East Georgia AFA Chapter Joins Memorial Day Tribute

The East Georgia Chapter of the Air & Space Forces Association (AFA) participated in a Memorial Day observance on May 25, 2026, in Augusta, Ga., to honor the service and sacrifice of America’s veteran community. Dr. James Brady, a former U.S. Army captain and current vice commander-in-chief of the Military Order of the World Wars’ Augusta Chapter, planned the event. Attendees included community and business leaders, dignitaries, veterans, officers of the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, and several members of the media.

After music provided by the Augusta Pipes & Drums, Brady gave the welcome address, and the Rev. Glenn Palmer of the Church of the Holy Comforter in Martinez, Ga., gave the invocation. Palmer spoke of his time as an Army chaplain and lieutenant colonel, ministering to the needs of fellow Soldiers during conflicts in the Middle East.

The National Sojourners presented the colors, and the Fort Gordon Installation Support Detachment raised them. Lt. Cmdr. Jack Goldenberg, USN (Ret.), of the National Sojourners, led the toast and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. 

The National Anthem was sung by East Georgia AFA Chapter President Laurie Orth. Roll call was led by Col. Maryetta Beck, USA (Ret.), of the Military Order of the World Wars (MOWW). Remarks were given by Mayor Garnett L. Johnson of Augusta and by U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Ryan M. Janovic, commanding general of the U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence at Fort Gordon, Ga.

Honors to the Fallen were given by Dr. Kimberly Blochowicz, a retired U.S. Army major and senior vice commander of the Augusta Chapter, MOWW. A three-volley salute, performed by the Fort Gordon Installation Support Detachment, followed each named battle as a rolling tribute to honor the fallen and to recognize the sacrifice of each military operation.

Taps were played by Chief Warrant Officer 2 Curtis DuFour, USA. Amazing Grace was played by the Augusta Pipes & Drums, and the crowd joined Orth in singing God Bless America. Brady gave the closing remarks, and the benediction was led by Palmer. The Augusta Pipes & Drums concluded the ceremony with a final piece, performed as the ensemble withdrew from the venue in tribute to the fallen.

The Memorial Day observance drew more than 150 people, bringing together community leaders, veterans, service members, and families in a solemn tribute to those who served. The East Georgia AFA Chapter proudly honors the service and sacrifice of our service men and women, our veterans, and the families of the fallen, whose courage and devotion remain at the heart of this important remembrance.