Secretary of State Brian Kemp released the following statement in honor of Veterans Day, November 11, 2017:

“This past Tuesday, millions of voters across the United States exercised their right to vote at the ballot box. Together, we must honor our military veterans whose service to this Great Nation secures this constitutional right and protects our freedoms,” said Secretary Kemp.

“On Veterans Day, take a moment to pay your respects to the brave men and women who paid the ultimate price for this country along with our living veterans, current service members, and their families for their unwavering dedication to the preservation of our Republic.”

The Secretary of State’s Office is tirelessly working to assist Georgia’s military community across its several divisions. Matt Mallalieu, a Captain in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, currently serves as the office’s dedicated military liaison. Secretary Kemp created the military liaison position in 2015.

Along with other staff, Mallalieu acts as a resource for veterans and current service members on registering to vote, filing business paperwork, getting a professional license, and avoiding charity or financial scams in Georgia.

Kemp reminds Georgians that the holiday season, including this Veterans Day, is a ripe opportunity for scams, and members of our military are increasingly targeted by bad actors. One of the most common scams around Veterans Day involves door-to-door solicitations by people claiming to raise money for military charities.

"I am encouraging heightened vigilance in the military community this time of year. Before you make a charitable donation or financial investment, do your research. Scams are on the rise. If the pitch is really aggressive or sounds too good to be true, exercise extreme caution," said Kemp.

To combat this problem and offer guidance, the Securities and Charities Division provides Kiplinger’s military-specific Financial Field Manual to help military families navigate financial challenges and make use of special benefits. This guide also offers information on recognizing financial fraud and scams targeting the military.

Contact the Securities and Charities Division if you receive any suspicious solicitations for charitable donations or financial investments, or if you suspect that you have been scammed. Call us at (404) 654-6021 or email [email protected] to submit a complaint.

On Monday, November 13, 2017, the Secretary of State’s Office will attend the 65^th annual Atlanta Regional Military Affairs Council Military Appreciation Luncheon. This past Monday, staff attended the Veterans Day Proclamation Signing Ceremony commemorating the 63^rd anniversary of this national holiday in the State of Georgia. On Tuesday, November 8, 2017, staff attended the Savannah Area Chamber’s Veterans Day Salute.