Some 45 Augusta veterans traveled to the state capitol Wednesday to advocate and be recognized.
Now in its second year, the annual trip was led by Augusta commissioner, veteran and longtime veteran advocate Don Clark.
The veterans – from nearly every branch of the armed forces and with a combined 700 years of service – met one-on-one with Augusta state legislators as well as Congressman Rick Allen, Clark said.
Discussion topics included increasing and preserving veterans’ state benefits and sustaining federal benefits, as well as the effort to open a veteran cemetery, he said.
Plans for a state veteran cemetery in Augusta, a project co-founded by Clark and former Mayor Bob Young, are “still in motion” with hopes for a “collaboration” between federal, state and local governments on funding, Clark said.
Leon McLamb, captain of the Patriot Guard Riders, was among several from the group that attended Wednesday.
“This was more of an appreciation event,” McLamb said. “Some of the local delegation and a couple others came to talk to us and said they were supporting us and trying to help us.”
Venus Cain, the school system trustee, served in the Women’s Army Corps. She said learning about state legislation involving the military was very informative.
“We had a good time. It was really interesting to learn about all the bills that they’re trying to pass for veterans,” Cain said.
One area of interest is exemptions for veterans and their spouses from state taxes, she said.
Cain said she felt a passionate connection advocating for veteran benefits, which are “dwindling away,” with other veterans at the capitol.
Pamela Bynes, who was a sergeant with the Women’s Army Corps, said the group Wednesday included at least eight from the corps.
Bynes said she had a “wonderful time” during the visit and meeting with Allen state representatives Mark Newton, Karlton Howard and Lynn Heffner and others.
They spoke about what they are trying to do for veterans and what veterans need.
“Without the military and armed forces we would not have the foundation of freedom we have today. We would not have the privileges we have today,” Bynes said.
“Whatever can be done to make the military and armed forces strong, I really would be thankful for that.”
