Governor Perdue Signs Executive Order Reappointing the Georgia Military Affairs Coordinating Committee

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Contact: Office of Communications 404-651-7774

ATLANTA – Governor Sonny Perdue signed an executive order reorganizing the Military Affairs Coordinating Committee (GMACC) and announcing that it will continue to serve as the state’s focal point for efforts to assist Georgia’s military facilities and communities impacted by the 2005 Base Closure and Realignment Commission (BRAC).

“Georgia’s military installations serve as cornerstones for the local economies of several Georgia communities and even entire regions of the state,” said Governor Sonny Perdue. “The Georgia Military Affairs Coordinating Committee will strive to ensure the continued economic strength and military viability of Georgia’s defense installations and activities while also coordinating the state’s assistance to communities impacted by the 2005 BRAC recommendation.”

The Georgia Military Affairs Coordinating Committee was created in 1994, at the behest of Senator Sam Nunn, to help Georgia's bases deal with Base Realignment and Closure.  The committee was reappointed in 2003 and 2005 by Governor Perdue. James R. “Jim” Balkcom, Jr. shall serve as the chairman of the committee.

The text of the Governor’s executive order is below: 

Whereas:                 Georgia’s Military Affairs Coordinating Committee (the “Committee”) was reestablished by executive order on August 22, 2003; and

Whereas:                The members of the Committee and its related Community Action Group          Leaders have completed the part of their mission to prepare for the 2005 Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission (“2005 BRAC”) recommendations; and

Whereas:                Georgia continues to need a statewide focal point for efforts to assist        Georgia’s military facilities, to support communities impacted by the implementation of the 2005 BRAC, and to prepare for any future BRAC.

            Now, therefore, pursuant to the authority vested in me as Governor of the State of Georgia, it is hereby

Ordered:                 That Military Affairs Coordinating Committee will continue to serve as the State’s focal point for efforts to assist Georgia’s military facilities, to support communities impacted by the implementation of the 2005 BRAC, and to prepare for any future BRAC.

            It is further

Ordered:                 That the following individuals are hereby appointed as members of the   Committee, replacing all previous members of the Committee and its related Community Action Group Leaders:

            James R. “Jim” Balkcom, Jr.

            Civilian Aid, Secretary of the Army

            78 Lindberg Drive NE

            50 The Parkside

            Atlanta, Georgia 30305

 

            James A. “Micky” Blackwell, Jr.

            311 Hardage Drive

            Marietta, Georgia 30064

 

            Brent C. Brown

            Chairman, President & CEO, Chesley Brown Companies, Inc.

            170 Nickajack Road

            Mableton, Georgia 30126

 

            Lieutenant General (Ret) Thomas N. Burnette, Jr.

            32 Myrtlewood Drive

            Savannah, Georgia 31405

 

            Lieutenant General (Ret) Carmen J. Cavezza, Ph.D.

            6301 Cape Cod Drive

            Columbus, Georgia 31904

 

            Major General (Ret) Richard N. “Rick” Goddard

            213 Westbury Court

            Warner Robins, Georgia 31088

 

            George M. Israel III

            President and CEO, Georgia Chamber of Commerce

            233 Peachtree Street NE

            Suite 2000, Harris Tower

            Atlanta, Georgia 30303

 

            William H. “Bill” Linginfelter

            1410 Wesley Walk NW

            Atlanta, Georgia 30327

 

            James P. “Jim” McNary

            242 Camden Road NE

            Atlanta, Georgia 30309

 

            Sheila McNeil

            Chairperson/President, Friends of Kings Bay Submarine Base

            117 City Smitty Drive

            Saint Marys, Georgia 31558

 

            Thomas J. Ratcliffe, Jr.

            Ratcliffe & Smith, P.C.

            103 North Main Street

            Hinesville, Georgia 31313

 

            Major General (Ret) Rondal H. “Ron” Smith

            216 Falcon Crest

            Warner Robins, Georgia 31088

 

            It is further

Ordered:                 That all such members of the Committee shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor.

            It is further

Ordered:                 That James R. “Jim” Balkcom, Jr., shall serve as the Chairman of the Committee.

            It is further

Ordered:                 That members of the Committee shall serve without compensation, except         that each member may be reimbursed by the Committee for expenses incurred as a result of their duties as a Committee member.

                        Any inconsistent previous order is hereby rescinded.                      

                        This 29^th day of April, 2008.