Newspaper Page Text
Issue 13 Thursday, MARCH 31,2022
The Voice of Crawford County Since 1921
also serving Byron and Peach County
1 Section 10 Pages, 2 Inserts One Dollar
Jackson
proudly
serving
A Roberta, Georgia, native
is serving aboard USS New
Mexico, one of the world’s
most advanced nucle
ar-powered submarines.
Chief Petty Officer Michael Eflil
Jackson joined the Navy 12 Jackson
years ago. Today, Jackson
serves as an administration leading chief petty officer.
“I joined the Navy because I wanted a change in my
environment,” said Jackson. “I knew what I wanted to
do, but things just weren’t happening fast enough for
me. I was 21, my living situation wasn’t the best and I
wanted to catapult my life. I found out that the Navy
could do that for me.”
Growing up in Roberta, Jackson attended Crawford
County High School and graduated in 2006. Today,
Jackson relies upon skills and values similar to those
found in Roberta to succeed in the military.
“My hometown has a lot of friendly people; everybody
gets along,” said Jackson. “I was able to use that in my
admin job, to be approachable so I could correct the
problems people run into.”
These lessons have helped Jackson while serving in
the Navy.
Known as America’s “Apex Predators!,” the Navy’s
submarine force operates a large fleet of technical
ly-advanced vessels. These submarines are capable of
conducting rapid defensive and offensive operations
around the world, in furtherance of U.S. national
security.
There are three basic types of submarines: fast-attack
submarines (SSN), ballistic-missile submarines (SSBN)
and guided-missile submarines (SSGN).
Fast-attack submarines are designed to hunt down
and destroy enemy submarines and surface ships;
strike targets ashore with cruise missiles; carry and
deliver Navy SEALs; conduct intelligence, surveillance,
and reconnaissance missions; and engage in mine
warfare. The Virginia-class SSN is the most advanced
submarine in the world today. It combines stealth and
payload capability to meet Combatant Commanders’
demands in this era of strategic competition.
The Navy’s ballistic-missile submarines, often re
ferred to as “boomers,” serve as a strategic deterrent
by providing an undetectable platform for subma
rine-launched ballistic missiles. SSBNs are designed
specifically for stealth, extended patrols and the precise
delivery of missiles. The Columbia-class SSBN will be
the largest, most capable and most advanced subma
rine produced by the U.S. - replacing the current Ohio-
class ballistic-missile submarines to ensure continuous
sea-based strategic deterrence into the 2080s.
Guided-missile submarines provide the Navy with
unprecedented strike and special operation mission
capabilities from a stealthy, clandestine platform. Each
SSGN is capable of carrying 154 Tomahawk cruise
missiles, plus a complement of heavyweight torpedoes
to be fired through four torpedo tubes.
Strategic deterrence is the Nation’s ultimate insurance
program, according to Navy officials. As a member of
the submarine force, Jackson is part of a rich 122-year
history of the U.S. Navy’s most versatile weapons plat
form, capable of taking the fight to the enemy in the
defense of America and its allies.
Serving in the Navy means Jackson is part of a world
that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on
rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances
and reforming business practices in support of the
National Defense Strategy.
“Throughout history the sea is a big part of war, and
it’s no different today” said Jackson. “We have the
biggest naval force in the world.”
With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by
sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone
and internet traffic carried through underwater fiber
optic, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the
prosperity and security of the United States is directly
linked to a strong and ready Navy.
Jackson and the sailors they serve with have many
opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their
military service.
“I’m most proud of helping my division advance,
get awards and get the recognition they deserve,”
said Jackson. “They dedicate time and effort into the
lessons I’ve given them: training, hard work and late
nights pay off.”
As Jackson and other sailors continue to train and
perform missions, they take pride in serving their
country in the United States Navy.
“Serving in the Navy means having the chance to do
the best I can, prove my worth, and also be a mentor to
those who need it,” added Jackson.
BoE chairman wants
supt. out immediately
BY KRISTI WATKINS - News Editor
The friction continued at the
called Board of Education meeting
last Wednesday with the board to
approve or not approve the res
ignation of Superintendent Brent
Lowe.
After the executive session and
the meeting was called back into
session, Tim Johnson made the
motion to accept the resignation of
Brent Lowe with an effective date
of April 29, 2022 with Jackson
DeFore seconding that motion.
Raymond Dickey called for dis
cussion with Al Hatcher stating he
approved as long as Lowe did not
have any outstanding duties. Dick
ey stated Lowe had been attending
Butts County on his off days with
Lowe stated he was taking vaca
tion days to visit Butts County but
not officially doing anything for
Butts County.
Dickey then proposed the Board
of Education continues to pay
Lowe until April 29th. He also
added they could continue to pay
him and for Lowe to just move on
before April 29th.
Johnson stated he can continue
the day to day operations until
the end of his term on April 29th.
Dickey added he could leave now
with DeFore asking Dickey to
clarify on him leaving March 31st
and continue to pay Lowe until
April 29th with Dickey agreed that
is what he meant.
Johnson stated that is not what
he said in his motion. There were
four votes for with Dickey ab
staining which means he did not
approve the motion.
Johnson then motioned for
Assistant Superintendent Chris
Ridley to become the interim
Superintendent as of April 30,
2022 with Defore seconding the
motion. There were four vote for
and Dickey abstained thought was
no conflict of interest, therefore in
reality he opposed the motion.
Senior soccer players recognized at Senior Night
Senior girls soccer players.
Senior boys soccer players. PHOTOS BY CAREY LEE
Opening day for recreation spring sports
Recreation Board members were recognized at opening day
Saturday. It was a beautiful spring day. Recreation Director
Doug Kelley is pictured far left.
Pam Busbee threw out first pitch Saturday.
Correction & clarification
In last week’s story on the Development Authority we
inadvertently listed Arthur Bentley as being replaced when
it was actually Hill Bentley.
We also need to clarify that Roy Shepard and Brenda
Carroll’s name were removed from the checking account,
not removed from positions. We apologize for any incon
venience or confusion.
