August 24, 2005

Murphy urges support for Guard families

State Rep. Quincy Murphy (D-Augusta) is reminding Georgians that contributions may be made to the Georgia National Guard Family Support Foundation at any time of the year, not just at tax return filing time.

Legislation passed by the General Assembly earlier this year created a tax check-off allowing Georgia taxpayers to contribute to the foundation, which provides financial assistance to Georgia National Guard members and their families while they are on active duty overseas.

Murphy, a supporter of the original Georgia HEROES legislation that proposed the assistance fund, noted that National Guard members who are now serving in Iraq and Afghanistan have had to leave their jobs at home.

“These true American heroes and their families are making tremendous sacrifices on behalf of our country,” Murphy said. “Everyone is aware, of course, that many of our Guard members in the 48th Infantry Brigade have in recent weeks made the ultimate sacrifice. The least that we can do in return is to help their families make ends meet at home.”

The new law sets up a tax check-off program in which individuals will have the opportunity to contribute to the Foundation. But since that will not take effect until tax returns are filed in 2006, Murphy is promoting personal contributions for now.

Donations may be made to:

GA National Guard Family Support Foundation

ATTN: Col. Ed Wexler

GA Department of Defense

P.O. Box 17965

Atlanta, GA  30316

For additional information on the Foundation, a chartered 501(c)3 charitable organization, call 404-624-6420 or visit the Department of Defense website.