Dwayne S. Ward

Branch of Military:

United States Navy                

Rank:

Petty Officer 3rd Class (Aviation Machinist Mate)

Years of Service:

5 years (1993–1997)

Spouse & Children:

Three awesome kids Logan 18, Tristyn 16 and Sage 13. You will see my girlfriend Becky running with me often!

Religious Affiliation:

Methodist

Community Service:

RWB Member, very involved with the Jones County High School Long Distance Running team.

Hobbies:

Training for racing events, body weight workouts, heavy bag work, spending time with my kids.

Current Employment/Job Title:

Robins AFB / Maintenance Repair and Overhaul IT Technical Solution Lead. Dwayne is also the owner of Gallant Fellows Beard Grooming Products and LTS Beauty Supply, both family businesses with my children and brother.

Additional Information:

Third generation Veteran and 2nd generation Sailor Veteran as my father before me!

A good portion of my time is training for races; I have discussed with several other Veterans the importance of physical activity. My main goal running is not actually physical but mental wellbeing. The SEGAMI races mean a lot to me, it is my favorite race to attend and the one I train for the hardest.

2017 SEGAMI Half 1:55:48
2018 SEGAMI Half 1:54:28 (Half-overall PR)
2019 SEGAMI 5K 25:41 Veterans Division Overall Winner

Martha "Mert" Dorgan

Branch of Military:

United States Navy

Rank:

Commander (O-5)

Years of Service:

20 years

Spouse & Children:

Mert is not married and does not have any children but she has a black cat named Kommander.

Religious Affiliation:

Methodist

Community Service:

Volunteer as a UGA certified Georgia Master Gardener and with Team RWB (Red, White & Blue)

Hobbies:

Running and being Ms. Fix-It

Job Title:

Fully Retired

Additional Information:

Mert was commissioned via the NROTC Program at Villanova University and served as an aircraft maintenance officer.  Serving in the world's greatest Navy with wonderfully professional shipmates remains one of the highlights of her life.

Mert is also the 2017 & 2018 SEGAMI Half Marathon Top Female Senior Division Winner.

John H. Simmons, Jr.

Branch of Military:

United States Air Force                   

Rank:

Retired Major

Years of Service:

August 19, 1970 – September 1, 1990

Spouse & Children:

Spouse – Jenett (Married in May 1970)
Children – John III and Sebrenia

Religious Affiliation:

Williams Chapel AME in Forsyth, GA

Community Service:

• Sponsor Community Garden (Fort Valley State University)
• Prepare food for Freshmen Day (Fort Valley State University)
• Local Feed Program in Fort Valley, GA
• President of Macon-Bibb Alumni Chapter (FVSU)

Hobbies:

Enjoy fishing, listening to music, traveling and l love to see plants grow

Additional Information:

Major Simmons was stationed in Japan; Laredo, TX; Tampa, FL; England; Minot, ND; Plattsburgh, NY; Turkey and the Netherlands.

Major Simmons also attended Fort Valley State University, where he majored in Social Science Secondary Education and minored in Library Science

James E. Brown

James Edward Brown was born November 12, 1948 in Quitman, Georgia to the late Mr. and Mrs. Prince Wesley and Willie Mae Brown who lived on a farm in Dixie, Georgia. He was the fourth oldest child of ten siblings. He received his early education from Crossroad Elementary School, completing grades first through fifth. After being promoted to the sixth grade, he was bused from his home near Crossroad School in Dixie, Georgia to Simmon Hill School where he completed grades sixth through eighth. Following the completion of these grades, he continued on to High School, attending Washington Street High, Quitman, Georgia, where he completed grades ninth through twelfth, graduating May, 1966.

In September of 1966, he enrolled at Fort Valley State University (FVSU), where he majored in Agronomy, field crop production study in Agriculture. While at FVSU, he met his late wife, Mazie Louise (Roper) Brown who departed this life July 29, 2021 after 51 years of marriage. They gave birth to three children, two daughters, Wysteria and Candace, and one son, James E. Brown, II, who was born prematurely and lived only a few hours after birth.

After receiving his BS degree at Fvsu ·fn 1970, James immediately entered graduate school at Tuskegee University (TU), majoring in Soil Chemistry, where he completed one year of graduate school before being drafted into the U.S. Army. After completing three years of military obligation, he returned to TU, August, 1974, where he continued his education and received his MS degree in Agriculture. Also, during this time while at TU, James joined the Reserve Officers' Training Corp (ROTC) and retired from the military at the rank of Major after 20 years of service.

Upon the completion of his educational requirements at TU in August, 1975, James immediately accepted a job with the Tennessee Valley Authority as a botanist, where he worked in Knoxville, Tennessee area for 5 years before accepting a research assistantship at the University of Illinois (UI), January 1981. At UI, James received his Ph.D. degree in the area of horticulture in May, 1983. Shortly after receiving his degree, Dr. Brown accepted a job at TU, where he worked as a Horticultural Extension Specialist for one and one-half years before accepting a job as an assistant professor of horticulture at Auburn University (AU), Auburn, Alabama, beginning January 1985. Dr. Brown spent twenty-five years of service at AU, earning the rank of full professor before retiring in August 2009. During this time at AU, Dr. Brown published 9 books, several book chapters, and more than 240 other publications, to include 42 refereed journal articles along with other significant publications. He also developed two elective courses and wrote two horticulture books, entitled Organic Gardening: Vegetable Growing in Simple Terms, and Vegetable Production: Vegetable Growing in Simple Terms. He used these two books to teach his two courses. Between these two courses among others, he taught as much as 3,500 students per semester for a period of 15 years. Dr. Brown's Organic Gardening course work was placed in the Archives of the Auburn University Library during the year 2009. Upon his departure, Dr. Brown was honored as Emeritus Professor of AU by the President and Board of Trustees, effective March, 2010.

Shortly after his retirement from AU in August of 2009, Dr. Brown immediately accepted a position at Fort Valley State University as Professor Emeritus of Horticulture and Interim Assistant Dean of Academic Programs. He served in this position for a period of six years before being assigned to the position of Professor Emeritus and Interim Program Leader of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Cooperative Extension Program, College of Agriculture, Family Sciences and Technology. During his time at FVSU, Dr. Brown developed and taught three courses in the college of agriculture, established a USDA Certified 20- acre Organic Fruit, Vegetable, and Animal Production Farm on one of FVSU's Farm Sites. Also, he established other community fruit and vegetable sites in several cities in the state of Georgia as follows: Macon, Sylvester, and Columbus.

Additionally, Dr. Brown has earned significant honors and has made several contributi"ons during his life time as follows: President, American Society for Plasticulture, a Scientific Research Society (1991-1993}; Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society (1982); Alpha Zeta Agricultural Honor Society {1993}; Auburn Alumni Undergraduate Teaching Excellence Award (2003}; Dean's award for Teaching Excellence, College of Agriculture, Auburn University (2006); Chi Gamma Iota, Veterans Scholastic Honor Society {1983); Several Outstanding Professor Awards, Auburn University Panhellenic Council {2002-2004); Outstanding Faculty Award, Auburn University, Baptist Student Union (2003}; Gamma Sigma Delta, The Honor Society of Agriculture (1983}; Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity. Dr. Brown also pastored two churches, Community Missionary Baptist, and Cornerstone Missionary Baptist (he and his late wife, Mazie, were founders of this church), respectively, of Opelika, Alabama, for more than 25 years. Dr. Brown presently resides in Atlanta, Georgia, 1386 Threepine Place, S.W. Lilburn, Georgia 30047.

Woodie Hughes Jr.

Branch of Military:

Illinois Army National Guard

Rank:

E-4

Years of Service:

8 years of service from November 8, 1988 to November 8, 1996.

Spouse & Children:

Mrs. Tonya Hughes (Wife of 22 years), one son (14) and one daughter (20).

Church & Religious Affiliations:

Christian, Children of the Most High, Pristine Youth and Family Solutions, LLC. https://childrenofthemosthigh.com/

Community Service:

4-H Village Community Garden Outdoor Laboratory of Learning, EPA Environmental Social Justice 4-H Community Service. Located in Sylvester, Georgia, in Worth County.

Hobbies:

Studying the Doctrine of The Most High Heavenly Father (KJV John 7:16). Spending quality uninterrupted time with family members, spending quality uninterrupted time in silence for my own overall health and well-being, work-life balance, working out, writing, teaching, watching movies, bowling and shooting pool in Chicago, and watching favorite TV shows.

Current Employment/Job Title:

Assistant Extension Administrator 4-H Program Leader Fort Valley State University, College of Agriculture, Family Sciences and Technology Cooperative Extension Program.

Additional information:

Mr. Hughes parents, Mrs. Annette Hughes (Mom) and Mr. Woodie Hughes Sr. (Dad) have been happily married for 52 years! Growing up on the westside of Chicago, in a household with two loving, married parents who love God and who instilled in me Godly love of family and obedience to God’s commandments; are the foundation of all the most important developmental experiences that I have had in my life that have led to me becoming the person that I am today. Some of the other more important developmental experiences that I have had in my life, were: accepting the Messiah Jesus as my Savior, being the elder brother of my two younger brothers, Nathan and David, always being surrounded by loving family members and true friends, marrying Mrs. Tonya Hughes and raising our children under one roof together through love! Mr. Hughes served 8 years with the Illinois Army National Guard and received an U.S. Army Honorable Discharge. Mr. Woodie Hughes Jr. only wants to do God’s Will above everything else! Mr. Hughes is in the Body of Christ!

Ricky Oliver Manning

Branch of Military:

United States Army

Rank:

Captain

Years of Service:

22 years

Spouse & Children:

Daughter: Malaysia Manning 21
Son: LaDarius Manning 15

Church:

Jerusalem Baptist Church

Hobbies:

Working out at the gym and playing basketball

Current Employment/Job Title:

Georgia Department of Labor/ Disabled Veteran Out Reach Program Specialist

Additional information:

Ricky served over 22 years in the United States Army traveling all over the world to places such as Korea, Germany, Alaska, Greece, Macedonia and several of the states in the lower 48. He has also defended and protected his country through several deployments to Kuwait, Afghanistan and twice to Iraq, receiving a Bronze Star as his highest award during a military conflict.

Ricky retired from the Army as a captain in March of 2015 and now serves his community as a Disabled Veteran Outreach Specialist for the Department of Labor in Warner Robins, Georgia. He serves veterans with significant barriers to employment by coach, counseling and preparing them for the workforce.

Jerry Long

Branch of Military:

United States Army

Rank:

Sergeant Major

Years of Service:

27 years

Spouse & Children:

Happily married with 5 children and numerous grand kids

Community Service:

• Disabled American Veteran/ Raymond Williams Chapter 50
• American Legion/Joseph N. Neel, Jr. Post #3
• Veterans of Foreign Wars/ Bunting-McWilliams Post 658

Hobbies:

Sports, walking, and working outdoors

Current Employment/Job Title:

Veteran Outreach Program Specialist at the Macon Vet Center, Department of Veterans Affairs

Additional information:

SGM Long hails from Memphis, Tennessee. He entered the Army in June 1979 and attended One Station Unit Training at FT Benning, Georgia. His military education includes Primary Noncommissioned Officer Course (PNCOC); Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course (BNCOC); Advanced Noncommissioned Officer Course (ANCOC); United States Army Sergeant Major Course, First Sergeant Course; Battle Staff Course; Drill Sergeant School; Airborne School; Pathfinder School; Jumpmaster School; Light Leaders Course; Instructor Training Course; Tactics Certification Course and Cadet Command Pre-Command Course and Faculty Development Course.

His awards and decorations include the Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Award with two oak leaf clusters, Army Commendation Medal with nine oak leaf clusters, Army Achievement Medal with four oak leaf clusters, ninth award of the Good Conduct Medal, Army Occupational Medal, National Defense Service Medal with Bronze star, Armed Forces Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Global War Terrorism Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon with numeral 4, Army Service Ribbon, and Overseas Ribbon with numeral 4 and the Valorous Unit Award. His experience and knowledge earned him the distinction of being selected and inducted into the prestigious Sergeant Audie Murphy Club and awarded the Order of Saint Maurice as an Infantryman.

Jacorey Coleman

Branch of Military:

Army National Guard

Rank:

E4 Specialist and Currently Serving

Church or Religious Affiliation:

Baptist

Hobbies:

Basketball and Traveling

Current Employment/Job Title:

Carl Vinson VA Medical Center/Retail Clerk

Additional information:

• Received 2 Medals from the General of the Army
• Owner of Lawn Care Business

Mallary C. McClendon

Branch of Military:

U. S. Army

Years of Service:

1976-1982

Church or Religious Affiliation:

Seventh Day Adventist

Hobbies:

Golfing

Additional information:

• Basic Training – Fort Jackson, SC
• Signal Corp – Fort Gordon

Walter Lee Brown

Branch of Military:

U. S. Marines

Years of Service:

1969-1971

Church or Religious Affiliation:

Seventh Day Adventist

Community Service:

Prison Ministries

Hobbies:

Fishing

Additional information:

• Basic Training – Camp Lejeune
• Tank Battalion & Artillery – Camp Pendleton

Arthur C. Willis, Jr.

Branch of Military:

U.S. Army-Infantry

Rank & Years of Service:

2 years stationed in Mentz, Germany

Spouse & Children:

• Married to Emma Jean Jackson Willis
• Son, Master Chief Levere Rose (U.S. Navy)
• Two grandsons, Jaden & Kaden

Church or Religious Affiliation:

Powell Missionary Baptist Church of Talbotton, Georgia

Community Service:

• Scout Master for Troup 60
• Past Master for Fred Douglas Masonic Lodge #143
• Assistant State Director for the KOP (Knights of Pythagoras)
• Participate in the Christmas Nursing Home Visits
• Feed the Community
• Director of C.V. Troup Council of the KOP
• Served as Summer Camp State Director for KOP

Hobbies:

Fishing, Hunting and Farming

Current Employment/Job Title:

• Retired after 30 years from Fort Valley State University College of Agriculture
• Owner of Bo’s Farm & Produce

Additional information:

Arthur is a native of Waverly Hall, Georgia and resides in Fort Valley, Georgia. He is the fourth child of eleven siblings. Arthur is a 1972 graduate of Harris County High School of Hamilton, Georgia and a 1983 Graduate of the Fort Valley State University. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture (with a concentration in Agronomy). Arthur has received many academic scholars on the education level.

Daniel Dixon

Daniel was born in Fort Valley, Georgia to the late Hezzie and Lillian Byrd Dixon. He is the fourth child and only son born to this marriage. His siblings are Dollie, Debbie, Sandra and the late Ethel and Betty.

He graduated with the class of 1968 from the Henry Alexander Hunt High School in Fort Valley, Georgia and attended The Fort Valley State College (University) until he enlisted in the United States Army. During his 15 year Military Service career, Daniel earned the rank of Sergeant and was an Airborne Air Drop Supervisor. His tours of active duty included Germany, Saudia Arabia (Desert Storm) and Korea. He also served in the Army Reserves.

Daniel has three (3) adult children. He is the proud granddad to seven (7) biological and to many others through his work in community service at the Peach County Recreation Department.

Currently, Daniel serves as a Georgia High School Association Official (GHSA) and Event Planner for the Agriculture Technology Conference Center at The Fort Valley State University.

His lifelong religious affiliation is with Harris Chapel CME Church in Crawford County.

Daniel embraces with adoration his love for family, work and community. When the opportunity presents itself, his favorite hobby is fishing!