Celebrating Veterans Day

DDS reminds veterans, active military of special services

Veterans Day is Nov. 11 and the Department of Driver Services (DDS) is reminding Georgia veterans and active military personnel of special licensing and testing services dedicated to them year round.

“DDS welcomes the opportunity to honor Georgia’s veterans and active service members,” said DDS Commissioner Bert Brantley. “I am especially proud of the 54 veterans that are part of the DDS team and continue to serve in many roles throughout the state.”

DDS supports veterans and our active military several ways including:

       Offering free licenses and IDs for veterans (upon presentation of eligibility from the Georgia Department of Veteran Services).

       Providing specially-designed patriotic driver’s licenses and ID cards for veterans (standard fees apply).

       Offering free licenses and IDs for active National Guardsmen upon presentation of eligibility from their command.

       Honorary licenses/IDs for the spouse of a deceased veteran or the spouse of a disabled veteran who does not drive.

       Troops to Trucks Program – accelerates the licensing process for military personnel to obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL).

       Special testing exemptions for troops and their dependents who have an approved military motorcycle safety program.

       Accepts certificates for military supervised Risk-Reduction Programs.

       Courtesy renewals by mail for active troops and their dependents stationed out of state.

       Fort Benning, GA is home to the first DDS customer service center located on a military installation; provides convenient licensing services to the approximately 120,000 military, reservists, retirees and civilian personnel who support the Base daily.

       DDS supports Governor Deal’s statewide ‘Hire a Georgia Veteran’ campaign to provide enhanced hiring opportunities for veterans.

Visit www.dds.ga.gov for complete driver education, testing and licensing information including the opportunity to Skip a Step! and fill out paperwork before arriving to save time.

Springfield Baptist to host Veterans Benefit Forum

In honor of veterans, Springfield Baptist Church in Conyers will host a Veterans Benefit Forum on Wednesday, Nov. 9, 10 a.m – 12 p.m. The forum will be held in conjunction with the Georgia Department of Labor and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

All veterans and their families are invited to learn more about veteran benefits, services and resources.  Information will include: employment opportunities, disability claims, education, burial benefits and more. This forum is also open to the public and all are welcome to attend.

For more information, contact the Springfield Baptist Church office at 770-929-1111 or visit the church’s website online at www.sbcgrowth.church.

Gwinnett to host annual Veterans Day Ceremony

Make plans to attend Gwinnett County’s annual Veterans Day Ceremony Friday, Nov. 11, 11 a.m., at the Fallen Heroes Memorial located on the grounds of the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center, 75 Langley Drive, Lawrenceville. The ceremony will honor military veterans and public service personnel.

This event is free and open to the public. For more information about the Gwinnett Fallen Heroes Memorial, visit www.gwinnettfallenheroes.com.