GSDF Forsyth Armory Mission

Georgia State Defense Force Attorneys Support National Guard with Essential Legal Services

In an exemplary demonstration of commitment and expertise, the Georgia State Defense Force (GSDF) showcased its invaluable support to the Georgia Army National Guard on February 13 and 14, 2024. During this time, GSDF Majors Gregory Douds, William H. Turner, and David N. Baker reported to the National Guard Armory in Forsyth, Georgia, to offer their professional legal expertise. Their mission was to assist Georgia Army National Guard Lieutenant Colonel Jeff Wolford in providing crucial legal services, including drafting wills, medical advance directives, and powers of attorney for 74 deploying Army National Guard soldiers. These services are part of the Georgia Army National Guard’s Legal Assistance Program, managed by Lt. Col. Wolford, designed to offer free, basic legal assistance to active and retired soldiers and their immediate families. The backgrounds of Majors Douds, Turner, and Baker in law, along with Lt. Col. Wolford’s legal expertise, highlight the depth of professional skills available within the GSDF and the Georgia Army National Guard, reinforcing the seamless collaboration between military duties and their civilian professions.

This collaboration highlights the purpose of the State Defense Force, a testament to the powerful synergy between military service and civilian expertise. The Georgia State Defense Force opens its ranks to individuals aged 18 to 65, drawing from a diverse pool of skills and professions. Soldiers like Majors Douds, Turner, and Baker exemplify the essence of the GSDF, utilizing their civilian skills to bolster the capabilities and readiness of the National Guard. This model of service enables the GSDF to enhance its support functions significantly, providing specialized assistance that complements the traditional military roles. It’s a reflection of a broader philosophy where the unique skills and knowledge of each member are leveraged for the greater good, embodying the spirit of service and community that is central to the mission of the State Defense Force. This dual-role capability not only enriches the individual experience of the volunteers but also fortifies the operational effectiveness of the National Guard, showcasing the profound impact of integrating civilian expertise into military frameworks.

GSDF Lawyers Make Headlines this Week!
The & – featured Georgia State Defense Force (GSDF) Soldiers under the headline,” Local Lawyers Provide Legal Services for Deploying Soldiers.” Feb. 20, 2024.
Background: On February 13 and 14, 2024, Maj. Gregory Douds, Deputy Staff Judge Advocate, along with Maj. William Turner, and Maj. David Baker, Assistant Staff Judge Advocates, assisted Georgia Army National Guard Lt. Col. Jeff Wolford in providing legal advice, last wills, and powers of attorney for 74 deploying Army National Guard Soldiers. GSDF Soldiers provided the assistance at the Georgia National Guard Armory in Forsyth, Ga.
Read the story here: t.ly/DgMr8
The GSDF is a component of the Georgia Department of Defense, along with the Georgia Air National Guard and Georgia Army National Guard.
Join the GSDF at gsdf.link/join
(Georgia State Defense Force photo)

 

 

 

 

 


Local Lawyers Provide Legal Services for Deploying Soldiers

 

On February 13 and 14, 2024, Georgia State Defense Force (GSDF) Major Gregory Douds, Major William H. Turner, and Major David N. Baker reported to the National Guard Armory in Forsyth, Georgia where they assisted Georgia Army National Guard Lieutenant Colonel Jeff Wolford by providing legal advice, last wills, medical advance directives, and powers of attorney for 74 deploying Army National Guard soldiers.

 

Lt. Col. Wolford manages the Georgia Army National Guard’s Legal Assistance Program, which provides free, basic legal services to active and retired soldiers and their immediate families.  Majors Douds, Baker, and Turner are GSDF Assistant Staff Judge Advocates who routinely support the Legal Assistance Program.

 

Douds is the Chief Assistant Judge of the Cherokee County Magistrate Court.  Turner lives in Canton, and is a partner in the law firm of Turner & Lawrence, P.C., with offices in Canton and Jackson, Georgia.  Baker is an attorney and managing director of One 11 Group in Atlanta.  Wolford is a law partner with Wolford & Robinson in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

 

The GSDF is an official, all-volunteer unit of the Georgia Department of Defense.  Membership is open to individuals aged 18 to 65. For more information about GSDF, or to join, please visit gsdf.georgia.gov.


Sources: Georgia State Defense ForceCherokee Tribune & Ledger News

Tags: No tags

One Response

Add a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *