James Willard Keener Jr. (Jimmy)

James Willard Keener Jr.

Jimmy served in the US Army for three years (1977-1980) and received the rank of Specialist 4. Jimmy is married to his lovely wife Leslie and they have 4 children: daughter (Terri), son (Christopher), step-daughter (Melissa), step-son (Jonathan). Jimmy also has 7 grandchildren: 5 grandsons and 2 granddaughters.

Jimmy is a Christian who loves hunting, motorcycling, woodworking and cooking. Jimmy is a Disabled Army Veteran with a non-service connected disability who received a SEGAMI Healthcare Grant in July 2017.

December 2024

Ronald Johnson

Ronald Johnson

Branch:
US ARMY Combat Infantryman

Rank & Years of Service:
Staff Sergeant (p) 15 years of service

Spouse & Children:

Mrs. Michelle Johnson (US Navy Gulf War Veteran)
Ms. Sydney Price who attends Spelman College
Devon Proctor who attends West Laurens High School

Religious Affiliation:
True believer in God

Community Service:
VA2K Chairman, Food Bank, Board member of Bethel House Ministries, Coach

Hobbies:
Public Speaking, Teaching, Reading, Historian, Veteran Advocate

Current Employment:
Lead Certified Peer Support Specialist - Carl Vinson VAMC

Certifications and trainings include:
Graduate of Northside High School, Big Bend Community College, UNC School of Behavior Primary Leadership School,VET2VET Certified, Certified Peer Support Specialist, Respect Institute Graduate, WHAM (Whole Health Action Management), WRAP(Wellness Recovery Action Plan), MHFA(Mental Health First Aid), SST (Social Skills Trained), W2SM(Warrior to Soul Mate Facilitator), OTM(Own The Moment Trainer)

Achievements:
Men Who Made A Difference Award, Clinical Employee of the Quarter, WHO’S WHO Worldwide Honors and the Bronze Star Recipient Combat Infantryman Badge.

Ron resides in Dublin, Georgia

November 2024

Joseph Brothers, Sr.

Chief Master Sergeant Joseph Brothers, Sr. and his wife Rebecca Brothers

Branch:
United States Air Force

Rank:
Chief Master Sergeant (Retired)

Years of Service:
1960 - 1990

Spouse:
Minister Rebecca Brothers

Children:
Terri, Joseph Jr., Staci, Jeffrey and Tamisha plus many grands and great grands.

Religious Affiliation:
Dorcas House Ministries (DHM), 223 A&B S. Commercial Circle; Warner Robins GA. Serving as treasurer and volunteer, assisting the DHM Executive Director, Minister Brothers, along with other volunteers providing clothing, food, assistance with utility bills and most importantly encouragement to and prayer for the needy.

Hobbies:
Taking care of family, staying in shape, walking, jogging, exercising

Current Employment:
Retired and loving it!

Chief Brothers (Ret) joined the Air Force on 22 August 1960, along with neighborhood friends who along the way left the AF for civilian life. I decided early on, however, to dedicate myself to the Air Force and federal service. With the help and support of my wife and grace and mercy of God, I was able to complete not only a 30+ year military career, but also a 22+ year civil service career. Highly recommend military service.

October 2024

Michael Anthony Kelly

SEGAMI Veteran of the Month for October 2024, Michael Anthony Kelly.

Branch:
United States Army

Rank:
Major

Years of Service:
1982-2017

Spouse/Children:
Wife-Janet and Son-Wyatt

Church:
The Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church

Community Service:
Free Counseling services by referral

Hobbies:
Painting and Antique clock repair

Current Employment:
North Greenville University

Title:
Regional Admissions Counselor

September 2024

Sonya Richards White-SSG

SEGAMI Veteran of the Month for September 2024, Sonya Richards White.

Sonya is the oldest of her mother’s three children. She was born in Reading, PA and has been in Charleston, SC all of her life or since the age of 2. Sonya joined the Army National Guard at the age of 29. I thought I was not going to be able to compete. It has been 20 years and now I am embracing retirement.

During that time, I gave birth to Sierra Denise White; I only have the one child. She also had to make sacrifices for the choice I made to serve this state and country. I started out as a Medic and ended as a Logistician. I have participated in two deployments, three storms and the G8 Summit. If I had to do it all over again, I would not change a thing.

Now that my weekends are free and my vacation is not in uniform somewhere training in the heat, I just enjoy life. I engage in spending time with my daughter, worshiping at Greater Union Baptist Church, socializing and crocheting blankets for little bundles of joy.

My dream is to work with fellow Veterans that need a helping hand with maneuvering through this thing called life. I was blessed with that job as a Community Resource and Resiliency Coordinator at VECTR. I really enjoy what I do. Once my work is done, I pray that the Lord will put me where he sees fit.

August 2024

Governor H. Henderson Jr.

Antorius M. Merritt Sr. wearing his military uniform.

Governor served 2 years in the United States Navy before his military career was cut short due to injury. Governor is happily married to his wife of 21 years and they have a 15 year old son. Governor and his family worships in a non-denominational setting to embrace the opportunities of diversity.

Governor and his wife spent the past 18 years in the Metropolitan Atlanta area but relocated to Michigan in 2017, and are continuing the quest to engage in diverse cultures while exposing their son to the same.

"My hobbies include running, working out and swimming, when not spending quality time with the family. My current occupation is Director of Security for a major corporation in Michigan. Safety and security have been my passion for the past 24 years. After being medically discharged from the Navy, I wanted to continue in a career path which would give me an opportunity to serve and protect. During my public service career, I was afforded the opportunity to serve with the Georgia Department of Corrections, as a Correctional Officer, and elite Tactical Squad Member. I then went on to become a certified police officer, where I had the opportunity to serve the citizens of Macon, GA. While always looking for growth, I moved to the Metropolitan Atlanta Area, and served for the Henry County Police Department as a Narcotics Detective and for the Atlanta Police Department as a Burglary Specialist, General Investigator, and Sex Crimes Investigator. My valuable experience positioned me to serve in the capacity of an investigator for the District Attorney of Fulton County (GA) in the Crimes Against Women and Children’s Unit before relocating. It was through the discipline and courage instilled in me by my military service, which allowed me to serve others for 24 years with pride and dignity."

July 2024

Pastor Beverly Flowers, M.Div

Antorius M. Merritt Sr. wearing his military uniform.

Branch of Military:

U.S. Air Force

Rank & Years of Service:

Technical Sergeant (TSgt), Active Duty 12 years & 8 years Reserve (20 years combined total served). Seventeen of these years were served as a Substance Abuse Counselor. She retired from the Military at Robins AFB, 1994.

Spouse & Children:

Rev. Joe Flowers, Jr., Army Captain, Veteran. They share together a combined total of 6 daughters three of whom were from previous marriages.

Religious Affiliation:

United Methodist Church.  She received her Master of Divinity Degree from Gammon Theological Seminary, Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC), located in Atlanta, GA. After graduating, Pastor Flowers served as an Ordained Elder within her denomination. She also served briefly as a Chaplain at the Dublin Veterans Medical Administration Center (GA.) Pastor Flowers retired from Asbury UMC, Savannah, GA., June 2012, after having completed 24 years of Ministerial service, serving many churches  within the United Methodist denomination.

Community Service:

Currently, Pastor Flowers teaches Ecumenical (Community), Noon Day Bible Study, Senior’s Ministry at Kelley Chapel UMC, in Decatur, GA.

Hobbies:

Reading, Walking, learning to line dance and Tai Chi.

Current Employment/Job Title:

Entrepreneur, Call center agent from home.

Additional Information:

Pastor Flowers is honored to serve GOD and Country.

May 2024

Antorius M. Merritt Sr.

Antorius M. Merritt Sr. wearing his military uniform.

Branch of Military:

U.S. Army

Rank & Years of Service:

E-7/ 22 Years of Service

Spouse & Children:

Wife: Lakisha D. Merritt, 4 children and 1 grandchild. Son, Antorius M. Merritt Jr, Daughters: Chanteria S. Merritt, Charnae C. Merritt, Na'Liyah D. Merritt. Grandson: Bradley H. Gordon.

Religious Affiliation:

We attend church at Lundy Chapel Baptist Church

Community Service:

I am part of Macon Chapter Black Sabbath Motorcycle Club so I have the pleasure to participate in several events in the community. Once a month we feed the homeless and we also do charity toy drives yearly.

Hobbies:

Weightlifting and riding motorcycles

Current Employment/Job Title:

Retired

Additional Information:

My wife Lakisha and I moved to Macon after she got a promotion with her job about 7 years ago. So now we are enjoying the Middle Georgia area.

April 2024

Brad Losner

U.S. Army veteran Brad Losner

Branch of Military:

U.S. Army

Rank & Years of Service:

Former CPT (P); 10 years of service

Spouse & Children:

Rebecca and I have two wonderful children: Max (8); Rachel (30)

Religious Affiliation:

Towne View Baptist Church

Hobbies:

Spending time with Family & Friends; RC car racing with our son; mountain biking; running; hiking;
Personal Finance

Current Employment/Job Title:

Truist Bank; Financial Crimes Group Manager

Additional Information:

I’ve been and continue to be blessed by many caring and knowledgeable mentors throughout my life, especially during my transition from military to civilian life.  I enjoy opportunities to positively impact others through mentorship and encouragement as well.

March 2024

Dwight Tuggle

Mr. and Mrs. Dwight Tuggle.
Dwight Tuggle with his twin and another female family member.

Branch of Military:

U.S. Army

Rank & Years of Service:

Staff Sergeant / E-6, 20 years of service

Spouse & Children:

Spouse: Jeanette
Children: Karla, James, Jacob, Deborah and Dwight II

Religious Affiliation:

Apostolic Pentecostal

Hobbies:

Teaching bible lessons, collecting coins, working around the house, spending time with friends and family.

Current Employment/Job Title:

Currently Retired from the US Army and the U.S. Postal Service, Fayetteville, Ga

Additional Information:

2nd Generation U.S. Army Veteran, my father, Corporal David Tuggle, served in WWII

Served with the:

  • 101 Airborne Division (Air Assault), HHT 2nd Squadron /17th Cavalry, Fort Campbell, KY
  • Alfa Company, 97th Signal Battalion, Central Army Group (NATO), Manheim, Germany
  • HHT 3rd Squadron / 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Bliss, TX
  • Alfa Company, 32nd Signal Battalion, 22nd Signal Brigade, Frankfurt, Germany
  • I Corp, Bravo Company, 502nd Military Intelligence Battalion
  • I Corp, Charlie Company, 29th Signal Battalion, Fort Lewis, WA

Aided:

  • 210th Field Artillery Brigade while at Fort Lewis, WA
February 2024

Donald Hammond II

SEGAMI Veteran of the Month for February, 2024 Donald Hammond II.

Branch of Military:

US Army (National Guard)

Rank & Years of Service:

Enlisted for 7 years (SSG last enlisted rank held)
Commissioned for 11 years (Current CPT(P))
Total 18 years of service.

Spouse & Children:

Spouse: Alicia Hammond
Children: Donald III (23), Darius (19) and Alana (15)

Religious Affiliation:

Believer in God.

Hobbies:

Working out and spending time with family.

Current Employment/Job Title:

Social Security Administration Human Resources Specialist.

Additional Information:

2nd Generation Veteran as my father served 27 years in the Army Reserve.

January 2024

Deonte Barfield

SEGAMI Veteran of the Month for January, 2024 Deonte Barfield.
SEGAMI Veteran of the Month for January, 2024 Deonte Barfield.

Branch of Military:

U.S. Navy

Rank & Years of Service:

E5 Petty Officer Second Class/Hospital Corpsman - 7 years, 8 months.

Family & Children:

I have 3 daughters 25, 13, 9.

Religious Affiliation:

I attend World Overcomers Christian Church in Raleigh Triangle Park, in North Carolina.

Community Service:

I am a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc where we believe in Service to All Mankind and servicing the community.

Hobbies:

My hobbies include baking, crafting, and spending time with family and friends.

Employment:

In my previous employment, I worked as a Disabled Veteran Outreach Program Specialist, assisting veterans with Significant Barriers to Employment and other resources. In my current employment, I am a Family Self Sufficiency Program Coordinator for our local Housing Authority.

Additional Information:

I earned my bachelor’s degree in social work from University of North Carolina- Wilmington and my master’s degree in social work from North Carolina Central University. My passion is to serve and help my fellow veterans in any compacity, especially those in hardship.

December 2023

Alvin E. Jackson

SEGAMI Veteran of the Month for December 2023,  Alvin E. Jackson.

Branch of Military:

U.S. Army Reserve

Rank & Years of Service:

E4, 6 years

Spouse & Children:

Wife: Birdele M. Jackson
Children: Alvontee J. Montford and AlDevin Jackson
Grandchildren: Kennedy Jackson and Kolton Montford

Religious Affiliation:

Mount Olive Christian Methodist Episcopal Church

Community Service:

  • Boys Mentoring Program
  • Prince Hall Masonic Mason Fred Douglas Lodge #143
  • God’s Children Too Program

Hobbies:

  • Basketball
  • Football
  • Softball

Current Employment/Job Title:

  • Retired from Weyerhaeuser Company as a Mechanical Technician Specialist
  • Basketball and Softball Officia

Additional Information:

  • Chairman of the Steward Board – Mount Olive CME Church
  • Member of the Trustee Board – Mount Olive CME Churc
  • Airborne Paratrooper & Airborne Parachute Rigger