Douglas Co. Commissioner Called To Active Duty In Middle East

DOUGLASVILLE, GA — A Douglas County commissioner is being deployed to the Middle East during the Israel-Hamas war, county officials said Friday.

Officials said the deployment of Douglas County District 1 Commissioner Ricky Dobbs Jr., a U.S. Navy reservist, is "imminent" as he heads to the Mediterranean.

“Servant leadership is important to me, so I am grateful for this opportunity," Dobbs said in a news release. "Though this is the first time I’ve been called to active duty as a reservist, I look forward to serving in this capacity and making meaningful contributions on behalf of my country during this critical moment in history. I am also thankful for technology and the ability to dial into meetings so I can stay connected with the community."

Gov. Brian Kemp in May appointed Dobbs, a Douglasville native, to the District 1 seat, officials said. Dobbs serves as the lieutenant commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve and has "participated in several international tours of duty in key leadership roles," officials said.

As a commissioner, Dobbs has been a significant part of key decisions such as rolling back the millage rate and increasing the starting pay for county deputies, officials said.

“Commissioner Dobbs is a fine example of what it means to put service over self as he casts aside his personal and professional endeavors for the good of the nation,” Douglas County Chairman Phil Miller said in the release.

“We are grateful for his dedication and so very thankful for his service. The Board of Commissioners is here to offer support and encouragement from afar and look forward to welcoming Commissioner Dobbs back home soon."

County officials said Dobbs will attend Board of Commission meetings via teleconference as often as possible.

"In instances where he is unable to participate in meetings, the BOC will proceed with normal operations with a quorum of at least three commissioners," officials said.

District 1 residents with concerns can email Dobbs or call Legislative Aide Charrell Pennamon,(678) 670-7609.

About 900 U.S. troops were being deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of operations, Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder said in a U.S. Department of Defense news release Thursday.

Ryder said the troops includes units that had been put on "prepare-to-deploy status."

"I won't talk specific deployment locations for these forces, I can confirm that they are not going to Israel," Ryder said in the release.

The release continued, adding, "The units and personnel are intended to support regional deterrence efforts and further bolster U.S. force protection capabilities."