06-21-09 Veterans Office in McDonough City Hall Celebrates First Birthday

The City of McDonough gives special notice to one segment of our community and does so with extreme pride. That segment is the City’s community of veterans. They are local heroes, or should be, to every citizen of McDonough. These men and women have, and continue, to stand in the gap for every American. Freedom exists because they paid the price. Soldiers, even today, are fighting to protect that most precious gift—the gift of freedom. Many will come home. Some will return draped in an American flag. These brave men and women have truly made the ultimate sacrifice.

That pride became the founding force behind the idea of having a Veterans’ Office in McDonough. The closest office, prior to one opening in City Hall in 2007, was located in Griffin. Veterans no longer have to travel more than 20 miles to get information for their individual needs and answers to important questions. The City’s Veterans’ Information and Referral Office, located on the first floor of City Hall, turned one year old on June 4th. From day one to year one, it has served many local veterans already and continues to do so.

Several McDonough citizens attended the open house for the year old office and expressed appreciation to the City for making this possible. Office volunteer Helen Busbin was on hand to take visitors on tours of the office and explain what services are available to veterans.

Following the tours and light refreshments, those gathered were taken to the Council Chamber for an open enrollment for veterans’ health insurance. Mayor Billy Copeland welcomed those present before the enrollment process began.

The Veterans’ Information and Referral Office is open Tuesdays, 10 a. m.--12 p. m. and Thursdays, 1-3 p. m. The office may be visited during those hours or reached by calling City Hall at 770-957-3915. Information is also available on the City’s website www.mcdonoughga.org. Mayor Copeland had a vision, and now that vision is a reality located just down the hall on the first floor of McDonough City Hall.