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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 8, 2024
Media Contact: Robert Kenny, Deputy Associate Director, Public and Intergovernmental Affairs
(O) 703-605-4103 | (M) 571-982-2915 | Robert.Kenny@SSS.gov
Rosslyn, VA: Today, retired Georgia Air National Guard Commander and business consultant Thomas F. Grabowski was sworn in as the Georgia State Director for the Selective Service System (SSS) by Acting Deputy Director Craig T. Brown. Mr. Grabowski was recommended for this leadership position by Georgia Governor Brian P. Kemp and appointed by Acting Director of Selective Service Joel C. Spangenberg. Major General Richard D. Wilson, The Adjutant General of the Georgia Department of Defense, joined today’s ceremony, held at Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Marietta, GA.
SSS Acting Director Spangenberg said, “Thomas Grabowski was a highly decorated general officer in the U.S. Air Force and the Georgia Air National Guard. He is an experienced leader and deeply committed to service. He brings a wealth of knowledge to our team and will immediately contribute to the Agency’s mission.”
“I have been fortunate to live a life of service in the U.S. Air Force and the Georgia Air National Guard, supporting America’s national security interests and the State of Georgia. The Selective Service System plays a critical readiness role in support of the Nation’s all-volunteer military that requires enduring partnerships with all U.S. states and territories. These partnerships help ensure that the U.S. is prepared for any potential emergency requiring the nation to mobilize. It is an honor to serve our Nation in this important role,” Mr. Grabowski said.
Mr. Grabowski built a distinguished 37-year military career, rising to the rank of Major General in 2020. He served as Commander of the Georgia Air National Guard, overseeing 3,000 Airmen in various capacities, including two flying wings and multiple cyber and intelligence squadrons. He previously served as the Air Force Deputy of Total Force Integration at the Pentagon, focusing on the optimal force mix across U.S. Air Force missions. Mr. Grabowski is a Master Air Battle Manager with over 2,700 combat hours in the E-8C (Joint STARS) aircraft.
Today, Mr. Grabowski is a business consultant and civilian military advisor, working with universities and academic research institutions on public affairs and outreach strategies, branding, and leadership development. He earned a master’s degree in aeronautical science from Embry-Riddle University and a bachelor’s degree in business administration and marketing from Georgia College and State University.
Mr. Grabowski will collaborate closely with the State of Georgia to help strengthen the Agency’s readiness capabilities statewide. He will assume this new role with SSS from former, long-time Georgia State Director, Dr. Larry D. Stewart, a college professor and former senior executive with the U.S. Treasury Department, special agent with the U.S. Department of Justice, commissioned officer in the U.S. Army Reserve, and detective with the Macon Police Department.
Acting Director Spangenberg further stated, “It is a great honor to recognize outgoing SSS Georgia State Director Dr. Larry Stewart for his 38 years of distinguished service with the Selective Service System, serving as a Reserve Service Member before being appointed State Director in 2013. He led our coordination efforts with the State of Georgia on readiness capabilities with unwavering dedication and commitment, making significant contributions to the SSS mission during his tenure.”
As part of today’s ceremonies, Dr. Stewart was awarded the Selective Service System’s Distinguished Service Award (Gold) for his dedication, leadership, and contributions to the Agency’s mission for his nearly four decades of service.
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Federal law requires all male citizens, as well as male non-citizens residing in the U.S., to register with the Selective Service System within 30 days of their 18th birthday. At 26, a man becomes too old to register. Those who do not comply are ineligible for numerous benefits, including state-level student financial aid, federal job training and employment, and U.S. citizenship for male immigrants. The Selective Service System seeks volunteers to serve on its Local Boards and as State Resource Volunteers. Interested citizen-volunteers can apply at sss.gov.
