The Veterans at the Library held their weekly meeting at the Library Monday morning, December 1, at 9 a.m. With Chair Johnny Tapley presiding, they had 46 in attendance. Shari Watt provided a breakfast casserole, grits, donuts, orange juice, cranberry juice, grape juice, apple juice and coffee. Chair Johnny introduced Veteran Trey Drawdy who then introduced the Georgia Southern University President Kyle Marrero. President Marrero talked about the transition of East Georgia State College to Georgia Southern University, to be called Georgia Southern University - East Georgia Swainsboro, as of January 1, 2026. East Georgia State College has just over 1900 students for the fall 2025 semester. and is looking to increase in students the coming years. The Veterans then presented Dr. Marrero a check for $1,000.00 for East Georgia State College Scholarship program from the Veterans Cup Golf Tournament. Dr. Marrero then introduced Harley Smith who is the VP Institutional Advancement director and she answered several questions. Veteran Dess Smith III also took up each City Cemetery section list for wreaths. On December 13, at 11 a.m., Veterans at the Library will place wreaths on every veteran's grave in the City Cemetery after their annual WAA event with the help of the citizens of Emanuel County.
