Week Ending May 25, 2007

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Penelope Harbour

678-569-6037

Georgia’s Technical College Presidents Sign

"5-Star"Statement of Support for the

Georgia National Guard and Reserve

Atlanta – Thomas Wessels, chairman of the Georgia Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (GA ESGR) Committee, an agency of the Department of Defense, has announced that 34 presidents of the Technical College System of Georgia have signed a "5-Star" Statement of Support for the Georgia National Guard and Reserve.

The "5-Star" Statement of Support confirms that the state technical colleges:

Support their employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve;

Have human resources policies that ensure compliance with the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act Law (USERRA);

Promote training for managers and supervisors to effectively manage employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve;

Adopted polices and programs that are "above and beyond" what is required by the USERRA Law;

Advocate for employee service in the National Guard and Reserve and will help to promote the mission of ESGR.

"Supportive employers like these technical college presidents are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s National Guard and Reserve units. I am asking all employers to review and amend their current human resources policies to ensure compliance with the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act (USERRA)," said Wessels.

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) is a Department of Defense agency established in 1972. The mission of ESGR is to gain and maintain active backing from all public and private employers for the men and women of the National Guard and Reserve through demonstrated employer commitment to military service. ESGR volunteers provide free education, consultation, and, if necessary, mediation for employers of Guard and Reserve employees.

As the 1.2 million members of the National Guard and Reserve continue to perform an increasing number of unique missions within America’s borders and beyond, ESGR will continue as the informational agency for the employers of America’s Patriots. More information about ESGR Employer Outreach Programs and volunteer opportunities is available at www.esgr.mil or by calling the Georgia Committee Office at 678-569-6037.

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Pictured: Judge Kathy Palmer, Chief Superior Court Judge of the Middle Judicial Circuit

Judge Kathy Palmer To be Commencement Speaker At Swainsboro Technical College Graduation

Larry Calhoun, President of Swainsboro Technical College, announced that Judge Kathy Palmer, Chief Superior Court Judge of the Middle Judicial Circuit will be the commencement speaker at the Swainsboro Technical College graduation to be held at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, June 18, 2007 in the Swainsboro-Emanuel County Civic Auditorium on Church Street in Swainsboro.

Judge Palmer attended the Emanuel County public schools, graduated from the University of Georgia Magna Cum Laude, and earned her Juris Doctor from the Law School at the University of Georgia. She is married to Danny Palmer and they have two sons Kyle and Kirk.

Starting her law practice in 1987 in Swainsboro, Judge Palmer was elected as Superior Court Judge in July 2000. She has served on the Georgia 4-H Foundation, Board of Trustees for six years; been an Emanuel County Volunteer 4-H Leader since moving to Swainsboro, serving as President from 1990 thru 1991. Currently, Judge Palmer serves on the State Advisory Council for the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences; and is a member of the Council of Superior Court Judges, actively serving on committees dealing with Legislation, Family Law and Death Penalty. She was recognized in 1999 by the State Bar of Georgia Pro Bono Honor Roll.

Mr. Calhoun commented, "We are certainly proud of the students that are graduating. They have put forth a great effort and sacrificed to reach this level of accomplishment. We are honored and look forward to having Judge Palmer as our 2007 commencement speaker and would like to invite everyone to join us for this memorable event."

Pictured: (l-r) Lesly Tention, Kristie Collins, Betty Robinson, Thanelia Collins, Mary Annette Harbuck, Jodi Condrey, and instructor Faye Wilkinson, R.N., CIC. (not pictured) Sabrina Rhodes and Solomon Tention.

Swainsboro Technical College Offers CNA Training In Metter

Did you know that Swainsboro Technical College has a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) class in Metter? The class meets two nights per week and is located at the Candler County Center – 25 West Daniel Street; Metter, GA 30439. The class consists of eight students, talented individuals who are dedicated to the care of others. Several of the class members are associated with various health care facilities within the area and want to further their education in order to better serve their clients.

The class consists of a combination of academic and practical training. The students learn the rationale behind the practical aspects of CNA training. While training is taken seriously and specific goals are accomplished, an element of fun and laughter is incorporated into the class which provides a balance in learning.

The students testify that the small class size makes their learning experience easier. They can partner up quite easily for demonstrations and the one on one time with the instructor is an asset.

Students participating in the class are Kristie Collins, Thanelia Collins, Jodi Condrey, Mary Annette Harbuck, Sabrina Rhodes, Betty Robinson, Lesly Tention, and Solomon Tention. The instructor is Faye Wilkinson, R.N., CIC. Upon completion of this class, the students will be qualified to be employed at any health care facility that utilizes CNA’s.

Swainsboro Technical College is dedicated to meeting the needs of the "hometown folks" in Candler and surrounding counties. Offering classes at the center in your hometown will allow you an opportunity to include in your busy schedule your educational goals. Please contact Alneata C. Kemp, Recruitment/Retention Specialist @ (478) 289-2332 to find out more about the classes that will be offered at a center near you during the summer quarter.