HIAWASSEE, Ga. – With an average of 22 military veterans committing suicide each day in America, Towns County Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw announced a project of acknowledgement and appreciation for United States service members who have recently returned to civilian life, along with veterans who have relocated to the county.   

In conjunction with Jim McCarroll, an evangelist who proposed the program, and officers from Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 7807 in Hiawassee, the commissioner expects to formally launch the project within the next month. Veterans will be recognized during county meetings, held on the third Tuesday of each month, while presented with a certificate of appreciation. Members of the local VFW will treat the service members to a restaurant dinner. Towns County will provide pamphlets with information on available resources. While “800 numbers” abound, the commissioner explained his hope in assisting local veterans on a more personal level.

“As a county, we want to be here for them,” Commissioner Bradshaw told FYN. “We want to thank them face-to-face for their service, and we want to show them the love and respect they so deserve.”

Additional information on the program can be acquired through the Towns County Courthouse or by dialing the Towns County Commissioner’s Office at 706-896-2276.