Rep. Josh Bonner Honored with 2026 LTC (Ret.) Joseph C. Barto, Jr. Service Award from Georgia Council of Chapters MOAA

ATLANTA - State Representative Josh Bonner (R-Fayetteville), chairman of the House Defense and Veterans Affairs Committee, was recently recognized as the legislative branch honoree for the 2026 LTC (Ret.) Joseph C. Barto, Jr. Service Award. The award was presented during the Georgia Council of Chapters Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) 2026 State Conference, hosted by the Athens Area Chapter of MOAA, on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at the Georgia Center in Athens, Ga.

"I extend my deepest gratitude to Georgia MOAA for selecting me as the legislative branch honoree for the 2026 Ret. Joseph C. Barto, Jr. Service Award," said Chairman Bonner. "As chairman of the House Defense and Veterans Affairs Committee, I have worked alongside my colleagues to address legislative matters affecting Georgia's military community, veterans and their families. Our committee examines policies and initiatives to strengthen services for veterans, address their needs and support Georgia's military installations and personnel. While meaningful progress has been made, there is still work to do. I remain committed to advocating for our veterans, supporting their families and ensuring those who have served our country have access to the care and opportunities they deserve."

In 2014, the Georgia MOAA established the LTC (Retired) Joseph C. Barto, Jr. Service Award which may be presented annually to members of the State of Georgia Executive and Legislative Branches for their support of Veterans as exemplified by LTC Barto's dedicated service to Georgia's veterans.

The Georgia MOAA is a nonpartisan organization that supports and advocates for active-duty, retired and former members of the uniformed services and their families. Through its statewide network of chapters, the organization works to represent the military community before state and national leaders, advocate for earned military benefits and support a strong national defense. To learn more about Georgia MOAA, please click here.

*Editor's note: a photo of Chairman Bonner with Frank Baugh, Lt. Col., USAF (Ret.), president of the Georgia Council of Chapters of MOAA, is included below.

Representative Josh Bonner represents the citizens of District 73, which includes portions of Coweta and Fayette counties. He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2016 and currently serves as Chairman of the Defense & Veterans Affairs Committee. He also serves on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Economic Development, Creative Arts & Entertainment, Economic Development & Tourism, Human Relations & Aging, Industry and Labor and Interstate Cooperation committees.

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