Veteran Army Reserve Col. Don Brown was sworn in last week as vice president of Veterans Affairs of Dawson County.

"As a veteran he brings knowledge and experience to the table," said Veterans Affairs President Pam Hamalainen. "We rely on our veterans to keep us on protocol because we do not want to do anything that is not right. He keeps us on the right path."

Brown served in the U.S. Army for 32 years and is retired from the Department of The Army Civilians.

While in service he was temporarily stationed in the Middle East for cleanup after Operation Desert Storm.

As a Dawsonville resident, Brown has been involved with the local Veterans Affairs group for two years and is currently involved with the Military Officers Association of America and the Georgia Regent for Clan Douglas Society of North America, a Scottish heritage society.

According to Brown, his desire for Dawson County Veterans Affairs is to increase veteran involvement for the organization. He wants to see more interaction and connectivity within the veteran community.

Two of the organization's activities each year are planning and preparing for the observance of Memorial Day and the celebration of Veterans Day.

"We ask for financial and personal assistance for our events. We like to encourage our community to support their veterans and to attend," Brown said.

Brown said he is continuing to use his military skill set to serve his community.

While in service he was appointed to "making sure units in the Middle East received materials they needed for missions."

Similarly, he helps the veterans affairs group with mission-based needs and prepares materials for special events.

The group's mission is to "honor all of our veterans and active duty military through various activities and projects."

Brown, on behalf of veteran affairs, asks that all veterans who are not currently participating reach out, introduce themselves and get involved.

For more information about Veterans Affairs of Dawson County, contact Hamalanien at (706) 265-6278.