​​Red, White & You: Honoring Georgia's Military Heroes

Georgia has a storied tradition of military service, with countless individuals dedicating their lives to protecting our nation. While words can't fully capture the immense gratitude we feel for our servicemen and women, Patch has partnered with T-Mobile to highlight a few remarkable veterans and active-duty military members from our state. Read about their stories below, and if you know a military hero who deserves recognition, we’d love to hear from you! Simply answer a few questions, and we’ll take care of the rest.

1. Staff Sgt. Jeff Carroll

In February 2025, Falcons running back Bijan Robinson gifted Army veteran and lifelong Falcons fan Staff Sgt. Jeff Carroll a dream trip to the Super Bowl, recognizing his nearly decade-long service in the U.S. Air Force, where he worked in software development and intelligence systems. Made possible with support from USAA and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the experience included meeting Robinson and other NFL stars—a heartfelt tribute to Carroll’s dedication and sacrifice for his country. Read more here.

2. Erle Cocke Jr. (1921 — 2000)

A decorated World War II veteran from Dawson, Georgia, Erle Cocke Jr. served in the 103rd Infantry Division and survived multiple near-fatal encounters as a POW escapee, earning the Silver Star, four Bronze Stars, and four Purple Hearts. He became the youngest person in history to serve as national commander of the American Legion at age 29 and later held key advisory roles in the Defense Department, U.S. State Department, and United Nations. A graduate of the University of Georgia, he also served as a brigadier general in the Georgia National Guard, leaving a lasting legacy of military and public service. Read more here.

3. Dr. Qwynn Galloway-Salazar

A U.S. Army veteran (2001–2006) and spouse of a combat veteran, Dr. Galloway-Salazar has dedicated her post-military career to advocating for veterans, particularly women, through research, outreach, and policy initiatives. Honored in 2022 as the inaugural Georgia Woman Veteran of the Year, she has worked extensively to document veterans’ experiences, improve transition support for women veterans, and develop resources for mental health, employment, and end-of-life care. She is the founder of In Their Honor, LLC and a co-principal investigator for the Brooklyn College Veterans History Project, ensuring veterans' stories are preserved and understood for future generations. Read more here.

4. Lieutenant General Leslie Smith

Lieutenant General Leslie C. Smith currently serves as the Inspector General at the Office of the Secretary of the Army. A distinguished graduate of Georgia Southern University, he was commissioned as a Field Artillery Officer in 1983. His early assignments included serving with the 1-230th Field Artillery Battalion of the 48th Infantry Brigade, Georgia National Guard, and holding numerous leadership roles in the 82nd Airborne Division, including chemical staff officer and company commander. LTG Smith later commanded the 83rd Chemical Battalion, deploying elements in support of Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, and New Dawn. He went on to command the 3rd Chemical Brigade at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, and became the first Chemical Officer to command the United States Maneuver Support Center of Excellence. His military education includes courses at the Command and General Staff College and National War College, and he holds degrees in administration and national security strategy. LTG Smith’s career has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Distinguished Service Medal and Bronze Star Medal. Read more here.

5. Major General Maria Britt

A pioneering leader in Georgia’s military history, Maj. Gen. Maria L. Britt currently serves as the Assistant Adjutant General - Army for the Georgia National Guard and as the Commanding General of the Georgia Army National Guard. She is responsible for directing and ensuring the readiness of the Georgia Army National Guard to perform both state and national missions. Gen. Britt’s military career began in 1979 when she entered the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York, where she was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1983. After serving in various assignments on active duty, Gen. Britt joined the Georgia Army National Guard in 1991. Over the years, she has held numerous leadership roles, including Commander of the 221st Military Intelligence Battalion and Chief of Staff of the Georgia Army National Guard. Gen. Britt's career is marked by her dedication to service, and she has received several prestigious awards, including the Legion of Merit and Meritorious Service Medal. She continues to be a mentor and a role model, promoting leadership development and community engagement in Georgia’s military community. Read more here.

Do you know a veteran or active military member who deserves recognition? We’d love to hear their story! Click here to nominate them for a chance to be featured on Patch!