September 16, 2011

Following Governor Nathan Deal’s appointment of State Sen. Jim Butterworth as the new Adjutant General of Georgia to replace retiring Maj. Gen. William T. Nesbitt, Gen. Butterworth has assembled a Transition Team to facilitate the education, establishment of relationships, and policy review necessary to ensure a smooth transition of responsibility for the Georgia Department of Defense.

The Transition Team met for the first time Sept. 14 at Clay National Guard Center in Marietta to begin preparing the incoming Adjutant General for the Sept. 30 Change of Responsibility ceremony.

"I consider the opportunity to lead the Guard a deep honor and a privilege," said Gen. Butterworth. "I deeply respect each and every one of you, and I want you to know that I will work every day to serve you and the Georgia Guard."

General Butterworth gave his initial intent and direction to the assembled Air and Army Guard leaders, and received briefings from them on operations, budgetary, and personnel matters necessary to keep moving through the transition.

"I think we have the 'first team' here. We've assembled the right people here to advise and inform the incoming Adjutant General and ensure a smooth transition,” said Maj. Gen. Thomas Moore, Georgia Air National Guard Commander.

“Assembling this team of Air, Army and Joint leaders has provided an opportunity for a world-class orientation of our new TAG to the organization,” said Col. Peter VanAmburgh, the Georgia Army National Guard Chief of Staff.

The Transition Team will continue to meet in preparation for the the Change of Responsibility ceremony to be held at the Clay National Guard Center Sept. 30, 2011.