundation.

“I am proud to present this donation on behalf of Georgia’s citizens to support the selfless and courageous men and women, the citizen soldiers, of the Georgia National Guard,” said Governor Sonny Perdue. “We cannot overstate the importance of the work they perform, both at home and abroad, helping to keep us safe and defending the cause of freedom around the world.”
Governor Perdue and Department of Revenue Commissioner Bart Graham presented a check for $114,195 to Major General Terry Nesbitt, Georgia's Adjutant General, in support of activities of the Georgia National Guard Family Support Foundation, during a ceremony at the State Capitol honoring the Georgia National Guard.

“Our men and women in uniform can often find themselves in financial difficulties caused by the increased operational tempo of lengthy deployments, numerous exercises, and continuous training that puts a strain both on family and finances,” said Major General Terry Nesbitt. “However, it is reassuring to know that our fellow Georgians recognize these constant hardships and are willing to help.”

The contribution is the result of thousands of individual donations made to the Foundation through a simple check-off box on Georgia state income tax forms. The Georgia Legislature approved the inclusion of this check-off box in 2005. In the first year it appeared on state tax forms, donations to the foundation from taxpayers exceeded $107,000. The Georgia Department of Revenue reports that 98 percent of amounts collected for the Foundation are in $1.00 donations.

“The Department of Revenue is proud to support this extremely worthwhile program that assists the members of Georgia’s National Guard and their families,” said Department of Revenue Commissioner Bart Graham. “We are always ready to assist Guard personnel in any way possible during these times when increasing demands are being placed on them and their families.”

The Georgia National Guard Family Support Foundation was established to help families of Georgia National Guard members and other service members in Georgia during times of financial emergency. During 2007, the foundation was able to provide $325,876 in emergency relief assistance to hundreds of families. This was up more than 75 percent over relief assistance in 2006.

Georgia taxpayers once again have the chance to help Georgia service members this year when they fill out their 2007 Georgia State income tax forms by contributing a portion of their state refund using the check-off boxes.

At today’s ceremony, Governor Perdue also presented a proclamation declaring March 11, 2008 as National Guard Day in Georgia in recognition of valuable work performed by the Georgia National Guard. Governor Perdue also commended the National Guard Association of Georgia on its 60th anniversary.