CLAY NATIONAL GUARD CENTER, Marietta, Nov. 18, 2009 – Despite the fact that government recent figures indicate a slow, but steady upturn in the American economy, there still are families in Georgia and across the nation – many of them in the military – struggling to make it, especially as the holiday season approaches.

One local veteran’s group, however, continues doing its part to help bring hope to Guard, Reserve and active duty families that need it.A Georgia National Guard Family Support Foundation representative accepted a donation of Publix Grocery gift cards aimed at helping Guardsmen and their families have a happier holiday season. Also on hand at Guard Headquarters for this year’s presentation were representatives of Cobb County’s Georgia Vietnam Veterans Alliance. 
COL (Ret) Steven Blanton, the Guard’s family assistance programs director, accepted the cards on behalf of MG Terry Nesbitt, Georgia’s Adjutant General.  The 40 cards totaling an estimated $2,000, will be passed on to Guard’s Cobb County Family Assistance Center for distribution, Blanton said.
“I know I speak for General Nesbitt, and the Guard as a whole, when I say we’re very grateful, now more than ever, for organizations such as the Vietnam Veterans Alliance that step forward and lend a helping hand to our military families,” he added. “With so many making sacrifices in the service of their country, the support shown them by local veterans and others is heartwarming.”
Handing off the cards were Bob Humphries, the alliance’s vice president, and Al Rowe, one of its past presidents –both of whom made a similar presentation last year– and Robert E. Ledee, the alliance’s  current president.
Humphries, who is also director for Cobb Chamber of Commerce’s Business Development member division, was a member of the Army’s 1st Infantry Division. Rowe is a retired Army colonel and Ledee is a retired Marine Corps lieutenant colonel.
“Our people started this as a fundraiser in 2002, raising nearly $16,000 that first year,” Rowe said. “That year, and every year since, $3,000 of what we raise is set aside for gift giving.
“We’re quite proud of our fellow veterans, and we find great reward in our ability to help our Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmen, and their families,” he added. “It’s a labor of love that, for us, is one that we’ll never get tired of.”