Georgia Lawmakers Issue Statement Urging Governor to Bring National Guard Home Before the Holidays

ATLANTA - State Representatives Sandra Scott (D-Rex), Viola Davis (D-Stone Mountain), Eric Bell (D-Jonesboro), Derrick Jackson (D-Tyrone) and Floyd Griffin (D-Milledgeville), along with State Senators Kenya Wicks (D-Fayette) and Tonya Anderson (D-Lithonia) issue the following statement urging Governor Brian Kemp to bring Georgia National Guard soldiers home from Washington D.C. before Thanksgiving and Christmas:

"Drawing on our own military backgrounds, we are deeply concerned about the mounting human toll of this prolonged mission. We believe the physical and mental health of our soldiers and their families must be a top priority. Prolonged operational separation significantly increases the risk of chronic stress, anxiety and clinical depression, which impacts not only the deployed service members but also the emotional and mental well-being of their spouses and children left behind.

"As United States Army, Navy and Air Force veterans, we know firsthand the heavy mental and physical weight that extended deployments place on a soldier. These men and women have answered the call to serve faithfully. But after more than a year away, the strain on their mental wellness and family stability is becoming too great. They have missed birthdays, anniversaries and milestones that can never be replaced. With the holidays approaching, we are calling on the state to address the psychological cost of this continued separation.

"The urgency of our request is compounded by recent safety concerns. On October 18, 2026, a National Guard member was shot in Washington D.C., while responding to an operational confrontation. Although the injured service member's state affiliation remains unconfirmed, the incident highlights the unpredictable physical dangers faced by personnel on street patrol duties. We believe placing our troops in high-stress, hazardous environments without a clearly defined exit strategy increases mental fatigue and physical vulnerability, creating an unsustainable burden on our service members and their families.

"We are calling on Gov. Kemp to secure the return of these personnel before Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 2026, or no later than Christmas. Specifically, we are asking the governor to outline a clear withdrawal timeline, clarify the safety measures in place and identify supportive resources to protect the mental health and economic stability of families experiencing prolonged separation.

"This is not a partisan issue; it is a family and health issue. We can support our troops and respect military duty while still demanding answers about why hundreds of Georgia citizens remain separated from their support networks. Our National Guard members are vital to our local communities, disaster readiness and family systems right here in Georgia. We must ensure they are taken care of physically and emotionally.

"We have requested a written response from the governor within 10 business days detailing the steps his administration will take to safely reunite these soldiers with their families before the holiday season."

*Editor's note: The legislators have provided a photo, which is included below.

Representative Sandra Scott represents the citizens of District 76, which includes a portion of Clayton County. She was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2010 and currently serves on the Banks & Banking, Defense & Veterans Affairs, Human Relations & Aging, Insurance and Reapportionment and Redistricting committees.

Representative Viola Davis represents the citizens of District 87, which includes a portion of DeKalb County. She was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2018 and currently serves on the Defense & Veterans Affairs, Health, Insurance, Natural Resources & Environment and Urban Affairs committees.

Representative Eric Bell represents the citizens of District 75, which includes a portion of Clayton County. He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2023 and currently serves on the Defense & Veterans Affairs, Human Relations & Aging and Small Business Development committees.

Representative Derrick Jackson represents the citizens of District 68, which includes portions of Fayette and Fulton counties. He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2016 and re-elected in 2022. He currently serves on the Budget & Fiscal Affairs Oversight, Defense & Veterans Affairs, Regulated Industries and State Planning & Community Affairs committees.

Representative Floyd Griffin represents the citizens of District 149, which includes portions of Baldwin, Bibb and Jones counties. He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2024 and currently serves on the Defense & Veterans Affairs, Special Rules and State Planning & Community Affairs committees.

Sen. Kenya Wicks represents the 34th Senate District, which includes portions of Clayton and Fayette counties. She may be reached by phone at (404) 463-1562 or by email at [email protected].

Sen. Tonya Anderson represents the 43rd Senate District, which includes Rockdale County and portions of DeKalb, Gwinnett and Newton counties. She may be reached by phone at (404) 463-2598 or by email at [email protected].

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