During Veterans Day, The Georgia Military Veterans Hall of Fame inducted and recognized Retired Brig. Gen. E. H. “Rusty” Hightower into their organization. Brig. Gen. Hightower served in the United States Army earning the Purple Star and Silver Star during his service. The General then spent 30 years serving in the Georgia State Defense Force, retiring this past February.

Georgia State Defense Force (GSDF) Retired Brig. Gen. E. H. “Rusty” Hightower (standing, second row) was among Georgia Military Veterans Hall of Fame (GMVHOF) recipients recognized during a Veterans Day event at the Atlanta History Center, Atlanta, Ga., Nov. 11, 2021.

Col. Richard White, Director and Chairman of the Board, Georgia Military Veterans Hall of Fame, was guest speaker at the Atlanta History Center event. Col. White recognized GMVHOF recipients during his speech.

Brig. Gen. Hightower is the only GSDF Soldier known to have been a GMVHOF inductee. He and other members of the GMVHOF Class of 2020 were inducted during a ceremony held in Johns Creek, Ga., April 3, 2021.

Brig. Gen. Hightower is a U.S. Army veteran. He earned both the Purple Heart and the Silver Star.

He served the GSDF for 30 years, retiring in February 2021 as GSDF Chief of Staff.