I have served in the National Guard, the Army and Army Reserve, but I had never heard of the Georgia State Defense Force until one of its active members, Charles “Chuck” Pesta, suggested I write about it.

The Georgia State Defense Force is an all volunteer organization of individuals between the ages of 18 and 64. They provide their own uniforms and receive no compensation for their services. The commander of the Georgia State Defense Force is Brig. Gen. Jerry J. Bradford. Its mission and purpose statement is, “When ordered by the Adjutant General provide an organized, trained, disciplined, rapid response volunteer force to assist state and local government agencies, and civil relief organizations in impending or actual emergencies to assure the welfare and safely of the citizens of Georgia.”

Its official stationary states: “Ready to Serve Since 1733.”

Bradford states in a promotional piece, “It has been said ‘The spirit of patriotism burns brightest in the heart of the volunteer.’ Throughout our nation’s history, it is that spirit of volunteerism that has made America and its citizens strong. That spirit burns no brighter anywhere than in the citizens of the State of Georgia — and, most particularly, in those who serve in the Georgia State Defense Force. These outstanding Americans serve the Department of Defense and our fellow Georgians without compensation or reward. Their service is of the purest kind: duty, honor, country. The men and women of the Georgia State Defense Force epitomize the fullest definition of those words. I am extremely proud to be among their number — and most honored to be their commander.

“Its rich history dates back to England when in 1733, when, under the direction of General James Edward Oglethorpe, Sergeants of the Guard trained future colonists in militia tactics, and during the Revolutionary War joined General George Washington to secure America’s Independence. This volunteer militia remained in continuous service throughout the 1700s and 1800s. During the War Between the States. Georgia responded with over 100 volunteer regiments, battalions, and batteries, second in number only to Virginia. During World War II, the 8,000 members of the volunteer militia force guarded war plants, critical communications facilities, utilities, reservoirs, and transportation facilities. It was disorganized in 1951 but re-authorized in 1973 under the Official Code of Georgia, Title 38. It, along with the Army National Guard and the Air Guard are components of the Georgia State Defense and operate under the direction of the Adjutant General of Georgia.”

In Chuck Pesta’s cover letter to me he wrote: “We all serve strictly to benefit our communities, our state, and our country. We carry no weapons and will not be assigned duties outside the State of Georgia.” He continued with these descriptive words: “The GSDF works with local law enforcement providing traffic and crowd control for various events such as county air shows, local marathons, and scheduled events such as Kennesaw’s Big Shanty Days and Silent Moment at Nation the National Cemetery in Marietta. The GSDF also is called out in search of missing persons. We are trained in urban and wilderness search and rescue as well as first aid.

In addition, we provide support to local emergency management agencies when disasters occur. The GSDF also supports the Georgia National Guard in a variety of missions including pre-deployment activities.”

Chuck closed his letter with these words, “Our ranks are comprised of prior service and non-service personnel at approximately 50 percent each. Having prior service myself, I was looking for a way to continue to serve my country after 9/11. I have found the GSDF to be a worthwhile and gratifying way to do so.”

And now you know more, as do I, about the Georgia State Defense Force. And you can learn more by going online to www.gasdf.com.

As I read Chuck’s letter and the other material he provided I couldn’t help but think of the millions of American’s, who like Chuck love America beyond anything elitist progressives can possibly comprehend – and because of these volunteers who serve simply to serve their country and fellow man America’s future, I believe, is in good hands.

These men and women are ready to defend the freedoms and liberties they love with their lives. God bless America and the Georgia State Defense Force.

Donald Conkey is a retired agricultural economist in Woodstock.